It warmed up to 12 degrees today, but temps are dropping and it’ll be 13 below within days. Spring feels far away, but that won’t keep us from peeking at inspiring lush greenery and ivy covered houses now.
Ivy Covered Houses & Lush Greenery
Is It Okay to Allow Ivy to Grow on Houses?
“Avoid using invasive species such as the English ivy on your house, especially on buildings with cracks in the walls. It is even banned in several communities. Instead, turn to similar, but less destructive, species like Boston ivy and Virginia creeper, or other types of vines if you want something more colourful.” – FANTASTIC GARDENERS
Timeless Architecture & Inspiring Garden Moments
These polar vortex conditions grow old quickly round these parts! I love the winter sunshine and the look of all of the white, yet I need a virtual escape now and again.
Fly me to spring’s greening and all of the hopefulness that naturally comes when the season changes.
Winter is not without its charms. We need the rest and contemplative time.
But here on the prairie, it takes a lot of mental stamina and mindfulness to exercise the body and keep moving indoors when it’s unsafe to do so outdoors.
Are you dreaming of your spring and summer gardens?
Is winter your time for planning and recuperating and rest since the gardening work depleted you?
I’m dreaming of creating a French courtyard and may even begin sketching a simple plan. Isn’t the above moment dreamy? All of these moments are!
Sending you extra reserves of hope, right where you are, just in case the cold winds are harsh.
How Do You Grow Ivy on a Building?
Parisian Interiors & a Designer’s 1935 Ivy House
One of Hello Lovely‘s fabulous followers alerted me a few years ago to this 1935 charmer with lush courtyards, Just my style!
Look at that ivy out front!
And outside, it could be Paris, oui?
Inside, the Parisian style interiors, and simply pale decor scheme is a serene paradise for admirers of modern French whites.
Thish 1935 ivy covered cottage was home to the late interior designer Myra Hoefer.
What a creative dynamo, floral designer, and visionary Myra was!
Myra Hoefer partnered with daughters Lisa North and Gina Gattuso who continue the work today.
Their designs reflect the rustic elegance and cozy opulence Myra brought.
Hoefer even designed apartments in Paris, and pieces like the benches (with goat feet!) were a part of her A La Reine furniture collection.
Paris-Inspired Gardens
The lushly romantic entrance truly feels like set apart, doesn’t it?
This home’s transformation was featured in House Beautiful and a testament to the wondrous possibilities even with a small footprint.
The real estate listing described it as a hidden gem located steps away from the historic Healdsburg Plaza…
The ivy covered exterior camouflages the two story residence from the commercial streetscape.
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!
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 as if it could be Sherwin Williams Pure White.
See THIS for three white paint colors to try.
You have to admit that GREEN + WHITE is hard to beat!
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.
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:
Reimagined Empty Nest & Gardens
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 noted. “The house makes its own magic.”
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.
Lovely Finds
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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