Detailed Door Hardware

Occasionally we have the pleasure of working with a design company that shares the same detail-oriented focus and commitment to exceptional door hardware as we do. Over the last year we have had the pleasure of working  with Chiara de Rege and her all female team to develop custom pieces for her discerning clients. Based in New York, the company’s clientele spans both coasts with design services for residential and corporate clients.

 Our collaboration with Chiara de Rege  on an Upper East Side residence resulted in the creation of a unique collection of door push plates and door levers. The traditional  Willow series was whimsically re-invented and enhanced with flying creatures from our animal  collection of cabinet knobs. The resulting door push plates and interior door handles were selected from several initial designs that paired smaller insect, bird and frog pulls with the Willow back plates.

The design team were renovating a residence using the existing doors that had astragals and panel mullions  that reduced the workable free area of the door and limited the backset depth of the latch.  With these considerations in mind, we focused on the Willow and Hedgerow exterior backplates, both being narrow and having smooth areas that could be enhanced by the addition of a small creature .

Some of the designs considered are shown below. Once the design genie was released, we had a lot of fun experimenting with different cabinet knobs and with insects flying in different direction. While our preference and that of Chiara’s design team was on flying insects, leaves and flowers could work equally well for those who have an insect phobia.

Wasp Dragonfly Swallow Daisy Moth Frogs

Who let the dogs out? Dogs in design

Dogs have been a big part of interior design for centuries.  It is not uncommon to visit one of the beautiful castles that dot the landscape of England, Germany and other European countries and find exquisitely detailed oil paintings of man's best friend hanging on the wall alongside other "relatives".

Modern wallpaper and fabric manufacturers are also aware of the appeal of dogs in interior design settings.  Nursing homes and hospitals value the positive effect dogs have on their patients and often invite the "real thing" to visit.  Hospitality and contract designers can address this issue by using some of today's beautiful wallpapers hung in public spaces.  Residential designers can satisfy their client's love for their four-legged friends through the use of whimsical fabrics applied to upholstered items, window treatments and accessories.

For a more formal look, consider Tyler Hall's "Best in Show" wallpaper that mimics a gallery wall of photos of  furry subjects.

I wonder if our beloved Iris could sit long enough to have a formal portrait finished?

Martin Pierce has always appreciated the beauty of animals, insects and other living creatures in our custom architectural hardware designs.  To view those designs please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.