It’s Casual Comfort, Refined with Bria Hammel

Bria Hammel proves that historical homes and classic design choices can be modern-day showstoppers with this kitchen design. As the Creative Director and CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors and Brook & Lou, Bria Hammel is dedicated to creating spaces that offer a fresh perspective on traditional design aesthetics.  

This kitchen is a sublime example of her design style and how it works with both new and historic homes to create a living space that’s warm, inviting, functional, and a true testament to the beauty of timeless design choices. We’re thrilled to share this space, introduce you to the designer behind the look, and show you how to make the look your own. 

Get to Know Bria Hammel  

After getting her degree in Interior Design, Bria Hammel started her career at a firm specializing in both commercial and residential work before moving back to Minnesota to work for Ethan Allen and then a boutique firm. In 2012 she launched Hammel Interiors and has been designing beautiful spaces around the country ever since. Her work has been featured in national publications, such as Traditional Home, Oprah Daily, Forbes, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and Martha Stewart Living.  

About Hammel’s Design Process 

Hammel believes that “as a design team, we bridge the gap between classic style and casual approachability.” Her company’s goal is to “bring a fresh perspective to traditional design, making it welcoming and relatable to everyone.” They do this by putting a modern twist on timeless elements of design. “My signature style is the harmonious blending of casual comfort, traditional elegance, and refined attention to detail, resulting in interiors that are welcoming, timeless, and exquisitely crafted,” explains Hammel. 

Finding the Inspiration 

Bria explains that “travel is my number one inspiration for design. Seeing new parts of the world bring new color palettes, shapes, and furniture styles to the forefront of my mind when we are designing for our clients.” The same can be true for you. Favorite places, whether they be from your past or from your travels, can be a fantastic jumping-off point for any home design.  

Where to Start 

Every design Hammel creates is done with the client in mind. She explains, “we always start with our client’s inspiration. We can design a home many different ways, but the best way is to design a home that is perfectly suited for those who will be living in it.”  

When to Break the Rules 

Interior design has a lot of rules, but professional designers know that breaking some of the rules intentionally can add visual appeal and a touch of personality to the finished look. When asked which design rule she loves to break, Hammel said, “we insist on including cool and warm tones in every space we design. It keeps our rooms timeless and balanced.” In this kitchen project, she’s done just that by showcasing warm brass hardware and lighting in combination with a cool blue island. 

Tips & Tricks for Designing Your Space 

If you love the look as much as we do, make it your own with some of these favorite tips and tricks of Bria Hammel.  

Save Vs. Splurge 

Every design has a budget. When working with a client’s budget, Hammel says, “we always encourage our clients to invest in upholstery and textiles since those are the workhorses of the home. Sometimes we include case goods [that] can look really good and not be incredibly high-end, as they are not getting daily use.”

5 Must-Have Items 

The finished look of a room depends on so many different elements. Hammel has her own list of five items she incorporates into nearly every space she designs.   

1. Beautiful Light Fixtures: truly the jewelry of the home 

2. Wallpaper: it can make such an impact in a space 

3. Warm Wood Tones: natural character  

4. Patterns: whether in textiles, rugs, or even tile 

5. Depth of Color: even in a monochromatic scheme, use a range of depth to create layers and 

dimension 

Pro Tips  

Designers like Hammel have picked up plenty of tips and tricks over the years and when it comes to today’s busy lifestyles, she suggests that you “invest in good fabric! Indoor/outdoor fabric has come a long way – and can add years to your upholstery’s life.” 

The Ferguson Experience  

Hammel has turned to Ferguson from the very start of her business. “We rely heavily on our sales reps for their expert knowledge in functionality. We often will come across a new product and can reach out to our sales rep to educate us on the quality and price point.” Hammel also relies on her rep to “help us stay organized and manage all the details for the life of the project.”

“We love that our clients can see different brands, quality levels, and price points throughout the showroom in different categories. Our clients live very busy lives and the opportunity to cut showroom visits down helps them stay calm and not get overwhelmed with a large project” Hammel explains. This kitchen renovation, and so many of her other projects, came to life thanks to Ferguson Showroom.  

Get the Look 

If you love this space created by Bria Hammel and think the look would be great for your space, you’re in luck. We’ve partnered with Hammel to give you a Shop by Look page where you can get the same high-quality and stylish products she uses in her own interior design projects. Hammel says, “good design should always be within reach,” and with this collection of favorite products, it is.