Before and After- MorningStar Pasadena

Before and After photos of MorningStar Pasadena renovations.

Located in the beautiful and historic town of Pasadena, just 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, this renovation is home to 144 units including Independent, Assisted and Memory Care neighborhoods. Completed in Summer 2022, the renovation encompasses the concierge/reception area, spacious dining room, game lounge, movie theater, enlarged salon, fitness center and art studio. The renovation also included adding 28 memory care suites further serving the 55+ community.

Lobby & Reception

This space is filled with so much natural light and warmth, that we wanted to highlight the height of the ceilings with some fresh lighting that are a modern take on a “crystal” chandelier. Another huge design feature in this space is the updated grand fireplace’s marble surround. This custom piece provides a contemporary and structured element to the space, that makes the renovations feel at once both timeless and fresh.  

Bistro

Located in the center of the community, this new dining experience serves as a home to more casual to-go dining and reception for friends and family over coffee or tea. It’s another great space for residents to gather for pre-dinner cocktails, accompanied by the grand piano in the re-imagined lounge area.

We wanted this space to serve as the social “hub” of the community, where residents and guests alike would feel a sense of comfort while they gathered. The bistro’s decorative tile backsplash is a nod to Pasadena’s colorful Spanish tiles found in the surrounding area. And the rich textures and fabrics found in the upholstery and wallpaper evoke design features that are commonly found within the local craftsman architecture.

Main Dining

The Main and Private dining spaces were re-imagined to give some variation and sophistication to the communities’ dining experience. Outfitted with a new wine wall, the Main Dining Room’s daily service has gotten a “classy” upgrade. And for residents who want to share a meal privately with friends and family, the Private Dining room is the perfect place to celebrate those important life moments such as Birthdays and Anniversaries.

Amenity Spaces

Throughout the renovations, the design relied heavily on the idea that “less is more.” The goal was to take existing and well-loved spaces within the community, and just give them a fresh and welcoming facelift. The once, dingy and desolate salon and computer lab, were combined to create a more lavish salon experience with fresh peach tones that are mimicked in Pasadena’s many Spanish-adobe architecture. The Theater/Chapel took on a retro feel, with artwork and upholstery that is reminiscent of classic Hollywood. And the newly imagined “Garden Room” serves a dual purpose of arts & crafts and a potting room for those residents boasting a “green thumb.”

Living Spaces

With a Community this size, it’s important to create ample opportunities for relaxation and resident connections. There are numerous “living spaces” scattered throughout the community that all showcase a different energy and color pallet. We wanted to activate each individual living space so that they would all be utilized in new and unique ways, creating more destinations within the community for residents to enjoy their daily lives.

Memory Care

New to this community is the Memory Care neighborhood for residents impacted by dementia and Alzheimer’s.  Their dining room and living space are bright and cheerful for soothing visual stimulation. Both spaces have an ample amount of room for residents and care members to interact and engage daily.