{"id":97375,"date":"2026-03-31T14:21:55","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T14:21:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/?post_type=news&#038;p=97375"},"modified":"2026-04-15T12:46:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T12:46:23","slug":"2026-design-icon-martin-kobus-home","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/trending\/2026\/03\/31\/2026-design-icon-martin-kobus-home\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Design Icon: Martin Kobus Home"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Back in the early 1990s, when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.martinkobushome.com\/\">Martin Kobus<\/a> was designing and handcrafting elaborate decorative pillows that became an immediate hit with San Francisco retailers, a designer friend approached him with a surprising request: Roman shades. Despite having no direct experience, Kobus decided to give it a whirl.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0710-683x1024.jpeg\" alt class=\"wp-image-97371\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0710-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0710-200x300.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0710-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0710-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0710-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0710-1920x2880.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0710-scaled.jpeg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\"><\/noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20683%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt class=\"wp-image-97371 lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20683%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 683w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0710-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0710-200x300.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0710-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0710-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0710-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0710-1920x2880.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0710-scaled.jpeg 1707w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0710-683x1024.jpeg\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chris Bergin (left) and Martin Kobus (right) at Houghton Hall &amp; Gardens in Norfolk, England.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur answer throughout our career has always been \u2018yes,\u2019\u201d says Chris Bergin, vice president of Martin Kobus Home and Kobus&#8217; life partner. That receptive attitude launched a new business, one the couple grew into a go-to source for bespoke window treatments, and which eventually evolved into a full- service design practice built on Kobus\u2019 talents.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"772\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus1-772x1024.png\" alt class=\"wp-image-97365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus1-772x1024.png 772w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus1-226x300.png 226w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus1-768x1018.png 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus1.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 772px) 100vw, 772px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"772\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20772%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt class=\"wp-image-97365 lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20772%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 772w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 772px) 100vw, 772px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus1-772x1024.png 772w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus1-226x300.png 226w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus1-768x1018.png 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus1.png 1080w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus1-772x1024.png\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bespoke marble wall panels compose a full-length work of art, along with an original sculptural chandelier and other furnishings designed by Martin Kobus. Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.josemanuelalorda.com\/\">Jose Manuel Alorda.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus3-768x1024.png\" alt class=\"wp-image-97367\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus3-768x1024.png 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus3-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus3.png 1082w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20768%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt class=\"wp-image-97367 lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20768%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus3-768x1024.png 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus3-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus3.png 1082w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus3-768x1024.png\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This set of 3D-printed chairs and custom light fixtures showcase Kobus\u2019 penchant for material innovation. <br>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.josemanuelalorda.com\/\">Jose Manuel Alorda.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A few years later, as word-of-mouth demand for their drapery workroom continued apace with orders from new and repeat clients, Kobus moved on to his next endeavor. The ever-curious Dutch-born designer created an eponymous line of bedding, pajamas and soft home goods during what Bergin describes as \u201ca frilly, chintzy time.\u201d \u201cThis collection was clean, simple,\u201d he says. The products found an eager market both domestically and in Japan, where department store giant Isetan opened Martin Kobus Home boutiques in multiple locations. \u201cWe were young and doing things blindly,\u201d Bergin jokes in retrospect.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-850x1024.webp\" alt class=\"wp-image-97374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-850x1024.webp 850w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-249x300.webp 249w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-768x925.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-1275x1536.webp 1275w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1.webp 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20850%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt class=\"wp-image-97374 lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20850%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 850w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-850x1024.webp 850w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-249x300.webp 249w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-768x925.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-1275x1536.webp 1275w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1.webp 1600w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-850x1024.webp\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kobus\u2019 salon at the 2019 San Francisco Decorator Showcase at Le Petit Trianon, featuring a de Gournay ceiling with custom lighting and furnishings. Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.douglasfriedman.net\/\">Douglas Friedman.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus5-1024x678.png\" alt class=\"wp-image-97369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus5-1024x678.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus5-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus5-768x508.png 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus5-1536x1017.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus5-2048x1356.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus5-1920x1271.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201024%20678%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt class=\"wp-image-97369 lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201024%20678%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus5-1024x678.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus5-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus5-768x508.png 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus5-1536x1017.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus5-2048x1356.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus5-1920x1271.png 1920w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus5-1024x678.png\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A J Liston Design chandelier and console table with a custom dining table by Kobus create a compelling study of form and materiality. Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.johnmerkl.com\/\">John Merkl.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Bergin and Kobus then began buying and renovating properties around the Bay Area and Marin for their own use\u2014projects that quickly caught the attention of prospective buyers, even when pursuing real estate transactions wasn\u2019t their intention. Designing homes people wanted became a quality problem. Official client requests for Kobus\u2019 services soon became impossible to ignore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus_WoolworthBldg_-88-1024x768.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-97372\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus_WoolworthBldg_-88-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus_WoolworthBldg_-88-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus_WoolworthBldg_-88-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus_WoolworthBldg_-88-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus_WoolworthBldg_-88-1920x1440.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus_WoolworthBldg_-88.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201024%20768%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt class=\"wp-image-97372 lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201024%20768%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus_WoolworthBldg_-88-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus_WoolworthBldg_-88-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus_WoolworthBldg_-88-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus_WoolworthBldg_-88-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus_WoolworthBldg_-88-1920x1440.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus_WoolworthBldg_-88.jpg 2000w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus_WoolworthBldg_-88-1024x768.jpg\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A de Gournay wall covering enhances this art deco-meets-modern-glam composition. Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.douglasfriedman.net\/\">Douglas Friedman.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c\u2018It\u2019s time for you to do this for other people,\u2019\u201d Bergin recalls telling Kobus in 2014. Kobus\u2019 participation in transforming the kitchen and dining\/family room area of the 2016 San Francisco Decorator Showcase became a calling card, helping grow the firm from a team of five to a dozen. A showstopping library followed the next year, and his 2019 Showcase contribution\u2014featuring details such as a ceiling lavishly covered in de Gournay wallpaper\u2014made another splash. Additional favorite past projects include an immersive showroom in Sonoma and the launch of Kobus Estate Wines from their Healdsburg vineyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-850x1024.webp\" alt class=\"wp-image-97374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-850x1024.webp 850w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-249x300.webp 249w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-768x925.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-1275x1536.webp 1275w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1.webp 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20850%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt class=\"wp-image-97374 lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20850%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 850w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-850x1024.webp 850w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-249x300.webp 249w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-768x925.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-1275x1536.webp 1275w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1.webp 1600w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1ef95918bcfd23b3c325bdff3ebcca0aaed4ef6-2256x2719-1-850x1024.webp\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kobus\u2019 salon at the 2019 San Francisco Decorator Showcase at Le Petit Trianon, featuring a de Gournay ceiling with custom lighting and furnishings. Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.douglasfriedman.net\/\">Douglas Friedman.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, their drapery business continued to thrive in parallel with other San Francisco talents who have left their mark on the industry. \u201cBeing able to work with all these great designers and collaborate with them\u201d remains among the most rewarding aspects of the work, Bergin notes. They\u2019ve known Nicole Hollis since her days at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.backenarch.com\/\">Backen &amp; Backen<\/a>, for instance, and prolific visionary Ken Fulk is another longtime client. \u201cI have measured my last millionth window, and my last installation was for a Ken Fulk project in Healdsburg,\u201d Bergin says, referring to the recently opened Cottages at Little Saint. This task was a fitting coda to Bergin\u2019s retirement, which he officially marked in October.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/210210_MKobus_Tiburon0244-PROOF-819x1024.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-97370\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/210210_MKobus_Tiburon0244-PROOF-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/210210_MKobus_Tiburon0244-PROOF-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/210210_MKobus_Tiburon0244-PROOF-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/210210_MKobus_Tiburon0244-PROOF.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20819%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt class=\"wp-image-97370 lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20819%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 819w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/210210_MKobus_Tiburon0244-PROOF-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/210210_MKobus_Tiburon0244-PROOF-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/210210_MKobus_Tiburon0244-PROOF-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/210210_MKobus_Tiburon0244-PROOF.jpg 1200w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/210210_MKobus_Tiburon0244-PROOF-819x1024.jpg\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Shimizu Mokuzai soaking tub surrounded by richly tonal surfaces and a transportive water view is the ultimate zen moment. <br>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/christopherstark.com\/\">Christopher Stark.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Their most recently completed California home is in Belvedere, built as their \u201cforever house.\u201d And then the inevitable happened. After about a year and a half, they received an offer, and plans suddenly changed. Kobus is now designing their new home outside Florence, Italy, in the village of Fiesole, in what was originally a 16th-century villa that was a monastery for a moment. The building later became a private home and is currently being updated as a multiunit residence.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/martin-kobus-home_46264775525_o-768x1024.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-97373\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/martin-kobus-home_46264775525_o-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/martin-kobus-home_46264775525_o-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/martin-kobus-home_46264775525_o-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20768%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt class=\"wp-image-97373 lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20768%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/martin-kobus-home_46264775525_o-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/martin-kobus-home_46264775525_o-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/martin-kobus-home_46264775525_o-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/martin-kobus-home_46264775525_o-768x1024.jpg\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An armchair by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti boldly stands against darkly stained built-in millwork, on which hangs a photograph for Lightbox featuring a Dutch tulip hat crafted by San Francisco florist Flowers Claire Marie. Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.douglasfriedman.net\/\">Douglas Friedman.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re at a point where we can enjoy life, and we\u2019re starting a new chapter,\u201d Bergin shares. Kobus will continue to work on client projects remotely, and the couple plans to travel. The full-circle trajectory isn\u2019t lost on Kobus, who lived in Perugia, Italy, before immigrating to the U.S. \u201cAfter 40 years here,\u201d he says, \u201cI\u2019m going back to where I started.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6624,"featured_media":97368,"template":"","categories":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>2026 Design Icon: Martin Kobus Home | California Home+Design<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/trending\/2026\/03\/31\/2026-design-icon-martin-kobus-home\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"2026 Design Icon: Martin Kobus Home | California Home+Design\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Back in the early 1990s, when Martin Kobus was designing and handcrafting elaborate decorative pillows that became an immediate hit [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/trending\/2026\/03\/31\/2026-design-icon-martin-kobus-home\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"California Home+Design\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/chd\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-15T12:46:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus4-1024x763.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"763\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@cahomeanddesign\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/trending\/2026\/03\/31\/2026-design-icon-martin-kobus-home\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/trending\/2026\/03\/31\/2026-design-icon-martin-kobus-home\/\",\"name\":\"2026 Design Icon: Martin Kobus Home | California Home+Design\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/trending\/2026\/03\/31\/2026-design-icon-martin-kobus-home\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/trending\/2026\/03\/31\/2026-design-icon-martin-kobus-home\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus4.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-31T14:21:55+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-15T12:46:23+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/trending\/2026\/03\/31\/2026-design-icon-martin-kobus-home\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/trending\/2026\/03\/31\/2026-design-icon-martin-kobus-home\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/trending\/2026\/03\/31\/2026-design-icon-martin-kobus-home\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus4.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kobus4.png\",\"width\":1912,\"height\":1424,\"caption\":\"McGuire chaise lounges and Tuuci umbrellas enhance the experience of enjoying vineyard views. 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