Lusso Magazine - Issue 1 - 2021

STO N E - D E C O - P I E T R A

Lusso Zurra Bathroom Collection

WELCOME

WELCOME Welcome to the first Lusso magazine, which features some incredible living spaces - from Yorkshire to New York - furnished with our expertly crafted Lusso baths, basins and brassware. This issue also showcases pieces from our most recent Lusso Stone range, as well as our newly launched Pietra and Deco collections, which each have their own distinctive style and qualities while remaining true to our signature aesthetic.

When I first created Lusso back in 2014, I had a very clear vision of what I wanted it to offer and I’m proud to say that while our brand has grown tremendously since then, it remains focused on that original intention - to provide attainable luxury with an uncompromising commitment to high quality craftsmanship and design.

WAYNE SPRIGGS LUSSO FOUNDER & CEO

I hope you enjoy this magazine and find its content both inspirational and informative, and as always, if you’d like further details on any of our collections, the Lusso team is on hand to help and availble at +44(0)2033 704 057, and you can also view all our collections at www.lussostone.com

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CONTENTS

WHAT’S

INSIDE 06 14 24 46 70

THE LUSSO STORY How a 2014 startup became synonymous with quality, craftsmanship, and modern elegance

DESIGN EVOLUTION The development of bathroom design from Roman bathhouses to avocado colour schemes

WHAT WE DO Explore what goes into Lusso’s unique bathroom spaces

PEOPLE Meet the team behind Lusso

CUSTOMER PROJECTS Take a look at three stunning home projects carried out using Lusso products

54 PIETRA Our new collection celebrating

For Lusso - Lee Dobson (photography - Instagram @leedobsonphoto) Sarah Louise Taylor (editorial)

Produced by

the unrivalled opulence and

publishing

enduring quality

Offstone Publishing, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL,

of marble

tel 01661 844 115, www.offstonepublishing.co.uk ©Offstone Publishing 2021. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is correct at the time of going to press.

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CONTENTS

66 ONE CHARTER STREET The new jewel in Canary Wharf’s crown

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DECO Introducing our new collection

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THE BEACHFRONT COLLECTION Our work with the luxury resort in St Lucia

THE LUSSO STORY

Lusso Picasso Matte White Freestanding Bath 1780

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THE LUSSO STORY

A NEW KIND OF

LUXURY Lusso is a leading lifestyle brand providing luxury baths, basins and brassware to beautiful homes and aspirational hotels across the world.

Since the company was founded in 2014, we’ve become synonymous with exceptional quality, flawless craftsmanship, and our signature style of modern elegance

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THE LUSSO STORY

everything we do, from initial product design and material selection, right through to the finishing touches on our collections.

The result is our minimalist signature style - a refined and timeless aesthetic of strong, simple shapes in muted tones, accented with brushed gold, polished chrome, gunmetal and matte black.

Although we’re proud industry partners of the British Institute of Interior Design and the American Society of Interior Designers, our pieces are more than just form - we consider longevity, sustainability, ingenuity, and of course, functionality. We’ve become renowned for using natural, tactile materials that offer intrinsic durability such as smooth Lusso Opulence Reeded Glass Brushed Gold Shower Screen available in sizes from 600-1200mm

L

stone, polished marble, and sustainable ike many successful brands, ideas

wood, as well as solid brass fixtures, to

and innovations, Lusso was born out

ensure Lusso collections are enjoyed for

of necessity. Our founder and CEO,

many years to come. Every bath and basin

Wayne Spriggs, was inspired to

we produce comes with a lifetime promise,

set up the company when as a high-end

and we offer a 15-year guarantee on

property developer, he was unable to find

all brassware.

luxury bathrooms that didn’t come with an astronomical price tag. An entrepreneur

As well as designing and creating

at heart, Wayne filled the gap by creating

incredible collections, we’re committed to

Lusso - which designs, produces and retails

providing an unrivalled level of service,

its own competitive collections without

which is why we’re trusted by homeowners,

compromising on quality.

interior designers, architects and property developers from around the globe, and

We believe that luxury design isn’t

found in leading destinations such as

about ostentation, instead we focus on

Claridge’s in London, Sugar Beach Resort

finding ways to elevate experiences into

in St Lucia, and the Equinox Hotel in New

something unique and memorable. Our

York. Across every touchpoint, we aim to

commitment to that ethos threads through

deliver the ultimate, luxury experience.

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THE LUSSO STORY

Lusso Lanosa Matte White Wall Hung Double Basin 1200

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THE LUSSO STORY

BRAND HIGHLIGHTS Since our founding in 2014, Lusso has grown rapidly to become a leading light in the luxury bathroom world.

Today, Lusso encompasses three collections - Stone, Deco and Pietra - with an ever-expanding team of experts working on projects around the globe

2014 Milano Stone was founded in the UK by property developer and entrepreneur

2015

Wayne Spriggs to offer luxury, affordable bathroom collections Launched the first Milano Stone collection of stone resin baths and basins

Trading name and brand is changed to Lusso Stone The company secured its first commercial office First significant commercial five-star hotel project won - Claridge’s (Connaught Group)

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THE LUSSO STORY

2017

2016

Supplied baths to some of the world’s leading luxury hotels including Viceroy Hotel, Sugar

The Company relocated to a larger warehouse

Beach Resort in St Lucia, the Galle Face Hotel and

facility having outgrown its previous one

Ulagalla Resort in Sri Lanka, and Hotel des Deux Domaines in the French Alps

Lusso won its first UK luxury resort, Finn Lough in Northern Ireland

2019

2018

Placed sixth on The Sunday Times WorldFirst SME Export Track league table - which ranks small and medium-sized private companies in Britain with the fastest-growing international sales - with 238% year-on-year growth

Ranked 18th in The Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 as one of the fastest-growing

Ranked 27th in The Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic

UK companies

Fast Track 100 Following exponential growth, Clipper Logistics is appointed as third-party logistics partner

2020

2021

Ranked 56th in The Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100

Launched sister collection Pietra, which exclusively offers baths, basins and homewares in marble Announced the purchase of Lusso HQ - a 12,000sqft development over three floors offering the ultimate working environment for the Lusso teams Launched sister collection Deco, which specialises

IN LESS THAN A DECADE, LUSSO HAS GROWN FROM STARTUP TO AN INTERNATIONALLY RESPECTED BUSINESS WITH PROJECTS ONGOING AROUND THE WORLD

in bathroom collections inspired by 1920s and 1930s design Ranked 23rd in The Sunday Times Profit Track 100 Expanded further into the US with the addition of a dedicated US fascia 11

SUSTAINABILIT Y

REDEFINING

SUSTAINABLE LUXURY

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SUSTAINABILIT Y

At Lusso, we believe that every enterprise and individual is collectively accountable for the protection of our planet. Ecological responsibility is an integral part of our business, and we’re committed to adopting progressive measures to minimise our carbon footprint and help conserve our environment for future generations

T

he exceptional quality,

materials. We avoid plastics wherever

craftsmanship and timeless

possible, and our packaging procedures

aesthetic of our collections

have been designed to reduce waste

are testament to our belief that

through the use of minimal materials.

beautiful items should be built to last. We don’t produce short-lived items destined for

As well as ensuring our working spaces are

landfill - we intentionally use materials with

as comfortable as possible for our teams,

intrinsic durability, and we offer a 15-year

we’ve implemented a number of measures

guarantee on our brassware and a lifetime

and policies to reduce our carbon footprint

promise on our stone and marble baths

within our operational environments. Our

and basins.

offices are free from single-use plastics and furnished with energy and water

We predominantly use natural materials

efficient assets and appliances. We use

in our collections. Our baths and basins

sustainable alternatives for consumables

are made from stone and marble, which

wherever possible, and we have in-office

we ethically source from suppliers that

recycling facilities.

are committed to the sustainable use of At our headquarters we’ve also installed

quarry resources.

charge points for electric vehicles, providing To support the environmentally appropriate

free power for everyone, and supporting

and socially beneficial management of

the reduction of carbon emissions.

the world’s forests, the wood used in our products is FSC-certified, which means

We understand that sustainability isn’t

it’s responsibly harvested. We also avoid

a single target or achievement, it’s a

the use of toxic chemicals or glazes in our

continual journey of incremental change.

production processes.

In addition to the measures highlighted here, we regularly review and improve

The protective packaging we use to ensure

our production processes - from design

that your items are safe and secure during

and development to customer aftercare, to

transit is made from a combination of

ensure we’re doing everything we can for a

renewable, biodegradable and recycled

brighter, greener future.

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DESIGN EVOLUTION

EVOLUTION OF THE BATHROOM

Lusso Deco Bathroom Collection

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DESIGN EVOLUTION

Although often taken for granted, the bathrooms we’re familiar with today are the result of incredible engineering and innovation from across the globe, and took thousands of years to develop. Here, we take a brief journey through the history of the bathroom, and highlight some of the most important moments in bathroom design

ANCIENT ORIGINS The earliest known bath is over 4,600 years

which led to the invention and modernisation

old, and was found in Pakistan as part of

of many of the key requirements of the

a 1920s archaeological excavation, while

modern bathroom, including updated water

bathing played a major part in ancient

systems and plumbing, indoor taps, showers,

Roman culture and society. It was one of

flushing toilets and gas boilers. Although

the most common daily activities in Roman

we take hot water for granted today - and

culture and was practiced across a wide

even have freshly filtered boiling water in

variety of social classes. Today, elements of

our homes thanks to innovations like the

Roman bathhouses remain, including the sites

Lusso Filtrata 4 in 1 tap - these inventions

in Bath, Somerset, which were built around

were crucial milestones in the modern

natural springs soon after the Romans arrived

bathroom story.

in Britain.

While most new houses were now being built Bathrooms as we know them today

with bathrooms as standard, even as late as

weren’t established until the Victorian era.

the 1950s many families in the UK still used

The Industrial Revolution introduced new

public baths or tin baths in front of the kitchen

manufacturing processes and sparked an era

fire. In the following decade, this was all set

of ingenuity during Queen Victoria’s reign,

to change.

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Bath. Somerset, a well-being destination since Roman times thanks to its stunning bathhouses and natural hot springs

DESIGN EVOLUTION

DESIGN EXTRAVAGANCE By the 1960s, many people had more disposable income than ever before, which kick-started a cultural revolution focused on modernity, hedonism and raised living standards. Homes were given vibrant makeovers, and bathrooms became opportunities to showcase affluence and imagination. Intense colours and striking patterns inspired by pop art and op art - two emerging art movements of the time - featured on walls, floors and fixtures, coupled with shag-pile carpets and plastic moulded cabinets.

Jacuzzis and sunken baths also became incredibly fashionable.

Bold colours and geometric prints were still prevalent in the 1970s, but usually in more muted tones. Wall to wall carpeting or patterned linoleum was fairly common in bathrooms, and coloured plastic bathroom suites remained popular in shades of baby pink, baby blue, harvest gold and the now notorious avocado green. This continued into the 1980s, along with a brief Victorian revival with oversized bathroom cabinets, etched glass, and an explosion of chintz, and although electric showers had been available to the wider public since the 1960s, they were now embraced by the masses.

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DESIGN EVOLUTION

UNDERSTATED LUXURY Lusso Picasso Bathroom Collection : Picasso Stone Resin Freestanding Bath 1650 / Luxor Bathroom Vanity Basin Storage Cabinet / Picasso Stone Resin Counter Top Basin 580 / Luxe Matte Black Wall Mounted Basin Mixer Tap / Wall Mounted Bath Mixer Tap Matte Black / Luxe Mirror With Slimline Matte Black Metal Frame 800 / Senza Wall Hung Rimless Toilet With Matte Black Flush Plate

The 1990s heralded a new era of neutral

brushed metallics are all used to create

with beige walls, blond wood and almond

comfortable, indulgent sanctuaries finished

rose bathroom suites. Although there were

with carefully curated accessories and

still some questionable decorative techniques

botanical elements. We now also have

in heavy use across British bathrooms at the

instant access to endless sources of interior

time - including rag rolling and stencilling

inspiration, encouraging individual styles and

- in general, a clean Scandi-style was

self-expression mixed with global influences

increasingly popular and this eventually

and subtle nods to heritage styles.

evolved into more minimal interiors over the last three decades.

As well as a greater focus on design, quality and craftsmanship, technology is

Today, many contemporary bathrooms aspire

increasingly important too. Waterproof

to emulate the understated luxury found in

media systems, auto-demisting mirrors,

five-star hotels, and are often regarded as

heated toilet seats, no-touch lighting, and

private home spas - a far cry from the hustle

intelligent bidets, such as Lusso’s Intellismart

and bustle of bathhouses. Freestanding

Toilet Bidet, are just some of the ways

soaking tubs such as the coveted Lusso Stone

bathrooms are becoming smarter, creating

Picasso model, waterfall and power showers,

the ultimate spaces for rejuvenation and

integrated lighting, natural materials, and

relaxation we enjoy today.

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CASE STUDY

Lusso Thinn Matte White Wall Double Basin 1200 Lusso Momo Matte White Freestanding Bath 1800

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CASE STUDY

A LUXURIOUS ROOFTOP RETREAT IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

One of the world’s most beautiful cities, Edinburgh offers spectacular views from its high vantage points. Properties that offer these spectacular views are eagerly sought after, and with views spanning an entire cityscape, one property in particular provides a gateway to the best views of this remarkable city

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CASE STUDY

Lusso Moritz Matte White Freestanding Bath 1800 Lusso Floorstanding Matte Black Bath Shower Mixer Tap

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CASE STUDY

T

he classic Georgian townhouse residences of Abercromby Place are already at the top of Edinburgh’s price range, but

hidden behind number 12 is something more extraordinary, described by many as the best roof terrace in New Town.

Set out over four floors and topped by a large private roof terrace, 12 Abercromby Place occupies the main part of a grand Georgian townhouse. It has magnificent proportions and many striking period features, including cornice work, an exceptional cupola and an elegant staircase.

The house has been redeveloped to combine stunning contemporary interior design with classic Georgian architectural features. A large open plan kitchen/dining room and a separate reception room on the ground floor provide incredible living space. A full-width drawing room occupies the front of the first floor. As well as these traditional public rooms, a cleverly designed, large informal entertaining space on the top floor connects directly to the roof terrace - creating a unique entertaining space that truly offers the wow factor.

On the first floor is an impressive master bedroom suite with a grand bedroom and en suite bathroom, all featuring bathroom fixtures and stone baths and basins supplied by Lusso.

There are four further double bedrooms and three bathrooms.

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CASE STUDY

12 Abercromby Place was developed by

“We were looking for a property that

Atom Group, a bespoke prime property

would make a great family home, but also

developer based in Edinburgh. Atom’s

something we could add value to as well,”

focus is on prime development of period

says Mark McMeekin, Director of Atom

and new-build properties. In addition

Group Ltd, explaining why he and his wife

to their own projects, on a select basis,

were drawn to 12 Abercromby Place back

Atom Group offers a full design and build

in 2016.

service to clients. Atom Group has evolved into a successful family business having

Original Georgian architecture aside, the

developed and managed rental portfolios

couple could see the potential from the

across Edinburgh and central Scotland

ongoing commercial investment in and

since 1997 with more than 25 successfully

around nearby St Andrew Square and

completed projects.

the East End, making this townhouse an 22

CASE STUDY

A SPACE THAT REFLECTS BOTH ITS ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE AND ITS POTENTIAL AS A 21ST CENTURY LIVING SPACE

incredibly attractive long-term investment.

Mark acknowledges that working with a property of this age and calibre brings responsibility: “We wanted to make sure that we came up with something that had design integrity while also maximising the space.”

Three years after the purchase of 12 Abercromby Place, the property maintains its exceptional period details, however, the imposing staircase and its dramatic cupola and the tall astragal windows have been offset by elegant contemporary design.

After a year in the planning process, Atom Group managed to refurbish and transform this immaculate property into a space that would reflect both its architectural heritage and its potential as a 21st Century living space.

Lusso Novo Polished White Countertop Basin 450

atomgrpltd.com 23

WHAT WE DO

WHAT WE DO Explore what goes into Lusso’s unique bathroom spaces

LUSSO BESPOKE Renowned for designing and creating

project that involves a number of

bespoke, luxury bathroom spaces, our

customised items, our team will work to

talented designers can offer a truly

your needs to fully understand and deliver

unique service designed to your exact

the project on budget and on time.

specifications. Whether you’re looking to develop your own ideas or undertake

For commercial projects, our team will

a modification to an existing bathroom

design products from scratch, taking them

product, our team will work with you every

from concept to completion and guiding

step of the way to bring dazzling designs

you through all possibilities to ensure

to life.

accurate costings and lead times.

Lusso has worked on complete hotel

Our designers embrace the challenge of

refurbishments such as the Trocadero

creating a unique design that is tailored

Hotel in London, Sugar Beach Resort in

to individual needs and specifications,

St Lucia and a multitude of other projects

ensuring you get a real feel for what our

around the world. Our bespoke service

business specialises in. With privately

has also been used to create specific items

owned Lusso factories, products are

for the refurbishments of prestigious hotels

manufactured from raw materials, so our

including The Connaught and Claridge’s,

team can often work with you to customise

part of the famous Maybourne Group.

products to fit your specific requirements.

Whether the unique bespoke service

Our main aim is to set the standard for what

is needed for a project that requires

living should be. When only bespoke will

something extra special, or a commercial

do, make sure you speak to the experts.

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WHAT WE DO

Mark Pearson from MP Bespoke with Bobby

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WHAT WE DO

LUSSO MATERIALS Utilising a unique blend of pure white limestone infused with high-performance resin, our products are all hand-finished by experienced, passionate craftsmen.

Our team strives to create the ultimate bathroom experience, combining modern luxury with elegant design in a selection of finishes. Quality lies at the heart of everything they do, with a lifetime guarantee on all our products.

The naturally formed, quarried limestone used is carefully selected and cleaned for purity before it is ground into a fine powder. Next, the powder is skillfully mixed with clear resin to create a radiant finish that

E Lusso Audemar Black & Porcelain Freestanding Vanity Unit 1600

looks naturally white without the synthetic, bleached look of acrylic.

As a renewable material, almost any damage to the stone surface can be fixed easily to a like-new condition. It is also non-porous, preventing the build-up of any bacteria in areas where it matters most.

Every Lusso product is hand-finished to offer a perfectly smooth surface that is elegant on the eye and a pleasure to touch. The natural stone gives each finished piece unique warmth and a beautiful, tactile feel. The addition of our premium-grade resin creates a bond with unbeatable strength and discernible durability.

Our signature formula and striking designs combine to create a luxurious feel with an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The natural appeal of the stone resin conveys an air of tranquillity, exceptional comfort and enviable elegance, which is why our products have been carefully chosen by some of the UK’s leading four and five-star luxury hotels, as well as beautiful resorts across the world.

A bathroom should be a place of effortless comfort and relaxation, creating an atmosphere that soothes the soul and invigorates the senses. Browse our full range and explore some of our recent projects within these pages.

E Lusso 3 Bar Towel Rail Matte Black

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WHAT WE DO

E Lusso Audemar Black & Porcelain Freestanding Vanity Unit 1600

E Lusso Monobloc Basin Mixer Tap Matte Black

E Lusso Designo Matte White Freestanding Bath 1780

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LUXURY MOTORING

RECALLING A FORGOTTEN HERO Rolls-Royce’s Landspeed Collection celebrates the land-speed records set by British engineer Captain George Eyston in Thunderbolt, powered by two Rolls-Royce R V12 aero engines. Limited to just 35 examples of the Wraith Black Badge and 25 of the Dawn Black Badge, the cars celebrate Eyston’s contribution to motoring and echoes the location of his greatest achievements

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LUXURY MOTORING

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LUXURY MOTORING

R

olls-Royce has been associated

Captain George Eyston and his

with world speed records on both

extraordinary car, Thunderbolt.

land and water for more than a century. While the exploits of Sir

Born in 1897, Eyston was fascinated with

Malcolm Campbell are well documented,

motorsport from childhood. His degree in

another British hero who set three land-

engineering at Trinity College, Cambridge

speed records using Rolls-Royce engines

was interrupted by the Great War, in which

has been largely overlooked.

he served with distinction, rising to the rank of captain and winning the Military Cross.

After more than 80 years, Rolls-Royce

He spent the 1920s and 30s developing

recalls this hero’s inspiring exploits

and driving racing cars. In 1935, he was

with the new Wraith and Dawn Black

among the first British racers to travel to

Badge Landspeed Collection retelling

the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, where he

the remarkable story of the redoubtable

set new 24-hour and 48-hour endurance

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THUNDERBOLT WAS POWERED BY A PAIR OF ROLLS-ROYCE R SUPERCHARGED 37-LITRE, V-12 AERO ENGINES, EACH PRODUCING WELL OVER 2,000 HORSEPOWER

LUXURY MOTORING

THE STARLIGHT HEADLINER PERFECTLY RECREATES THE HEAVENS AS THEY APPEARED OVER THE FLATS ON SEPTEMBER 16, 1938 - THE DATE ON WHICH EYSTON AND THUNDERBOLT SET THEIR FINAL RECORD The Collection Car duo is presented in a specially created two-tone finish, which marries Black Diamond Metallic with a new bespoke colour, Bonneville Blue.

The tiny fissures of the Flats are perfectly reproduced, digitally retraced from the surface itself, in the wooden veneer of fascia and console lids. The interior references continue with Thunderbolt’s unique silhouette, and the records it achieved, depicted on the polished, anodised aluminium surface of the Landspeed Collection’s front tunnel. Dawn Landspeed additionally celebrates George Eyston’s vision with the outline of the Silver Island mountains, which dominate the Bonneville horizon, engraved on the upper ‘waterfall’ between the rear seats.

Eyston’s third and final land-speed record of 357.497mph stood for 341 Eyston’s third and final land-speed record of 357.497mph stood for 341 days and is commemorated in the new Collection Cars - engraved into the housing of the dashboard clock

speed records. In 1937, he returned to the

days. In the new Collection Cars, the

Flats to set three world land-speed records

feat is commemorated - engraved into

with Thunderbolt, which was powered by a

the housing of the dashboard clock

pair of Rolls-Royce R supercharged 37-litre,

alongside Bonneville. In Wraith Landspeed,

V-12 aero engines, each producing well

the Starlight Headliner perfectly recreates

over 2,000 horsepower.

the heavens as they appeared over the Flats on September 16, 1938, the date on

Today, Rolls-Royce’s Landspeed Collection

which Eyston and Thunderbolt set their final

draws inspiration from George Eyston’s

record. The constellations are precisely

remarkable life and record-breaking feats.

marked using 2,117 individually placed

Both cars in the collection bear strong

fibre-optic ‘stars’, the largest number of stars

aesthetic links to the unique, otherworldly

in a Rolls-Royce Wraith Starlight Headliner

landscape of the Bonneville Salt Flats

ever featured.

where Thunderbolt made him, albeit briefly, the fastest man on Earth.

To find out more about Rolls-Royce contact Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Leeds tel +441133 890 700

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DESIGNER Q&A

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DESIGNER Q&A

SÆBJÖRG GUÐJÓNSDÓTTIR Sæbjörg Guðjónsdóttir - AKA Sæja - is an Icelandic interior designer with an international reputation. Since graduating the KLC School of Design and University of Brighton, and receiving the John Cullen Lighting Design Award in 2011, she has worked independently for homeowners and businesses, including architectural firm The Manser Practice in London. She has also been involved in the design of shops, restaurants and hotels, and participated in competitions in collaboration with designers and architects at home and abroad

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DESIGNER Q&A

I TRY TO SOURCE OUTSIDE OF MY COUNTRY AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AS THE RANGE OF PRODUCTS CAN BE LIMITED. WHEN I FOUND LUSSO ONLINE, I WAS HAPPY TO SEE ALL THE DIFFERENT COLOURS AVAILABLE, DIFFERENT TYPES OF TUBS AND THE PRICES WERE COMPETITIVE

Q. Who and what are your greatest sources of inspiration?

It’s a cliché, but coming from Iceland, it’s hard not to be inspired by the nature. Icelandic nature is so powerful and full of contrast, yet elegant and fragile at the same time.

Q. What are the key trends for bathrooms right now?

E Lusso Basin Mixer Tap Matte Black

Tranquillity and spa like bathrooms. Living in this time, you want to feel at ease in your own home.

Q. What’s one of the most difficult design lessons

Natural materials, great lighting and a large bath

you’ve learned?

play a big part now. It’s not really a trend, it’s

It would probably be planning. Usually everything

something we need to relax from our hectic lives.

takes more time than you thought, but I’ve been in this business for more than 10 years now and

Q. What would be the one thing you’d always

nothing really surprises me anymore.

avoid adding to a bathroom?

For me it’s the toilet. Obviously, we need it, but I

Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to

always try to place it somewhere so it’s the last

people renovating their own homes?

thing you’ll see - whether it’s behind a niche wall or

Planning is crucial. The best thing is to get someone

in a separate room from the main bathing area.

to project manage for you. If you cannot do that, make a schedule for everything, get quotes, line up

Q. Tell us why you’ve chosen to use Lusso pieces

trades and order everything ahead.

in some of your projects?

Since my projects are mainly in Iceland, I try to

Q. What would your ultimate interior design

source outside of my country as much as possible

project be?

as the range of products can be limited. When

I’ve never done a hotel by myself, so a small

I found Lusso online, I was happy to see all the

boutique hotel would be a nice experience to add

different colours available, different types of tubs

to my résumé.

and the prices were competitive. Also, you ship to Iceland rather quickly. The products are quite

Website - sid.is

minimal, which fits my aesthetic.

Instagram @saeja_innanhusshonnudur 36

DESIGNER Q&A

Lusso Vertina Black Freestanding Bath 1700

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DESIGNER Q&A

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DESIGNER Q&A

HALA AL-ASHMAWI Hala Al-Ashmawi is a Saudi Arabian interior designer with close ties to Europe. Hala studied at the London Institute of Interior Design and today she works with clients around the world, including her latest project in southern Spain

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DESIGNER Q&A

I’M DEEPLY INSPIRED BY PABLO PICASSO; HIS ART AND STYLE HAVE HAD A DEEP IMPACT ON ME. AS COLOURFUL AND BRIGHT AS HIS WORK IS, HIS LINES ARE VERY PURE. MY AESTHETICS ARE THE SAME, I START WITH SIMPLE AND ELEGANT SHAPES, THEN ADD ALL THE COLOUR I NEED

Q. Who and what are your greatest sources of inspiration?

I have always had a fascination with interior design, From a young age, I would notice how homes reflect their owners’ personalities. I love to walk into a home and get a sense of the emotions and personal space. Also, seeing people’s reactions to their new spaces is priceless. I’m deeply inspired by Pablo Picasso; his art and style

E Pietra Fiori Carrara Marble Freestanding Basin 560

have had a deep impact on me. As colourful and bright as his work is, his lines are very pure. My aesthetics are the same, I start with simple and elegant shapes, then add all the colour I need.

Q. What are the key trends for bathrooms right now?

What I see trending right now is the return of the bath. People love the fast convenience of a shower, but in the past year and a half I have noticed people asking for bathtubs so they can take time out and relax. It’s becoming more important to create time for pampering.

Q. Tell us why you’ve chosen to use Lusso pieces in some of your projects?

I have chosen Lusso pieces for their timeless design, beauty and quality. There are pieces to suit any project and any style you can imagine, all using the highest quality materials.

Q. What’s one of the most difficult design lessons that you’ve learned?

The most challenging aspect I have faced is trying to obtain luxury with sustainability, which a lot of people are looking for these days.

E Lusso Rose Gold Basin Mixer Tap

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DESIGNER Q&A

E Lusso Pod Matte White Freestanding Bath 1800

Q. What would your ultimate interior design

Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to people renovating their own homes?

project be?

The best advice I can give is to work at your own

I am lucky enough to be working on my dream

pace. You don’t need to do major work to achieve

project right now, but it would be amazing to work

a big impact, simple things like changing paint

on a circular house. I think round spaces really

colours and lighting, adding a new window or

challenge the imagination.

changing your bath or sink can create a major Instagram @halainteriors & @halooolita

wow factor.

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CLIENT PROFILE

OCTAGON HOMES Luxury homes with real ‘wow factor’

O

ctagon, the privately-

buyers’ precise requirements under their

owned pioneer of luxury

Bespoke division.

housebuilding, was founded over 40 years ago with one

All Octagon properties are individually

simple but controversial idea: to build very

designed by their talented in-house team,

few, but rather superior family homes with

incorporating interior and exterior design

gasp-inducing interiors. The concept paid

features, which distinguish each house with

off, and the company continues to deliver

a unique character, while still retaining

the ultimate in build perfection.

the unmistakable Octagon style. Their combination of classic exterior architecture,

Focusing on prime residential areas of

lavish landscaping and wow-factor interiors

Greater London and the adjoining Home

along with the latest technology has

Counties, the company’s current collection

earned the Surrey-based niche specialist

of homes range from £2.25m to £15m for

a formidable number of high profile

one of their ‘super mansions’, often built to

industry awards.

42

CLIENT PROFILE

43

CLIENT PROFILE

FOCUSING ON PRIME RESIDENTIAL AREAS OF GREATER LONDON AND THE ADJOINING HOME COUNTIES, THE COMPANY’S CURRENT COLLECTION OF HOMES RANGE FROM £2.25M, RISING TO £15M FOR ONE OF THEIR SUPER MANSIONS With commissions trebling in the past 12 months, Octagon’s Bespoke division is unique, offering clients support from the very first steps of finding a plot of land and obtaining local planning permissions, sometimes demolishing a current property and replacing it with a brand new home, to design and specification - and everything in between.

They are also able to facilitate extensive renovations or extensions. A recent commission includes the restoration and conversion of a Grade II-listed Jacobean manor house in Wimbledon Village, and the renovation of a beautiful five-storey townhouse with white stucco exterior in Knightsbridge.

The possibilities are endless, and the highly skilled team approaches every potential project as a brand new challenge. Equally important as the design and build, the Octagon experience doesn’t end once the keys are handed over; their dedicated aftersales team make sure owners feel settled and confident in their new Octagon home. Taking new owners on a personal walk around and showcasing how everything works - from inbuilt technology systems controlling lighting and music to electronic gates, underfloor heating and kitchen appliances.

Armed with a black book of trusted suppliers and local service providers, from dog walkers and cleaners to nurseries and interior designers, the Octagon team are known for their trustworthy connections and expert local area knowledge.

Octagon is the builders’ builder; their role model, quality spirit level, and is recognised as a significant contributor to elevating British housing standards. octagon.co.uk 44

CLIENT PROFILE

45

MEET THE TEAM

Q. What qualities, skills and experience do you bring to the team?

Passion and determination are essential qualities for an entrepreneur - it’s vital that you have the tenacity, drive and vision to push forward your brand. I have a sharp eye for design and detail, as well as a keen interest in product development and a wealth of experience in property renovation, which led to me setting up the business back in 2014. I’m a self-confessed workaholic, so I put in long hours to ensure we’re always offering the absolute best to our clients, but a lot of what we’ve achieved so far is down to the incredible team that surrounds me.

Q. What does luxury mean to you?

Everyone has a definition of luxury that’s personal to them, but I think the unifying constant is outstanding quality - it underpins every luxury experience, whether it’s enjoying an amazing meal in a beautiful setting,

WAYNE SPRIGGS

appreciating the artistry of a beautifully crafted

Founder & CEO

watch, or relaxing in a spa-grade bathroom finished to the highest standard.

Q. What does your role entail?

I play a vital role in the day-to-day operations

Q. What makes you proud to be part of the

of the company, maintaining our UK operations

Lusso brand?

while working to spearhead our expansion

Everything we’ve achieved as a team is

into the US. I’m always looking at ways we can

important to me, and I believe that we’re

innovate, improve and bring something new to

building a brand that will have a lasting legacy

the market.

for many years to come. What I’m most proud of is that we’ve been able to grow without

I’ve had a very clear vision of what I’d like

ever compromising on the quality, design and

Lusso to achieve from day one, so I enjoy

craftsmanship of our products and service, and

working on bigger picture projects that help

that’s something we’ll remain committed to as

to make that strategy become a reality.

we continue to expand.

46

MEET THE TEAM

MIKE MANDERS Managing Director

Q. What does your role entail?

As Managing Director I oversee the running of the day-to-day business, working closely with our senior managers to set goals, inspire the teams, and provide direction and leadership to ensure we maintain a consistent trajectory of growth. I also work alongside Wayne, Lusso’s CEO, to develop and implement new strategies, and execute our longer-term plans.

Q. What qualities, skills and experience do you bring to the team?

With over 20 years’ experience in the commercial, construction and project management industry, I have invaluable insight into our clients’ requirements, challenges, and what’s most important to them. I also have long-held values of integrity, accountability, diligence, perseverance and discipline, and apply these throughout both my work and personal life.

Q. What does luxury mean to you?

It’s more than an object or an idea, true luxury is something extraordinary, that makes a person feel valued.

Q. What makes you proud to be part of the Lusso brand?

We’ve achieved so much since the company was established, including phenomenal growth over the last few years, but the thing I’m most proud of is our incredible team of talented and dedicated individuals who really are the heart of the business.

47

MEET THE TEAM

CAROLE DOWBEKIN Operations Manager

Q. What does your role entail?

I manage multiple teams and departments within the business, effectively creating standardised approaches and business processes. My role also involves implementing new structures, an operations strategy, and a customer service strategy to improve business operations and customer experience.

Q. What qualities, skills and experience do you bring to the team?

I’m a highly experienced and motivated people manager who uses continuous improvement and innovative motivational techniques. I utilise my communication skills to build relationships within the team, and to help them to work together cohesively. I believe in creating a great culture so that we all work together with a sense of honesty and trust. This benefits us as a team and the effects are felt by the customer.

Q. What does luxury mean to you?

Luxury isn’t just about how our products look, it’s about how our products make our customers feel. Luxury should have a positive impact on health and happiness, so when a customer walks into a room they’ve furnished with our products, they should feel a genuine sense of joy, contentment and tranquillity.

Q. What makes you proud to be part of the Lusso brand?

I believe in what the brand stands for, and I’m proud of our products and the service we provide. The vision for our ranges was built on our customers’ needs, and we continue to develop and grow with this at the forefront of every decision we make. Our team and our culture is second to none and this is integral to the success of the company and the brand.

48

MEET THE TEAM

FROM THE MOMENT I JOINED THE COMPANY, I FELT I WAS PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL. TO SEE HOW MUCH WE HAVE GROWN IN SUCH A SHORT SPACE OF TIME MAKES ME PROUD AND IT IS AN HONOUR TO WORK ALONGSIDE SUCH MOTIVATED LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE

LEE REED Customer Service Team Lead

Q. What does your role entail?

I oversee all things customer service related, both pre and post purchase, ensuring our clients receive an exceptional level of support from our team.

Q. What qualities, skills and experience do you bring to the team?

I’d say my greatest quality is my work ethic. I’m 100% committed to my role - it’s much more than just a job to me and I take great pride in what I do.

Q. What does luxury mean to you?

Luxury for me is more than buying a product, it’s the feeling our customer gets from the whole experience. As well as looking amazing, our products are designed to be really enjoyed by our customers.

Q. What makes you proud to be part of the Lusso brand?

From the moment I joined the company, I felt I was part of something special. To see how much we have grown in such a short space of time makes me proud and it is an honour to work alongside such motivated likeminded people. I am so excited to see what the future holds and will give my all every day to ensure we get there.

49

MEET THE TEAM

LUXURY FOR ME IS AN ASPIRATION, A LIFESTYLE, AN EXPERIENCE OR A PRODUCT THAT YOU MIGHT NOT ENCOUNTER ON A DAILY BASIS, AND GIVES GREAT PLEASURE DUE TO ITS QUALITY AND INDULGENCE

ANTONY MOHAN Head of Sales

Q. What does your role entail?

As part of the Senior Management Team, I’m in charge of providing inspired leadership to ensure sales targets are met across the group online and offline.

Q. What qualities, skills and experience do you bring to the team?

I have over 12 years’ experience in sales and eCommerce, and have worked alongside hundreds of global brands and retailers during my career which has given me a great deal of industry knowledge. Before making the move to Lusso, I spent the last five years based in Dubai, where I established and led a successful sales function and collaborated with some of the Middle East’s leading brands to increase sales and profitability.

Q. What does luxury mean to you?

Luxury for me is an aspiration, a lifestyle, an experience or a product that you might not encounter on a daily basis, and gives great pleasure due to its quality and indulgence.

Q. What makes you proud to be part of the Lusso brand?

I’ve admired Lusso since its inception in 2014, and I’ve always kept a close eye on the brand and seen its growth flourish in recent years - it feels a real privilege to be part of the company.

50

MEET THE TEAM

SAM TAYLOR eCommerce Manager

Q. What does your role entail?

As eCommerce Manager I’m responsible for all aspects of website-related and digital activity - this varies from setting digital marketing strategies and social media management, to merchandising products and general website maintenance.

Q. What qualities, skills and experience do you bring to the team?

I’m decisive, quick to learn, and I have a wealth of experience working in luxury and commercial markets through a range of previous roles, from purchasing to eCommerce management. I bring a strong commercial understanding to Lusso, which is helping to push forward the eCommerce side of the business, through the implementation of strategy and clear goals and targets.

Q. What does luxury mean to you?

I feel like luxury is quite a subjective term, and it doesn’t necessarily denote value - it’s more important than that, and it’s something that’s personal to everyone. For me, luxury is durable and timeless rather than trend-driven, a product that looks just as good in ten or fifteen years’ time as it did the first day you received it. Luxury doesn’t just apply to the final product, the ‘luxury’ journey starts from the beginning of the customer experience, from ordering the product to aftercare and service to the first time you see the product you have ordered - it all comes together to create an experience that the customer remembers.

Q. What makes you proud to be part of the Lusso brand?

I am relatively new to the Lusso team, and I can safely say that I’ve never worked somewhere quite like it before. It’s a great feeling to be excited to come to work every day and genuinely love what you do. The whole ethos of the company is centred around striving to be the best you can be and is something that comes from the top down. It has a real family feel, and it’s a genuine pleasure to be part of the team.

51

CASE STUDY

52

CASE STUDY

A NIGHT AT THE

TROCADERO One of London’s most grandiose buildings, the Trocadero has reopened its doors as the Zedwell Hotel

T

he Trocadero is one of the most iconic

The first Zedwell Hotel opened in late 2019

buildings in London, standing tall in

and is housed in the iconic London Trocadero

the heart of the city. It was built in

building, surrounded by the buzzing

1896 and featured a restaurant with

atmosphere and bright lights of Piccadilly.

grand opera styling and Arthurian murals on the walls, in keeping with the baroque exterior.

This flagship property comprises 750+ windowless rooms (some of which can

The restaurant closed in 1965, and the

sleep up to eight), a 1,000-plus capacity

building lay vacant for almost 20 years before

destination rooftop bar and restaurant with

reopening in 1984 as a tourist-led leisure

unrivalled views across London and lower

attraction featuring shops, restaurants and

level food, beverage and experiential spaces

a cinema. This imposing building has been

- all of which are third-party operated. With

described as a property enigma, sitting in

bathroom products supplied by Lusso Stone,

one of the best retail and leisure locations in

the hotel is a destination for those looking

the city, at the point where tourist hotspots

to immerse themselves in the beauty of this

Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus meet.

renowned building while enjoying a wellearned rest in the midst of the bustling city.

Once a host to royal theatre companies and entertainers, The Trocadero had a chequered

The Zedwell Hotel is part of the Assembly

history over the last 30 years, housing a failed

Hotels Group - a young, fun and imaginative

indoor theme park at one point but mainly

hospitality operator; serious about creating

standing unoccupied. In 2018, The Trocadero

cutting-edge living and entertainment spaces.

received its first breath of new life as Criterion

With a growing hotel portfolio that currently

Capital received approval for a revised

consists of Victory House - MGallery by

planning application to redevelop the building

Sofitel, Hotel Indigo - 1 Leicester Square

into a hotel.

and Assembly London, it’s a real gamechanger and is a very exciting addition to our capital city.

Introducing The Zedwell. It is more than just a hotel; it’s a lifestyle concept that focuses on

zedwellhotels.com

one clear purpose - the perfect night’s sleep.

53

LUSSO COLLECTIONS

INTRODUCING

PIETRA The unrivalled opulence and enduring quality of marble is why the quarried stone has been used to create some of the most breathtaking examples of architecture and sculpture - from the Taj Mahal to Michelangelo’s David.

For millennia, marble has also been linked with bathing, and a mainstay in luxuriant settings, making it the ideal signature material for Lusso’s exclusive Pietra collection

54

LUSSO COLLECTIONS

Pietra Tucci Tiffany Marble Basin 300

55

LUSSO COLLECTIONS

L

aunched in spring 2021, the Pietra collection brings together stunning statement pieces - each one unique in its detailed marbling - including

freestanding baths in a range of shapes and styles, sculpted with deep curves and strong lines consistent with the Lusso aesthetic. Pietra also offers contemporary freestanding and wall hung basins expertly crafted from single blocks of marble - alongside coordinating countertop vanity units and accessories including tumblers, dishes and tabletop mirrors. As well as floor and wall tiles, we’ve also extended the collection to provide polished marble kitchen sinks, enabling you to enjoy the smooth, tactile quality and alluring design of marble in multiple living spaces.

As with all of our collections, we’re committed to delivering flawless quality which means we’ve carefully sourced the finest marbles from across the world in a range of beautiful tones and types that complement a wide range of interior styles.

This includes luminescent Pink Onyx from North India, Turkish Brown Emperador with deep almond tones, and the captivating Tiffany marble quarried from the Chelyabinsk mountains in Russia, which we’ve selected to create our Tucci Tiffany Marble Basin which elevates the design of smaller spaces. The Pietra collection also features wider ranges crafted from our most popular marbles, detailed here.

AS WITH ALL OF OUR COLLECTIONS, WE’RE COMMITTED TO DELIVERING FLAWLESS QUALITY

Pietra Heart Carrara Marble Countertop Basin 400

56

LUSSO COLLECTIONS

CARRARA Pietra Kudos Carrara Marble Countertop Basin 455

Quarried from its namesake city in the

which still stand today, thousands of years

uppermost region of Tucscany, Carrara

after construction. It’s incredible durability and

marble has a delicate, feathered veining often

timeless aesthetic is why we’ve used it across a

associated with classical architecture.

broad range of pieces in the Pietra collection, including the Cube Carrara Counter Top Basin

It was used by the Romans to craft some of

and the Muse Carrara Marble Bath, as well as

their finest buildings and monuments, including

a wide array of bathroom accessories that work

The Pantheon and Column of Marcus Aurelias

together beautifully.

57

LUSSO COLLECTIONS

PANDA Dramatic, distinctive and exclusively found in

our Pietra collection, including our stunning

China, the extraordinary Panda marble is highly

Designo Panda Marble Bath with a honed

sought after due to its thick monochrome stripes

matte exterior finish and smooth polished

and swirls, as well as its significant pattern

interior, and the Designo Panda Marble

variation between quarried blocks which makes

Freestanding Basin with its contemporary

each piece entirely different from the next. Its

cylindrical shape - both guaranteed to

striking beauty can be seen across a select

make an unforgettable design statement in

range of baths, basins and vanity units within

any bathroom.

Pietra Designo Panda Marble Bath 1780

58

LUSSO COLLECTIONS

ARABESCATO Pietra Vernante Vanity Unit & Double Arabescato Marble Basin 1400

Sourced from the Apuan Alps in Italy,

Within our Pietra collection, we’ve used

Arabescato is a soft white marble laced with

Arabescato to create a range of basins,

strong veining in charcoal grey. Its rich and

baths and vanity units, including the Elegance

attractive patterning has led to it being used

Arabescato Marble Counter Top Basin in a

in some of the most luxurious residences in

smooth oval shape, and our Vernante Vanity

the world, including the Palace of Versailles

Unit which features double basins crafted

- famously one of the most opulent buildings

from Arabescato, supported by a sleek matte

ever created.

black frame.

59

LUSSO COLLECTIONS

Pietra Lomazzo Countertop Pietra Grey Matble Vanity Unit 600 Pietra Sala Pietra Grey Marble Countertop Basin 400

60

LUSSO COLLECTIONS

PIETRA GREY ORIGINATES FROM THE MIDDLE EAST AND WORKS BEST ALONGSIDE CONTEMPORARY DECORS WITH AN URBAN EDGE

PIETRA GREY An iron grey marble with warm hazelnut undertones and fine white streaks, Pietra Grey originates from the Middle East and works best alongside contemporary decors with an urban edge. We’ve used the distinctively dark and seductive stone to create a sophisticated range of bathroom pieces with strong modern shapes, including the Muse Pietra Grey Marble Bath with chic lines and a honed finish, and the minimal Lomazzo Countertop Vanity Unit which pairs perfectly with our Sala Pietra Grey Counter Top Basins.

Marble is a true investment for any setting, and as you’d expect from Lusso, every piece in the Pietra collection is expertly carved, crafted and handfinished to the highest possible standard. We also professionally seal each item to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the stone, and we offer a lifetime promise on all baths and basins, so whichever marble you choose, you can be confident that it will add a timeless elegance to your living spaces for decades to come.

The Pietra collection is exclusively available at www.lussostone.com

61

LUSSO LIVING

TRANSFORMING SMALL SPACES Limited square footage doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style, it just takes a little ingenuity to create the perfect look. Here we share some inspirational techniques adopted by interior designers across the world to help you maximise the impact of a modest bathroom and create a beautiful space to be enjoyed

62

LUSSO LIVING

Lusso Art Matte White Wall Hung Basin 300

63

LUSSO LIVING

WHEN YOU’RE PUSHED FOR SPACE, EVERY ITEM AND ACCESSORY IN YOUR BATHROOM NEEDS TO SERVE AT LEAST ONE PURPOSE tonally match the decor. You can add a sense of warmth by incorporating natural materials such as linen, marble, wood and stone.

The size of your bathroom’s furnishings and fixtures can have a huge impact on your perception of the space - this doesn’t mean that you need tiny furniture and accessories in a small bathroom, however you should consider the size relationship between all of the objects it includes. Upscaling rooms with a super-sized feature can sometimes make a space seem larger than it is, however it’s important not to have multiple items competing for visual attention - stick to just one statement piece. Lusso’s freestanding baths come in a wide range of dimensions to suit homes of all sizes, including a compact version of Lusso’s coveted Picasso bath that’s ideal for smaller rooms as its oval shape increases the impression of space.

Consuming less floor space is a clever way to make a room appear larger, so opt for Lusso Modul Stone Resin Wall Hung Basin 400 / Lusso Senza Wall Hung Rimless Matte Toilet & Matte Black Flush Plate Black / Lusso Monobloc Matte Black Basin Mixer Tap

W

wall fixed storage over floor standing units

item needs to be carefully considered and

if needed - at Lusso we have an extensive

intentionally added, as the more furniture,

collection of countertop and wall hung

accessories, patterns and colours you

basins in marble and stone, in a wide

place in a room, the more cluttered it will

range of styles and finishes, as well as wall

become. The old adage of less is more

mounted taps. We also produce minimalist

rings true in smaller bathrooms, so pare

walk-in shower enclosures with frameless,

down bodycare products and homewares

glass panels in a number of sizes for a

to just the essentials or favourites, dress

sleek, barely-there aesthetic.

hen challenged

where possible, such as Lusso’s floating

with transforming

shelves, shower shelves, towel rails and

a compact space,

storage baskets. Floating pieces can also

editing is key - every

give you extra storage space underneath

shelves sparingly with no more than a few key pieces and avoid overwhelming

When you’re pushed for space, every item

textiles and wallpapers with busy, bold

and accessory in your bathroom needs

prints. Instead, opt for neutral, softer shades

to serve at least one purpose, so look for

that open up the space and create visual

stylish furnishings that also boast ample

unity with carefully chosen accessories that

storage, like our wall mounted vanity units

64

LUSSO LIVING

available in various sizes, colours and

natural light, and if you do choose curtains,

finishes, or Lusso’s chic bathroom mirrors

opt for light, sheer fabrics and make sure to

with built‑in shelving.

hang them close to the ceiling to elongate your window length.

Mirrors are a fundamental feature in any bathroom, but they’re especially important

It’s also important to choose the right

when square footage is limited as they

lighting fixtures based on the proportions

reflect the light, increase the sense of

of your room - choose recessed downlights

airiness, and reflect views and trick the

rather than pendant fittings if you have a

eye into seeing a bigger space. Some

low ceiling, and add task and wall lighting

bathrooms even benefit from floor to

to create dramatic illumination and open

ceiling mirror panels to create the illusion of

out the space even further.

greater depth.

For more inspiration for your home, Lighting is also tremendously impactful in

head over to the Lusso Instagram page

terms of space perception, so strip back

at @lussostone or explore the latest

heavy window dressings to maximise

bathroom collections at lussostone.com 65

Lusso Blok Stone Resin Wall Hung Compact Basin 400 / Lusso Senza Wall Hung Rimless Matte Toilet & Brushed Gold Flush Plate / Lusso Wall Mounted Brushed Gold Basin Mixer Tap

CLIENT PROFILE

ONE CHARTER STREET The jewel in Canary Wharf’s crown

66

CLIENT PROFILE

67

CLIENT PROFILE

One Charter Street - a 20-storey luxury aparthotel complex - will mark the gateway between Wood Wharf and Canary Wharf

T

he last three decades have seen

leading architects, around 3,600 new

London’s Canary Wharf undergo

homes, and 350,000sqft of retail space set

an incredible transformation

aside for an eclectic mix of independent

as a result of one of the largest

stores and galleries. It will also be home to

regeneration projects in Europe. Today,

scores of restaurants, cafés, bars, and pop-

it’s one of the greatest feats of civic

up food stalls and markets, alongside an

engineering and a bustling hive for finance,

abundance of outdoor spaces, waterside

business and tech, welcoming 120,000

walkways and roof terraces to promote

office workers on a daily basis. It has

health and wellbeing.

also become a popular destination for shopping, dining and leisure and its newest

Marking the gateway between Wood

district - Wood Wharf - is set to be the jewel

Wharf and Canary Wharf will be One

in its crown.

Charter Street - a 20-storey luxury aparthotel complex featuring 279 serviced

The multi-billion pound development

apartments as well as a workout studio,

is spread across a 23-acre site, and is

café, bar, co-working space and a

currently being shaped into a mixed-use

Michelin-starred restaurant on its rooftop

neighbourhood with 2million sqft of office

providing panoramic views of London’s

space designed by some of the world’s

incredible skyline.

68

CLIENT PROFILE

THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ONE CHARTER STREET PROMISES TO BE AN INCREDIBLE DESTINATION WITHIN ONE OF LONDON’S HOTTEST NEW DISTRICTS

The Art Deco inspired building is scheduled for completion in 2022, with modular apartments across 17 floors which are being developed by Caledonian - the UK’s leading off-site volumetric manufacturer that’s working on the aparthotel in collaboration with Canary Wharf Group developers, hospitality group Edyn, as well as design partners HTA and Holloway Li. Each apartment will be completed to an exceptionally high standard, and to ensure it delivers a luxury experience and impeccable aesthetic, Caledonian has appointed Lusso to furnish all of its bathrooms and provide brushed gold mixer taps for all of its kitchens.

Guests will be able to enjoy contemporary cube basins from our Lusso Stone collection, cast from pure limestone for a flawless, tactile finish that’s warm to the touch, paired with brushed gold basin mixer taps with Swiss-made Neoperl aerators for smooth and continuous water flow. In addition to providing a range of robust fixtures and fittings, the apartments will also be fitted with Lusso’s striking thermostatic showers and ceiling mounted showers, as well as a complete range of accessories to add the finishing touch to each space, including bathroom tissue holders and robe hooks finished in chrome and brushed gold.

Based on the combined expertise of its development teams, the creative acumen of its architects and interior designers, and its choice of high quality furnishings including key pieces from Lusso - the highly anticipated One Charter Street promises to be an incredible destination within one of London’s hottest new districts.

69

CUSTOMER FOCUS

Lusso Lanosa Matte White Wall Hung Basin 800 Lusso Mayfair Brushed Gold Shower Screen Lusso Thermostatic Brushed Gold Shower

HOMES REIMAGINED

Designing and renovating your own bathroom is no small task, however the results can be incredible, as shown here by some of our inspirational Lusso customers based in London, Illinois and West Yorkshire 70

CUSTOMER FOCUS

Lusso Floorstanding Brushed Gold Bath Shower Tap

Lusso Volini Wall Hung Vanity Unit Matte Anthracite 600

THE CLIENTS BEHIND THE ACCOUNT @YORKSHIRE.BUILD TELL US ABOUT THEIR JOURNEY FROM DEMOLITION OF THE ORIGINAL 60S-STYLE PROPERTY TO THE BUILD OF A STUNNING 7,000SQFT PROPERTY CRAFTED FROM YORKSHIRE STONE TELL US ABOUT YOUR BATHROOM -

AND WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST

WHAT INSPIRED ITS LOOK?

REWARDING ASPECT?

We were looking for a clean aesthetic with

The most rewarding thing has been

a spa look for our bathrooms, so white

completing the build and seeing our plans

sanitaryware and a hint of metals in the

come to fruition.

form of brass and black. We then went WHICH PIECES IN YOUR BATHROOM

neutral with the tiles.

HAVE BEEN CRAFTED BY LUSSO, AND WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THEM?

CHALLENGING ASPECT OF

All of our bathrooms feature Lusso

RENOVATING THE SPACES?

Stone products in some form or another,

We demolished the existing property

which we chose because of the quality.

which was not suitable for our needs and

We purchased baths, showers, vanity

built to our design and specification. We

units, sinks and accessories from the

had seven bathrooms and one guest w/c

range so there is continuity in the

in the new build so a lot of planning was

different metal finishes across bathrooms

required. The most challenging aspect was

and different products. We wouldn’t

planning how we would use each of the

hesitate to use these products again in

rooms and mapping out the bathrooms.

future projects.

71

CUSTOMER FOCUS

KAMILA HENLEY, PROJECT MANAGER AND AUTHOR OF THE HALF MINIMAL HOME BLOG, SHARES THE IMPRESSIVE TRANSFORMATION OF HER MASTER BATHROOM IN HER MODERN HOME IN BARRINGTON, ILLINOIS

blessing for me as I had to think outside the box to make it work. That’s how I ended up designing a shower room - a space that combines a shower and a freestanding tub.

I couldn’t be happier with the end result.

AND WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT?

This bathroom uses a range of our matte black brassware and accessories, including the Lusso Matte Black Wall Mounted Bath Shower Mixer Tap

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BATHROOM -

The most rewarding thing for me was

WHAT INSPIRED ITS LOOK?

when I saw my design come to life. This

My master bathroom is very minimal in its

was the first time where I have designed

design. I wanted a timeless look that will

the space from start to finish, including the

last, and minimalism never goes out of style.

layout, plumbing and material selection. I

I was inspired by Scandinavian/Nordic

remember sitting down on the floor and just

interiors where white, grey and black

looking around in an awe. It was a pretty

dominate. Regarding used materials, I had

good feeling.

opted for matte white wall tiles, concrete floor tiles, and of course, Lusso Matte

WHICH PIECES IN YOUR BATHROOM

Black taps.

HAVE BEEN CRAFTED BY LUSSO, AND

WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST

All of them. I have selected the entire

CHALLENGING ASPECT OF

matte black Lusso line for my bathroom. I

RENOVATING THE SPACE?

just loved the simplicity of the design, the

Space. Space was definitely the most

clean lines and fantastic craftsmanship. The

challenging aspect of my bathroom design,

quality of Lusso products is sublime. I will

however in a way it was also a design

most definitely use Lusso in my next projects.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THEM?

72

CUSTOMER FOCUS

Lusso Wall Mounted Matte Black Basin Mixer Tap

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CUSTOMER FOCUS

lighter walls, and to help tie the two rooms together the doors of the vanity sink unit are the same as the black reeded panels in the bedroom. I then chose pink geo floor tiles to soften the space as we have hints of pink dotted around our home, and then I chose gold bathroom fittings mirroring our downstairs bathroom and brass details in the house.

WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RENOVATING THE SPACE? Hand on heart I can say that there wasn’t anything hugely challenging about this project. From a build perspective it was more than just replacing an existing bathroom like-for-like as we opened up the old bathroom into the bedroom to make the bathroom bigger. To do this, we blocked up the existing doorway and added huge crittall reeded glass doors to separate the bathroom from the bedroom. This added to

CLAIRE MORAN, LIFESTYLE BLOGGER AND FOUNDER OF THE PRAMSHED, TALKS US THROUGH HER STUNNING LOFT CONVERSION IN HER LONDON HOME

the complexity of the project and made it more than a simple bathroom refurbishment.

Where more thinking had to be applied was to our vanity sink unit as the existing window was too low for a sink to be positioned beneath it, and our vanity sink had to be positioned below the window

Lusso Monobloc Brushed Gold Basin Mixer Tap / Lusso Brushed Gold Toilet Roll Holder

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BATHROOM -

- something we worked out during the

WHAT INSPIRED ITS LOOK?

planning and design stage. To achieve this

As part of the refurbishment of our existing

we reduced the height of the aperture of

loft conversion, which was built about six

the window by building up internally and

years ago, we renovated our loft bathroom

externally allowing us to position a sink

and master bedroom. My overarching

beneath the window frame. While doing

vision for this space was hotel luxe and

this we also replaced the window to match

to tie in various elements of the house,

the black aluminium sliding doors in the

featuring colours that are already part of

master bedroom.

my core colour palette, making it easier to design as the cues were already there.

I am so pleased that we did this and that

Think lots of monochrome, with hints of pink

we positioned the sink beneath the window

and gold or brass.

as it completes and balances the room.

As part of the refurbishment we added

AND WHAT’S BEEN THE

black reeded panels to the master bedroom

MOST REWARDING ASPECT?

walls and wardrobe doors. I wanted the

We’ve pretty much renovated our entire

bathroom to be the opposite of this with

house and renovating this floor has been

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CUSTOMER FOCUS

Left - Lusso Senza Wall Hung Rimless Toilet & Brushed Gold Flush Plate Right - Lusso Mayfair Brushed Gold Shower Enclosure / Lusso Brushed Gold Thermostatic Shower

my favourite by far, and I have loved

One of the items that I was drawn to was

working on it. I created a moodboard

the full gold framed shower screen and

and vision for this space last year, and

having one huge pane of glass that spoke

I have loved seeing the end result come

style and simplicity. I knew that would

to life bit by bit. I’ve enjoyed seeing how

look great in the space. This led me to

the blacks, white, pinks and golds, and

choose and opt for all of the fittings from

how all the textures and patterns have

Lusso Stone.

come together.

We chose the brushed gold thermostatic To do this we’ve worked with a great team

shower with handheld shower, the tall

of builders, MPRM Design & Build, who

mixer tap for a counter top sink, flush plate,

genuinely cared about our project and

basin waste, matching toilet roll holder

bringing my vision to life, while delivering a

and robe hooks. In addition to this we also

high quality and detailed finish which was

bought the wall hung rimless toilet including

hugely important to me. Everything about

the cistern, the Picasso Stone Countertop

this project from the moment it started was

Basin which is a really good size, and the

hugely rewarding, and I am still in awe that

1400mmx900mm resin low profile shower

this is actually my house.

tray. The shower tray, waste and screen came as one kit which made the ordering

WHICH PIECES IN YOUR BATHROOM

process even easier.

HAVE BEEN CRAFTED BY LUSSO, AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THEM?

As you can see they work beautifully in

As soon as I saw the brushed gold finish I

the bathroom and I am really impressed

was totally sold on it. I knew that it would

with the quality and finish, and how well

work well with the wall and floor tiles and

it works against a white, pink and black

our black reeded panelling.

colour palette.

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BIG SCREEN PROJECT

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BIG SCREEN PROJECT

GRAND DESIGNS From postage stamp plot to panoramic views. From coffins to creative innovation. How designer Joe Stuart built his own home – not where nor how you’d expect

B

uilding a stylish house on a plot

From a background of 3D sustainable design,

approx. 9.5mx4m isn’t the easiest

engineering design and production design, Joe

of challenges to undertake. Add the

applied his experience and creativity to the task

requirement for a basement, two

in hand. Even so, it took two years to obtain

double bedrooms, height constraints, minimum

planning approval after several re-designs

size guidelines and poor site access, and things

to fulfil ‘minimum standards’ as prescribed by

start to get tricky. To then add a Passivhaus

London SPG 2015.

target, multiple unproven bespoke design solutions and a very tight budget surely creates

During the planning stage, as both he and

a recipe for disaster… doesn’t it?

Lina were in full-time employment based in Middlesex and Warwickshire respectively, Joe

The prevalent issue for young people in London

researched the option of recruiting a basement

today is the prohibitive cost of buying a home.

contractor for the substructure works. After

Sky-high rents consume most of their salaries

18 months of conversations, on-site visits and

leaving dreams of home-ownership as just

agreeing contracts and method statements

that – dreams. Joe decided the only way he

Joe’s chosen contractor, and apparent ‘expert’,

and his partner, Lina, would have a chance at

broke ground.

their own space would be to build it himself.

He found probably the smallest and cheapest

Unfortunately, the project did not start well.

plot available at the time (October 2013) – a

Numerous issues from day one created a

former coffin store tucked away in an East

setback worthy of its own article and the build

London Mews.

quickly fell well behind schedule. The contractor 77

BIG SCREEN PROJECT

subsequently left the site in a condition worse than when he’d begun - a month earlier. Even within hours of the work starting Joe had his doubts and had begun calling specialists in the industry and other contractors to unearth alternative options at short notice.

Two months of careful planning to remove and repair the initial failed works followed, during which time Joe recruited a second team of basement contractors who would set the high standard for the rest of the build. Unwilling to let the project lose impetus and direction again, Joe left his paid job to focus on it full-time. With a reduced cash-flow this was to become a long, stressful battle of progressing the build while balancing the books. However, it aligned well with Joe’s ethos, ‘In order to ably design a house fully, you need to have the experience of building one.’

It also gave him to opportunity to learn each and every skill involved in the process of building a house from below ground level upwards.

Delays due to late deliveries, wrong supplies being sent, damaged goods on arrival and manufacturers not always following the design drawings brought

raised by the plot size and location, and

further issues at crucial points in the build.

budget restrictions. Being on-site for the

Joe doggedly persevered, patiently dealing

remainder of the project allowed him to

with each crisis as it arose and redesigning

truly understand these criteria. His creativity

solutions as required. The original build

and willingness to develop unconventional

schedule of nine months grew to twice that

approaches resulted in his unique, bespoke

but Joe felt it was more important to ensure

designs which excited all those involved in

high quality and fulfil design expectations

bringing them to fruition:

than to rush to a poor result. In his words,

• Brackets to create floating concrete

‘…some decisions made back then (at the

floors – breaking the heat transfer

outset) were made with the experience and

connection to the external underground

knowledge I had at the time. Today I would

walls and creating an insulated, thermal

probably make different choices having learnt better methodologies along the way.’

mass for temperature control • Enhanced fire protection systems • A design and build from scratch

Joe’s innovative building design required

hydraulic roof window - a long

equally innovative solutions to issues

and torturous process leading the 78

BIG SCREEN PROJECT

manufacturer to report that they had

your attention is drawn beyond the

‘…never had such accurate drawings

bespoke furniture and finishes. Well placed

to work from.’ All created via Joe’s

windows, subtle decor and polished floors

desire to question current options, to

produce a surprisingly bright ambience

consider new techniques and design

even without artificial lighting, and it is

better outcomes

easy to forget that almost a third of this property is at or below ground level. When

The design of this ‘jewel-like house’ (Kevin

it is time to switch on the lights, their clever

McCloud, Grand Designs) had to fulfil

positioning and use of low energy LED

minimum standards, but as soon as you

lamps continue to illuminate the style and

open the front door, you realise there is

panache of Joe’s design.

nothing minimal in style and certainly no feeling of limited space.

The house feels warm but not overly so.

A total heating demand of only 850W

Natural light cascades down through the

to heat the entire property is a fraction of

airy, angular staircases. With the line of

the standard for today’s new builds. The

sight running the full length of the building,

airtightness of this innovative home is more 79

BIG SCREEN PROJECT

“IT IS WHEN CHALLENGING YOURSELF TO STICK TO YOUR GUT FEELINGS WHILE YOU’RE REALLY UP AGAINST IT THAT YOU FIND YOUR RESOLVE – YOUR HIDDEN STRENGTHS AND CHARACTER”

living. While the weather outside the panoramic window of the snug may be overcast and dreary, as you reach this and the kitchen/dining/living level the natural light is so well distributed that the area seems to be constantly bathed in sunshine.

The final short length of the bespoke staircase takes you to the sheltered and private roof terrace providing the perfect entertaining space and unencumbered citywide views.

Every inch – make that millimetre – of the house has been fine-tuned to provide the best possible use and storage options.

Even the half-height area situated in the basement delivers multi-use options – storage, utilities and, in due course, Joe’s than 30 times better than building controls

climbing training ceiling.

require, and both the heating and hot water are easily provided by a clever phase

On viewing this property you’ll agree that

change battery system, keeping heat losses

achieving a total living area of 83m (plus

to a minimum. Air quality is maintained

22m basement storage) on a footprint

by the discreet installation of the heat and

of only 38m is far beyond any minimum

ventilation recovery system.

standards anyone could require. Plenty of space for Joe and Lina to relax, to work

The top floor is truly the masterpiece,

and to grow – there’s even room for a

offering a crescendo of light and spacious

nursery should the need arise.

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BIG SCREEN PROJECT

At the beginning of this process, Joe had a vision and drive to build an affordable home in an unaffordable city. He had been successful with the design projects he’d undertaken and felt he could rely on the professionals as and when he needed to call in extra help. The initial setback could have broken his commitment to complete the build but, although it has made him cautious in his choices of future contractors, it has taught him that he has the determination to see things through, however traumatic the process.

Some say travel is necessary to achieve an

With the skills and experience gained

understanding of oneself. Joe begs to differ,

from his immersion in architectural design

‘I’ve learnt more about myself over the last

and self-build, Joe has achieved a long-

year on site, building our home, than during

held ambition to create his own design

the previous 10! It is when challenging

and build business. He is supported by a

yourself to stick to your gut feelings while

growing team of experts and associates

you’re really up against it that you find

alongside tested suppliers, all specialising

your resolve – your hidden strengths

in modern and sustainable living. Several

and character. Anyone can compromise.

quality design and build projects have now

Anyone can settle. But if you can stay true

commenced with clients requiring similar

to yourself you can learn what makes that

high standards in both commercial and

particular decision the right one.’

residential property.

81

CASE STUDY

82

CASE STUDY

THE BEACHFRONT COLLECTION It’s always exciting to take part in new developments and a little extra exciting when the project is all the way over in St Lucia. Here’s how Lusso got involved with The Beachfront Collection

83

LUSSO LIVING

84

LUSSO LIVING

85

CASE STUDY

L

usso is taking the world by storm and is now able to ship pretty much anywhere across the globe. One of the business’s most exciting global projects was the chance to work with

The Beachfront Collection, a truly unique project that oozes style, sophistication and pure luxury.

The Beachfront Collection is a private hideaway by the coast on the beautiful Caribbean island of St Lucia.

The team at Lusso were delighted to be asked to supply a range of stunning stone baths and basins to this breathtaking development in the shadow of the Piton mountains.

The Beachfront Collection was designed by awardwinning architects, Michaelis Boyd Associates, and was brought to the market to showcase the natural beauty of Sugar Beach.

With crystal clear waters, palm tree-lined beaches and sand between the toes, there’s no better place to lap up the luxury and relax in style.

If the views, the beach and the sea isn’t enough, have a look at the incredible interiors. The openplan feel throughout offers ample space with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors to let the light in. The breathtaking views, exterior terraces and pool areas all work together to make the space flow as one of the most desirable developments on the island.

Not only are the bathrooms kitted out with luxurious Lusso products, but they also offer fantastic views across the horizon. sugarbeachresidences.com

THE TEAM AT LUSSO WERE DELIGHTED TO BE ASKED TO SUPPLY A RANGE OF STUNNING STONE BATHS AND BASINS TO THIS BREATHTAKING DEVELOPMENT IN THE SHADOW OF THE PITON MOUNTAINS

86

CASE STUDY

87

CASE STUDY

88

CASE STUDY

NEW YORK STATE OF DESIGN The city synonymous with the work hard, play hard lifestyle is also heralded as the world capital of design, making it the ideal destination for the inaugural hotel of luxury fitness brand Equinox CELEBRATED CREATIVES Many esteemed artists either hailed from New

responsible for some of the world’s best-known

York or rose to success in the city, inspired by

brand identities and iconic campaigns.

its diverse cultural influences. Notable names include Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Jeff

Along with droves of creatives, New York

Koons, Roy Lichtenstein and of course, Andy

boasts incredible art museums including The

Warhol, whose studio - The Factory - doubled

Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim,

as a hangout for muses and musicians such

and The Metropolitan Museum of Art - the

as David Bowie, The Velvet Underground,

largest art museum in the United States with

Madonna and The Rolling Stones.

over 2million pieces, and the benefactor of its renowned annual fundraising gala

It’s also the birthplace of hugely influential

which is attended by the highest profile

graphic designers and agencies like Paul Rand,

names from across the fashion and

Saul Bass and Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv,

entertainment industries.

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CASE STUDY

INFLUENTIAL STYLE As well as being home to scores of internationally acclaimed fashion designers such as Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, twice each year New York Fashion Week showcases collections from established labels and fresh new talent from across the USA including Rodarte, Christopher John Rogers, Proenza Schouler and Brandon Maxwell.

Catwalk collections are often inspired by youth subcultures, and New York has kick-started more than its fair share, including punk, vogue and normcore. Its influence spans decades, from the disco movement that rose to popularity in New York clubs and went on to define the 1970s, to the stillcurrent hypebeast scene that originated with New York streetwear brands such as Supreme.

ICONIC ARCHITECTURE New York has the world’s most recognisable city skyline, immortalised on the silver screen and emblazoned on every piece of apparel you can think of. Even those who’ve never had the pleasure of visiting the city can name at least a handful of its historic landmarks and towering skyscrapers such as the wedge-shaped Flatiron building, the BeauxArts Grand Central Terminal, the majestic Brooklyn Bridge, and the iconic Statue of Liberty.

The city also has some incredible examples of Art Deco architecture which still draw crowds, including the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building both finished in the 1930s and heavily stylized with the geometric ornamentation that’s synonymous with the Jazz Age.

NEW YORK HAS THE WORLD’S MOST RECOGNISABLE CITY SKYLINE, IMMORTALISED ON THE SILVER SCREEN AND EMBLAZONED ON EVERY PIECE OF APPAREL YOU CAN THINK OF

90

CASE STUDY

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CASE STUDY

LUXURY LIVING Having such an affinity with outstanding design, it’s unsurprising that New York is also known for high-end living - the city is studded with coveted loft conversions, luxury condominiums, classic brownstones and indulgent hotels such as the famed Waldorf Astoria on Park Avenue, the elegant Four Seasons on Billionaire’s Row, and the renaissancestyle Mark Hotel on East 77th Street.

One of the more recent five-star hotels to win a fashionable following is the Equinox Hotel New York, which opened its doors in 2019.

The eponymous flagship of the luxury fitness brand is located within the tallest skyscraper in the impressive Hudson Yards development on Manhattan’s West Side, and is described as a temple to total regeneration. Designed by awardwinning architecture firm Rockwell Group - also New York natives - its interior was inspired by the human body in motion and uses a range of luxurious materials and organic design elements

ensure incredible comfort - a handmade mattress,

to create cool, dark and quiet spaces for rest

Egyptian cotton bedding, filtered air and water,

and relaxation. As well as 212 impeccably styled

sound-cancelling walls, blackout shades and its

rooms, the hotel features a vast fitness club, an

own flickering fireplace. In the suite’s spa-grade

indoor and outdoor pool, and a terrace restaurant

bathroom furnished with a mirrored dressing area,

complete with an infinity water edge feature, and a

guests can enjoy a long, hot soak in the room’s most

monumental Jaume Plensa sculpture.

striking feature - the Vetrina freestanding bath from our Lusso Stone collection.

Those looking for an unparalleled city experience stay in the hotel’s penthouse suite, with floor to

Chosen by Rockwell Group’s design team, the

ceiling windows that maximise the breathtaking

Vetrina’s deep curves, smooth matte black finish

views of Hudson River and the New York skyline.

and contemporary shape works beautifully with the

As well as its own living room and a private

hotel’s aesthetic, and provides the ultimate luxury

dining area, the room is filled with features to

experience for high-performance living.

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CASE STUDY

CHOSEN BY ROCKWELL GROUP’S DESIGN TEAM, THE LUSSO-DESIGNED VETRINA’S DEEP CURVES, SMOOTH MATTE BLACK FINISH AND CONTEMPORARY SHAPE WORKS BEAUTIFULLY WITH THE HOTEL’S AESTHETIC

Picasso Freestanding Bath Charcoal Stone 1780

93

MEET THE DESIGNER

Picasso Charcoal Freestanding Bath 1780 Lusso Urban Gunmetal Wall Mounted Bath Shower Mixer Tap

94

MEET THE DESIGNER

FABRIZIO COSTINGO As well as exceptional quality and craftsmanship, Lusso’s collections have become known across the world for their understated elegance, transforming bathrooms into beautiful spaces. Here we learn a little about the eye behind our signature style, Italian designer Fabrizio Constringo

W

ith more than a decade of experience in product design and development, Fabrizio Constringo brings together creative flair

and engineering expertise, and is the skilled designer responsible for many of our timeless pieces. Working from studios in Italy and the UK, he plays a key role within the Lusso Group, taking baths and basins right through the design process, from initial concept sketches and prototype development to material selection and the finishing touches on fixtures and fittings.

Outside of Lusso, Fabrizio is an avid traveller, exploring new cultures and destinations for inspiration. He also designs products for other high-end brands including Barca, the Belgian technology company, and Muster & Dikson, an Italian producer of premium hair care products, and he’s part of the creative pool at Design Group Italia, a Milanbased design agency that produces work for Fortune 500 companies, Silicon Valley startups, and family‑owned businesses.

Having studied design, engineering and architecture at the prestigious Politecnico di Milano, Fabrizio understands the value of irreducible simplicity, the relationship between function and style, and the importance of satisfying needs as well as delivering an incredible aesthetic.

This, along with his extraordinary talent and genuine passion for innovation, make Fabrizio an integral part of Lusso.

95

CLIENT PROFILE

INTERIOR STUDIO VAN MAANEN Interior Studio Van Maanen is an Amsterdam-based design studio working on various private projects and real estate developments

THE LOFT HAS A PLAYFUL AND INDUSTRIAL FEEL WITHOUT LOSING THE CHARM AND CHARACTER OF THE TRADITIONAL FEATURES

96

CLIENT PROFILE

Picasso Matte White Freestanding Bath 1650

T

he same idea is central to every

The challenge in this project was to keep the

Interior Studio van Maanen project;

grand feeling without losing touch with the

‘sophisticated simplicity’. The studio’s

human scale. Interior Studio van Maanen used

statement style is clear, minimalist lines

several mezzanines and a patio to give the loft

and small details, presenting a well-considered

a playful and industrial feel without losing the

design in all aspects.

charm and character of the traditional features.

One of their most striking projects is a stunning

In total you can find four bedrooms and four

‘super loft’ in Amsterdam. The Sun Residence

bathrooms on this 500sqm site. You’ll also find

is situated in a former striking bank building. In

a library and art studio, both of which bring

1918 the building was completely rebuilt and

cool, creative and inviting spaces for both

the architect, PH Niftrik designed a beautiful

business and leisure.

rationalistic facade that gives the building a lot Photography Ministry of Frames isvm.nl

of character.

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LUSSO COLLECTIONS

INTRODUCING

DECO Created in celebration of modernity, machinery and progress, Art Deco is one of the most admired and easily recognisable art movements thanks to its distinctive style, which is characterised by bold geometric shapes and strong linear patterns. A century after its popularisation, it continues to influence artists, architects and designers across the world, and it’s also the key inspiration behind our latest collection, Deco

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LUSSO COLLECTIONS

Deco Connaught Floorstanding Velvet Matte Cream Vanity & Carrara Marble 1400

xxxx

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LUSSO COLLECTIONS

10 0

LUSSO COLLECTIONS

A CENTURY AFTER ITS POPULARISATION, ART DECO CONTINUES TO INFLUENCE ARTISTS, ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS ACROSS THE WORLD

T

he origins of Art Deco can be traced back to the beginning of the 20th Century in France, however the movement rose to prominence

throughout Europe and America during the 1920s and 1930s, where it became aligned with affluent tastes, and often associated with jazz, cocktails and luxury living.

As the movement coincided with the rise of skyscrapers, some of the most outstanding examples of Art Deco include the Empire State Building in New York, Senate House in London, and The Boerentoren in Antwerp. Beyond the lofty heights of multi-storey buildings, the style is also prevalent in many exclusive settings such as the Prince De Galles Hotel in Paris, the Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, the Waldorf Astoria in New York, and Claridge’s in London, which was transformed by Basil Iondes - the famed British architect who was also responsible for the Art Deco redesign of the capital’s Savoy Theatre and Savoy Hotel.

For our Deco collection, we’ve taken design notes from these and many more sources of inspiration from the movement, and blended it together with our signature modern aesthetic.

The result is an elegant range of vanity units, cast iron baths and brassware with strong shapes and angular lines, accentuated with gleaming finishes and geometric detailing.

Deco Connaught Velvet Matte Cream Freestanding Cast Iron Bath 1676 / Deco Hoxton Polished Nickel Floorstanding Bath Shower Tap

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LUSSO COLLECTIONS

Deco Connaught Floorstanding Velvet Matte Cream Vanity & Carrara Marble 1600

10 2

LUSSO COLLECTIONS

THE VANITY UNITS ARE CROWNED WITH CARRARA MARBLE TOPS SOURCED FROM TUSCANY, DELIVERING NATURAL BEAUTY AND DURABILITY

VANITY UNITS Known for its sleek symmetry and trapezoidal shapes, Art Deco eschewed the historical and classical revivals of its predecessors and instead favoured pioneering techniques and the power of the Industrial Revolution, while retaining a focus on incredible craftsmanship. Its heavily stylised aesthetic brings together distinct lines and sweeping curves, which we reflect throughout all of our immaculately finished Deco vanity units.

Available in a range of sizes and soft matte colours - including white, cream and stone velvet - the vanity units are crowned with Carrara marble tops sourced from Tuscany, delivering natural beauty and durability. We can also provide all our Deco vanity units fully primed, enabling you to easily customise them to perfectly complement the decor of your bathrooms.

10 3

LUSSO COLLECTIONS

Deco Gainsborough Velvet Matte Stone Mirror 1600 Deco Charsley Wall Mounted Velvet Matte Stone with Carrara Marble 1600 Deco Ellington Velvet Matte White Freestanding Cast Iron Bath 1720

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LUSSO COLLECTIONS

CAST IRON BATHS Our Deco collection introduces Lusso’s first cast iron baths, which combine understated elegance with exceptional strength and offer unrivalled heat retention. Each bath is expertly crafted resulting in a smooth, flawless finish and protected with an enamel coating in matte white, cream or soft stone velvet. Influenced by the work of Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann - the renowned French furniture designer and Art Deco movement pioneer - the freestanding baths also feature intricately detailed feet sculpted from cast iron.

The baths come in a range of shapes and finishes, including our Ellington Bath, and as with all of Lusso’s baths and basins, our cast iron Deco bathtubs come with a lifetime guarantee.

10 5

LUSSO COLLECTIONS

THE PERFECT FINISHING TOUCH TO A LUXURY BATHROOM

BRASSWARE Well-designed brassware provides the perfect finishing touch to a luxury bathroom, and the distinctive range of Deco taps and fixtures truly elevate the look and feel of the collection.

Cast in striking shapes which pay homage to the geometrical patterns and sunburst motifs synonymous with 1920s glamour, each piece of brassware is beautifully unique, expertly crafted and hand-finished to create an incredible sheen. All of our Deco brassware is coated with polished nickel to give a warm undertone.

We’re immensely proud of the timeless design, impeccable quality and charismatic details of our new Deco collection, which make each piece ideal for both traditional and contemporary living spaces, and a fitting tribute to history’s most luxurious art movement.

The Deco collection is exclusively available at www.lussostone.com

Deco Hoxton Polished Nickel Basin Tap

10 6

LUSSO COLLECTIONS

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LONDON VILLAS

PERIOD GRANDEUR London’s eclectic architectural heritage spans across centuries, ranging from historical masterpieces such as St Paul’s Cathedral to 21st Century skyscrapers like The Shard. As well as countless iconic buildings, the city also boasts a wide range of beautiful period homes, with many located in the capital’s most exclusive postcodes GEORGIAN MAJESTY Although there are some older properties

circular fanlights above the main doors,

in London, the Georgian period between

paired chimneys, panelled windows,

1714-1837 gave rise to a new trend for

and decorative railings made from

houses to be built with grand proportions

ornate ironwork.

and high ceilings, to maximise comfort and give homes much more space and

Although the world’s most famous

light than their predecessors - many of

Georgian residence is 10 Downing

which were destroyed in the Great Fire

Street, complete with its arched lantern

of London.

holders above the front steps, much more magnificent examples can be found in

Georgian houses usually conform to the

Belgravia, St James’ and surrounding

Palladian design principles of symmetry

Regent’s Park, where homes can fetch

and perspective, and emulate some of the

up to £185million. Many of the lavish

qualities of the classical temple architecture

terraces and crescents that overlook the

of ancient Greece and Rome. Hipped

park, including Hanover Terrace and

roofs were often hidden behind parapets,

Cumberland Terrace, were designed by

and columns were added to entrances to

John Nash - one of the most celebrated

create Neoclassical fascias, sometimes

architects in British history who was also

adorned with moulded embellishments.

responsible for the designs of Marble Arch,

Other typical characteristics include semi-

Regent Street and Buckingham Palace.

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LONDON VILLAS

Photo credit: pxl.store - Shutterstock.com

10 9

LONDON VILLAS

Photo credit: Chrispictures - Shutterstock.com

VICTORIAN DRAMA Victorian architecture can still be seen across London, including the Albert Road Mansions on Kensington Gore

During the Victorian era, architecture

result of war or modernisation, there are still

moved away from boxy shapes and

incredible examples of late 19th Century

uniform proportions, and we saw the

homes across the capital. Most notably, the

introduction of bay sash windows, porches,

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

and steep pitched roofs tiled with slate.

is often described as a Victorian Citadel, with rows of immaculate terraced homes

Iron railings became even more popular, as

such as those in Carlyle Square, or red

well as coloured bricks, stained glass panes

brick mansion blocks including Coleherne

for doors and entrance windows, geometric

Court on Old Brompton Road and Albert

tiled hallways, high ceilings, cornicing, and

Road Mansions on Kensington Gore.

medieval-inspired finials - all in-keeping with Gothic Revival, the most prominent

As well as apartments and townhouses,

and dramatic style of the time and one

the city is also studded with imposingly

that’s perfectly depicted by the Houses of

large properties from the period,

Parliament, St Pancras Railway Station and

including incredible mansions overlooking

Tower Bridge.

Clapham Common and Victorian villas in St John’s Wood, complete with sweeping

The Victorians were wildly ambitious

gardens, converted coach houses, and

developers and even though many striking

modern luxuries such as swimming pools

buildings have since been demolished as a

and cinemas.

THE VICTORIAN ERA INTRODUCED BAY SASH WINDOWS, PORCHES, AND STEEP PITCHED ROOFS TILED WITH SLATE 11 0

LONDON VILLAS

NOTABLE EXAMPLES OF EDWARDIAN ARCHITECTURE IN LONDON INCLUDE THE OLD BAILEY, MARYLEBONE STATION, THE ELECTRIC CINEMA ON PORTOBELLO ROAD, AND OXFORD STREET’S SELFRIDGES

previous eras - as well as both front and back gardens. There was also a preference for handmade embellishments, in contrast to the mass production of the Victorian age, with many homes decorated with intricately carved fixtures and features including wooden framed porches and doors with glass panels inspired by Art Nouveau.

Some houses were also adorned with mock-Tudor cladding and multi-panel sash windows.

Notable examples of Edwardian architecture in London include the Old Bailey, Marylebone Station, The Electric Cinema on Portobello Road, and Oxford Street’s Selfridges. Period homes can be found a little further afield in locations such as Richmond-on-Thames and Muswell

EDWARDIAN ELEGANCE

Hill, which was largely developed in the early 20th Century and has a significant number of Edwardian retail parades

The pristine white houses of Kensington showcase the period’s architectural style

The Edwardian period at the start of the

and streets. North London’s Hampstead

20th Century only lasted until the beginning

Garden Suburb is also the embodiment of

of the First World War, however it still made

Edwardian elegance, with many of its areas

its mark with architecture inspired by the

designed by Britain’s foremost Edwardian

growing Arts and Crafts movement, as well

architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens.

as Baroque and Georgian influences.

Both the suburb and the wider area of As the city’s population continued to grow

Hampstead are lined with impressive

at an exponential rate, more homes were

detached houses and luxury Edwardian

built in newly developed suburban areas

mansions, and continue to attract high

which impacted their requirements, and

profile residents - including internationally

in turn, how they looked. This resulted in

acclaimed artists, actors and musicians -

shorter, wider homes without basements or

thanks to the timeless appeal and historic

third floors - often used for servants during

elegance of quintessentially British homes.

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LUXURY LIVING

TIMELESS BEAUTY 112

LUXURY LIVING

Patek Philippe has revisited Aquanaut - the collection known for its modern, sporty chic - with seven new references including the first white-gold chronograph, an Aquanaut Luce Travel Time with a new dual-time movement for women, and three new stainless-steel Aquanaut Luce models with new colours and larger case sizes

I

n 1976, Patek Philippe defined its own

(38.8 mm) and a new integrated strap

vision of casual elegance by launching

in a composite material. This model

the Nautilus. In 1997, it reaffirmed its

of casual chic is available in steel

ability to innovate by unveiling another

(Reference 5267/200A) or in rose gold

high-end sporty watch, the Aquanaut,

(5268/200R) with a choice of dial colours

which today has become a cult model.

and coordinated straps.

With its modern, unexpected design and

Also making its debut in the ladies’

a character all its own, the Aquanaut

Aquanaut Luce line is a completely new

created a sensation. The case and the

travel watch, as elegant as it is practical,

rounded octagonal bezel, both inspired

powered by a quartz Travel Time movement

by the Nautilus, stand out by their instantly

(Reference 5269/200R).

recognizable shapes and alternation of polished and satin-brushed finishes. The dial

The Aquanaut models for men, meanwhile,

and strap in matching colours, embellished

are enriched by the arrival of the first white-

with an embossed checkerboard pattern,

gold version of the Aquanaut Chronograph,

lend an original, dynamic touch.

with a colour scheme of midnight blue or khaki green (Reference 5968G).

The strap is a feature in its own right. It is a made of a high-tech water-resistant

The very embodiment of modern Patek

composite material that is supple and

Philippe style, the Aquanaut and

comfortable, and noted for its extreme

Aquanaut Luce combine seriously sporty

resistance to traction, wear, salt water and

performance with the classic attributes of

ultraviolet radiation. In short, it was made to

the manufacturer’s timepieces: unparalleled

partner the most active lifestyles.

quality, accuracy and reliability together with devotion to fine workmanship.

Building on more than 15 years’ success, Patek Philippe is presenting a new

To find out more about Patek Philippe

development in the design of the ladies’

contact Berrys Jewellers, 52 Stonegate

Aquanaut Luce, namely a larger diameter

York, tel +441904 654 104

11 3

LAST WORD

LOOKING AHEAD Lusso has gone from strength to strength, achieving phenomenal growth while maintaining the integrity of our vision - to offer attainable luxury with an uncompromising commitment to outstanding quality, flawless design and impeccable service

O

ur journey has been incredible, with recent milestones including the successful launch of two

new collections - Pietra, which features an opulent range of baths and basins exclusively sculpted from marble, and Deco, which blends our signature modern aesthetic with timeless design notes from the distinctive 1920s art movement.

We’ve also announced the purchase of our new headquarters, comprising more than 12,000sqft across three floors which will enable us to expand our workforce in tandem with our brand. The purposebuilt premises include a showroom of our collections for architects and developers, as well as a licensed bar, gym, kitchen, breakout areas, meeting rooms and flexible workspaces to provide a premium environment for our valued team.

Looking ahead, we have even more exciting plans in place. As well as shortly opening the doors to our flagship Lusso showroom, located in the heart of London, we’re furthering our reach across the US. Demand for our collections is rapidly rising across America, and we’re attracting attention from many exciting clients, providing a perfect opportunity for the international expansion of the Lusso brand.

OUR JOURNEY HAS BEEN INCREDIBLE AND WITH EXCITING PROJECTS ONGOING, WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING WHAT THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE LUSSO STORY WILL BE

Thank you to all of our customers, colleagues and industry partners for being part of our story so far - here’s to the next chapter.

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Lusso Oasis Polished White Freestanding Bath 1790

STO N E - D E C O - P I E T R A