She Must Have Known
December 12, 2018
Decades before the arrival of the flat panel TV, Florence Knoll had designed the 116 credenza…simple case, sliding panel doors, leather pulls, interior drawer and shelves set on iron legs. As you would expect over the last 70 years it’s minimal style genius was put to great use in living rooms, dining rooms and offices alike. Today, I can’t help thinking that Florence must have had a premonition that the 116 would be a great perch for today’s flat screen. And, it would if you were able to get your hands on one. Hey Santa, a little help please? I’ve got just the spot.
Photo: Plastolux
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Forecast: Chance of Coral
December 8, 2018
You have to love the optimism of the Pantone Color Institute. Every December brings us their prediction of a color that we will be seeing a lot of in the coming year. Each prediction has them waxing poetic on their selection…hoping to convince us of the relevance of their choice. I’m still waiting to see previous Color of the Year selections like Marsala, Serenity and Purple Passion flood the marketplace. While the 2019 color of the Year, Living Coral, is pretty enough I’m not convinced we’ll be seeing it everywhere. It makes one wonder if Pantone, when it comes to forecasting, might have better luck predicting the weather.
Images: https://www.pantone.com/color-intelligence/color-of-the-year/color-of-the-year-2019
Friendly Reminder
December 5, 2018
As your gift purchases from cyber week start arriving, don’t forget to save that packing material. In a few weeks they’ll come in handy when those gifts need to be wrapped. The addition of some found objects, simple cord, repurposed ribbon or the most restrained spritz of metallic or color is all that’s needed to create a distinctive presentation that is cost-effective, ecologically beneficial and best of all free.
photos: gp
O Christmas Tree
November 30, 2018
Or, no Christmas tree. While I love a fresh tree I’m never opposed to rethinking the traditional Christmas tree by deconstructing it or reimagining it in simplequietmodern style. A sheet of plywood and a few strings of lights? BOOM! Modern Christmas magic!
Photos and Geneva Vanderzeil’s complete DIY tutorial found here: https://apairandasparediy.com/2015/12/diy-string-light-christmas-tree/
Jackpot
November 25, 2018
I recently ran across an unused gift card in my desk drawer…then another. Then, an online credit memo. Yoo hoo! What I had tucked away for safe keeping I had completely forgotten about. I think I’ll use this “found cash” to jump start my holiday shopping…maybe pick up a little perk for myself in the process. Just in time for Cyber Monday. Check those drawers, people.
A few ideas to kick off the season, top to bottom:
A new glaze, Zinc, on Heath Ceramics Coupe Dessert Bowl courtesy of that unearthed online credit memo. Photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/collections/bowls/products/dessert-bowl-coupe
This Floating Gemstones Necklace Kit from Purl Soho provides enough material to create several great gifts in the month ahead. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/floating-gemstones-necklace-kit.html
Also from Purl Soho, Posy, a hand-dyed Superwash Cashmere, Merino and Nylon blend yarn. Gift the skeins to your favorite knitter or whip up a warm cap or scarf in this Winter-busting shade…Sour Gooseberry. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/posy-gift-list-gallery.html
If you’re itching to start decking the halls, Trader Joe’s has the best value in town with their mixed evergreen wreaths. Photo: gp
Start them now and you’ll have gorgeous amaryllis in bloom for Christmas. This moss covered bulb is available from Terrain. Photo: https://www.shopterrain.com
Eucharisteo
November 22, 2018
From the Greek meaning thanksgiving…to be thankful. And, on this day let’s do just that, give thanks.
Then, pie.
Photo:gp
Finishing Touches
November 18, 2018
With Thanksgiving dinner under control it might be a good idea to give a little thought to setting the table. Whether you’re hosting a few or a crowd, that table will be full, so keep things simple. No elaborate centerpiece, just a simplequietmodern statement of a neutral palette and a scattering of a few fresh flowers, fruit and fall leaves scavenged from the yard. Maximum style impact…very little effort. Done.
Top to bottom:
While I generally favor Bosc pears for their warm sueded finish, this year I’ll be using Quince. Over the weekend they’ll be transformed into Quince Paste or Membrillo to enjoy later. Photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2012/12/14/small-plates/
For everyday use or any special gathering there is nothing like the classic modern statement of Heath Ceramics Coupe Dinnerware and new Muir Flatware. Photo: https://www.heathceramics.com
I’m a sucker for a natural jute linen napkin. This one in Flax linen shot with silver brings it up a modern notch for the holiday. Photo: https://www.unisonhome.com/new/new-holiday-catalog/etoile-flax-and-silver-napkin.html
I’m still loving pink for Fall so why not the best of the MidCentury floral offerings than pale pink carnations? Just a few in each small container…cup, cocktail glass or vase…scattered about should do it. Photo: gp
Check your yard for just a handful of perfect fallen leaves.This year I’m liking the way the shape color and texture of these oak leaves works tucked in with everything else. Photo:gp
