Led by mother-and-daughter team Anne Martin, and Tamara Martin-Brown, Founders of Rome specialises in hard-to-find antiques from Europe with a focus on France and Italy.
“We collect on instinct – gravitating toward antiques with character, presence, and soul, from romantic softness to classical structure, and into the quiet glamour of mid-century.
“From the softness of Louis XV to the restraint of 19th-century forms, we seek a sense of balance, patina, and material honesty,” Anne tells Verve. “You’ll find us across the timeline – Regency lightness, Louis XVI symmetry, provincial simplicity, through to the quiet glamour of mid-century France.”
“Alongside that, we have a love affair with Italian vintage, particularly mid-century,” adds Tamara. “But more than anything, we’re interested in how these pieces live in a home – layered in, used, and appreciated over time.
“The pieces we both love are easy. The more interesting ones are the slightly polarising pieces – we’ve learnt to trust that tension. It means everything we source has been considered from more than one perspective.”
What are clients typically coming to you for?
Anne: Often, it’s architectural elements – pieces that soften a space or create drama through scale and presence. Versailles planters, gates, fountains, doors, or boiserie from a château or hôtel particulier.
What are some favourite pieces you’ve sourced recently?
Anne: We’re both drawn to beautiful brass hardware – curtain tiebacks, push plates, cremone bolts – instant style.
Tamara: One standout was an Italian carved rocking horse with gold leaf. Unexpected, sculptural, full of presence. We carry a substantial collection in Auckland – furniture, art, mirrors, lighting – our own treasure trove.
Do these pieces only suit certain styles of homes?
A: Not at all. A single antique can completely shift a space, adding depth and individuality.
Antiques can feel intimidating. Why is that?
T: People think there are rules, or that you need a certain budget or designer. We want to shift that. Access shouldn’t be limited. It might start with a small object, a piece of art.
What’s involved in sourcing and importing?
A: It comes with challenges. Importing into New Zealand requires care and patience, particularly around biosecurity. Timelines can shift, so managing expectations is key.
T: These pieces have already lived many lives. Waiting a little longer is usually worth it.
Are antiques an investment?
A: It’s part of the conversation. But for us, it’s about the value they bring to your life – becoming part of your home, your family, your story.
Why do they last so long?
T: It comes down to craftsmanship. Solid timbers like oak, walnut, and chestnut, and traditional joinery, often done entirely by hand. They were made to last.
Why do you love what you do?
A: It’s everything – the travel, the people, the places, and the pieces themselves. From Paris’ Saint-Ouen flea market to basements in Napoli and small provincial fairs. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s always exciting.
What does a well-lived home look like to you?
T: Layered, personal, evolving – never perfect, and shaped by the pieces that move you.
