Earth Day Tidbits

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Like many “holidays” here in the U.S.A., what was originally a single day event, Earth Day, has become a week long discussion and celebration of how we can all support and save the natural environments of this big planet we call home.

Earth Day was born in April of 1970 through the efforts of Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. senator from Wisconsin.  The initial goal was to make people aware of the dangers of environmental issues such as hazardous waste, toxic automobile emissions, off-shore drilling etc.  One of the more successful “movements”,  over the decades we have all become more aware of the importance of paying attention to the impact modern life has on our natural environment.  Whether you realize it or not,  as a result of this movement we all participate in some way.  Who among us does not recycle water bottles, smog our vehicles or enjoy an occasional visit to the zoo or aquarium and marvel at the species that have been saved from extinction due to human efforts?

You can go to the extreme with your concern for the environment and only use a bicycle for transporation, for example, and more power to you.  However, this is not practical for most of us so we have to choose other ways to support and protect the earth.  Here at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware we do our best to recycle scrap metal and utilize and employ lost wax in the lost wax method of casting.  More about the lost wax method can be learned by reading our post here.  We make every effort to use local suppliers and distributors, thereby reducing the amount of toxins released and fuel used in transporting supplies.

For the past forty years we have all learned so much about this earth and the natural treasures that are certainly worth saving and protecting.  In so doing we also reap the benefits of a healthier environment for ourselves and for future generations.  So Happy Birthday Earth Day!

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Countdown to HD Expo 2013

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We have begun the countdown to the HD Expo 2013, taking place at the convention center at the Mandalay Bay Hotel May 15-17th.  We are excited to be travelling to sunny Las Vegas for the third year in a row and have planned many surprises for those who visit us at our booth #2153.

As we have mentioned, we will be giving away one of our delightful butterfly drawer pulls to the first ten visitors to the booth so be sure and stop by early.  We will also be debuting a few new hardware pieces that we feel will provide the perfect touch to that hospitality project of yours whether it be a boutique hotel, luxurious spa or residential retirement community.

Small butterfly pull with hot amber patina created by Martin Pierce custom hardware

Small butterfly pull with hot amber patina created by Martin Pierce custom hardware

You can view our entire collection or contact us for bespoke orders at www.martinpierce.com.  See you in a Las Vegas!

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Defining today’s contemporary design style

Clean. Simple. Understated.   A space in which color and texture tell the story.  These are the hallmarks of today’s contemporary styling.

Unlike other design styles such as Victorian, Arts & Crafts, Mid-century modern or Art Deco, contemporary design did not come about as part of a movement or period of time. Rather, contemporary design is more a combination of many of these design styles altered and adjusted to meet the needs of contemporary life.  But we have come to apply the term “contemporary” to a space, item, form or design style that is decorated in what we loosely refer to as “modern” and  includes sleek surfaces, clean lines and unique shapes that often result in form over function.

As with most design styles, the details are what identifies a specific design.  For discussion purposes, today’s  contemporary space might include furniture that is sleek in design but is functional and comfortable; a color scheme that may include bright jolts of color or is a study in neutrals and textures; hardware that offers unique designs and finishes and artwork and accessories that make a statement.  As you can see, there is no one identifying factor that comes into play when creating a contemporary interior space.

All that being said, here at Martin Pierce we offer a selection of what we refer to as “contemporary” hardware pieces that we feel would enhance the look and feel of a contemporary space.  These include our new Ergo Epic Door Handle that was renamed by one of our clients, Amy of LaForce  Decorative Hardware.  You can read about her choice in our blog post.  We are also debuting our new Morphic Cylindrical Pull at the upcoming HD Expo and feel that this piece would certainly enhance any contemporary setting.  What do you think?

Morphic cylindrical door pull

Morphic cylindrical door pull

You can view these pieces as well as our entire collection at www.martinpierce.com.

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Butterflies have arrived at the HD Expo 2013

Small butterfly pull with hot amber patina created by Martin Pierce custom hardware

Small butterfly pull with hot amber patina created by Martin Pierce custom hardware

There will be butterflies flitting about at the upcoming HDExpo 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada next month.  Well, maybe not flitting about but there will certainly be butterflies in the Martin Pierce Custom Hardware booth #2153.

Why?  Because we are offering our magical small butterfly drawer pull to the first ten lucky visitors to our booth.  You can add this pull to your desk drawer to brighten your day each morning, install it on the bathroom vanity for a touch of nature or delight any little girl with butterflies in her bedroom.  Used as a decorative accent on a bookshelf, coffee table display or desktop it is certain to add a smile to your face.

This drawer pull is hand-crafted in the same manner as all of our hardware pieces; beginning with a drawing by Martin used as a template for the hand-carved wax mold, cast in bronze and polished to the perfect patina.  A true miniature work of art!

We look forward to seeing old friends and making new friends at the Expo so be sure to stop by and say hello–and make it early, remember, there are only 10 of these butterfly drawer pulls to go around.

You can view our entire collection or contact us for bespoke orders at www.martinpierce.com.

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How to prepare your home or business in the event of an earthquake

earth

While this is an interior design blog and we are in the business of designing and creating custom hardware, we also happen to live and work in California, a state this is ripe with active faults.  Since the American Red Cross has designated April “Earthquake Preparedness Month” we thought we would share some of their tips to help insure the safety of you, your family and your customers.  After all, is there anything more important than the safety of those who visit your homes and businesses?

Here in California and many other parts of the country and the world, small earthquakes are a common occurrence.  However, “the big one” will hit some day and we must all be prepared.  If you reside in California or any other part of the world that sits on an active fault, you are no doubt familiar with the occasional shaking of the ground, often preceded by a low rumbling sound.  Your windows shake, the chandelier swings and, if the quake is strong enough, items in cupboards and on shelves shift.  More often than not these small quakes are nothing more than something to talk about over the water cooler the next day.   Nevertheless, it is important to be prepared if a large quake should hit in your area.

  1. Have a plan–Create an escape plan that includes a meeting place for everyone to gather if they leave the premises..  Make sure everyone in your family or business is aware of the plan, when to exit and when to stay put.  Learn the Drop, Cover and Hold routine.
  2. Have an emergency kit– Be sure your kit includes fresh water for every individual for three days, any medicines, items for those who have special needs such as the elderly and infants, clothing, cash, batteries….for a complete list visit this site
  3. Remember the pets–Be sure to have a plan to evacuate and/or care for household pets and include food, bedding  and medicines in hour emergency kit for them as well.

The best preparation is to make your home or place of business earthquake safe before a quake strikes.

  1. Bolt large pieces of furniture to the walls.
  2. Avoid hanging heavy artwork, televisions and mirrors over seating or sleeping areas.
  3. Reinforce dangerous appliances like gas water heaters to the wall
  4. Place children’s beds away from windows and glass doors
  5. Businesses and hotels should post emergency information for guests and employees

More complete information can be found at the American Red Cross, the Southern California Earthquake Center @USC, and the California Earthquake Authority.

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Take a look at the current interior decor trend: florals

As with fashion, the interior design industry experiences trends that include color (Pantone’s Color of the year, for example) as well as patterns.  A big trend this year is the resurgence of floral patterns used in upholstery, wallpaper and window treatments.  Rest assured that today’s floral patterns are not your Grandmother’s florals…they are bold and bright, often abstract in shape.

Take a look at the bold floral pattern used on the club chair and accent pillows in this modern living room.  An unexpected color combination of blue and brown allow the modern floral shapes to take center stage.
 
Painted furniture frames provide the perfect contrast to the over-sized floral pattern that appears on the chair backs and window treatments in this updated dining room.
It is easy to enjoy this stylized floral and bird patterned wallpaper from Madison and Grow . This would be the perfect personalized touch in a nature inspired spa or boutique, not too bold but not too tame.  Complete the look with our bronze daisy pull as hardware on doors and drawers.
As with any design trend, start small by adding a few floral accent pillows to a couch or chair or create a focal point with floral wallpaper on a single wall.  Even something as simple as new door hardware in a sophisticated floral design such as this drawer pull that is modeled after a beautiful trumpet flower.

 

 

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Happy Easter from Martin Pierce Custom Hardware

Bunny doorknob in bronze from Martin Pierce custom hardware collection

Bunny doorknob in bronze from Martin Pierce custom hardware collection

We want to wish all of our customers, clients and readers of this blog a happy Easter holiday.  We hope it is spent enjoying time with family and friends amidst the beauty of springtime.

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