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.

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

Martin Pierce Hardware has entered the building at HD Expo 2013

What would a trip to Las Vegas be without a reference to the King of Vegas, Elvis Presley?! But unlike Elvis, we have not left the building but, rather, entered it with a flourish as we begin to set up booth #2153 for the HD Expo 2013.

The rigors of going to a trade show such as the HD Expo as an exhibitor are more than offset by the helpfulness of the staff at the hotel (this year The Mandalay Bay) who identify with you as a fellow worker bee. Only too pleased to stand in the heat (and it is hot, a toasty 95 degrees as we speak) and hail a cab or keep you informed of new projects, including not one but 2 ferris wheels,  that are being planned for the Strip.  London only has one, The Eye, but Vegas is going to have two; not sure what that tells me but it was nice of the staff to share exciting new information with us.

The worst part of the show is trying to find your allotted booth space in the labyrinth of packing boxes, duct tape and a sea of bubble wrap.  It makes you wonder who can honestly call themselves "green" amidst this mess of non-recyclable items.  In our defense we wrapped our display pieces in remnants of fabric left over from some of our recent furniture orders; certainly green and has the added benefit of being much prettier to look at than normal packing materials. We will keep you posted on our activities this week and please do stop by the Innovation Pavilion and vote for our Morphic Cylindrical Pull as the Best New Product.

Martin Pierce Custom Hardware: The beauty is in the details

Have you ever entered a public building and been struck by the attention to detail in the design of the building?  For example, the city library features hardware that is an exact replica of early twentieth century hardware that celebrates the history of the city, building etc.  Perhaps an ordinary office building has added architectural molding to warm up the voluminous cold spaces that are common to modern buildings.  And it is a wise doctor or lawyer who pays attention to small details such as hardware, paint choices, artwork and other amenities when making design decisions for their offices.  These simple choices will certainly enhance their client or patient's visit. Designers and architects pay close attention to current design trends and the affect they have on the public when designing a corporate office or commercial building. For example, customized hardware that pays tribute to a brand or logo or the local culture is sure to be noticed by all who enter.  Color choices in fabrics and paint that elicit a specific mood the business is seeking will prepare every visitor for what lies ahead during their stay, meeting etc.

Here is a good example of how small details can enrich a space.  We were approached by  WATG Design Group (now known as Wimberly Interiors) to create door hardware for the St. Regis Hotel in Princeville on the island of Kauai Hawaii.  Great care was taken to honor and celebrate the native culture of the island and the natural beauty that surrounds it as evidenced by the Hawaiian door handles we created shown here on the entry doors.

We also adapted our popular hedgerow line and created a half round to be used as a robe hook in the guest rooms.

Guests are reminded at every turn that they are in the Hawaiian Islands.  To be honest, do they need reminding when in Hawaii?

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.

Create a welcoming entry with Martin Pierce Hardware

We all know that you only have one chance to make a first impression.  When it comes to your home or business that first impression begins with your front door.  Tired, pitted and dated hardware can leave an unpleasant impression while shiny hardware that makes a statement about you or your business leaves a positive first impression on all who enter. Door hardware provides an opportunity to promote a brand or personalize a home.  At Martin Pierce Custom Hardware we pride ourselves on designing and creating unique yet functional entry door hardware that will meet your needs.  And if you don't see exactly what you need in one of our collections we can create a custom piece that is unique to your home, store, hotel or business.  Here are just some of our entryway knobs and levers.

Folger & Burt have a wonderful display of many of our products.  If you are in the Bay area you can stop by and see these pieces in person.

Tuscan style homes, spas, wineries and boutiques are the perfect candidates for our Grapevine collection of both interior and exterior front door hardware.

A contemporary home or modern place of business will appreciate the clean lines of our Ergo line.  We also offer an ADA compliant version of this pull for use in nursing homes, retirement communities and those who are looking to meet the needs of a specific clientele.

Greet your visitors with a smile or just add some fun and whimsy to your front door by choosing something from one of our collections such as our Animal, Lizard or Floral lines.

New hardware is one of the easiest and quickest ways to update without having to go through an entire remodel or expensive changes.   Once you have chosen your beautiful new hardware it is time to sweep the porch, replace burnt out light bulbs, add some fresh flowers and welcome customers and guests to your establishment.

For more information on these products, view  our complete line of custom hardware or speak with us about creating a custom piece for your business or home and to also get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Besides the weather, what's hot at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware?

It is no secret that is is HOT in Southern California!  Not the best weather to be firing new products.  Fortunately for us, we have several hot products that are being requested by you:

Our Grapevine collection is very popular right now.  Could it have anything to do with all the wine coolers people are drinking to stay cool? This grapevine entry set lets all who enter your home or business know that there is something special behind those doors.  Pulls and door levers are also available.

One of our favorites, and yours as well, is our Hedgerow collection.  This design was inspired by all the beautiful hedges and bushes that thrive in our Native England and may serve to remind people of all the cool and relaxing fields that can be found there.  The collection includes both hardware and unique bespoke furniture pieces such as this Hedgerow chair used in the guest suites of the Four Seasons Hotel, Jackson Hole Wyoming.

For more information on these new products, 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

Feng Shui of shapes found at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware

Many of us are already familiar with the impact the use of the art of feng shui can have on our lives trough the use of certain colors, placement of items and nature's elements of water, fire, wood,earth and metal.  But did you know that certain shapes can also affect the "feeling" of a room? According to feng shui experts, each of the five elements of feng shui have a coordinating shape.  For example, if you are trying to introduce the element of water into your space and are having difficulty adding a fountain or other water element, try a wavy shape to the room.  This can be in the form of artwork, fabric patterns or door and drawer hardware such as those found in our Ergo collection.  The beauty and simplicity of this design can certainly bring tranquility to any room in your home or business.

The exciting fire element can be introduced through the use of triangular shapes.  Try our Bamboo pull with its triangular shaped leaves or the unique and unusual conical pull from the Textured collection.

The element of metal can be found in round shapes that are present in many of our designs.  Round door knobs and pulls in luxurious bronze metal is an easy way to add  both a round and metal element to your spaces.

The earth element correlates to square shapes and wood to rectangular shapes.  Along with our readily available collections, custom pieces can be created to meet your exacting needs.  Who knows, the ancient art of feng shui just might change the look and feel of your space so isn't it worth a try?

For more information on these new products, 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

Celebrate summer with whimsical Martin Pierce custom hardware

Today is the first day of summer.  Time to slow down a bit and enjoy the lazy days of summer.  Take a late afternoon walk on the beach, watch the sunset with your favorite person or simply find the time to read a book in the middle of the day! Summer is also a time of great inspiration for Martin.  He has always enjoyed capturing the look and feel of all the creatures that can be found in nature.  Need a lizard for your son's bedroom doors?  How about a wonderful bunny for that newborn nursery or a selection of beetles for a sunroom.  We have them all in our Netsuke, Lizard, Flora and Animal collections.  Check them out:

martin pierce bunny knob

martin pierce bee knob

martin pierce lizard lever

Martin Pierce Custom Hardware had fun at the 2012 HD Expo

As we mentioned, we attended the HD Expo 2012 in Las Vegas for the second year in a row.  We made arrangements for Iris to stay home with a wonderful sitter that didn't quite work out as planned but all was well in the end.  We packed up the car and off we went. We were pleased to receive a very enthusiastic response to the new Ergo pull in a warmer bronze as well as the Morphic series in steel.  We met vendors and visitors from as far away as Japan and Indonesia.  The Indonesian contingency represented a company that offers a beautiful collection for both commercial and hospitality use.  Check out their products at http://www.native.co.id/ and see if you don't agree with me.  We were also excited to meet a group of imagineers from Walt Disney Imagineering who came from the local Glendale office as well as from Japan.

Please let us know what you think of the new bronze finish?