Martin Pierce has gone to the birds with our new sculpture

We recently teased you a bit with an introduction to a project Martin is working on that involves the design of a blue jay.

To catch up you can view that introductory post here.

We are very happy to say that the jay wing carvings have now made it into wax, shown as the brown wing in the photo below. The wax wing was created by pouring wax into a rubber mold that we made around the grey pattern (carvings) that Martin sculpted. The pattern or carving in the photo above is beige in color, the natural color of basswood, but we then "paint" the pattern with a grey primer to fill in the grains and pores of the wood, giving us a smooth grey pattern and one without the distraction of wood grain. If we didn't fill in the grain the end result would be a bronze casting with a visible and distracting wood grain.

As with all of our pieces, we will use  the lost wax method when creating the eventual bronze castings as this method allows us to capture the intricate details of the wings and bird.

This particular sculpture was not commissioned.  Rather, it is just a bird we see often and one that Martin really likes as they have a lot of character and are fun to watch.  We had originally thought of just having the wings as door pulls but decided to turn it into a complete sculpture that can be used as wall art, yet still offer the option of mounting it on the door as a pull.  We are also happy to announce that it will be available in a limited edition of 25 and we will keep you posted on the progress with future posts.

If you are interested in other architectural hardware pieces modeled after birds or would like to discuss a custom order for your next hospitality or residential project, please contact us or visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

A new home for our iguana pull

It is always a thrill for us to see our pieces in place in their new home.  Such was the case when we received this photo of both our Iguana and Hawaiian Bird pulls in use on a custom armoire. When we were contacted by Debbie Zylstra of Zylstra Interiors (in Kona Hawaii at the time but has since relocated her business to South Carolina) the challenge was to design a custom pull that was reflective of the native culture and tropical surroundings.  We chose to create a pull in the likeness of the whimsical Laysan Finch for the lower section of the built-ins.

Our Iguana pulls would be used to open the double doors in the upper portion.  Below is a rendering of Martin's showing how he envisioned the pulls in use

and here is an actual picture of the completed project.

The Hawaiian bird pulls are used on the drawers and lower doors.  The polished bronze finish is the perfect compliment to the amazingly beautiful Koa wood that is accented with an ebony filet.

If you  have a residential or hospitality project that would be made more beautiful through the use of custom hardware or you would like to view our entire collection, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Summer getaway recap--Part 3

We wanted to give you one last opportunity to take a look at all that Santa Barbara County and the Simpson House Inn have to offer so you can plan your own trip. As we mentioned in Part I and 2 of our vacation recap, the Simpson House Inn is a great choice for a weekend getaway, especially when you live in nearby busy and noisy Hollywood as we do.  We enjoyed relaxing and enjoying the beautiful gardens but we were also able to get out and hike the many trails that are nearby and even enjoyed a solitary day on Carpinteria State Beach.

We also found time to visit a spot we often come to when we are in Santa Barbara, the Botanic Gardens.  The historic man made dam which is the life spring of these gardens was created back in 1807 to supply the local mission with water.  It remains as part of the gardens, which were developed in the 1930's.

We have visited these gardens twice before over the last 15 years but have never seen them as dry as we did on this visit due to the drought in California.  However, the one watering hole we did find was home to a turtle who obligingly posed for a portrait shot.

Alas, as you can see in the photo below, water was not present in the creek and this poor tree was left suffering from soil erosion and exposed roots.

However, there is still plenty of plant and wildlife to enjoy as this little sparrow proves; offering Martin plenty of enjoyment as well as design inspiration.

We were also able to take a longish hike along the Cold Springs Trail that takes one high into the local Santa Ynez Mountains.  We had escaped the heat of LA and exchanged it for the cooler climate of Santa Barabara.  But even this terrain is showing the effects of the drought as we found boulders and exposed tree roots in areas where the creeks should be flowing.

The trail was almost empty on the eastern ascent and we saw few hikers.  Predictably , after our 90 minute hike we returned to Simpson House Inn for their cold lemonade.  The perfect finish to a perfect day!

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware, many pieces inspired by trips like this, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Flowers are in bloom at Martin Pierce Hardware

There is no better time than during the warm months of summer to take the time to stop and smell the roses.  In other words, enjoy the beautiful flowers that are blooming all around you.  It is easy to spot them----well tended gardens in your neighborhoods, over-stuffed window boxes of local businesses or those blooms that grow wildly in the nearby fields.

We have always enjoyed and appreciated the beauty of different flowers.  So much so that Martin has created many different "varieties" of architectural hardware in floral motifs that are so lifelike you will be tempted to bend down and do a sniff test.  Sadly, there is no fragrance but you can enjoy the beauty of these flowers all year round, nevertheless.

Daisies are such a lovely little flower that conjures up feelings of carefree days spent at the park.  Our bronze daisy drawer pull will add just the right amount of femininity to a hip clothing boutique, day spa or a sunroom or conservatory in a beautiful home.

Few flowers are as elegant or as sophisticated as an orchid.  Enjoy the beauty of these flowers without all the worry and effort that goes into the care of these delicate blooms with the addition of our silver plated orchid and orchid stem drawer pull.

Don't let summer end without taking the time to notice the flowers in your area.  Visit a local botanical garden, stroll through your downtown area or just take a walk through your own neighborhood and see how many varieties of flowering plants you can identify.

To view our entire collection of Flora and other custom hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Part 5--a step by step process of creating custom door hardware

For those of you who have been following along with this process, you will remember that we had reached the shelling stage in part 4 where the waxes had been encased in silicon shell and were ready to move on to receive the molten bronze. The goblets were the first part of the handle to be cast and, thankfully, we only needed to make one pattern that, with just a few minor adjustments,  would work well for both the left and right facing figures.

We then moved onto the 2 figures.  Having made 2 molds, one for each figure, we made wax replicas which we proceeded to shell.  The biggest challenge with the figures was how to devise a way to mount them to the cast goblet.  As they were separate castings we decided to attach the figure by drilling through the goblet into the hand of the figure so that we could thread and weld a small bolt to hold the figure firmly in place.  As we discussed in part 3,  the back of the goblet was cast separately and the reason for doing so was so we would have good access to the figure from inside the goblet.

The castings were then prepared for assembly as pairs to be mounted back to back onto glass doors. The client wanted to use 2 pairs as he had double glass doors in his wine cellar.

For strength we decided on 2 mounting posts for each handle, one to support the top portion of the goblet with a post attached to the goblet and the other post attached to the figure at hip level.  If you look at the photograph of green wax figures you will see the mounting post.

Once cast the solid bronze posts are drilled and tapped and we create a 3/8” diameter bolt that is threaded at one end and blank at the other. As these were being mounted back to back, the threaded end was screwed securely into one post and the non- threaded end was passed through the door into the post of the other handle.  The figure was then held in place by drilling a hole through the wall of the post into the bolt and inserting a threaded Allen screw.

As you can see from the almost finished product, these doors are going to create a spectacular entrance to the client's personal wine cellar.

To view our entire collection of custom door hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Hospitality designers create beautiful boutique hotel in Sweden

We have shared with you how much we enjoy our client who resides in Scandinavia; Norway to be specific.  So it is no wonder that we were fascinated with this new boutique hotel that just opened in neighboring Stockholm, Sweden. Boutique hotels are often smaller in scale than the large chain hotels and offer beautiful and inspiring interiors with unique and modern amenities including beautiful artwork, on-trend color schemes and custom hardware.  The Nobis Hotel is a beautiful example of an inviting boutique hotel and, in our opinion, is set in one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Through the process of combining two neighboring townhouses, the design firm of Claesson Koivisto Rune created a modern dream that brilliantly celebrates the beauty of the original 19th century architecture while offering contemporary interiors that cater to the needs of its sophisticated clientele.  Upon closer inspection you will spot design details that include contemporary furnishings with fine Egyptian linens, soothing colors and all the necessary electronic set-ups the modern traveler requires.

We are proud to have provided other luxurious boutique hotels with custom hardware that celebrates the hotel's location, design scheme or a client's individual brand. Some of our favorites include the orchid pulls and bespoke stylized Hawaiian bird hardware or the custom hardware for the W Hotel in Sensota Cove, Singapore.

To view our entire collection of custom hardware for your next hospitality or contract project, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Great news for hospitality designers attending HD Expo 2014

As with all of the exhibitors, we are very busy preparing for and excited about attending the HD Expo in Las Vegas again this year and sharing many of our favorite products, as well as debuting several new items.

We hope to share with you the prototype for our new LED lit entryway lever that we feel could be one of the most exciting innovations in hospitality design.  This hardware is not only beautiful but provides safety and function for all of your hotel, retirement home, spa and boutique hotel clients.

We will also be debuting our new powder coated line from our Morphic custom hardware series.  This new addition will allow you to further customize your client's spaces with a color that is either part of the overall design plan or represents and highlights their specific brand.

And, while we have been sharing the fact that we will be giving away ten of our dragonfly or scarab beetle drawer pulls, we have decided to double that and give away 20 of these unique pieces of hardware to the first twenty visitors to our booth #4659.  So be sure and stop by early, see our products, say hello and collect your custom bronze drawer pull.

You can view our entire collection of architectural hardware on our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Martin Pierce invites you to join us at the HD Expo 2014

Our invitation that recently appeared in the HD Expo newsletter:

Martin Pierce would like to invite you to come join us at HD Expo 2014.

Click here to register for free.

COME SEE OUR NEW DOOR HANDLES BOOTH 4659

This year we will be introducing our latest Morphic door handles in 316 stainless steel and bronze and will be offering you the choice of custom powder coated colors. We will also be debuting our first prototype LED handle, geared to those in the luxury hospitality market, we expect this illuminated design will become a signature statement. As a company we offer a full range of door hardware that includes trim for electronic key cards, bathroom and cabinet accessories and styles suited to all genre of boutique hotels be they contemporary, classical or transitional.

Booth: 4659 Contact: Anne Pierce, CEO Email: anne@martinpierce.com Phone: (323) 939-5929 Website: http://www.martinpierce.com

The first 20 visitors to our booth will receive a bronze cabinet pull!

2014 HD Expo Countdown and a great giveaway

Well it is hard to believe that the first quarter of 2014 has come and gone and here we are in April.  Not sure about where you live, but in Los Angeles the sky is blue and the winds are brisk, typical spring weather, and the Jacaranda trees and desert flowers are in bloom. We are busy preparing ourselves and our products for the trip to Las Vegas to join designers, architects and hundreds of exhibitors at the 2014 HD Expo, held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Convention Center.  We will be occupying booth #4659 this year and are excited to share not only some of our more popular items but we will also be debuting some new pieces of architectural hardware that we know you will enjoy.

On top of all that, the first ten visitors to our booth will receive one of our scarab or dragonfly drawer pulls to use in their own home or office.  These little functional pieces of art feature exquisite detailing that makes them a joy to look at and handle.

Some believe that the scarab beetle represents the rising sun and is a symbol of development and growth but we see it as a unique drawer pull that will add interest to your custom hospitality design projects.

Martin Pierce will be on hand to discuss your individual projects so we look forward to speaking with each of you.

You can view our entire collection of custom hardware on our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Interior design trend alert--Paisley

 

Paisley is making a big comeback in both the fashion and interior design world.  This ancient design is fondly remembered by many of us as the favored fabric of the bohemian world during the turbulent sixties and seventies.  At that time it was used for both clothing and textiles for home decor and provided a way to rebel against traditional designs like damask and other popular patterns favored by the "establishment".  Apparently unbeknownst to the rebellious youth, this teardrop shaped design had been around for centuries.

Originating in Iran in early 200AD, it was known as the Boteh Jegheh.  The stylized floral design is believed by historians to be a combination of tree and floral symbols that represent life and eternity. Interestingly, the western world favors the term paisley, which comes from the Scottish town of the same name that produced the woven textiles once they were introduced to the British Isles by travelers and sailors.

This versatile pattern mixes well with both contemporary and traditional styles. Therefore, both residential and hospitality designers are utilizing this exotic symbol in many ways.  Paisley patterned fabrics are available in all colorways and weaves and will add a sophisticated look to window treatments, upholstery, wall coverings and room accents. Oriental and Persian carpets, antique and new, often utilize this symbol in either an overall design or in the border.

Stylized floral patterns, like paisley, have played a large role in many of our architectural hardware designs.  For example, our popular Hedgerow collection is Martin's interpretation of the hedges and bushes that were so familiar to him as a child growing up in England.

Have you used the paisley pattern in any of your recent projects?

If you would like to view our Hedgerow hardware or our entire collection of custom hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

2014 HD Expo Update

While we are very busy working on some new projects that we cannot wait to share with you,  we are also very busy pulling things together for our booth at the 2014 HD Expo that is just 60 days away!

We are anticipating a wonderful experience at the Expo.  The venue is always great (Mandalay Bay Hotel & Convention Center) and as we have said, we are looking forward to meeting up with old friends from past Expos as well as make many new friends.

When you stop by our booth #4659 you will be able to see firsthand many items from our custom architectural hardware collections and new items that we are very excited to share with you.  For example, if we can get through the bureaucracy involved, we hope to debut an LED lit door handle from our Morphic collection that will serve many of your clients in the hospitality and commercial industry.  And, the first ten visitors to our booth will receive one of our custom drawer pulls.  In the past we have given away frogs, butterflies and daisies and we continue the tradition this year with one of our dragonfly or scarab beetle pulls.  These little works of art will add a touch of springtime to your desk or cabinet.  See you there!

You can view our entire collection of custom architectural hardware at www.martinpierce.com.

Green design trends for 2014

Architects, designers and builders all have a responsibility to their clients to create an environment that is healthy and safe, all the while preserving natural resources, air quality and the surrounding community.  The design community has done a good job of following the three "R's" of the "movement" --renew, reuse, recycle, as well as attempting to use local suppliers and reducing the use of toxic materials, all with an eye on preserving Mother Earth.

However, while the "green" movement is hardly new, it is a topic that is ever-changing and should be discussed on a regular basis as we have done in posts here and here.  Currently, global warming and changing weather patterns have many developers and designers trying to find ways to harness the'earth's natural resources in an efficient manner without depleting the diminishing supply.  On the horizon:

• Automated systems that result in energy efficiency.  The future will see many "cloud based" systems for the ultimate in energy and cost savings.
• Solar power will continue to gain popularity in both commercial and residential buildings.  Tax breaks, grants and other funding will make these systems more attainable for small builders and homeowners.
• Zero net energy is the new buzz word.  Simply put, it means a building uses as much energy as it creates through on-site renewable resources.  While usually still dependent on the electrical grid, these buildings harvest solar and wind power and reduce usage of the electrical grid through highly efficient HVAC systems, for example.
• We can dim the lights and design automobiles that use less gasoline but we cannot live without fresh water and those resources are certainly being affected by the changing weather patterns.  Engineers and scientists have their plates full as they try to come up with ways to reduce the damage to the atmosphere that has resulted in the change in weather, along with methods that eliminate waste and are more efficient.
• LEED consideration will extend to the "greening" of existing buildings.  Owners will be charged with the removal of dangerous products but also required to disclose any dangerous chemicals and products on site, along with any green methods put into place to correct the problem(s).

A combination of carefully considered design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but is safe for occupants and visitors in public buildings, considerate of special needs of those who might be physically challenged as well as an aging population and is sensitive to the need to conserve energy and preserve natural resources will result in buildings and rooms that will leave a positive mark on the community.

We do our best to recycle products, dispose of waste and conserve whenever possible.  To view our entire collection of architectural hardware and custom furniture, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Corrected HD Expo booth number for Martin Pierce

Ooops...my bad.  We have decided to occupy a larger booth at the upcoming HD Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada and our booth number has been changed to #4659 from the previously mentioned #4756.

We look forward to seeing all of you at the Expo where we will debut several new pieces as well as share some of our more popular collections of custom hardware.

Where to find us at the 2014 HD Expo

We recently shared with you our excitement about attending the 2014 HD Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas Nevada.  We will setup residence in the exhibit hall and can be found in booth #4659.

Many of you have visited our booth at past events to view our custom hardware as well as see new products being debuted at the Expo.  This year will be no different as we will be debuting several new pieces.  We are particularly excited to share our new Morphic cylindrical door pull complete with LED lighting in the handle.  Not only will this make it easy to locate the door handle in a hotel, spa, nursing home or retirement facility for your hospitality clients, it is sure to cast a beautiful shadow due to the cutout pattern of the Morphic design.

So be sure and stop by our booth #4659 to introduce yourself, say hello and see what we have in store for 2014.

Come and see in person how your custom hardware items are made

We are so excited to open the doors of our small showroom in Los Angeles, California to designers and homeowners alike.  We recently released this invitation to hospitality, residential and contract designers who are searching for just the right FF&E items for their upcoming projects:

COME SEE OUR RICH VARIETY OF LOCALLY MADE DOOR HANDLES Martin Pierce trade only atelier of fine custom door handles can now be viewed by local design professionals in the Los Angeles area. As our showroom is small we ask that you call to make an appointment to see our work in person.

Martin Pierce Hardware is an ASID Industry partner and we design and manufacture our custom and semi-custom door hardware here in Los Angeles using the lost wax method. The styles we offer range from contemporary to transitional to arts and crafts yet our work is original. We welcome designers to come and see our work in person at our modest showroom but ask that you call ahead tomake an appointment.

We look forward to sharing many of our unique hardware designs as well as the very interesting and environmentally friendly process of the ancient lost wax method.

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware and custom furniture, to make an appointment, or to download a catalog,  please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Design across the globe

We often focus on products and design trends from the United States, but the world is full of beautifully decorated and designed hotels and office buildings that offer inspiration to all of us. Hotels often celebrate the local culture and natural elements unique to the area in the design of both public spaces and guest rooms.  A fine example of this is the new Hyatt Regency in Danang, Vietnam with its lush landscaping, private beach and spaces designed to take advantage of the incredible views.

Halfway across the world in the Czech Republic, the Fabrika Hotel offers a very unique space that caters to the business traveler but will please the casual traveler as well.  With just 19 guest rooms, this sleek and modern hotel designed by OK Plan Architects offers an on-site restaurant, wellness spa and conference center for their savvy guests.

What do you think about this light-filled residence  located in Bolsover, Ontario Canada? Designed by the architectural firm of UUfie  in nearby Toronto, this home is the epitome of indoor/outdoor living with a design that clearly celebrates the natural surroundings and where rustic and modern elements join together to create an amazing getaway.

We we are also proud of our own global presence and opportunity to provide international designers with custom architectural hardware for their very special projects via our display in the Porta showroom located in Riyadh. To view our entire collection of custom hardware please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Musical instruments as artwork for interior design projects

While many of us immediately think of a beautiful watercolor painting or a wonderful bronze sculpture when we hear the term "artwork", experts might agree that the beauty of art really is in the eye of the beholder.  Take, for example, the beauty of musical instruments - -wood frames of violins and cellos rubbed to a glossy shine, brass that sparkles like jewels and the gorgeous linear shapes of the woodwinds could certainly be considered artwork and displayed as such. In the following rooms precious musical instruments are proudly displayed as functional artwork that provide a touch of life to the spaces and most would agree is as beautiful as any oil portrait.

A grand piano always makes a welcoming statement in a residential foyer or the lobby of a boutique hotel or chic shopping complex.  Notice the more traditional piece of artwork that mimics the design of the piano. [houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/333310/Elegant-Stairs-traditional-staircase-minneapolis]

A cello in the corner quietly balances out the large painting on the other side of the doorway in this setting.

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The graphic appeal of a grouping of woodwinds lends itself to this contemporary design.

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While classical instruments are beautiful and sophisticated, don't overlook a colorful collection of electric guitars or the power of a set of drums or the simplicity of a grouping of native instruments from around the world.

And in our own home, where music is a must, Iris  enjoys relaxing by the piano in the den that doubles as our music room.

To view our collection of custom architectural hardware or speak directly with us regarding products for your own hospitality, commercial or residential project, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.