Friday, May 8, 2015

Adieu, Myra

May 5 at 2am, Myra Hoefer, a highly creative and superbly talented and influential California designer, and founder of Myra Hoefer Design, died surrounded by friends and white lilies and pale pink peonies, and her loving family. She was only 68, and had lived a vivid and inspiring life creating beauty and inspiring so many interior designers around the world. She was a longtime friend, and I will miss her greatly. I loved her designs, admired her ideas and wit, and I wrote about her often. Her various houses in Healdsburg and elsewhere are in several of my books (published by Chronicle Books and Taschen).

Myra’s romantic and elegant mix of California casual décor with Parisian chic classicism set trends for the last twenty years—from Paris to Los Angeles, to her residence at the Ivy House in Healdsburg, Northern California.

Her daughters Lisa North and Gina Gattuso will continue her tradition of style and inspiration at the office of Myra Hoefer Design in Healdsburg.

Myra—you were so beloved and you will be so missed.



This very special post is in honor of California interior designer Myra Hoefer, who has left us with many happy memories of her dazzling presence and the beautiful rooms she designed, in California and in Paris.

I’ve collected images of rooms she designed six years ago in Paris for you to enjoy and recall—and below is a re-post of an earlier story I wrote about Myra’s greatest hits, and a lovely collection of carved decorative furniture she launched four years ago.


The golden years of Myra’s thirty-year career was when she was engaged to design a series of chic apartments for Chez Vous, a California-based company that offers Paris rentals, most of them on the prettiest streets of the Left Bank, the Marais, and on the Ile Saint-Louis.

They are included in an iconic small volume, PARIS STYLE, with brilliant photography by Deidi von Schaewen and published by Taschen.


Working with Myra in Paris

Myra completed a series of private apartments—on rue Jacob and rue Bonaparte and many other resonant streets.

We were delighted to work with Paris-based Deidi von Schaewen (who also shot ‘Indian Interiors’ and ‘African Interiors’ and many other style books for Taschen).

We produced these images of Chez Vous apartments in Paris one glorious summer about 5 years ago. 


A Dream Shoot

We dashed about the Left Bank on a lovely quiet summer weekend to complete and style the apartments and fill them with flowers.

Myra was driving her cream-colored Beetle. She would park momentarily on the sidewalk (forbidden but necessary), and I would dash into a flower shop and emerge with Casablanca lilies, cream and palest pink garden roses, or armfuls of wild fennel branches.

We would speed along rue du Tournon and hurtle along rue de Seine and boulevard Saint-Germain, and she would screech to a halt, and I would pounce into a grocery to pick up paper bags of white peaches and figs galore. On another stop, a favorite florist on rue du Bac, I’d scoop up palest pink peonies in full bloom, along with fern fronds and white garden roses, each specifically selected for a precise placement in a bedroom or on a dining table, or beside a sofa or perched on a marble mantel.

We'd speed back to the apartments. With fragrant bouquets and tender peaches, we climbed many creaking stairs and threw open the windows. Styling was fast, Deidi was ready to shoot.


The great and beautiful photography is by Deidi von Schaewen. She loved the exquisite poetry of Myra’s work, and the seeming effortlessness of the natural linen-covered sofas, Astier de Villatte dining tables, jute-lined linen curtains and white porcelain.

In a spontaneous gesture of love and great appreciation for Myra, I found the pages in PARIS STYLE and clicked these images for you.


These apartments, offered for rent by the California-based Paris apartment rental company, Chez Vous (www.chezvous.com), were some of the most poetic and beautifully romantic interiors by Myra Hoefer.

One sunny apartment overlooked a courtyard on rue Jacob. Another was in the Marais, near the Picasso Museum. I've written about them many times.

Also in fond memory I'm re-posting an earlier story about Myra and her collection of hand-carved decorative accessories. Beautiful.


Fond Memories and Tributes

In Los Angeles this week I attended the highly successful and inspiring Legends 2015, the superbly co-ordinated design event produced by La Cienega Design Quarter.

Among the 6,000 designers and editors, architects and design enthusiasts who attended were many editors and designers who had known and worked with Myra. They were very shocked and saddened by the news.

I’ve gathered their tributes here, in honor of Myra.

“Myra Hoefer was a great favorite of House Beautiful editors, for many years. We published the first apartment she designed in Paris—and most recently we published her Ivy House in Healdsburg. I always admired the clarity and simple elegance of her work. She will be missed.”
– Newell Turner, Hearst Design Group Editorial Director and Editor in Chief of House Beautiful

“I loved the tranquility and grace of Myra’s rooms. She brought California freshness to her décor, but always with a fond homage to Parisian history and tradition. Beautiful.” 
– Doretta Sperduto, Interiors Editor, House Beautiful

“Myra was simply the best. I’ve admired her work for years. She would mix dramatic French gilded mirrors with timeworn flea market finds, and combine lavish Italian silk taffeta with rough natural linen, to create relaxed style. Her rooms were a breath of fresh air, and always harmoniously composed.” 
– Benjamin Dhong, designer, San Francisco

“I loved producing photography of Myra’s interiors. They were gracious and welcoming and comfortable, and never pretentious. I spent many happy days with Myra in Paris. I will always remember her with great fondness.” 
– Carolyn Englefield, Interiors Editor, Veranda

“I followed Myra’s work for many years. I have all of your books with her work in them—and always admired the many variations of design in her Ivy House. She demonstrated a total understanding of the power of simplicity. Her work completed twenty years ago still looks current and authoritative. I’m so sorry she is no longer with us.” 
– Penelope Bianchi, interior designer, Montecito, California



As I was departing from Los Angeles, I chanced to meet Coleen Rider of Coleen & Company. Coleen designs and crafts wonderful lighting designs for indoors and outdoors. It’s sold in showrooms around the country. We talked about the success of the La Cienega Quarter event. I told her that I was very saddened by the tragic loss of Myra.

Coleen wrote me the following note:

“I can see Myra’s work clearly in my mind. I saved everything ever published of her work. In portraits and photographs she always seemed to have a happy glow. She clearly loved designing and took great pleasure in creating a beautiful life for her clients.” 
– Coleen Rider, Coleen & Company, Signal Hill, California





Designer I Love: Myra Hoefer

Originally posted August 10, 2010

Exclusive preview: The brilliant California designer Myra Hoefer is launching a captivating new collection of French-influenced decorative furniture, lighting and accessories. Called A La Reine, it is Fantastique!

Bravo, Myra Hoefer, for your chic and witty new furniture and lighting collection. I want them all.

Interior designer Myra Hoefer has a talent for making her fantasies come true. First she spent years designing astonishingly chic apartments for the Chez Vous apartment company in Paris.

Now she is launching her A La Reine furniture and lighting collection, all handcrafted in Vietnam by top craftsmen under the direction of a French design colleague of Myra’s. But first, let’s see how this dream of re-creating French-style furniture evolved. The story starts in Paris.

“I always dreamed of living and working in Paris, and a dozen years ago I worked first on the design of a friend’s apartment on avenue Beaumarchais, and then apartments all over Paris for Chez Vous,” said Hoefer.

Many of these glorious apartments were photographed by Deidi von Schaewen and published in the super-best-seller ‘Paris Style’, an Icon book by Taschen. I worked closely with Myra and Deidi on the Paris photography projects for this must-have style book. An apartment designed by Myra is on the cover of the book (shown here). The white-painted chairs and chic furniture captured in that cover shot are directly related to the A La Reine collection.

From her antiques-filled studio and small apartment on quiet rue des Tournelles in the Marais, Myra acquired antiques for her clients, and researched and sourced fabrics, furniture and accessories and worked with skilled craftsmen to make furniture and lighting. The idea of launching her furniture collection began. Her first pieces include a super-charming ‘goat leg’ bench, a ‘knot’ tabouret, and a handsome shell chandelier. Each is hand-carved and hand-lacquered.


Tabouret Chevre (goat bench)
Hand carved acacia wood goat legs, upholstered in Charolais white hair hide
21"H x 36"W x 17.75"D
$1,800

Coquille Chandelier
Iron frame, white finish, hand strung shells. All hand-assembled and crafted. Center electrical with candles.
42"H x 37"D
$2,200


Rope Stool
Hand carved acacia wood rope with Charolais white hair hide.
21"H x 15"W
$ 1,400


Eggshell lacquered box
Special traditional hand-crafted technique
14"W x 5"D x 7.5"H
$600


Classic handcrafted ceramic Jardinière
 in powder white antique glaze finish
37"H x 27"W
$1,400

This selection from the collection A la Reine by Myra is available through Myra Hoefer Design. On display at the showroom, Myra Hoefer Design, 309 Healdsburg Avenue in Healdsburg, California, or call MHD's office (707) 433-7837. Website www.myrahoeferdesign.com.

“It's a very busy schedule in Paris,” said Hoefer. “It was never one of those “stroll along the Champs-Elysees” kind of Paris trips. I worked until late each night, finding new resources, perfecting new designs, seeking out the best furniture makers.”

She kept an apartment in a handsome 18th-century building which surrounds a cobblestone courtyard and grand porte-cochere. She studied French style, French life, la vie Parisienne. She became a connoisseur of the finer aspects of French design, and French design history.

“My first apartment in Paris was in the former hayloft above stables,” said Hoefer. “I painted the walls a pale off-white color (called blanc casse in French), covered the floors in sea grass, and then found antique dining chairs, relaxed old armchairs, a big farmhouse dining table. It was French, updated, and given a casual California easy-breezy feeling. I loved it.” 

It’s an art to juggle Paris style and California sensibilities, and Hoefer found a balance and her focus. She infuses California rooms with exquisite French detail—but at home the rooms are not so precious that her grandchildren or her lively Jack Russell terriers are afraid to enter. Several of her interiors are in my books. Her Healdburg house is in ‘California Country Style’ published by Chronicle Books.


Gilt-edged, in the living room of her Healdsburg house, decorator Myra Hoefer displays her love of contrast—and a splash of gold. On an Italian console table she arrayed a French handcrafted lamp with a parchment shade. The mirror and carnival mask are Venetian. The ceramic stove is Dutch. A pair of Paris salon-style chairs is covered in pale taupe linen velvet.

“There’s a misconception that French design is up-tight and overly formal,” said Hoefer. “In fact, stylish French people live very comfortable lives with family heirlooms, new sofas and tables, flea market treasures, old things, and good art. They dislike that instant “decorated” look, and so do I. Rooms should be polished and well edited but not so predictable. My new furniture follows this credo. The pieces are unexpected and have an antique air.”

Hoefer also has a chic style shop on the plaza in Healdsburg that sells highly original collections of French antiques, contemporary sculptures, glamorous tableware, iron daybeds and a revolving door of Provencal props and rare Parisian décor.

A vignette from Myra Hoefer Design shows the white-painted furniture she loves—and the French influence that inspired her new furniture collection, A La Reine.



Her new A La Reine collection was directly inspired by her French life.
“In my daily rounds in Paris, I would see quirky painted antiques combined with simple functional sea grass matting, or voluptuous silk taffeta draperies and delicate Louis XVI-style painted chairs mixed with rustic iron chandeliers for Parisian panache,” said Hoefer, who is originally from Vancouver. “I’ve incorporated those lessons in my décor. I play with all kinds of contrasts in design for California houses. It’s the surprise, that juxtaposition of old with new, rough against smooth, or rustic with refined, that give design an edge. It becomes less precious and uptight. It makes a room more modern, not a period piece.”


Paris apartments by Myra Hoefer were given a ‘California fresh air’ treatment, with natural linen slipcovers, pale but cheerful colors, and lots of sunshine and open windows. Myra’s work in Paris, decorating eighteenth-century apartments, inspired her chic and lovely new furniture and lighting collection.

Hoefer’s Healdsburg, California, house is her homage to Paris. Pristine white linens and pewter candlesticks with lavish silk taffeta draperies, simple seagrass matting, and dog-friendly silken slipper chairs.

Perfectly at home with her provincial French work table and American pine cabinet are a Portuguese-style table, an Italian rococo console flecked with gold, and lavish landscapes. The new A La Reine pieces fit right in. 

"My furniture designs and my interiors are energized by both Paris and California," said Hoofer, whose daughters Gina Gattuso and Lisa North work for her design company, Myra Hoefer Design. "Visits to Paris always inspired my design eye. Paris and the South of France are a constant education. The classic architecture, the tonalities and textures of limestone, the playful and elegant decor, the richness of French design history, all enrich my design education. I find vintage fabrics for pillows, or discover new chandelier designs or a lamp-maker. I love it. Now I am pouring those ideas into my new furniture, lighting and collection."

More furniture and accessories designs for A La Reine are in the works.
It’s a bold and imaginative move—and I can’t wait to see the new carved wood ‘topiaries’, and elegant glazed ceramics, the eggshells boxes and carved and painted furniture yet to come.

Bravo, Myra. I wish you great good fortune with A La Reine.





A room designed by Myra Hoefer for the San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2009 demonstrated the color tonalities she loved: taupe, grey, and greige, with splashes of white plaster and paint.


Photo credits:

All product photography by Myra Hoefer and Myra Hoefer Design, used with permission.

A selection of Myra Hoefer-designed rooms include the pale lichen-walled and silk-curtained Ivy House, Myra Hoefer’s residence in Healdsburg, photographed by David Livingston, San Francisco. 

San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2009 room and vignette with white table photographed by Myra Hoefer Design, used with permission.


Photography of Paris apartments by Deidi von Schaewen www.deidivonschaewen.com

Myra Hoefer Design: www.myrahoeferdesign.com

20 comments:

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

DEAR FRIENDS-

I very touched by the following message I received from Myra's grandchild.
I've posted this week's story to Facebook--and have received many many messages. Some were from friends who knew Myra, and others are from friends who knew her work and admired it.
I am so happy to hear from the very articulate Wyatt.

Hello Diane,

Wyatt North here. I am Myra Hoefer's oldest grandson.

I just wanted to say, I highly respected your piece on my nana and found that it was the most REAL and genuine thing that I have read so far.

I loved the way you framed it, and it means a lot to my family to have a wonderful writer like yourself write such beautiful words regarding my nanas life in a pure and truthful form.

Thanks again,

Wyatt North

Karena said...

A fine, discerning designer and woman gone too soon. Thanks you for such a lovely and poignant tribute Diane.

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Unknown said...

Good grief, Diane!

I am the exact age (68) that Myra was! I had followed her all of my decorating life....and I have so much respect and admiration for her work. Her houses in Healdsburg; her flying to Paris and "doing up" those chic apartments ; she really could "do it all"!

I will miss her. She was a true original!

What a lovely tribute you have written! Brava!

Penelope

Bonnie said...

Thank you for your beautiful post on the talented Myra Hoefer. I have long admired her work and appreciate your sensitive words. I, like so many others, have collected images of Myra's work for years as a reference on how to create that perfect chic yet livable space. I have been a collector of your design books as well and was pleased to see you attend LCDQ 2015 as an ambassador.
Best Regards,
Bonnie Clyde, Cuneo & Co. Interior Design

sheilaa131 said...

Although never knew Ms Hoefer, I was familiar with her beautiful style. A very talented lady...

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

MY FRIEND SUZANNA ALLEN SENT A LOVELY NOTE:

What a lovely tribute. Thank you.

Suzanna

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

JANN PERRIGEAUX SENT THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE:

Thank you for your tribute to Myra Hoefer, an amazing, talented, artist. jan

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

MY DEAR FRIEND SHIRLEY ROBINSON, THE GREAT DECORATIVE ARTIST SENT THE FOLLOWING:

You are an amazing writer! Your tribute to Myra was beautifully written. I'm sorry she cannot read it. She would have been truly touched. She was a an original like you ! I love your blog. !!! Lets chat next week -
much love xo



Shirley Robinson
ROBINSON FINISHES, LTD
www.robinsonfinishes.com

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

Penelope Bianchi has left a new comment on your post "Adieu, Myra":

Good grief, Diane!

I am the exact age (68) that Myra was! I had followed her all of my decorating life....and I have so much respect and admiration for her work. Her houses in Healdsburg; her flying to Paris and "doing up" those chic apartments ; she really could "do it all"!

I will miss her. She was a true original!

What a lovely tribute you have written! Brava!

Penelope

Claudia Juestel said...

We lost not only a most talented designer, but also an amazing spirit. Myra brought a romantic French mood to California and created a style that inspired many, clients and colleagues alike. But her energy when she was in the room and her infectious smile are what I remember the most.

Thank you for this beautiful encomium Diane.

Cheers,

Claudia

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

Dear Diane

So sorry for the loss of your dear friend Myra. I shot with her once in her shop in Healdsburg and found her to be a warm and welcoming person. She was a great talent that will surely be missed.

With condolences,

K

Kathryn MacDonald

Kathryn MacDonald Photography | Web Marketing

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

Beautiful, touching tribute, Diane. So sad we lost Myra. Too young....she was a unique soul. Count our blessings.
Xo
Suzanne

Suzanne Tucker
TUCKER & MARKS, Inc.
Suzanne Tucker Home

trompe said...

Thanks for the tribute Diane. Myra will be missed by so many people, myself included. She was a real dame; ferociously funny, smart and sweet. And god knows she had her opinions but she never let them have a cutting edge. Everything she said and did was colored with love.
I'll never forget going to Versailles with her. I will never look at the chateau the same way again.

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

So sorry for the loss of your beautiful friend....she was a fine spirit and although gone much too soon- lived a fine life -
my condolences... I am glad that two fine souls, her daughters, will walk the earth carrying a piece of her heart around with them...

So hard sometimes,

Danielle Charney

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

DANIELLE CHARNEY ALSO ADDED THOUGHTFULLY:

DIANE

You are welcome- I know how hard it is to lose someone so beautiful --
you have paid her fine tribute throughout her life- that is a wonderful thing to have done
-you could not have done better-
I hope you feel good about that -

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

Dear Diane,

Just read you blog.....your words about Myra were truly beautiful & inspiring!

So sorry to hear the news about her.

All my best,

Steve

Stephen Shubel
STEPHEN SHUBEL INC

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

DEAR FRIENDS-


Many readers of THE STYLE SALONISTE and many of my friends…and friends of Myra…have sent lovely comments.

artist and dog portraitist JACQUELINE SOMOGYI sent the following:

Dear Diane,
So very sorry to read of Myra's passing. She was a spreader of beauty and joy. Just want you to know that my heart is with you.
Love,
Jacq.

Benjamin Dhong said...

Thank you Diane for such a beautiful tribute to Myra.

She was one of my dearest friends, an absolute inspiration, my partner in crime and the reason that I built my weekend place up in Healdsburg.

I've lost a friend, but the design world has lost a Legend.

Her singular pursuit of beauty in the face of insurmountable physical challenges is truly an inspiration.

We miss you Myra, but the power of your work is all around us.

Ben

Mady said...

Myra would have loved your piece, Diane. A fitting tribute to one of the chicest women who ever walked the planet. She just had the best taste! She was so courageous and such a powerhouse. I will never forget her.

Mady Jones

Unknown said...

Diane,
Thank you for this beautiful post, which I read with sad surprise. I first met Myra and her husband Wade in 1975 through our mutual mentor and her constant companion, Ed Francavillese, who was a student and acolyte of Van Day Truex. She had such great style and was always such a good time. She was always eager to learn and to explore...she couldn't get enough of it. She had developed such a beautiful and distinct aesthetic of her own over the years and I always loved to see her work as she honed her "look" and knowing her design lineage made it all the more interesting to watch. Rest in Peace Myra.

Tom Clendening- Antiques du Monde