The Perfect Fit

Author:Lindsey Shook

Amy Sklar Design updates a traditional Pasadena home with modern love

“I really wanted to update this classic 1914 colonial style home to suit the needs of my clients while still maintaining its essence,” says designer Amy Sklar on her design direction inside this Pasadena home. “Modernizing, while respecting the bones.”

Built in 1914, the 4,200-square-foot home had beautiful Colonial details but did not provide a modern flow needed for the young family with three daughters who live there. “We completely opened up the rear portion of the home so that we could connect the kitchen and family room, and we opened up the whole family room to the backyard with a 20’ NanaWall,” says Sklar. “Upstairs, we’re able to add an extra bathroom and bedroom, so each daughter could have their own dedicated space. We also added a large upper deck area for the master boardroom accessed through the master bathroom with French doors.”

The husband, a Pasadena native and the wife who is from Sweden, spent many years living in Sweden before returning home to California. “My clients Swedish heritage was a big influence on some of the design decisions, in particular, the bright Wonderful Josef Frank wallpaper in the Dining room, and the white streamlined kitchen,” she says.

While the client’s requested some areas of the home be serene and simple, they were open to adding moments of wow through color, texture and print. “I loved that the client was not afraid to take chances with fun wallpaper in the dining, and powder room,” she says. “Also, we used the most wonderful tiles for the girls’ bathrooms, and the Kelly green bathroom, is one of my favorite spaces in the house.”

By shifting the floor plan and infusing the home with color, Sklar transformed the traditional residence into a classic, cool home that would grow with the family. “I think they are really happy with what we were able to achieve,” says Sklar. “This home suits them perfectly.”