File it under career highlights: The two days our team spent at Diane Powers’ ranch in East County San Diego were some of the best I’ve had in my professional life. I am a native San Diegan and grew up going to Old Town. I have loved Powers’ colorful Mexican style since I was girl. Her home lived up to the expectation, and reminded me so much of her shops at Bazaar del Mundo.
The photos were all stunning. But we had to make some cuts for space in the print edition. Here’s a behind the scenes look at some of the shots that didn’t make it into the home feature (“Casa de Powers,” published in June 2014).
Bonus: More Photos of Diane Powers’ Ranch
This is the cedar barn and stable for Power’s prized Arabian horses. They built it when they bought the property. Those leaded stain glass windows are antiques that she collected from San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Bonus: More Photos of Diane Powers’ Ranch
This is one view of the formal living room. Note all the folk art collectibles and vintage Navajo rugs. The painting of the Last Supper that hangs above the fireplace is by David Bradley. (P.S. I am obsessed with that custom Pendleton armchair.)
Bonus: More Photos of Diane Powers’ Ranch
This room serves as an office space (Powers’ desk and computer are not pictured). It houses the bulk of her Guatemalan and Mexican collectibles, everything from ceremonial masks to trees of life and so much more. Collecting is a lifelong passion of hers, and she loves organizing her things by region and theme. One of my favorite details in this room is the sofa, upholstered with a traditional dancer’s costume (the floral) and a vintage serape (the stripes).
Bonus: More Photos of Diane Powers’ Ranch
Who needs Craft Service? We ate more food on this shoot than any other shoot I’ve ever worked on. Powers personally cooked us chicken and beef tostadas, alongside chips, salsa, and guac from Casa de Pico. It was such a treat. And by the way, I love her cobalt blue Viking appliances.
Bonus: More Photos of Diane Powers’ Ranch
This is the couple’s TV room, which doubles as a place to showcase all of Powers’ ribbons and trophies. Powers and her husband, Brent Gilman, travel all over the country showing their Arabian Western Pleasure Show Horses.
Bonus: More Photos of Diane Powers’ Ranch
A peek inside the pantry. When we asked to see it, Powers said, “It looks like my store, doesn’t it?”
Bonus: More Photos of Diane Powers’ Ranch
This is an example of the dancing costume and fabric that Powers used to upholster the sofa in her office.
Bonus: More Photos of Diane Powers’ Ranch
This is the back entrance to the main house. I love the combo of red and orange here. She has the same setup by the pool. It just feels so Old Town and so her.
