C’mon…bring it.
February 26, 2013
Imagine coming home after a day of fighting traffic during the latest of winter storms only to find your mailbox has been catapulted into the neighboring property in an explosive shower of cedar shards and shredded envelopes. That snowplow must have been really gunning for my old standby who had been quietly receiving snail mail and parcels for decades. I now found myself in the market for a NEW mailbox…something with style that suits the mid-century sensibility of my home… while at the same time being able to stand up to the bullies behind the wheel or those out for a joyride wielding an aluminum bat. Jonathan Duke at Steel House Mfg. in Austin, Texas got it right with both the MB1 and MB2. simplequietmodern solutions that almost whisper…”You want some of this?”
Images by Steel House Mfg.
Who wants pie?
February 24, 2013
It held me in good stead as a decorative object from early fall right through the holidays. Now this gorgeous Winter squash, the Hubbard, is about to be transformed into a simple comforting treat. This recipe for Brown Sugar Hubbard Squash Pie claims to be heartier and more flavorful than canned pumpkin, but equally creamy. Even with the added process of cutting this monster up and baking it off into the master roasted squash puree could not have been simpler or more economical. One finished pie down and there is enough puree to freeze that will make 4 more or anything else you can conjure that requires cooked squash…Gnochi, Soup, Lasagna? That said, the end result looks fantastic. I think it’s time to put on some coffee and start cuttin’. 
Totally floored
February 20, 2013
When looking for a suitable flooring material during a home renovation many years ago I was hard pressed for an appropriate material that fit all of the criteria I had set. Yes, it’s always much easier to specify when working for someone else. It was hard to find an individual at the time who was able to refinish the concrete floors, laminates were not a direction I cared to go and standard hardwoods seemed like a yawn. I also wanted something that was as cost effective as possible…even to the point of becoming one of the installers to keep costs low and make sure things were handled correctly. Then a friend reminded me of a material that I had put to successful use years earlier in my home in L.A….plywood. I guess there was no reason to reinvent the wheel or mess with prior success…so, plywood it was…simplequietmodern.
A stronger more graphic result was achieved more recently with a mosaic of “humble” materials…ply, particle board and MDF… in this Warsaw cafe and bike repair shop. Now that’s a statement.
http://www.designboom.com/design/relaks-cafe-cafe-and-bicycle-storerepair-shop/
The apple doesn’t fall…
February 17, 2013
too far from the tree, which is pretty apparent in this Eero Saarinen Armchair. Designed in 1957 at the same time the design and construction was taking place on the iconic TWA Flight Center at New York’s Idywild Airport, the influences between the two are unmistakable. Originally designed as an executive office chair, this groundbreaking seating , with its use of a fully upholstered flexible fiberglass frame, offers comfort that is equally at home in any residential setting requiring a modern note. As time has passed, Idylwild was renamed JFK International, TWA has ceased to exist, and the simplequietmodern days of early elegant air travel has given way to…well, you know. The good news is that this chair is still available, in multiple variations, to satisfy your need for comfortable seating with a light touch… and, this magnificent building has undergone a recent multi-million dollar renovation and is now a National Landmark.
http://nyc-architecture.com/BKN/BKN002.htm
Cupid Cooks
February 9, 2013
OK, here’s the plan. After a quick trip for a well priced Brut Rose’, start with Gougere, always the perfect accompaniment to a dry sparkling wine. Follow with a dinner of roast cornish game hen, orzo with peas and mint and finish with an Afogatto of coffee ice cream topped with espresso and some toasted almonds ( or, as shown here,with a shard of Brulee Almond Brittle) for dessert. The Gougere can be made the weekend prior and frozen until needed. Roast the game hens while you’re making the orzo over a glass or two of wine. Now, how simple was that? A mid-week celebration that took no more time than a regular weeknight dinner.
https://simplequietmodern.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/inas-gougere.jpg
Chemex…modern then,
February 6, 2013
modern now. The simplequietmodern way to a great cup (or two if you have the time).You love it when they offer you a “pour over” at Starbucks…well, Chemex has been offering that tasty option since it’s introduction in1942.Included in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian, the Chemex Coffee Maker has found its permanent home in the annals of modern and industrial design. Why a Keurig when this can do the trick at a fraction of the price and without the landfill waste that comes along with it… plastic pods, cardboard packaging, etc? So go grab yourself a bag of beans…it might just be time to revisit this timeless symbol of gracious living and brew yourself a cup.
The Homies 2013
February 4, 2013
Apartment Therapy’s 5th Annual Homies…and simplequietmodern has been nominated in the category of “Best Home Design And Inspiration Blog”. It’s pretty exciting. The voting will continue until February 8, 2013. For those of you that follow and have voted…a big Thank You. If you’d like to cast you vote now, please do and feel free to share sqm with your friends and associates. There’s always something new here, and as I like to say…simplequietmodern… read it, learn it, live it
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/best-home-design-inspiration-blog-the-homies-2013-183531#nominate
Listen
February 3, 2013
No matter what this New Year has brought…or the last few years for that matter… there is hope. Financial stress, relationships crumbling, personal losses, natural disasters, stalled projects,workplace rudeness…we have all been there…all been affected. Still, as we assess what this first month of the New Year has (or hasn’t) brought, we can benefit from these simple yet powereful words. And, an early Spring is at hand so things are already looking up.
Thanks to Heather @ Habitualy Chic for providing this photo:http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2012-11-28T07:00:00-05:00
simplequietmodern 
