Iris travels to Paso Robles

We recently traveled to Paso Robles to visit friends and tour the wineries (more on that later) and Iris was able to join us on this trip. It has been said many times before but Iris literally springs to life and is charged by the smells and sounds of the countryside.  While all dogs are different, our experience has been that all of the dogs we have owned over the years have shown a different side to themselves when they leave their city persona behind and hoof it uphill in pursuit of real or imaginary prey. With Iris her eyes almost pop and, if her tail were not a mere stump, it would be pointed sky high as she becomes absorbed in her "new" surroundings.

Unfortunately it is not always possible for Iris to join us on our weekend getaways but when she does there is no doubt that she enjoys every single moment of life outside the city.

When I look at this photo I am struck by how well Martin captured her features in the bust he recently created for our personal enjoyment.  Can you see the resemblance?

How about your dog or pet--do they accompany you on vacation?

To view the entire collection of architectural hardware by Martin Pierce, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90016

323 939 5929

Recycling and a new use for old wood

The concept of recycling is certainly nothing new.  In fact, the idea of reusing products actually dates back to ancient times but we are more familiar with this process as recently as World War I when rationing and recycling metal, for example, was necessary to our survival.  However, during the 1960's and 70's as we became more aware of the impact certain activities and products had on the environment, it was "trendy" to be environmentally conscious, as it were.  Labeled "The Green Movement", industry and individuals began to search for ways to live that would decrease the impact our existence has on the earth and the motto "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" was born.

Designers, architects and retailers in the hospitality design world have a unique opportunity to make a difference by applying this motto to their own projects.  For example, one of the many trends that made an appearance at this year's HD Expo was the use of reclaimed wood.

Strolling through the exhibitor's hall we saw reclaimed wood used in many creative ways both in the products being shown and in the construction of the display booth itself.  One would expect a company like Urban Evolutions  to utilize reclaimed products in their own designs and they did not disappoint.  Their booth and the furniture located inside the booth were all constructed from reclaimed products, giving everything a unique and environmentally friendly look that is so appealing.

Here at Martin Pierce Hardware we do everything possible to produce our products in an eco-friendly manner and are happy to see that so many of our fellow hospitality industry partners do the same.

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

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90016

323 939 5929

Biophilia and interior design

One of the true highlights of the 2015 HD Expo this year was the time we spent and the very enlightening conversation we had with artist Ted Morrison.  A visit to his website will be worth your time. Ted introduced us to the concept of biophilia, defined by Wikipedia as:

“means "love of life or living systems." It was first used by Erich Fromm to describe a psychological orientation of being attracted to all that is alive and vital.^[3] Wilson uses the term in the same sense when he suggests that biophilia describes "the connections that human beings subconsciously seek with the rest of life.” He proposed the possibility that the deep affiliations humans have with other life forms and nature as a whole are rooted in our biology. Unlike phobias, which are the aversions and fears that people have of things in the natural world, philias are the attractions and positive feelings that people have toward organisms, species, habitats, processes and objects in their natural surroundings.

This is such an interesting concept especially in the way it pertains to the arts.  This idea can certainly guide and inspire future designs as we begin to better understand the way our clients are drawn to the "things" that appear in their natural surroundings including plants, creatures, animal and insect habitats etc.  In truth, Martin has always been interested in studying the habitats of the subjects of some of his designs and we have shared some of our trips to the local mountains to locate these habitats with you.

During the Expo Ted attended a round table seminar where designers and show attendees discussed how, on its simplest level, biophilia offers an explanation as to why curved and fluid shapes are more pleasing to people and more relaxing, if you will, than straight- edged pieces.  He returned to our booth after the lecture and commented that we must be “ahead of the curve” as the Morphic and Ergo designs were inherently “biophiliac designs”. While the compliment was well received, both Martin and I pay tribute to the Art Nouveau movement for much of our design inspiration and think this  period was perhaps the most biophiliac movement we have seen in centuries.

One of our new designs attracted a lot of attention at the HD Expo, our new Dragon Egg sconce, and with its membrane like cutout pattern certainly falls into the biophiliac category.

To view these items as well as our entire collection of architectural hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90016

323 939 5929

Recipients of our 2015 HD Expo giveaway

We were thrilled to be able to hand out ten orchid knobs to the first ten visitors to our booth at the 2015 HD Expo.  Some of the recipients included:

• Enrqiue Crespo of CASA NOVA DESIGN GROUP
• Michael Nicola of Makram inc.
• Deborah Mayne of CHARLES RAMM ASSOC INC

This beautifully detailed silver plated knob can be used on a desk, cabinet or file box as a reminder of their visit to this year's Expo.

Floral inspired custom hardware will enhance many different hospitality and residential projects including spas, hotels, particularly those located in a tropical or warm locale, retail establishments and vacation homes.  Along with the orchid knob, our Flora collection features daisies, trumpet flowers, vine and leaves or you can opt for custom designed hardware that will be unique to your project and celebrate special qualities, brand etc.

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

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90016

323 939 5929

next post

discuss biophilia and also some of the winners of the orchid pull

Memories from the 2015 HD Expo

Unlike many who leave Las Vegas, we did return home from the 2015 HD Expo with our bank account intact. We also returned home with a pocketful of memories.

I had an opportunity to have a very interesting conversation with photographer Ted Morrison on a concept called biophilia and how it is used in design. I will share some of those details in a later post.  In the meantime, some of Ted's work can be seen by visiting his website at www.tedmorrison.com.

Coincidentally, one of the items that attracted a lot of attention during the HD Expo was our Morphic cylindrical pull with a striking blue hot patina color added that we feel falls into the biophilia design category.  Or maybe it is just further proof that blue remains a universally popular color!

To view other Morphic pieces or our entire collection of architectural hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

The release of our new wall sconces was timely as we continued to see open work designs both nature inspired and organic throughout the floor.  In support of this, our dragon egg sconce enhanced with green lighting also received quite a bit of attention.

Designers can view all of these items with a visit to the showroom located at 5433 W. Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA  90016

323 939 5929

Making friends and spotting trends at the 2015 HD Expo

After a very interesting and successful opening day at the 2015 HD Expo we are looking forward to today. We discovered several trends as we toured the floor but the one that caught our eye was the presence of stylized nature inspired designs and shapes  similar to those found in our new Dragon Egg wall sconce.  Open work designs were spotted in ceiling fixtures, lamp shades, floor screens and room dividers.  Take a look at these room dividers and wall panels from artlinegroup.com.

We also spotted several interesting lighting fixtures including this unique, contemporary table lamp by Van Teal, Inc that, when lit, casts such as interesting pattern onto the wall.

Be sure to stop by our booth #2277 and see some of our products that celebrate this trend, including our new and VERY interesting Dragon Egg wall sconce.  Game of Throne fans will be delighted, we are sure!

You can view our entire collection including architectural  hardware, furniture and, most recently, wall sconces on our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit our showroom located at 5433 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, Ca  90016

323 939 5929

The doors are open at the 2015 HD Expo

We are all set-up and ready to welcome the thousands of hospitality professionals that crowd the halls of this annual event.  Along with over 900 other exhibitors you can locate us in the Exhibitor's Hall in booth #2277.  As you can see from the photo, we have brought along many of your perennial favorites such as the Iguana entry pull, but we are also debuting several new products including our new wall sconces

and our Morphic door pull enhanced with LED lighting.  Please stop by early and claim your very own orchid knob that will be awarded to the first ten visitors to our booth.

You can view our entire collection of architectural hardware by visiting our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

323 939 5929

HD Expo 2015---We're here!!!

Finally, after all of the preparation, we have arrived at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas Nevada to exhibit at the 2015 HD Expo.  You can find us in booth #2277 in the exhibitor's hall which is open from 9:30-5:00 each day of the conference.

It is a flurry of activity here in the Exhibitors hall, as you can see by this photo.

I love the dramatic impact our backdrop showcasing our new LED entry door pull has on the space.

We are excited to be here and experience our 5th Expo and look forward to reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.

Remember that the first TEN visitors to our booth #2277 will receive, as our gift, one of our silver plated orchid knobs.  These are miniature works of art that you can install on a desk or cabinet and enjoy for years to come.

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

Designers can tour our showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90016

323 939 5929

Game of Thrones inspired wall sconce

Game of Thrones fans will love this new wall sconce inspired by the mythical creatures on the show.

Martin and I are both avid viewers of this series and while the show may have its critics, we both really enjoy the fantasy world that has been created.  In particular, we love the dragons.  We have watched them from their immersion as eggs into the pit of a fire in order to hatch to their development into powerful and lethal fiery predators.

The sconce was inspired by those eggs and features a gourd-like shape similar to our new floral wall sconce.  In the case of the dragon egg sconce, Martin carved out sections to give it the feeling of membrane and coral.

We will be introducing this new Dragon Egg sconce at the upcoming 2015 HD Expo being held at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Nevada beginning on May 13th and continuing through May 15th.  You can see this stunning light fixture in person by visiting our booth #2277 located in the Exhibitors Hall.

We feel we have created something very different and fittingly organic in design with this wall light which measures:

5" in Diameter

7" in depth from wall to outer edge

17" in height

and will be available in steel, as shown, or in bronze.

And don't forget that the first ten visitors to our booth will receive one of our orchid knobs as our way of saying "Nice to meet you."

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

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

323 939 5929

Trends blossom at High Point Market

The semi-annual Market at High Point North Carolina just closed, much to the delight of the aching feet of over 75000 designers and other professionals who attend. Fortunately for those of us who are not able to attend this spectacle, there are plenty of "style spotters" who share the new trends that we can expect to see in the near future. Along with plenty of mixed metals, Pantone's color of the year and the resurgence of brass accents, one other trend that stood out was the use of  nature inspired accents on furniture.  Tree branches wound their way across the front of a buffet, wood grain took center stage on case goods and botanical and garden motifs were visible in all forms from textiles to hand-painted designs to the metal floral sculptures of Tommy Mitchell.  Here is just a sampling of what was debuted at the Spring Market:

The beauty of nature is nothing new at Martin Pierce Hardware.  In fact, some of our most popular hardware designs were inspired by our natural surroundings and we have discussed that often on this blog.  One of our very first collections is the Hedgerow collection, inspired by the shrubs and greenery in our small hometown in England.  This unique design is available on both hardware and custom furniture pieces.  Here you can see the Hedgerow chair being used in the Four Seasons Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and it fits in so nicely with the beautiful and mountainous surroundings.

Included in this custom furniture line are beds, dressers, dining chairs and other case goods.  You can view our entire custom furniture collection by visiting our furniture site.

For more nature inspired architectural hardware collections, please visit www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

323 939 5929

2015 HD Expo update

We are just a few short weeks away from opening day of the 2015 HD Expo where we will be exhibiting in booth #2277.  We will be debuting several new items including our first foray into wall lighting with our floral wall sconce.  You can learn more about this new piece here.

We are very excited to hear your comments on this beautiful piece.  We will also be debuting the new Morphic entry door pull enhanced with LED lighting.

Not only does the lighting offer a beacon, of sorts, to the entry of a building but the soft glow is unique and inviting.  Plus, additional lighting at the entry of any building is always a good safety tool.

And keep in mind that the first ten visitors to our booth will receive one of our orchid knobs. This little gem is sure to add a touch of elegance to a desk drawer or storage cabinet in your home or office.

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

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

323 939 5929

Light up your walls with our new floral sconce

There is no reason wall lighting needs to be strictly functional or have a utilitarian appearance.  We believe that wall hung lanterns can be stylish and beautiful while providing ambient or task lighting. Our new floral sconce meets all this criteria.  It will certainly cast a warm glow throughout the room and is just as beautiful during the day as it is in the evening when the bulb shines through.

The openwork design of this wall sconce was inspired in large part by our trip to  Granada. last year.  It consists of a series of interlocking leaves similar to a type of plant  we saw quite often as a garden shrub in the Albayzin  quarter of Granada.  The sconce also has a Moorish quality particularly in the cap of the lamp, inspired, no doubt, on some subliminal level by our visit to the Alhambra.

It is lit with a small LED light that casts intriguing shadows on the wall.  We will be moving on to the task of NRTL ( Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories) approval within the next few months.

The Floral lamp measures:

Diameter 5"

Depth 7" from wall to Outer edge

Height 16  1/2"

and will be available in bronze as shown and also in steel.

We will be debuting this wall sconce at the upcoming 2015 HD Expo so be sure and stop by our booth #2277 for an in-depth look at this stunning light fixture.

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

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90016

323 939 5929

Revisiting 3D printers

As it is in most businesses, research and development plays a big role in the process of creating custom hardware that is not only functional and attractive but is in keeping with the times, so to speak. Today's "times" is all about technology.  For example, how do we create a door handle that is unique in design while still allowing one to enter a building and, at the same time, meets the needs of those with physical challenges and employs new technology like LED lighting for safety.  Technology like 3D printers, for example, can certainly make this task faster and easier.

In February we attended the 3D Printer World Expo here in Los Angeles.  You can read all about our visit in our blog post here.  We continue to investigate whether the cost of such a printer is worth it for our business and here are some of our questions:

•  While a cylinder 16” long with an outside wall of 1.6” and inside wall of 1.5” is not difficult to create a 3D file for, how do I get the organic holes cut in a piece like our Morphic design? Originally Martin cut these out on a scroll saw and then, to create a softer hole, refined and softened each hole by hand using files and different grades of sandpaper.

• 

• Can the 3D scanner simply scan the existing pattern and then increase the  overall image  by 5%?  Not as easy as one thinks.  Since this design is a hollow cylinder it is difficult for the scanner to read the depth of each hole.
• Can the scanner read the holes if we insert a piece of white paper inside the cylinder thus showing the depth of each hole?
• Would it give us a better new pattern if we simply traced the holes from the existing pattern onto a piece of flat paper, scanned the tracing to create another 3D file which could be superimposed onto the 3D cylinder file?  We would then have to go in and for each hole define the depth and softness.  Would this take too much programming time and thus not be cost effective?

I have described this at length so that you can get an idea of how time consuming and costly it is to develop any new product.  This can be risky,  especially if you do not know whether you even have a market for it.  The process of costing a new product really forces you to hone your designs at the early stages.

This takes me full circle to saying that we thoroughly enjoy what we do and find the challenge of making this all work a lot of fun.

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

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

323 939 5929

Ten helpful tips for trade show exhibitors

This year marks our 5th journey to the HD Expo and, along the way,  we have learned a great deal about selecting products to display, creating a pleasing display and learning to transport and set up a booth ourselves.  Last year we shared a checklist that works for us and are wondering if this checklist also works for other exhibitors.  Here is a "replay" of last years blog post:

1. Select the size and type of booth you will be renting.  Will it be a corner booth, how close to the entrance is it, are there complimentary exhibitors nearby etc?
2. Decide which pieces you will be debuting and which signature pieces to take
3. Design and make the plinths and mock-up doors that will display your pieces
4. Design the fabric banners that will separate and enclose your booth
5. Decide how much to spend promoting your booth at the show. This is in one of the most expensive aspects of the show as it involves upgrading your listing on the official website by adding images that can be showcased on the site; enhancing your appearance in the official Show Guide with a full page or half page advert; promoting attendance at your booth by means of a physical postcard mailing etc.
6. Arrange transportation for both you and your products.  Fortunately for us we are within driving distance so we rent a van and drive to the show 2 days before the show begins.  This allows us plenty of time to set up the booth.
7. Book accommodations – we always rent a self-contained flat so we can have our breakfast and dinner in a quiet and calm environment.
8. Rent a lead retrieval system so that you can scan and record details about people visiting your booth
9. Rent necessary chairs and tables from the show administrators
10. On arrival find out where you need to unload your van and if you are able to use the “caddie” system to get your products to your booth. This is very effective as you literally pay the staff by the trip to move your pieces on a small electronic cart. If you have larger displays then you will have to crate your goods, organize a shipping company and hope that nothing gets damaged. You also will have to pay substantially for what is known as “material handling” which is the cost of getting your crate delivered to your booth. We have been down this road before and as a result re-designed our booth to easily “break down” into easily manageable components.

While we will follow the same process this year our booth numbert, #2277, is different as well as our giveaway product.  The first ten visitors to our booth at this year's Expo will receive one of our silver-plated orchid cabinet knobs.  This exquisite depiction of this romantic flower is certainly a work of art that you can enjoy however you choose to use it in your home or office.

We  look forward to meeting you and discussing your upcoming hospitality design projects hardware needs and we know you will enjoy viewing some of our new products that will be making their debut.

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

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90016

323 939 5929

The changing seasons at Martin Pierce Hardware

All anyone needs to do is step outside and take a deep breath to know that springtime has finally arrived (and summer is just around the corner).  Here in Los Angeles that means there is a slight chill in the air that burns off with the morning clouds and moves into a sunny and mild afternoon before the evening clouds roll in.  Purple Jacaranda trees line the freeways and orange and yellow poppies are in bloom.

Design professionals know how to capture the feeling of spring year-round through the use of beautiful fabrics, artwork and custom details that include bespoke hardware.  Here at Martin Pierce Hardware we  also celebrate this season with custom hardware collections that will add a permanent touch of spring to your next hospitality or residential project. Birds and bees and butterflies can be found in our Animal collection while a garden full of floral designs are featured in the Flora collection.

If you are looking for some design inspiration or just desiring an afternoon surrounded by beautiful flowers there are many spots in the Los Angeles area:

• The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens.  We have posted about this amazing site many times on this blog and it is definitely worth the drive.
• The Getty Center offers more than a world-famous collection of art.  Their gardens and walkways are a work of art themselves and offer you a respite from the long days spent in the museum.
• If tropical and unusual plants are more to your liking then be sure and check out the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens located on the UCLA campus.

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

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90016

323 939 5929

HD Expo 2015 will be here before you know it.

It is hard to believe that the 2015 HD Expo is just a mere 5 weeks away.  The conference runs from May 13-15th but, as exhibitors, we arrive to set up our booth the day before and then de-construct the booth once the conference is over. As they state on their webpage, "HD Expo is the premier trade show and hospitality conference for its industry. Established in 1992 and presented by Hospitality Design magazine, it remains at the forefront by offering the newest and most innovative products and services, encouraging and sharing ideas, providing inspiration and connecting hospitality professionals..."

Our booth is #2277 and is definitely worth a visit.  We will be debuting several new pieces including our new wall sconces and our highly anticipated LED door handle from the Morphic collection.

We will also be awarding to the first ten visitors to our booth one of our orchid cabinet pulls from the Flora collection.  This beautiful pull is an excellent illustration of the attention Martin pays to details that actually turn it into a functional little piece of art.

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware, including the Morphic and Flora collections, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at 5433 W. Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA  90016

(323) 939-5929

April showers bring metal May flowers

The beautiful blooming cherry blossoms shown above are certainly inspirational, as is most of nature.  And, as with other artists, designers and architects, Martin looks to nature for new ideas when designing new hardware pieces or venturing into new territory as he did with our soon to be debuted wall sconces.

We recently shared with you a photo of our new candlesticks that we will be debuting at the upcoming 2015 HD Expo.  In doing some research we have discovered that metallic floral depictions in the form of sculpture and artwork are a great way to introduce a touch of springtime to your interior design projects without the requirement of watering, pruning, fertilizing etc.

Along with out own beautiful floral inspired candleholder

you can also add the beauty of flowers with items like:

or this amazing display framed in acrylic boxes by well-known artist Tommy Mitchell

To view our Flora custom hardware, along with our entire collection, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit our showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90016

(323) 939-5929

Baha Mar Resort features bespoke Martin Pierce Hardware

Two minds are greater than one is often the case, as it was with our collaboration with Mike Hong of MHA on the hardware pieces for the new Baha Mar Resort in what is being called the Riviera of the Carribbean, the Bahamas. Mike is the design director for Baha Mar.  Sea themes provided the inspiration to adaptations made to our Morphic collection but he added the scrolled mollusk ends and a unique color that took the piece to a new level. The entire piece was cast in stainless steel, using a high percentage of recycled metal, and we added the stunning custom blue interior that reflects the resorts marine blue brand color.

This is the press release that was sent out:

PRESS RELEASE FOR SERPENTINE CUSTOM HANDLE FOR BAHA MAR PROJECT

The Serpentine Blue handles were designed by Martin Pierce in collaboration with Mike Hong of MHA

and will be one of several handle styles made by Martin Pierce that will be showcased this year at the

opening of the Baha Mar luxury resort.

Mike Hong, the design director for Baha Mar added a fittingly marine spin to Pierce’s Morphic design by

incorporating mollusk ends and by highlighting the interior with the resorts marine blue brand color.

The handles are cast in stainless steel and will be one of the highlights to the common areas of this

luxury resort.

For more details please contact:

Anne Pierce

and this is the custom hardware that can be found throughout the resort:

The pink coloration added a bit of fun and also tied in with the pink color that is being used on other surfaces throughout the resort:

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

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90016

(323) 939-5929

Art inspired by nature come together in a beautiful rug

You are probably familiar wit the old riddle "What came first, the chicken or the egg?" Well, a few days ago I shared a photo I had taken with my iPhone of two sphinx moths mating under the light on my front porch.  I referenced the amazing pattern displayed on their wings and how it provided inspiration throughout the years for many forms of art including Native American rugs and pottery. Lo and behold, I recently ran across this photo of a beautiful home in Aspen designed by Tracery Interiors and was amazed by the resemblance in the rug pattern to the open wings of the moths.  So which came first...the moth or the rug?

To view the entire collection of architectural hardware, including our moth pull in our Animal collection, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can stop by our showroom located at:

5433 W Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90016

323 939 5929