Martin Pierce Hardware shares Pantone's color of the year for 2013

 

Have you heard that before 2012 even comes to an end Pantone has announced their 2013 color of the year--for fashion, that is and it is a rich navy called Monaco Blue.  The winning color for Homes and Interiors will not be announced until the end of November or early part of December and early prognosticators are calling for a soft shade of yellow.  No one really knows at this point but they have given us a few hints as to what we might expect.  And just as we were all getting used to Tangerine Tango!

Projected Home and Interior Design trends for the upcoming year include:

• Tribal.  Colors that are meant to evoke magical feelings from distant spots.  Think of burgundy reds, deep plums, peacock blues and fiery yellows.  2012 color of the year, Tangerine Tango shows up in this grouping.
• Rugged Individuals.  These colors bring us back home with warm leather shades of dusty brown, burnished clay and other warming earth colors.
•  Out of the ordinary.  If you like fun and quirky colors you may want to consider vibrant shades of pumpkin orange, amber green and bright violet.
• Gray and beige are not forgotten but appear in warmer shades reminiscent of birch trees, rocky coves or the blue/gray of a tropical ocean on a cloudy day.

These are just some of the ideas that are being considered by the experts at Pantone as well as from the Color Marketing Group.  Your decisions on color will be based on personal preferences, of course, but also on the psychology of color and how your clients and customers will react to specific colors.

Do you have a favorite?

To view  our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Martin Pierce Hardware: How's Iris?

We have had several inquiries as to how our beloved pitbull Iris is doing and, in particular, how she fared while we vacationed in England.  She spends pretty much every day and night with us so we were concerned about how she would cope with such a long absence.  We are very happy to say that Iris came through the separation unscathed,  due mostly to our dear friends Cynthia and Ken who, along with their dog Ike, stayed in our home and made Iris feel safe and secure.  It's as if she knew on some level that we would be returning.  This may stem, in part, to her remaining at home in her own territory and not in a kennel and having dog-loving friends and her best buddy Ike around certainly helped; at least that is my take on what happened but who really knows what goes on in a dog's mind?

As many of you know, Iris has been a member of our family for over a year.  She came to us through the wonderful efforts of The Rescue Train and it has been amazing and inspiring to see her progress and watch the many facets of her personality develop.  Over the past 14 months she has come to trust people and is much more affectionate with others.  For example, friends from Paso Robles recently visited and the first greeting they received was Iris' stubby tail and rear end wiggling with clear delight!  On a side note, if you are thinking of adding a new member to your family, please visit The Rescue Train's website.  You won't be sorry!

Iris also has a very playful side.  Like many dogs she has a love of squeaky toys and has eviscerated at least 7 crowing cockerels and 2 gurgling lobsters.  In true dog style she also likes to play tug of war with them but is not aware of her own body strength so this game is really a losing battle for me since she is  much too strong  for me ever to win.

She is also keen on being chased and this can be hilarious as she often has difficulty getting enough traction on our hardwood floors all of which will at some point now need to refinished.  But that is a small price to pay for the love her sweet personality brings to our home.

Do you have any favorite dog stories...Iris would love to hear them so please share!

To view  our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com 

It might be time to revisit the Green movement

 

Isn't this a beautiful sight?  Bison roaming free in Bison National Park.  This is just one reason we all need a reminder very now and then that preserving our natural environment is important.

For several years now there has been a great deal of discussion about being "green" and companies proudly announce that they are environmentally friendly, LEED certified etc.  But what does all this really mean?  Do I have a carbon footprint and, if so, does it come in a size 7?  How do I become "green"?  While I am no expert, let me attempt to briefly answer some of these questions.

• What is the definition of "green"?  The term green simply refers to a person, product, or process that is earth friendly meaning that consideration has been given to the effects the project or process will have on resources like water, air quality, surrounding communities, animal habitats etc.  As you can see, it is a wide encompassing term that can be applied to many areas of business and life.  It is synonymous with eco-friendly, environmentally friendly etc.   Contrary to what Kermit the Frog says, it really is easy to be green.  Just take a moment to think about what you are doing before you waste water, throw out reusable products, drive gas guzzling vehicles or burn trash.
• Recycle repurpose, reuse, renew.  All of these terms are bantered about when talking about manufacturing processes.  The goal of many businesses these days is to recycle and reuse much of their manufacturing waste into other usable products.   Here at Martin Pierce we use the lost wax method of casting that literally captures left over wax for future castings, hire local workers and use as many Made in America products as possible.
• LEED is the acronym for Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design.  It provides the guidelines necessary for a building to be considered environmentally friendly and these would include energy efficiency, impact on surrounding community, hiring of local workers etc.
• What is a carbon footprint?  Simply put, your carbon footprint is the impact you and your actions have had on the environment during a specific time period, specifically the amount of greenhouse gases you have emitted into the atmosphere in the form of gasoline use, coal for a furnace and even the amount of electricity used.

No need to be fanatical about it--simple things like buying locally to reduce transportation costs, avoiding bottled water, telecommuting if possible, lowering your thermostat and planting indigenous plants that require less water will all help.

For information on our products and to get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Custom vs. ready made...which do you prefer?

With the plethora of ready made and off the rack items available for your home or business it is sometimes easier to bypass the time and expense it takes to create a custom piece in order to get the job done.  But do you really know the difference between a custom piece and something that has been mass produced? Webster's Dictionary defines custom or bespoke as "...something made to individual specifications...".  For interior design purposes this basically means that you have something in the interior of your home or business that is unique to you and your design aesthetic.  This might be a piece of artwork, furniture, wall treatment or, in our case, custom hardware such as door levers, drawer pulls and knobs that has been created to meet your specific needs; no one else will have the exact same piece.

To follow the same idea, limited editions of artwork, furniture and hardware, while not one of a kind, also fall into the custom category.  The original print, wax mold or prototype was created by a designer and used as a template to produce a limited number of the same item.  In these instances, each item is usually hand-finished, painted, stained etc. to create a custom look.

Customization has become the "it" word in design brought on, no doubt, by the popularity of certain items that are seen used over and over again in both residential and commercial interior design.  But don't confuse this term with custom work--customization does not necessarily mean you have a unique and custom piece; it can simply imply that your mass produced item has been given a new finish, for example, or been personalized in some way.  Keep in mind that a genuine custom item is designed specifically with you and your needs in mind, guaranteeing you will have a unique and one-of-a-kind piece in your home.  Yes, this can be expensive but isn't the end result worth the extra cost?

You can view our products as well as many other custom item manufacturers by visiting the Virtual Architecture Exhibition.  For more information on our products, view  our complete line of hardware or speak with us about creating a custom piece for your business or home and to also get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Create a welcoming entry with Martin Pierce Hardware

We all know that you only have one chance to make a first impression.  When it comes to your home or business that first impression begins with your front door.  Tired, pitted and dated hardware can leave an unpleasant impression while shiny hardware that makes a statement about you or your business leaves a positive first impression on all who enter. Door hardware provides an opportunity to promote a brand or personalize a home.  At Martin Pierce Custom Hardware we pride ourselves on designing and creating unique yet functional entry door hardware that will meet your needs.  And if you don't see exactly what you need in one of our collections we can create a custom piece that is unique to your home, store, hotel or business.  Here are just some of our entryway knobs and levers.

Folger & Burt have a wonderful display of many of our products.  If you are in the Bay area you can stop by and see these pieces in person.

Tuscan style homes, spas, wineries and boutiques are the perfect candidates for our Grapevine collection of both interior and exterior front door hardware.

A contemporary home or modern place of business will appreciate the clean lines of our Ergo line.  We also offer an ADA compliant version of this pull for use in nursing homes, retirement communities and those who are looking to meet the needs of a specific clientele.

Greet your visitors with a smile or just add some fun and whimsy to your front door by choosing something from one of our collections such as our Animal, Lizard or Floral lines.

New hardware is one of the easiest and quickest ways to update without having to go through an entire remodel or expensive changes.   Once you have chosen your beautiful new hardware it is time to sweep the porch, replace burnt out light bulbs, add some fresh flowers and welcome customers and guests to your establishment.

For more information on these products, view  our complete line of custom hardware or speak with us about creating a custom piece for your business or home and to also get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Trend watch from High Point's 2012 Fall market

Twice a year in the spring and fall, designers, decorators, artists and furniture and fabric manufacturers descend on the small town of High Point, North Carolina to attend "market".  Vendors are there to display their products in the hopes that something will catch the eye of an influential buyer and become next year's must-have.  Many of the products you will see in upcoming collections of fabric, hardware and furniture styles were born during market week.  Let's take a look at what we can all expect to see in the coming year:

• Gold metal is back.  After years of oil-rubbed bronze, nickel and pewter, warm finishes like gold, bronze and copper are making a comeback.  No longer the garish gold and brass of the seventies, today's lustrous finishes can be paired with other metals and will add a warm glow to your hinges, drawer pulls, door hardware and fixtures.   We were a bit ahead of the game when we introduced our new Daisy pull, Ergo key card lever, Willow surface bolt and our popular and charming frog pull all available in varying gold finishes.

• 

• Pantone, the color guru, has announced that next year's color of the year in fashion will be Monaco Blue, a color that falls somewhere between navy and cobalt.  Others are forecasting that the interior design color of the year will be a mellow shade of yellow.  Either way, both colors are quite a departure from last year's vibrant Tangerine Tango.
• Neo-classical architecture has never gone out of style but updated and over-sized versions of the iconic Greek Key design are popping up in hardware and as embellishments on case goods, fabric, rugs and window treatments.  It just shows you that, as the saying goes,"everything old is new again".  FYI, that lyric comes from Australian songwriter Peter Allen.
• Contrast defines many of next year's trends.  For example, shiny surfaces sitting next to matte finishes, old reclaimed wood pieces placed alongside shiny mirrored items, modern paired with antique, rustic with contemporary...you get the idea.
• Geometric patterns remain popular but are seen paired with more organic shapes to update the look.  Does it get any more organic than our Ergo line?

As with most design decisions, next year's forecasted trends support the idea that anything goes.  In other words, if it works for your home or business, then it works.  Do you have a favorite trend?

For more information on these products or to view  our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

There are bats in the belfry at Martin Pierce Hardware

"Eye of newt, and toe of frog,Wool of bat, and tongue of dog, Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting, Lizard's leg, and howlet's wing,-- For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble."

Macbeth (IV, i, 14-15)

Shakespeare said it best but, not to be left out during the Halloween season, at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware we not only have bats in the belfry we have lizards leg, and frogs toes as well as beetles and moths and lots of other creepy crawlies to add to the witch'es recipe and a touch of fun to your interior design.

Take a look, if you are brave enough!

For more information on these products or to view  our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.  And Happy Halloween!

The final leg of our journey back to England

London is an amazing city full of both unique and historical architecture sitting alongside new and whimsical sites like the eye of London seen here.

Modern day life goes on surrounded by ancient buildings and traditions including our parliamentary political system of government.  This style of government is similar to the American system of government in that the members of Parliament are elected by the people to represent their district.  It consists of The House of Commons  and The House of Lords.  One of my dear friends from university sits in the House of Lords so we were able to get backstage passes, as it were, to view the building.   For security reasons we were unable to take many photographs but were allowed to take pictures of the Great Hall (or original Hall).  This part of the building has one of the oldest buttress ceilings in Northern Europe.  Magnificent!

Maggie's office has a breathtaking view of Westminster Abbey.

The time spent in London was a fitting way to end our trip and head back home.  Is there nothing better than to spend vacation time with family and friends?

We are now back to work and busy creating new and exciting products that can be seen here.  For more information on these products or to view  our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

What's new at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware

New product inspiration comes from the darndest places!  We began working on this exquisite orchid pull for a project in Hawaii.  However, that project has taken a turn and we are now designing hardware with a more tribal folk Hawaiian design for them.  But we loved the look of this new orchid pull so much that we have decided to add it to our line.  May we introduce you to our new Orchid Pull (or at least the drawings for this pull)

As always, I think the drawings are as beautiful as the actual hardware! 

Martin has jsut begun carving the mold for this piece.  He has been experimenting with a high density foam similar to the foam used in set decoration as an alternative to wood or wax.  It has the advantage of being quick to carve and, unlike wood, has no grain.  This results in a very smooth pattern.  That being said, like many things it is not perfect as it does not always work well with pieces that have deeper detail; for these pieces we use a dense wood or blue jeweler's wax.  We will continue to experiment and keep you updated on how we like this product. 

For more information on this latest addition to our bespoke hardware collection or to view  our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Vacation to London continues with Martin Pierce Custom Hardware

We bid a fond farewell to Bob and Carrie in Pembridge and travelled on to Leicester where we ditched the rental car and took the train into St. Pancras station.  We stayed in Russell Square at a reasonably priced and well run hotel overlooking Russell Square and the park. It has been many years since I  spent much time in London.  In my mid 20’s all my energy was spent either at my dark, light deprived office or on foot walking briskly to avoid the cold and rain.  This time we had lovely sunshine, good walking shoes and the “tube” ,or  underground, that we could use at non-peak times, allowing us to see a lot of the city.

On our first day we went in search of the Gherkin building.  We have seen pictures of this amazing building in magazines but really needed to see it in person and we found it to be an inspiring piece of contemporary architecture.  The Gherkin was built in 2004 and is an impressive 41 story  skyscraper.

We then headed to the south side of the Thames Rivers in search of the Shard building,  so nicknamed due to its unique shape, and was recently dubbed the tallest building in Europe.    We found it to be another inspiring piece of contemporary architecture.  We visited this building just a few days before Prince Andrew abseiled down the face of it to raise funds for Outward Bound Trust and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust.  You can read more about that story here.   

For more information on our products, view our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Georgian Architecture: a design history lesson from Martin Pierce hardware

In the past couple of posts I have mentioned the beautiful and abundant Georgian architecture that can be found throughout England.  Examples of this included St. Mary's church in Ross-on-wye and also St. Anne's in our hometown of Worcester. The popularity of this architectural style spanned two centuries from the early eighteenth century to the mid-nineteenth century.  It is named after the first four British "Georges" i.e. George the first, George the second etc., etc.,  all monarchs from the House of Hanover who reigned from 1740 to 1830.   Characteristics of this very English architecture include:

• A centered paneled front door
• A simple box shape with either one or two stories
• Multi-paned windows
• Cornices with dentil work detailing
• Chimneys on both sides of the home
• Dormer windows on the upper floor
• Symmetrical arrangements of windows and doors

The old truly meets the new in this photo of the new Gherkin building in London fronted by ancient buildings in the foreground, some of which feature prime examples of Georgian architecture.

To view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Martin Pierce Hardware vacation to England

While the memories are still fresh in our minds we thought we would share a bit more of our recent return to England. In our previous post we shared photos and tidbits of our hometown, Worcester.  In spite of what Thomas Wolff wrote, we discovered you really can return home.  For more details check out the post here.

After an enjoyable walk down memory lane we moved on to the neighboring county of Hereford where Martin's brother Bob and his wife live in Pembridge with their two dogs. Pembridge is a very quaint “black and white” village so described for the timber framed buildings that date back over 800 hundred years. It sits on the River Arrow, a tranquil river that is much smaller than the Severn that runs through Worcester.

Bob suggested a day trip to the nearby market town of Ross-On-Wye.  This pretty little town continues to hold 2 weekly markets at the Market House which is a plain sandstone building dating back to 1650.   Today's market features less livestock and wool and more locally grown fruits and vegetables along with wonderful artisan cheeses. The town also has it's own fair share of Georgian architecture and a lovely old church, St. Mary’s that is about 700 years old.

Alas, one of our best day trips was the day Martin forgot to take either his ipad or camera. We attended the Kington Show where we saw pedigreed Hereford cattle, Ryeland Sheep, Suffolk Sheep and variety of endangered old breed cattle and sheep. There is strong support and respect for these older breeds that are part of the local heritage.

The show also featured a fun horse and buggy race known as a scuttling race in which 2 small ponies pull a buggy with 2 passengers (one to drive the buggy and one there just for balance, a bit like sailing).  You can visit their site to learn more about these unusual races.

For more information on our products, view our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

It's back to work with Martin Pierce Hardware

We have returned from our trip to England and are attempting to recover from the inevitable jetlag that is the result of traveling through so many time zones.  That being said, all in all it was a wonderful trip that took us back to places we have not been in over twenty years.  Was it Thomas Wolff who said "You can't go home again"?  In this case I must say he might be wrong.

Martin and I were both born in Worcester city. As a child I couldn’t stand the place and dreamed of faraway glamorous cities and the south of England so when I was 18 I escaped to Brighton where I attended Sussex University. Martin and I had met that summer and he was brave enough to leave Worcester with me (much to his mother’s annoyance). 

We have both been guilty of making disparaging remarks about Worcester since we left but this was the trip that turned us around. We treated ourselves to a decent stay at the Whitehouse Hotel directly opposite the Merchant Building and Hop Market.  Martin used to have a very small studio inside this building and we would meet here often when while we were dating. 

 Besides being known for Worcestershire sauce and sadly the recently closed Worcester Porcelain works, the city was also well known for the growing and distribution of hops, key in a country where beer is one of  the favored beverages.

We spent a couple of days in Worcester checking out the exquisite Georgian, Victorian and Tudor architecture, all of which I had until now taken for granted.

Worcester city has also become pedestrianized which has vastly improved not only the pedestrian life but also the lung experience!

We also are lucky to have a flourishing community of Swans on the river Severn. They are extremely powerful, beautiful and, thanks to a Royal Charter, protected birds .

Hmmmm....maybe a swan door knocker?

For more information on ou products, view our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Summer's end at Martin Pierce Hardware

Can you believe it?  Another summer has come to an end and the first day of fall is just one day away, September 22nd.  While many of us usually associate the first day of fall with things not weather or science related, like chunky sweaters, crisp apple pie and cozy fires, the autumnal equinox is actually a reference to the day of the year when day and night hours are equal at 12 hours each.  As we all know, each day gets shorter from that moment on until the winter solstice takes place.  But enough about weather and science, we are just ready to enjoy the change of seasons.  Good bye to the relaxing and warm days of summer and summer decorating:

And hello to the autumnal equinox and fall decorative changes:

To view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Winged things from Martin Pierce Custom Hardware

You do not have to be an ornithologist to appreciate the beauty of nature and all the winged things that occupy your neighborhood.  As summer draws to an end you will most likely notice that your local birds are leaving for warmer climates.  Aren't they smart!  You can continue to enjoy all the winged creatures with a simple switch of hardware in your home or business.  Take a look at what has taken up residence at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware:

If you live in Southern California then you are certainly aware of the return of the swallows every year at the Mission at San Juan Capistrano.  Martin captured this delicate little bird in his swallow pull that will certainly enhance the decor of local businesses as well as a private residence.

While our woodpecker door knocker might be a bit tongue in cheek it is certainly a unique way for your guests or customers to announce their arrival.

Pet stores, the local zoo or a specialty design boutique will appreciate our realistic bat pull.  Not to mention any little boy who delights in the creepy crawly!

All of the pieces you see here are available in our Animal collection.  To view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Martin Pierce's inspiring vacation

We are currently on vacation in England for a couple of weeks and enjoying the opportunity to visit family and friends as it has been quite some time since we have returned home. It is a well-known fact that England is known for her beautiful gardens and magnificent countryside.  This lush countryside has always provided inspiration for Martin's work.  In fact, one of our favorite collections, the Hedgerow line, was inspired by the lovely bushes and trees that line the roads here in England.

If you would like to add just a touch of English garden design to your home decor, might we suggest a new addition to your front door with the Hedgerow entryway lever:

Something as seemingly simple as a door knob can alter the look and feel of any space.

Our commercial clients can add that unique touch that sets them apart from the competition with beautiful fixtures and hardware that their discriminating clients have come to expect.  Spas, nursing homes, luxury hotels and exclusive boutiques will enjoy not only the Hedgerow hardware line but the accompanying items that include coat hooks,soap dishes, towel racks and the ever important tissue holder.

We hope to return from England rested and refreshed and full of inspiring ideas from our trip.  Where do you find your creative inspiration?

For more information on these new products, view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

5 easy ways to update your outdoor entry for fall

Autumn is a time to settle back into familiar and comforting routines and to enjoy the anticipation of the months ahead.  What better time to update your outdoor entry than during the fall months when the air is cooler and the days are just a bit shorter.  Here are a few quick ideas that can be accomplished during these shorter days.

1. One of the easiest ways to update your outdoor entry is with new door hardware.  Take a look at your existing hardware.  Is it pitted, tarnished or simply out of date?  If so, add some hardware with a bit of personality or in a new finish that can update the entire look. 

   

 2.  Paint is always an easy fix.  Go for something eye-catching like a bright red door or something a bit more sophisticated such as glossy black  or cool gray.   This color can be used on both the front door and any surrounding molding or window trim for a unified look.

 3.  Something as simple as a new doormat can work wonders.  Choose a beautifully monogrammed mat to welcome guests or something purely functional such as a coir mat that will catch the dirt and debris before it enters your home.

 4.  Add some life to your entry with the introduction of flowering and/or evergreen plants.  These plants can be switched out with the seasons by replacing last summer's daisies with colorful mums, for example.

 5.  It is amazing what a simple broom can do to turn an ordinary outdoor entry into an inviting greeting for your guests.  Sweep away all the dust and dirt and don't forget those pesky cobwebs that form under the light fixture or around the door and window frames.  Don't overlook the door itself.  It could probably use a good dusting every now and then as well.

For more information on these new products, view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Back to school with Martin Pierce Hardware

It's back to school time.  Beginning Tuesday, September 4th, kids all over the country will be returning to class so what better time for a design history lesson. There are design motifs that repeat themselves century after century.  Take for example, the fleur de lis, greek key or rosette designs that have inspired many an artist, architect or designer.  Here is just a brief description and history of these well-known motifs.

• Greek key:  The Greek key is a meandering pattern of both vertical and horizontal lines that repeat themselves as a border.  Our Fiddlehead pulls also feature a meandering design on the stem that was certainly inspired by nature. This very popular pattern is often used as trim on fabric and rugs or as an architectural design on a building. 
• Fleur de lis:  Loosely translated, fleur de lis means flower of the lily in french.  With it's somewhat regal appearance, the fleur de lis has appeared on many royal coats of arms but has also been associated with military status, as a religious symbol and was even used to identify slaves during the 16th and 17th century. This simple design has adorned many buildings throughout the centuries as well as artwork, home accessories, fabric and hardware.
• Rosette:  The rosette is a round, stylized flower design that, as the name implies, was inspired by the natural shape of flowers.  It often appears in architectural designs and is used in metal working and other artistic applications especially where two lines of metal, concrete or other materials intersect.  Other uses include military insignias, jewelry design and sculpture.  Check out our entire collection of Flora design hardware pieces that might have been inspired by the simple rosette design.

If you look closely at an old building, sculptural piece or other type of art you will most likely see one of these motifs used in some form or another.  It just proves that good taste never goes out of style.

For more information on these new products, view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Martin Pierce Custom Hardware: You won't need any bugspray for these critters

Bugs and other garden critters are one of those things you either love or you hate.  But there is nothing creepy about our hardware collection of bugs, butterflies, bees and the occasional frog or lizard.  This lizard pull from our Animal collection would delight any budding young scientist in your family or add an unexpected greeting to the entryway of your nursery or pet shop business.

Our bright and shiny frog pull is always a popular giveaway in our HD Expo booth every year. 

Ancient Egyptians used the scarab beetle as amulets that represented many different Gods, earth cycles etc.  We have designed both a large and small scarab beetle pull that can be incorporated into the interior of your home or business.

If you have visited Hawaii or other tropical areas you are very familiar with the friendly geckos that can be found everywhere.  Relive those pleasant vacation memories with our Gecko pull.

For more information on these new products, view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Are the leaves falling where you live?

I know it is a bit early to be asking that question but can you believe that fall is less than one month away?  The air will be turning crisp, the days will get shorter and leaves will begin to turn color and fall to the ground; even here in Southern California. Nature has always provided inspiration for Martin's custom hardware designs and leaves are no exception.  Here are some of our hardware pieces that celebrate leaves of all types.

A sweet and simple pear leaf drawer pull adds interest to any piece of furniture or cabinetry.

Wine harvest occurs in late summer and early fall and you can almost hear the corks popping when you look at our beautiful vine pull from our Grapevine collection.  

You can almost feel the leaves rustling beneath your feet when you look at our oak and sycamore leaf pulls.

What is your favorite type of leaf and are the leaves falling where you live yet?

For more information on these new products, view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com