Monte Project: When a Home Becomes Part of Your Story
There are moments in our profession that remind us why we do what we do.
Recently, we caught up with the homeowners of our Monte Project, more than six years after completing their remodel. They had just been married, and as we congratulated them, they shared something that completely caught us by surprise.
When planning their wedding, they found themselves drawn to the same rich palette of burgundy, bronze, deep greens, and warm natural tones that filled their home. Those colors became the inspiration for their flowers and many of the details that shaped the celebration. It wasn't something we had suggested, nor was it a conscious decision on their part at first. Somewhere along the way, the feeling of their home had simply become part of who they were.
For us, that conversation perfectly captured what thoughtful design can achieve.
Custom Bronze Dimensional Ann Sacks Made Tile creates a focal point in the Living Room.
Living Room Reading Corner
Living Room
Charred Pine Bar Cabinets
At Hanomoco Design, we don't begin a project with a predetermined aesthetic.
Every client arrives with their own way of living, entertaining, collecting, and experiencing the world. Our role is to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and uncover an environment that feels genuinely authentic to them. The most successful projects aren't those that look like the designer—they're the ones that feel unmistakably like the people who call them home.
The Monte Project was built on that philosophy.
Our clients wanted a home that felt sophisticated without being formal, dramatic without feeling overwhelming, and above all, welcoming. They loved entertaining friends, sharing meals, and filling their home with conversation. Those aspirations became the foundation for every design decision that followed.
The living room is anchored by a fireplace clad in shimmering bronze tile, a material that changes beautifully as the light moves through the space. Beside it, custom teal cabinetry provides a rich architectural backdrop while displaying books, art, and treasured objects collected over time. Across the room, a striking crimson bar introduces an unexpected moment of personality—a space designed not simply for mixing drinks, but for gathering, celebrating, and creating memories.
These more dramatic gestures are balanced with quieter layers throughout the home. Natural woods, warm brass, botanical wallcoverings, and tactile fabrics create depth and warmth without competing for attention. Nothing was chosen simply because it was fashionable. Every material contributes to an atmosphere that feels comfortable, enduring, and deeply personal.
Looking back today, we're proud of the craftsmanship, the detailing, and the bold moments that define the Monte Project. But those aren't what we remember most.
Primary Bedroom Suite
Adjoining family room
Traditional Style White Oak pantry with Painted Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black Shaker style cabinets
What stays with us is the relationship.
Six years later, the conversations continue. The house has evolved alongside its owners, becoming the backdrop for everyday routines, celebrations, and now one of the most significant milestones of their lives. Knowing that the home helped inspire their wedding reminds us that the spaces we design don't simply contain memories—they quietly influence the moments that create them.
As designers, there is no greater compliment than hearing that a home has become part of someone's story. The Monte Project reminds us that great design isn't measured by how a space photographs on the day it's finished, but by how deeply it resonates with the people who live there for years to come.
Ready to Transform Your Home?
A successful remodel starts with thoughtful planning and expert design. By partnering with hanomoco design, you gain a team of professionals who understand how to balance aesthetics, functionality, construction realities, and budget considerations. The result is a smoother renovation experience and a home that works better for the way you live.
Here’s how to get in touch:
Send us a message here.
Visit our website at www.hanomoco.com to browse recent work and learn more about our approach.
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Let’s design something meaningful—together.