Famous Homes: The Gamble House

After my recent History of Furniture post about the Arts and Crafts movement here, let's examine one of the most famous Arts and Crafts homes located in Pasadena, California. Designed by architect brothers Charles Greene and Henry Greene for David B. Gamble, son of the Procter & Gamble founder James Gamble, the Gamble House is now both a National Historic Landmark and a California Historical Landmark.

Gamble House. Photo by Jim Heaphy.

Constructed in 1908–09, the house remained in the Gamble family until 1966 when they turned the house over to the city of Pasadena in a joint agreement with the University of Southern California (USC) School of Architecture. Because of this, the house has been maintained and luckily keeps most of its original furniture and furnishings designed specifically for the home.

The style is a prime example of the Arts and Crafts aesthetic, being inspired and influenced by Japanese architecture and interiors as well as the Arts and Crafts dedication to fine handcrafted elements and furnishings in honest, organic materials. Remember, the Arts and Crafts movement was in reaction to the machine-made furniture of the Industrial Revolution. The Gamble House displays a stunning variety of hand carved and hand fabricated pieces from many different wood species like teak, maple, oak, Port Orford cedar, and mahogany, along with metal, art glass, and semi-precious stones. The long low lines of the interior reflect an Asian sensibility and feel part of the shape and integrity of the land.

Stylized tree design on the front door, shown partly open.

Hand railing of main staircase, and front entryway in background.

Living room inglenook with Burmese teak queen-post trusses.

Living room. Each piece of furniture in the living room was designed to occupy a specific location within the space.

Detail of carved living-room frieze with adjacent boards, blocks, and iron straps — decorative elements that mimic functional features in other areas of the house.

Sconce hanging from a leather strap in the living room.

The Gamble House is open for tours. Visit the website for more information and to purchase tickets!

Happy designing!