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 http://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–the Fall Market in High Point is just around the corner

via Lisa Mende Design

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.

Wall hanging from Surya

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

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

(323) 939-5929

The amazing world of contemporary architecture is available in a vacation home

Colonia Guell Espinal house
Martin Pierce Hardware
Los Angeles CA 90016

Casa Battlo staircase photo by Martin Pierce Hardware
Los Angeles CA 90016

Earlier this year trend experts predicted that “Artistic details, a blend of textures, bold colors, and ethnic decoration patterns will figure in loudly when it comes to hotel interior design…” and it appears they were correct in their predictions.

We have shared with you several times on this blog our opinion on and photos of the awe-inspring architecture of Antoni Gaudi and other Catalonia modernists, whose properties certainly met the above criteria almost a century ago.  One is constantly delighted by the discovery of yet another aspect of their work as they study the materials, natural light, mosaics and “critters” that are seen in these buildings.  But these artists/architects, contemporary for their time, do not stand alone when it comes to great design and a unique vision.

For example, this contemporary home located in a small village in England is just as unique and functional as those designed by Gaudi and seems to meet all the criteria determined earlier in the year as upcoming hotel trends.  And while this property is not a hotel but rather, a vacation rental, (we are unable to share the photograph with you) you can see and read all about it here.  With quite a story behind it, the architect/artist duo of Charles Holland and Grayson Perry come together to create this very unusual abode, all with the goal of introducing contemporary architecture in a manner that would be available for “ordinary” folks to live in and experience. Set on an acre of land and fronting a river, it provides a stark contrast to the serene landscape surrounding it.  Regardless of how you feel about living or working amongst the bright colors, contemporary furnishings and unusual artwork and sculptures, you must admit that this very unique property is functional.  There is plenty of natural light and a workable floor plan and a bathtub big enough for the entire family.  However, I must admit that the large and colorful mural on the bedroom wall might make it difficult to get a good night’s rest! And even though the herringbone patterned flooring could induce a bit of vertigo, the built-in furniture and cheerful kitchen are utilitarian and could remind one of the design characteristics behind the Arts & Crafts movement of the early twentieth century.  Frank Lloyd Wright often incorporated built-ins that enhanced the flow and space of his designs and took advantage of any natural surroundings.

Is this unusual abode a place you might consider for a vacation rental?

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware, lighting and limited edition sculptures, please visit our site at http://www.martinpierce.com

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

323 939 5929

It’s definitely that time of year again….Fall!

photo courtsy of slim paley blog
Martin Pierce Hardware
Los Angeles CA 90016

Those who live in the Northern Hemisphere look forward to the arrival of the autumnal equinox  which will take place this year around 8:00UTC on September 23, 2015, signaling the arrival of fall.  While the end of the lazy days of summer can be sad, there is something invigorating about a change in the air–literally!  That air is crisper and the days are shorter and the leaves on deciduous trees begin to change color, ultimately falling to the ground.  This short window of time is celebrated across the country as people try to time their leaf viewing to “peak” times when forests are covered with vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow.

Artists have found ways to prolong the enjoyment and beauty of this time of year with the creation of sculptures and other accessories, some functional and others for enjoyment, that can prolong the season.  For example, both Stanford and MIT offer an amazing collection of blown glass pumpkins that can be “plucked” from their glass pumpkin patch. These pieces are created by the students in the school’s respective glass labs and the talent is obvious.

MIT glass lab pumpkins
Martin Pierce Hardware
Los Angeles CA 90016

We have our own way of perserving the season and that is through our collection of custom hardware inspired by various leaves.  The designs include the mighty oak leaf pull, a delicate pear leaf and a gorgeous sycamore pull in both right and left designs as well as more exotic varities like the bamboo leaf pulls.  Any one of these pieces of custom hardware will enhance the interiors of a spa, retail establishment or residential project and can be found in our Flora collection.

Oak leaf drawer pull available at
Martin Pierce Hardware
Los Angeles Ca 90016
Photo by Doug Hill

You can view the entire Flora collection, as well as other architectural hardware items on our site at http://www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles CA  90016

323 939 5929

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Candlesticks and wall sconces are the perfect source of interior accent lighting

With the arrival of fall comes shorter days and that certainly provides an opportunity to utilize alternative lighting in our homes in the form of candlelight, wall sconces and other accent lighting sources.

In February of this year we proudly introduced you to our new bronze candlesticks, inspired by and fashioned after succulent plants we photographed at the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino California.

Solid bronze candlesticks from Martin Pierce hardware Los Angeles, CA 90016
Photo by Doug Hill

An impressive 14″ in height, they can adorn a fireplace hearth, console, buffet table or any spot where a bit of ambience is desired.

We debuted our line of custom wall sconces at this year’s HD Expo by sharing our unique Dragon’s Egg sconce  inspired by our enjoyment of the TV series, Game of Thrones.

Dragon Egg wall sconce from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016
Photo by Doug Hill

Both of these lighting products add an artistic and functional source of lighting to enjoy as the seasons change and the sun sets a bit earlier each day.

You can view our entire collection of lighting, accessories and architectural hardware at http://www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles CA  980016

323 939 5929

Our drought tolerant garden is complete!

Birdbath from Reseda Pottery

Over the summer we have been sharing with you the process and progress of turning what was once a verdant and lush southern California backyard into a space that can survive the historic drought that all of California is suffering at the moment.

We last left you with an update on the plants that were chosen and a view of the pathways that had been carved out, just waiting to be filled with the gravel and decomposed granite we chose.

Martin Pierce Hardware
Los Angeles Ca 90016

This same view now looks like this–

Martin Pierce Hardware
Los Angeles CA 90016

You can also catch a sneak peek of door hardware from our Lizard collection on the right.

Here is the view from the other side of the yard–

Martin Pierce Hardware
Los Angeles CA 90016

We were very excited to not only find the perfect new birdbath from Reseda Pottery, but to also be able to repurpose our old birdbath.  We cemented it in between the two chairs and added a top to create a small table that is sized just right for sharing a glass of wine on a warm evening and enjoy our new landscape.

Martin Pierce Hardware
Los Angeles CA 90016

To view our entire collection of architectural door hardware, visit our site at http://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

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 http://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 http://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 http://www.martinpiere.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Tel: 323 939 5929