Interview with Bria Hammel

Today we're sharing the interior design wisdom of Bria Hammel, of Bria Hammel Interiors. We reached out to Bria back in January and asked if she would be willing answer a couple questions from the likes us, major fans. She was immediately responsive and incredibly generous.

We are such major fans because Bria Hammel Interiors creates undeniably gorgeous designs. Just scroll through the portfolio and you will see bright, fresh spaces done right in so many different ways. She does use color, and we mean hot pink and bright yellow, but it's mostly white, neutral palettes that feel inherently clean and inviting. While traditional stylings are certainly her wheelhouse, she kills modern too. I mean, check out this mudroom from The Orono House project.

The wide plank walls, the light gray and white checkered floor. Just perfect.

And here's what she had to say (we did keep it brief because she's a busy lady):

Gray Oak Studio: Your aesthetic is so clean and bright. We absolutely love it. And, yet, you’re not afraid to use color! What tips or strategies do you have for people who want to use color or try out a new trend but are a little afraid or unsure?

Bria Hammel: We always tell our clients that are afraid of too much color to use it in places that aren’t as big of commitments. In the kitchen- if you are afraid to paint all your cabinets a fun color, take the risk on the backsplash. In the great room- afraid to commit to buying a bright colored sofa? Have fun with the chairs and pillows, or use color on your window treatments. I think it’s important for clients to push their style. We all sit and look at thousands of pictures on Instagram and Pinterest and the ones that always stand out are the spaces where people took risks! I’ve never had a client regret it.

Gray Oak Studio: Other than the kitchen, what do you think is the most important room for people to focus on in their home? What is an aspect in design that you think people should not skimp on? And then, when is going budget a no brainer?

Bria Hammel: I always want to finish the living room in a home. Between the kitchen and living
room, which these days are typically open to each other, it’s where people spend 90% of their time in the home while they are awake ;) Our goal is to always create a room that is not only beautiful but so comfortable too. We have to use materials that people can live in… the days of not touching the furniture are over! If we are working with a client on their home from the ground up, we push our clients to invest in their millwork and their lighting. Those 2 elements can elevate
the home to a new level! Typically we can be budget friendly in bathrooms and bedrooms. There are so many beautiful simple tiles, and sometimes just adjusting the pattern can still make a statement.

Speaking of millwork and lighting (from The Scheffer Avenue House project)...

It kinda hurts it's so pretty. Sigh.

Alright, that's all from Bria for today. Although, you can check out our post from last month about 2018 design trend predictions, which includes one of Bria's predictions (click here). And you can also get excited for more great interview fun with more great designers - next month we're sharing the wise words of Marie Flanigan!

- Leah, Michele & Sonia 

Pilgrim Project Dining Room Reveal - Part 2

We're back with the rest of the Pilgrim Project dining room (if you missed Part 1 when we covered the dining table and console table, click here). Today we're sharing the sitting area, a bench for even more seating and an updated hallway/room entrance. 

The Pilgrim Project dining room is nice and big, which gave us space to create separate areas of function (a term that doesn't roll off the tongue, but we use quite often...check out our Homestead Project for more). 

Before we review this awkward term, here's a "before" photo of the room. 

Okay, back to the "areas of functions". Here's a handy/sloppy little diagram to highlight the many sections we worked into this one room.

Let's start with the sitting area and one of the biggest and most favorite-est mirrors we've used to date.

The simple, elegant lines of this mirror are a great match for the simple, elegant lines of the chandelier.  The size of the mirror is also, of course, amazing for maximizing the natural light and making the room feel even larger.

The low profile of the armchairs are great for letting the light shine in! Have we (over) emphasized the importance of natural light in our designs?

While we stayed neutral with the armchair fabric, we made sure to add some pops of color with decor. The overall neutral palette makes the space calming, the layers of texture (we'll get there in a minute) make it cozy and and the pops of color add interest.

We added more seating by way of a bench because there was room and necessity. The timeless windsor style is ideal for the transitional vibe of this space and the classic bones of the home.

This sweet little hutch was previously owned by the client, we just found it a new home in this hallway. With a lamp, some simple decor and two large framed photos already owned by the client (and relocated by us), this space feels inviting, calm, and fresh. 

Now, let's cover just some of the texture we tucked into this one room. 

That was fun.

And that's a wrap for the Pilgrim Project....dining room. Did we mention we're currently working on the mudroom and office space for this home?! So, it's not goodbye, just see you soon. 

Here's our source list. Be sure to check out Part 1 of the reveal for sources related to the dining table and console table. Enjoy!

Rug

Armchairs

Green pillows (on armchairs)

Floor mirror

End table

Clear vase (on end table)

Clear lamp base (on hutch) 

White planter (for plant in metal frame house) 

Bench

Diamond pillow (on bench)

*This post contains affiliate links*

Michele's 2018 Design Goal

Recently, Leah and Sonia shared their design goals for 2018. This week, I'll be sharing one of the rooms from my home that I’ve been wanting to makeover for quite some time--the laundry room! Isn’t it funny how a room we use almost every day doing one of the most dreaded chores gets pushed aside to the bottom of our wishlist? This year, I'm finally taking control and making this a room that makes me want to do multiple loads of laundry and iron like nobody’s business!

While I'm thankful to have an actual room for our laundry near the kitchen, it is a room that guests walk by and see when they use our powder room right next to it. If we are having company over, I need to make sure there’s not a mound of laundry on the floor, undergarments drying on a rack, or shoes piling up from the garage entrance also off this room. Luckily, there's a pocket door for emergencies (smart thinking of the previous owners of our home).  However, the laundry room also has a window that gives off a lot of natural light into the otherwise dark hallway so closing the pocket door is not always ideal.

Along with the clutter, there is also a not-so-pretty wire shelving unit that is visible on the way to the powder room that is really not necessary since there are plenty of cabinets above and beside the washer/dryer on the opposite wall.  My goal is to replace the wire shelving unit with a long open counter top for folding clothes with a couple of rolling laundry carts underneath and some type of concealed shelving for extra shoes. A nice light fixture and a fresh coat of paint on the walls and cabinets would really transform this room and make it a place I look forward to using every day (and not embarrassed by from all the clutter when guests walk by).

Here are some inspirational laundry rooms that I could spend all day washing, folding, and ironing in...

SOURCE: twelve on main

I love the turned legs and butcher block countertop along with some simple white subway tile to go along with the rest of the farmhouse style in my home.

Source: Studio McGee

What’s better than white shiplap to add some texture to an accent wall? I love the gray tiled floor in this pattern in this room too!

source: Bre purposed

I am thinking of painting the existing white cabinets a beautiful shade of navy or gray to add some contrast and interest to my mostly neutral home. Love how darker paint colors can make such a statement against so much white!

Hope to have some updates for you later in 2018!        

-Michele