Design trends of the rich and famous

A design leader for three decades, Thomas Hamel moves in all the right circles. The international designer has made quite a name for himself transforming clients’ residences – and holiday homes – into beautiful sanctuaries.

Hamel’s secret is a style that transcends time – a classic yet contemporary take on interiors that avoids fads. The Virginian-born designer draws on his traditional background, having learnt his skills in New York at the legendary Parish-Hadley firm.

After meeting the late Australian antique dealer Martyn Cook in Paris in 1990, Hamel moved to Sydney where he set up Thomas Hamel and Associates in 1991.

“I was instantly introduced to all Sydney society and Melbourne society,” he says.

Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull were among his early clients and he first collaborated with them on their Paddington home.

“Lucy Turnbull was so wonderfully supportive,” he remembers, but it took longer to win over Malcolm.

Tycoon James Packer and former wife Jodhi Meares hired him to decorate their Bondi beachfront home. Hamel also enjoyed working with Hollywood star Russell Crowe and his former wife Danielle Spencer on their Woolloomooloo home. Crowe was very interested in all the details, he says.

One of his early coups was decorating the presidential suite of a Sydney hotel for Madonna during her Australian tour in the early ’90s.

With a staff of 30 in his new Sydney headquarters, he is marking 30 years in business by offering an annual design mentorship to an upcoming designer. On the personal front, Hamel recently married his partner George Massar.

And what has the design guru learnt over the years? “Never re-interpret what you did for someone else. I know how important the individuality of each project is.”

Here are the trends at the highest end, which Hamel specialises in:

Family compounds

Rural estates and family compounds are on the rise. Dining rooms are getting bigger – Hamel recently designed one to seat 30 people.

Expect a recreation room for the young ones, a billiard room for the older kids, a swimming pool, a bowling alley and a karaoke theatre.

“They want multigenerational interaction,” he says.

Global perspective

When Hamel arrived in the 1990s, antiques and the British connection were in vogue. These days, we have a global vision, influenced by American and European styles.

Hamel is working on a Japanese-inspired pool for a Melbourne project and he’s waiting on a Mount Fuji image from an artist in Italy.

Australian expats return home for the lifestyle and bring back different cultural influences.

“My own inspiration comes from my international experience and travels,” he says.

Homegrown style

“We have confidence in our own style now,” Hamel says. “I’m always so proud when I see our magazines on newsstands around the globe.”

Our homegrown style is contemporary, not too precious and not over-analysed. “We interpret things in our own way,” he says.

Trendsetters, not followers

Australians pioneered the indoor-outdoor lifestyle and the rest of the world has followed.

Our use of plantation shutters, Vergola roofs, shades, fire pits and outdoor furniture sets the pace for other countries.

The garden has evolved into the outdoor room, with increasingly sophisticated furnishings.

Local talent

Hamel is thrilled clients are embracing art from the very start of a project. He likes to nurture local artisans and bring clients to workshops.

“People love a story,” he says.

Successful makers such as Christopher Boots (who creates amazing lights) are now shipping their wares around the world.

Glamorous getaways

From ski chalets in Hokkaido, Colorado or the Tyrol to beach houses in Spain, the Pacific and the Caribbean, Australians like to have their overseas pads designed by someone they know and trust. All of Hamel’s overseas work is for Australian clients.

Contemporary fusion

Cross-pollination and intelligent editing are the hallmarks of Hamel’s style. This contemporary fusion of art, antiques and the unexpected leads to sophisticated interiors.

Pandemic cocooning

Clients appreciate their homes because they have been spending so much time there.

Some are opting for two separate studies, Hamel says. Mass manufacturing is out and handcrafted furniture is in.

“Everyone realises their home is the most important place ever,” he says.