VISIONARY PROFILE
This California Designer Brings Her Quirky Vision To A New San Francisco Showroom
Text by Vanessa Brunner
There are some designers who happen upon their talent later in life, and then there are some designers who have always had an innate sense of their vision.
Designer Erin Martin, is decidedly the latter
As the daughter of an established architect and prominent interior designer, Martin was born into a creative environment, and grew up with a keen eye for well executed designs.
"We call it the family curse," says Martin. "Or, as I like to say—blessing. Most of my family has been, or is involved in creative pursuits."
Born in Seattle, Martin’s family moved to Palm Desert when she was quite young. Although she still has a strong connection to the purity of the Northwest air, it’s the state of California that plays a special role in her designs.
"Even though the state says it’s broke, I believe California is far from broken," says Martin. "Out of all the places I’ve traveled to, there are so few that have such vast amounts of change in the scenery, feel, personality, presence, people, and space."
After high school, Martin favored world travel over a four year education, and spent years working in orphanages in Morocco, Romania, Israel, and Hungary. It only takes one look at Martin’s use of textiles, textures, and color, and the influence of these countries on her aesthetic is clear. While traveling, Martin was able to witness elements of design in a form unlike any other, and learn design principles in a truly authentic context.
Unconventional to say the least, Martin has always been known for daring interiors and a distinct, yet ever changing look. Citing Mother Nature as her style icon, and calling her aesthetic “freestyle,” Martin’s style is certainly unpredictable, but always captivating.
Martin founded Martin Design in Saint Helena, California in 1997. From the beginning, she decided that one of the firm’s founding principles should be that "the space reflect its own persona, rather than that of the designer who created it." This precept remains true for all of Martin’s interiors to date.
Recently, Martin Design teamed up with Coup D’ Etat to work on the expansion of their new space. "Darin Geise (principal designer at Coup D’ Etat) called and asked if we could help," said Martin. "How could I say no to such an offer from such a beautiful man?"
The collaboration resulted in a breathtaking space, unlike any other showroom in the city
"It was a very good collaboration in the sense that Darin is very refined, and dramatic, has a better sense of history and antiques," says Bob Wilms, Sales Director at Coup D’ Etat. "But Erin is amazing with textures, structures, and the unconventional."
Martin’s unique vision and intense passion for the world of design is unwavering from project to project, and she brings the same drive to each challenge she tackles. Her favorite projects? "Well, the one I just finished, the one I’m working on now, and of course—the one I do next."
Portrait: Dominique Vorillion
Photo of Swing Chair: Conroy + Tanzer Photographic
Photo of Rope Chandelier: Doug Sterling
