An interview with the master joiners and paint makers
Winter gardens with Marston & Langinger
This week the designerpaint team had a chat with MD Phil James about his company’s
paints, and found out they know an awful lot about what goes under that lovely paint too…
DP So how did Marston & Langinger begin – and where did that name come from?
M&L Marston & Langinger was established as a cabinet maker in the early 1970s but
evolved to apply its master joinery skills to a revival of winter gardens (conservatories,
orangeries, greenhouses, pool houses etc.). The names of the founding partners were Mr
Marston and Mr Langinger (pronounced ‘ginger’) often abbreviated to ‘M&L’.
We design and build the most beautiful winter gardens all over the world, which means
we’re building in a lot of different climates, and our paints and colours were developed to
protect and decorate these valuable structures. They were initially sold only through our
London store and a few specialists, but since 2011 M&L paints have been available through
all Brewers branches and designerpaint.com
DP If your paint could be used on any building in the world which would you choose?
M&L If I really could paint any building in the world, I’d like to change the colour of the
DP How do you come up with the names for your paint colours?
M&L It depends what inspired them, although many are quite literal – Peacock Blue,
Burnt Orange… Deep Green Blue Grey (!). Some are a little less obvious such as
Silver Lavender (inspired by foliage rather than flower) or Josephine (a pretty Rococo
pastel named after the First Empress of France).
DP What is your favourite Marston & Langinger colour and why?
M&L Smoke Blue! At the moment my bedroom, home study, office and board room are
Smoke Blue. Looking at the colour chip in the palette one might imagine it to be too dark,
oppressive even. However it’s a really surprising colour that’s dramatic in a big space,
intimate in a small space and it frequently provokes positive comments. It’s very easy to
live with – rich and velvety on a sunny day, cosy at night.
DP If you could have lived in any era which would you choose?
M&L Tough choice between the Victorian era for its ambition, discoveries and progress …
or the 1960s for the parties, fashion and cars.
DP Are you a neutrals or bold colours person?
M&L I like both, it depends on the context. Pushed, I’d say bolds though.
DP Finally tell us three things you can’t live without?
M&L Food, water and warmth, but I’d be happy outside with my iPhone