Recap of weekend getaway to Paso Robles
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Isn't it nice when all of your vacation expectations are met? We headed north to Paso Robles and were greeted by the most verdant greenery along the way, more than we have seen in quite some time. The El Nino weather pattern has brought much needed rain to all of California, resulting in an explosion of wildflowers and grasses.
Paso Robles California via Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 980016
The Californa poppies and lupins, both blue and white, were in full bloom
It would be an understatement to say that Iris enjoyed her time. She ran herself into the ground. And we have never seen her eat so much grass and NOT return it to its source! Those of you with dogs will know what we mean! We are now both wondering if she is becoming a herbivore.
Aren't the colors of the grasses just lovely?!
Photo Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA
We are now home and as we would say in England, Iris is "knackered' and is recuperating.
Back to work!
To view our entire collection of architectural hardware and custom door handles, 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 popularity of barn doors for interior and exterior applications
Barn style doors are enjoying a surge of popularity these days. They are not only versatile but provide privacy in a unique manner that befits any style decor.
Barn doors can be used to break up or divide a large open space in a loft or over-sized room. They lie flush with the wall and can slide to the right or left, making placement decisions much easier. They are available in any material or style you desire including sleek metal doors for a contemporary space or rustic wooden doors for that mountain lodge project.
Barn door hardware is as varied as the doors themselves. A large pull is most often used in order to handle such a large door. Any of the custom door handles we offer would work beautifully, or you can have custom barn door handles made for your hospitality, hotel or spa project.
The cylindral pull from our Morphic Collection is shown cast in sturdy and durable stainless steel but your bespoke items can also be cast in oil rubbed bronze or feature a polished or brushed finish. We present it here on double entry doors but it will work equally as well on a barn door installment.
The scroll design door handle from the same collection will add a bit of flair to your barn doors.
The pull from our Grapevine collection will enhance barn doors installed as an entry to a hotel spa, private wine cellar or restaurant. This pull is heavily detailed and cast in bronze for a sophisticated yet rustic look.
Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca
Photo Doug Hill
Have you installed barn doors in a recent project?
To view 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
Weekend getaway to Paso Robles for Martin Pierce hardware
Tablas Creek Winery
Many of you may already be familiar with our love for the Paso Robles wine region. The close proximity to our home in Los Angeles and the fact that we have very dear friends who live there make it one of our favorite weekend destinations.
Paso Robles wine country
The warm, actually downright hot, summer weather makes this an ideal location for growing grapes. A short drive inland will reveal hillsides dotted with vineyards and plenty of opportunities for wine tasting. One of our favorites, Tablas Creek, is representative of the many tasting opportunities within a short drive of each other.
Art in Paso Robles
Another favorite winery is Sculpterra winery due, in part, to the beautiful grounds and opportunity to tour the sculpture garden on site. For obvious reasons Martin finds this aspect of this winery interesting and inspiring. You can view many of his own sculptures on our website, www.martinpierce.com/art/.
Iris in Paso Robles
Iris will be joining us on this trip as she looks forward to a weekend getaway as much as we do. Especially since she is able to stretch her legs and run as much as she wants to in the open air.
Iris waiting to go outside for a run. Martin PIerce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016
Do you have a favorite weekend getaway?
To view our entire collection of door knobs, door handles and other 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 door handles for wine cellar cabinetry and doors
Wine cellar via pinterest Douglas Vanderhorn architect
A private wine cellar is one of life's most indulgent luxuries. No matter if your wine cellar is a small room to store your fine vintage bottles or a space large enough to house a tasting table for you and your friends, custom door handles will enhance the overall experience.
Today's wine cellar can be designed in a classic rustic manner or as a sleek contemporary space. We offer a collection of door handles and custom door hardware that will compliment any design.
Inspired by the beauty of the grapevines found in vineyards this collection, in an oil rubbed finish, is a natural for wine cellar entry and cabinet doors.
Door handle from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016
Photo Doug Hill
The versatile Willow collection offers many different door handle and knob styles, as well as cabinet pulls and other hardware items that make it possible to fully coordinate your wine cellar space. Shown cast in bronze, custom finishes are available.
Door knob from Willow collection Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016
Photo Doug Hill
Contemporary wine cellars can benefit from custom hardware like the designs found in our Morphic and Ergo collections. These sleek and modern styles in a stainless steel finish are the perfect accessory for a modern tasting room like the one shown in the photo.
Ergo door handles from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016
Photo Doug Hill
contemporary wine cellar via pinterest
To view our entire collection of architectural hardware please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.
For custom orders, designers can visit the showroom located at:
5433 W. Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca 90016
Tel: 323-939-5929
Popular Pinterest Pages from Martin Pierce
It is so interesting to follow Pinterest analytics and see what Pinterest users are drawn to. What we have discovered is that some of the most popular pins from our page are those that feature some of Martin's preliminary sketches used during the process of designing custom door hardware, furniture, lighting and sculptures.
Some of our most popular pins are:
This sketch of figures used in bespoke door handles for a client's wine cellar. The pin shows the early carving of the figures placed next to the sketch.
Carvings placed next to preliminary sketch by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016
Always fun to look at, these sketches were used to create all of the whimsical animals that appear on this custom toy chest:
Sketch by Martin Pierce of Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016
From the Willow collection, this sketch shows the detail necesary to create a beautiful custom door handle. You can view the entire Willow collection here.
Sketch for entry door handle for Willow collection of hardware by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016
And our most popular pin this past month is this photo of a floating marine research center that we repinned to our Architecture page. We fully understand why this is such a popular pin as the sheer size is magnificent.
via Pinterest
To view 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
The birds and bees door handles
Spring has finally arrived and much of the country is enjoying warmer temperatures and beautiful spring growth. Here in Los Angeles the Jacaranda trees are blooming, creating a lovely, but messy, purple carpet beneath them.
Jacaranda trees in bloom in Los Angeles photo via
Bronze bee door knob from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016
Photo Doug Hill
There are several bird designs also available in our selection of bespoke hardware. The swallow pull was inspired by the returning of the swallows to nearby San Juan Capistrano every year. We think it is the perfect accessory on this custom toy chest we created for a client.
Custom toy chest with bronze swallow pull by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016
Photo Doug Hill
And no discussion of the beauty of spring would be complete without the mention of a rabbit! Our rabbit door knob will add just the right touch of whimsy to a nursery, for example, or provide a light hearted touch to a commercial or hospitality installation.
Bronze rabbit door knob by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016
Photo by Doug Hill
To view these custom door knobs 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
Are you dog crazy? 5 dog friendly restaurants in the Los Angeles area
If you follow this blog then you know it is no secret that we are crazy about our rescue dog, Iris.
Iris joined our family in 2011 via The Rescue Train and has been a devoted companion ever since. So much so that she has inspired some very interesting sculptures:
Wood sculpture of dog by Martin Pierce Hardwood Los Angeles CA 90016
Occasionally we take Iris with us to enjoy a lovely breakfast at one of our favorite local spots, Le Pain Quotidien. But we have noticed that the rest of the country appears to be as crazy about their dogs as we are, resulting in several restaurants that offer dog-friendly seating. A walk down most city streets will reveal the entrance to many businesses offering a friendly drink of water for fur-covered passersby. Here is a list of other Los Angeles restaurants that welcome both you and Rover or Fifi:
- The Anchor---beach lovers will enjoy this casual restaurant located in Venice. You can enjoy casual dining and affordable happy hours with treats for your four legged friends as well.
- The Backyard---enjoy your favorite sporting event with your favorite dog in a quiet and uber casual environment located in West Los Angeles.
- The Lazy Dog---With three locations in the Los Angeles area, this chain restaurant offers a fun atmosphere full of dog-themed decor, as well as a varied and affordable menu. And they even have a special "Bone" Appetit menu for your four legged friend!
- Fred62---Located in the eclectic Los Feliz area, you and your favorite pup can enjoy a varied menu that offers up dishes that include Huevos Rancheros, Mac and cheese balls, lox and bagels or vegan dishes. Something for everyone and every dog.
- Panolivo---venture a couple hours north of Los Angeles to sunny Paso Robles where you and your dog can enjoy lunch at this family and dog friendly restaurant. Be sure to allow enough time for a bit of wine-tasting in the area!
To view other sculptures as well as our 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
Tel: 323-939-5929
After the rains in Los Angeles
"It never rains in California..." These song lyrics from Albert Hammond's iconic song of the seventies rings true much of the time. However, when it does rain the city cleans up pretty nice, as I discovered on my daily walk through the Hollywood Hills.
The trail offers up plenty of opportunities for viewing some of the city's famous landmarks. Is there any landmark in Los Angeles more famous than the Hollywood sign?
Photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016
As is the case in large cities, the skyline is a beautiful sight made even more spectacular by the clear weather and clean air that are the result of a recent downpour.
Los Angeles skyline. Photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016
It makes you wonder about all the wheelings and dealings going on in a city this large at this very moment.
And, last but not least, today's walk gave me this clear shot of yet another famous landmark, the Capitol Records building (also called the Capitol Records tower). Designed to resemble a stack of records, this unique building was the first round office building ever constructed. A little trivia, the blinking light on the top of the spire blinks the word "Hollywood" in Morse Code! Who knew?
Capitol Record building on the far left. Photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016
It is necessary for me to get away from the door handle and hardware business for just a moment so I begin my days with a morning walk where I often see these, and other equally spectacular views. I enjoy this time when I am not encumbered by beast or man and can take a perky and fast walk. I feel very fortunate to live in a place that affords me such diverse scenery. What do you see on your morning walks?
To view our collection of door handles, door knobs and other 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
Safety first when it comes to entry door knobs
Lizard door handle collection by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA Photo Doug Hill
While the look and design of your front door knobs, door handles and other door hardware is important, perhaps even more important is the ability to properly secure your property. All of our entry door hardware styles can be designed with an appropriate latch system to meet your security needs.
To illustrate, this entry door handle from our Hedgerow collection is equipped with a keyed entry that in no way detracts from the beauty of this statement making door hardware.
Front door handle with lock by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca Photo Doug Hill
Accessories that complement the design are also available.
Deadbolt from the Hedgerow collection of architectural hardware by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016 Photo Doug Hill
This handleset from our vine collection is exquisitely detailed and the locking mechanism and thumblatch are almost lost in the twists and turns of the vine.
Handleset from the Vine collection of door knobs and handles by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016 Photo Doug Hill
Designers know that the entrance to a home or building creates an instant first impression. Select door hardware that not only makes a design statement and enhances the architecture of the building but provides the right level of security.
To view these door handles as well as the 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
Door handles for pocket and barn doors
When it comes time to select interior door styles there is no reason to choose something dull and ordinary. A unique pocket or barn door will add interest and, in many circumstances, better utilize the available space. And stylish door knobs and pulls for these doors will add another layer of detail to your residential and commercial interior design projects.
Pocket door hardware
A pocket door is a sliding door that is housed in a compartment between two walls into which the door disappears when closed. It is ideal for areas that have limited space for a swinging or hinged door or for those looking for an uncluttered look, as well as to gain easy access to an area. However, pocket doors do require some careful consideration when the time comes to select door knobs. The hardware style and function is determined by the design of the door but the installation may require specialty hardware installed into the exposed frame of the door. Some pocket doors, however, allow for more attractive hardware such as a dummy (or inactive) door knob or pull.
Door knobs from the Netsuke collection at Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA Photo Doug Hill
Barn doors
An interior barn door adds just the right amount of rustic chicness to any design project. These sliding doors provide privacy and light control but can also be installed as a movable divider between rooms. Along with the hardware required to hang and install a barn door, the only hardware necessary to operate the doors is a door knob, pull or lever placed on both sides of the door. For example, this bronze door handle with grapevine detailing would beautifully compliment any interior barn door hung in a spa or wine cellar, for example.
Grapevine door handle in bronze from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles
Photo Doug Hill
To view these door handles as well as 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
Door handles inspired by our fine feathered friends
This has certainly been an interesting winter, weather wise. And like most of the country, southern California has been warmer than usual. This unseasonably warm weather has confused the trees and plants, causing them to bloom much earlier than expected. And the birds are equally confused.
Martin has been totally captivated by the spring feeding behavior and activity of wax wings and American robins in the area. To our surprise, they appear to have a predilection for the berries on our neighbor's Australian pepper tree.
The cedar wax wings, as you can see in this photo, have delicate shades of blue gray on their backs and peachy brown on their chests with a lovely yellow underbelly.
Wax wing enjoying a meal of pepper tree berries. Photo Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016
Add to that a black mask akin to the Lone Rangers with a bright yellow tip to their tales and it is clear they, too, are dressed for Hollywood and the Oscars.
The American Robins are much paler and much larger than their English namesakes and to those from England it seems like a case of mistaken identity.
American Robin on pepper tree. Photo by Martin Pierce Los Angeles CA 90016
As you may know from previous posts, we all know Martin has had a fascination with birds since childhood and finds their behavior as intriguing as their coloring. Some of our door handles and sculptures have been inspired by these little feathered creatures. Shown here is a custom toy chest created for a client that features several birds in the design as well as a swallow pull. The pull on the lid is cast in bronze while the others feature a white gold leaf finish.
Custom toy chest with bronze swallow pull by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA Photo Doug Hill
Our Stellar Jay sculpture features the exquisite detailing that Martin is so well known for, all made possible by studying photos of the bird's wings, taken in our own neighborhood.
Bronze sculpture of Jay by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA Photo Doug Hill
To view more bird inspired door handles and artwork, as well as 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
Beetle Mania
No, not the Beatlemania of the 1960's. We are talking about the beetles that are part of the coleoptera family. It is no secret that Martin is fascinated by these creatures and many door and cabinet knobs, as well as bronze sculptures in the collection have been inspired by the beauty he finds in these bugs.
A few years ago we actually had a pair of Hercules beetles as pets that we affectionately called Natasha and Boris. While they are no longer with us, they did inspire Martin to create this amazing bronze sculpture.
Bronze beetle sculpture by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA Photo Doug Hill
For those of you who do not want to have beetles as pets or the bronze sculpture does not fit into your interior design plan, smaller in scale beetle door knobs, door handles and cabinet pulls can still make a design statement. This scarab door or drawer pull is beautifully detailed and available in a small and large size to accomodate your design needs.
Scarab door or cabinet knob from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA Photo Doug Hill
You can see how designer Tracy Abrams utilized the scarab pull on the cabinet doors of this Washington state home's wet bar. Combined with door handles and knobs from our Willow collection, it is both striking and unique.
To view the scarab door handle and our entire collection of architectural hardware, 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
Door handle options for exterior doors
Exterior doors provide the obvious--an entrance into your residence or business. But they also offer the first impression for visitors and provide a glimpse of what is to come upon entering the building. Details like wood species, paint or stain finish and design style are complemented by other necessities such as door hardware, hinges, door knockers and door bells. All of these design decisions should support the overall architecture of the building.
Exterior doors can be a single or double door crafted of any combination of wood, glass or metal. And the hardware options for entry doors is just as varied. Selections include door knobs, pulls or lever style hardware in finishes that range from sleek stainless steel to rustic oil rubbed bronze and in any design or motif.
Here we show a set of lizard entry door pulls that certainly makes a design statement. Anyone approaching this door would be excited to see what lies ahead in the space. Coordinating interior door handles are also available.
Lizard entry door pull from Martin Pierce Los Angeles CA Photo Doug Hill
A modern or contemporary building requires door handles and hardware that complements the overall design aesthetic. Sleek and shiny stainless steel entry door handles can accomplish that.
Stainless steel entry door handles from Martin Pierce hardware Los Angeles CA Photo Doug Hill
Lever style door handles combine practicality (easy to grasp) with functionality and beauty. This single cylinder lever style handle with lock is shown cast in stainless steel but is also available in a bronze finish.
Entry door lever style handle in brushed stainless steel finish by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA Photo Doug Hill
The oil rubbed bronze finish on this entry door handle allows the beautiful detailing of the grapevine design to show through. It will definitely make a great first impression!
Grapevine entry door handle by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016
Photo Doug Hill
To view our entire collection of custom entry door handles and architectural hardware, 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
Candy for Valentine's Day---eye candy that is
Manufacturers of candy, wine, flowers, cards and jewelry have certainly made sure we all have plenty of items that will guarantee we have a happy and romantic Valentine's Day. We, however, have chosen to share a little eye candy to enjoy this long holiday weekend. Let's begin with one of our favorite spots:
Our own backyard. In light of recent water restrictions placed on homeowners here in California, we have been forced to re-think our home's landscaping and come up with a plan that is drought resistant and attractive at the same time. We posted about our process and progress and are now enjoying the end product which is a functional and beautiful space.
Drought resistant garden photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA
A beautifully styled room or vignette is always pleasant to look at. One of our favorite vignettes has to be the way Egg & Dart styled our Rickshaw nightstand with the addition of our dragonfly cabinet knob. What do you think?
Mahogany nightstand outfitted with dragonfly drawer knob from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA
Egg&Dart Denver Colorado
El Nino has provided the country with some pretty spectacular weather this year and southern California is no exception. Recent rains paired with an unexpected heat wave has tricked all the desert wildflowers into thinking spring has arrived and it is time to bloom...several weeks early.
Photo by Fred Melgert via the Ansa Borrego Desert Wildlife blog
And our favorite eye candy, our dog Iris.
Photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA
How do you celebrate Valentine's and President's Day weekend?
To view 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
Door handles can make a design statement
There is no reason that your entry and interior door handles need to be ordinary. Choose, instead, to make a bold statement with your door hardware.
Residences and commercial projects are open to statement making details that include door and cabinet hardware. For example, businesses can elect to have custom entry door handles created in the form of their logo or product that will certainly make a design statement as customers and clients enter the building. We designed and created this set of bespoke door handles for a wine cellar. Anyone who approaches these doors to enter will certainly know they are about to enjoy a delicious glass of wine!
Custom door handles by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA Photo Doug Hill
And the St. Regis in Kauai celebrates the cultural history of their beautiful surroundings with these custom door handles.
St Regis Princeville Kauai by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA
Not just for entry doors, cabinet and drawer hardware can also make a design statement. Styles that reflect a hobby, favorite sport or other passion such as flowers or animals, will add details with a personal touch.
Dragonfly cabinet pull from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA Photo Doug Hill
Interior designes and architects know the value of detail in the design of any building or room and door handles and knobs are an easy to way insert those details into a project.
To view our statement making collection of architectural hardware 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
Door hardware to swoon over.
Every home and commercial building has many types of doors. Entry, interior, sliding and closet doors all require specific types of door hardware including handle sets and locking mechanisms.
Entry doors
Whether it is the entry to a residence or a business, this area results in the initial impression visitors develop.
Entry grips and pulls work well on double doors like these beautiful wood doors featuring our Morphic double pull cast in stainless steel.
Morphic stainless steel door hardware from Martin Pierce Hardware. Photo by Doug Hill
And this pair of Morphic cylindrical pulls are the perfect complement to these clear glass entry doors.
Cylindrical door pull in stainless steel from Martin Pierce Hardware Photo Doug Hill
Interior doors
There are several options for interior door hardware. You can select a non-locking knob used on closets or rooms where privacy is not a concern or select a door knob with a privacy push button lock that does not require a key. Dummy knobs (knobs that do not turn or lock) can also be installed on closet or utility doors. Personalize or customize a space through the use of unique door knobs that will enhance a company's logo or theme or add them to a residence for a touch of whimsy.
Polished steel frog cabinet pull from Martin Pierce hardware Photo Doug Hill
Or try one of these organically shaped interior knob sets for a contemporary look.
Stainless steel door knob by Martin Pierce Hardware Photo Doug Hill
Levers are another option for both interior and exterior doors. They are easy to operate, especially for those clients or guests who have difficulty grasping and turning a knob.
Grapevine passageway door lever by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Photo Doug Hill
Sliding doors
Sliding and french doors require hardware that allows for easy operation of the sliding door and, in many instances, locks securely. Our multi-point sets provide security for these types of doors and look beautiful at the same time.
Multi point entry door handle set by Martin Pierce Hardware Photo Doug Hill
For all your custom architectural hardware needs, 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 birds of winter as seen by Martin Pierce
Did you survive the wrath of winter storm Jonas this past weekend? It is hard for those of us who live in southern California to comprehend a storm like that but I must admit the photographs are beautiful!
photo courtesy of Thistlewood Farms blog
While we are subject to the strange weather conditions that El Nino is bringing, we are still able to enjoy some of mother nature's winged creatures. Over the years Martin has been inspired by many of the birds we see in and around our neighborhood as well as those we spot on the hikes we so enjoy. For example:
You may be aware of the unique phenomena of the swallows returning to Mission San Juan Capistrano every year at the same time. No one has quite figured out why this gathering takes place but these little birds inspired our swallow pull.
Swallow cabinet pull by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA
One of our new products for 2015 was this stunning bronze sculpture modeled after a Jay.
Bronze sculpture by Martin Pierce Hardware
Many years ago Martin created this beautiful bespoke lectern in the shape of a Heron. While this old photo does not do it justice, as always, the detailing is exquisite.
Wood sculpture by Martin Pierce Hardware
With spring just around the corner we look forward to spotting more birds in the parks and in our own backyard which just may inspire some new hardware designs.
To view 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
The colors of winter
Each of the four seasons offers us an opportunity to enjoy new colors and scenery and the winter months are no exception.
photo via
Plenty of rain and snow across the country this year insures that we will all enjoy beautiful spring and summer flowers, especially here in the southern California deserts and we are looking forward to wild flower season. In the meantime, however, we will enjoy the stark beauty that winter offers up. For your viewing pleasure:
Big Bear California courtesy of after orange county blog.
courtesy of Diane James Home
Big Sky Montana
photo by Northern California Style
I enjoy the pop of reds, blues and greens set against the neutral backsground of snow covered landscape, the trees, flowers and wildlife.
To view our entire collection of architectural hardware or to discuss a bespoke design for your hospitality and residential projects, 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
February 8, 2016 marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year
via freepik
February 8, 2016 marks the beginning of the 4713th Chinese new year and is the year of the Red Monkey.
While much too involved and complicated to explain in this blog post, the Chinese zodiac calendar is certainly unique and interesting. All 12 zodiac signs of this calendar are represented by animals with Monkey being the 9th animal. It is preceded by sheep and obviously followed by #10, the chicken. The calendar is also made up of five elements--metal, water, wood, fire and earth--and monkey falls into the metal and water cycle. You may be familiar with these elements as they are also used in the application of feng shui in interior design. The metal element is represented by gold, indicating that money or financial issues will be dealt with in the coming year. According to some astrological experts "Monkey is a smart, naughty, wily and vigilant animal. If you want to have good return for your money investment, then you need to outsmart the Monkey. Metal is also connected to the Wind. This implies the status of events will be changing very quickly. Think twice before you leap when making changes for your finance, career, business relationship and people relationship." The water element is also part of this cycle and is connected to wisdom as well as danger. Therefore, as the last sentence above warns, use your wisdom and think twice to avoid "danger" in both business and personal relationships. The monkey is also thought to increase humor and wit, which could prove useful as we enter what just might be a very loud and noisy election year in the United States.
You can read about previous Chinese new year icons in these posts and you can view our entire collection of architectural hardware on our site at www.martinpierce.com.
Hospitality and residential designers can visit the showroom located at:
5433 W. Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Tel: 323-939-5929