Shining Light On 2020 by Taking Stock Of Interesting Hardware Pieces

The end of the year means we literally must take stock of all our products and this in turn hopefully gives us a clue as to what to focus on in 2020. This necessary accounting nightmare does have a silver lining and counting turn pieces, door levers, roses and back-plates is almost a therapeutic chore akin to clearing out the hall closet. What we found in so doing was quite an assortment of odd items that we rarely make which I thought I would share with you to see if you could spot their function.
Take the picture below and hazard a guess as to its use.
The length of the willow sprig provides the clue to its function as a window lever used for a custom residence to open and lock a window which was situated high at arm’s length reach.

Willow Window Lever

The size of the lever below and the child sized back plate do not help identify this piece as a lever and escutcheon for a lift and slide locking window which we first came across in Venice and which was ordered recently for a San Francisco residence.
The slim back-plate and the position of the lever to hardware buffs should make this trim’s use for a multi-point door obvious. For those not familiar with multi- point locks they are frequently used on French doors and tall doors to latch the door into the frame at several points and thereby provide added security. The multi-point lock runs the full length of the door and the lever’s acts to release bolts into both the header and sill of the door and to lock the door in place.

Willow Multi-point trim for French Doors Willow Trim for Lift and Slide Window

The pieces below may look like head wear or fashion accessories, but they are very small 2” castings used to secure the top and bottom of a sliding willow bolt used in a similar way to the multi-point above but decidedly less mechanical in function.

Hospitality design trends for 2013

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend that included time spent with family and friends as well as some bargain hunting if you were so inclined.  Now it's back to work....

The hospitality design industry is on a never ending quest to determine what their discriminating clients and guest are seeking and then figure out how to deliver it to them.  This process can be tricky as the goal is to provide all the amenities necessary for guests and create a memorable experience, all the while maintaining individual brand identity.

Guests of boutique or upscale hotels are always looking for a unique experience that provides all the comforts of home while they are far from home, either on business or visiting for pleasure.  There are several ways hospitality designers can create an environment that insures and enhances this experience and still meet the needs of the corporate parent as well.

• Spa like bathrooms offer a respite from the harsh realities of daily life and business and "spoil" the guests with items such as large soaking tubs, exquisite linens and luxurious bath products at their fingertips.
• Inviting and comfortable lobbies that not only create a positive first impression but also provide a gathering spot for guests during their stay.
• Consumers continue to be interested in seeing that businesses they support maintain an energy efficient and even an eco-friendly environment.
• The use of local craftsman and artists' work in the design of a hotel will enhance the experience of guests.  Large  photos of the surrounding areas or sculptures and artifacts that celebrate local cultures are just one of the many ways hotels are able to introduce their clients to the area.
• Small details like custom door and window hardware, hand-made furniture, high quality linens and personalized items that meet a guest's individual needs will set your hotel apart from your competitor.
• Many hotels are looking to attract local "staycationers" who do not want to roam far from home but are looking for a pleasant getaway.  Design that, again, celebrates the local countryside and/or culture will provide a romantic anniversary getaway or make a family reunion more memorable.

To view our complete  line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.