2014 HD Expo---just seventy days away

We are continuing to countdown to the 2014 HD Expo and our trip to Las Vegas.  When we registered in January, May seemed a long way away.  But we now realize that we have just a bit over two months to pull our booth together!! This will be our third year in attendance and every year brings new relationships and contacts as well as the opportunity to reconnect with many of you who have attended and/or exhibited in the past.

As is our tradition, we are offering a fun giveaway to the first ten visitors to our booth #4659.  Each of those early visitors will receive one of our scarab beetle or dragonfly drawer pulls!

These finely detailed pieces of drawer hardware will add beauty to any application you choose i.e. a desk drawer, a cabinet door, a small box or simply as an objet d'art to enjoy.

Be sure to come by and say hello and view our collection of custom architectural hardware as well as some surprises we have in store.

Green design trends for 2014

Architects, designers and builders all have a responsibility to their clients to create an environment that is healthy and safe, all the while preserving natural resources, air quality and the surrounding community.  The design community has done a good job of following the three "R's" of the "movement" --renew, reuse, recycle, as well as attempting to use local suppliers and reducing the use of toxic materials, all with an eye on preserving Mother Earth.

However, while the "green" movement is hardly new, it is a topic that is ever-changing and should be discussed on a regular basis as we have done in posts here and here.  Currently, global warming and changing weather patterns have many developers and designers trying to find ways to harness the'earth's natural resources in an efficient manner without depleting the diminishing supply.  On the horizon:

• Automated systems that result in energy efficiency.  The future will see many "cloud based" systems for the ultimate in energy and cost savings.
• Solar power will continue to gain popularity in both commercial and residential buildings.  Tax breaks, grants and other funding will make these systems more attainable for small builders and homeowners.
• Zero net energy is the new buzz word.  Simply put, it means a building uses as much energy as it creates through on-site renewable resources.  While usually still dependent on the electrical grid, these buildings harvest solar and wind power and reduce usage of the electrical grid through highly efficient HVAC systems, for example.
• We can dim the lights and design automobiles that use less gasoline but we cannot live without fresh water and those resources are certainly being affected by the changing weather patterns.  Engineers and scientists have their plates full as they try to come up with ways to reduce the damage to the atmosphere that has resulted in the change in weather, along with methods that eliminate waste and are more efficient.
• LEED consideration will extend to the "greening" of existing buildings.  Owners will be charged with the removal of dangerous products but also required to disclose any dangerous chemicals and products on site, along with any green methods put into place to correct the problem(s).

A combination of carefully considered design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but is safe for occupants and visitors in public buildings, considerate of special needs of those who might be physically challenged as well as an aging population and is sensitive to the need to conserve energy and preserve natural resources will result in buildings and rooms that will leave a positive mark on the community.

We do our best to recycle products, dispose of waste and conserve whenever possible.  To view our entire collection of architectural hardware and custom furniture, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Southern California rains bring desert wildflowers to life

It is no secret that, along with other west coast states, California has been suffering from a serious drought for quite some time and the unusually warm winter certainly did not help matters.  But we woke up this morning to the sound of rain on the roof and wet sidewalks-- with the promise of more to come this weekend! While this rain was so necessary for all the obvious reasons, it will also result in some pretty amazing changes in the local mountains and deserts and provide much inspiration for artists such as ourselves.  Residents and visitors alike look forward to the transformation of the desert from dull brown hills and plains to a rainbow of wildflowers in full bloom.  You can follow this transformation and plan a day trip via the information provided by DesertUSA.com.

Our state flower, the California poppy, covers the hills in spectacular shades of orange, yellow and red.

Yellow blooms merge with purple that merge with blue and red to create a carpet of color in the early spring months.  It will not be long before these desert areas are brown and arid once again but, for a brief moment, this harsh landscape becomes a candy coated dream.

If your home or hospitality project would benefit from the beauty of custom floral knobs, pulls and levers, or if you would like to view our entire collection of architectural hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com

Join us at the 2014 HD Expo

My how time flies!  We are less than 90 days away from this year's HD Expo, held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.  We have been excited to watch the anticipation grow as vendors post information about their new products and expectations for the event on the HD Expo facebook page. We will debuting a couple of new pieces of custom hardware including our Morphic cylindrical door handle imbedded with LED lighting.  Imagine how the addition of this lighting can enhance your hospitality projects by not only improving the appearance of the facility but also the safety of it's occupants.

And don't forget---the first ten visitors to our booth #4659 will receive one of our scarab beetle or dragonfly drawer pulls.  These miniature works of art will add beauty and luxury to your desk drawer and make you the envy of everyone in the office.

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

Design inspiration from Mother Nature

Mother Nature has certainly given us all a lesson with this year's extraordinary weather throughout the world.  Unprecedented snowstorms and below freezing temperatures have hit the eastern portion of the United States while unseasonably warm weather has wreaked havoc with winter sports at the Olympics in Sochi, Russia.  But, along with unusual weather patterns, she also provides us with extraordinary inspiration for color combinations, sculpture and other forms of artwork and design.

We often talk about how nature inspires Martin's designs.  For example, our popular Hedgerow  furniture and architectural hardware collections were inspired by the trees and shrubs found in our native England.  Our Ascot series of custom furniture features beautiful patterns of leaves and vines using the ancient japanning technique of inlay.  We offer many custom hardware pieces inspired by insects and other living creatures and Martin is currently working on new paintings that include one of his favorite subjects, the beetle.

If you are searching for design inspiration for a project, it might be a simple as taking a walk in the park, a hike in your local mountains or just open your own back door to come up with the perfect jumping off point for your color, hardware and textile selections.

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

Corrected HD Expo booth number for Martin Pierce

Ooops...my bad.  We have decided to occupy a larger booth at the upcoming HD Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada and our booth number has been changed to #4659 from the previously mentioned #4756.

We look forward to seeing all of you at the Expo where we will debut several new pieces as well as share some of our more popular collections of custom hardware.

How do you feel about free stuff?

When we say free, we mean absolutely free.  And while our hand-cast, custom hardware items hardly fall into the category of "stuff" we are offering a giveaway this May.  All you have to do is stop by our booth #4659 at the 2014 HD Expo and say hello.  The first ten visitors will receive one of the following: One of our medium sized scarab drawer pulls.  These creatures have an interesting and mystical history behind them that will add a touch of the exotic to your desk, closet or anywhere you decide to use this beautiful hardware.

For those who prefer a touch of springtime, our beautifully detailed dragonfly pull will add a piece of the garden to a writing desk or a hint of whimsy to the powder room.

First come, first served and we look forward to visiting with all of you.

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

2014 design trends for the hospitality industry

As we familiarize ourselves with all the aspects of LED lighting, it will offer many opportunities for the innovative designer or architect to introduce it into their designs.

Bellacor Lighting recently discussed upcoming trends specific to the hospitality industry: "Interior design trends this year are influenced by the sometimes dueling forces of technology and nostalgia. On the one hand, technologies like LED's are influencing not only how lighting works within a space but also how it can look and where it can be utilized. Meanwhile, our longing for simpler times is creating a demand for mid-century modern design as well as simpler lines, natural materials and calming textures." These ideas will influence which products manufacturers place on the market including textiles, lighting, hardware and case goods.

Here at Martin Pierce Hardware we are in the process of developing a door pull with LED lighting embedded in the handle.  Our Morphic cylindrical door pull is the perfect candidate for this new technology as the cutouts that are part of the design offer a natural spot for the lights to shine through.   Our plan is to debut this innovative custom hardware at the 2014 HD Expo in May.  Please stop by our booth #4756 and see if this unique design will fit into your current projects.

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware, visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Where to find us at the 2014 HD Expo

We recently shared with you our excitement about attending the 2014 HD Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas Nevada.  We will setup residence in the exhibit hall and can be found in booth #4659.

Many of you have visited our booth at past events to view our custom hardware as well as see new products being debuted at the Expo.  This year will be no different as we will be debuting several new pieces.  We are particularly excited to share our new Morphic cylindrical door pull complete with LED lighting in the handle.  Not only will this make it easy to locate the door handle in a hotel, spa, nursing home or retirement facility for your hospitality clients, it is sure to cast a beautiful shadow due to the cutout pattern of the Morphic design.

So be sure and stop by our booth #4659 to introduce yourself, say hello and see what we have in store for 2014.

How the study of insects can result in fantasy artwork

In order to paint, carve, sculpt or otherwise create a representation of something, research is necessary.  Imagine the difficulty of this research if your subject matter is an insect! We recently shared with you Martin's love of insects as a subject matter and his desire to pursue that more in the coming year.  This requires us to come up with ways to make the study of these creatures easier.  We have tried to grow our own-with no success-and importing them from overseas is prohibited as many are protected. We do, however, get many dead specimens from an amazing company, Bioquip, in Rancho Dominguez California.  To the entomologist, whether he be a hobbyist or professional, Bioquip is a bit like visiting Disneyland minus the crowds. One could spend hours there as the scale of their collection is simply breath taking,  The staff, not surprisingly,  have a keen concern for preservation and a deep connection with their subject and it shows both in their incredible expertise and their passion for bugs.

We have also photographed their habitat on visits to the local mountains hoping this information will lend realism to his paintings and sculptures.  And we have visited the local natural history museums for an in-depth look at the real thing.

Martin’s particular favorite beetle group (no pun intended) are those that form the stag group or lucanidae. There are many different  types of stag beetle that range in size and color but all  males have  distinctive antler like  mandibles that are used in display and in toppling other rival males.  They quite literally will turn a competing male upside down.  As you can see from the photos these beetles have an armor plated look to them and indeed proportionate to their size are literally one of the strongest creatures on this planet.  While these photos may not be for the faint of heart they do help Martin in his quest for realism in his fantasy paintings and in his sculptures.  And you must admit their coloring is beautiful.

You can view many "specimens" from our Animal, Lizard and Netzuke collections of custom architectural hardware as well as our entire collection of unique and bespoke pieces by visiting our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Countdown to HD Expo 2014

The countdown for what has become an annual trip for us, the HD Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, has begun and is on our calendar again this year.  We look forward to making this trek, seeing old friends, making new friends and, most importantly, sharing some new products with those of you who attend the expo. The 2014 HD Expo will be held on May 14-16 at the Mandalay Bay convention hall. Visiting this beautiful venue is a good enough reason to attend this conference. But, as in years past, the exhibit hall will be full of hundreds of companies sharing their newest products that they hope will make your job as hospitality designers and architects much easier.  Products range from architectural hardware and other FF&E products to items designed to fill the needs of an aging population to the latest innovations in countertop and flooring material and everything in between.

Once we are assigned a booth number we will share that information with you in the hopes that you will stop by and say hello and view our amazing selection of custom hardware that will enhance your current projects.  We plan on debuting a few new items as well like our Morphic handle enhanced with LED lighting.

In the meantime, you can view our entire collection at our site www.martinpierce.com.

Chinese New Year 2014---Year of the Horse

Another Chinese new year is upon us and 2014 is the year of the horse.  The official new year begins with the arrival of the new moon on January 31, 2014 amid celebrations that include street festivals and art fairs so check your local community to see what is being offered.

In Chinese astrology a horse year is believed to bring good luck and good fortune amid a wild ride of financial fluctuations throughout the world.  Whew!  In reality, that does not seem much different than every other year but I certainly hope the good luck and good fortune hits all of us in the interior design world.

As our products enjoy a worldwide presence we are hoping that the international "financial fluctuations" are all positive.  Here is a list of spots where our custom architectural hardware pieces are currently being enjoyed:

Candy and Candy, located in London, England, chose to have many of our cabinet pulls silver plated for one of their residential clients.  Also in England, the musical group "The Prodigy" selected our Bee passageway sets from our Netzuke collection for their studios.

HOC Architecture and Interiors out of Valencia, Spain chose several of our Willow and Hedgerow sets to decorate various suites in a spanish villa.

A residential client in Switzerland enjoys our sycamore leaf pulls in her home while artist Bruna Arpea from Milan, Italy chose various insect and animal pulls for her bathroom.  We are able to enjoy her artwork as well as we have many of her pieces proudly on display in the dining room of our home.

The W hotel in Singapore, through The Rockwell Group, chose our pieces to use in the entry and other public areas of the hotel.  And we are currently working with Anna Marie Chen of Deco Locks in Panama to set up a showroom and introduce our work to Central America.

Other projects scattered in various spots around the world are in the works and when we are able, we will be excited to share that information with you.

If you would like to view any of the products mentioned above or see our entire collection of bespoke hardware please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.  And we hope that 2014, the year of the horse, brings good fortune and financial stability to all of us.

Come and see in person how your custom hardware items are made

We are so excited to open the doors of our small showroom in Los Angeles, California to designers and homeowners alike.  We recently released this invitation to hospitality, residential and contract designers who are searching for just the right FF&E items for their upcoming projects:

COME SEE OUR RICH VARIETY OF LOCALLY MADE DOOR HANDLES Martin Pierce trade only atelier of fine custom door handles can now be viewed by local design professionals in the Los Angeles area. As our showroom is small we ask that you call to make an appointment to see our work in person.

Martin Pierce Hardware is an ASID Industry partner and we design and manufacture our custom and semi-custom door hardware here in Los Angeles using the lost wax method. The styles we offer range from contemporary to transitional to arts and crafts yet our work is original. We welcome designers to come and see our work in person at our modest showroom but ask that you call ahead tomake an appointment.

We look forward to sharing many of our unique hardware designs as well as the very interesting and environmentally friendly process of the ancient lost wax method.

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware and custom furniture, to make an appointment, or to download a catalog,  please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Our holiday adventure in Idyllwild, Part two

As we mentioned in an earlier post, we decided to head to the local mountains of southern California for a quick holiday getaway and, of course, Iris joined us on this adventure.

Idyllwild is a lovely mountain community located just a little over 100 miles east of Los Angeles in the beautiful San Jacinto mountains.  It provides a quiet and peaceful escape from the traffic and noise of the city and offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing or simply enjoying the vista from one of the local restaurants or your own cabin.

We stayed in a rather luxurious 3 bedroom house/cabin with a fantastic fireplace.  We had expected others would be joining us, hence the large abode.  We found this rental through Quiet Creek Vacation.  It had a lovely view of Lily Rock one of the amazing “rocks” or mountains that form a focal point to the Idllywild vista.  We were also very close to Humber Park and thus to the very scenic Ernie Maxwell Trail which is a great 2.5 mile trail (one way) that passes through rocky terrain with great open skies and many different types of tree including the beautifully twisted Manzanitas to fresh smelling pines.  Sadly, the drought has made many of the trees susceptible to an invasive bark beetle that requires the trees be destroyed.  However, one of our goals for 2014 is to focus on Martin's art and he is currently developing ideas for a beetle painting so the nesting grounds that are created from the fallen leaves provided inspiration for texture and background for his paintings.  Something good comes from everything!

After a day of long walks we felt we deserved to eat at some of our  favorite spots including pasta at Cafe Aroma, a regular for us.  And, if you are lucky enough to be there on a Monday night you will get to hear local live jazz.  After our long walks we would often splurge and eat sticky buns and lemon mascarpone slices at Honey Bunns, delicious home made cooking at its best!

How did you spend your holiday break?

If you would like to view our entire collection of architectural hardware and bespoke furniture items, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com

Iris enjoys a trip to the local mountains

It has been quite some time since we shared any of our adventures with our beloved rescue dog, Iris.  But she did join us on our winter "escape" to the local mountains during the holidays and really seemed to enjoy the cooler weather and higher altitude of Idyllwild, California.

Iris is a canine of few barks.  In fact, she rarely barks; although on this occasion she would use the wrap around deck to issue the odd bark at a passing hiker.  How dare anyone pass on her trail!

She shows off her hiking skills in this photo of her easily and bravely crossing a log:

and in this photo where she has clearly picked up the scent of some local critter or, more likely, a delicious morsel of food.

Many of you may recall that we adopted Iris from a local rescue organization, The Rescue Train.  They have many dogs like Iris looking for new homes so if you are in or near the Los Angeles area and are looking to add a new member to your family, be sure to check them out.

You can also view our entire collection of custom architectural hardware at www.martinpierce.com.

Limited edition tallboy at home

Limited edition Ascot tallboy with japanning detail and custom interior shelves from Martin Pierce Custom Hardware

We recently wrote about how to choose between a custom or ready made piece of artwork or furniture.  We shared with you a bespoke version of our Ascot Tallboy designed for a client who wished to display and store their prized collection of 78 record albums and the vintage player.  Custom details included interior shelves and dividers cut to fit the record sleeves.

This limited edition piece is now in place and the client has graciously shared photos of it in use.

Martin Pierce Custom Hardware and furniture

The beautiful wood and japanning details really complement other pieces in the room and no one would guess that those doors hide plenty of convenient storage for easy access to the 78 LP's.  In my humble opinion, the perfect marriage between the old and the new.

If you would like to view other piece of custom furniture or our entire collection of custom architectural hardware,  please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

An exciting year ahead for Martin Pierce Custom Hardware

A new year always offers up the opportunity to sit back and review the past but to also look forward to what the next 12 months might bring.  Just six days into the new year and we already have plenty of things on our calendar guaranteed to keep us busy providing you with the perfect custom architectural hardware pieces for your upcoming projects.  Here is a little peak into our 2014 agenda:

• Let there be light!  We will be hoping to light up our Morphic cylindrical pull with small LED lights placed inside the cylinder, and debuting this amazing piece at the 2014 HD Expo in Las Vegas.  This new advancement will be so useful in nursing homes, hotels, and residences for not only the aging or impaired; but for anyone concerned about safety or for those looking to add something new and different to their project.
• We will also be releasing a new smaller Morphic pull in bronze and debuting this piece at the HD Expo as well.
• We will be very busy at the Expo this year introducing you to all these new products, including a new Ergo inspired lever that will function for a glass door. In  most cases, lever style hardware does not work on glass doors as the latch has to pass through the door but we are in the process of developing a surface mounted latch that will enhance the beauty of your glass doors.
• Martin will be developing more of his art pieces.  His paintings are fantasy pieces that depict imaginary insects with imaginary human figures and will be offered in limited edition prints or possibly giclees.  Martin will also be moving forward with fantasy insect sculptures in bronze that will be released as limited editions.  Very exciting!
• As mentioned above, we will be exhibiting at the 2014 HD Expo during the week of May 14-16th and will provide more information as to our location in the Exhibit Hall etc. in the coming weeks.  This will be our fourth visit to this convention and we are looking forward to seeing old friends and making new friends.

That is our year in a nutshell.  What does 2014 hold for you and your business?

If you would like to view our entire collection of custom architectural hardware and other products please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Merry Christmas from Martin Pierce Custom Hardware

We wish you and yours Happy Holidays in the language of our wonderful friends and clients from around the world-----, Joyeux Noel, Eid Melad Majeed , Frohe Weihnachten, God Jul, Kala Christouyenna and of course

                                                                      Merry Christmas!

A bit of olde England for your holiday table

The holidays are a time of year when well-loved traditions are enjoyed.  Since our family does not live nearby we get together with our group of friends and enjoy delicious food, beautiful music and a relaxed time that comes with knowing each other for many years.  I am here to assure you that plenty of merriment ensues. Music will mainly consist of old jigs with the odd classical piece that will be performed by our quintet.  I definitely need a boost before performing and that arrives in the form of  home made English sausage rolls that are made by Tina.  They are simply calorie heaven and a good stomach stabilizer that provides that boost.

The rest of this year's Christmas menu will consist of specific items that I have requested be made by specific people:

• Home made mince pieces of the meatless variety
• Home made Empanadas stuffed with a blend of ground beef, onions, chopped green olives, raisins and hardboiled eggs all seasoned with cumin and served with a hot tomato relish
• Ham with pineapple slices
• Bresaola with arugula courtesy of Lisa
• Spanakopita from Panos my favorite Greek friend
• Meat balls to die for made by Mary another wonderful Greek
• Kale salad home made by Cynthia
• Cheese plate from Nikki
• Croquembouche from Dawn that is simply amazing.  Learn more about this beautiful dessert by clicking on this link.
• Chocolate sundries from M'leigh
• Almond crackle homemade by Susan

and the piece de resistance, Raspberry trifle from Jacqui.  For the record, at our Christmas party I ask specific people to bring specific dishes as I am not a fan of waste and for me to insist upon Jacqui’s trifle speaks volumes as to how wonderful and naughty it is.

Jacqui uses Harvey's Bristol Cream sherry and she offers this helpful tip--do not buy the sherry too far in advance as there may  not be enough left when it comes time to make the trifle!  The recipe is simple, anyone can do it, and you can rest assured that there are never any leftovers.

Here is Jacqui’s  raspberry trifle recipe:

Ingredients:

Lady fingers

Raspberry jam

Fresh or frozen raspberries

Good sherry!

Raspberry jello

Jello pudding (I get 1 x lemon and 1 x vanilla then layer them)

Whole milk

Whipping cream

Process:

Spread the lady fingers with jam and place in the bottom of a trifle dish.

Make up the jello with 1 cup of  boiling water and then add 1 cup of sherry - set in the fridge.

Make up the jello pudding and layer on top - set in the fridge.

Whip up the cream and place on top.

Throw on some fresh raspberries or whatever decorations take your fancy.

Et voila!  A true English trifle that will delight your guests.

Bon appetit!

Scarabs in design

I have recently noticed the appearance of the scarab motif in both interior and fashion designs. This little creature has a fascinating history dating as far back as 2000 BC.  A scarab is actually just a beetle, a dung beetle at that.  It began as a religious symbol in ancient Egyptian culture and was thought to represent the early morning or rising sun.  It is associated with feelings of development and growth, among other things, and is found in hieroglyphics, amulets and other forms of jewelry, both ancient and new.  Large numbers of scarabs were carved from stone or other natural materials and the more valuable ones depict royalty in some form.

Interior designers are able to introduce this ancient symbol in many of their designs through the use of wallpaper, fabric and architectural hardware.  We offer amazingly detailed bespoke knobs and pulls in the form of scarabs that have been cast in bronze and will add that custom touch to any project whether it is a private residence or a commercial or public building.

Beautiful in its own right, this scarab beetle pull from Martin Pierce Hardware is certainly creepy as well.

London textile and wallpaper printer, Ivo, offers a scarab wallpaper in several colorways including the gold shown here.

Scarab motif fabric and wallpaper from Ivo

And for the woman who has everything, this exquisite scarab motif compact is available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Estee Lauder Beautiful Midnight Scarab Solid Perfume Compact

(clipped to

polyvore.com

)

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