Brigitte Hamers: "I have had my passion for design, in whatever form, for as long as I can remember"

A paradise for exclusive furniture, wallpaper and accessories. With a showroom in Laren and an online platform, Proluca Interiors is well on its way to becoming the market leader in the field of high-end interior products. MASTERS had a (summer) conversation with founder Brigitte Hamers: "As a little girl I preferred to read House & Garden than Donald Duck."

How did you end up in your current job?

''Five years ago I founded Proluca Interiors, a name that was created by combining the names of my sons, Prosper and Luca. I thought it was a suitable international name. I have been furnishing homes and styling interiors for more than 21 years. I have had my passion for design, in one form or another, for as long as I can remember. For example, as a little girl I preferred reading House & Garden to Donald Duck. After living abroad for ten years, I discovered upon my return to the Netherlands that there was no platform yet where you can buy high-end furniture and accessories online. With Proluca we have filled that gap in the market.”

What was your very first summer job?

''My very first summer job was in a shoe store. I was actually too young, but back then you didn't have to show ID... I worked there all summer and loved it. I was already working on grouping shoes by color so that they stood out better and eventually even gained the confidence to do the window display. Of course I thought that was great.”

“Now that I am recovering, I toast to health”

What does your ultimate summer look like?

''My ultimate summer is enjoying the sun – preferably the Greek one – and lots of sports. Maybe other people think I'm a little crazy, but I really love that. During my holidays I play sports every day, from playing tennis to taking different lessons. I'm a huge sports fan, so if all goes well I hope to watch some finals of the Olympic Games this summer. I also think it is important to spend a lot of time with my family and friends.”

Which summer was the most memorable for you?

''I can't really pinpoint one summer that was the most memorable. Every summer is special for me and a celebration in itself. I hope this summer will have a golden edge again."

What are you toasting to during the National Summer Drink?

''Health with a capital G. Last December I was told that I had all the symptoms of lymphatic cancer and had to have surgery straight away. Fortunately, it turned out not to be the case, but I did have all possible complications. So now that I'm recovering, I'm toasting to health, but also to more quality time with my children. On a business level, I toast to even more beautiful, complete projects that we can carry out with Proluca. For example, I want to focus more on our White Glove service. This not only offers careful delivery of furniture and decorations, but also direct assembly at people's homes. This is where our strength lies.”

“We are the only ones in the world who still have the original Hermès fabric in stock”

Where can you be found in Amsterdam this summer?

''Now I may give a cliché answer, but that is really the terrace of De L'Europe Amsterdam. I have very fond memories of that. When we lived abroad and visited family in the Netherlands, we always stayed at De L'Europe. For example, we also celebrated Sinterklaas here. It's a place with a lot of nostalgia for me."

You work abroad: what five things are indispensable?

''I always take a leather photo frame from Giobagnara with photos of my family, a sketchbook to write down ideas, a scented candle for the right atmosphere, my own pillow for comfort and a pashmina scarf for when it is chilly. And speaking of health; I also always have a bag of supplements with me.”

Which entrepreneur would you like to spend eight hours on a plane with and what would you like to discuss with him/her?

''I would like to sit next to Natalie Massenet, the founder of NET-A-PORTER. My goal with Proluca Interiors is to become the NET-A-PORTER of furniture and accessories. I have a lot to ask her and could learn a lot from her. If the plane is delayed, I don't mind at all haha… ''

What will you bring to MASTERS SUMMER EDITION?

''We will bring a selection of our beautiful brands such as Baxter Made in Italy, Linteloo, Giobagnara, Loewe and Jacaranda. In addition, our unique Hermès cushions should not be missing. We are the only one in the world that still has the original Hermès fabric in stock."

Would you like to admire the entire Proluca Interiors collection? View the website here.

MASTERS SUMMER EDITION 

MASTERS SUMMER EDITION will transform the prestigious De L'Europe Amsterdam into a true fairytale hotel from 20 to 22 June. Throughout the hotel and on the terrace on the Amstel, summer is ushered in and celebrated together, for three days, in the heart of our capital. A merger of (international) guests, influential locals, CEOs, family business owners, VIP relations, visionaries and acquaintances.

At this invitation-only event, stately period rooms with a view of the Amstel - from exclusive (family) businesses - invite you to experience the high-profile brands and industries. From boats to watches and from art to travel. There is a party both outside and inside and the experience is unique to say the least.