08 January 2024

A Cool Brand Founder Talks Style, Inspiration & More

Laura Torregrossa is known for working with precious natural stones – which led her to set up Marbera, a studio that uses marble and onyx to create unique furniture and objects. Here, Laura gives us an insight into her design style and where she finds her inspiration.

By Georgina Blaskey

Image: HIND LAOUI

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My style ethos is a blend of minimalism and timeless elegance. I also draw a lot of inspiration from different classic and fashionable elements. With a discerning eye for refined aesthetics, I create designs that embody sophistication and enduring style.

I’ve never been into trends. Even as a teenager, I always loved timeless pieces, rather than things that would come and go from one year to the next. I've always been enamoured by the allure of beautiful clothing, elegant interiors, captivating photographs, and various forms of beauty.

When my husband and I bought our apartment, I immersed myself in the renovation process. As a perfectionist, I dedicated months to crafting different colour and material combinations. During this creative journey, my style started taking shape.

Even as a teenager, I always loved TIMELESS PIECES, rather than things that would come and go from one year to the next.

HIND LAOUI

My initial design inspiration came from Joseph Dirand – someone I’ve loved since I first saw his work. His use of materials, streamlined lines, and his unwavering commitment to a sober yet still softly radical style resonated deeply with me, and shaped the foundations of my own design philosophy. Today I’m inspired by Hugo Toro, a Parisian architect. He pays such attention to detail and loves contrasts and harmony in his interiors. He's always reinventing himself and his style, and that inspires me a lot.

Coming from a journalism background, the decision to launch Marbera felt almost inevitable. With a father who had successfully run a renovation agency for four decades, a mother who is an architect, and a husband deeply involved in real estate, it felt like my environment naturally guided me toward this path. Drawing from the rich legacy of my father’s family in Italy, Marbera is a fusion of these influences.

Sicily holds a special place in my heart. It's where my fondest childhood memories were made, where my family lives and where I established our workshop. I love the authentic charm of the island, its Baroque history, the food, the vibrant colours… Sicily is where I recharge my batteries and find inspiration.

I collect coffee mugs – it’s something that’s become quite a habit. Perhaps it’s because my morning coffee is a ritual – almost a religion. Each mug represents a moment on my travels, and I love reminiscing.

Our Baci table duo also holds a special place in my heart. The colours GRACEFULLY SHIFT with the changing light and it truly embodies the DISTINCTIVE DNA of Marbera.

I have pretty diverse taste in music and find it challenging to pinpoint a single favourite artist. Currently, Ayo is on a loop. At the studio, we always have music playing in the background, ranging from soothing playlists to energetic American rap, depending on the day.

The best thing I’ve ever bought is my Soriana leather armchairs from Cassina. I love them so much. Our Baci table duo also holds a special place in my heart. The colours gracefully shift with the changing light and it truly embodies the distinctive DNA of Marbera.

If the house was burning down, the thing I would save is the family photo albums. It may seem trivial in today's digital age when everything is stored on iPhones, but they hold a particular value for me. What could be more precious than these memories?

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