In our continuing series featuring the creative thinkers behind the Space brand, More Space meets visual merchandiser Laura Brenna, whose Italian roots, surrounded by art, architecture and the world's best furniture makers, drew her to design early. A graduate of the Art Institute of Cantù and working as an interior designer and stylist in Italy, Chile and Australia, it is Laura's Italian heritage that continues to shape her approach to design. When choosing a favourite piece from the collection the Umbrian-based ceramics maker Rometti is singled out by Laura, who describes them as the "synthesis of art and craftsmanship which brings me back to my origins".
More Space: Laura, can you tell us about your design path?
Laura Brenna: My path started in Italy at the Art Institute of Cantù. I was born in the heart of the design industry surrounded by top Italian design factories, so approaching the furniture world was not difficult. In Italy, art is everywhere and growing up there I fell in love with it. I was lucky enough to meet people, teachers and architects who accompanied me on this journey.
After receiving a diploma in architecture and interior design, I started to work as an interior designer and came in contact with the major Italian furniture brands. As a creative, curious and enterprising individual, I started to develop a particular interest in styling and my experience as a visual merchandiser started to take shape. Love led my move to South America where I continued my personal and professional growth path working as a visual merchandiser between Chile and Peru. In 2019 I moved to Sydney and after a short time working in fashion, I found Space where I now continue building my career and my personal development.
Portrait of Laura Brenna with ceramics from the Rometti collection. All portraits © Tim Ashton.
"Born in the heart of design I was surrounded by top Italian design factories, so approaching the furniture world was not difficult. In Italy, art is everywhere and growing up there I fell in love with it."
Laura Brenna
A view over Lake Como where Laura Brenna grew up and started her design journey. Photo c/o Laura Brenna.
Inside the Rometti studio with master potter Bernardo Temperoni. Photography © Monica Spezia-Livinginside.
The traditions inside the Rometti studio have been passed down the generations, the early Roman clay first taking shape in the region in the 1st century BC. Photography © Monica Spezia-Livinginside.
Creating the Ulp 18 collection. Photography © Monica Spezia-Livinginside.
Aryballos by Ugo La Pietra for the Ulp 18 collection by Rometti. Photo c/o Rometti.
Ampula by Ugo La Pietra for the Ulp 18 collection by Rometti. Photo c/o Rometti.
Dérma for the Terakota collection designed by Jean-Christophe Clair for Rometti. Photos c/o Rometti.
Vaso for the Terakota collection designed by Jean-Christophe Clair for Rometti. Photos c/o Rometti.
"Rometti is the synthesis of art and craftsmanship which brings me back to my origins. Their attention to the details: the care of materials and shapes that are refined and romantic makes me dream. I imagine sitting on the balcony of an old villa surrounded by Rometti’s artworks overlooking Lake Como!"
Laura Brenna
What do you enjoy most about sharing your design knowledge?
I love to see the amazement on people's faces, to help them live an experience. In our work, the aesthetic factor and the quality go hand-in-hand.
Design is an extension of who we are, it's very personal. What is the best piece of advice you can give a client when choosing furniture?
The customer must perceive a feeling with a product. The fact that most of our products can be customised makes everything even more special.
Surrounded by so many beautiful and iconic brands, why is Rometti such a favourite?
I love Rometti for his style, elegance, expressiveness… and its simple but perfect lines. 'Ceramiche Rometti' was born in 1927 in Umbertide, Umbria, Italy, my country. I met them years ago when I started working in the design sector. I’m in love with the new Terakota by Jean-Christophe Clair. Rometti is the synthesis of art and craftsmanship which brings me back to my origins. Their attention to the details: the care of materials and shapes that are refined and romantic makes me dream. I imagine sitting on the balcony of an old villa surrounded by Rometti’s artworks overlooking Lake Como!
Thanks Laura.
