Lusso Magazine - Issue 1 - 2021

Lusso Zurra Bathroom Collection

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.

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

WAYNE SPRIGGS LUSSO FOUNDER & CEO

THE LUSSO STORY

DESIGN EVOLUTION

WE DO

Lusso Picasso Matte White Freestanding Bath 1780

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

Like many successful brands, ideas and innovations, Lusso was born out of necessity. Our founder and CEO, Wayne Spriggs, was inspired to set up the company when as a high-end property developer, he was unable to find luxury bathrooms that didn’t come with an astronomical price tag. An entrepreneur at heart, Wayne filled the gap by creating Lusso - which designs, produces and retails its own competitive collections without compromising on quality.

We believe that luxury design isn’t about ostentation, instead we focus on finding ways to elevate experiences into something unique and memorable. Our commitment to that ethos threads through

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 stone, polished marble, and sustainable wood, as well as solid brass fixtures, to ensure Lusso collections are enjoyed for many years to come. Every bath and basin we produce comes with a lifetime promise, and we offer a 15-year guarantee on all brassware.

As well as designing and creating incredible collections, we’re committed to providing an unrivalled level of service, which is why we’re trusted by homeowners, interior designers, architects and property developers from around the globe, and found in leading destinations such as Claridge’s in London, Sugar Beach Resort in St Lucia, and the Equinox Hotel in New York. Across every touchpoint, we aim to deliver the ultimate, luxury experience.

Lusso Opulence Reeded Glass Brushed Gold Shower Screen available in sizes from 600-1200mm

Lusso Lanosa Matte White Wall Hung Double Basin 1200

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

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

The Company relocated to a larger warehouse facility having outgrown its previous one

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

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

2016 2018 2020

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

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

Supplied baths to some of the world’s leading luxury hotels including Viceroy Hotel, Sugar Beach Resort in St Lucia, the Galle Face Hotel and Ulagalla Resort in Sri Lanka, and Hotel des Deux Domaines in the French Alps

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 27th in The Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100

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

2017 2019 2021

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 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

REDEFINING

SUSTAINABLE LUXURY

The exceptional quality, craftsmanship and timeless aesthetic of our collections are testament to our belief that beautiful items should be built to last. We don’t produce short-lived items destined for landfill - we intentionally use materials with intrinsic durability, and we offer a 15-year guarantee on our brassware and a lifetime promise on our stone and marble baths and basins.

We predominantly use natural materials in our collections. Our baths and basins are made from stone and marble, which we ethically source from suppliers that are committed to the sustainable use of quarry resources.

To support the environmentally appropriate and socially beneficial management of the world’s forests, the wood used in our products is FSC-certified, which means it’s responsibly harvested. We also avoid the use of toxic chemicals or glazes in our production processes.

The protective packaging we use to ensure that your items are safe and secure during transit is made from a combination of renewable, biodegradable and recycled

materials. We avoid plastics wherever possible, and our packaging procedures have been designed to reduce waste through the use of minimal materials.

As well as ensuring our working spaces are as comfortable as possible for our teams, we’ve implemented a number of measures and policies to reduce our carbon footprint within our operational environments. Our offices are free from single-use plastics and furnished with energy and water efficient assets and appliances. We use sustainable alternatives for consumables wherever possible, and we have in-office recycling facilities.

At our headquarters we’ve also installed charge points for electric vehicles, providing free power for everyone, and supporting the reduction of carbon emissions.

We understand that sustainability isn’t a single target or achievement, it’s a continual journey of incremental change. In addition to the measures highlighted here, we regularly review and improve our production processes - from design and development to customer aftercare, to ensure we’re doing everything we can for a brighter, greener future.

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

EVOLUTION

OF THE BATHROOM

Lusso Deco Bathroom Collection

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 old, and was found in Pakistan as part of a 1920s archaeological excavation, while bathing played a major part in ancient Roman culture and society. It was one of the most common daily activities in Roman culture and was practiced across a wide variety of social classes. Today, elements of Roman bathhouses remain, including the sites in Bath, Somerset, which were built around natural springs soon after the Romans arrived in Britain.

Bathrooms as we know them today weren’t established until the Victorian era. The Industrial Revolution introduced new manufacturing processes and sparked an era of ingenuity during Queen Victoria’s reign,

which led to the invention and modernisation of many of the key requirements of the modern bathroom, including updated water systems and plumbing, indoor taps, showers, flushing toilets and gas boilers. Although we take hot water for granted today - and even have freshly filtered boiling water in our homes thanks to innovations like the Lusso Filtrata 4 in 1 tap - these inventions were crucial milestones in the modern bathroom story.

While most new houses were now being built with bathrooms as standard, even as late as the 1950s many families in the UK still used public baths or tin baths in front of the kitchen fire. In the following decade, this was all set to change.

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

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.

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

UNDERSTATED LUXURY

The 1990s heralded a new era of neutral with beige walls, blond wood and almond rose bathroom suites. Although there were still some questionable decorative techniques in heavy use across British bathrooms at the time - including rag rolling and stencilling - in general, a clean Scandi-style was increasingly popular and this eventually evolved into more minimal interiors over the last three decades.

Today, many contemporary bathrooms aspire to emulate the understated luxury found in five-star hotels, and are often regarded as private home spas - a far cry from the hustle and bustle of bathhouses. Freestanding soaking tubs such as the coveted Lusso Stone Picasso model, waterfall and power showers, integrated lighting, natural materials, and

brushed metallics are all used to create comfortable, indulgent sanctuaries finished with carefully curated accessories and botanical elements. We now also have instant access to endless sources of interior inspiration, encouraging individual styles and self-expression mixed with global influences and subtle nods to heritage styles.

As well as a greater focus on design, quality and craftsmanship, technology is increasingly important too. Waterproof media systems, auto-demisting mirrors, heated toilet seats, no-touch lighting, and intelligent bidets, such as Lusso’s Intellismart Toilet Bidet, are just some of the ways bathrooms are becoming smarter, creating the ultimate spaces for rejuvenation and relaxation we enjoy today.

Lusso

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

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

The 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.

12 Abercromby Place was developed by Atom Group, a bespoke prime property developer based in Edinburgh. Atom’s focus is on prime development of period and new-build properties. In addition to their own projects, on a select basis, Atom Group offers a full design and build service to clients. Atom Group has evolved into a successful family business having developed and managed rental portfolios across Edinburgh and central Scotland since 1997 with more than 25 successfully completed projects.

“We were looking for a property that would make a great family home, but also something we could add value to as well,” says Mark McMeekin, Director of Atom Group Ltd, explaining why he and his wife were drawn to 12 Abercromby Place back in 2016.

Original Georgian architecture aside, the couple could see the potential from the ongoing commercial investment in and around nearby St Andrew Square and the East End, making this townhouse an

SPACE

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.

atomgrpltd.com

Lusso Novo Polished White Countertop Basin 450

A

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

WHAT WE DO

Explore what goes into Lusso’s unique bathroom spaces

LUSSO BESPOKE

Renowned for designing and creating bespoke, luxury bathroom spaces, our talented designers can offer a truly unique service designed to your exact specifications. Whether you’re looking to develop your own ideas or undertake a modification to an existing bathroom product, our team will work with you every step of the way to bring dazzling designs to life.

Our designers embrace the challenge of creating a unique design that is tailored to individual needs and specifications, ensuring you get a real feel for what our business specialises in. With privately owned Lusso factories, products are manufactured from raw materials, so our team can often work with you to customise products to fit your specific requirements. Whether the unique bespoke service is needed for a project that requires something extra special, or a commercial

project that involves a number of customised items, our team will work to your needs to fully understand and deliver the project on budget and on time.

For commercial projects, our team will design products from scratch, taking them from concept to completion and guiding you through all possibilities to ensure accurate costings and lead times. Lusso has worked on complete hotel refurbishments such as the Trocadero Hotel in London, Sugar Beach Resort in St Lucia and a multitude of other projects around the world. Our bespoke service has also been used to create specific items for the refurbishments of prestigious hotels including The Connaught and Claridge’s, part of the famous Maybourne Group.

Our main aim is to set the standard for what living should be. When only bespoke will do, make sure you speak to the experts.

Mark Pearson from MP Bespoke with Bobby

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 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

E Lusso Audemar Black & Porcelain Freestanding Vanity Unit 1600

E Lusso Audemar Black & Porcelain Freestanding Vanity Unit 1600

E Lusso Monobloc Basin Mixer Tap Matte Black

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

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 Flats to set three world land-speed records with Thunderbolt, which was powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce R supercharged 37-litre, V-12 aero engines, each producing well over 2,000 horsepower.

Today, Rolls-Royce’s Landspeed Collection draws inspiration from George Eyston’s remarkable life and record-breaking feats. Both cars in the collection bear strong aesthetic links to the unique, otherworldly landscape of the Bonneville Salt Flats where Thunderbolt made him, albeit briefly, the fastest man on Earth.

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 days. In the new Collection Cars, the feat is commemorated - engraved into the housing of the dashboard clock alongside Bonneville. In Wraith Landspeed, 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 constellations are precisely marked using 2,117 individually placed fibre-optic ‘stars’, the largest number of stars in a Rolls-Royce Wraith Starlight Headliner ever featured.

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

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

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

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?

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

Natural materials, great lighting and a large bath play a big part now. It’s not really a trend, it’s something we need to relax from our hectic lives.

Q. What would be the one thing you’d always avoid adding to a bathroom?

For me it’s the toilet. Obviously, we need it, but I always try to place it somewhere so it’s the last thing you’ll see - whether it’s behind a niche wall or in a separate room from the main bathing area.

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

Since my projects are mainly in Iceland, 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. Also, you ship to Iceland rather quickly. The products are quite minimal, which fits my aesthetic.

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

It would probably be planning. Usually everything takes more time than you thought, but I’ve been in this business for more than 10 years now and nothing really surprises me anymore.

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

Planning is crucial. The best thing is to get someone to project manage for you. If you cannot do that, make a schedule for everything, get quotes, line up trades and order everything ahead.

Q. What would your ultimate interior design project be?

I’ve never done a hotel by myself, so a small boutique hotel would be a nice experience to add to my résumé.

Website - sid.is Instagram @saeja_innanhusshonnudur

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

E Lusso Basin Mixer Tap Matte Black

Lusso Vertina Black Freestanding Bath 1700

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

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 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.

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

E Pietra Fiori Carrara Marble Freestanding Basin 560

E Lusso Rose Gold Basin Mixer Tap

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

The best advice I can give is to work at your own pace. You don’t need to do major work to achieve a big impact, simple things like changing paint colours and lighting, adding a new window or changing your bath or sink can create a major wow factor.

Q. What would your ultimate interior design project be?

I am lucky enough to be working on my dream project right now, but it would be amazing to work on a circular house. I think round spaces really challenge the imagination.

Instagram @halainteriors & @halooolita

E Lusso Pod Matte White Freestanding Bath 1800

OCTAGON HOMES

Luxury homes with real ‘wow factor’

Octagon, the privatelyowned pioneer of luxury housebuilding, was founded over 40 years ago with one simple but controversial idea: to build very few, but rather superior family homes with gasp-inducing interiors. The concept paid off, and the company continues to deliver the ultimate in build perfection.

Focusing on prime residential areas of Greater London and the adjoining Home Counties, the company’s current collection of homes range from £2.25m to £15m for one of their ‘super mansions’, often built to

buyers’ precise requirements under their Bespoke division.

All Octagon properties are individually designed by their talented in-house team, incorporating interior and exterior design features, which distinguish each house with a unique character, while still retaining the unmistakable Octagon style. Their combination of classic exterior architecture, lavish landscaping and wow-factor interiors along with the latest technology has earned the Surrey-based niche specialist a formidable number of high profile industry awards.

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

WAYNE SPRIGGS Founder & CEO

Q. What does your role entail?

I play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the company, maintaining our UK operations while working to spearhead our expansion into the US. I’m always looking at ways we can innovate, improve and bring something new to the market.

I’ve had a very clear vision of what I’d like Lusso to achieve from day one, so I enjoy working on bigger picture projects that help to make that strategy become a reality.

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, appreciating the artistry of a beautifully crafted watch, or relaxing in a spa-grade bathroom finished to the highest standard.

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

Everything we’ve achieved as a team is important to me, and I believe that we’re building a brand that will have a lasting legacy for many years to come. What I’m most proud of is that we’ve been able to grow without ever compromising on the quality, design and craftsmanship of our products and service, and that’s something we’ll remain committed to as we continue to expand.

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.

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.

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.

LEE REED Customer Service Team Lead

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

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 grouponline 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.

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

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.

A NIGHT AT THE TROCADERO

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

The Trocadero is one of the most iconic buildings in London, standing tall in the heart of the city. It was built in 1896 and featured a restaurant with grand opera styling and Arthurian murals on the walls, in keeping with the baroque exterior.

The restaurant closed in 1965, and the building lay vacant for almost 20 years before reopening in 1984 as a tourist-led leisure attraction featuring shops, restaurants and a cinema. This imposing building has been described as a property enigma, sitting in one of the best retail and leisure locations in the city, at the point where tourist hotspots Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus meet.

Once a host to royal theatre companies and entertainers, The Trocadero had a chequered history over the last 30 years, housing a failed indoor theme park at one point but mainly standing unoccupied. In 2018, The Trocadero received its first breath of new life as Criterion Capital received approval for a revised planning application to redevelop the building into a hotel.

Introducing The Zedwell. It is more than just a hotel; it’s a lifestyle concept that focuses on one clear purpose - the perfect night’s sleep.

The first Zedwell Hotel opened in late 2019 and is housed in the iconic London Trocadero building, surrounded by the buzzing atmosphere and bright lights of Piccadilly.

This flagship property comprises 750+ windowless rooms (some of which can sleep up to eight), a 1,000-plus capacity destination rooftop bar and restaurant with unrivalled views across London and lower level food, beverage and experiential spaces - all of which are third-party operated. With bathroom products supplied by Lusso Stone, the hotel is a destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of this renowned building while enjoying a wellearned rest in the midst of the bustling city.

The Zedwell Hotel is part of the Assembly Hotels Group - a young, fun and imaginative hospitality operator; serious about creating cutting-edge living and entertainment spaces. With a growing hotel portfolio that currently consists of Victory House - MGallery by Sofitel, Hotel Indigo - 1 Leicester Square and Assembly London, it’s a real gamechanger and is a very exciting addition to our capital city.

zedwellhotels.com

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

Pietra Tucci Tiffany Marble Basin 300

Launched 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 basinsexpertly 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.

Pietra Heart Carrara Marble Countertop Basin 400

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

CARRARA

Quarried from its namesake city in the uppermost region of Tucscany, Carrara marble has a delicate, feathered veining often associated with classical architecture.

It was used by the Romans to craft some of their finest buildings and monuments, including The Pantheon and Column of Marcus Aurelias

which still stand today, thousands of years after construction. It’s incredible durability and timeless aesthetic is why we’ve used it across a broad range of pieces in the Pietra collection, including the Cube Carrara Counter Top Basin and the Muse Carrara Marble Bath, as well as a wide array of bathroom accessories that work together beautifully.

Pietra Kudos Carrara Marble Countertop Basin 455

PANDA

Dramatic, distinctive and exclusively found in China, the extraordinary Panda marble is highly sought after due to its thick monochrome stripes and swirls, as well as its significant pattern variation between quarried blocks which makes each piece entirely different from the next. Its striking beauty can be seen across a select range of baths, basins and vanity units within

our Pietra collection, including our stunning Designo Panda Marble Bath with a honed matte exterior finish and smooth polished interior, and the Designo Panda Marble Freestanding Basin with its contemporary cylindrical shape - both guaranteed to make an unforgettable design statement in any bathroom.

Pietra Designo Panda Marble Bath 1780

ARABESCATO

Sourced from the Apuan Alps in Italy, Arabescato is a soft white marble laced with strong veining in charcoal grey. Its rich and attractive patterning has led to it being used in some of the most luxurious residences in the world, including the Palace of Versailles - famously one of the most opulent buildings ever created.

Within our Pietra collection, we’ve used Arabescato to create a range of basins, baths and vanity units, including the Elegance Arabescato Marble Counter Top Basin in a smooth oval shape, and our Vernante Vanity Unit which features double basins crafted from Arabescato, supported by a sleek matte black frame.

Pietra Vernante Vanity Unit & Double Arabescato Marble Basin 1400

Pietra Lomazzo Countertop Pietra Grey Matble Vanity Unit 600

Pietra Sala Pietra Grey Marble Countertop Basin 400

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

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

Lusso Art Matte White Wall Hung Basin 300

When challenged with transforming a compact space, editing is key - every item needs to be carefully considered and intentionally added, as the more furniture, accessories, patterns and colours you place in a room, the more cluttered it will become. The old adage of less is more rings true in smaller bathrooms, so pare down bodycare products and homewares to just the essentials or favourites, dress shelves sparingly with no more than a few key pieces and avoid overwhelming textiles and wallpapers with busy, bold prints. Instead, opt for neutral, softer shades that open up the space and create visual unity with carefully chosen accessories that

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 wall fixed storage over floor standing units where possible, such as Lusso’s floating shelves, shower shelves, towel rails and storage baskets. Floating pieces can also give you extra storage space underneath if needed - at Lusso we have an extensive collection of countertop and wall hung basins in marble and stone, in a wide range of styles and finishes, as well as wall mounted taps. We also produce minimalist walk-in shower enclosures with frameless, glass panels in a number of sizes for a sleek, barely-there aesthetic.

When you’re pushed for space, every item and accessory in your bathroom needs to serve at least one purpose, so look for stylish furnishings that also boast ample storage, like our wall mounted vanity units

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

available in various sizes, colours and finishes, or Lusso’s chic bathroom mirrors with built-in shelving.

Mirrors are a fundamental feature in any bathroom, but they’re especially important when square footage is limited as they reflect the light, increase the sense of airiness, and reflect views and trick the eye into seeing a bigger space. Some bathrooms even benefit from floor to ceiling mirror panels to create the illusion of greater depth.

Lighting is also tremendously impactful in terms of space perception, so strip back heavy window dressings to maximise

natural light, and if you do choose curtains, opt for light, sheer fabrics and make sure to hang them close to the ceiling to elongate your window length.

It’s also important to choose the right lighting fixtures based on the proportions of your room - choose recessed downlights rather than pendant fittings if you have a low ceiling, and add task and wall lighting to create dramatic illumination and open out the space even further.

For more inspiration for your home, head over to the Lusso Instagram page at @lussostone or explore the latest bathroom collections at lussostone.com

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

ONE CHARTER STREET

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

The last three decades have seen London’s Canary Wharf undergo an incredible transformation as a result of one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe. Today, it’s one of the greatest feats of civic engineering and a bustling hive for finance, business and tech, welcoming 120,000 office workers on a daily basis. It has also become a popular destination for shopping, dining and leisure and its newest district - Wood Wharf - is set to be the jewel in its crown.

The multi-billion pound development is spread across a 23-acre site, and is currently being shaped into a mixed-use neighbourhood with 2million sqft of office space designed by some of the world’s

leading architects, around 3,600 new homes, and 350,000sqft of retail space set aside for an eclectic mix of independent stores and galleries. It will also be home to scores of restaurants, cafés, bars, and popup food stalls and markets, alongside an abundance of outdoor spaces, waterside walkways and roof terraces to promote health and wellbeing.

Marking the gateway between Wood Wharf and Canary Wharf will be One Charter Street - a 20-storey luxury aparthotel complex featuring 279 serviced apartments as well as a workout studio, café, bar, co-working space and a Michelin-starred restaurant on its rooftop providing panoramic views of London’s incredible skyline.

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 furnishingsincluding key pieces from Lusso - the highly anticipated One Charter Street promises to be an incredible destination within one of London’s hottest new districts.

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

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

Lusso

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 BATHROOMWHAT INSPIRED ITS LOOK?

We were looking for a clean aesthetic with a spa look for our bathrooms, so white sanitaryware and a hint of metals in the form of brass and black. We then went neutral with the tiles.

WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RENOVATING THE SPACES?

We demolished the existing property which was not suitable for our needs and built to our design and specification. We had seven bathrooms and one guest w/c in the new build so a lot of planning was required. The most challenging aspect was planning how we would use each of the rooms and mapping out the bathrooms.

AND WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT?

The most rewarding thing has been completing the build and seeing our plans come to fruition.

WHICH

PIECES IN YOUR BATHROOM HAVE BEEN CRAFTED BY LUSSO, AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THEM?

All of our bathrooms feature Lusso Stone products in some form or another, which we chose because of the quality. We purchased baths, showers, vanity units, sinks and accessories from the range so there is continuity in the different metal finishes across bathrooms and different products. We wouldn’t hesitate to use these products again in future projects.

Lusso Floorstanding Brushed Gold Bath Shower Tap

Lusso Volini Wall Hung Vanity Unit

Matte Anthracite 600

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

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 BATHROOMWHAT INSPIRED ITS LOOK?

My master bathroom is very minimal in its design. I wanted a timeless look that will last, and minimalism never goes out of style.

I was inspired by Scandinavian/Nordic interiors where white, grey and black dominate. Regarding used materials, I had opted for matte white wall tiles, concrete floor tiles, and of course, Lusso Matte Black taps.

WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RENOVATING THE SPACE?

Space. Space was definitely the most challenging aspect of my bathroom design, however in a way it was also a design

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?

The most rewarding thing for me was when I saw my design come to life. This was the first time where I have designed the space from start to finish, including the layout, plumbing and material selection. I remember sitting down on the floor and just looking around in an awe. It was a pretty good feeling.

WHICH PIECES IN YOUR BATHROOM HAVE BEEN CRAFTED BY LUSSO, AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THEM?

All of them. I have selected the entire matte black Lusso line for my bathroom. I just loved the simplicity of the design, the clean lines and fantastic craftsmanship. The quality of Lusso products is sublime. I will most definitely use Lusso in my next projects.

Lusso Wall Mounted Matte Black Basin Mixer Tap

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BATHROOMWHAT INSPIRED ITS LOOK?

As part of the refurbishment of our existing loft conversion, which was built about six years ago, we renovated our loft bathroom and master bedroom. My overarching vision for this space was hotel luxe and to tie in various elements of the house, featuring colours that are already part of my core colour palette, making it easier to design as the cues were already there. Think lots of monochrome, with hints of pink and gold or brass.

As part of the refurbishment we added black reeded panels to the master bedroom walls and wardrobe doors. I wanted the bathroom to be the opposite of this with

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 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 - something we worked out during the planning and design stage. To achieve this we reduced the height of the aperture of the window by building up internally and externally allowing us to position a sink beneath the window frame. While doing this we also replaced the window to match the black aluminium sliding doors in the master bedroom.

I am so pleased that we did this and that we positioned the sink beneath the window as it completes and balances the room.

AND WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT?

We’ve pretty much renovated our entire house and renovating this floor has been

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

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

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my favourite by far, and I have loved working on it. I created a moodboard and vision for this space last year, and I have loved seeing the end result come to life bit by bit. I’ve enjoyed seeing how the blacks, white, pinks and golds, and how all the textures and patterns have come together.

To do this we’ve worked with a great team of builders, MPRM Design & Build, who genuinely cared about our project and bringing my vision to life, while delivering a high quality and detailed finish which was hugely important to me. Everything about this project from the moment it started was hugely rewarding, and I am still in awe that this is actually my house.

WHICH PIECES IN YOUR BATHROOM HAVE BEEN CRAFTED BY LUSSO, AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THEM?

As soon as I saw the brushed gold finish I was totally sold on it. I knew that it would work well with the wall and floor tiles and our black reeded panelling.

One of the items that I was drawn to was the full gold framed shower screen and having one huge pane of glass that spoke style and simplicity. I knew that would look great in the space. This led me to choose and opt for all of the fittings from Lusso Stone.

We chose the brushed gold thermostatic shower with handheld shower, the tall mixer tap for a counter top sink, flush plate, basin waste, matching toilet roll holder and robe hooks. In addition to this we also bought the wall hung rimless toilet including the cistern, the Picasso Stone Countertop Basin which is a really good size, and the 1400mmx900mm resin low profile shower tray. The shower tray, waste and screen came as one kit which made the ordering process even easier.

As you can see they work beautifully in the bathroom and I am really impressed with the quality and finish, and how well it works against a white, pink and black colour palette.

Left - Lusso Senza Wall Hung Rimless Toilet & Brushed Gold Flush Plate

Right - Lusso Mayfair Brushed Gold Shower Enclosure

Lusso Brushed Gold Thermostatic Shower

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

Building a stylish house on a plot approx. 9.5mx4m isn’t the easiest of challenges to undertake. Add the requirement for a basement, two double bedrooms, height constraints, minimum size guidelines and poor site access, and things start to get tricky. To then add a Passivhaus target, multiple unproven bespoke design solutions and a very tight budget surely creates a recipe for disaster… doesn’t it?

The prevalent issue for young people in London today is the prohibitive cost of buying a home. Sky-high rents consume most of their salaries leaving dreams of home-ownership as just that – dreams. Joe decided the only way he and his partner, Lina, would have a chance at their own space would be to build it himself. He found probably the smallest and cheapest plot available at the time (October 2013) – a former coffin store tucked away in an East London Mews.

From a background of 3D sustainable design, engineering design and production design, Joe applied his experience and creativity to the task in hand. Even so, it took two years to obtain planning approval after several re-designs to fulfil ‘minimum standards’ as prescribed by London SPG 2015.

During the planning stage, as both he and Lina were in full-time employment based in Middlesex and Warwickshire respectively, Joe researched the option of recruiting a basement contractor for the substructure works. After 18 months of conversations, on-site visits and agreeing contracts and method statements Joe’s chosen contractor, and apparent ‘expert’, broke ground.

Unfortunately, the project did not start well. Numerous issues from day one created a setback worthy of its own article and the build quickly fell well behind schedule. The contractor

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 further issues at crucial points in the build. Joe doggedly persevered, patiently dealing with each crisis as it arose and redesigning solutions as required. The original build schedule of nine months grew to twice that but Joe felt it was more important to ensure high quality and fulfil design expectations than to rush to a poor result. In his words, ‘…some decisions made back then (at the outset) were made with the experience and knowledge I had at the time. Today I would probably make different choices having learnt better methodologies along the way.’

Joe’s innovative building design required equally innovative solutions to issues

raised by the plot size and location, and budget restrictions. Being on-site for the remainder of the project allowed him to truly understand these criteria. His creativity and willingness to develop unconventional approaches resulted in his unique, bespoke designs which excited all those involved in bringing them to fruition:

• Brackets to create floating concrete floors – breaking the heat transfer connection to the external underground walls and creating an insulated, thermal mass for temperature control

• Enhanced fire protection systems

• A design and build from scratch hydraulic roof window - a long and torturous process leading the

manufacturer to report that they had ‘…never had such accurate drawings to work from.’ All created via Joe’s desire to question current options, to consider new techniques and design better outcomes

The design of this ‘jewel-like house’ (Kevin McCloud, Grand Designs) had to fulfil minimum standards, but as soon as you open the front door, you realise there is nothing minimal in style and certainly no feeling of limited space.

Natural light cascades down through the airy, angular staircases. With the line of sight running the full length of the building,

your attention is drawn beyond the bespoke furniture and finishes. Well placed windows, subtle decor and polished floors produce a surprisingly bright ambience even without artificial lighting, and it is easy to forget that almost a third of this property is at or below ground level. When it is time to switch on the lights, their clever positioning and use of low energy LED lamps continue to illuminate the style and panache of Joe’s design.

The house feels warm but not overly so. A total heating demand of only 850W to heat the entire property is a fraction of the standard for today’s new builds. The airtightness of this innovative home is more

than 30 times better than building controls require, and both the heating and hot water are easily provided by a clever phase change battery system, keeping heat losses to a minimum. Air quality is maintained by the discreet installation of the heat and ventilation recovery system.

The top floor is truly the masterpiece, offering a crescendo of light and spacious

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 climbing training ceiling.

On viewing this property you’ll agree that achieving a total living area of 83m (plus 22m basement storage) on a footprint of only 38m is far beyond any minimum standards anyone could require. Plenty of space for Joe and Lina to relax, to work and to grow – there’s even room for a nursery should the need arise.

“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”

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 understanding of oneself. Joe begs to differ, ‘I’ve learnt more about myself over the last year on site, building our home, than during the previous 10! 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. Anyone can compromise. Anyone can settle. But if you can stay true to yourself you can learn what makes that particular decision the right one.’

With the skills and experience gained from his immersion in architectural design and self-build, Joe has achieved a longheld ambition to create his own design and build business. He is supported by a growing team of experts and associates alongside tested suppliers, all specialising in modern and sustainable living. Several quality design and build projects have now commenced with clients requiring similar high standards in both commercial and residential property.

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

Lusso 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

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 York or rose to success in the city, inspired by its diverse cultural influences. Notable names include Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Jeff Koons, Roy Lichtenstein and of course, Andy Warhol, whose studio - The Factory - doubled as a hangout for muses and musicians such as David Bowie, The Velvet Underground, Madonna and The Rolling Stones.

It’s also the birthplace of hugely influential graphic designers and agencies like Paul Rand, Saul Bass and Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv,

responsible for some of the world’s best-known brand identities and iconic campaigns.

Along with droves of creatives, New York boasts incredible art museums including The Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art - the largest art museum in the United States with over 2million pieces, and the benefactor of its renowned annual fundraising gala which is attended by the highest profile names from across the fashion and entertainment industries.

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 Buildingboth 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

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 to create cool, dark and quiet spaces for rest and relaxation. As well as 212 impeccably styled rooms, the hotel features a vast fitness club, an indoor and outdoor pool, and a terrace restaurant complete with an infinity water edge feature, and a monumental Jaume Plensa sculpture.

Those looking for an unparalleled city experience stay in the hotel’s penthouse suite, with floor to ceiling windows that maximise the breathtaking views of Hudson River and the New York skyline. As well as its own living room and a private dining area, the room is filled with features to

ensure incredible comfort - a handmade mattress, Egyptian cotton bedding, filtered air and water, sound-cancelling walls, blackout shades and its own flickering fireplace. In the suite’s spa-grade bathroom furnished with a mirrored dressing area, guests can enjoy a long, hot soak in the room’s most striking feature - the Vetrina freestanding bath from our Lusso Stone collection.

Chosen by Rockwell Group’s design team, the Vetrina’s deep curves, smooth matte black finish and contemporary shape works beautifully with the hotel’s aesthetic, and provides the ultimate luxury experience for high-performance living.

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

Picasso Charcoal Freestanding Bath 1780

Lusso Urban Gunmetal Wall Mounted Bath Shower Mixer Tap

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

With 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.

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

The same idea is central to every Interior Studio van Maanen project; ‘sophisticated simplicity’. The studio’s statement style is clear, minimalist lines and small details, presenting a well-considered design in all aspects.

One of their most striking projects is a stunning ‘super loft’ in Amsterdam. The Sun Residence is situated in a former striking bank building. In 1918 the building was completely rebuilt and the architect, PH Niftrik designed a beautiful rationalistic facade that gives the building a lot of character.

The challenge in this project was to keep the grand feeling without losing touch with the human scale. Interior Studio van Maanen used several mezzanines and a patio to give the loft a playful and industrial feel without losing the charm and character of the traditional features.

In total you can find four bedrooms and four bathrooms on this 500sqm site. You’ll also find a library and art studio, both of which bring cool, creative and inviting spaces for both business and leisure.

Photography Ministry of Frames isvm.nl

Picasso Matte White Freestanding

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

Deco Connaught Floorstanding Velvet Matte Cream Vanity & Carrara Marble 1400

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

The 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

Deco Connaught Floorstanding Velvet Matte Cream Vanity & Carrara Marble 1600

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.

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.

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

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 in London, the Georgian period between 1714-1837 gave rise to a new trend for houses to be built with grand proportions and high ceilings, to maximise comfort and give homes much more space and light than their predecessors - many of which were destroyed in the Great Fire of London.

Georgian houses usually conform to the Palladian design principles of symmetry and perspective, and emulate some of the qualities of the classical temple architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. Hipped roofs were often hidden behind parapets, and columns were added to entrances to create Neoclassical fascias, sometimes adorned with moulded embellishments. Other typical characteristics include semi-

circular fanlights above the main doors, paired chimneys, panelled windows, and decorative railings made from ornate ironwork.

Although the world’s most famous Georgian residence is 10 Downing Street, complete with its arched lantern holders above the front steps, much more magnificent examples can be found in Belgravia, St James’ and surrounding Regent’s Park, where homes can fetch up to £185million. Many of the lavish terraces and crescents that overlook the park, including Hanover Terrace and Cumberland Terrace, were designed by John Nash - one of the most celebrated architects in British history who was also responsible for the designs of Marble Arch, Regent Street and Buckingham Palace.

Photo credit: pxl.storeShutterstock.com

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

VICTORIAN DRAMA

During the Victorian era, architecture moved away from boxy shapes and uniform proportions, and we saw the introduction of bay sash windows, porches, and steep pitched roofs tiled with slate.

Iron railings became even more popular, as well as coloured bricks, stained glass panes for doors and entrance windows, geometric tiled hallways, high ceilings, cornicing, and medieval-inspired finials - all in-keeping with Gothic Revival, the most prominent and dramatic style of the time and one that’s perfectly depicted by the Houses of Parliament, St Pancras Railway Station and Tower Bridge.

The Victorians were wildly ambitious developers and even though many striking buildings have since been demolished as a

result of war or modernisation, there are still incredible examples of late 19th Century homes across the capital. Most notably, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is often described as a Victorian Citadel, with rows of immaculate terraced homes such as those in Carlyle Square, or red brick mansion blocks including Coleherne Court on Old Brompton Road and Albert Road Mansions on Kensington Gore.

As well as apartments and townhouses, the city is also studded with imposingly large properties from the period, including incredible mansions overlooking Clapham Common and Victorian villas in St John’s Wood, complete with sweeping gardens, converted coach houses, and modern luxuries such as swimming pools and cinemas.

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

Photo credit: ChrispicturesShutterstock.com

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

EDWARDIAN ELEGANCE

The Edwardian period at the start of the 20th Century only lasted until the beginning of the First World War, however it still made its mark with architecture inspired by the growing Arts and Crafts movement, as well as Baroque and Georgian influences.

As the city’s population continued to grow at an exponential rate, more homes were built in newly developed suburban areas which impacted their requirements, and in turn, how they looked. This resulted in shorter, wider homes without basements or third floors - often used for servants during

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 Hill, which was largely developed in the early 20th Century and has a significant number of Edwardian retail parades and streets. North London’s Hampstead Garden Suburb is also the embodiment of Edwardian elegance, with many of its areas designed by Britain’s foremost Edwardian architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Both the suburb and the wider area of Hampstead are lined with impressive detached houses and luxury Edwardian mansions, and continue to attract high profile residents - including internationally acclaimed artists, actors and musiciansthanks to the timeless appeal and historic elegance of quintessentially British homes.

TIMELESS BEAUTY

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

In 1976, Patek Philippe defined its own vision of casual elegance by launching the Nautilus. In 1997, it reaffirmed its ability to innovate by unveiling another high-end sporty watch, the Aquanaut, which today has become a cult model.

With its modern, unexpected design and a character all its own, the Aquanaut created a sensation. The case and the rounded octagonal bezel, both inspired by the Nautilus, stand out by their instantly recognizable shapes and alternation of polished and satin-brushed finishes. The dial and strap in matching colours, embellished with an embossed checkerboard pattern, lend an original, dynamic touch.

The strap is a feature in its own right. It is a made of a high-tech water-resistant composite material that is supple and comfortable, and noted for its extreme resistance to traction, wear, salt water and ultraviolet radiation. In short, it was made to partner the most active lifestyles.

Building on more than 15 years’ success, Patek Philippe is presenting a new development in the design of the ladies’ Aquanaut Luce, namely a larger diameter

(38.8 mm) and a new integrated strap in a composite material. This model of casual chic is available in steel (Reference 5267/200A) or in rose gold (5268/200R) with a choice of dial colours and coordinated straps.

Also making its debut in the ladies’ Aquanaut Luce line is a completely new travel watch, as elegant as it is practical, powered by a quartz Travel Time movement (Reference 5269/200R).

The Aquanaut models for men, meanwhile, are enriched by the arrival of the first whitegold version of the Aquanaut Chronograph, with a colour scheme of midnight blue or khaki green (Reference 5968G).

The very embodiment of modern Patek Philippe style, the Aquanaut and Aquanaut Luce combine seriously sporty performance with the classic attributes of the manufacturer’s timepieces: unparalleled quality, accuracy and reliability together with devotion to fine workmanship.

To find out more about Patek Philippe contact Berrys Jewellers, 52 Stonegate York, tel +441904 654 104

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

Our 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.

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.

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

Lusso Oasis Polished White Freestanding Bath 1790

STONE - DECO - PIETRA