House Style: Laura Hammett

Laura Hammett established her London-based interior architecture and design studio in 2008 with her husband, Aaron. They specialise in luxury projects worldwide, creating bespoke, timeless homes, tailoring Hammett’s classic-contemporary aesthetic to individual clients. In November 2023, she launched Laura Hammett Living, a homeware brand that supplies accessories, lighting and furniture. 

Where is home?
I live in a beautiful Georgian house near Alresford, Hampshire: it’s a place with the perfect balance of charm, convenience and community. We considered starting from scratch and building a new house, but the reality of our busy lives meant this was the ideal project. It had the potential for renovation without requiring a full-scale overhaul. There’s plenty to keep us busy for 10 years.  

What’s the style of your house?
It’s a detached five-bedroom red-brick Georgian. When we moved in in 2020, it hadn’t been updated for 20 years. We focused initially on a full renovation of the ground floor, doing a lot of the work ourselves – Aaron panelled the walls and I made all the curtains. We wanted a classic country kitchen with a twist, so I designed an island based on a French butcher’s block. 

Do you have a signature design style?
My style is classic contemporary, but as a studio we adapt to every client, drawing inspiration from the building vernacular and individual tastes.

Classical architecture, for me, embodies a quiet elegance that never feels outdated – much like the work of Robert Adam. His ability to blend classical proportions with a lighter touch redefined interiors. 

What’s your design philosophy?
My philosophy centres on creating timeless, elegant interiors that feel strongly connected to the people who live in them. It’s about striking the perfect balance between beauty, comfort and functionality, ensuring that each space tells a unique story while remaining warm and inviting. I’m also passionate about layering: combining textures, colours and materials from different historical eras to add depth and richness. The key is to create a balanced mix that feels cohesive. 

Any suppliers, furniture or textile designers you can recommend?
For elegant lighting, I love Visual Comfort. When it comes to accessories and smaller decor or tableware items, I shop at Rebecca Udall and Neptune. Antiques markets in London are wonderful places to find unique pieces too. I adore de Le Cuona for its exquisite textures and the quality of its fabrics. Donghia is another favourite for bold patterns: it brings personality to interiors. 

Do you have any original art in your home?
My mother is a painter, so I have lots of her art, as well as some antiques inherited from my late father. I also have a contemporary photography piece I love by Luke Woodford. 

Which one object would you save from a fire?
An antique travel clock that has been in my family for generations – it takes pride of place in my living room. Its sentimental value makes it irreplaceable.

Is there a property you’d love the chance to design? 
I relish the opportunity to revisit spaces as people’s lives evolve, but our goal is always to create designs that stand the test of time. What excites me most is collaborating with long-standing clients on new projects, deepening that relationship. We’ve worked with one family across several of their properties, from their holiday home in the Bahamas to a house in Portugal. I’d happily take on more in warm climates.

Which of your clients’ homes have you particularly loved working on?
It’s impossible to choose just one – each project brings unique challenges and rewards. What I love most is connecting with people and helping them to create a home that reflects their needs. Whether it’s a period property full of character or a minimalist retreat, each home has its own story, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to be a part of that journey. 

Could you name a key figure who has influenced you?
My mother has been my greatest influence – she’s a true force of nature. She fulfilled the role of both parents during challenging times and has always encouraged me to nurture my creativity.

And the strangest request a client has made?
We’re designing a dedicated cat room for a project – a first for us. It’s part of a bedroom suite for a girl who adores her cats. The room has curved glass walls to connect with the wider space, and in the bedroom there’s a cat tree that spans an entire wall. It’s been such fun.

laurahammett.com