California Vernacular

Greene and Greene, Julia Morgan..these are names that conjure images of old California architecture: California Bungalows, Spanish Colonial, Monterey style. Architect Donald Goldstein and designer Jarrett Hedborg bring these aesthetic qualities to life in their renovation of this Spanish Colonial Revival home in Los Angeles California.

Growing up in Pasadena, I became very familiar with Greene and Greene architecture. We were in and about their homes almost daily. I would pass by the Gamble House every day on my way to school, and had a friend who lived in another Greene and Greene home. My Aunts and Uncles lived in Spanish Colonials, and we had a Prairie Style house. So when I saw this old style California interior, it conjured up very vivid and fond memories. In the image above you see a Roseville Pottery vase to the left and a Daum Crystal vase to the right, both circa early 20th century. Painting in rear by Alfredo Ramos Martinez, front by Jessie Arms Botke.

Another example of vintage Roseville Pottery on the K'ang-hsi coffee table from Rose Tarlow-Melrose House. I love the beautiful collection of art and antiques brought together in this living room in a very fresh way.

The pottery in the Dining Room is early 19th century Weller. The Plein Air painting of pack horses is by Herman Struck This, mixed with the Chinese console, iron gate, the pewter tea paper covered ceiling create a successfully unique combination. I also envy the Fortuny covered Chippendale dining chairs from Rose Tarlow!

This bathroom, with it's beautiful Ann Sacks tile work, is what initially caught my attention in this article. I was working on a Prairie Style home and wanted to show my clients a bathroom with Craftsman tile that would work for them. This certainly works for me!

House and Garden July 2005, Photos by John Coolidge