Lily Collins owns a mid-century Pasadena home designed in 1947 by renowned architects Kemper Nomland and Kemper Nomland Jr.

Built as part of the Arts & Architecture magazine’s Case Study program, this residence spans 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and includes a detached guesthouse.

Architectural Significance

The house reflects the Case Study program’s mission to create innovative, affordable homes using modern materials.

Its design harmonizes glass, wood, and concrete, featuring a sloped shed roof that mirrors the terrain.

A central brick fireplace and open-plan living and dining areas highlight the program’s emphasis on simplicity and indoor-outdoor integration.

Restoration and Legacy

This historic Case Study House in Pasadena underwent meticulous restoration in 2012 to preserve its original mid-century charm while modernizing key elements.

Kristen Wiig acquired the residence before its sale to Lily Collins, and it remains listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Renovations included opening up the kitchen, updating the bathrooms, and restoring the roof profile to its original design.

Outdoor Features

Sliding glass doors connect the interior to a serene courtyard complete with a pool, hot tub, and drought-tolerant landscaping.

This setup offers an ideal space for relaxation and entertaining, exemplifying Southern California’s iconic lifestyle.

Design and Layout

The 3,425-square-foot home showcases an open floor plan.

Featuring a Poggenpohl-designed kitchen and terrazzo-floor bathrooms, it blends 1940s style with contemporary functionality.

Patios, gardens, and a pool with a guesthouse are accessible through large sliding glass doors, embracing the indoor-outdoor living central to the Case Study philosophy.

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The driveway leads to a sleek and minimalist garage, seamlessly blending with the home’s modernist architecture, surrounded by lush greenery that accentuates the property’s connection to nature.

A plaque commemorates the home’s status as Case Study House #10, marking its place on the National Register of Historic Places and underscoring its architectural and historical importance.

The exterior highlights the home’s classic midcentury modern design, with clean horizontal lines and extensive wood paneling, nestled harmoniously within the verdant landscape of Pasadena.

An inviting entryway greets visitors with understated elegance, featuring a simple yet refined design that exemplifies the seamless indoor-outdoor integration central to midcentury modern architecture.

The private courtyard offers a tranquil retreat, with clean concrete surfaces and minimalist landscaping that enhances the home’s serene and contemplative atmosphere, ideal for relaxation.

Wood textures and frosted glass in a cozy corner create a warm, intimate space perfect for quiet moments, reflecting the home’s thoughtful design and midcentury charm.

The outdoor patio extends the living space, offering a perfect setting for entertaining, with large windows connecting the interior and exterior in true midcentury modern fashion.

Soft lighting illuminates the home’s exterior, accentuating the clean lines and textured surfaces that make this midcentury masterpiece both inviting and timeless.

From above, the property’s sprawling layout is evident, with the home perfectly integrated into its natural surroundings, emphasizing thoughtful site planning and landscape design.

The pool area features a modern design with crisp lines and minimalistic landscaping, creating a luxurious outdoor space that epitomizes Southern California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Blending modern design with midcentury elements, the pool area offers a luxurious retreat with sun loungers, umbrellas, and a hot tub, framed by the home’s expansive glass facade.

Stairs lead up to an elevated patio where minimalist landscaping meets modernist architecture, creating a serene space that seamlessly integrates with the home’s sleek lines and extensive use of glass.

A broad patio stretches along the home’s exterior, providing ample space for outdoor dining and lounging, while large sliding glass doors connect the indoors with the lush surroundings.

This private courtyard features modern seating and a cozy ambiance, making it a perfect spot for relaxation, with its clean lines and integration of natural light through large windows.

Chairs placed along the side patio offer a quiet place to enjoy the surrounding greenery, perfectly complementing the home’s wooden exterior and minimalist aesthetic.

The entrance nook, sheltered by a glass overhang, provides a warm welcome with its sleek wooden paneling and modern light fixture, setting the tone for the home’s midcentury elegance. ​

Framed by textured glass and warm wooden paneling, the front door exemplifies the home’s minimalist design ethos, combining simplicity and elegance in every detail to invite a sense of calm.

Beautiful Interiors

A frosted glass partition elegantly divides the hallway from the living space, creating an inviting and open atmosphere that highlights the seamless flow between different areas of the home.

Featuring a modern wooden table and chairs, the dining area is complemented by a striking chandelier, blending midcentury design elements with contemporary flair for a stylish and functional space.

The living room offers a comfortable retreat with a plush sectional sofa, vibrant artwork, and views of the surrounding greenery, embodying a perfect blend of comfort and style.

This open living space integrates a cozy seating area, a unique frosted glass wall, and a suspended staircase, reflecting the home’s modernist roots and thoughtful design elements.

A central brick fireplace serves as both a functional and aesthetic focal point, creating a warm ambiance that extends into the adjacent dining area, enhancing the home’s cozy atmosphere.

The bright dining room, with large windows and sliding doors, opens directly to the patio, creating an ideal space for indoor-outdoor dining and entertaining in a relaxed setting.

Expansive sliding glass doors provide easy access to the outdoor patio, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living, and allowing natural light to flood the interior spaces.

The modern kitchen features sleek cabinetry, a generous countertop, and large windows that offer a delightful view of the surrounding greenery, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

This streamlined kitchen layout, with its clean lines and minimalist design, is optimized for efficiency, ensuring that every detail contributes to the overall harmony of the space. ​

A modern kitchen island with sleek barstools provides a casual dining space, illuminated by natural light pouring through expansive windows, creating a warm and inviting area for morning coffee.

The living room features a minimalist design with a plush sofa, a large flat-screen TV, and a grandfather clock, blending modern technology with classic elements for a comfortable living space.

An open-concept design seamlessly connects the living room with the kitchen, allowing for easy interaction while entertaining guests, all while enjoying views of the outdoor patio area.

The sleek wet bar area features clean lines and modern cabinetry, enhanced by unique wall art, making it an ideal space for mixing drinks and enjoying casual gatherings with friends.

A few steps up from the living area, this hallway connects different sections of the home, featuring a modern design with a glimpse of a cozy reading nook just beyond.

This reading nook offers a quiet retreat with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the serene patio, providing a tranquil environment to enjoy a good book or a cup of tea.

A bright and airy home office space with large frosted glass windows provides a calm and focused atmosphere, ideal for productivity while surrounded by personal collections and artwork.

This cozy media room offers a comfortable space for movie nights, with a large wall-mounted TV, modern furniture, and large windows that bring in natural light from the patio.

The master bedroom exudes modern elegance with a minimalist design, featuring a platform bed, soft area rug, and strategically placed artwork, all within a bright and airy setting.

This bedroom’s elegant layout features a comfortable bed, unique art pieces, and a chaise lounge, all harmoniously arranged to create a serene and relaxing retreat.

A sleek, minimalist powder room features a floating vanity with clean lines and a large mirror, creating a modern and efficient space with subtle accents that add personality.

The luxurious master bathroom combines elegant design with functional elements, featuring a rich wooden vanity, mosaic tiled walls, and a built-in bathtub, creating a spa-like atmosphere for ultimate relaxation.

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