Geometrics in design--a math lesson you will enjoy

Do you break out in a cold sweat at the mere mention of mathematics?  Does the term "geometry" send you running?  Well, no worries  here.  For the purpose of discussion on this blog, let's take a look at how geometry and geometrics are used in the realm of interior design and architecture. A quick review

The true list of geometric shapes appears endless so, for our purpose, we will review the most common shapes used in design:

• Triangle
• Hexagon
• Polygon
• Square
• Octagon
• Rectangle
• Pentagon
• Straight line
• Oval, circle and ellipse

Even to those of us who barely got through math class, these shapes are familiar.  Just take a look at your surroundings and you will begin to see the use of one or a combination of geometric shapes that make up the design of buildings and furniture as well as its appearance on fabric patterns and accessories.  Now here is a math test you can pass--How many geometric shapes can you spot in this photo of both old and new architecture?

Even fluid and organic items such as the architectural hardware designed by Martin Pierce feature many geometric shapes that include a circle, an oval, certainly a straight line, and even a triangle.  Look closely at the design of our Hedgerow line and you will see evidence of these.

In other pieces, straight lines are softened and morph into the waves and curves of our popular Ergo collection for example, and circles are elongated to form our conical pulls.

To view more items in all of these collections or to see our entire selection of custom hardware, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.  We promise there will be no math test!

Look what's trending at Martin Pierce....

While we are well-known for our beautiful custom architectural hardware that is so popular with designers, architects and homeowners alike, we also enjoy it when a designer sources one of our custom furniture pieces for their discriminating residential clients or hospitality projects.  Our furniture collection includes unique and functional items such as dining tables, chairs, armoires, buffets and beds.  Speaking of beds, based on the orders we are receiving, they appear to be a very popular item these days.   And why not?  The bed is the focal point of the bedroom and will set the mood for the entire room.    Trending today: The Rickshaw Bed

If you are looking to add an exotic and sophisticated feel to a bedroom with a touch of Asian influence, our Rickshaw bed is just the thing.  Crafted of solid walnut with hand-carved details, we allow the natural shades and grain of the wood to shine through with just an oil and lacquer finish; no stain is used.  A light and airy feel is achieved through the use of reed in the headboard and footboard.  This reed is literally woven by hand through small holes drilled in 1/2 inch intervals--very labor intensive but the final effect is stunning!

The Rickshaw bed is available in standard queen, eastern and western king and, of course, custom sizes when necessary.  You can view this bed at the lovely Gaul & Searson Showroom located in the San Francisco Design Center.  Doug Searson and Joseph Gaul have created a classic high-end showroom that caters to the design professional with a discriminating clientele.  Several Martin Pierce furniture pieces are on display in the showroom.

You CAN stop and smell the roses and work at the same time

Can you believe that the summer months are passing by so quickly?  Before you know it media advertisements and retail store shelves will be full of items for the upcoming holidays and your mind will wander to Halloween, Thanksgiving and even Christmas!  Therefore, I might suggest we all take a moment and reconnect with our natural surroundings that can provide so much design inspiration.

• Stop and smell the roses, orchids, magnolias and daisies---and while you are at it take notice of the details of that flower such as the shape of the petals, the amazing color combinations and, of course, the amazing scent.  I am pretty confident you will walk away with your creative juices flowing!
• Let Mother Nature be your guide.  You may be working on a seaside spa, for example, and trying to avoid the very expected colors and textures most often used in the design of these spaces but are "stuck".  A walk on the ocean with eyes wide open may reveal colors and textures you did not expect or the mix of colors in the sunset may inspire a color scheme you have been struggling to identify.
• Vary your routine and you just might find inspiration in items you see every day.  I live in a town full of hills and canyons and walking trails, some with spectacular views.  If I walk every day at the same time, for example, I get used to the "sameness" and am very likely to miss many of the details found in that spectacular view or even in the shape of what we might call "weeds" but are, in fact, miniature works of art from Mother Nature.  An earlier or later walk will produce different shadows and colors and feel new.   Martin Pierce is often inspired by nature and that can be seen in many of our architectural hardware collections including Flora, Hedgerow and Grapevine.  If your routine takes you through the concrete jungle there are still plenty of opportunities to be inspired by the architecture, the hearty flower that pops up between cracks in the sidewalk or the amazing color combinations put together by people on the street.
• Relax.  Many people do their best thinking when they are relaxing by the pool or enjoying their own backyard.  The world will not end if you take time to simply "be" and let the creative juices flow.   How often have you awakened during the night with the best idea ever for that new project and cannot recall the details when you wake in the morning?   How wonderful to come up with those same ideas during a relaxing respite in the middle of the day so you can remember them!

There are still several weeks left of summer, allowing plenty of time to slow down just a bit and enjoy this special time of year while working!  No one ever has to know that your design inspiration came while napping in hammock or strolling along the beach!

Custom or off the rack?

While we all enjoy a good bargain is it always the best idea?  Are you really getting more bang for your buck when you purchase an item that looks a lot like a more expensive item but is much cheaper? While we understand that custom hardware is expensive, there are many reasons to consider a custom item:

• A well-made item will, in most cases, operate much better than its less expensive cousin.  Is it worth saving some money only to have to tuggle with a door knob or locking mechanism time after time?
• Function is of utmost importance but appearance ranks a close second.  Interesting or unique hardware says something about you--it says you understand the value of small details in your home.  Designers understand this and often choose custom architectural hardware for their projects.
• Many people enjoy owning something that is unique to their home whether it be a piece of artwork, bespoke furniture item or custom hardware designed with their personality, hobbies, interests in mind.
• Add personality to your space or create an unforgettable first impression with custom entry door hardware.  A beautiful set crafted of oil rubbed bronze is nice but how much more impressive would an item from our custom Willow collection be?

You decide----

This standard polished chrome interior door knob off the rack:

Or our high polished, hand cast, stainless steel knob from our Textured collection?

What set says more about you and your personality?  This lovely and certainly sufficient oil rubbed entry set?

Or this amazingly detailed entryway set from our Grapevine collection?

This off the rack cabinet hardware that certainly has an interesting texture and design

Or one of our hand-made daisy, bee or gecko pulls?

To view all of these items and our entire collection of custom hardware, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Don't overlook the importance of architectural hardware and other details

What is it that turns an ordinary square box of a building into something special?  Why do some hotel rooms absolutely delight their guests while others offer simply a place to lay your head at the end of a busy day?  Why is one retail site attracting more customers than another?  The answer could be found in these two simple words--architectural details; those seemingly unimportant design items that turn an ordinary space into an extraordinary space:

• Hardware:  architectural hardware is evident in every single room in the form of door knobs, drawer pulls, towel hooks, window levers and even hinges and backplates.  While certainly functional, in many cases these items are miniature pieces of art that can highlight or compliment a brand logo, celebrate natural surroundings or support an overall design theme.  Case in point--our Hawaiian collection designed for a large project in Hawaii that not only celebrates the tropical surroundings but also honors the history of the islands.  This seemingly small detail will enhance the experience of guests and visitors and isn't that the goal of any business?

  

• Molding, molding and more molding!  Framed panels, crown molding, large and impressive baseboard moldings, corbels, medallions, rosettes..the list goes on and on.  The addition of moldings can provide architectural interest to a room devoid of any enhancements or recreate the character of an historical building.
• Decorative trim: Wainscoting, ceiling beams, arches, cornices and door and window trim will all add dimension and interest to any interior space.

Clients and customers will enjoy the time and attention paid to these architectural details as they relax in your spa, rest in your hotel room or shop in your boutique.

To view our entire collection of bespoke hardware visit us at www.martinpierce.com.