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

Interior designer Brigitte Hamers decorates countless apartments and villas worldwide, keeping the use of accessories high on her agenda. With her own furniture line, webshop, home accessories and 300 square meters of showroom/design studio in the Gooi area, Brigitte does not sit still. Truly a one-stop shop a.k.a. interior design hallway. MASTERS asks: who helped her during her path? Who was Brigitte's wheelbarrow?Text: Mical Joseph
Image: Peter Baas Photography and Monique Mathijssen Photography

What was your very first job?

"My first side job was in a shoe store in The Hague. I was fourteen years old at the time, but said I was fifteen so I could work there. As a teenager, I was always entrepreneurial."

How did you end up in your current job?

"Because of my broad area of interest, I used to do various things. I enjoyed exploring the world and experiencing several facets in the work field. When I was younger I presented a lot, modeled for Elite and had a singing career. Still, at a young age I had a huge passion for all things interior. About seventeen years ago I slowly rolled into the interior design business and haven't been bored for a moment since! The high-end brands were not represented online, so I started an online platform. Sometimes I would display certain items and products in the showroom and eventually this culminated in a 300 square meter showroom/design studio. It's really a one-stop shop. We have everything we need to provide and advise clients in the best possible way."

In that, who was your wheelbarrow?

"Throughout my career, I have been my own wheelbarrow. I haven't had a coach or a mentor, but I have read, reviewed and watched many trade magazines and books and attended a number of workshops. I also have some icons that I find very inspiring: interior designers Kelly Wearstler and Sophie Paterson and architect Nicoló Bini are good examples. Their work I find truly beautiful."

If you were still allowed to decorate someone's house, who would it be?

"The home of Grace Jones. At her house I can work outside my comfort zone and color outside the lines. I think in Grace's house nothing would be too crazy: everything 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 you see the beaming faces of the client upon completion of a project. My heart also beats faster because of the use of catchy accessories. I consider accessories not a detail, but a big must. Decorating homes and stores feature my favorite brands, such as Missoni Home, Ralph Lauren Home, Loro Piana and Hermès."

What do you think is not done in the interior design field?

"I think it's not done to perform the same trick with every client. It's SO important to look at the individual every time and fully absorb his or her wishes without losing your own signature. I translate my clientele's wishes and moments 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 first moment: designing the house, drawing the blueprint and, of course, the interior design and everything else. From then on, my business grew. So I literally expanded and have been offering more than just interior design ever since. I do construction supervision, sell kitchens and bathrooms, use my own curtains and have my own line of floors and paint. The client can turn to us for everything."

Text continues under photos.

Proluca Design lamp with Hermès shade and Kelly Wearstler wallpaper

Proluca designer chair with Hermès fabric

Baxter chair with Guaxs vase and Baobab fragrance accessories

Jonathan Adler home decoration with Assouline books and Christian Lacroix wallpaper

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

"If I knew then how happy I get from my current work I would have advised the younger Brigitte to start earlier in the interior design profession. By the way, I don't think of my job as work, it feels like a lifelong wonderful hobby."

Have you been a wheelbarrow for anyone?

"We have several working students walking around the store doing internships, and I think it's really fun and honorable to teach them certain things within our profession. "Photo: RJR Photography