Cool and contemporary door handles

Ergo collection by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Photo Doug Hill

The hallmark of contemporary design is sleek, highly polished metals and stainless steel certainly fits the bill.

At Martin Pierce Custom Hardware we offer a variety of door handles and cabinet hardware in a stainless finish.  Of course, any bespoke item can be cast in stainless at your direction.

Ergo

Our ergonomically designed Ergo collection (hence the name) is fluid in design making it easy to grasp and an ideal choice for use in spaces where ADA compliant hardware is desirable.  The organic shape of both passageway door handles and entry door sets are the perfect complement to a contemporary interior.  

Stainless steel Ergo door handle from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016

Ergo door handle install in modern London kitchen

Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Morphic

Door handles from our Morphic collection are chameleons in that they are comfortable in both a rustic and a contemporary setting.  When cast in 304 stainless steel they add a distinctive look to a contemporary setting whether it is in a small boutique hotel, a statement making residence or a commercial building.

Stainless steel entry door handle from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016

Photo Doug Hill

Pieces from the Morphic collection can be further customized with a hot patina coated interior that adds the ultimate in customization.  Select colors that identify an organization's brand, for example, or coordinate with the overall interior design of a space or choose to be greeted by your favorite color every time you enter your home or place of business.

Morphic door handle with hot patina color Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Photo Doug Hill

To view our entire collection of contemporary door handles 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

Tel: 323-939-5929

Hospitality design industry news

Whether for business or for pleasure, there will never be a shortage of people looking to visit the Hawaiian Islands.  Hoteliers know this and are always seeking ways to make the experience more pleasurable.  

Hilton Hotels is set to open the largest Hilton Garden Inn next month.  Located on the beautiful island of Oahu on popular Waikiki Beach, the soft color palette and specific art choices celebrate the location and local culture.  The Kapa prints that adorn the walls provide color and a sense of history while natural materials provide texture and interest.

Kapa cloth, or prints, are designs that are woven onto cloth created from fibers  of the indigenous trees.  Designs are created through the use of linear elements that form geometric shapes such as triangles, squares, chevrons and diagonal lines.  When framed or blocked onto a piece of wood they make exquisite pieces of art.

Celebrating local culture is an important aspect of any hospitality design project.  A visit to the islands will be enhanced when the culture is represented at every opportunity.  Over the years we have designed several bespoke door handles for clients and offer some ethnic designs in our collections.

Hawaiian bird pull door handle from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Custom door handle for the St. Regis Kauai by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016 Photo Doug Hill

Silver plated orchid door handle from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016 Photo Doug Hill

Kapa cloth artwork and custom door handles are just a few ways that hospitality design professionals can create a unique and lasting impression in hotel, spa and other design projects.

To view our entire collection of custom door handles 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

Tel: 323-939-5929

April showers bring May flower door handles

Southern California actually had some April showers and the flowers are certainly in bloom.

Martin is always inspired by the beautiful foliage and flowering plants we spot on our hikes.  In fact, on our most recent visit to the Descanso Gardens he came away with ideas for a new door handle inspired by the lovely camellia bushes on the grounds.  And our very first collection of custom door handles, Hedgerow, was inspired by the bushes found in our home in England.

Hedgerow door lever by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016

Photo Doug Hill

We also offer a gardener's dream selection of floral door knobs and cabinet pulls for interior doors and cabinetry that will add a light hearted touch to any residential or hospitality design project.  

Trumpet flower cabinet pull by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016

Photo Doug Hill

The always elegant orchid can be enjoyed through the use of delicate looking cabinet pulls, stunning in a silver plate.

Orchid cabinet pull from Martin PIerce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016 Photo Doug Hill

And daisies are pushing up everywhere, even indoors with our bronze daisy cabinet pull.

Daisy cabinet pull by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016 Photo Doug Hill

Not limited to door handles, flowers can be found and enjoyed on items like these beautiful bronze candlesticks

Bronze candlesticks by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016 Photo Doug Hill

You can view our entire collection of architectural door handles and hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

Tel: 323-939-5929

Get your dose of Vitamin N at the Descanso Gardens

I recently heard an NPR interview with  Richard Louv author of “ Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life” and was enthralled by the practical ways he talked about connecting with and enjoying nature.  So on Sunday morning we paid a visit to Descanso gardens.   These gardens are well-known for their wide variety of camellias, many of which have matured to a point that they are more akin to small trees than bushes.

Beautiful camellias at Descanso Gardens  Photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

We arrived around 10:00 and were able to avoid the crowds.  We took the beautiful un-manicured trails through scrub oaks, camellia bushes, humming bird sage, ivy and many bushes of white buddleia; truly a natural paradise. We eyed a shy spotted towhee and when he flew away we were able to see his amber chest and spotted wing markings.  We see a lot of the more common brown towhees but the spotted cousin is, for us, a rare site. Alas, we were not able to take his picture but the Audubon site has some lovely photos of this little bird.

We also spotted a plaque hanging from a scrub oak that explained how the scrub oak is a fundamental part of the local chaparral as its acorn supply is key to the success of those species dependent on its well-being such as wood rats, squirrels and their predators. The trail we took was thick with tangled shrubs and thorny bushes that were home to a wide variety of birds, butterflies and lizards.

While hiking we were able to vicariously share the excitement of two little boys who were discovering ants and lizards first hand by digging through leaves and dirt.  Witnessing this brought me back to the interview with Richard Louv and his discussion of the "belly walk". This is where you crawl along on your stomach, at a snail's pace, allowing you to experience nature on a more micro level. 

There are also areas that will appeal to those who prefer a more manicured garden such as this beautiful water garden that greets you at the entrance to the park,  reminiscent of Monet's beautiful gardens in Giverny. 

Descanso Gardens photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

And, just for fun, the whimsically named fried egg or Matilija poppy made one long for a hearty breakfast.

Fried egg or Mantilija poppy at Descanso Gardens  Photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

The Descanso Gardens are a wonderful family destination as children under the age of 5 are free and admission is waived for everyone on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.

Richard Louv is spot on when describing nature as a vitamin ( "N" is for nature) and certainly one we all need for our physical and mental well-being.  During our 2 hour hike we breathed more deeply and felt happy and relaxed.  We came away with ideas for a new door handle, inspired by the shapes of the camellia petals and the crepey petals of the Matilija poppy.  So stay tuned! 

To view our entire collection of door handles and other 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

Tel: 323-939-5929

The art of japanning revisited

In light of the appearance of design details on case goods at the Spring Market in Highpoint North Carolina I thought it might be time to revisit articles written on this ancient art.

Japanning is defined as "a type of finish, usually based on lacquer, that originated as an imitation form of Asian lacquerwork..."  We have used this form of embellishment on many of our furniture pieces, including those found in our limited edition  Aspen and Ascot collection of buffets and armoires. Produced in very limited quantities, each piece is signed by Martin and sold to the trade only.

Small armoire with japanning detail from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

Photo Doug Hill

The use of this ancient art has diminshed over the years as technology and new embellishment methods have been developed.  It is truly a mark of custom furniture and one that will be enjoyed for many years to come without the risk of ever appearing trendy or out-dated.

We have written several articles over the years about the art of japanning which you can read on our blog.

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware or talk to us about a custom item for your project please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

Tel: 323-939-5929

Highpoint spring market 2016

As promised, here are few trends that are being reported from the recent Highpoint Spring Market in Highpoint, North Carolina.

Florals

Floral patterns are popping up everywhere in fabrics, accessories and even light fixtures. Our floral door handles and cabinet pulls can certainly join this parade.

Bronze trumpet flower cabinet knob by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Photo Doug Hill

Our wall sconce will add a subtle floral touch to any space.

Bronze floral wall sconce by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Photo Doug Hill

 Does this tall table lamp by Kate Spade look like a dandelion to anyone else?

Dickinson lamp by Kate Spade

A mix of metals

A mix of metals in both furniture and hardware was also spotted throughout the market.  Bronze, brass and steel could be found in door hardware, lamps and furniture bases.

Daisy drawer pull in various finishes by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Photo Doug Hill

Case goods

Case goods were presented in various wood tones many featuring details such as mirrored inserts, marquetry and nailhead trim.  We have applied the art of japanning to many of our fine furniture pieces including those from our popular Aspen collection.

Aspen buffet featuring japanning details by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016

Photo Doug Hill

Trade shows such as the Highpoint Market and HDExpo are valuable in that they make it possible for hospitality, contract and residential designers to keep abreast of current and upcoming design trends.

What interior design trends have you spotted?

To view our entire collection of lighting, furniture, door handles and other 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

Tel: 323-939-5929

A rose by any other name is still door hardware

Rose and door knob from Willow collection Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA

Photo Doug Hill

The line from Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" was referring to the beauty of a rose that, no matter the name, would still be aromatic and beautiful.  In today's world the word rose has come to refer to many beautiful items and, in this case, door handles and accessories.

In door hardware terminology there are other terms that are synonymous with rose, including backplate or escutcheon.  It sits flush against the door and can be as simple or as ornate in design as the style of the space dictates and its main purpose is to cover up the mechanisms of the door knob, including the spindle and latch.  In earlier times it often featured a coat of arms to identify the property owner. The rose can be used for decorative purposes and surround a door handle or door knob or it can be functional and contain a keyhole.

However, unlike the rose that Romeo was referring to, door hardware roses are different than backplates or escutcheons.  They perform the same function as a rose, namely to cover up the mechanisms, but a rose is typically round in shape and smaller than a backplate or escutcheon which can be round (like a rose), square or rectangular and more substantial in size to conceal more than one functioning part of the door knob.

We offer many different roses to complement our collection of door handles.  In this chart we show the backplate and rose options from our Hedgerow collection of custom door knobs and door handles.

To view more roses and backplates, 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

Tel: 323-939-5929

Mosaic door handle for hotel of the same name

The open work design of our Morphic door handle can represent many different things.  To the designers responsible for the unique and upscale redesign of Beverly Hills' Mosaic Hotel, Susan Caruso from Intra-spec,  it most likely echoed the name of the hotel---a mosaic style pattern.

Webster's defines mosaic as "...different things that together form a pattern" and that certainly defines the design of our Morphic collection of custom architectural door hardware--different shapes that together form a distinctive open pattern. Shown cast in stainless steel, the designers of this luxury boutique hotel chose statement making 26" door handles from this collection to be cast in  bronze for its warmer tones.  The oil rubbed dark patina finish adds both depth and age to the handles.

Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills CA Designer Intra-spec, architect Kollin Altomare

Morphic door handles from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA

To view the entire Morphic collection as well as our entire selection of architectural hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Hospitality designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles CA  90016

Tel: 323-939-5929

Earth Day 2016

http://www.earthday.org/earth-day/

April has arrived and, for the past 46 years, that means it is also time to celebrate Earth Day.

The concept of preserving our natural resources has become an every day task to most of us in developed countries.  We have learned the value of protecting animal species so that they can be enjoyed by future generations; we have learned the risks involved when we haphazardly dispose of manufacturing waste; we have learned to process natural resources into useful products and we have finally understood that natural resources such as oil and water are not necessarily available in perpetuity.

The responsibility of all that Earth Day stands  for falls on all of us and we at Martin Pierce Hardware do our best to both develop and dispose of our products in a responsible manner.  We make every attempt to use local suppliers which not only supports our local economy but reduces the amount of gasoline used to transport or ship items from far distances.  The recent installation of our drought resistant garden will help with the water shortage in California.

Drought resistant garden Photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

How do you Renew, Reuse and Recycle?

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

Designers can visit the showroom located at"

5433 W. Washington Blv.d

Los Angeles, CA  90016

Tel: 323-939-5929

Spring has sprung and that means time for "Market" in Highpoint

Twice a year the normally small town of Highpoint North Carolina is besieged by literally thousands of interior design professionals, vendors and manufacturers who arrive to attend the Highpoint Market Show.  This year the event will take place from April 16-20, 2016.  Attendees will be able to enjoy lectures from some of the industry's leaders, view the newest products and trends and network for as long as their feet will hold up!

A highly anticipated trend will be hand-crafted items that celebrate ethnic arts from around the globe.  Custom hardware, hand-embroidered textiles, use of exquisite wood veneers and hand-forged metals will be on display.  

Biophilia is a term that is used more frequently and simply refers to the interaction with and effect nature has on our daily lives, including our home and business environments.  There should be plenty of room settings, ideas and products at the Market that fall into this category.  We became aware of this unique movement during a discussion we enjoyed with artist Ted Morrison at last year's HD Expo.  We discovered that the fluid shape of many of our pieces, including our Dragon egg wall sconce, fell into the biophiliac definition as soft lines are much more pleasing to humans than hard, straight edges.  And, of course, the inclusion of nature's creatures i.e birds and insects, is as close to nature as we can get and also close to Martin's heart.

Dragon egg wall sconce by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca

Photo Doug Hill

There will be plenty to enjoy and learn once the market is over and the "trend spotters" begin to share the products and trends offered and we will do our best to keep you posted.

To view our collection of wall 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

Tel: 323-939-5929

Recap of weekend getaway to Paso Robles

T

Isn't it nice when all of your vacation expectations are met?  We headed north to Paso Robles and were greeted by the most verdant greenery along the way, more than we have seen in quite some time. The El Nino weather pattern has brought much needed rain to all of California, resulting in an explosion of wildflowers and grasses.  

Paso Robles California via Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  980016

The Californa poppies and lupins, both blue and white, were in full bloom

It would be an understatement to say that Iris enjoyed her time.  She ran herself into the ground.  And we have never seen her eat so much grass and NOT return it to its source!  Those of you with dogs will know what we mean! We are now both wondering if she is becoming a herbivore.

Aren't the colors of the grasses just lovely?!  

Photo Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA

We are now home and as we would say in England, Iris is "knackered' and is recuperating.

Back to work!

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

Designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

Tel: 323-939-5929

The popularity of barn doors for interior and exterior applications

Barn style doors are enjoying a surge of popularity these days.  They are not only versatile but provide privacy in a unique manner that befits any style decor.

Barn doors can be used to break  up or divide a large open space in a loft or over-sized room. They lie flush with the wall and can slide to the right or left, making placement decisions much easier.  They are available in any material or style you desire including sleek metal doors for a contemporary space or rustic wooden doors for that mountain lodge project.

Barn door hardware is as varied as the doors themselves.  A large pull is most often used in order to handle such a large door.  Any of the custom door handles we offer would work beautifully, or you can have custom barn door handles made for your hospitality, hotel or spa project.

The cylindral pull from our Morphic Collection is shown cast in sturdy and durable stainless steel but your bespoke items can also be cast in oil rubbed bronze or feature a polished or brushed finish.  We present it here on double entry doors but it will work equally as well on a barn door installment.

The scroll design door handle from the same collection will add a bit of flair to your barn doors.

The pull from our Grapevine collection will enhance barn doors installed as an entry to a hotel spa, private wine cellar or restaurant.  This pull is heavily detailed and cast in bronze for a sophisticated yet rustic look.

Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca

Photo Doug Hill

Have you installed barn doors in a recent project?

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

Tel: 323-939-5929

Weekend getaway to Paso Robles for Martin Pierce hardware

Tablas Creek Winery

Many of you may already be familiar with our love for the Paso Robles wine region.  The close proximity to our home in Los Angeles and the fact that we have very dear friends who live there make it one of our favorite weekend destinations.

Paso Robles wine country

The warm, actually downright hot, summer weather makes this an ideal location for growing grapes.  A short drive inland will reveal hillsides dotted with vineyards and plenty of opportunities for wine tasting.  One of our favorites, Tablas Creek, is representative of the many tasting opportunities within a short drive of each other.

Art in Paso Robles

Another favorite winery is Sculpterra winery due, in part, to the beautiful grounds and opportunity to tour the sculpture garden on site.  For obvious reasons Martin finds this aspect of this winery interesting and inspiring.  You can view many of his own sculptures on our website, www.martinpierce.com/art/.

Iris in Paso Robles

Iris will be joining us on this trip as she looks forward to a weekend getaway as much as we do.  Especially since she is able to stretch her legs and run as much as she wants to in the open air.

Iris waiting to go outside for a run.  Martin PIerce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

Do you have a favorite weekend getaway?

To view our entire collection of door knobs, door handles and other 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

Tel: 323-939-5929

Custom door handles for wine cellar cabinetry and doors

Wine cellar via pinterest Douglas Vanderhorn architect

A private wine cellar is one of life's most indulgent luxuries.  No matter if your wine cellar is a small room to store your fine vintage bottles or a space large enough to house a tasting table for you and your friends, custom door handles will enhance the overall experience.

Today's wine cellar can be designed in a classic rustic manner or as a sleek contemporary space.  We offer a collection of door handles and custom door hardware that will compliment any design.

Grapevine collection

Inspired by the beauty of the grapevines found in vineyards this collection, in an oil rubbed finish, is a natural for wine cellar entry and cabinet doors.

Door handle from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

Photo Doug Hill

Willow collection

The versatile Willow collection offers many different door handle and knob styles, as well as cabinet pulls and other hardware items that make it possible to fully coordinate your wine cellar space.  Shown cast in bronze, custom finishes are available.

Door knob from Willow collection Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

Photo Doug Hill

Morphic and Ergo collection

Contemporary wine cellars can benefit from custom hardware like the designs found in our Morphic and Ergo collections.  These sleek and modern styles in a stainless steel finish are the perfect accessory for a modern tasting room like the one shown in the photo.

Ergo door handles from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

Photo Doug Hill

contemporary wine cellar via pinterest

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

For custom orders, designers can visit the showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

Tel: 323-939-5929

Popular Pinterest Pages from Martin Pierce

It is so interesting to follow Pinterest analytics and see what Pinterest users are drawn to.  What we have discovered is that some of the most popular pins from our page are those that feature some of Martin's preliminary sketches used during the process of designing custom door hardware, furniture, lighting and sculptures.

Some of our most popular pins are:

This sketch of figures used in bespoke door handles for a client's wine cellar.  The pin shows the early carving of the figures placed next to the sketch.

Carvings placed next to preliminary sketch by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

Always fun to look at, these sketches were used to create all of the whimsical animals that appear on this custom toy chest:

Sketch by Martin Pierce of Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

From the Willow collection, this sketch shows the detail necesary to create a beautiful custom door handle.  You can view the entire Willow collection here.

Sketch for entry door handle for Willow collection of hardware by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

And our most popular pin this past month is this photo of a floating marine research center that we repinned to our Architecture page.  We fully understand why this is such a popular pin as the sheer size is magnificent.

via Pinterest

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

Tel: 323-939-5929

The birds and bees door handles

Spring has finally arrived and much of the country is enjoying warmer temperatures and beautiful spring growth.  Here in Los Angeles the Jacaranda trees are blooming, creating a lovely, but messy, purple carpet beneath them.

Jacaranda trees in bloom in Los Angeles photo via

Also included in the arrival of spring is the arrival of the birds and the bees.  What better way to introduce these fun icons of a fresh new season than with custom door knobs and handles.  

Our Netsuke collection presents several beautifully detailed spring critter options including our bee knob:

Bronze bee door knob from Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016

Photo Doug Hill

There are several bird designs also available in our selection of bespoke hardware. The swallow pull was inspired by the returning of the swallows to nearby San Juan Capistrano every year.  We think it is the perfect accessory on this custom toy chest we created for a client.

Custom toy chest with bronze swallow pull by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016

Photo Doug Hill

And no discussion of the beauty of spring would be complete without the mention of a rabbit! Our rabbit door knob will add just the right touch of whimsy to a nursery, for example, or provide a light hearted touch to a commercial or hospitality installation.

Bronze rabbit door knob by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016

Photo by Doug Hill

To view these custom door knobs and 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

Tel: 323-939-5929

Are you dog crazy? 5 dog friendly restaurants in the Los Angeles area

If you follow this blog then you know it is no secret that we are crazy about our rescue dog, Iris.

Iris joined our family in 2011 via The Rescue Train and has been a devoted companion ever since.  So much so that she has inspired some very interesting sculptures:

Wood sculpture of dog by Martin Pierce Hardwood Los Angeles CA  90016

Occasionally we take Iris with us to enjoy a lovely breakfast at one of our favorite local spots, Le Pain Quotidien.  But we have noticed that the rest of the country appears to be as crazy about their dogs as we are, resulting in several restaurants that offer dog-friendly seating.  A walk down most city streets will reveal the entrance to many businesses offering a friendly drink of water for fur-covered passersby.  Here is a list of other Los Angeles restaurants that welcome both you and Rover or Fifi:

• The Anchor---beach lovers will enjoy this casual restaurant located in Venice.  You can enjoy casual dining and affordable happy hours with treats for your four legged friends as well.
• The Backyard---enjoy your favorite sporting event with your favorite dog in a quiet and uber casual environment located in West Los Angeles.
•  The Lazy Dog---With three locations in the Los Angeles area, this chain restaurant offers a fun atmosphere full of dog-themed decor, as well as a varied and affordable menu.  And they even have a special "Bone" Appetit menu for your four legged friend!
• Fred62---Located in the eclectic Los Feliz area, you and your favorite pup can enjoy a varied menu that offers up dishes that include Huevos Rancheros, Mac and cheese balls, lox and bagels or vegan dishes.  Something for everyone and every dog.
• Panolivo---venture a couple hours north of Los Angeles to sunny Paso Robles where you and your dog can enjoy lunch at this family and dog friendly restaurant.  Be sure to allow enough time for a bit of wine-tasting in the area!

To view other sculptures as well as our 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

Tel: 323-939-5929

After the rains in Los Angeles

"It never rains in California..."  These song lyrics from Albert Hammond's iconic song of the seventies rings true much of the time.  However, when it does rain the city cleans up pretty nice, as I discovered on my daily walk through the Hollywood Hills.

The trail offers up plenty of opportunities for viewing some of the city's famous landmarks.  Is there any landmark in Los Angeles more famous than the Hollywood sign?

Photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  90016

As is the case in large cities, the skyline is a beautiful sight made even more spectacular by the clear weather and clean air that are the result of a recent downpour.

Los Angeles skyline.  Photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

It makes you wonder about all the wheelings and dealings going on in a city this large at this very moment.

And, last but not least, today's walk gave me this clear shot of yet another famous landmark, the Capitol Records building (also called the Capitol Records tower).  Designed to resemble a stack of records, this unique building was the first round office building ever constructed.  A little trivia, the blinking light on the top of the spire blinks the word "Hollywood" in Morse Code!  Who knew?

Capitol Record building on the far left.  Photo by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca  90016

It is necessary for me to get away from the door handle and hardware business for just a moment so I begin my days with a morning walk where I often see these, and other equally spectacular views.  I enjoy this time when I am not encumbered by beast or man and can take a perky and fast walk.  I feel very fortunate to live in a place that affords me such diverse scenery.  What do you see on your morning walks?

To view our collection of door handles, door knobs and other 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

Tel: 323-939-5929

Safety first when it comes to entry door knobs

Lizard door handle collection by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA Photo Doug Hill

While the look and design of your front door knobs, door handles and other door hardware is important, perhaps even more important is the ability to properly secure your property. All of our entry door hardware styles can be designed with an appropriate latch system to meet your security needs.

To illustrate, this entry door handle from our Hedgerow collection is equipped with a keyed entry that in no way detracts from the beauty of this statement making door hardware.

Front door handle with lock by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca Photo Doug Hill

Accessories that complement the design are also available.

Deadbolt from the Hedgerow collection of architectural hardware by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016 Photo Doug Hill

This handleset from our vine collection is exquisitely detailed and the locking mechanism and thumblatch are almost lost in the twists and turns of the vine.

Handleset from the Vine collection of door knobs and handles by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles Ca 90016 Photo Doug Hill

Designers know that the entrance to a home or building creates an instant first impression.  Select door hardware that not only makes a design statement and enhances the architecture of the building but provides the right level of security.

To view these door handles as well as the 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

Tel: 323-939-5929