When money can literally buy you anything; what do those with big interior design budgets really wish for in a home?
New York-born and Sydney-based award-winning interior designer Thomas Hamel specialises in redesigning the homes of wealthy Australians – bringing a calm elegance to their waterfront properties in Sydney, recreational ski-lodges and luxurious penthouse suites in Melbourne.
His client list includes Hollywood actor Russell Crowe to former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the Packer family to name a few, where he chimes an international luxury that feels right at home for these avid travellers.
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A private 10-pin bowling alley requested by a client. Picture: Supplied
According to Mr Hamel, it all comes down to a bespoke wow moment– and it’s his job to fine-tune what it is that makes each of these luxury homes different.
From built-in wellness retreats to custom furniture designed with purpose and intent, he’s is all about making these A-list homes an unforgettable experience the moment his clients walk in the front door.
From Point Piper in Sydney to Brighton in Melbourne, he dials up quiet luxury with some unusual requests.
“We’ve been fortunate to design homes for clients with exceptional vision and imagination, allowing us to incorporate some wonderfully unexpected and bespoke features,” Mr Hamel told realestate.com.au.
This British-style pub was fully built into a private residence in Singapore. Picture: Supplied
Ultra-personalisation is a trend he’s seeing more of when it comes to client demands.
“These personal spaces reflect a growing trend and desire for their homes to not only reflect their taste, but to actively support how they live, entertain, unwind and even play,” Mr Hamel said.
“The more unusual the request, the more we enjoy the challenge,” he said.
Hamel talks us through five key design wow moments.
1. Indoor Pub – The Earl’s Sedan
A British-style pub, fully built into a private residence in Singapore.
An electric fireplace emulates the warmth of a traditional pub. Picture: Supplied
Rich timber joinery, leather upholstery and an electric fireplace were used to emulate the warmth of a traditional pub — made trickier by Singapore’s lack of gas fire systems.
2. Bowling Alley and Games Room
With a love of entertaining in a multi-generational home, the client asked for a private 10-pin bowling alley.
An entertainer’s dream: The private 10-pin bowling alley connects to a bar, cinema and pool table zone. Picture: Supplied
The alley forms the heart of a larger entertainment zone, seamlessly connected to a bespoke bar, cinema area, and a pool table nook, creating the ultimate destination for family fun and weekend entertaining, all without stepping outside.
3. Dressing Room Meets Hair Salon and Private Bar
For one particularly fashion-forward and stylish client, a dressing suite was created that’s equal parts boutique, salon, and retreat.
No bad hair days here. Picture: Supplied
Custom cabinetry houses everything from couture gowns to a concealed bar cart, while a dedicated salon area makes daily grooming feel utterly indulgent.
4. Private Wellness Centre with Himalayan Salt Wall
Wellness has become a central pillar of luxury living. One client wanted a full-service retreat within their residence including a yoga studio, steam room, and a pink Himalayan salt wall, which adds both atmospheric light and health benefits.
A full-service wellness retreat from the comfort of home. Picture: Supplied
The design evokes serenity through natural textures, ambient lighting, and seamless flow.
5. Korean BBQ Table with Sunken Seating
Inspired by the client’s favourite restaurant in Korea was this custom-built marble Korean BBQ table with integrated grills and recessed floor seating.
A custom designed and built Korean BBQ table requested by a client. Picture: Supplied
The family wanted to recreate the communal, lively feel of dining out, yet in the comfort of their own home. It’s now the heart of their weekend entertaining.
The art of curation
Arriving in Australia in the early ‘90s as a 20-something interior designer, Mr Hamel saw an opportunity to start his business in Sydney; the industry a vastly different landscape to what it is today.
“When I first arrived in Australia, there was a limited supply of product and options for clients who were redesigning their homes,” he said.
Thomas Hamel is the director of interior design firm Thomas Hamel & Associates.
“I always showed my clients what was happening in the world and what was important when it came to design, and then we’d look at the cost if importing and shipping items from overseas because that was how we did it all back then,” he said.
“Back in the 90s, it was much more difficult to get international products, fabric and lighting, but that has changed dramatically. The world has become more global, and that makes my job more difficult to come up with things people haven’t seen before,” he added.
Mr Hamel says designing homes for the rich and famous comes down to the art of curation. He looks for antiques, unique sculptures and works with emerging artisans for a point of difference. He is known to take some of his clients to Palm Springs where art consignment stores are located – and many collections that once belonged to wealthy retired Americans end up a reasonable purchase.
“Consignment shops become a place of discovery; it’s where I like to take my top Melbourne and Sydney to clients to find pieces for their home,” said Mr Hamel.
A Himalayan pink salt wall forms part of a full-service wellness retreat. Picture: Supplied
Mr Hamel also scopes stores like Kazari in Melbourne and Orient House in Sydney for antiques that come from Japan, India, Bali and South Africa.
“I am known for a calm edited look and have never been too gimmicky,” says Hamel.
“It’s fun to have a zing moment in the home, but you want everything to be harmonious. Everything needs calmness and to successfully achieve this, it comes down to layering everything within and to make sure what is on display tells a story.”
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