James Latham, the UK’s leading independent timber, panels and décors distributor, supplied HIMACS Maui for the fabrication and finishing of a new-look sink hub and cash desk at Molton Brown’s St Albans boutique.
The brainchild of store designers at Molton Brown; Barbara Schweier and Krupali Patel and Aspen, this project reinforces the luxury skincare and fragrance house’s commitment to the very best in commercial design, materials and fabrication.
Initially intended as a pilot scheme to test the aesthetics and functionality of new finishing materials, its overwhelmingly positive reception from staff and store visitors has resulted in a nationwide rollout as part of a prestigious brand-wide retail upgrade.
Taking a closer look at the project…
Where function meets fragrance
Molton Brown’s in-store experience is designed to express aspiration and deliver relaxation, from the moment the customer steps across the threshold, providing an immersive, luxuriant experience they’ll remember.
The sink hub, where customers experience Molton Brown’s signature hand washes, including the bestselling Re-charge Black Pepper collection, is central to the store’s appeal. Located in the centre of the store, these high-traffic areas endure constant daily use yet are expected to uphold the brand’s premium aesthetic as well as providing long-term durability.
Previously made from custom-printed glass, these areas had begun to show visible signs of wear, including ugly scratches and significant fading, undermining the quality expected in a luxury retail setting. Far from reflecting the exclusivity of the brand’s products, it risked detracting from them.
Recognising the need for a more resilient, hygienic, and aesthetically consistent solution, Molton Brown and fabricator, Aspen, specified HIMACS. Its seamless, waterproof, easy-to-maintain surface not only offered superior resistance and durability, but also delivered a premium, visually-arresting finish that aligns perfectly with the brand’s refined in-store experience.
From practical fix to premium finish
To elevate both form and function, HIMACS in Maui, a subtly speckled green, was selected for its cool, calming tone that reflects Molton Brown’s identity and botanical heritage, while providing a refined contrast to the brand’s warm lighting and iconic packaging. Beyond its premium aesthetic, this non-porous, seamless surface is the result of a specialised fabrication process that makes it hygienic, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean. Its robust durability and low-maintenance qualities make it the ideal upgrade for professionals working in high-contact, product-oriented environments where both style and performance are essential.
Both the sink hub and cash desk in the St Albans boutique were fabricated from HIMACS Maui. With a streamlined 6–8-week fabrication timeline and parallel approval processes, the average delivery from planning to installation was just three months.
After a successful pilot in St Albans, HIMACS is now part of the Molton Brown’s Corporate Interior (CI) standard, appearing in locations including York, Edinburgh, London’s Oxford Street, and Berlin.
Commenting on the collaboration, Krupali Patel from Molton Brown’s store design team says: “Our goal was to create a space that feels as good as it looks; both beautiful and practical for our customers and our teams. This wasn’t just a materials upgrade, it was about enhancing the whole in-store experience. HIMACS gave us exactly what we were looking for. It’s elegant, easy to maintain, and stands up to the daily use without losing its polish. The support from James Latham was unmatched; their expertise helped us explore how to use the material in smarter, more creative ways, and the end result really speaks for itself. It captures the essence of Molton Brown: clean, classic and luxurious.”
To find out more about James Latham and its collection of HIMACS solid surfaces, click here.
To find out more about James Latham’s decorative materials for retail and commercial design, click here.
