Interior designer Brigitte Hamers: 'I don't think accessories are a detail, but a big must'

Interior designer Brigitte Hamers furnishes countless apartments and villas worldwide, where she attaches great importance to the use of accessories. With her own furniture line, webshop, home accessories and 300 square meter showroom/design studio in the Gooi, Brigitte does not sit still. Truly a one-stop shop aka interior design paradise. MASTERS wonders: who helped her along her way? Who was Brigitte's wheelbarrow?Text: Mical Joseph
Image: Peter Baas Photography and Monique Mathijssen Photography

What was your very first job?

“My first part-time job was in a shoe store in The Hague. I was fourteen years old at the time, but I said I was fifteen so I could work there. As a teenager I was always enterprising.”

How did you end up in your current job?

“Due to my broad area of ​​interest, I used to do various things. I enjoyed discovering the world and experiencing various facets of work. When I was younger I presented a lot, I did modeling for Elite and I had a singing career. Yet at a young age I already had an enormous passion for everything that had to do with interior design. About seventeen years ago I slowly entered the interior design profession and have not been bored for a moment since! The high-end brands were not represented online, so I started with an online platform. Sometimes I displayed certain items and products in the showroom and eventually this resulted in a 300 square meter showroom/design studio. It really is a one-stop shop. We have everything in-house to provide and advise clients as best as possible.”

Who was your wheelbarrow in that?

“Throughout my career I have been my own wheelbarrow. I have not had a coach or mentor, but I have read and viewed many professional magazines and books and attended a number of workshops. I also have a number of icons that I find very inspiring: interior designers Kelly Wearstler and Sophie Paterson and architect Nicoló Bini are good examples of this. I think their work is truly beautiful.”

If you could decorate anyone's house, who would it be?

“Grace Jones' house. With her I can work outside my comfort zone and color outside the lines. I don't think anything would be too crazy in Grace's house: anything is possible and everything to the extreme.”

What is your greatest passion in your profession?

“My profession gives me so much satisfaction, because, among other things, I make houses 'beautiful' and after completing a project you see the radiant faces of the client. My heart also beats faster when I use catchy accessories. I don't think accessories are a detail, but a big one must. My favorite brands are used when furnishing homes and in the stores, such as Missoni Home, Ralph Lauren Home, Loro Piana and Hermès.”

What do you think not done in terms of interior design?

"I think it's not done to perform the same trick for every client. It is so important to look at the individual every time and fully absorb his or her wishes without your own signature to lose. I translate the wishes and moments of my clientele into real life in the form of a nice homecoming.” 

What has been the biggest learning moment in your career?

“In 2009 we built our own house. I participated in the entire process from the very beginning: designing the house, drawing the construction drawing and of course looking at the interior and everything that comes with it. From that moment on my business grew. So I literally expanded and have since offered more than just interior design. For example, I provide construction supervision, sell kitchens and bathrooms, use my own curtains and have my own flooring and paint line. The client can come to us for everything.”

Text continues below photos.

Proluca Design lamp with Hermès shade and Kelly Wearstler wallpaper

Proluca design chair with Hermès fabric

Baxter chair with Guaxs vase and Baobab fragrance accessories

Jonathan Adler home decor with Assouline books and Christian Lacroix wallpaper

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

“If I had known then how happy my current job makes me, I would have advised the younger Brigitte to start earlier in the interior design profession. By the way, I don't see my work as work, it feels like a lifelong wonderful hobby.”

Have you been a wheelbarrow for someone?

“We have several working students at the company who are doing an internship and I find it great fun and honor to teach them certain things within our profession.” Photo: RJR Photography