Myra Hoefer: Parisian Interiors from her 1935 Ivy House

Hello Lovely has the best readers who often alert me to fabulous properties. When photos of this 1935 charmer with its lush courtyards, Parisian inspired interiors, and all-white decor scheme were shared with me years ago when it hit the market, it was a delightful surprise. We’ll revisit the charming 1935 ivy covered cottage of the late interior designer Myra Hoefer today. What a creative dynamo she was!

Myra Hoefer: Parisian Interiors from her 1935 Ivy House

This California cottage with studio belonged to brilliant interior and floral designer, Myra Hoefer.

Myra worked alongside her daughters Lisa North and Gina Gattuso to help strengthen and refine her brand. Gina and Lisa run Myra Hoefer Design today. 

Their interiors reflect the original rustic and elegant mix of Myra, with an added young and fresh approach. 

Myra Hoefer Design offers a full range of interior consulting services to residential, commercial, retail, and staging clients. 

Myra designed apartments in Paris, and pieces like the benches (with goat feet!) above were designed for her A La Reine furniture collection. Other pieces included this-hand carved piece:

and a shell chandelier:

which we see in the studio:

Parisian Inspired Gardens

This romantic entrance truly feels like France, oui?

This home’s before/after was featured in House Beautiful, and it’s truly a testament to what wonders can be wrought in a relatively small footprint.

The real estate description at the time it was marketed read:

“This Hidden gem is located just steps away from the historic Healdsburg Plaza. Built in 1935, the ivy covered exterior camouflages this two story residence from the commercial streetscape.

Features include: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, formal living & dining rooms.

Lush courtyards located in both the front and rear of the property offering privacy and tranquility.

Also included is a detached studio which makes for a perfect home office or business.”

Collecting for Color & Joy

There is something so timeless about how Myra mixed casual California cool with Parisian elegance.

So much whimsy, joy, and little goat feet!

I recall seeing this rusty gate and sighing at the garden urn shape on top!

I’m wondering if the large mirror in this dining area is silver leaf (the lighting makes it appear gold) since I own an identical silver leafed one!

You get a sense of the contrast from a rich lush landscape outdoors and the spare, pale rooms inside.

Pale Paint Colors in This Home

The walls are a very similar grey to those in our current home.

For a similar look, try Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray…

or Pavilion Gray from Farrow & Ball.

The paint color on Myra’s white shelves looks similar to Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace,

but it could be SW Decorators White.

Don’t you love the intimacy of European inspired little courtyards and terraces tucked away?

Look at the lantern upstairs!

I’m also fond of all of the petite sconces throughout this home.

They add so much romance and soul and cozy factor.

How is that for ceiling cover?

According to House Beautiful, “The ivy-covered house had a walled front garden with a French-style arbor to buffer it from the street. Butterscotch climbing roses grew in metal planters down the center of a former driveway.”

A turn-of-the century plan d’oiseau (bird’s-eye map) of Paris is perfect in this stairway:

How the Designer Reimagined Her Home

After raising her family here, Hoefer redesigned the interiors.

She told HB, she approached the redesign

“…with a lighter touch — less drama, more peace.

It’s a softer, more refined version of French, and even more romantic than before.

“It’s all so intimate,” Hoefer says. “The house makes its own magic.”

More Designs from Myra Hoefer

Enjoy these lovely glimpses from years past!

A white butterfly installation by Paul Villinski near the ceiling is perfect in this beautifully billowy space by Myra.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

What a timeless room, and the art! I’ll never tire of the work of Paul Villinski!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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