Millard Sheets, famous California painter, creates modern rammed earth home at Claremont

THE past year has certainly been a red letter one for Millard Sheets, one of America's top ranking water-color artists. First of all, his latest painting received a gold medal at the Pennsylvania Academy show. Then he was selected to make an official water-color account of the activities on the Far Eastern theatre of war. But of greatest interest to us at the present time, his new California home was finally furnished and ready to make its editorial debut. When a first rank artist also happens to include architecture among his abilities-well, then it's time to sit up and take notice. His own house certainly deserves attention. All those familiar with the Sheets palette, will not be surprised at the use of subtle colors both on the exteriors and inside the house. Simplicity is the keynote, emphasizing form and design throughout. Literally mixed from the very earth itself, the pink tones of the outside walls blend gracefully into the surrounding landscape. 

The house, built on a cliff at the edge of a grove of gray olive trees, overlooks on one side the orange groves of Pomona Valley while in the other direction the eye follows the Sierra Madre range as far as Old Baldy.

This feeling of spaciousness starts at the wide gravelled entrance court and into the house between diamond-shaped uprights supporting wide, natural overhangs. Rammed earth covered with a waterproof material forms the basis for most of the house walls. The service yard is surrounded by a wall of rough clay bricks. Garage doors, unnecessary in this climate, have been sensibly left off. From the entry hall, a sunken living room is entered through dramatic oak doors. In fact this wood, rubbed with steel wool and waxed for a warm natural finish, has been utilized most freely throughout the interiors. In looking across the living room, one immediately becomes impressed with the fine line dividing the interior from its sur- rounding landscape. Large areas of glass are the secret and they have been used unsparingly. The polished brick floor continuing onto the terrace further emphasized this effect. Of course, in rambling through a house, one is always on the alert for the unusual. Certainly the ingenuity of the Sheets' planning doesn't let you down here. What could be more satisfactory in the creation of an outdoor atmosphere, than the double glass inset between living and dining areas with it gigantic tropical foliage? The plainness of the fire- place treatment is equally effective. Furnishings were chosen for color comfort as well as physical comfort - natural tones for the most part plus striking colors used occasionally for contrast. Mr. Sheets has a fascination for both "live and fantasy" horses. Everywhere we see evidence of this-Chinese and modern ceramic horses may be found in every room.

The dining room is given an Oriental context by the pattern of a bending pine across the sliding glass panels. This pine was planted when foundations were laid and is further evidence of the artist's far- sightedness. The amber blown glass fish-used as a centerpiece on the table-was made for Mr. Sheets by a Mexico City craftsman.

In the kitchen are examples of Mrs. Sheets' managerial talents. Natural wood cabinets throughout give a clean and functional beauty. Since dad is away a great deal of the time, a dining alcove has been made an integral part of the kitchen setup. A bulletin board over the desk follows his rovings in pictorial and latest news fash- ion. Mrs. Sheets has many kind words to say about the asphalt tile floors which were used in the kitchen, hall and bedrooms. Laid in waterproof cement, they are not only comfortable to walk on, but have proved extremely easy to keep clean.

Built-ins abound in the various bedrooms. Straight sur- faces are a boon to easy housekeeping. A particular feature, dear to the hearts of the owners, is a combination. bookcase and dressing table. It is not only smart looking but extremely practical as well. In fact, the entire house gives the impression of intelligent forethought on the part of the designer and a cooperative reception on the part of the mother and four offspring. The artist's eye has been combined with the architect's ability to grasp the third dimension. Every vista presents a pleasing picture, yet a thoroughly functional one Understatement in the use of detail, makes small amount used much more dramatic.