Co-Founder Daniele Brutto and in-house Interior Designer Verica Dimitrovska have created an astonishingly beautiful new showroom for Onestà, exclusive UK distributor of Italian brands L’Ottocento and The Cut Kitchen.

Daniele Brutto says ‘The third evolution of the showroom is our best one yet, we are proud to bring the best in Italian design to the UK. Our first bathroom display features a bespoke Atlasplan porcelain sink and wall cladding, we think it’s a showstopper’. Here, Brutto and Dimitrovska explain the design thoughts and processes behind this exceptionally beautiful showroom.

Above, Onestà L’Ottocento Virtus + Floral Kitchen in Brushed Steel and Blond Walnut, Falmec Light Bronze Extractor

Q: What are your first steps when designing a showroom?

Daniele: We always knew our aim was to create an engaging space for interior design lovers who wanted to feel inspired and grounded in the same breath.  Evoking a feeling of calm was as important as exquisitely showcasing the best of Italian design. I always go back to the beginning and revisit who we are and what we represent, which is super high end Italian luxury design. Asking ourselves many questions and distilling our aim and ethos provides us with anchors to refer back to when hurdles arise during the design journey.

Verica: For me, it starts with a lot of research. For the showroom, I looked deep into Italian design – at what it means, its essence and how it can be visually and emotionally represented in a showroom setting.

Above, Onestà The Cut Pure+Minima kitchen with Tonda rotating table and Atlasplan Habitat boost Stone Taupe Porcelain sink and wall panel

Q: What are the most important things to consider from the outset?

Daniele: We knew that showcasing the very best in luxurious, cutting edge Italian design was paramount. Bold finish combinations such as blond walnut and stainless steel are elevated with statement lights, intricate handles and elegant storage solutions. This creates moments of joy throughout the showroom. Layout, for us, is everything. We have created a space that flows with ease whilst offering varied design styles, and feels comfortable and inviting for clients and visitors alike.

Above, Onestà The Cut Yugen black powder coated steel-framed room divider, L’Ottocento Meridiana table and Ottavia chairs.

Q: As this is a showroom re-design, what have you learnt this time around – are there features you always include or always avoid?

Daniele: We have always designed the showrooms with a ‘less is more’ stance.  This time, we have concentrated more on creating a lifestyle environment rather than focussing solely on product. We always include movement in the showroom layout, so it looks different every time someone walks past. We have achieved this by including pockets doors that reveal coffee stations and functional features, The Cut’s Tonda rotating table in Rovere Termotrattato, and Luceplan Compendium Suspended LED Black and Malamata 48 pendant lights.

Above, Onestà The Cut Minima in Argila Grigio, The Cut Pure Island in Moka Fenix, The Cut Tonda Rotating Table in Rovere Termotrattato veneer, Luceplan Malamata 48 Pendant Light

Q: What are your favourite elements of the showroom?

Daniele: I love the L’Ottocento Virtus island with its beautiful and unique steel door design with brass handle. I also really like how our new bathroom display lights up at night, giving the showroom a totally different personality.

Above, Onestà Honest Steel + Valchromat Library

Verica: The bathroom display is my favourite; it plays a crucial role in zoning and dividing the different areas. It looks simple and elegant from afar but as you come closer, you notice just how much detail and personality it has. Every element is designed with purpose.

Above, Detail of Atlasplan bathroom, Onestà.

Q: Do you anticipate making further changes? Are updates something you schedule in or do they happen organically?

Daniele: As we settle in and use the showroom more, it will become more apparent what small updates and changes we need to make. For example, we are currently looking for a large rug and floor lamp for our living room area to make it feel more like a home away from home. This lifestyle aesthetic throughout the showroom enables our clients to visualise how displays might fit into their homes and way of living.

Above, Detail of Inalco MDi Jasper work surface in sintered stone, Onestà.

Q: What new style trends are you enjoying at the moment?

Daniele: The current style trend I am enjoying is the movement back to real wood in the kitchen. It gives a more organic and warm aesthetic to a space that is often the hub of the home.  As we prefer creating timeless designs we feel wood is exactly that, so this trend is one that we happy to get on board with. We have found more clients requesting this look in recent projects, so that is why we chose L’Ottocento’s Blond Walnut doors for the display as it demonstrates the artisan nature of our product.

Above, Detail of concealed shelving in Blond Walnut, Onestà

Verica: The use of natural materials, such as stone, wood, concrete, elevated with a subtle striking accents of colour is beautiful look. Stainless steel has made a comeback recently, and although not everyone’s cup of tea, paired with the right materials and accessories, it adds a lot of character to the space.

Above, Detail of tap and sintered stone work surface, Onestà.

We Love: The combination of stone and metal within the kitchen area, particularly the steel surfaces.

Above, Onestà The Cut Pure Island in Moka Fenix

Onestà, 020 7924 2285, E: info@onesta.design Showroom address: Oyster Wharf, 20 Lombard Road, Battersea, London SW11 3RU. Follow the team on Instagram, @onesta.design Onesta.design

Photographer, Nick Guttridge