A Q&A WITH LORELLA DESIGNS

What drew you to selecting our brassware for this particular project, and how did it complement your overall design vision?

"I was looking for luxury brassware with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that would become a real design feature within the bathrooms rather than simply serving a functional purpose. The Zurich range immediately stood out. Its minimalist, clean lines felt both timeless and modern, aligning perfectly with the overall vision for the space. It's the kind of detail that elevates the entire bathroom design."

How did the finish and functionality of the brassware contribute to the final aesthetic and user experience of the space?

"The finish was key to creating a cohesive look across each bathroom. For the master en-suite, we selected a Brushed Nickel finish, which added warmth and a sense of understated luxury without feeling overdone. It complemented the Travertine tiles and Calacatta Viola marble worktop beautifully, creating a rich, considered aesthetic.

In the guest bathroom, we opted for Chrome to achieve a cleaner, more neutral look that worked harmoniously with the lighter joinery and overall palette.

For the powder room, Brushed Nickel was the natural choice once again. It proved to be a stunning complement to the Cipollino marble vanity unit, enhancing the natural character and beauty of the stone.

Across all three spaces, the brassware wasn't just a practical element—it became a defining finishing touch that elevated the overall design while creating a tactile, premium user experience."

You sourced our products through Empress Bathrooms. How was your experience working with them throughout the specification and purchasing process?

"Empress Bathrooms were an excellent supplier to work with throughout the entire process. Andy was my main point of contact, and I genuinely can't speak highly enough of him. His knowledge and attention to detail when specifying the right products for each bathroom were invaluable.

The purchasing process was seamless from start to finish, and one aspect that particularly stood out was the lead times. The turnaround was impressively quick, making them an accessible and reliable choice, especially for projects with tighter schedules.

Overall, it was a smooth, professional experience and one I would absolutely recommend to other interior designers."

As an interior designer, what key qualities do you look for when choosing brassware and bathroom fittings for your clients' projects?

"Choosing the right brassware and bathroom fittings is one of the most important decisions on any project I work on. In fact, it's one of the very first elements I consider, not the last. While some designers treat brassware as a finishing touch, I believe it sets the tone and direction for the entire space. These details are what transform a bathroom from ordinary to truly exceptional.

When it comes to specification, finish is paramount. I always ensure the chosen finish creates a cohesive look throughout the space, whether that's through a single finish or a carefully considered combination. Achieving the right balance between cabinet hardware, brassware and sanitaryware is essential to creating a polished, luxurious result.

Style is equally important, but it should always be led by the end user. I take the time to understand how my clients want to feel when they walk into the space—whether that's calm, indulgence or understated luxury. That emotional response guides every specification decision I make, ensuring the finished bathroom is as functional as it is beautiful."