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Claremont Today
By the People, for the People
Historic Claremont Home Blends Frank Lloyd Wright and Hollywood Glamour
Designer Claire Thomas restores a 1931 Spanish Colonial with nods to the past
Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:00am
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A vibrant, pop art-inspired celebration of the vintage design elements that define this historic Claremont home's timeless style.Claremont TodayAfter losing her previous home in the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, designer Claire Thomas and her family resettled in Claremont, California, where they restored a 1931 Spanish Colonial that was originally an AIA Case Study house. Thomas made it her mission to bring the home back to its former glory, drawing inspiration from Old Hollywood and the work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright to create a space filled with lush, layered romanticism.
Why it matters
This project highlights the importance of preserving historic architecture and design, especially in the face of natural disasters. Thomas' thoughtful restoration of the home's original features, combined with her nods to classic Hollywood, creates a unique and personal living space that celebrates the property's rich history.
The details
Thomas completely gutted the kitchen, primary bathroom, and speakeasy-style basement, restoring them with period-specific details. The resulting spaces feature barkcloth-inspired wallcoverings, leopard-print carpet, custom tile mosaics, and Art Deco/neoclassical design elements inspired by 1930s RKO musicals. The home also includes a sunny sunroom, a feminine primary bedroom suite, and a pirate-themed bunk room for Thomas' sons.
- The home was originally built in 1931 as an AIA Case Study house.
- The property underwent a style-flattening renovation in the 1990s.
- Thomas and her family resettled in Claremont after losing their previous home in the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.
The players
Claire Thomas
The designer who oversaw the restoration of the 1931 Spanish Colonial home in Claremont, California, making it her mission to bring the property back to its former glory.
Peter Ficker
The architect who originally designed the 1931 AIA Case Study house that is now the Thomas family's home.
What they’re saying
“My goal with this home was to bring it back to its 1931 glory.”
— Claire Thomas, Designer
“The home looks like the stomping grounds of Norma Desmond's ghost, in the best way.”
— Claire Thomas, Designer
The takeaway
This project demonstrates how thoughtful restoration and design can breathe new life into historic properties, preserving their unique character and architectural pedigree while also making them livable for modern families. Thomas' work on this Spanish Colonial home in Claremont serves as an inspiring example of how to honor the past while creating a space that feels both timeless and personal.
