Perched at the tip of Lake Oswego’s historic Lakewood peninsula, the Hofer House—a 1920s Arts and Crafts cottage steeped in local lore—has been restored for modern family living. Originally built by Laurence and Edna Hofer after their honeymoon in the British Isles, the home reflects a legacy of fine craftsmanship and playful detail. The home is distinguished by its masonry exterior, gabled balconies, and whimsical touches from the original owner, an inventor. Over the years, a series of subtle expansions connected the main house to the garage and guest quarters above, preserving the architectural integrity of a home that remains a visual anchor in the neighborhood, with its steeply pitched rooflines, traditional English-style garden, and on the interior, six grand fireplaces and decorative wrought iron balustrades.

Keywords

charm

balanced

honest

MAINTAINING HISTORICAL CHARM

When a busy family with two young sons and a full house of pets moved in, they turned to Casework Interior Design to help write the next chapter of the Hofer House’s story. The team approached the project with a light but purposeful hand, embracing the home’s storybook magic while carefully layering in updates for comfort and durability. They restored original fireplaces, collaborated with local artisans, and reintroduced heirloom-quality elements like custom stained glass, hand-glazed tile, and unlacquered brass. The result is a soulful, richly textured home that balances tradition with livability—an ode to craftsmanship, character, and the beauty of restraint.

COMPLIMENTING MATERIALS

The kitchen features a custom-tiled alcove for cooking with a delicate arch that mirrors the doorways, balanced by cabinetry adorned with the signature floral cutouts and anchored by a butcher's block island with turned legs. Quartzite countertops, hand-glazed ceramic tiles, and unlacquered brass plumbing fixtures—chosen for their ability to patina gracefully—add depth and texture to the space.

MAGIC IN THE DETAILS

The most personal touch is evident in the dining room's fireplace. Inspired by Delft tile and the client’s Willow Ware collection, Portland-based Lonesome Pictopia collaborated with Tempest Tile to create hand-painted tiles featuring the family’s dogs, cats, and children, along with the year the house was built.

HANDCRAFTED UPDATES

Casework approached the renovation with deep respect for the home’s legacy. The comprehensive update included four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a media room, a library, and a generously sized kitchen, along with the restoration of five fireplaces and key architectural elements throughout. The team focused on refinement, collaborating closely with local artisans to craft custom elements that nod to the past without resorting to mimicry. These elements include a floral cutout motif repeated throughout the home, stained glass windows, hand-painted tile, and bespoke mosaic tile.