26 January 2009 No Comment

Karen Highberger, owner of Karen Highberger Interior Designs and appointed member Long Beach city's Cultural Heritage Commission shares her thoughts in advance of this year's Restoration Trade Fair on the value of 'historically appropriate' design.

After several years of living in the OC, Karen moved to California Heights which had just been designated an historic district. "What a difference", Karen remarked. In Corona del Mar she had to co-exist with the unbridled undoing of quaint neighborhoods. She saw other coasts communities undergoing the same reformation, such as Manhattan Beach. To her, "Long Beach represented a collection of neighborhoods and wonderful architecture, worth preserving and restoring."

Once in Cal Heights she became active in its Neighborhood Association. "I bought my first home in Cal Heights, a historic district, because I wanted the protections the designation afforded". Now, Karen knew Long Beach from childhood. She'd been born here, raised in a 1920's Spanish style home and grew up appreciating the local architecture. This led to a career  in design, "I love the challenge of finding the correct materials and products for period homes while incorporating modern conveniences. In a way we can blend our current lifestyle with the best of the good ole days".

Highberger's vision is that in 2060, just 50 years from now, Long Beach will have raced ahead of other Southern California communities by maintaining its link to history, managing its historic assets and wisely adapting to the changing needs of its residents. She believes the mind set in Long Beach is capable of navigating the historic-development obstacle course. She sees a new appreciation for our existing historic buildings and districts.

Visit Karen at her booth at the upcoming Restoration Trade Fair, Sept. 19, 2010 at The Luther Burbank School (4th & Junipero).