Meet the Showroom:
Armac Martin

What brought Armac Martin to Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour? 

Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is renowned for being a leading destination for the global interior design community. As we introduce the latest evolution of our brand, House of Armac Martin, it felt the perfect time to open our flagship showroom.

What should we expect from the showroom?

We wanted to ensure visitors can see examples of our full collection of products, from our most-loved cabinet hardware designs to our debut collections of door hardware and lighting. We love being able to talk through clients’ designs with them and explore which pieces would be the most suitable, so we wanted to create a relaxing and inviting space where we can take the time to have conversations, giving visitors the opportunity to browse samples and enjoy a coffee or two.

Homeowners and designers alike can book dedicated design consultations with our team, and we will also be hosting regular lunch and learn sessions with trade professionals.

Why should customers visit in person as opposed to looking/buying online? 

Every piece is hand-finished and hand-polished, and that level of detail and care can only truly be appreciated in person, feeling the weight of our designs and seeing the level of craftsmanship that has gone into making each piece. Whilst our website is a useful resource, our showroom gives people the opportunity to truly see the quality and beauty of our pieces.

What’s Armac Martin’s design philosophy? 

For almost 100 years, we have been proud to make our own authentic designs in Birmingham. Because we design and manufacture everything ourselves here in England, we have complete control over our design and engineering processes, which enables us to create timeless designs that have been made to look just as beautiful in decades to come. We pride ourselves on creating original pieces that are built to last and do not reflect fleeting trends.

Is there a ‘hero’ product that you feel encapsulates your brand? 

Some of our most loved cabinet hardware collections, such as Cotswold, feature knob and handle designs that have been within our portfolio for over 30 years. We believe this is due to the timeless nature of their design, which makes them look just as at home in a kitchen today as they did three decades ago!

Two years ago, we introduced a trio of designs inspired by our hometown of Birmingham, with our Barwick design quickly becoming a best-seller due to its unique ridged detailing and elegant oval backplate.

Are there broad trends in your sector of the design industry that you’re embracing?

We are seeing aged finishes continuing to grow in popularity, with our best-selling aged brass continuing to be the most loved finish across our portfolio of 20 finishes. As living finishes patina over time, they add rich character to all styles of interiors.

What can we expect from the latest launches?

As part of the showroom opening, we launched Sketch Chapter One. Created in collaboration with product and industrial designer, Jake Solomon, Sketch features a collection of solid bronze cabinet hardware made using the lost-wax casting process. Each piece is a subtly different form, reflecting the individuality and beauty that comes with the casting process, meaning no two pieces will ever be the same.

Later in the year, we will be launching Sketch Chapter Two, a collection of bathroom hardware and interior accessories, while Sketch Chapter Three will be our debut collection of lighting. The collection will include wall lights such as picture lights and sconces, in addition to a beautiful statement ceiling pendant, floor lamp and multiple sizes of desk lamp.

We will also be launching our debut collection of solid brass door hardware over the coming weeks, and it’s been fantastic to receive such positive feedback from showroom visitors already.

What craftsmanship or innovation goes into your products? 

All of our products are made at our factory in Birmingham by our team of craftspeople, using skills and expertise passed down through our 97-year heritage.

Every piece we make passes through the hands of at least 10 people, with every product hand-polished and finished.

Is there anything else you’d like the Design Centre’s community to know about your brand?

Armac Martin was founded by my great-grandfather, Harold, in 1929, and we are extremely proud to be a fourth-generation family business that is still committed to producing original, authentic designs from the highest quality materials in England.

We love having visitors to our factory to see our processes firsthand and find out more about our longstanding heritage.