A 1922 Pasadena Home Blends Bold Decor with Historic Charm
A 1922 Normandy-style house in Pasadena stands out for its bold interior, despite its classic exterior. Owners Brent Poer and Beau Quillian have transformed the space into a vibrant reflection of their shared tastes. Their approach to decorating, shaped by personal history and meticulous attention to detail, often leaves visitors intrigued—and curious about how such a lively home withstands earthquakes.
The three-bedroom property, protected under the Mills Act, offers Poer and Quillian reduced property taxes in exchange for strict preservation commitments. Enacted in 1972, this California law encourages owners to maintain historic buildings, boosting property values in areas like Pasadena. The couple embraced the challenge, restoring original features while filling the home with eclectic collections.
Their decor blends inherited treasures, such as Poer's grandmother's heirlooms, with finds from online auctions and marketplaces. Victorian Tartanware boxes, pre-World War I Black Forest antlers, and Staffordshire porcelain figurines sit alongside vintage Majolica plates and lamps. The result is a space far from minimalist—Poer dismisses sparse interiors as cold and unwelcoming.
The couple's style also reflects their shared obsessive-compulsive tendencies, which guide their precise arrangements. Despite the strict rules of historic preservation, they take pride in balancing tradition with their own flair.
The home's unexpected mix of bold decor and historic charm continues to draw attention. Visitors frequently question how such a densely furnished space handles seismic risks. For Poer and Quillian, however, the effort to preserve and personalise their Mills Act property remains a rewarding labour of love.
