The Birth of Aura Surfaces
Hi, my name is Ashley, and for as long as I can remember, I have been immersed in the surfaces industry, primarily in ceramics and porcelain. About 18 months ago, I embarked on a journey to explore other types of surface coverings, leading to the creation of Aura Surfaces. My goal was to bring a diverse range of high-quality surface coverings under one brand.
Driven by my passion for beautiful spaces, I sought to enhance my job satisfaction by diving into new and exciting surfaces. This journey introduced me to incredible suppliers and remarkable products. While eco-friendliness and sustainability weren’t my initial focus, I soon discovered that these elements are integral when working with the world’s finest producers
My journey across Europe was enlightening. One of my favourite experiences was visiting Italiana Parquet, a producer of engineered oak flooring. During my visit, I learned about their production process and why their engineered wood is not only sustainable but among the best globally. Their commitment to being 100% renewable inspired me to bring a wide range of their beautiful, made-to-order engineered wood to our Sussex showroom. You can explore their offerings here: Italiana Parquet.
Next, I traveled to Forte dei Marmi, where I was introduced to Luce di Carrara. This Italian brand produces stunning surfaces from natural marble, including tiles, bowls, and unique hand-finished pieces. Their craftsmanship left a lasting impression on me. Learn more about their exquisite products here: Luce di Carrara.
My exploration continued in Sassuolo, Italy’s tile district. Here, I visited several tile factories and learned about new product ranges, 4D technology, and the rapid evolution of the industry. This area is close to my heart, and I look forward to sharing more insights in future articles.
A short flight later, I was in Spain, exploring the latest ranges from APE Grupo. Their large format slabs, available in 6mm and 12mm for worktops, and the intricate designs from the Carmen designer tiles range, are products we are eager to launch in Sussex. Discover more about their innovative designs here: APE Grupo.
From Spain, I ventured into the mountains to meet the team at Mosavit. They offer hundreds of designs for swimming pools and spas and can create bespoke pieces using small mosaic tiles. They also provide a vast range of exterior wall cladding in natural stones, all available for viewing in our Sussex showroom. Explore their products here: Mosavit.
I then drove to northern Spain to visit Panel Piedra. Their PU-produced decorative wall claddings are incredibly realistic and environmentally friendly. These products are a personal favourite and are a fantastic addition to our collection. Learn more about Panel Piedra here: Panel Piedra.
Next, I traveled to Portugal to visit RO Concrete Design. Their handmade concrete tiles and artisan designs captivated me, and I look forward to featuring their products in our boutique architectural showroom. Discover their unique offerings here: RO Concrete Design.
Finally, I headed to Poland to visit the wonderful team at Lamelio. Already popular in Europe, Lamelio produces elegant and easy-to-install decorative wall panels. These will soon be available in the UK, and I am excited to showcase them. Learn more about Lamelio here: Lamelio.
With more products on the horizon, I am thrilled with what we have achieved so far. I look forward to the official launch of Aura Surfaces and to working closely with homeowners and designers to create award-winning projects using luxury surface coverings. Building strong relationships is something I deeply value. If you’ve read this far, I urge you to sign up for our exclusive launch events happening in July.
Click [here] to sign up to our waiting list for exclusive invitation to our launch events.
Warm regards,
Ashley