What’s the secret behind a home that feels warm the moment you step inside? For designer Bria Hammel, it comes down to a simple recipe: chic window treatments, custom millwork and delightfully printed wallcoverings.
As the Creative Director and CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors and home brand Brooke & Lou, Hammel leads a team known for creating spaces that are refined yet comfortable, classic yet full of personality.
From her Minnesota roots to her growing Charleston team, Hammel brings an approachable warmth to everything she designs— from calming, collected palettes and understated patterns to rich layers of texture that quietly draw you in. We sat down with her to talk about that signature balance, her love for layering, and why window treatments often hold the most transformative touch.
For me, an inviting home is one that feels balanced. Nothing is too precious to touch, but every detail still feels intentional and personal. It’s the mix of textures, colors, and layers that make people want to stay a little longer and kick their feet up.
“I always say, the prettiest homes are the ones that actually get lived in.” -Bria Hammel
I think the secret to good neutrals is layers. Texture, tones, and patterns. A room full of beige can fall flat fast, but a room layered with warm whites, creamy linens, soft woods, suddenly feels alive. I think we often find ourselves starting with a neutral palette because we know that our client’s styles and needs may change over time, but if we start with a solid, timeless base the other furnishings (i.e. artwork, accessories, lighting) can be easily swapped.
Location absolutely shapes everything. In Minnesota, homes are very humble and understated albeit beautiful. We tend to lean into cozy layers (you gotta when 7 months out of the year are cold!) and traditional details and a certain level of practicality that carries us through long winters. In Charleston, it’s about that collected, Southern ease. More of an appreciation for a rich color palette or uniqueness. But, both places celebrate craftsmanship and history, which is really the thread that ties our work together.
It’s all in the details. Millwork, built-ins, thoughtful trim profiles, even how cabinetry is constructed. We love adding architectural soul where there isn’t any yet. A simple casing or paneled ceiling, even something as simple as sourcing an antique doorknob can completely transform how a home or room feels.
It’s always a bit of both. I come in with a strong point of view (I guess that comes with the territory of 12+ years as a designer!) but our clients bring pieces of their own story to the table too and that’s what makes a home truly personal! The best projects evolve organically as trust builds. It’s less about a single “aha” moment and more about a hundred little decisions that add up beautifully.
Form and function are like two sides of the same coin in my book… one can’t really exist without the other. Beautiful design has to work hard. A stunning kitchen means nothing if the drawers don’t open where you need them to, and a sofa isn’t worth it if your children or dog can’t climb up on it with you. We obsess over those details so that our clients can simply live in their homes without thinking twice.
Window treatments are like the jewelry of the room — everything looks a little more finished once they’re in place. They soften the light, add texture, and frame the view. It’s that final layer that brings warmth and polish at the same time. We are so passionate about window treatments that we truly don’t feel a project is complete without them… we won’t even photograph a home (no matter how long we’ve worked on it!) if window treatments are not installed!
Earlier than you’d think! We start planning them as soon as we’re finalizing furniture layouts. Scale, light direction, and privacy all inform the design, so we like to have those conversations early on. And, although worth every penny in my opinion, they can be a large investment for our clients, so we want to make sure they have the budget and priority set to invest in them.
I love that they add instant texture and warmth. Woven woods have this casual sophistication. They feel natural and collected but still tailored. Provenance® shades in particular have a refined look that layers beautifully with drapery, which we do often. It’s the perfect balance of form and function. I also love that they can be adapted to fit any space (i.e. sheer in a sunroom but easily could add a blackout liner for a child’s nursery).
It’s all about how the room is used. We go room by room with our clients to get a sense of how they’ll live in the space every day. In bedrooms, we typically do blackout liners for better sleep (especially for kids!). In living spaces, I love light-filtering options that let the sun pour in but still offer a bit of privacy. And layering with drapery always adds dimension — it’s both practical and beautiful.
As our design team grows in South Carolina, we’ve been working on more and more homes in Charleston. We just finished a historic renovation that pushed us in all the best ways. Working within the constraints of an old home forces you to get creative along with a city that has so many historical guidelines you have to abide by, everything takes a little extra thought. But the result was magic. It reminded me that design is really about problem-solving, not perfection. And, it also shows why Charleston is so beautiful. They truly care about the integrity of their neighborhoods and community.
Is it cheesy if I say the people? Every family, every story, every quirk — it all keeps the work fresh. And travel always reignites my creativity. I come home from trips with my camera roll full of doorknobs, tile patterns, and light fixtures.
We’re having fun leaning into moodier, more layered spaces — richer woods, deeper tones, and lots of personality. I think people are craving homes that feel truly lived-in again, and that’s right in our wheelhouse.
Whether she’s designing a modern new build in Minnesota or restoring history in Charleston, Bria Hammel’s approach remains the same: create homes that feel as good as they look.
See more of her latest projects on briahammelinteriors.com, and follow along on her Instagram.
All images photographed by Spacecrafting Photography.
Ready to upgrade your home with custom window coverings? Get started below with an expert near you.
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.