Rust & Martin: A story of friends, family and growth

Did you know?

Rust & Martin survived a destructive Christmas Day fire in 1950.

From a reupholstery shop opened during the Great Depression and growing to a full-service Interior Design and Home Furnishing business today, Rust & Martin has been synonymous with quality and service. In March 1933, Wayne and Eva Rust along with their friends "Bud" and Grace Martin opened a small reupholstery shop in Cape Girardeau. In 2004, Rust & Martin added a sister company, Ashley Bailey Custom Cabinetry.

"Rust & Martin has been designing customers' kitchens for a long time. Since we were having trouble getting our detailed, high-style designs carried out, we decided to open the cabinetry shop," said Mike Rust, present owner of Rust & Martin. Ashley Bailey is currently located in downtown Cape on Main Street.

Today, Rust & Martin continues that heritage with one of the largest custom reupholstery shops in the Midwest. Many of the features and requirements that have set the standards for Rust & Martin reupholstery also are evident in their fine selection of distinctive furniture, carpeting, fabrics, lamps, pictures and accessories.

Back Row, left to right: Terry McDowell, ASID, Brandon SmileyMiddle Row, left to right: Julie Connell, Michael Rust, ASID, IDS, present ownerFront Row: Judith Stamp

"At Rust & Martin, our people make the difference," Rust said.

In fact, they have made a difference since 1933 when they opened their first store. And although Rust & Martin has grown through the years, it is still a family business that's truly family operated. They select only the best styles of quality, design and value. Since quality isn't always apparent to the eye, but can affect the price, they encourage you to discuss all aspects of furniture or carpet construction with their staff.

The staff at Rust & Martin says that it can now officially do everything in your home. You will be able to work with one person on your whole building or remodel project, saving time, money and mistakes. They want to remind you to let the professionals carry out your dreams. They can make it happen!