New products at Martin Pierce Hardware

 

 

 

 

At Martin Pierce Hardware we are always in the process of designing new products, experimenting with different finishes and styles. Such is the case with our latest piece, the Ergo Epic extended door handle featuring a bronze finish. The goal in designing this particular door pull was to create a piece of custom hardware that offered both the beauty of sculpture/art and the functionality of a door handle as Martin feels that "much of the hardware in the market is lacking in inspiration and artistry."  

With this goal in mind we cast our Ergo extended pull in silicon bronze and applied a patina reminiscent of bronze art sculptures.  This new finish adds warmth to the appearance of an otherwise contemporary design inspired by the art nouveau movement, in particular, the works of Victor Horta, Galle and Guimar.

Bronze door handle from the Ergo collection of Martin Pierce Hardware, Los Angeles CA  90016.  Photo by Doug Hill


Bronze door handle from the Ergo collection of Martin Pierce Hardware, Los Angeles CA  90016.  Photo by Doug Hill

The Ergo collection, named for its contemporary yet ergonomic design that is well suited for hospitality and residential projects,  is also available in a sleek stainless steel finish as seen in this photo:

Ergo Epic extended pull from Martin Pierce Hardware, Los Angeles Ca  90016.  

Ergo Epic extended pull from Martin Pierce Hardware, Los Angeles Ca  90016.  

To view the entire Ergo collection, along with other architectural hardware selections, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

Tel: 323-939-5929

The end of daylight savings time means more lamp light

This weekend we all set our clocks back an hour as daylight savings ended and we returned to standard time.  While this means an additional hour of sleep for most of us, it also means that the days will be shorter as we near the winter months.  Enter--the need for more lighting in all forms including task, accent and ambient lighting.

As we have shared in the past, at this years HD Expo we introduced a collection of bespoke wall sconces that will fill your accent lighting needs.  Like our custom hardware collection, these sconces are hand-carved and cast using the lost wax method.  The unique open-work designs were inspired by Martin's enjoyment of "The Game of Thrones" television series as seen in the dragon egg sconce and by nature as seen in the new floral wall sconce. 

An oil rubbed bronze finish lends warmth and beauty to the delicate floral design of the floral sconce.

Bronze floral wall sconce by Martin Pierce Hardware.  Los Angeles Ca  90016  Photo by Doug Hill

Bronze floral wall sconce by Martin Pierce Hardware.  Los Angeles Ca  90016  Photo by Doug Hill

Conversely, the stainless steel finish applied to the Dragon Eggg wall sconce enhances the contemporary look of this very unusual lighting fixture.

Stainless steel wall sconce by Martin Pierce Hardware.  Los Angeles CA  90016  Photo by Doug Hill

Stainless steel wall sconce by Martin Pierce Hardware.  Los Angeles CA  90016  Photo by Doug Hill

Another great souce of light during these short winter days?

To view our entire lighting collection as well as our collection of architectural hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

Tel: 323-939-5929

Custom cabinet hardware

In an earlier post we shared with you photos of a custom set of chairs featuring carved bat details that complimented the Seicho game table adorned with solid bronze bat details. This unique set was created for our friends who enjoy card and table games as entertainment.  But this is not the only bat we have in our collection!

The bat pull from our cabinet hardware collection is sized perfectly for use on cabinery and furniture drawers and doors in residential, hospitality and commercial installations.  

And, as with all of Martin's sculptures and hardware, the details add realism, depth and dimension to this piece.  

Bats are fascinating creatures.  These little mammals are much more than the blood sucking animals depicted in literature and mythology and actually play a vital role in the world's ecological system. They reside throughout the entire earth with the exception of the extremely cold areas of the Arctic and Antarctic.  And the famous or rather, infamous, vampire bat has given many of us childhood nightmares during the Halloween season as we read about or watched Dracula movies.  And our fascination with creatures that turn from bats to vampires seems to continue with the popularity of shows like "The Vampire Diaries".

To view our bat drawer pull and our entire collection of architectural hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.  

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90016

Tel: 323-939-5929

Bats appear in family's game room

Martin Pierce Los Angeles CA  90016  Photo Doug Hill

Sometimes words are just not necessary and that may be the case when you see this photo of our custom designed card table and chairs featuring bronze bat details.

As readers and our clients may know, along with designing unique door handles we also design custom furniture pieces for those clients who want a specific look and style for their home.  Over the years these clients have commissioned Martin to make unique furniture that reflects their interests and personalities and is the very definition of functional art.

The best, and also the most rewarding,  example of this are the works that our dear friends and clients, Sarah and David Solomon, have ordered over the last 15 years. Their sense of fun and inherent good taste allowed us to design the first Ascot Armoire and the first Seicho game table. We are truly a small, hands on company.  Therefore, developing new pieces, whether it be furniture or a new hardware piece, is a very expensive process.  Needless to say we are extremely grateful when we are commissioned to make a piece and given free rein in the design. Our friends are avid card players and while we do not share their enthusiasm for card games we do share their love of bats and interesting woods.  With these shared interests as inspiration the Seicho game table took form. The specific table that Sarah and David commissioned was tailored to their needs and featured pull-out drawers with drink holders and a reversible inlaid top for backgammon on one side and checkers or chess on the other.  Most importantly,  the table also has bats situated between the rails and the legs. Sadly, most people do not share our love of bats so the resulting Seicho collection has a floral motif in place of the bats.  The table is made of solid walnut with inlay panels in a variety of woods including madrone burl, bird's eye maple, wenge and myrtle burl.  Unlike their bronze relatives, the bats for this table were carved by Martin in solid walnut.

Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016  Photo by Doug Hill

 

We also designed chairs to complete the game table set.  The chairs are made of natural domestic walnut and, like the table, the bat detail is cast in solid bronze.  We were so excited to have the opportunity to work on this bat detail and the biggest challenge was deciding on the number of bats!

martin pierce hardware


You can view our entire collection of custom furniture and architectural hardware at www.martinpierce.com.  Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

Tel: 323-939-5929





Seeking design inspiration in Istanbul

 

via DigiBullet@ en.wikipedia
Martin Pierce Hardware
Los Angeles CA 90016

As we prepare for our upcoming vacation to Istanbul we are looking forward to exploring this unique city.  We will be staying in a hotel located close to the Galata tower in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul.

Unlike most trips we take, we do not have a complete and/or formal itinerary prepared for this vacation.  We plan to take each day as it comes but we do have a guided tour scheduled for one day.  I am sure that once we land we will be ecstatic as to the sights and smells (the cooking variety) that this ancient city offers and guide us in the right direction.

We plan on taking many photos and return to work full of inspiration for new designs in both our hardware and lighting collections.  Stay tuned!

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

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

323) 939-5929

To market, to market in High Point North Carolina

Similar to and for the same reasons hospitality designers gather at the HD Expo each year, interior designers gather in High Point, North Carolina twice a year.  At this time the usually small town becomes home to thousands of design professionals, retailers and every day folk who are excited to see what the future holds for furniture, fabrics and accessories.

Fall Market is scheduled for October 17-22, 2015 and is offering a schedule full of informative activities and plenty of time to network, as well as tour the hundreds of showrooms that are excited to share their latest and greatest ideas in home fashion trends. Hospitality designers will also be paying attention to what comes out of the market in fabrics, colors and forms that can be incorporated into their hospitality and commercial projects.

Some trends designers can expect to see include:

  • The color orange.  It will be interesting to see how well this color is accepted by consumers/homeowners and decorators.
  • Details, details, details.  The details on any item, including home furnishings, is what sets it apart from another item.  This type of craftsmanship will be evident in trims like nailhead or welting, button tufting, embroidery etc.
  • The color blue remains an all-time favorite home decor choice.  And this in spite of the fact that this year’s Pantone color of the year was a warm and moody shade of red called Marsala!  However, PPG just announced Blue Paisley as their color for 2015.
  • Global and bohemian influences will be evident in textiles, case goods and accessories.  Add your own souvenirs from your world travels for a personal touch.

This wall hanging from Surya is a fine example of items that can be seen at this year’s Fall Market and includes many of the anticipated decor trends for 2015 including shades of orange, global design, plenty of texture and interesting details in the form of fringe and varying pile heights.

 

Textural wall hanging from Surya.

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware and lighting, please visit our site athttp://www.martinpierce.com

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

(323) 939-5929

Parc Guell--the original gated community

parc guell via wikipedia As we begin to make the final preparations for our upcoming trip to Istanbul we are taken back to last summer's vacation destination of Barcelona Spain  where we looked forward to visiting and studying the works of Antoni Gaudi and other Catalan Modernists whom Martin has long admired.  One of our destinations while there was the Parc Guell, an area that could certainly be referred to as the original gated community!

Named after Count Eusebi Guell, what is now a public park was originally designed as a housing development inspired by the English garden city movement in which homes were planned around a community that was self-contained and included plenty of what we now refer to as greenbelts.  Visit any modern housing development and you will see this idea in play today.  Sixty lots were created with the intent of building luxury homes that took advantage of  the view and the fresh air, far from the smoky environment of the city. Count Guell chose Antoni Gaudi, a renowned architect of the time, to design the buildings and homes. Unfortunately, only two lots sold, forcing Guell to alter his plans.  He convinced Antoni Gaudi to purchase the "model home" that had been constructed and Gaudi moved in with his family and his father, where they lived until 1925, just a year before Gaudi's death.  This house is now the Gaudi House Museum and home to many of Gaudi's furniture and other designs.  If you are in the Barcelona area this historical museum is definitely worth a visit.

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware and custom wall sconces, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

(323) 939-5929

Happy Labor Day as we say goodbye to summer

Labor Day is a federal holiday that has become the unofficial signal that summer has come to an end.  But the fact is that the summer season does not officially end until the arrival of the Fall equinox, expected this year on Wednesday, September 23rd. We hope your summer was full of fun getaways or relaxing staycations and that the upcoming last quarter of the year is full of exciting projects.  So time to say good-bye to summer and hello to the cooler weather, shorter days and beautiful changes that Mother Nature brings us when autumn returns.

photo courtesy of Slim Paley blog

A very basic discussion of stainless steel door hardware

Ergo wave pull in stainless steel finish Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016 Photo by Doug Hill If you have been shopping for door and cabinet hardware for yourself or for a client you have, no doubt, discovered the wide variety of options from which to choose, from style and design to color and finish.  We offer a variety of custom door hardware designs in different finishes including stainless steel.

What is stainless steel?

Without providing you with a lot of technical information you may never use, the simple answer is that stainless steel, unlike ordinary steel, contains various alloys such as chromium and nickel that render it corrosion, tarnish and rust resistant.  And it is good for the environment as it is 100% recyclable.  You can learn more about stainless steel at MidAmerica Stainless and here.

Are there different types of stainless steel?

Yes.  The most commonly used for our purposes is steel from the 300 series which is non-magnetic and corrosion and rust resistant.  This durable steel is used in industrial and commercial applications as well as building applications in the form of hinges, locks and other types of door and window hardware, appliances and even countertops and kitchen backsplashes.

Here at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware we usually work with two types of stainless--304 and 316.

  • While still very hard, 304 is softer and a bit easier to work with than the 316.
  • We describe the 316 steel as a marine grade or rust resistant and is best used for outdoor projects.  This grade can be a real challenge to tool and polish.

But we think you will agree that both steels result in a beautiful finish for the contemporary door hardware designs found in our Ergo and Morphic collections:

Ergo

Stainless steel door handle from the Ergo collection at Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016 Photo Doug Hill

Morphic

Morphic cylindrical pull with a hot orange powder coated accent from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016 photo Doug Hill

To view stainless steel architectural hardware,  as well as our entire collection of custom hardware and lighting, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90016

323 939 5929

National Dog Day

Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles, CA  90016 There is no doubt that pets add so much to our lives.  Therefore, we could not let National Dog Day pass us by without giving a nod to our wonderful Iris.

Iris is our pitbull that we rescued from The Rescue Train in Los Angeles over 4 years ago.  (or maybe she rescued us!)  She has been a faithful companion and a wonderful addition to our family.  Throughout the years we have shared with you bits and pieces of Iris' life including her play dates here at the office with her Corgi friend, Hoyt--

Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

relaxing at the office---

Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

the many hikes she has shared with us---

Photo by Martin Pierce custom Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

relaxing again, this time in the backyard---

Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

Her playful side---

Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

And her sleepy side---

Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

Please share pictures and stories of your beloved dog with us.

You can view the entire collection of architectural hardware  at www.martinpiere.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Tel: 323 939 5929

Yet another early grape harvest for California wineries

Photo courtesy of one of our favorite wineries, Tablas Creek. History has a way of repeating itself.  Back in August of 2013 we wrote about the early grape harvest and the reasons for it (weather related) and it appears that the grape growers in California are experiencing yet another early harvest blamed, you guessed it, on the weather.  KCRA better explains the situation but the lack of any real spring season this year has a lot to do with it and it is the earliest harvest the industry has seen in the past six years.  The good news is that an early harvest can produce some delicious wines so we all have something to look forward to!

We often share our love of the Paso Robles wine region and the wines they produce.  In fact, the beauty of this region is what originally inspired our Grapevine collection of custom hardware.

The amazing detail found on levers from the Grapevine collection of custom hardware at Martin Pierce Los Angeles CA  90016

This collection includes two different styles of entry way hardware as well as interior levers and cabinet and door pulls.  This versatile design can be utilized in both commercial and residential installations and will provide that all-important detail to any project.

To view the Grapevine group as well as our entire collection of architctural hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90016

323 939 5929

"

Green design trends to watch for in 2016

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/5055366/Seasons-Living-Wall-Beverly-Hills-contemporary-landscape-orange-county] It's no secret that our natural resources continue to dwindle.  Therefore, the design of "green" or environmentally friendly buildings, including hotels and restaurants, is no longer just a trend but rather, a requirement set by both local and federal governments in many areas of the world.

Architects and hospitality designers are tasked with designing public and private spaces that are, at the same time, aesthetically pleasing and functional and energy efficient and sustainable.  There is a long list of methods these professionals employ in order to satisfy all the requirements mentioned.  Here are just a few:

  • Capturing natural light can help reduce the amount of energy necessary to light a space.  Plenty of over-sized windows, dual and triple paned, can provide the light as well as reduce noise and heating and cooling costs.
  • Green roofs have been around for a while now but this idea has now moved to walls as well.  These "living" walls help to naturally insulate a building, improve air quality and provide privacy as well as creating something that is simply attractive to see.
  • Supporting local business by hiring local workers, purchasing from local businesses and using products indigenous to the area are all ways hospitality designers and architects are saving money on projects and minimizing any negative impact their projects may have on a community.  This also reduces transporation costs and energy usage--both major concerns when it comes to green building.
  • Metered and electronic faucets help reduce water usage--a must-have after what has been labeled the hottest summer on record across the globe.

Along with designing buildings and rooms that are accomodating to those with any physical or age-related challenges, hospitality designers and architects have their hands full; but they continue to deliver beautiful projects throughout the world.

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

Designers and architects can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

323 939 5929

Before, during and after- our drought tolerant garden update.

When we last updated you our backyard looked something like this-- Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

And now, with the drip system in place

martin pierce backyard drip system

we have been able to plant many varieties of drought tolerant plants and this area now looks like this--

Martin Pierce Hardware  Los Angeles Ca  90016

Before the construction--

Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

And where we are now--

Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

As you can see, our little ceramic birdbath remains part of the new design plans, which I am certain will make our feathered friends happy.  Some of the plants and grasses we decided to use include:

  • This Golden barrel cactus – Iris beware!
  • Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles, Ca  90016

  • Aeonium clyclops
  • Agave
  • Blue fescue - a hardy drought resistant grass

The next step will be to put down the decomposed granite and sand to create pathways.

We purchased all of the exotic plants from World Wide Exotics Nursery and the blue fescue grass from Armstrong Nursery in Glendale.

Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

We will keep you posted as we complete each step of this transformation.

Have you altered your landscape as a result of the drought conditions?

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware, please vist our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90016

323 939 5929

What was your most memorable vacation--as we revist past vacation posts

Summer is nearing the end and our vacation destinations this year have been relatively close to home so I thought it might be interesting to relive some of our past vacations, both to far away places and nearby: England

In September of 2012 we journeyed back home to England to visit friends and family.  We shared many of our adventures such as scuttling races, quaint villages and the beauty of both old and new London.  This is also where the inspiration for our popular Hedgerow collection of custom hardware began many years ago.

St Mary's Ross-on-Wye from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

Gherkin Building in London.  Photo taken by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

Spain

Fall of 2014 found us in Barcelona Spain enjoying the trip of a lifetime.  We spent days visiting and admiring the work of Antoni Gaudi .  His awe-inspiring designs are certainly inspirational and we spent many  enjoyable hours soaking up every little detail.

Casa Battlo, Barcelona Spain photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

Casa Battlo photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

 Local

We have enjoyed many "local" trips to areas that include Griffith Park, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Idyllwild, Pt Reyes and a road trip that introduced us to the grandeur of the Grand Tetons.  The beauty of these areas never ceases to amaze us as we enjoy the wildlife, scenery and all that Mother Nature has to offer.  Many times our beloved Iris is able to join us and no one enjoys a hike quite like Iris does.

photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

We are looking forward to more travel as we depart for Istanbul in late September.  We will be viewing plenty of examples of Moorish architecture and other sites and will be certain to share photos;  so, happily, vacation time has not ended quite yet for us.

What was your most memorable vacation?

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

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, a  90016

323 939 5929

Lighting options--Wall sconces

Residential and hospitality designers alike know the power of a good lighting plan for interior spaces.  Accent lighting is equally as important to a room as ambient and task lighting and can be achieved using various types of lighting fixtures.  One such fixture is a wall sconce. A sconce is defined as "a candle holder, or a holder of another light source, that is attached to a wall with an ornamental bracket."  Wall sconces are intended for use as accent lighting although certain circumstances may call for sconces to act as task lighting.  They are often hung along a hallway or flanking a fireplace mantel, headboard, bathroom mirror or a beautiful picture window.  Like our custom wall sconces, the designs often cast an interesting pattern onto the wall and offer soft illumination to any space.

We recently ventured into the world of lighting design when we introduced our new wall sconce designs at the 2015 HD Expo in Las Vegas this past May.  As we have mentioned in previous posts, we are big fans of "Game of Thrones" and that is evident in the details and design of our Dragon Egg wall sconce.

Dragon egg wall sconce by Martin Pierce hardware Los Angeles CA 90016 Photo by Doug Hill

Along with the stylized back plate and finial, perforations meant to mimic the membrane that lines an egg allow the light to shine through.

In this photo, traditionally styled wall sconces line a hallway and offer illumination as well as an interesting design element.

And this very contemporary wall sconce in a home in Melbourne Australia offers soft lighting in an art form.
Another pair of artfully design wall sconces help make this fireplace the focal point of the room.
To view our entire collection of lighting and architectural hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.
Designers can visit the showroom located at:
5433 W. Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca  90016
323 939 5929

Five elements of a drought resistant garden

We recently shared with you the beginnings of a new landscape project in our garden--in other words turning our backyard into a drought resistant oasis.  While we will share some of the more exciting details of installing a drip system at a later date, we thought it might prove helpful to list a few elements necessary for a drought resistant garden that will work in both residential and commercial applications.

  1. Hardy plants.  While succulents may be the first type of plant that comes to mind, there are many plant varieties that are able to survive, and even thrive, in a drought.  To name a few- recognizable plants like the Bird of Paradise, day lilies, California poppy, and even the beautiful and flowering hibiscus will add color and variety to a garden. Selecting plants that are native to your area or from a similar climate is a good place to start but check with your local nursery experts to find just the right plant species for your location.
  2. Irrigation.  An efficient irrigation system is key to maintaining a beautiful garden at any time but especially during a drought or in a water challenged environment.  The experts will be able to help you determine the right type of watering system for your area.
  3. Hardscape.  Hardscaping is defined as "the placement of nonplant elements such as fences, walkways, paving, and lighting in a planned outdoor area."  Gravel pathways, for example, can replace large expanses of water hungry sod and small patios or seating areas will create little backyard "getaways" where you can enjoy a quiet drink, read a book or sneak in an afternoon nap.
  4. Shade.  Shade is one of nature's natural air conditioners.  Even palm trees will provide a bit of shade during the day and that will keep any plants, and you, cooler.
  5. Personality.  Drought resistant or not, every garden needs a bit of personality.  A beautiful fountain will provide the soothing sounds of water while a unique sculpture, hand-thrown pots or custom lighting will add ambience to even the smallest of gardens.

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware and lighting, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

323 939 5929

Martin Pierce Hardware in the news

Recently we had the distinct pleasure of meeting Jim Gilbert, the publisher of the online publication Curating Los Angeles (CLA).  He and his lovely wife, Susan, visited our studio/workshop to see how our products are created. Jim became familiar with our products while remodeling his own home and searching for unique cabinet hardware for a guest bath.  He ultimately purchased two of the bronze moth pulls  from our Animal collection and the rest, as they say, is history.

Moth pull from Martin Pierce hardware Los Angeles CA  90016 photo by Doug Hill

What follows are highlights of our conversation.  You can read the entire interview on their website www.curatingla.com.

MartinPierce_logo Late last year my wife and I undertook a major remodel of our kitchen and master bath. While we were at it, we also decided to upgrade a few other parts of the house, such as our guest bathroom. One goal for that room was to find unique pulls for a wall-mounted cabinet that would make it much easier to open its doors.

While browsing in a local decorative hardware store, we found a line of animal themed pulls that fit the bill. After looking at display samples and thumbing through a catalog, we decided to purchase two beautiful bronze moths. You can see one in the following photo.

MartinPierce_MothPull_small

While I was very excited to add these distinctive pulls to our bathroom, I was equally thrilled to learn that they were designed and hand crafted in Los Angeles by Martin Pierce Hardware. I immediately wanted to meet the people behind this business, hear their story and learn how they produce their products. So I reached out and set up an appointment with Martin and Anne Pierce, the owners of the business.

What follows is an edited transcript of my in person conversation with Martin and Anne that took place on July 2, 2015. Since my wife joined me for this interview, we both asked the questions. To streamline the conversation in written form, I have consolidated our questions and present them below under the acronym CLA (i.e. Curating Los Angeles).

————–

CLA: What brought you to Los Angeles?

ANNE: We’re both from Worcester England and we met in London. Martin was trained as a woodcarver and a sculpture, and that was where it all began. We left England in 1980 and came directly to LA. We were actually heading to San Francisco but it didn’t work out. By the time we landed and spent some money there wasn’t any left to get to San Francisco.

CLA: Was your intention to start this business when you arrived here?

ANNE: I don’t know what we were really planning.

MARTIN: We were really here on a mission just to check it out. I brought my carving tools with me. We just started to make furniture initially for people in Beverly Hills – cabinets, chairs. We got some pieces in the Pacific Design Center within just a few weeks.

MartinPierce_SideboardsDressers

CLA: How do you two work together?

ANNE: We didn’t use to. My background is law, but I never practiced here. I really wanted out. I eventually took over the business side of things. It became obvious it would be better if I became involved.

CLA: Were you always located in this building?

MARTIN: We originally had a space in downtown LA but then the Northridge earthquake happened. The building cracked down the middle because it was brick.

Anne was in real estate at that time. We were able to buy this place. It made sense. It’s a stucco building and it’s not going to fall down. So we’ve been in this space for about 20 years.

MartinPierceShowroom_Exterior

CLA: How did you get from furniture to cabinet hardware?

MARTIN: Because I made a lot of case goods I needed the correct pulls for the drawers and doors. I couldn’t find anything I liked so I made my own. I created the design, carved them in wood and found a foundry that would make them for us. So we sold the furniture with our pulls on them. It just evolved from there.

ANNE: All the pulls originally came from a particular piece of furniture. The moth pulls that you own came from a sideboard.

Eventually we felt that if we’re going to make cabinet pulls why not make door hardware too. It was a big leap because it’s quite different from non-functional pulls. They have moving parts and locks.

CLA: Do you seek out relationships with architects?

ANNE: Absolutely. We sometimes produce a custom piece and then use that design as inspiration for a production line. Pieces evolve over time.

Thank you, Jim, for the lovely article.

Designers can visit our showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles CA  90016

323 939 5929

You can view the complete Animal collection, as well as our entire selection of architectural hardware at www.martinpierce.com.

Custom designed bar stools continue to delight clients

Hedgerow barstool by Martin Pierce Hardware  Los Angeles CA  90016 Regardless of what type of business you are in, it is always nice to receive positive comments about your product or service.  Such was the case when we received this lovely note from San Diego based interior designer, Dora French, who placed several barstools from our Hedgerow furniture collection in this beautiful home:

"As a Designer it is very important I provide both comfort and the right look to fullfill my client's desire for their own “dream home." In addition to their great look, the Hedgerow chair is incredibly comfortable. The depth of the seat is plenty to allow you to sit back and feel secure while the wooden back is very comfortable and shaped to fit the back and the arms are at just the right height for ease of use.  So many of the counter/barstools  being made in today’s environment are "Apartment Sized”. They have a smaller seat and do not allow you to sit for longer times at an island area; and many are backless, which will shorten the time you find yourself wanting to spend at an island.  In today’s Great Room Style living, the island area is the very gathering spot for families and friends.  It is crucial for a designer to make sure to provide comfort as well as create the desired "look" and the Hedgerow chair successfully allows for both.”

Hedgerow bar stool in kitchen  photo and interior design by Dora French Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

Hedgerow bar stool in kitchen designed by Dora French Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

We look forward to working with Dora again as she uses the Hedgerow design in a current project.  It also pleases us to know that the style and fit of our Hedgerow bar chair has not gone out of fashion, providing some proof that a well-designed and comfortable piece of furniture is timeless.

To view the Hedgerow furniture collection as well as our complete collection of architectural hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90016

323 939 5929