Bold Not Boring
Author:Lindsey ShookHanomoco ignores neutral trends and embraces a colorful direction inside this Northern California home
The duo behind Hanomoco have forged a uniquely spirited style from their respective backgrounds in fashion and interior design. Based in Berkeley since 2015, founders Charlotte Moco and Dan Hano share a passion for pushing the boundaries of predictable, mainstream design and encouraging clients to step outside their comfort zones and embrace innovative ideas.
They were the perfect fit for a client that had purchased an elegant home in Piedmont that was built in 1912. “While house hunting, our client was fatigued by ubiquitous bland white interiors and wanted a colorful home that was comfortable, not stuffy, where he could be equally happy entertaining a small intimate dinner party or hosting a larger fundraising event,” says Moco.
The homeowner was intent on maintaining much of the 3,000-square-foot home’s original charm, but wanted the interiors to feel more open and modern. “We had the benefit of a walk through of the property prior to our client purchasing the house, so right from the start the client expressed the desire to keep the large original window in the dining room, open up the small front entry into the living room and remove the large chimney separating the kitchen and dining room,” Hano recalls. “The client wanted a primary bedroom that included a dressing room, but the existing second floor primary suite was small and dysfunctional, by reducing the bedroom count on this floor and reconfiguring the rooms, we created a much more gracious primary suite with sitting area, large spa like ensuite bathroom and a very functional dressing room.”
Boring and neutral were not on the moodboard for this project. However, bold tiles, rich hues and lush fabrics did make the cut. The Hanomoco team worked with Whitney Builders to carve out new interior details including a bar tucked into the living room that houses custom shelving and cabinetry made by Amuneal. “The interior transformation of this house was significant,” says Moco. “Gone were the small, nonfunctional rooms and very bland, featureless interior. In its place is a joyful, vibrant, textually rich, colorful home that immediately embraces you as you enter.”
Outside, the existing backyard was extremely overgrown so they devised a plan to clear much of the landscaping to make space for multiple sitting areas that would allow their client to relish in the benefits of the California climate. “By digging out and reducing the terracing, we created a large dining space with trellis as well as a sitting area with a fire pit in-front of the dining room, both of these areas are now level with the house,” Hano says. When asked how the homeowner felt about their new home, Moco recalls her client saying, āI travel a lot and stay in some of the very best hotels, but after this remodel, I always look forward to coming home.ā