Q&A with Laura Hammett
If you’re a design enthusiast, chances are Laura Hammett has graced your Instagram feed. With an impressive 341,000 followers, Laura is one of London’s most admired interior designers, celebrated for her signature contemporary style, impeccable attention to detail, and a portfolio that spans penthouses, private jets, and landmarks like The Peninsula Residence. Now, with the launch of her Laura Hammett Living collection, her sought-after style is more accessible than ever – offering a chance to bring her elegance into your home, no matter your budget.
We had the privilege of sitting down with Laura to talk about building a family-run business with her husband, Aaron, the evolution of her iconic aesthetic, and the transformative power of social media. Along, of course, with the projects we have been lucky enough to collaborate on with Laura. Dive into the full story for a glimpse behind the scenes of this design powerhouse…
Like us, you are a family-run business. Please tell us about that, and how you and Aaron started your journey back in 2008?
“Not many people know this, but after finishing my degree in Interior Architecture and an internship at a start-up interior design company, I started making cushions to sell on eBay, and then built my own e-commerce website. Then, along with a good friend who’d started selling works by emerging artists, we tracked down the landlord of an empty rundown shop we’d seen in our area in London, and pitched our idea of a pop up gallery/homeware boutique, with a rent-free trial period. Amazingly they said yes. We kept afloat for around eight months, tag teaming running the shop while juggling part time jobs, and we had such a fun time doing it.
Sadly, the financial crash of 2008 took its toll on small retail businesses like ours, and there just wasn’t enough footfall for us to keep going. By then, I had thankfully built up a few local clients doing some interior design, from one-off upholstery to bathroom projects. My big break was meeting a local property developer who had a project in Chiswick that needed full refurbishment. Without a strong portfolio, he took a big risk on me, but the design was a success and we went on to do a number of projects together in the area.
During this year I also met my husband and now business partner, Aaron, who was a product designer at the time. He gave me so much courage and confidence to push the business forwards and make bolder decisions. He quickly became a behind the scenes partner on both the business side but also the design side, adding his experience in the meticulous detail and functionality of product design. The balance of our skills was everything the business needed to move from being a small lifestyle brand to something that was more scalable. As anyone who runs a business will know, there’s only so much you can do as a one-man-band. Putting that first person on the payroll is probably the hardest step for any small business because you can never afford it, but it’s essential to move forward and if they’re the right person, it will always pay off.
We now have a business beyond what we could have ever imagined, with a team of 27 talented designers and a portfolio of work that fills us with immense pride. Launching our homeware brand, Laura Hammett Living, last year was undoubtedly my proudest career achievement, and for us, this is just the start.”
How would you describe your aesthetic?
“My signature style is classic contemporary, but as a studio, we pride ourselves on adapting to each architectural style and client. We draw inspiration from the location, building vernacular, and each client’s unique taste and lifestyle. Whether the aesthetic is classic, contemporary, masculine, or eclectic, bespoke design remains at the heart of our approach. Every facet of a project can be custom-made to exacting specifications and that’s what makes each one unique. In our work, you’ll always find core principles of proportion, balance, and attention to detail, ensuring each space is not only beautiful but also liveable. I believe these principles can be applied to any design style.”
Where do you get your inspiration(s) from?
“Inspiration can come from almost anywhere – magazines, social media, set design. But nothing beats seeing things in person, so hotel and restaurant design are a big one for me. There are two main things that give me the most inspiration when I’m in a place or looking at an image: the ‘feeling’ and ambience, and the interplay of materials, contrasts and details. These elements fuel entire room concepts in my mind.”
Please tell us about Laura Hammett Living.
“Laura Hammett Living was launched last year as the culmination of over 20 years of interior design expertise and a lifelong passion for creating beautiful homes. It began as a luxury homeware brand offering a curated selection of over 100 accessories, and has recently expanded to include furniture and lighting. Each piece has been personally designed and developed by me to bring a sense of timelessness to any space, combining elegance with enduring quality. It’s still surreal to see these designs, which started as ideas on paper, now existing in the world and finding a place in people’s homes.
At Laura Hammett Living, our ethos is grounded in the belief that luxury should be enduring. Every item is crafted with the highest attention to quality and detail, handmade to order to ensure a unique, personal touch. This commitment to timelessness and longevity is at the heart of everything we do, reflecting our focus on creating pieces that will be cherished for years to come and passed down through generations.”
We’ve been lucky enough to work with you and these projects included wallpaper. Have you always loved wallpaper?
“Yes, I’ve always had a deep affection for wallpaper—it’s such a versatile and transformative element in design. There’s something wonderfully tactile about it, and the way it can completely change the atmosphere of a room. Wallpaper offers a layer of texture and depth that paint simply can’t achieve, and it has the power to tell a story or evoke a feeling in a space.
When I started my career, I was drawn to wallpaper for its ability to blend both pattern and colour, yet still maintain a sense of timeless elegance. It can be a background, a focal point, or even a piece of art in its own right. I think that’s why I’ve always gravitated toward using it in my projects. It’s the perfect way to bring a space to life.”
Top interiors tip you think everyone should know?
“To create a more luxurious feel in a space, focus on a few key areas where investment will have the most impact. Start with high-quality, bespoke curtains and window treatments to frame the space beautifully. A durable wool or silk blend rug will not only ground the room but also tie the seating area together. Prioritise foundational pieces like your sofa, dining table, and mattress -investing in these will pay off over time as they continue to look great for years. For smaller, less-used items, you can save by sourcing unique antiques from places like eBay – it’s where I found a charming bobbin leg side table and a grandfather clock for my home.”
Discover more about Laura Hammett’s interior architecture and design studio here
Discover Laura Hammett Living here
