Charleston home gets a bold color refresh, defying tradition
What happens when a historic exterior hides a 1960s ranch interior? South Carolina-based designer Angie Hranowsky faced this intriguing challenge when a couple, relocating from Kiawah Island, commissioned her to revitalize a Charleston Home. The result? A stunning transformation showcasing unexpected color choices and a deep respect for the property’s unique character.
A house of two eras
The initial assessment revealed a space at odds with its surroundings. While the exterior mimicked the elegant, narrow residences—Charleston Singles—characteristic of the historic district, the interior bore the hallmarks of a mid-century ranch. A lackluster renovation from the 2010s further compounded the issue, lacking the architectural details expected in such a prestigious neighborhood. Hranowsky, collaborating with architects Evan and Diego Gonzalez of Public Regard, embarked on a mission to breathe new life into the 2,200-square-foot Home, guided by the clients’ singular desire: color.
The crimson door and beyond
The chromatic story begins dramatically at the front door. Crafted by Public Regard, the new portal is finished in a vibrant crimson hue from Fine Paints of Europe, a shade inspired by the husband, a rector of a historic African American Episcopal church, and a striking red door he admired on another house of worship. The bold choice, approved by the city’s Board of Architectural Review (a necessity given the landmark district designation), sets the stage for the unexpected color palette to come. The original reclaimed pine flooring, sanded and sealed with a clear matte coat, provides a grounding neutrality throughout.
Pink in the dining room: a calculated risk
Hranowsky's reputation rests on her masterful use of bold, sophisticated palettes, and this project proved no exception. The dining room, in particular, presented a delightful opportunity. “I pitched the homeowners on bright pink,” she recalls, “and you cannot imagine how elated they were.” The search for the perfect shade—sweet, sophisticated, and avoiding the pitfalls of peach, orange, baby pink, or blush—was a meticulous process. Ultimately, Benjamin Moore’s Brighton Rock Candy emerged as the ideal choice, transforming the space into a surprisingly serene and inviting haven. The room features a table crafted by Charleston Table Company, accented by vintage finds like a carved 1950s cabinet by Guillerme et Chambron, and illuminated by a red steel chandelier from Howe, with seating provided by Design Within Reach chairs.
Texture & harmony: balancing boldness
Throughout the Home, Hranowsky skillfully balanced the vibrant colors with textural elements. In the living room and stairwell, a creamy barkskin wall covering by Caba Company provides a tactile backdrop to a bold sofa upholstered in a golden Lee Jofa fabric, alongside artwork and vibrant fabrics. The kitchen, a complete overhaul, now boasts custom seafoam green cabinetry, glossy yellow-peach tile, and a Lacanche range, all carefully orchestrated to maintain a sense of equilibrium. Even the client’s differing aesthetic preferences—his leaning towards contemporary design versus her classical tastes—found harmony with mismatched bedside tables in the primary bedroom: a Georgian-style mahogany nightstand for her and a playful Paolo Moschino piece for him.
Hranowsky’s work transcends mere decoration; it's a testament to creating deeply personal spaces. “I treat every project as an opportunity to create a unique, original house that reflects the client,” she explains. The result is a Home distinctly hers, a signature that resonates even to those unfamiliar with her work—a testament to her skill and vision. The transformation of this Charleston residence proves that a bold color palette, combined with thoughtful design, can breathe new life into even the most unexpected of spaces.