IRON IT OUT
With summer’s arrival today, the mad rush to get ready for parties and barbecues has begun.
Among the hottest design elements for indoor and outdoor spaces this year is decorative iron. Home-improvement stores such as The Home Depot and Lowe’s sell thousands of pieces.
Some people may not want the same piece as every other person on the block and, because of the demand for original metal art, many small galleries and nurseries offer semicustom pieces. The average price of these pieces ranges from $30 to $1,500. Locally, AR Iron in Henderson and Martin Metal Works in Las Vegas are turning homeowners’ requests into metallic works of art that are often as functional as they are beautiful.
With the trend in home theming to natural and serene concepts, decorative iron art that resembles outdoor elements or Asian-themed designs is increasingly gaining favor. Items such as wall sconces and candle holders made to look like branches or leaves with brown tones are fashionable. For an additional calming ambience, these items go well with iron water features.
“Our aim is to transform mundane metal elements into distinct additions to their architectural settings. By working alongside each customer, combining on-site photography with design sketches, Martin Metal Works is able to ensure that each piece incorporates personal taste with superb workmanship — resulting in unique metalwork which is sure to delight for generations,” said Matt Martin owner of Martin Metal Works, located at 2900 S. Highland Drive, Suite 19D.
Martin Metal Works specializes in functional art. “Where creative innovation builds functional design” is its motto.
“At Martin Metal Works we take pride in approaching each project with the creativity of an artist and the functionality of an engineer,” Martin said.
Among his more decorative items are artistic metal frames and modern welded art. However, a majority of the work consists of courtyard gates, outdoor fireplaces and stair railings.
More than 5,000 plama-cut artistic pieces are offered by AR Iron in addition to the custom pieces it designs and creates. Founded by Fred and Sylvia Scalfani more than 25 years ago, the company prides itself on beautiful and efficient work and the diversity offered by its computer-aided plasma cutter.
Offering pieces that are more artistic is Chris O’Rourke of Las Vegas, who started in the business by fabricating motorcycles. After moving to the valley in 2000, O’Rourke began making steel bases for marble tables. He said his work was so original that it soon spun into customized kitchen hoods, water features and lighting elements.
“I love every piece so much that if the client is not happy with it, I will make them a new piece and keep it for my own home.”
However, he has yet to keep even one piece.
He said among his most commonly commissioned pieces are stainless steel with copper powdering yard pots and water features. In his studio/workshop, he has the ability to make pieces as large are 25,000 square feet or as small as an address number for a house.
For an extra element to his custom pieces, O’Rourke works with other artists for tile, glass and wood embellishments.
