Home Tour: Erin Hiemstra’s Timeless Renovation
I wanted to share with you the beautiful home of Erin Hiemstra, who I interviewed on the Imprint Podcast recently (you can listen here).
She is a graduate of The Styling Masterclass, and since she joined the course (and taken the class many times over) has gone on to co-found an interior business, Studio Trovato.
Come take a look at her inspiring and timeless home…
Photography by Seth Smoot
Some homes capture a moment in time. Others, like Erin Hiemstra’s, transcend trends and feel just as relevant and engaging today. Even though her San Francisco home was designed and photographed several years ago — it is a testament to Erin’s ability to create timeless interiors.
You may know Erin through her popular design blog, Apartment 34, where she documented her home’s transformation. I first connected with Erin when she joined The Styling Masterclass, and it was inspiring to watch her refine her eye, develop her confidence, and bring her unique perspective to her beautifully layered heritage home.
Since then, Erin has co-founded Studio Trovato with Jeanne Chan. Their studio is built on the same philosophy that defines Erin’s personal style: a seamless blend of history and modernity, where every space feels elevated yet entirely livable.
Photography by Seth Smoot
A Historic Victorian Reimagined
Tucked away in San Francisco’s Bayview neighbourhood, Erin’s home is a beautifully preserved 1850s Victorian — a space rich in history yet it was ready for a fresh perspective. With its soaring arched windows, intricate cornicing, and original timber weatherboards, the home had undeniable character. But Erin saw more than just its past — she saw its potential.
Her approach was one of both respect and reinvention. Rather than erasing its heritage, she thoughtfully enhanced its best features, layering in modern elements that feel effortlessly at home. The result is a space of quiet elegance — where the beauty of history meets the clarity of contemporary design, creating a home that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Photography by Seth Smoot
A Refined Palette with Depth
At the heart of Erin’s design philosophy is a careful play of contrast. She embraced a neutral palette but introduced layers of depth — matte white walls act as a crisp backdrop for bold black window frames, while pale timber floors add warmth. Each material choice was intentional, designed to highlight the interplay between light and shadow, history and modernity.
The home’s curated restraint doesn’t mean it lacks personality. Erin understands the power of detail — whether it’s the clean, sculptural lines of a custom-made sofa or the striking juxtaposition of vintage finds against sleek contemporary finishes.
Photography by Seth Smoot
Collected, Considered, and Curated
What sets this home apart is the way it feels so effortlessly pulled together. Each piece — whether vintage or new — has been chosen with care. A 19th-century French gilded mirror from 1stdibs adds a sense of history, while a vintage Dutch rattan-and-wool chair from Amsterdam Modern introduces warmth and texture.
It’s wonderful to see how Erin has developed the skill to create compelling visual stories, where every vignette tells a part of the larger whole. This is evident throughout her home, where carefully placed objects and furnishings don’t just fill a space — they enhance it.
Photography by Seth Smoot
A Space for Slow Living
At its core, Erin’s home is not just about aesthetics; it’s about how a space makes you feel. It’s a place to pause, gather, and find beauty in the everyday.
This ethos has become the foundation of Studio Trovato, where Erin and her co-founder bring a considered, elevated approach to interior design. Whether working on client projects or refining her own home, Erin continues to champion the idea that a well-designed space should be as livable as it is beautiful.
Her San Francisco home is a testament to that philosophy — proof that when design is done with intention, the results are not just stunning, but deeply meaningful.
Photography by Seth Smoot
Want to refine your eye for styling like Erin? The Styling Masterclass has helped countless designers and creatives transform their spaces with confidence and intention. Learn more here.