History of Hough Furniture
Building Experience Around the World
Following graduation, Martin began his career in industry, gaining experience in specialist manufacturing, prototype model making and cabinet making. His ambition to develop his skills took him overseas, where he worked across Australia and New Zealand, undertaking a wide variety of projects in residential and commercial interiors.
These experiences broadened his understanding of furniture construction, installation and the practical demands of building and renovation. From manufacturing cabinetry and installing kitchens and wardrobes to working on new-build properties and complex renovations, Martin developed a versatile skill set grounded in precision, problem-solving and hands-on craftsmanship.
The Beginning of Hough Furniture
At the age of 29, Martin took the step of establishing his first business with limited funds, starting 23 Chairs from a small workshop in Reading. The business initially focused on restoring and upcycling antique and vintage furniture, with a particular interest in distinctive mid-century design.
Regularly selling restored furniture at London’s Portobello Market, Martin developed a deeper understanding of design, materials and the enduring appeal of well-made furniture. Alongside restoration, he promoted his ability to design and manufacture both fitted and freestanding pieces, gradually building a reputation for his own designs and individually commissioned work.
As demand for bespoke furniture grew, Martin’s focus shifted towards what he had always aspired to do: designing and making high-end furniture, both to his own designs and in collaboration with clients. The growing number of commissions led to the natural evolution of the business into Hough Furniture, specialising in tailored furniture and cabinetry made to the highest standards.
From a Small Workshop to South Oxfordshire
As the business expanded, Martin outgrew his original Reading workshop and relocated to South Oxfordshire. For more than a decade, he has operated from his fully equipped workshop in North Stoke, near Wallingford, designing and crafting bespoke furniture for clients throughout Oxfordshire, Berkshire and beyond.
Today, Hough Furniture specialises in bespoke kitchens, fitted wardrobes, custom cabinetry and beautifully considered living spaces. Every project is approached individually, combining thoughtful design with quality materials and meticulous attention to detail.
The business works directly with private homeowners, while also collaborating with architects, house builders and interior designers to bring a wide range of residential projects to life.
Television, Design and Restoration
Martin’s expertise in furniture design, restoration and creative craftsmanship has also taken him into television. He appeared as a maker on the BBC series Money for Nothing across two series, putting his skills to use transforming unwanted items into thoughtfully redesigned pieces with renewed purpose and value.
The experience reflected Martin’s long-standing interest in giving furniture and materials a second life, combining practical skill with an eye for design and an appreciation for the potential in overlooked objects.
Residential and Commercial Craftsmanship
Alongside its private residential commissions, Hough Furniture has undertaken projects for established organisations including Abbott, Unilever and Stolen Pictures. This experience reflects the versatility of Martin’s work and his ability to adapt his craftsmanship to different environments, specifications and project requirements.
Martin has also undertaken sympathetic restoration and joinery work on Grade I and Grade II listed buildings, where an understanding of traditional materials, construction methods and historical detail is essential.
This breadth of experience informs every project undertaken by Hough Furniture, whether creating a bespoke kitchen for a private home, designing integrated bedroom storage or producing custom furniture for a commercial setting.
Our Approach Today
At Hough Furniture, the principles remain the same as they were when Martin first established his business: a passion for design, a commitment to quality and a belief that well-made furniture should be created around the people who use it.
From the initial concept and design through to manufacture and installation, each project receives a personal and considered approach. The aim is not simply to create furniture that looks beautiful, but to produce practical, carefully crafted pieces that complement their surroundings and stand the test of time.
Based in South Oxfordshire, Hough Furniture proudly serves homeowners and design professionals across the surrounding areas, including Wallingford, Henley-on-Thames, Reading, Oxford, Wargrave, Blewbury and Benson.
With a foundation built on formal design training, international industry experience, television appearances and more than two decades of practical craftsmanship, Martin continues to bring thoughtful design and exceptional attention to detail to every piece created by Hough Furniture.