Nothing Like An Original
June 20, 2022
While most of the country is heating up I can’t help but think about a quiet place to sit and catch a cool breeze. And where better than Loll Design’s reintroduction of Thomas Lee’s Westport Chair.? Attributes such as being constructed of sustainable materials based on recycled milk jugs, durability making it suitable for all seasons and all weather, availability in your choice of 8 colors and being made in America make this choice a no brainer. The original modern outdoor seating. All you need now is a pair of shades, a good book and a refreshing beverage.
chair photos: Loll Designs remaining photos: gp
Don’t Forget
May 8, 2022
Call your Mother. Happy Mother’s Day.
photo:gp
And Not A Minute Too Soon
April 4, 2022
Ready to be put into use immediately is the Summer Seasonal Collection from Heath Ceramics. With Easter right around the corner it seems like a natural to get your order in now. This collection is available now but is sure to sell out quickly. I’m thinking the yellow pieces might be a great way to brighten the days while we’re waiting for Summer to finally arrive.
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A bit of forced rye grass with the addition of a cracked eggshell whispers Easter.
The Classic Heath Modern Cup in Sunflower
A bunch of pink hyacinths would feel right at home in that tall modern cup. And who wouldn’t love to receive the both as a gift?
Sunnyside Tea Towels will make cleaning up after Easter brunch a pleasure.
What’s Easter without the classic yellow Peep?
The Sunflower glaze on the classic Heath Budvase.
All Roads Grid napkins in Fuschia are part of the Heath Summer Seasonal Collection. These will surely get a workout from Easter through Labor Day.
Pink and Yellow. Something tells me with the way the last two years have been it’s a combination we might just be needing right about now.
Heath Plaza Dessert bowls and Sunnyside Napkins, also part of the Summer Seasonal Collection.
A big vase of forced Forsythia brings springtime right in to the table. It’s hard to beat.
All Heath Summer Seasonal photos by Heath Ceramics.
All other photos: gp
It’s Just The Sweetest
March 16, 2022
I’m talking maple syrup. And while it’s season and the trees are tapped and the sap is flowing I can’t help but think about all the ways I love to use it. I’m sure I can manage to slip it’s warm rounded sweetness into one thing or another several times a week. From sweet to savory, cocktails to dessert, maple syrup just adds that little earthy something that regular sugar seems to lack. I’ve noted below an assortment of applications that have become my simplequietmodern favorites over the last ten years. Now let’s tap into that dark amber goodness.
Gently reducing maple syrup by half and adding fresh blueberries to warm is the perfect topping to your favorite pancake or French toast recipe. It takes the chill off the berries and keeps that fresh quality that is lost when they’re cooked into the pancake.
A tablespoon or two whisked into a simple vinaigrette of olive oil and apple cider vinegar is as good on a Salad Lyonnaise as it is my take on a shaved Brussels Sprout salad with Bosc pear, Bleu Cheese and Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts.
Don’t save these for the holidays. Maple Syrup Sriracha Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. Really, you might want to make a double batch and just call it dinner.
If you haven’t tried this Maple Cube from Tonewood now’s a good time to get on it. A grate over fresh Spring berries can’t be beat.
Jack Daniels Maple Syrup Ketchup? Yes Please.
As a snack, with cocktails, on a salad or as a gift these Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts hit every note perfectly.
Substitute a tablespoon of dark amber maple syrup for the muddled sugar cubes in your next Old Fashioned and you won’t be making them your old way again.
Sometimes a little something nostalgic is just what’s needed. Maple Walnut Fudge reminds me of countless family road trips which honestly weren’t that much fun. Whipping up a batch without leaving home? Preferable.
photos: gp
Parentesi 50
March 7, 2022
It’s hard to believe that it’s time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Parentesi light. Designed by Italian designers Achille Castiglioni and Piu Monzu for Flos in 1971, the Parentesi became an immediate classic of modern architectural lighting. When I first saw a Parentesi in application I knew I had to have it…or better yet a pair. The simplicity of the light source held in place on a taught steel cable made this piece of lighting the definition of simplequietmodern. And, versatile. Singly, in pairs, with flood, spot or even frosted tube bulbs, I’ve put mine through the paces, each will stunning result. While the original incarnation was black, three additional color choices, red, nickel and white soon followed. And now, in celebration of it’s 50th year, the Parentesi 50 is available in orange and turquoise. A Little shot of color might be exactly what’s needed these days.
photos: Flos USA
If it’s March,
February 28, 2022
then it’s time for Daffodils. There is no better way to pull us through to Spring than with a bunch or two of the most perfect yellow ever. Their familiar cheerful faces and gentle fragrance just can’t help to lift us up, especially now. Rising prices, foreign invasions, the continuing pandemic and the near end of a brutal Winter have us in need of a little something something. A bunch or two of daffodils are just the ticket even if the price is double what is was last year. While you’re at it, it would be a lovely gesture to pick up a few extra bunches and pass the sunshine around. The rewards are sure to come back to you ten fold. If you’d like to use the Daffodil as inspiration, you might try a few from the selections below from the simplequietmodern archives.
Bunches of cut Daffs. If it’s March that means that January and February are in the rear view mirror.
This particular Knoll pattern features three colors familiar to March… the yellow, gray and white.
Even lunch and dinner can feature a little sunshine. This pickled blend of cauliflower, onions and yellow bell peppers will certainly liven things up with very little effort.
Maybe a permanent swath of yellow twig dogwood to enjoy from every window, especially when rising from a blanket of snow.
Bright second fiddle, a bunch or two of forced Forsythia branches, sourced locally, online or free from a neighbors yard.
Bright ceramic field tile will have you waking up to sunshine every day, no matter what.
daffodil photo: gp
American Modern,
February 16, 2022
now in black and white. Russel Wright’s American Modern dinnerware, a midcentury modern classic, is now available in matte black and matte white. The American Modern line has been gracing America’s homes since its introduction in 1939, in all of the mixed colors we’ve come to recognize and love. Everyone had their favorite in the offerings of coral, brown, gray, blue and chartreuse. But, somehow this re-issue of selected pieces in black and white brings to each a new level of sophistication. The 3 piece dining sets, assorted serving bowls, plates and platters are now available to mix and match with your vintage pieces or use on their own. I’m thinking all black…or, all white. Time for a coin toss.
photos: Food52.com
As simple as…
February 10, 2022
1 2 3. You can carry in dinner on Valentines day, but make dessert from scratch. With just three ingredients and about 10 minutes time you’ve got the perfect Valentines Day treat, Bruleed Raspberries. Fill an ovenproof ramekin with fresh raspberries, top with a generous amount of sour cream and sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar evenly over the sour cream. Pop the ramekins under the broiler until the brown sugar starts to caramelize then serve it up. That’s it. Seriously. Make this.
photos: gp
Shifting Focus
February 2, 2022
From biting bitter cold to major snowstorms, we are sure to be glad that January is behind us. Now’s a good time to shift our focus to other beautiful forms of Winter White that aren’t as challenging. From a simple vase of forced spring branches to dreaming about a a coveted new addition to your home, a little distraction isn’t out of order as we try to keep warm until the thaw.
Top to bottom:
For me, a fresh dump of snow is pretty for about 10 minutes. That’s it.
A bunch of white fringed tulips generally take the edge off all of that cold white stuff.
Planning ahead certainly guarantees some additional garden interest. This Blonde Ambition grass is certainly holding it’s own.
What do you mean you haven’t potted up that Amaryllis you received as a Christmas Gift? Get on it.
I know. Put it on your want list now. One large Saarinen dining table…six Saarinen Executive Chairs. You can’t go wrong with white on white, tone on tone. Photo: Knoll
Check that pantry and you might find the few ingredients needed to whip up a batch of this no-churn Bourbon Ice Cream.
Poke around the yard (or neighborhood)with a pair of pruners in your pocket. You could come home with a few flowering branches to force into bloom.
Too afraid to add that dining table to your want list? How ’bout a more do-able side table? photo: Knoll
I can never have enough white tulips to pull me through Winter. This white Parrot variety is a particular favorite.
If you’re going to be stuck inside bingeing movies, how great would it be to do it stretched out on this classic Florence Knoll sofa dressed in creamy upholstery?
Shoveling is horrible. Period. But, a hot soak or scrub down afterword with some Birch scented bath salts? Lovely.
Winter White Cashmere. Now, that’ll keep you cozy till spring. Photo: Naadam
Brrrrr, It’s Cold
January 23, 2022
Shoveling’s done, dinner’s in the oven, fire’s going and you’re about to get your binge on. All that’s missing is a quick comforting snack on this bitter cold Sunday afternoon. Me, I’m thinking about making two. Not only because they compliment each other perfectly, but because I had all of the items on hand and I couldn’t decide between them …Blistered Shishito Peppers and Pizza Fritte.
Heat up a couple glugs of oil in your favorite cast iron skillet until shimmering and toss in your Shishito peppers. Fair warning, they will sputter and pop. A quick turn and blister the other side, drain on a paper towel and hit with a sprinkle of coarse salt. Then while the pan is still hot add more oil to about 1/2″. Tear off nice size pieces from a ball of pre-made pizza dough, pull and flatten slightly and fry in hot oil. Turn when the bottoms are golden and fry on the reverse side. Drain, sprinkle with coarse salt and serve with a drizzle of hot honey.
photos: gp
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