Seeking design inspiration

We are often asked what inspires Martin's designs and when we answer “nature” I can almost hear the disappointed sighs at receiving such a cliched and glib answer.  But it is the truth and one of his favorite spots to visit and to seek inspiration is the Huntington Gardens. We typically frequent this California gem at least 3 times a year and every time we visit we see nature in a different light, literally.  Those who visit Los Angeles, or any spot in southern California, don't see the ways that our trees, succulents and cacti bloom and change with the seasons, giving you a different view at different times of the year.

The beauty of the Huntington Gardens is matched only by the immense variety of plants that have been cultivated for over 100 years.  Specimens range from the arid cacti and succulents native to our deserts to the tropical trees and and amazing carnivorous plants housed in the conservatory.

As always, we took lots of photos to study later.  But it is interesting to see how many of our designs have been directly inspired by nature, whether found at the Gardens or in other travels.  Here are a few examples to show how the shape of a plant, root or leaf becomes a piece of custom architectural hardware to use in your home or business.

The roots in this photo have amazing movement and power and while they were not the direct basis for the Hedgerow Heroic design they no doubt are buried in Martins sub-conscious.

Similarly while this variegated agave has not been used as a precise model for any specific design,

the fluid movement  lurks somewhere in the recesses of Martin’s mind and I see the results in the swirling forms visible in our Willow series.

By comparison, when it came to creation of our Bamboo cabinet pulls we visited the gardens in November of 2004 and took this shot of a bamboo plant and later used it as an image in our first printed catalogue.  In this case I think the results of the inspiration are pretty obvious!

In some cases Martin has already designed a specific piece but needs further inspiration to satisfy his desire for realism.  In the case of the Lizard collection Martin wanted his large Heroic lizard to be “grounded” and not simply to be placed directly on to the door stile. This raised the question of what would make an artistically appropriate and natural landscape for the Lizard sculpture and Martin chose a stratified stone or boulder as the mounting platform or in hardware terms the back plate.  If you visit the Japanese Gardens at the Huntington Gardens you will often spot a lizard basking in the sun on these rocks but, alas, we did not see any on this visit.

Whatever your excuse for visiting the Huntington gardens, I highly recommend at least 3 visits a year to not only view the changing seasons in this area but also to re-charge your batteries and maybe burn off a few of those Thanksgiving and holiday calories.

To view our entire collection of bespoke hardware and furniture, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Mixing it up with different metals in interior decor

With the current popularity of brass metals in interior decor many designers and clients alike question the possibility of mixing metals throughout a space.  For example, can you incorporate oil rubbed bronze architectural door hardware with stainless steel lighting fixtures in one space?  Will shiny and matte finishes compliment each other?  Is it necessary for cabinet hardware to match? These beautiful rooms may offer an answer to these questions:

Eclectic Kitchen by Chicago Kitchen & Bath Designers Rebekah Zaveloff | KitchenLab

The brass pendants provide an unexpected but lovely glow in contrast to the high polished stainless appliances, door hardware, bar stools and faucet.

In this dressing room, a combination of rubbed bronze door pulls and light fixtures warm up the coolness of the nickel faucets and accessories.

Mediterranean Bathroom by Aliso Viejo Interior Designers & Decorators D for Design

At Martin Pierce we offer a wide range of custom products in various metals that make it easy for you to mix your metals to your heart's content.  From functional items like drawer pulls and towel holders to complete entry door kits to whimsical products like our woodpecker doorknocker,

you will find just the right item in stainless steel and bronze.  Please contact us to discuss your client's bespoke hardware needs.

Custom vs. ready made or Why should I buy a custom piece of furniture?

Many people question the value of customizing a piece of furniture or hardware when a similar item may be available for immediate purchase.  Take a look at the latest incarnation of our limited edition Ascot Tallboy and you will clearly see the value of a custom piece. This piece was commissioned by architectural designer Jan McHugh of JBM Designs. Jan works in the Chicago and Indianapolis areas and can be reached via email at jbmdesigns@icloud.com.   This tallboy is intended for her clients who are the proud owners of an incredible art collection.  The interior of the tallboy was customized to hold their prized Victrola and store their valuable collection of "78's".  Coincidentally, this is #78 in a limited edition of 100 and it is going to be used to store 78's...clearly meant to be!

In order to properly support the Victrola and still enjoy the beautiful japanning details we adjusted the placement and allowed the pattern to wrap around the sides of the cabinet instead of across the top.  We also wanted to make the pull more of a focal point so chose to use the medium sized scarab pull from our Animal collection of custom architectural hardware.

martin pierce ascot tallboy number 78 of 100 side view

As usual, the tallboy is crafted from English brown oak and darkened chiseled walnut. You may remember that Martin likes English brown oak for the lovely golden amber hue and the "leopard spots", or dark brown markings that are part of the character of this particular wood.  These brown spots are a result of a fungus that the English brown oak tree suffers from or supports, depending on how you look at it.

The interior of the cabinet was also customized to house the sleeves of the unique record collection.

martin pierce ascot tallboy number 78 of 100 interior view customized for client record colleciton

As you can see, a ready to purchase cabinet would not have met the unique needs of this client but being able to request specific design and function details will make it possible for them to enjoy not only a beautiful piece of furniture but store and display their prized record collection.

To view other items from our custom furniture collection and our bespoke hardware collection, visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Cozy spells fall

Fall leaves on the grounds of Highgrove

Even in sunny Los Angeles,  California the fall season is a welcome change.  While the palm trees remain green year round, we do have other tree species that change color and drop their leaves, our air gets a bit crisper (temperatures in the low 60's are considered crisp in southern California) and the morning fog takes a bit longer to burn off.  These changes signal that it is time to cozy up our surroundings.  How do we do that?

C    is for cover up.  Replace the lightweight summer duvet with a fluffy down comforter that is absolutely delicious to slide under on a chilly night.  There are several types of comforters made for specific temperatures, making it possible to choose a lightweight down comforter that is not quite as warm and/or heavy as a traditional comforter meant for colder weather.   Or toss a fluffy throw over the arm of the chair for a quick cover-up when you are enjoying a cup of tea and watching the sunrise on a brisk morning.

O    is for open up.   With the onset of fall there is no longer a need to keep the sometimes damaging rays of the summer sun out of your rooms.  Pull back the drapes, roll up the shades or open the shutters and enjoy the view everyday.

S    is for sheepskin.  (couldn't think of a Z so defaulted to the olde English spelling) Nothing visually warms a room quicker than sheepskin.  This time-tested "trend" suits any design style.  It will visually and physically warm all the cold surfaces often found in contemporary settings and is a natural in a rustic setting.  Toss a few sheepskin pillows on a distressed leather sofa or drape a small rug over an ottoman or the back of a chair. For the ultimate in cozy comfort, consider a room sized sheepskin rug to warm the feet on a cold winter's night.

Y  is for yellow, and gold and rust and brown and green and all the other colors found in the autumn landscape.  Invite the outdoors in by introducing these colors into your interiors through the use of natural materials such as cuttings from a tree or seasonal flowers.

Not just for residential interiors, hospitality and contract designers can use the same decorating techniques for public spaces that would include hotel rooms and lobbies, office spaces, examining rooms etc.  After all, the goal of design is to create a space that not only reflects a company's values and mission but is inviting and comfortable.

To view our collection of custom hardware that is fitting for your autumn decor please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Hospitality designers: Tips on creating an aesthetically pleasing space

Stainless Ergo Front door lock from Martin Pierce Custom Hardware ADA compliant

One of the key responsibilities of any designer whether they are working on a residential, commercial or hospitality project, is to create an aesthetically pleasing environment that functions well for all who use the space.  To be successful this requires attention be paid to even the smallest of details.  Some important areas of concern might be:

• Color:  Designers are aware that color plays an important part in the design of a space.  Choose a color that is too energizing and you have an anxious clientele.  On the other hand, choosing a color that is restful and calming and you may have a boss angry because he cannot seem to get his employees motivated!  Determine who will be using the space and select a color palette accordingly.  You can find a nice refresher course on the psychology of color at this site.

• Hardware:  Hardware requirements include entry door levers, interior door knobs, drawer and cabinet pulls, window hardware along with hinges and deadbolts for specific areas.  Selecting hardware that compliments and/or enhances the client's brand offers a custom look that will be unique to that space.  Attention also needs to be paid to the needs of specific clients that may have physical limitations that require ADA compliant hardware or other special considerations.

• Lighting:  Hospitality and other design specialists know of the importance of proper lighting.  Improper lighting can make it difficult or unsafe to navigate hallways, restrooms and offices.  These areas are not where you want to create an ambience. Save that for lobbies, restaurants, bars and private spaces where you want to set a mood and encourage specific activities.

• Artwork and accessories:  These are the items that set a space apart from its competitors.  Examples of this include a hotel with a gallery wall full of original artwork,  office furniture upholstered in bespoke fabric, hardware that celebrates the natural surroundings or a private residence that displays treasures from world travels.

Every experienced and trained designer and/or architect is aware of the importance of creating a space that is certainly safe and functional but also a space that provides a visually pleasing impression as well.

Just for fun......stars who dabble in interior design

When you live and work in Hollywood it quickly becomes apparent that most "stars" are just normal people like you and me.  They have their jobs that keep them in the public eye but they also enjoy personal hobbies and other interests that have nothing to do with the movie and television industry.  In fact, you might be surprised to learn that the Grammy award winning Lenny Kravitz dabbles just a bit in interior design and that may be the understatement of the century!

Lenny is very talented and his designs are well-known in the interior design industry. His firm, Kravitz Design, has completed many hospitality design projects that include hotels, restaurant interiors and furniture design.  His Casino Royale chandelier, designed for Swarovski, is certainly fit for any rock star, real or imaginary!

Talent as a designer seems to run in the rock music world as Vanilla Ice joins Lenny Kravitz in the category of stars who design.  Rapper Vanilla Ice, aka Rob Van Winkle, is a well-known house flipper with his very own DIY show on HGTV's DIY Network titled, The Vanilla Ice Project.  When you see some of his projects you may arrive at the conclusion that, perhaps his biggest talent lies in knowing what real estate to purchase.

Ellen DeGeneres has also joined the ranks of successful real estate flippers.  She has made a very lucrative "hobby" of purchasing estates and homes in the surrounding areas of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles (certainly not your average "flipper" area) and is involved in the remodeling and redecorating process all the way down to selecting the furniture and even the plants that dot the landscape.  When completed she then sells it for a nice little profit, no doubt.  I am certain her relaxed and eclectic style, along with her name, add to the value of the property.

If you are interested in viewing our entire collection of rock star worthy custom architectural hardware and bespoke furniture, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

A haunting we will go with custom hardware

Believe it or not we are actually beginning to see Christmas holiday decorations in the stores and it is only September!  Before the red and green of Christmas arrives there is that other very important holiday just around the corner--All Hallow's Eve, better known as Halloween. Halloween is a very fun holiday for kids and adults alike and provides a great opportunity for businesses to incorporate some of the iconic symbols of this day into their hardware choices.  For example, our bat pulls feature amazingly lifelike detailing that turn them into miniature works of art for interior doors, cabinetry and furniture.  Use them in residences as well as businesses.  While fun for Halloween, these custom hardware pieces can be incorporated into the design of many different projects including Zoos, science labs, schools, pet boutiques or any business where one of these images would befit their brand.

While not really scary, lizards and frogs have enough of a "creep" factor to be used for Halloween.  But our lizard and gecko hardware collection is more fitting as architectural hardware for a luxurious tropical hotel, spa or residence.  See for yourself:

Lizard multi point door lever from Lizard collection of Martin Pierce Hardware

We offer plenty of bugs and creepy crawlies in our Animal collection,  ranging from scarab beetles to moths to bees and wasps, all hand cast and beautifully detailed.

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.  Happy Haunting!

Fun projects at Martin Pierce Hardware

We always enjoy working with designers and showrooms on their custom requests.  They often take our furniture pieces and tweak them just a bit to meet their client's needs. Currently we are working on "tweaking" five of our Hedgerow bar chairs that will ultimately reside in Hawaii--lucky bar chairs!  Through the wonderful showroom of Gaul Searson, designer Jacques St.Dizier of St. Dizier Design has also ordered two of our Seicho beds for the same project;  but we will be replacing the tamo normally used in the design with fabric.  One of the beds will be upholstered with Kalahari, an animal print by Peter Fasano, and the other bed will receive a Manual Canovas animal print appropriately named Safari.

The very talented showroom is Gaul Searson, whom we have written about before.  They are masters at coordinating furniture and fabric.  And we have worked with Jacques on several projects spanning a period of over ten years.  He is a marvelous designer to work with and truly understands how to customize  our different styles to give the client something special.

 The light colored and yellowish wood seen on the headboard and footboard of our Seicho Bed is a Japanese wood called Tamo, and is being replaced with fabric for these custom bed orders.

 One of our most popular furniture styles, the Hedgerow barstool has a swivel seat for comfort and versatility.

To discuss your custom furniture request and to view our entire collection of bespoke architectural hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

The beauty of textured hardware

We often talk about the shapes and forms our custom hardware pieces take.  Inspiration is derived from flowers, greenery and nature's critters, resulting in beautifully detailed and amazingly lifelike pieces.  But often, all a business or residence needs in their hardware is a wonderful texture and dimension.  The custom hardware pieces in our Textured collection meet that need in a sophisticated and stylish manner.

In order to achieve this look the shape (rectangle, square) is cut into a block of dark blue wax and the pitted or dented texture is accomplished by chiseling out a series of small scoops in the wax to create the mold.  Once cast we use either steel or wire wool over the entire surface to soften the edges and acute angles.

The combination of simple design and beautiful detailing make this collection perfect for use in either a rustic or contemporary setting.  The round pull is available in large and small and is comfortable on the hand and easy to grasp.

To view the entire Textured collection along with our other architectural hardware products, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

ADA requirements for door and window hardware

 

The baby boomer generation continues to age and, as a result, are experiencing the aches and pains and limitations associated with the aging process.  Furthermore, some statistics are reporting more than 50 million Americans have some level of disability that can make life challenging. The American Disabilities Act (ADA) regulates the building and construction industry and sets forth standards that basically make life safer and easier for those with disabilities or age-related challenges.   These guidelines address the use of wider doorways, ramps, grab bars, lower counters, etc.  Also addressed is the ability to easily access a public or commercial building and/or interior spaces through the use of appropriate door hardware.  These ADA requirements will insure that all people are able to easily and safely enter and exit a building and gain access to interior spaces such as restrooms, apartments and offices:

• Door hardware must push through or pull...no twist and turn knobs that may be difficult to grasp for some.
• Hardware must be installed 48 inches from the floor to accomodate those in wheelchairs
• Both window and door hinges must move with under 3 lbs of pressure

Many items in our collection of custom door hardware can be adapted to meet ADA standards as well as meet your clientele's needs.  Specifically, door and cabinet levers found in our Ergo and Morphic collections.

To view our entire collection of custom door hardware visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Musical instruments as artwork for interior design projects

While many of us immediately think of a beautiful watercolor painting or a wonderful bronze sculpture when we hear the term "artwork", experts might agree that the beauty of art really is in the eye of the beholder.  Take, for example, the beauty of musical instruments - -wood frames of violins and cellos rubbed to a glossy shine, brass that sparkles like jewels and the gorgeous linear shapes of the woodwinds could certainly be considered artwork and displayed as such. In the following rooms precious musical instruments are proudly displayed as functional artwork that provide a touch of life to the spaces and most would agree is as beautiful as any oil portrait.

A grand piano always makes a welcoming statement in a residential foyer or the lobby of a boutique hotel or chic shopping complex.  Notice the more traditional piece of artwork that mimics the design of the piano. [houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/333310/Elegant-Stairs-traditional-staircase-minneapolis]

A cello in the corner quietly balances out the large painting on the other side of the doorway in this setting.

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/842585/Piso-en-Barcelona-contemporary-living-room-]

The graphic appeal of a grouping of woodwinds lends itself to this contemporary design.

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/1183868/Summerlin-Home-traditional-living-room-las-vegas]

While classical instruments are beautiful and sophisticated, don't overlook a colorful collection of electric guitars or the power of a set of drums or the simplicity of a grouping of native instruments from around the world.

And in our own home, where music is a must, Iris  enjoys relaxing by the piano in the den that doubles as our music room.

To view our collection of custom architectural hardware or speak directly with us regarding products for your own hospitality, commercial or residential project, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

The California grape harvest is early this year

Global warming has come to Central California and forced an earlier than usual grape harvest in wine growing regions that include Napa, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara.  Let's hope this is good  news for those of us who enjoy an occasional glass of cab, chardonnay, zinfandel or syrah.  

While the winemakers are busy harvesting all those beautiful vines we thought we might introduce a couple of our custom architectural hardware collections that we feel would be the perfect addition to their tasting areas, guest rooms and other public spaces.

Our Grapevine collection was inspired by the beautiful Paso Robles wine region and is a natural for use in wineries.  The hallmark of Martin Pierce Custom Hardware, incredible detail, is evident in all of the pieces and this attention to detail will delight all who enter your establishment.

Our willow collection would also be a nice design addition to both your public and private spaces.  While simpler in design than our more elaborate Grapevine collection, the same amazing detail and casting process is used to create this elegant hardware collection.

Drawer pull from Willow 2 collection by Martin Pierce Custom Hardware

To view these items or our entire collection of architectural hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.  Also, be sure to check your favorite winery's website to find out when the annual harvest celebrations are scheduled.

Just for fun:  Here is to the corkscrew - a useful key to unlock the storehouse of wit,the treasury of laughter, the front door of fellowship, and the gate of pleasant folly.       W.E.P. French

How Martin Pierce spends the final days of summer

Our beloved pitbull, Iris, certainly has the right idea!  Since Iris joined our family a few years ago she has become a very loving and affectionate dog and enjoys sharing tea in the music room with our guests and friends.  Lounging lazily in the den and soaking up the sun sounds inviting to me as well.

As the lazy days of summer begin to disappear we are busy working on several new projects that we look forward to sharing with you in the coming months.  In the meantime, here is a quick review of some of our custom hardware products that will remind you that fall is just around the corner.

How do you enjoy these last remaining days of summer?

To view our entire collection of custom architectural hardware please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Summertime and the livin' is easy.....

What is your favorite summertime song?  Perhaps a rockin' Beach Boys tune or something sultry like "Under the Boardwalk"?  Whatever is it, I am sure that when you hear it you are immediately transported to a place that is warm, relaxing and stress-free, and isn't that what summer is all about? The calendar tells us that summer has arrived when the summer solstice occurs.  According to Wikipedia, this is when the earth's axis tilts so that the northern hemisphere is closest to the sun, resulting in the longest day of the year.   For the next several months the days will get shorter but, until then, we can all revel in the wonders of summertime livin'!

No real summer plans here but many people think it is always summertime in Los Angeles.  We do have seasons in California,  they are just not as pronounced as they are in other areas of the country.  But summer is always special.  Longer days to enjoy the beautiful beaches and those amazing sunsets that occur late into the evening.  A chance to experiment with a new summer cocktail, entertain outdoors and close shop early when it is just too beautiful to be indoors.

Fortunately, one of the summer items southern California does not have to suffer through are bugs.  But that did not stop Martin Pierce from creating wonderful and whimsical hardware designed after those pesky critters.  How cute would one of these be on your outdoor cabinetry or indoors at your beach or lakeside retreat?  For those of you working on commercial projects, consider adding this detail to an indoor spa or as guest room hardware in an appropriate location.

While not a bug, frogs are certainly a summertime resident and these frog pulls are so fun!

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

New trends for the commercial design industry from NEOCON

There is certainly no shortage of conferences, conventions and other informative gatherings available to those in the interior design industry.  Some are general and others are very specific and made for those involved in specialized areas of design.  NEOCON is perhaps the premiere industry event designed for professionals who specialize in contract design for hospitality, government, retail and healthcare clients.

A NEOCON event provides an opportunity for designers to view the latest products and resources available including fabrics, wall coverings, hardware, furniture, appliances, lighting and fixtures.  At this year's event there were several stand out trends that we can expect to see in the upcoming year:

• While ultra bright colors were everywhere, one color stood out as color of the year and that was an eye-popping shade of fuchsia.  This mix of red and purple is a high energy color that would be appropriate for many creative venues.
• The very acoustically sound material, felt, is emerging as a popular upholstery and wall cover choice in the expected soft gray, but is also available in other colors as well; making it possible to use this unique fabric in many different applications.
• Can you spell Eames?  Molded plastic is back in vogue.  Conversely, there were many designs that included high backed upholstered sofas and chairs in the office environment.  Perhaps this is a response to the need for more private spaces in open concept areas or simply a design trend.  If it can help reduce the amount of private cell phone conversation overheard then I am all for it!
• Architectural hardware trends are combining the desire for a sleek and minimalist look with warm finishes like bronze and brass as well as celebrating the outdoors with nature inspired fixtures.  We meet both of those needs with our Flora and Animal collections as well as our newest Morphic collection cast in bronze as well as stainless steel.

It is always interesting to follow these trends and see which ones take off, so to speak, and which ones die on the vine.  To view the entire collection of Martin Pierce Custom Hardware visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Bring the garden indoors with floral hardware

I love fresh flowers whether they be in a vase on the table, growing wild in a field or popping up in strange cracks and crevices alongside the Los Angeles freeways.  After all, what is not to enjoy about glorious color and unique shapes that come to life once the sun comes out?  Most people would say they also enjoy the colors, scents and shapes of fresh flowers so why not greet your guests with a bouquet of flowers in your lobby or treat yourself and your family to fresh flowers in your home.   Sadly, when winter hits it can be difficult to find fresh flowers growing naturally in a garden or alongside those ubiquitous freeways  of ours.  No worries, you can enjoy the beauty of flowers with something as simple as hardware cast in the shape of your favorite flowers and vines.  Take a look:

Relive those wonderful island memories or just invite the feel of the tropics into your home or business with our wonderfully realistic orchid stem pull.

Capture the look of the wonderful hanging vines of the trumpet flower with this bronze pull hand cast by Martin Pierce.

Daisies are a perennial favorite.  They are simple and carefree and make you smile each time you look at them.  You can enjoy this little flower every day with our bronze daisy drawer pull.

And for those who enjoy simple greenery from Mother Nature, items like our bamboo pull or various leaf designs will certainly satisfy that need to add a touch of the outside to your indoor spaces.

While all of these hardware pieces have a touch of whimsy attached, the realism and attention to detail is a hallmark of every piece of custom hardware created by Martin Pierce; thereby turning these floral hardware items into a sophisticated detail for your retail boutique, small hotel or spa or for that discerning residential client looking for a touch of the garden in her home.

To view these pieces along with our entire collection of bespoke hardware, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Let's talk about the bathroom

Sometimes function just has to take precedence over everything else and that is certainly true with the bathroom ; but function does not have to mean unattractive or ordinary! Whether it is an ensuite bath in a hotel room, a small powder room off of a home's foyer, private bath compartments in a spa or a large and luxurious master bath, choosing unique hardware can turn this utilitarian room into a true retreat. The bath provides many opportunities to showcase custom hardware--cabinet door and drawer pulls, door knobs and window levers, for example.  In addition, there is a need for towel racks, coat hooks, soap dishes and tissue holders.  Here at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware we offer coordinating accessories in some of our most popular hardware styles:

The unusual design of our Morphic soap dish will add an air of elegance and mystique to any bath area.

The coat hook from our Hedgerow Collection is truly a miniature work of art that functions as a robe or towel hook in the bath and coordinates with all other pieces from this collection.

Bath tissue never looked so good as when stored on the tissue holder from our sculptural Ergo collection.

You can choose a design from our Hedgerow, Morphic or Ergo collection or we can create a style that echoes and celebrates your brand and is unique to your project.  To view the entire collection please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Our favorite links!

While we are hard at work getting back to business as usual after our trip to Las Vegas and the HD Expo 2013 we thought it might be a good time to review some of our favorite links from previous posts.  These links represent companies and/or businesses that we feel would be of interest to our own customers and visitors to our blog so here goes:

• Tom Corbin:  Tom is a friend and an amazing artist and sculptor.  A visit to his site is certain to inspire and you will be hard pressed to choose a favorite piece.  Tom also has a fun and interesting relationship with the movie and TV industry that you might find intriguing.
• Egg & Dart Ltd.:  We have had a long and satisfying relationship with Egg & Dart Ltd and are so impressed with their great website and enjoy their facebook page.
• Universal Building Materials (UBM):  Our collaboration with Porta resulted in our products being beautifully displayed in the new Porta showroom in Saudi Arabia.
• Folger & Burt:  Another one of our favorite showrooms, Folger & Burt have created a beautiful display board in their San Francisco showroom that highlights so many of our bespoke door hardware products.
• The Rescue Train:  A wonderful organization in Los Angeles that rescues pit bulls and other dog breeds and finds them new and loving homes.

We hope you have taken the time to visit these links and discover for yourself the wonderful products they offer.  Do you  have favorite links?

To view our entire collection of custom hardware please stop by our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Mix and match your hardware metals

Well we have returned from Las Vegas with both our pocketbook and our sanity in tact.  While our Morphic door pull did not win the Best New Product contest we do thank all of you who voted for it and also a big thank you to those of you who stopped by the booth to enjoy some of our new products as well as some of our favorites.  You can find out who won the 10 butterfly pulls we were giving away on this post. One of the new products we enjoyed debuting at the HD Expo was our classic Ergo collection now available in a warmer oil rubbed bronze as well as the always popular stainless steel model.  The contemporary and sensuous lines of this collection of door hardware takes on a different personality through the use of different metals.  This use of various mediums allows this style to freely travel between not only commercial and residential projects but in contemporary and more traditional locations as well.

What do you think--do you have a favorite metal?  To view our complete collection of custom hardware please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com

Butterflies are free to the first ten visitors at the Martin Pierce Custom Hardware Booth!

We are very pleased to announce that we have winners of our custom butterfly pull.  These whimsical pulls were awarded to the first ten visitors to our booth #2153 at the HD Expo 2013.   The lucky butterfly owners are:

Anna Marie Chen, Luis Saenz and Marietta Navarro of Deco Accessories, who traveled all the way from Panama to attend the Expo and will be returning home with three of our desirable pulls.

The next two pulls flew home with Andrea Pileri and Claudia Baker, representing Baker Design Associates.

As word got out, more and more visitors visited the booth and the final five butterfly pulls were awarded to:

Lana Lunsky of Global Traders, David Balunda from the Lone Star state of Texas and representing Dabcon Hospitality, Don Sharp of Sharp Designs in Irvine, California, Diana Kouzouian representing her own custom cabinetry firm, and Herc Alcatraz of Alcatraz Consulting.

We hope all of our winners enjoy their custom pull.  Please be sure and stop by our booth to view other products for your hospitality projects, offered by Martin Pierce Custom Hardware.  We would love to meet you.