This entrance makes a great first impression with its curved sofa that mirrors the staircase and statement-making gold light fixtures.
Andrew Joseph: How do you approach a new design project?
Laura Hammett: When approaching a new design project, I believe it’s essential to begin with a deep understanding of the client’s lifestyle, personality, and aspirations for the space. My process is inherently collaborative; we meet in person or over video call with the client to ensure that the design is a true reflection of their individuality and achieves exactly what they want. Ultimately, our aim is to craft a home that feels bespoke and personal, with a timeless elegance that transcends trends or eras. It’s about creating an environment where the client feels completely at home, like it’s always been there.
AJ: What was the last book you read and how did it inspire you?
LH: If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair by Anya Hindmarch. I’ve just finished it and I am so inspired by her approach to business and motherhood. I read a lot of personal memoirs but tend to stay away from business books because they never connect with my approach and ethos, so this was really refreshing to read because she touches on so many aspects of motherhood and business that resonated with me. It’s an honest portrayal of what it takes to build a business while raising a family, the highs and the lows — lots of which I relate to — but many others that I found inspiring for the future of our two businesses as they grow. Plus loads of tips on how to navigate the teenage years which I have ahead of me!
AJ: Can you tell us about a specific moment in your career that made you feel accomplished?
LH: Pressing ‘live’ on the Laura Hammett Living website in November 2023, surrounded by the whole team who worked on it with me, I have no shame in saying I burst into tears — it was a real sense of achievement and pride. Then receiving the ‘ping’ of our first order minutes later — I genuinely couldn’t believe it, I had to double-check that it was actually a real order! I’ve worked so hard bringing the Laura Hammett Living brand to life, every design came from my hand and I spent months — years even — designing and refining every detail. From sketches, to 3D renders, right to the final product, it’s been a labor of love and I’m just so proud to have my designs out there and people receive them with such lovely enthusiasm. This year we’ve expanded into furniture, casegoods and lighting, so it really excites me to see where it will go.
This dark and moody study sets the tone with rich textures and warm lighting.
AJ: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
LH: Working with clients to create their hard-earned dream home. That feeling when you can finally show the family or couple around at the end of a project is what makes my job so fulfilling. I enjoy the connection with people, getting to know them and creating something that surpasses their wildest dreams. I often remain friends with some clients and I believe that’s because you really do have to get to know somebody on a personal level in order to craft what they envision for their personal space.
AJ: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?
LH: Balancing functionality and aesthetics is at the heart of my design philosophy. I believe that a beautifully designed space must work effortlessly for the people living in it, so practicality is never compromised and is at the forefront of our intent throughout the design process. From the very beginning, I consider how the space will be used day-to-day, ensuring that every element not only enhances the visual appeal but also serves a purpose. For me, it’s about creating a seamless blend where form follows function, but both are equally important. I select materials that are luxurious yet durable, and I focus on layouts that promote ease of movement and flow. Storage solutions, for example, are cleverly integrated so they don’t disrupt the aesthetic but provide the necessary practicality. I’m particularly drawn to layering textures and incorporating subtle details that create depth, ensuring the space feels warm and inviting, not overly precious especially if the clients have children or pets. Each piece, whether furniture, lighting, or accessories, is chosen for its timeless elegance and ability to contribute to the room’s overall functionality. Ultimately, the goal is for the space to feel effortlessly sophisticated, where every corner is as purposeful as it is beautiful—creating a home that feels luxurious but is also truly livable.
AJ: What is the most important skill for a successful designer?
LH: I always say to our team that a large part of our job is psychology. We work so closely with our clients, and as residential designers working predominantly with families, that intimate understanding of their needs is critical. From the first meeting, you have to read them very closely to really get to know them. You have to create a relationship that allows them to really open up to you and feel comfortable giving their honest feedback. I always start each first design presentation with a new client by saying that we will never be offended by their feedback, that this is their home and they have to love everything so we encourage as much feedback as possible. We also find that different cultures communicate differently so you need to be picking up on all of the subtle nuances and body language as well. Plus a bit of marriage counseling is a useful skill at times!
This contemporary primary bedroom exudes softness and femininity with a suede canopy that surrounds the bed.
AJ: What is your favorite thing about being a designer?
LH: Getting to be creative each day. As every designer, and particularly business owner, knows, it’s not all creative but I have got to a place in my career where I have so much support around me from my team that I’ve been able to really focus on creativity again. It’s something I fundamentally need in my life, at least for a portion of the day. I often get asked what “hobbies” I have and I always feel very dull saying that other than reading and cooking, I don’t really have any, but I think that it’s because I am so fulfilled by my work on a daily basis that there’s no gap to fill in my down time. So I’m reframing my lack of other big passions as a positive!
AJ: What is your favorite type of lighting to use in your designs?
LH: Lighting is one of the most important aspects of design for me and I love to use a variety throughout a room. Starting with keeping the architectural lighting as discreet as possible with recessed LEDs incorporated into joinery and ceiling coffers, which allows the decorative lighting to become the showpieces of the space. Each type of decorative light fitting is equally important in my mind, because the key is in the balance and equal distribution throughout the room so you don’t get dark corners or overly bright areas. A pendant is often the jewel piece in a room and proportion is everything to me, ensuring that it never feels lost in a big room while always being mindful of the ceiling drop which can vary so much from property to property. One of the main things I’ve incorporated into our LHL lighting collection is statement pendants that are really wide, while offering a variety of drops. Then a scattering of wall lights and lamps to bring warmth and softness to the rest of the room is what brings the design to life.
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