![Laura Hammett [Laura Hammett Interiors]](https://www.chicstylecollective.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chic-Style-Collective-Hero-Image-944-960x650.jpg "Chic Style Collective | Interior Designer of the Year 2025 Laura Hammett: Inside the Vision of Britain’s Most In-Demand Luxury Interior Designer")
10 Questions with Laura Hammett award winning designer
When an interior designer reshapes the global definition of modern luxury, the world takes notice and this year, the spotlight belongs firmly to Laura Hammett. Crowned Designer of the Year 2025 by Design Et Al, Hammett has not only claimed one of the industry’s most coveted titles, but also secured the award for Residential £20 Million+ (Market Value)for her breathtaking Bahamas Penthouse.
In this exclusive interview we sat down with the visionary behind some of the world’s most elegant homes to discuss her design philosophy, her rise to international acclaim, and the artistry behind the project everyone is talking about.
1. Congratulations on being named Designer of the Year 2025 by Design Et Al! What does this recognition mean to you personally and to your studio after 17 years in the industry?
Thank you so much. It’s truly an incredible honour and one that means a great deal to both me, Aaron and the entire team. After 17 years of building the studio from a small, passion-driven practice into the international studio we are today, this recognition feels like a full-circle moment, recognising of all the dedication, creativity, and care that goes into every project.
What makes it so special is knowing that it celebrates not just design excellence, but also consistency and integrity over time. It’s a testament to the wonderful people who’ve been part of our journey, our team, our clients, and of course, Aaron, who has been my partner in every sense of the word.
2. Alongside this incredible honour, your Bahamas Penthouse project won the Residential £20 million+ award. Can you tell us about the brief for that project and what made it so special?
The brief was to create a truly exceptional family home that would feel both luxurious and deeply personal. The clients wanted a space that reflected their international lifestyle, a sophisticated sanctuary that embraced its island location while maintaining the timeless elegance they love in their London home. What made it so special was the level of trust and creative freedom they gave us.
We were involved from the very early stages, which allowed us to design every element holistically, from the architecture and spatial planning right down to the final styling details. The result was a home that feels effortlessly cohesive, anchored to its Bahamian setting and tailored to our lovely clients.
3. The Penthouse blends London sophistication with subtle Bahamian influences. How did you strike that balance without resorting to obvious tropical motifs?
It was all about subtly and nuance. Rather than literal interpretations of “island style,” we wanted to capture the feeling and material palette of the Bahamas- the light, the airiness, the connection to nature. We used a neutral, layered palette with soft textural contrasts, natural, native materials, and an abundance of bespoke local craftsmanship.
The Bahamian influence comes through in tone and texture rather than in colour or pattern. It’s more about evoking serenity and warmth while maintaining the tailored structure and level of detailing that define our London Projects.
4. Family-friendly design was at the heart of this project. How do you create interiors that are both elegant and practical for everyday living?
For me, luxury and practicality should never be mutually exclusive. The key is understanding how a family truly lives in their home, how they move through spaces, the level of privacy they enjoy, where they gather, what makes them feel comfortable. We always design with real life in mind: hidden storage, durable yet beautiful materials, and thoughtful spatial planning that accommodates both quiet moments and social occasions. True luxury comes from a sense of ease and sublime functioning, that’s something we prioritise in every project.
5. Many of your projects combine a strong sense of place with your clients’ personalities. What is your process for capturing both the location and the lifestyle in your designs?
Every project begins with simply listening, to the client and to the architectural vernacular of the property. We take time to understand the rhythm of their lives, their emotional connection to the property and place, and the cultural or geographical context of the setting. From there, we craft a narrative that weaves those elements together into a cohesive design story.
Has this client moved to a new location and wants to encapsulate it and lean into it fully? Or do they find themselves living somewhere part time, where they want to create a snippet of home away from home? It’s a very intuitive process. The goal is always to create a home that feels deeply personal, yet beautifully in harmony with its surroundings.
6. Your studio is known for its refined and timeless aesthetic. How has your design philosophy evolved since you first launched your practice?
When I started, my focus was very much on creating exactly what the client wanted, and offering them a plethora of options. But over time I’ve learned that designing your home is not like personal shopping, clients don’t want endless options to choose from. They want you to be their stylist in a way- they’ve come to you as they love your designs and now you must craft their home with them, as a collaboration.
I always valued timeless, tailored spaces that felt elevated, warm and layered, so we’ve definitely stayed true to, and developed upon that core ethos. But it was never only just about aesthetics, it’s always been about designing personally, the emotion, comfort, and the way a space supports a client’s wellbeing. I’ve learned that true luxury lies in how a home feels, in the calm it brings and the memories it helps create. That understanding has shaped everything we do now.
7. You’ve worked on extraordinary homes across the globe. What are some of the biggest challenges and rewards of designing for an international clientele?
The logistics can certainly be complex, time zones, local regulations, cultural nuances, and sourcing challenges all come into play. But those are also what make it so rewarding. Each project is an opportunity to collaborate with incredible local craftspeople and explore new design languages while maintaining our signature aesthetic. The reward is seeing a client step into their finished home, anywhere in the world, and feel instantly at peace. That’s a very rewarding moment, and we had that experience with our Bahamas clients which was amazing.
8. How do you balance creative partnership and business leadership within the Firm?
Aaron and I have very different but complementary strengths. I lead on the creative direction and design vision, while he focuses on the business strategy and client experience. That balance allows us to give equal weight to artistry and operations, both of which are essential to running a successful design studio. There’s a huge amount of mutual respect and trust between us, and I think that’s what makes it work. We share the same values and passion for creating exceptional homes, and that alignment keeps everything seamless.
9. Winning Designer of the Year is a huge milestone. Looking forward, what ambitions or dream projects are you most excited to explore next?
I feel incredibly energised about the next chapter. We’re expanding more into international markets, particularly the US and the Middle East where we have a range of wonderful projects. I’m also passionate about continuously developing our design aesthetic, the goal is always evolution, not repetition. So I’m excited to see how far we can push into new styles and still feel very ‘us’. But our dream project? Either a small, boutique destination hotel, or a ski chalet!
10. Finally, what advice would you give to young designers hoping to one day reach the same level of recognition and success that you’ve achieved?
Be patient and stay authentic. This industry is built on relationships, trust, and consistency- not instant success. It took me over 10 years to feel really established. Focus on honing your craft, understanding your clients, and developing a clear design voice that feels true to you. Work hard, and never lose sight of how lucky we are to get to designing people’s dream homes and be involved in such a lovely, heartwarming process. The recognition will come naturally when the work has genuine heart behind it.
To learn more about Laura Hammett, visit Laura Hammett Website or follow along on social media @laurahammett.interiors for the latest updates and inspiring content.
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