Heritage Metalworks

Artistry and Craftsmanship Meet in Arts & Crafts And The Revival

noreply@blogger.com (Philly Hub) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:43:00 +0000

We were pleased to be featured in the Fall 2011 edition of Arts & Crafts Homes And The Revival for "Inferno," shown highlighted in red (below right). This magazine highlights a specific American design movement recognized for marrying artistry and craftsmanship, as well as the growing appreciation that is bringing it back into the spotlight of the architecture and interior design industry. To read the whole article from below, please visit our Recent Press page or buy this winter's edition!

While fine metal craftsmanship is our specialty, Heritage Metalworks is not particularly well known for our work representing the Arts & Crafts period (around 1895 to 1918) and its revival (from the 1970's to the present). The unadvertised fact is that, in addition to our custom metalworking capabilities to build any Arts & Crafts lighting to your hearts desire, we fabricate a four-piece, Arts & Crafts-inspired line, the Odyssey Collection, which we highlighted last May in this "2011 Color Trends" blog post. Encouraged by this season's edition of Arts & Crafts Homes and the Revival, below is a more in-depth look at our Odyssey Collection sconce featured in the magazine.

If you would like more information or a sell sheet on "Inferno" and the Odyssey Collection, please contact us. For more examples of our custom metalwork or other reproduction antique lighting, take a look at our online gallery or request a catalog.

With forged iron framework, handcrafted colored glass panes and a hammered copper canopy, "Inferno" brings together the highest craftsmanship in metal and art glass.

Topped off with a combination of iron and copper, this sconce showcases the fusion of artistry and craft that goes into all Arts & Crafts movement designs.

Port Royal Sconces Make An Appearance At Winterthur

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:58:00 +0000

Another successful Heritage Metalworks - Winterthur collaboration has made its way onto the Winterthur Estate. The two sconces that frame the doorway featured below are Port Royal Sconce reproductions, exclusively done by Heritage Metalworks for placement on the Winterthur Estate.

As we are licensed to reproduce Winterthur designs, Heritage offers a wide selection of authentic replicas of the Port Royal sconce and many other iconic antique reproduction lighting, hardware and ornamental metal objects from the Winterthur Museum and Garden.

For more information about Winterthur designs and our antique lighting reproduction capabilities, please visit our website www.heritage-metalworks.com. You can also find more historic light fixtures in our catalog of our Heritage Classic antique chandeliers, available upon request.

Rod Iron, Rot iron, Wrought Iron…but probably not.

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:35:00 +0000

Wrought Iron Detail

~~Rod Iron~~, ~~Rot iron~~, Wrought Iron…but probably not.

The word "wrought" is an archaic past tense form of the verb "to work," and so "wrought iron" literally means "worked iron".

Since the last manufacturer of Real Wrought Iron stopped producing it domestically back in the 1960’s, the raw material has become one of the most abused, misused, and sometimes blatantly misrepresented history. Imagine if a restaurant referred to beef stew as filet mignon. Now you have a relative understanding of what it's like to say something is made of wrought iron when it’s actually hot-rolled steel, cold-rolled steel, cast iron, pig iron or even aluminum. Today, far less than one one-millionth of all ferrous material made is true wrought iron.

What’s the big difference? There are several actually. First, genuine wrought has a very low carbon content, making it much less susceptible to corrosion. To help in this cause, wrought iron has an interwoven glass-like slag grain called iron silicate which helps bond the layers of iron together while adding a non-corrosive protective “coating”. Wrought iron metal is more bendable & malleable.

Another big difference is the cost. Genuine wrought iron can cost upwards of $13 per pound, whereas it’s distant cousin mild steel – the material most often used to represent this ancient blacksmith’s preferred medium – is typically around 1/20^th of that. The cost is probably a product of a time-consuming manufacturing process. It’s probably also because there’s only one place in the world to get genuine wrought iron. That is, aside from recycling an old bridge, ship, chain or fence.

So then why use wrought iron? The simplest reason is that it weathers well with just a light wax coating, highlighting wrought contours, natural grain and delicately chased details rather than burying them under primer and paint. For those who appreciate the skill of an artisan blacksmith, wrought iron offers the character and longevity mild steel simply cannot. Your choice - filet mignon, or beef stew?

Heritage Metalworks Featured In Philadelphia Style Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:56:00 +0000

Read about how to display our new Maker's Mark Collection of lighting for maximum impact in a room, and learn a little about the history of Heritage Metalworks in this great article by Christina Pellegrini. Pick up the September 2011 issue of Philadelphia Style Magazine or scroll down to the magazine clip below. Let us know what you think!

Traditional Anniversary Metals – Measure Your Years in Metal

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:36:00 +0000

Inspired by a customer who came in a couple weeks ago, we made a list of all the traditional anniversary gifts suggestion that involve metal. And we thought those just had to do with expensive accessories, but it turns out there is life beyond jewelry…We hope you enjoy our list and for more information read the full anniversary gift suggestion list that steered us.

5^th Anniversary: Wood

The traditional anniversary gift for the fifth year consists of wood. While we know that this isn't actually a metal, we had some ideas for incorporating metal for a better overall gift. For example, the antiqued door at the left holds a beautifully intricate custom iron piece as a decorative accessory for the door. Other gift ideas include furniture, hand-crafted figurines and a bonsai plant.
6^th Anniversary: Iron

For the sixth year of marriage, tradition recommends something iron. Our pick is this double-tiered iron chandelier from our Maker's Mark Collection, shown below. There are many iron chandelier options from our collection, however, so this is just one example of iron lighting one could gift. Another choice for the iron year gift? Railings, gates or other decorative metalworks would suffice.

10^th Anniversary: Tin or Aluminum

Believe it or not, the tenth year is tin (ten - get it?) or aluminum for the anniversary present. We have a variety of sconces and chandeliers that we make out of tin, so don't buy a tool shed or new roof just yet. Shown at the left, here's one example of something tin that doesn't sacrifice style for material. For other routes, consider tin cup jewelry, an aluminum wine holder, or a tin of exotic tea or coffee.

11^th Anniversary: Steel

Steel doesn't have to be used industrially to adorn your household. For the eleventh year, a custom steel pot rack (as shown below) is definitely a viable option for the creative and culinary inclined. Clean up the kitchen as a gift for your spouse. Other gift ideas include steel golf clubs, appliances, a steel barbecue grill or a stainless steel cooking utensils.

15^th Anniversary: Crystal

Crystal is the fifteenth anniversary tradition for a gift. The crystal chandelier shown at the left is just one way to purchase something exquisite and crystal. A long-lasting and permanent gift for your spouse, the chandelier is handmade and classically done. If you missed our previous entry about this Perry & Co reproduction, you can read it here. Crystal gift ideas could also include jewelry, like Swarovski pieces, or crystal drink ware.

25^thAnniversary: Silver

While this flower detail sconce at the left is actually plated in nickel, not silver, it would look resplendent in silver-plating as a 25th anniversary gift. One advantage of custom companies like ours is the capability to put virtually any finish on our products. Transform your lighting for your anniversary with a silver-plating finish, or choose another silver gift like jewelry, picture frames, or a trip to a "silver location" like Silver Springs, FL.

50^th Anniversary: Gold

Another piece shown in a polished semblance to the anniversary metal is the polished brass below. The traditional fiftieth year gift is gold, and the options are endless but pricey in this economy. Instead of buying something of pure gold, gold plating on a fixture like the one below would be an impressive alternative, though a smaller lighting piece like a sconce would be more economical. Other gift ideas for the golden gift include jewelry, watches and a trip to the "Gold Coast."

100^th Anniversary
Our Suggestion for this joyous occasion is Paktong. This precious mixed metal is not anywhere as expensive as platinum, but is much rarer. An ancient Chinese alloy, Paktong has a hue between silver and gold, and is low-tarnishing, like your relationship must be to survive a hundred years. We suggest this Diamond’s are a Girl’s Best Friend Hanging Lantern from the right as your celebration of a century together.

If you can’t find anything exactly right for your spouse one year, there are always other options than shopping. For example, you can make something yourself, because handmade never goes out of style, right? We agree, but while cutouts of your hand with glitter on top may be a crown-pleaser from the kids, it doesn’t have quite the same amount of charm from your marriage partner…Consider getting your metal anniversary gift custom-made!

Browse our gallery of past custom lighting, hardware, gate and home accessory projects for ideas. There’s nothing better than a gift that’s long-lasting, detailed and unique.

A Perry & Co Design - Altered and Reproduced Beautifully.

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:12:00 +0000

This beautiful antique English chandelier replica is headed out of our shop, but not before we share it with the design world. This fixture is a reproduction of a 19th century chandelier, which we custom-built for a private residence. All the crystal was hand-cut and hand-polished in the old-fashioned manner, but per client's order, we altered the original design. Find out what company made the original below.

The Perry & Co's design, shown below at the left, was the basis for our reproduction. The original piece was 72" by 54" and had 16 arms, so we had our work cut out for us to scale it down and alter the design for only 12 arms. Our client requested that we change the arms of the chandelier to match the arms of the sconces we already reproduced for them (designs taken from historical Osler sconces). Shown below at the right, the sconces we fabricated and had to alter the chandelier above to - so they would make the perfect formal dining room lighting set.

Show at the right is just one step we took to accommodate this client request. Building a mock chandelier piece by piece with foam allowed us and the customer to visualize what the end product would look like. We knew even from this model that it would be stunning! Just one more example of what a custom manufacturer can do with their craftsmanship! For more examples of our custom work, browse this lighting gallery on our website.

The Song Writers of the Design World

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:34:00 +0000

Songwriters are the unsung stars of the music industry. They use their creative and technical skills to deliver music and words, which singers combine to bring out into the world and receive recognition and admiration for. The singers of the design world are the interior designers and architects who consistently deliver what their clients want, and more often than not, exceed the customer's dream interior or exterior.

The unsung contributor, however, is the custom manufacturers who dance delicately behind the scenes, not looking for credit, just seeking to deliver that lighting fixture or hardware design even better than the "singer" anticipated.

One of those manufacturers, our own Matt White (pictured above), says that manufacturer-designers are not looking for full credit for a product. He explains that he just enjoys working hand-in-hand with designers, bouncing ideas back and forth on the journey towards a great end product. Experienced at partnering with design professionals, White has worked with well-known interior designers and architects, like internationally-known French designer Matali Crasset, on complicated projects like Meta's "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" hanging lantern (pictured at right).

"Working with Matali Crasset was great," says White. "From basic designs and sketches, we worked the concept together to come up with specific details."

Custom lighting, hardware and home accessories manufacturers like us, Heritage Metalworks, understand that the key to partnership lies in trust. Design professionals need to have a certain comfort level in order to entrust their creative ideas to a custom manufacturer who will iron out the details. While designers and architects may have a sketch, photo, idea or even a piece that they want brought to life, it's the manufacturer who has to figure out how to make the creative plan a reality. Details like electrification, glass placement and structural stability are left to the manufacturer, whose only goal is to not only give the designer what they want - but make it better than they anticipated.

For more information on custom work or samples of past projects, please our custom page.

Fourth of July Design picks!

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:01:00 +0000

In deference to the cause of the wonderful three-day weekend that is upon us, we at Heritage Metalworks put together a little blog post pointing you towards some patriotic gear to dress up your home.

This eagle-topped chandelier will channel patriotic tones in any home it decorates, whether as colonial as the one pictured or not. The shiny brass lightens and brightens any atmosphere.

Keep your home as safe and secure with a lock, but why not protect your right of freedom at the same time? This custom lock is perfect for signaling your independence and pride in the United States.

Here's a different type of light fixture; the eagle affixed to the top of a lantern makes this simple light much more interesting. The regal bird presides over the lantern and keeps it from becoming a tad boring.

Another way to employ some USA pride in your hardware is the two examples above and below. The below image proudly represents flags flying. The above photo is another eagle-based hardware piece, this time a handle. Both are majestic and can serve to complement a patriotic interior or exterior design scheme.

Creating Ambiance With Lighting

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Tue, 31 May 2011 18:10:00 +0000

Interior design encompasses a variety of factors in any one room: colors, furniture, shape, walls, accessories and most importantly - lighting. Lighting is the key ingredient in the perfect, yet ever-changing recipe for top interior designers' work. It can lighten or darken a room. It can enlarge a small space or make a large one cozier. It can modernize tradition or add rich history to the contemporary. Basically, lighting can transcend, flavor or create styles for any given space. One hand-picked lighting piece makes a room's design a success, but a poorly-chosen one can just as easily create a failure.

This exquisite and unique light incorporates a variety of styles to bring an intimate, masculine feel to the billiard room shown here. When complimented with hidden track lighting, which can be adjusted to reflect a need for brighter or dimmer light, this one-of-a-kind lighting fixture brings an artistic, modern element to the space without losing the rustic cabin feel of the room. Somehow, this room has become sophisticated and rough simultaneously because of one hand-crafted custom light.

While this exterior chandelier is not even lit, it is easy to see that even its presence transforms a simple patio. Combined with the matching sconces on the far wall, the lighting fixture channels absolute relaxation and intimacy without creating a heavy atmosphere. This room could be adjoined to your next-door neighbor's home, or it could be a part of an ultra-exclusive spa. The chandelier brings the room from a simple outdoor porch to a luxurious escape.

The warmth and tradition in this photo, and this space, is sealed by the authentic English chandelier hanging above the table. Tied together throughout the area, the appealing gleam of brass draws the eye upward and elongates the room. This chandelier adds a brightness the space would otherwise be lacking, whether the electricity is on or off. While such a traditional and cozy room could become commonplace and dark, a brass lighting fixture picks up any light and reflects its glow about the room.

All lighting fixtures are hand-crafted by Heritage Metalworks. For more lighting tips and tricks, check out this blog by an interior design firm or visit our website for more examples of our work: www.heritage-metalworks.com.

Prepare To Quit Your Day Job

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Thu, 26 May 2011 20:08:00 +0000

One year ago around right Memorial Day, Heritage Metalworks was in the middle of renovating, expanding and converting an abandoned machine shop into our future tailor-made 10,000 square-foot “manufacturing” (notice the quotes) facility.

Before the renovation and expansion

Having wished for someone to provide guidance and advice along with some do’s and don'ts before we charged into the unknown, it seems appropriate that we share a little of what we’ve learned in the process. (In the spirit of Memorial Day)

After the renovation

1.) Over-estimate by 15%. Even if you don’t need it, you’ll sleep better at night and also have the flexibility to improve the project with ideas that will come later.

2.) Research your subcontractors. Use binding contracts with completion incentives & large hold-backs

3.) Plan for unreliable subcontractors even after you’ve researched them and used contracts with completion incentives and large hold-backs

4.) Start with good building plans but expect them to change – a lot.

5.) Plan for bad weather, a shallow water table, hidden underground storage tanks and an unreasonable building code. Plan for more unknowns than that.

6.) Expect to make mistakes and learn from them. Ask for advice but make decisions yourself and communicate them in writing.

7.) Expect that subs will make mistakes and double-check EVERYTHING they do.

8.) Realize that building inspectors are generally on your side. But they do make mistakes, they do miss mistakes, and they do interpret the building code – a lot.

9.) Plan to spend 3 to 5 times as much time supervising as you think you’ll need.

10.) Before starting, get in the frame of mind that it’s an adventure, not a job. Chances are, you‘ll never want to do it again, so think as a once-in-a-lifetime "experience."

Hire a general contractor if anything above seems unreasonable. Feel free to contact us directly if you’d like more information about our particular renovation or yours - We are happy to help!

A Modern Twist on Tradition

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Tue, 24 May 2011 21:53:00 +0000

It's said that there is nothing new under the sun - that we are just repeating something that has already been done, but possibly with our own twist. The twist in the design world currently seems to be transcending periods to modernize tradition or spin contemporary conservatively. Homeowners with architectural-period homes or traditional buildings want to keep their interiors from getting too "old," and those with newer homes want to incorporate a sense of history and culture.

While this basically applies to anything in the interior design industry - furniture, cabinetry, lighting (more on lighting in a later post) - it especially applies to an overlooked category where the items are too often labeled a specific style: hardware. Period hardware is often ornate, heavy and detailed, like the Carpenter Lock above and the Keyhole Latch below. It looks antiqued and a little worn, even if it is brand new. While there is definitely demand for period hardware, there's a rising desire for transitional pieces instead.

For instance, this detailed, artistic door handle seems very Arts & Crafts - period - yet next to stained and "bubbled" glass, it becomes much more progressive and interesting than a simple period door set. A more modern setting of well-chosen historic or traditional hardware can keep your home from being too "period" yet still embrace past fashions.

Another way to transcend periods and styles in your interior design is to change the finish or material of the hardware set. This brass box lock below takes on an entirely different ambiance when done in brass instead of the traditional iron or bronze. When you're dealing with a custom company, especially one that makes hand-crafts everything in its shop like we do, the options are all but limitless for tailoring period-neutral hardware to your needs. For more information and photos, check out our hardware gallery on our website.

To Restore or Not to Restore…

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:18:00 +0000

At least daily, we receive an inquiry regarding the replacement of missing or damaged antique hardware for furniture, clocks, houses and more.

Usually, the first question is “how much does this cost?” We appreciate this candor because it gets right to the point, “Is this worth it?” Over 50% of the time, the answer is “no” and that’s OK with us because the client still has other options – they just might not know it.

The bottom line is that the value of most furniture built after 1940 is less than the cost of replacing the hardware. This is partly because hardware is typically produced in the thousands, or hundreds of thousands. So while the design, pattern work, and set-up costs to make the first piece can run in the thousands – each piece after that costs just pennies.

Our “lost wax” process is different. It involves making a rubber mold of an original, recreating it in wax, coating the part with investment (layered plaster), and pouring molten metal into the cavity left behind after the wax is heated and poured out. It's suitable for very short runs and costs typically start at $75 for the mold and $50 for the first part – much less than the original process, but still not cheap according to many.

There are also less expensive ways of recreate a part in metal when functionality is the primary goal. One is to press the original into a block of fine sand, remove the original, and pour metal right into the impression left behind. It’s called loose-casting and typically sacrifices detail and quality. But that’s not much of a sacrifice at all if the alternative is a drawer pull made of yarn.

Restoration of the doorway at
The Acorn Club in Philadelphia, PA

At the end of the day, the choice to repair, reproduce or move on is up to the owner. For the client, it may be monetarily or emotionally worth antique hardware reproduction. For those who decide it is not, it may be easier to choose from our gallery of antique reproduction hardware. For those who choose to proceed, browsing our custom work or restoration pages is a solid next step.

Kaleidoscope: 2011 Color Trends in Lighting

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Tue, 17 May 2011 21:17:00 +0000

Phoenix

Recent lighting trends for 2011 have taken subtle but fiery hues that add depth to any interior setting, and juxtaposed them to bring about surprising pleasing color combinations. A light fixture like the one to the left has bright, hot colors in the glass of a traditional hanging lantern to make it a more transitional piece as opposed to period.

Fusion

According to an article by Jen DeRose on House Beautiful.com, "the new American way has a dynamic sensibility of an artist twisting kaleidoscope, turning a collision of colors into a tour de force." The "Fusion" wall sconce certainly portrays this very American, fresh feeling because of the very kaleidoscope mashing of colors. It creates a visually stunning yet aesthetically pleasing finish for any home.

Signaturecontractors.com mentions some great tones in one of their articles: mottled red, faded copper, warm cinnamon, ginger, burnt orange, buttery yellow, rich coffee, punchy apricot and rich clay. Incorporating some splashes of green, plum and mauve can soften bold colors for those with more traditional tastes.

The intersection of complimentary colors takes a traditional look and adds a modern, clean aspect to it. Unique finishes and additions like colored glass can change the entire vibe of a conservative piece. Such adaptations make arts & crafts fixtures, like the ones shown to the below, appropriate for contemporary or period homes.

Journey

Inferno

Tradition And Modern Luxury In Symphony

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Tue, 10 May 2011 19:39:00 +0000

Featured Product: "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend"

This traditional hanging lantern has been transformed by the mastery of French designer Matali Crasset into a piece of modern luxury. From tip to ceiling rose, it is a 37-inch tall symphony of glass and paktong, an ancient non-tarnishing metal with a seductive hue halfway between gold and silver. First appearing in China in the 12th century, Paktong use became infrequent since the 1800s until Meta commissioned this lighting gem in 2007, "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend." With a price tag of $54,500, this is the ultimate luxury in lighting.

Just over 100 different shapes of paktong hold the hand-blown glass pieces of this lantern in place, suspended from a unique repeating paktong link specifically designed to obscure the flex. One designer said the link itself is so beautiful, he keeps it as an ornament on his office desk. This exquisite shell of glass and metal is lit by an internal paktong pendant hand-blown out of milk-white glass.

The entire fixture is exclusively fabricated by Heritage Metalworks, whose Director of Design, Matt White, contributed to the design and made possible the fabrication of "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend."

Meta and Heritage Metalworks have collaborated to also offer a smaller version of the hanging lantern and a wall sconce to complete the modern luxury look.

Further information about Meta, a Mallett Inc. Company, and the "Diamonds Are A Girl's best Friend" hanging lantern can be found at http://www.heritage-metalworks.com.

Further information about Matali Crasset can be found on her website.

Today, when Heritage Metalworks received an order for two of our most luxury, high-end item, it was time for a featured product story with amazing details. The "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" large hanging lantern was also recently featured as a Best of Show for the Architectural Digest Home Design Show 2011 - The article can be read here: Best of Architectural Digest Home Design 2011

Gifts that Go Beyond Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Thu, 05 May 2011 18:53:00 +0000

The typical Mother's Day shopping event many times features perishable gifts to hand to your Mom, prepackaged and generic. While this may save many a forgetful son or daughter from an awkward phone call (or conversation), there are better ideas for showing appreciation to the matriarchs in our families. In particular, here are two better ideas for this Mother's Day to tell your madre you love her:

One, offer to help her redecorate. That kitchen project that always gets pushed to the back burner or the guest bedroom needing a make-over could be planned and put in the works this Mother's Day. However, if your mom's home is perfect (or she may be too offended to take up your offer to "revamp"), then bring your spring decorating intentions outside. An offer no mom can refuse? Exterior home labor. You can even offer to upgrade her garden hardware, add an entrance gate or help find some classy garden accessories - hint, hint: earlier blog post. The best part? Plan it and pick it out online so you can kick back and relax with your mom for most of Mother's Day.

Two, the women who brought us into existence frequently only want one thing: our undivided attention. Even if it's the day of, consider jumping online and finding an event or brunch to go to. Many restaurants will require reservations or a minimum hour wait, so packing a picnic lunch and "surprising" your mom with an outdoors meal may be a better choice. Instead of picking a park, head to Winterthur, Delaware and relax in the sunshine while watching the Winterthur Point-to-Point. Don't forget your tailgating equipment and floppy hat...The gates open at 10:30 this Sunday, and they're offering lots of incentives to go:

Mother’s Day Membership Gift: A trial individual membership for tailgate parking space purchasers this year. Mother’s Day Hunt Brunch: A luncheon served right by the track, at the finish line - VIP parking and special Nordstrom gift included. “Mother’s Helper” Sitter Service: A break from the kids with this sitter deal. Point-to-Point Mother’s Day Hat by Helen Kaminski: Wear the Point-to-Point hat, and possibly win a prize! Photos by Barnyard Photography: A way to make a memorable event last forever.

AroundMainLine.com has the full story on the Winterthur Point-to-Point Races and all the special deals. Or if you're only interested in the action, check out the Race Day Schedule from Winterthur.

Stop by and say hello to us! We will be at the sponsorship tent and around the grounds.

You wear your best jewelry out, why shouldn't your home?

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Tue, 03 May 2011 15:56:00 +0000

Exterior Chandeliers: You wear your best jewelry out, why shouldn't your home? Chandeliers are a crowning touch to any room, so it's easy to start thinking of them as solely interior light fixtures. However, these lighting jewels can transform any area of your home instead of just brightening up one room. An airy patio can become a romantic getaway when night falls and the only visible light radiates from the stars - and the candles of a Winterthur Spatterware Hall Chandelier, like the one at the right.

Obviously, romantic candlelight chandeliers are only one charming (though slightly outdated) philosophy for incorporating exterior chandeliers into your home. Much more modern ideas involve lightbulbs, a pool table and a springtime party out on the patio underneath an electrified lighting fixture. The Winterthur reproduction by Heritage Metalworks is just one good example of how an outdoor chandelier can brighten an outdoor porch.

Hanging a simple but sweet chandelier like the one below can give a your garden an entirely new look. Covered walkways offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy modern lighting with a traditional feeling. Also, a candle-lit chandelier choice can make it much more inexpensive to enjoy a piece of luxury draped from a home's exterior ceilings. The piece below is only $830 candle-lit, but the price climbs to $1,245 with electricity.

While pillars and columns may be beyond most of our homes, adding a dramatic two-tiered chandelier will add instant pizazz to any entrance. Talk about wearing your best jewelry out! (This is one resides at the Winterthur Estate.)

Getting Out of the Museum and Into Your Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:50:00 +0000

As springtime is creeping steadily up on us, the grass and greenery around our homes is just as steadily growing. Even though in February we never thought we would need a mower again, the time for mowing, gardening and pruning is upon us once again. This year, try doing something different for your garden than the usual upkeep - add a piece of history! The Winterthur Museum & Country Estate in Delaware has worked with their licensees over the years to make historical American designs available to any homeowner. Heritage Metalworks, Ladybug and A. Thayer Smith all offer authentic replicas of garden accessories amassed by Henry DuPont and his estate.

Heritage Metalworks fabricates large metal ornamental objects like the Armillary Sphere(left), the Armillary Sundial (right) and the Winterthur garden gateway (above). All are made in the same old-fashioned methods that the originals were created in. Heritage is also licensed to reproduce a variety of hardware and lighting from the Winterthur collection.

Ladybug hand-crafts their decorative garden accessories as well, using a marble & resin composition combined with one of the multitude of hand-applied finishes that they offer. The Ladybug Winterthur collection is inspired by the graceful originals from the museum, allowing today's outdoor living spaces to make use of a piece of history.

A. Thayer Smith casts resin garden accessories using traditional techniques and new technology much like Heritage Metalworks does with their metalworking. They offer true reproductions in modern materials.

Both Heritage Metalworks and A. Thayer Smith produce such high-quality reproductions that their licensed Winterthur garden accessories are used at the estate today in place of the worn-out original pieces.

For more information about Winterthur licensed garden accesories please visit: http://www.winterthur.org/?p=496

If you enjoy other Winterthur lighting and hardware and would lie to learn more about having a piece of history inside your home, please visit this link: http://www.heritage-metalworks.com/winterthur.html

Now go out and bring forth a piece of history into your home or garden!

Time For Your Fireplace's Spring Wardrobe

noreply@blogger.com (Philly Hub) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:23:00 +0000

With this beautiful weather, many homeowners are looking around their houses wondering how to keep up with the sudden appearance of spring. Reminders of quite a long winter are everywhere - from the fireplace to the space-heaters that haven't yet been stored away for next year. After last season's weather, it's no surprise that some homeowners are a little afraid that this warmer weather is just a late April Fool's joke from nature. However, it is time for the spring wardrobe to come out - homes need to shed the vestige of dreary winterizing to make way for a brighter season.

While one can't exactly exile the fireplace to storage until the next cold snap, consider adding a fun addition that adds some year-round cheer. This fire-screen at the left, a design we fabricated on special request, brightens an otherwise traditional and stern mantle to change the entire character of the room. The details are centered around pineapples to channel Caribbean vibes all year long.

During the Christmas season, the mantle is a centerpiece in bringing warmth and cheer to families, with stockings hung above above a roaring fire where familial activities occur, like marshmallow toasting and chestnut roasting. Why shouldn't it be a center of attention in other seasons as well? Instead of avoiding eye-contact with a sooty reminder of winter, upgrade to springtime fashion for your fireplace. A simple fix is using a fireplace screen as decoration for the home instead of its intended use - though it will still come in handy when winter swings around again to catch those errant embers. Screens like the one at the left bring a touch of springtime to your fireplace, and make a great staging ground for incorporating real flowers or tasteful synthetic bouquets. The flowers can be in front, behind or wound through the top of this specific fire screen (by Heritage Metalworks). Springtime entertaining requires so much out of the host or hostess already - a screen like this one makes it much simpler to decorate a potential eyesore - and enjoy your own party! Just add some live flora and enjoy, whether entertaining or just relaxing by the (springtime) fireplace.