A Genius Move
June 30, 2013
Really. At least to my minds eye. So, for starters, you have an open space with your kitchen in full view. The simplequietmodern exercise of placing the major appliances ( stove , oven, refrigerator ) around a corner or behind a wing wall keeps everything neat and tidy when viewed from the larger living area, no matter what you’re cooking up. All that is visible is some simple lower cabinetry sans hardware and a few neatly appointed open shelves. If the giant Kitchen Aid mixer was tucked around the corner too, the entire area would read as console, sideboard or wet bar rather than prep area. The rolling worksurface wears several hats also… as a working peninsula , lunch counter or serving table rolled to wherever it’s needed. Pretty smart.
Dining Out
June 27, 2013
Mid Century master Marcel Breuer designed this concrete block and stone patio table sometime in the middle of the last century. Now, re- imagine it for al fresco dining in 2013. A little planning, a trip to the Home Depot, Lowes or a local garden center can outfit you with the requisite concrete blocks, concrete block or paver adhesive and a big ol’ 4 x 8 sheet of marine ply to top it all off. Using this picture of the original, you can spin the basic concept off in any direction to get a modern look that is uniquely yours. This could be a great weekend project before the 4th, eh? Then all that’s left to do is fire up the grill.
Finally…summer
June 24, 2013
Well, sort of. Mother Nature has taken her good ‘ol time and still there has been no shortage of gray days, gray clouds and rain. What better way to counter all of that than with a healthy dose of orange…or, simply securing the perfect spot to sit it out until the current weather passes…which it will.
http://www.shopterrain.com/colorful-utility/sun-garden-hose-orange/?upsell=1
http://www.youaretheriver.com/
http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2012/02/math-facts-quilt.html
http://pfeifferlab.com/#/plank/
http://www.mrporter.com/product/361786
http://www.mrporter.com/product/352553
Top to bottom:
Dramm’s premium rubber hose is 50 feet of smile snaking through your garden.
A secluded roof deck with built-in seating sets you up in tree fort-like comfort.
Wrapping yourself up in this graphic summer quilt will ward off a chill until the bonfire is really roaring.
Relaxing with friends in the simplicity of Eric Pfeiffer’s modern spin on a classic Adirondack chair is sure to keep the conversation going.
Smythson’s orange leather-bound notebook is perfect for keeping track of this summers to-do lists and projects.
Pots of Epidendrums provide their own fireworks with firecracker-like bursts of hot color.
And, if you’re caught in a summer downpour you can keep yourself dry and happy with this oversized rain parka in orange cotton.
White Prosecco Sangria
June 21, 2013
Perfect for any hot summer day and readily adaptable to what the fruit stand has to offer, this simplequietmodern White Prosecco Sangria might just be your “go to” beverage this summer. Easily made by the glass or by the pitcher full the key ingredients here are all white light and sunny. White peaches, nectarines and golden raspberries…a splash of peach schnapps…all topped off with bubbly Prosecco….done and done.
Any volunteers?
June 17, 2013
Really, look around…do a quick survey of your site…and make a few notes as to the indigenous plant material that has made a home there on its own…the volunteers. If they are doing well, you have the added benefit of knowing that in addition to being happy they’ll be safe from attacks by local fauna. This is a great jumping off point when selecting the plant material for your new landscaping project. The juxtaposition of modern meadow against structures, clipped yew, tallhedge or boxwood may be just the simplequietmodern statement you’ve been looking for. Dutch landscape master Piet Oudolf illustrates this point to perfection in the design of the Highline in Manhattan as well as both public and private spaces around the world. If inspiration like this can come from a quick inventory of flora in an abandoned elevated train track I imagine you could pull a little magic from the “surprises” popping up in your yard. 
http://www.oudolf.com/piet-oudolf
http://remash.tumblr.com/
While everyone’s outside…
June 14, 2013
this summer you might take advantage of the lightened flow of traffic and get some things done inside… things that are more easily accomplished with a little extra elbow room and a minimum of interruptions. Hanging wall coverings is just one of those things. When you tell folks you’re wallpapering they won’t believe their eyes when they experience the simplequietmodern statement of this collection by NLXL. Designed by Piet Boon, this amazing collection of concrete wallpaper is almost better than the real thing. Being able to install the subtle and sophisticated tones and textures of poured concrete at a fraction of the cost ? Sign me up.
This is only a test
June 11, 2013
And, as it happens, I’ve always done pretty well with tests. So, let’s see what happens this time, after some brief study…a quick round-up of materials and tools. Stay tuned.
I do know Jack…
June 8, 2013
can add a little “something” to a glass of Coke , Ginger Beer or maybe the filling of a Pecan Pie. But now that grilling season’s here it’s a key ingredient in a classic condiment redux. A creation of Burger Up in Nashville, Tennessee, their Jack Daniels Maple Ketchup is a fortified version of the cookout staple. Burgers, dogs and fries alike can benefit from this modern robust twist on my favorite Heinz 57. So who’s feeling like sliders?
Cheep Thrills
June 5, 2013
Nothing gives me as much pleasure for no cost and so little effort as recycling. I know everyone says they do it, but really…do they? Even if you’ve dragged the bins to the curb for pick up did you have a feeling that they went into the same pile as the rest of the trash? Well, I did. Recently my township issued passes to the local landfill allowing us to go directly to the site and deposit our recyclables. I was surprised to see the many types of materials that are recycled that I was unaware of. Once I got into the swing of it I made it a weekly part of my scheduling that I look forward to. It ends up, after composting or burning the residual organic disposables, I’ve little left for the trash man to collect. That should help green things up…if just a little.
Workin’ for the weekend.
June 2, 2013
And, some weeks it can’t come too soon… especially if you’re lucky enough to be getting away to a smart simplequietmodern cabin like this. Neatly tucked into the hills…a little inside , a little out…and that fireplace? Just the spot to cozy up to should the weather take a turn…which you know it will. Really, all we’ve had lately is weather, right? The only thing left to do is to count it down…c’mon Friday.
simplequietmodern 