Rack ’em up…
January 31, 2013
stack ’em up. What a perfect simplequietmodern solution to storing your firewood , keeping it close at hand, and making a major statement in the process. Any room with a fireplace, no matter what style inclination, can benefit from the look of the clean steel frame that will present your timber in a neatly organized vertical “installation”. Designed by Franz Mauer, the stand alone Woodtower not only solves the problem of keeping your split logs conveniently located, but it does so very elegantly.
http://www.connox.com/categories/furniture/wood-storage/raumgestalt-woodtower.html
Pumpkin X 2 Part 2
January 28, 2013
Before you forget you have it, it’s time to put that pumpkin puree that was left over from the earlier soup recipe to good use. We’ve made it through January so why not treat everyone with a batch of these Iced Pumpkin Cookies. A soft drop cookie with no fancy ingredients…you probably have everything you need in the pantry. And, if you leave out the machinery and stir these up by hand, they are not only simple, but quiet as well.
In eight short weeks…Spring
January 25, 2013
It’s not too early to start thinking about getting back outside, spending the warm Spring and Summer months in the yard. In fact, in order to have what you want…when you want it…now is the perfect time to set your plan into motion. Maybe it’s a new piece of furniture or two you’re desiring. Confirming availability, lead times and shipping now can have you ordering things up and having them in your possession at precisely the right time. It’s possible to enjoy a balmy 70 degree day early in April. How nice would it be to have a place to sit, sip and watch the garden you worked so hard putting to bed last fall slowly waking up? And,what a better spot to do it from than this simplequietmodern favorite. The Split Seat Bench from Henrybuilt, in teak , placed in the entry courtyard, on your porch or outdoor dining area could hit just the right simplequietmodern note. If it’s needed inside… at the foot of a bed, in an entrance hall or flanking a dining table…you can select from the extensive wood options, like the quartersawn walnut pictured, to enhance any interior location.
Bowled Over
January 22, 2013
I was recently put to the task of finding for a client something made of wood for the center of their Saarinen dining table. In keeping with the classic mid-century aesthetic of the home I immediately thought of a Dansk bowl or tray of some type because of the classic modern lines that Dansk produced in wood…particulary in the 60’s and 70’s. I thought I knew exactly what I was going to find until I stumbled upon this piece…I had never seen it before. In this beautiful pale finish it would complement the pale wood veneered walls of the dining area as well as the Calacatta marble top on the table, with its pale tan and gray variegation. The softly sculpted sloping shoulder on the thick wall of the bowl created an object that was elevated far above “salad bowl” status while mimicking the shape of the George Nelson Bubble Lamp hanging above it. Even though it was designed and produced to serve up a mean Caesar, I love the way it looks empty.That was simple.
Mother Nature…Modernist
January 19, 2013
A fallen tree, a single river rock worn smooth by the passage of time and rushing water, both modern minimalist inspiration found in nature. A quick walk through the yard or a relaxed meander through the woods or shore can ignite a creative spark that can’t be found sitting at the desk. Muted tones to bright colorations that only she can produce…materials, form and texture that seem impossible get those creative juices flowing. Is it your garden or your interior you need to rework? A room in your garden or a room in your home can both benefit from a leisurely stroll with both eyes wide open. Leave your iPhone behind, open the door, take a deep breath and head out. This exercise is not only simplequietmodern…it’s free. You might be surpised where it takes you.
Visit artist Jaehyo Lee ( work pictured above) here:http://www.leeart.name
This Bryan Nash Gill woodblock print can be found here:http://www.shopterrain.com/art-accents/cookie-woodcut-print/searchString/gill
Pumpkin X 2
January 16, 2013
One pumpkin…two great eats. The first, a savory pumpkin peanut soup, the other a soft pumpkin cookie. Both suitable for the cooler (OK, colder) months, you decide which you make first. The soup I improvised when I had leftover pumpkin after a day of baking. Not quite Indian and not quite Thai, it’s basically a pumpkin vegetable soup with an assortment of spices ( but, nothing too exotic) and peanut that’s a satisfying non-meat meal to come home to after a hard day at work or a harder day of holiday returning. It thickens and tastes even better on the 2nd and 3rd day…you might also serve it up over a bowl of quinoa for that added grain protein. Whip some up on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy it into the week for lunch or a quick supper.
Forecast…COLD
January 13, 2013
Time to throw another blanket on. My modern interpretation of the classic Hudson Bay Blanket should warm things up nicely, like only a wool blanket can. Simple garter rows in Berroco Vintage Chunky and some size ten sticks make for a thick knit, heavy enough to protect from any draft or chill. Pair it up with some flannel sheets and a vintage quilt and you may not want to crawl out from under it until spring…which I hear in Montana, where this was sent, comes rather late.
It all starts here …
January 10, 2013
with the simple basics. Tablet or pad? Stylus or pen? With all of the available and new technology the best things for getting the job done are still the tried and true…the Project pad, the Sharpie, the Uniball fine point. I’d be lost without them (ask my friends and associates, without my tools I can get kinda cranky). Things for me run more efficiently when I’m using tools that I like and that do the best job for me. From an early punch list, beginning sketches, plan developement to checking off completed tasks nothing beats these three for getting things done, and there is nothing to plug in and recharge. So I’m starting off this New Year as always…with my new box of Sharpies, Uniballs and a pack of Tops project pads. OK, now I’m happy. Let’s get to work. 
It’s definitely green
January 7, 2013
We may not all be as lucky as Angelina Joli …what with these simplequietdropdead emerald earings, but there will soon be verdant options for the rest of us. The Pantone selection for color of the year 2013 is Emerald. While Pantone believes in its universal appeal, it’s not for everyone. Yet, everyone will be seeing it used everywhere and on everything…coffee mugs to evening gowns, wallpaper to bath towels. Let’s hope we will benefit from its symbolism of clarity, growth , renewal and prosperity as well as its positive affects toward healing and unity
Speaking of…
January 4, 2013
time, OMG…one year of sqm come and gone. Yep, simplequietmodern is one year old today. Someone once said that ” If you genuinely have something to say, there is someone out there who genuinely needs to hear it”. That’s pretty simple. Apparently I spoke and you listened…I’m so very grateful…for that, and most especially for my new friends around the world who have touched me with their inspiration, their support, their kind words. I have received every compliment humbly, felt every hug, laughed out loud when it was needed the most. I hope I am able to do likewise for you. Thank You. Now, let’s get back to the business of living life simplequietmodern. Hey, should we be having cake?
Cake and photo courtesy of Kirsten Johnstone http://www.kirstenjohnstone.com/blog/
OK, and maybe some flowers.
