Even your door handles can celebrate summer

The official start of summer is less than one week away and boy are we ready!

The summer solstice is set to arrive on the west coast on Monday June 22, 2016 but here in southern California the hotter than normal temperatures are hinting that summer has arrived early.  The summer of 2016 promises many exciting events including the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and, for us personally, plenty of spur of the moment activities that can only be enjoyed during the long summer days.

One of the many joys of summer is the profusion of summer flowers that are available at the florist, in markets and in your own garden.  And one way to enjoy the beauty of your favorite flower is through the use of custom floral inspired door handles and knobs.  We offer a veritable bouquet of door and cabinet hardware that will delight you or your clients all season long.

Daisies are a sheer delight in the garden so why not transfer their beauty to a set of cabinet or furniture doors and drawers through the use of our solid bronze daisy pull.

Bronze daisy pull from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Photo Doug Hill

If climbing vines are more to your liking then our trumpet flower pull will be just the right addition to your next interior design project.

Beautifully detailed bronze trumpet flower door or cabinet pull from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Photo Doug Hill

No need to worry about whether these mushrooms are edible!  This cabinet hardware will add an organic look to cabinets and furniture and would be right at home in a boutique, spa, greenhouse or sunroom.

Bronze mushroom door pull from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Photo Doug Hill

Celebrate your concern for the environment with one of the most sustainable plants there is, bamboo.  Our bamboo collection will add a tropical feel to any hospitality design project.

Bamboo pull from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016

Photo Doug Hill

Ferns and greenery are an integral part of any garden or floral design and the detail and realism of our fiddlehead fern cabinet pull will not disappoint.  

Fiddlehead fern cabinet pull from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Photo Doug Hill

With beautiful hardware choices like these it is easy to enjoy the beauty of summer all year long.

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware and door handles, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles Ca  90016

Tel: 323-939-5929

Designing for the aging

Ergo door handle in stainless steel by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016

Photo Doug Hill

Interior designers are a versatile group.  Some design and help create beautiful residences that their clients call Home.  Others create business and commercial environments that inspire creativity and productivity and provide a welcome greeting to their clients, or design beautiful getaways such as spas and boutique hotels.  And there are those designers who specialize in creating comfortable and accessible spaces for people who may struggle with physical limitations as a result of aging or illness.

Designing for the aging is a specialty in itself.  Aging in place is always the goal but consideration needs to be given to several seemingly innocuous areas in the design of both residential and senior communities, including:

• Widening doorways and entrances to accomodate wheelchairs and other devices

• Reducing or eliminating thresholds from room to room to avoid trip hazards

• Lever style door handles and door hardware that make opening doors and cabinetry easier for aging hands

• Proper and sufficient task and ambient lighting, especially in "danger" areas such as stairways

• A color scheme that not only provides inviting color but enough contrast to distinguish transitions from room to room.

• Eliminate the use of area rugs that can be a tripping or falling hazard

• Open floor plans

This design specialty becomes more important as the baby boomer population continues to age.  According to the US Census Bureau, by the year 2025 nearly 20% of the population will be age 65 or over.  Our retirement years are more active and older Americans anticipate a different retirement than their parents experienced.  All of these factors need to be taken into consideration when re-designing an existing home for the occupant's changing physical needs or designing a brand new senior living facility that will accomodate the residents and their needs for the remainder of their lives.

To view our Ergo collection of architectural hardware, or our entire collection of door handles and door 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

Sounds and sights of summer with Martin Pierce Hardware

Simplicity in design is often the key to creating a serene and relaxing environment during the summer months. Heavy drapery fabrics are replaced with lightweight sheers that can billow in the wind.  Dark floor coverings are lightened up through the use of natural fiber rugs, for example, or removed all together to allow beautiful flooring to take center stage.  And accessories that represent the beauty of the season are scattered about including, perhaps, throw pillows and artwork depicting some of summer's bugs, the ocean's inhabitants or the birds that flock to the local trees.

We have created several door handle and door hardware collections that represent some of summer's icons including our Lizard door handle, scarab beetle pull, frog passageway door knobs and artwork in the form of birds and flowers that will definitely add a subtle summer touch to any interior design project.

Lizard door hardware

Lizards are a familiar sight during the summer months scampering about in the garden or catching some of the sun's rays along the sidewalk or patio.  Our beautifully detailed collection of door hardware is available in entry levers and knobs, passageway door hardware, cabinet pulls and coordinating bolts and flush trim.

Lizard door handles from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016 Photo Doug Hill

What is a summer night without the sound of croaking frogs in the distance?  You can visually relive that eperience each time you open a door with our frog door knob from our Netsuke collection of custom door hardware or our highly polished frog cabinet pull shown here in stainless steel.

Frog cabinet pull from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016 Photo Doug Hill

Whether you choose to celebrate the birds of summer with our Jay sculpture or our swallow cabinet pull, you are certain to be reminded of the beautiful and relaxing sounds heard throughout the summer months. And summer beetles are a common sight on a warm summer evening.  If you follow this blog then you are already aware of the passion Martin has for all types of beetles, often represented in his bronze sculptures or simple cabinet pulls like the scarab beetle pull shown below in both a small and large version.

Scarab beetle pull from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

To view our entire collection of sculptures, door handles 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

Enjoying red wine with Martin Pierce

National Rose Day

Not to be confused with national Red Rose day (June 12th), National Rose day (rosay) falls on the second Saturday in June, June 11th this year, and it is one that will be celebrated at Martin Pierce Hardware!

We have often shared our enjoyment of the Paso Robles wine region and, while not specifically rose, thought that, in celebration of this newfound holiday, this would be a good time to share with you some of our favorite wines.

I am, alas, a creature of habit, which means I tend to opt for viognier and sauvignon blanc wines over roses, chardonnays and cabernets.  That being said, I did develop a fondness for Rose wines, in large measure due to our proximity to the Anjou wine growing region in France while living in England.

We had very dear friends who lived in the Anjou region. They would often visit us in England due to the fact that both Anjou and Lewes, Sussex support opera companies at Glyndebourne and Opera de Bauge respectively.  Therefore, it was not uncommon for artisans in both towns to  visit each other.  This seemingly unrelated information sets the stage for explaining how we first came across Rose d'Anjou.

When we left England we had to "make do" with the Rose produced by local wineries but we are happy to admit that the local wines in Paso Robles are on a par with those in the Anjou wine region.  My favorites can be found at these smaller production wineries as each produces a very distinctive and refreshing Rose.

Four Lanterns

Four Lanterns winery has a beautiful setting on west highway 46.  Be sure to try their Sunset Rose.

Hammersky

Hammersky rose is grown from their estate grown zinfandel varietal

Riverstar

Riverstar wineries produce a great tasting and well priced Grenache Rose

LXV

LXV is a boutique winery that offers a sensuous tasting experience.  For those red wine lovers seeking something a bit different, I would recommend the Sangiovese Brunello, one of the few red wines that Martin and I can agree upon.

To check out other varietals in the Paso Robles wine region and plan your wine tasting tour Paso Robles Wineries offers a helpful wine tasting map.

Entry door handle from Martin Pierce hardware Los Angeles CA  90016   Photo Doug Hill

Custom door hardware will complete the look of any wine cellar.  Our Grapevine door handle and hardware collection shown above was inspired by our many visits to wineries over the years and will add that all important detail.  Also shown here is a bespoke wine cellar door handles created for a discerning client who was inspired by a piece of wall art in his personal collection.  You can follow the design process on the blog.

Bespoke wine cellar door handles by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

Photo Doug Hill

To view our entire collection of door handles 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

I am including a photo of the custom pieces we did but can you link the post to our now specific ;

Summer series continues with beautiful boutique hotel stays

In our last post we discussed the lovely living things that make an appearance during the summer months and it certainly fueled the desire for a summer vacation.

While there are many wonderful large hotel chains that offer the opportunity for a memorable summer getaway, boutique hotels can offer a unique adventure that often eliminates all the hustle and bustle that goes along with large hotels and resorts.  When it comes time to choose a destination, a boutique hotel can offer these appealing amenities:

• Intimacy.  Smaller hotels often result in a more intimate experience with the surrounding community.  Often located in the heart of the area, restaurants, galleries and activities are frequently within walking distance providing an opportunity to get to know the area "up close and personal."
• Unique decor and architecture.  Hospitality designers are well aware of the importance of the appearance of a hotel, both inside and out.  This can be be the deciding factor when selecting a place to stay.  Interesting architecture and decor that celebrates the area or a particular theme, for example,  can add to your overall experience.  With its slope side location and ski-in-ski-out capabilities, The Little Nell in Aspen Colorado is a prime example of how a boutique hotel can immerse their guests in the activities of the community.  Custom door hardware, art collections and comfortable furnishings are all seemingly small details that carry a lot of weight with guests looking for a unique experience while travelling.  

The Little Nell boutique hotel Aspen Colorado

• Personalized service.  Fewer guests mean more time for staff to tend to the specialized requests of their guests.  And isn't it nice to receive some special attention every now and then?

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

Summer is all about birds, bees and butterfly door handles

The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of the summer season for many people.  The days are longer, the sun is warmer and life is just a bit more relaxed. As you enjoy the outdoors you will, no doubt, begin to notice the appearance of all of summer's winged creatures---birds, bees and butterflies.  Here at Martin Pierce Hardware we are also inspired by these fascinating creatures and have created various pieces of door hardware based on this inspiration, including passageway door handles and cabinet knobs.

Our bee door knob is a beautifully detailed rendition of a bee placed atop a slice of honeycomb and cast in bronze in our Los Angeles facility.

Bronze bee door knob by Martin PIerce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016 Photo Doug Hill

Butterflies represent change and our butterfly cabinet pull, available in two different sizes, will definitely change the look of cabinetry and furniture in your next interior design project.

Small butterfly pull from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016 Photo Doug Hill

Birds make an appearance on many Martin Pierce items, including door handles and artwork.  Our swallow pull can be used on items of furniture as shown here on a custom toy chest we designed for our client or as door and cabinet hardware.

Swallow pull on custom toy chest by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016 Photo Doug Hill

Our jay bird bronze sculpture would be a statement making addition to any art collection.  You can follow along on the process of creating a sculpture like this via blog posts published here and here.

Jay bird bronze sculpture by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016 Photo Doug Hill

Door knockers are certainly a part of entry door hardware and our woodpecker door knocker will add a bit of whimsy and function to your front door.

Woodpecker door knocker by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016 Photo Doug Hill

To commission your own piece of custom artwork or to view our entire collection of door handles 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

A door handle work in progress

Angular Leaf Sections in Canopy with Stronger Directional Limbs by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

As many of you are already aware, all of the door hardware that we make at Martin Pierce Hardware is designed and created by Martin Pierce.  Unlike other door hardware companies who employ a stable of designers working on different styles, each and every door handle, cabinet pull and lighting fixture starts out life on Martin’s drafting board.  In this post we are sharing some initial and somewhat crude sketches that illustrate the evolution of a particular design. 

The initial design for this door handle (shown above) began with a soft approach that had,as Martin described it a “cartoon Disney quality to it”. I agreed and suggested that he focus on giving it a stronger, directional feel and the tree focus should be on creating a more angular canopy with faceted leaf sections.  That direction resulted in this rough sketch showing the beginnings of a new and more angular shape.

This new tree door handle design follows on from our successful Hedgerow line of door hardware and is a natural development from the illuminated door handles that we hope to be releasing later this year. This final image shows the most completely sketched out concept for a new tree door handle that may or may not have an integral LED light.

To view our Hedgerow line, along with our entire collection of door handles 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

The beauty and versatility of succulents

In our last post we talked a bit about the California drought and the positive effect El Nino has had on the state's climate.  We shared photos of our own drought resistant garden that we planted last summer.  In our garden you will see a variety of succulents---plants that are becoming very popular not only in water starved California but in other parts of the country as well.  These ornamental yet hardy plants are not only beautiful but easy to care for.  And for those of you who prefer color in the garden, succulents and drought tolerant plants like the Kangaroo's Paw shown here, do provide plenty of color throughout the year.

Drought tolerant garden from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

But succulents are not just for the garden!  They are popping up in artwork and other decorative accessories as you will see in these selections.

First off is our own bronze candlestick.  This beautiful candlestick makes the perfect gift for any occasion and will add an elegant touch to any style decor.

Bronze candlesticks by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

Photo Doug Hill

Natural Curiosities offers this black and white rendering of a succulent.  What a lovely choice of artwork for a boutique hotel or spa this would be!

Natural Curiosites Black and White Succulent 2

The minimal care succulents require make them a perfect choice for a living art arrangement or wall garden.  Root systems that store water make them ideal to tuck into a wall-hung arrangement, wreath or table centerpiece.

Succulent wall garden from Williams-sonoma

Cities and organizations around the world have discovered the environmental value of planting a living wall.  These green walls are not only beautiful but also able to reduce noise pollution and have a cooling effect on the surrounding area and can certainly help with LEED certification on specific projects.   And hospitality designers are already aware of the positive impact greenery and living walls have on workplace environments and public spaces.

Living wall design from Ambius at Queen's University Charlotte features a unique design

To view our entire collection of artwork, 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

Update on California drought and drought resistant gardening

Now that winter is over and the El Nino weather pattern is weakening, the State Water District has agreed that the California drought emergency is over and water restrictions can be lifted.  This is good news to all of us who live in California, especially those of us who love the beauty of a lush green lawn.

When the water restrictions were put into place it became necessary for us to re-think our backyard landscaping.  We decided to do away with the grass and replace it with a carefully thought out plan that consists of drought resistant plants, pavers and gravel.  We documented the process here on the blog where you can review the before and after pictures.  To recap, our "old" yard looked like this:

Photo Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

and our "new" yard looks like this

Photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

During this process we learned quite a bit about plants that can survive in the very dry conditions of southern California by visiting World Wide Exotics Nursery.  We also recycled an old birdbath and turned it into a lovely little table to set a glass of wine on when enjoying a late afternoon happy hour.

Photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

And Martin even came away inspired by some of the plants we found and the end result are these beautiful bronze candlesticks.

Bronze candlesticks by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

Photo Doug Hill

To read more about our drought resistant gardening or to view our entire collection of door handles 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

Celebrate our national parks

This year our country is celebrating 100 years of the National Park Service.  Established in the summer of 1916 under the Department of the Interior the mission is defined as:

"The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world."

There will be celebrations all year long to commemorate this centennial with events and activities in all the parks. 

We have been fortunate to visit a some of our national parks in states like Montana, Colorado, Arizona and, of course California.  As hiking enthusiasts we always enjoy the scenery and views and Martin always comes away inspired by birds and foliage spotted along the trails that may become new door handles and cabinet pulls in the future.  Here are just a few of the photos we have taken over the years.

Bison National Range by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

Sedona Arizona Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

 Pt Reyes California  Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

Trail to Chimney Rock Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

What is your favorite national park?

To view our entire collection of door handles 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

Cool and contemporary door handles

Ergo collection by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Photo Doug Hill

The hallmark of contemporary design is sleek, highly polished metals and stainless steel certainly fits the bill.

At Martin Pierce Custom Hardware we offer a variety of door handles and cabinet hardware in a stainless finish.  Of course, any bespoke item can be cast in stainless at your direction.

Ergo

Our ergonomically designed Ergo collection (hence the name) is fluid in design making it easy to grasp and an ideal choice for use in spaces where ADA compliant hardware is desirable.  The organic shape of both passageway door handles and entry door sets are the perfect complement to a contemporary interior.  

Stainless steel Ergo door handle from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016

Ergo door handle install in modern London kitchen

Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Morphic

Door handles from our Morphic collection are chameleons in that they are comfortable in both a rustic and a contemporary setting.  When cast in 304 stainless steel they add a distinctive look to a contemporary setting whether it is in a small boutique hotel, a statement making residence or a commercial building.

Stainless steel entry door handle from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016

Photo Doug Hill

Pieces from the Morphic collection can be further customized with a hot patina coated interior that adds the ultimate in customization.  Select colors that identify an organization's brand, for example, or coordinate with the overall interior design of a space or choose to be greeted by your favorite color every time you enter your home or place of business.

Morphic door handle with hot patina color Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Photo Doug Hill

To view our entire collection of contemporary door handles 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

Hospitality design industry news

Whether for business or for pleasure, there will never be a shortage of people looking to visit the Hawaiian Islands.  Hoteliers know this and are always seeking ways to make the experience more pleasurable.  

Hilton Hotels is set to open the largest Hilton Garden Inn next month.  Located on the beautiful island of Oahu on popular Waikiki Beach, the soft color palette and specific art choices celebrate the location and local culture.  The Kapa prints that adorn the walls provide color and a sense of history while natural materials provide texture and interest.

Kapa cloth, or prints, are designs that are woven onto cloth created from fibers  of the indigenous trees.  Designs are created through the use of linear elements that form geometric shapes such as triangles, squares, chevrons and diagonal lines.  When framed or blocked onto a piece of wood they make exquisite pieces of art.

Celebrating local culture is an important aspect of any hospitality design project.  A visit to the islands will be enhanced when the culture is represented at every opportunity.  Over the years we have designed several bespoke door handles for clients and offer some ethnic designs in our collections.

Hawaiian bird pull door handle from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Custom door handle for the St. Regis Kauai by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016 Photo Doug Hill

Silver plated orchid door handle from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016 Photo Doug Hill

Kapa cloth artwork and custom door handles are just a few ways that hospitality design professionals can create a unique and lasting impression in hotel, spa and other design projects.

To view our entire collection of custom door handles 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

April showers bring May flower door handles

Southern California actually had some April showers and the flowers are certainly in bloom.

Martin is always inspired by the beautiful foliage and flowering plants we spot on our hikes.  In fact, on our most recent visit to the Descanso Gardens he came away with ideas for a new door handle inspired by the lovely camellia bushes on the grounds.  And our very first collection of custom door handles, Hedgerow, was inspired by the bushes found in our home in England.

Hedgerow door lever by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016

Photo Doug Hill

We also offer a gardener's dream selection of floral door knobs and cabinet pulls for interior doors and cabinetry that will add a light hearted touch to any residential or hospitality design project.  

Trumpet flower cabinet pull by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016

Photo Doug Hill

The always elegant orchid can be enjoyed through the use of delicate looking cabinet pulls, stunning in a silver plate.

Orchid cabinet pull from Martin PIerce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016 Photo Doug Hill

And daisies are pushing up everywhere, even indoors with our bronze daisy cabinet pull.

Daisy cabinet pull by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016 Photo Doug Hill

Not limited to door handles, flowers can be found and enjoyed on items like these beautiful bronze candlesticks

Bronze candlesticks by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016 Photo Doug Hill

You can view our entire collection of architectural door handles and 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

Get your dose of Vitamin N at the Descanso Gardens

I recently heard an NPR interview with  Richard Louv author of “ Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life” and was enthralled by the practical ways he talked about connecting with and enjoying nature.  So on Sunday morning we paid a visit to Descanso gardens.   These gardens are well-known for their wide variety of camellias, many of which have matured to a point that they are more akin to small trees than bushes.

Beautiful camellias at Descanso Gardens  Photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

We arrived around 10:00 and were able to avoid the crowds.  We took the beautiful un-manicured trails through scrub oaks, camellia bushes, humming bird sage, ivy and many bushes of white buddleia; truly a natural paradise. We eyed a shy spotted towhee and when he flew away we were able to see his amber chest and spotted wing markings.  We see a lot of the more common brown towhees but the spotted cousin is, for us, a rare site. Alas, we were not able to take his picture but the Audubon site has some lovely photos of this little bird.

We also spotted a plaque hanging from a scrub oak that explained how the scrub oak is a fundamental part of the local chaparral as its acorn supply is key to the success of those species dependent on its well-being such as wood rats, squirrels and their predators. The trail we took was thick with tangled shrubs and thorny bushes that were home to a wide variety of birds, butterflies and lizards.

While hiking we were able to vicariously share the excitement of two little boys who were discovering ants and lizards first hand by digging through leaves and dirt.  Witnessing this brought me back to the interview with Richard Louv and his discussion of the "belly walk". This is where you crawl along on your stomach, at a snail's pace, allowing you to experience nature on a more micro level. 

There are also areas that will appeal to those who prefer a more manicured garden such as this beautiful water garden that greets you at the entrance to the park,  reminiscent of Monet's beautiful gardens in Giverny. 

Descanso Gardens photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

And, just for fun, the whimsically named fried egg or Matilija poppy made one long for a hearty breakfast.

Fried egg or Mantilija poppy at Descanso Gardens  Photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

The Descanso Gardens are a wonderful family destination as children under the age of 5 are free and admission is waived for everyone on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.

Richard Louv is spot on when describing nature as a vitamin ( "N" is for nature) and certainly one we all need for our physical and mental well-being.  During our 2 hour hike we breathed more deeply and felt happy and relaxed.  We came away with ideas for a new door handle, inspired by the shapes of the camellia petals and the crepey petals of the Matilija poppy.  So stay tuned! 

To view our entire collection of 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

The art of japanning revisited

In light of the appearance of design details on case goods at the Spring Market in Highpoint North Carolina I thought it might be time to revisit articles written on this ancient art.

Japanning is defined as "a type of finish, usually based on lacquer, that originated as an imitation form of Asian lacquerwork..."  We have used this form of embellishment on many of our furniture pieces, including those found in our limited edition  Aspen and Ascot collection of buffets and armoires. Produced in very limited quantities, each piece is signed by Martin and sold to the trade only.

Small armoire with japanning detail from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

Photo Doug Hill

The use of this ancient art has diminshed over the years as technology and new embellishment methods have been developed.  It is truly a mark of custom furniture and one that will be enjoyed for many years to come without the risk of ever appearing trendy or out-dated.

We have written several articles over the years about the art of japanning which you can read on our blog.

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware or talk to us about a custom item for your project 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

Highpoint spring market 2016

As promised, here are few trends that are being reported from the recent Highpoint Spring Market in Highpoint, North Carolina.

Florals

Floral patterns are popping up everywhere in fabrics, accessories and even light fixtures. Our floral door handles and cabinet pulls can certainly join this parade.

Bronze trumpet flower cabinet knob by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Photo Doug Hill

Our wall sconce will add a subtle floral touch to any space.

Bronze floral wall sconce by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Photo Doug Hill

 Does this tall table lamp by Kate Spade look like a dandelion to anyone else?

Dickinson lamp by Kate Spade

A mix of metals

A mix of metals in both furniture and hardware was also spotted throughout the market.  Bronze, brass and steel could be found in door hardware, lamps and furniture bases.

Daisy drawer pull in various finishes by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Photo Doug Hill

Case goods

Case goods were presented in various wood tones many featuring details such as mirrored inserts, marquetry and nailhead trim.  We have applied the art of japanning to many of our fine furniture pieces including those from our popular Aspen collection.

Aspen buffet featuring japanning details by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Photo Doug Hill

Trade shows such as the Highpoint Market and HDExpo are valuable in that they make it possible for hospitality, contract and residential designers to keep abreast of current and upcoming design trends.

What interior design trends have you spotted?

To view our entire collection of lighting, furniture, 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

A rose by any other name is still door hardware

Rose and door knob from Willow collection Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA

Photo Doug Hill

The line from Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" was referring to the beauty of a rose that, no matter the name, would still be aromatic and beautiful.  In today's world the word rose has come to refer to many beautiful items and, in this case, door handles and accessories.

In door hardware terminology there are other terms that are synonymous with rose, including backplate or escutcheon.  It sits flush against the door and can be as simple or as ornate in design as the style of the space dictates and its main purpose is to cover up the mechanisms of the door knob, including the spindle and latch.  In earlier times it often featured a coat of arms to identify the property owner. The rose can be used for decorative purposes and surround a door handle or door knob or it can be functional and contain a keyhole.

However, unlike the rose that Romeo was referring to, door hardware roses are different than backplates or escutcheons.  They perform the same function as a rose, namely to cover up the mechanisms, but a rose is typically round in shape and smaller than a backplate or escutcheon which can be round (like a rose), square or rectangular and more substantial in size to conceal more than one functioning part of the door knob.

We offer many different roses to complement our collection of door handles.  In this chart we show the backplate and rose options from our Hedgerow collection of custom door knobs and door handles.

To view more roses and backplates, 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

Mosaic door handle for hotel of the same name

The open work design of our Morphic door handle can represent many different things.  To the designers responsible for the unique and upscale redesign of Beverly Hills' Mosaic Hotel, Susan Caruso from Intra-spec,  it most likely echoed the name of the hotel---a mosaic style pattern.

Webster's defines mosaic as "...different things that together form a pattern" and that certainly defines the design of our Morphic collection of custom architectural door hardware--different shapes that together form a distinctive open pattern. Shown cast in stainless steel, the designers of this luxury boutique hotel chose statement making 26" door handles from this collection to be cast in  bronze for its warmer tones.  The oil rubbed dark patina finish adds both depth and age to the handles.

Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills CA Designer Intra-spec, architect Kollin Altomare

Morphic door handles from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA

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

Hospitality designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles CA  90016

Tel: 323-939-5929

Earth Day 2016

http://www.earthday.org/earth-day/

April has arrived and, for the past 46 years, that means it is also time to celebrate Earth Day.

The concept of preserving our natural resources has become an every day task to most of us in developed countries.  We have learned the value of protecting animal species so that they can be enjoyed by future generations; we have learned the risks involved when we haphazardly dispose of manufacturing waste; we have learned to process natural resources into useful products and we have finally understood that natural resources such as oil and water are not necessarily available in perpetuity.

The responsibility of all that Earth Day stands  for falls on all of us and we at Martin Pierce Hardware do our best to both develop and dispose of our products in a responsible manner.  We make every attempt to use local suppliers which not only supports our local economy but reduces the amount of gasoline used to transport or ship items from far distances.  The recent installation of our drought resistant garden will help with the water shortage in California.

Drought resistant garden Photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

How do you Renew, Reuse and Recycle?

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

Designers can visit the showroom located at"

5433 W. Washington Blv.d

Los Angeles, CA  90016

Tel: 323-939-5929

Spring has sprung and that means time for "Market" in Highpoint

Twice a year the normally small town of Highpoint North Carolina is besieged by literally thousands of interior design professionals, vendors and manufacturers who arrive to attend the Highpoint Market Show.  This year the event will take place from April 16-20, 2016.  Attendees will be able to enjoy lectures from some of the industry's leaders, view the newest products and trends and network for as long as their feet will hold up!

A highly anticipated trend will be hand-crafted items that celebrate ethnic arts from around the globe.  Custom hardware, hand-embroidered textiles, use of exquisite wood veneers and hand-forged metals will be on display.  

Biophilia is a term that is used more frequently and simply refers to the interaction with and effect nature has on our daily lives, including our home and business environments.  There should be plenty of room settings, ideas and products at the Market that fall into this category.  We became aware of this unique movement during a discussion we enjoyed with artist Ted Morrison at last year's HD Expo.  We discovered that the fluid shape of many of our pieces, including our Dragon egg wall sconce, fell into the biophiliac definition as soft lines are much more pleasing to humans than hard, straight edges.  And, of course, the inclusion of nature's creatures i.e birds and insects, is as close to nature as we can get and also close to Martin's heart.

Dragon egg wall sconce by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca

Photo Doug Hill

There will be plenty to enjoy and learn once the market is over and the "trend spotters" begin to share the products and trends offered and we will do our best to keep you posted.

To view our collection of wall 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