A-list interior designer Thomas Hamel’s secrets to finding rare treasures
The US-born designer, who packed his bags for Sydney in 1991 after a chance romance in Paris, shares on idols, inspirations and Southern Highlands hideaway.
Up-and-coming artist you are most excited about?
My latest inspiration comes from Australian artist Gregory Hodge. There is a handmade quality to his work that really resonates with me.
Design luminary you would still like to meet?
I’ve had the joy of meeting [French jewellery and furniture designer] Hervé Van der Straeten. On my most recent visit to Paris, I had the fortune of a personal tour of his magnificent Marais residence.
Favourite out-of-the-way place to source treasures?
I love to shop for treasures, wherever I might be. For many years, Palm Springs, California, has been an incredible trove for me. Closer to home I love supporting our many local sources – with favourites being Studio Gardner [Sydney], Graham Geddes Antiques [Melbourne] and Nicholas & Alistair [Melbourne].
Do you collect anything?
I sure do! Where to start? Shells, books, Chinese porcelain, art, sculptures … this does make me sound like a hoarder. But I do attempt to edit.
Interior world find you would most like to take home?
There is an artisanal craftsman named Caleb Woodard in rural Tennessee who makes the most incredible pieces of timber furniture. We recently commissioned him to carve a bespoke fireplace mantel for a Sydney project. It will be the showstopper once installed.
Building or house you’d love to call home?
The Cotswolds is a very magical place, and there are many houses there I swoon over, and I am obsessed with Sunnylands, the Rancho Mirage, California, home of the Annenbergs with original interiors by William Haines.
Travel destination or hotel that’s top of your hit list?
The beautiful Georgian hotel outside Dublin called Ballyfin, and I am finally making it happen.
Personal style icon you wish you’d met?
I’ve been fortunate to meet my style icon through my ambassadorship for The King’s Trust Australia, the Prince of Wales, now King Charles III. There’s no one who inspires me more with his visions on the built world, sustainability and gardens.
Latest book on your reading pile?
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. Isn’t that a great title?
Where is your happy place?
I am so fortunate to spend time at my happy place on the South Coast of NSW most weekends. The property is amazing for its extraordinary boulders.
Latest tech obsession?
It has been fun to watch discussion about smart houses versus dumb houses – the backlash against AI and the highly automated “new build houses”. People lean one way or another.
This story is from the June issue of WISH.
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