multi-faceted
July 29, 2013
What do you get when you place a salvaged cedar log in the hands of an artist/designer like Riley Mc Ferrin? Well, simple…you get Little Gem. Looking more like a crystalline mineral formation plucked from the interior of a geode than the tree it started it’s life as, this hand shaped and finished end table could be just the needed punctuation in your simplequietmodern interior. I can’t think of a better choice for placing next to your favorite lounge chair, be it Eames or Saarinen, with just enough space to accommodate a book, your beverage of choice and possibly the remote. And, like the interior space you’ve created specifically for you, no two Little Gems are alike…insured by Mother Nature and Riley’s deft hand.
A watched pot…
July 26, 2013
as they say…never boils. The same could be said of trying too hard to get your spent orchid plants to rebloom. It’s simple really…a couple of ice cubes every week to ten days, some good air circulation, decent light and a cooler night-time temperature. Then go away and leave them alone. In a few months, almost like a little surprise, you’ll notice a shoot, then some buds…and finally the gorgeous blooms that will again last for weeks. I’d say that was a pretty good return on your investment for very little effort.
Hot Wheels
July 23, 2013
After a cruise along the beach you might as well keep going and make a quick run to pick up a few things down the road at the farm stand for dinner. No need to crank up the Range Rover when you can extend the fun of riding around on a custom-built beach cruiser from James Perse. This modern interpretation of the original from the 50’s and 60’s will draw you in, but I’ll bet it’s the coasting brake that’ll hook ya. Two-wheeling it doesn’t get any more simplequietmodern than this.
Knee High by the 4th of July
July 20, 2013
And, not long after that the farm stands will be piled high with the makings for Fresh Corn Salad. In true simplequietmodern style there are only three ingredients plus a splash of apple cider vinegar and olive oil. You know by now how I love a simple recipe. And, it’s from the Barefoot Contessa herself so there is no need to make any adjustments. Is there anything better in the summer than fresh local corn?
You can find Ina Garten’s recipe for Fresh Corn Salad here: http://barefootcontessa.com/recipes.aspx?RecipeID=635&S=0
Fair Warning
July 17, 2013
Not exactly Christmas in July, just a little heads up. Now’s the time to start scouting every flea market, garage sale, and church rummage sale you run across. Start early, grab your coffee “to go” and get a great jump on that collection of vintage ornaments you always dreamt of having. The problem has always been that you don’t give it a thought until you’re about to set out to buy the tree in December…then, hind sight is 20/20 vision. So take a few bucks and invest an hour or two on Saturday morning and get your collection started with a few nostalgic pieces. Who knows? You might even run into some 50’s-60’s glassware that would make a kitschy gift for someone special. Two birds…one stone.
Gimme Shelter
July 14, 2013
And, a little deck to get my vitamin D on and I’m good to go. A simple Monopoly game shaped structure…it can’t get any simpler than that…just enough of a terraced deck and a view stretching out over a gently waving meadow. Take a deep breath and leave the weeks ” crazies” behind. It’s another summer weekend get-a-way. Still, I’m not a fan of the steeply pitched roof, it’s the comforting shape and the warmth of the dark gray wood exterior that draws me in. The interior here is intentionally spartan, fully wrapped in OSB that provides a great natural finish that draws from the grassy exterior views…and simply appointed,making it adaptable as guest cottage, gathering place or studio. Too bad it’s located in the UK…I was just about to start loading the car.
http://www.archdaily.com/300745/stealth-barn-carl-turner-architects/
Summer pickin’
July 10, 2013
There is no shortage of garage sales or flea markets when the warm weather finally hits making it a perfect time for a little summer pickin’. No telling what you’ll find, like this mid-century modern box… clean trim rectangular walnut body, travertine marble top and perfectly patinated brass fish appliques. A great hiding place for the remote or valet for your watch, wallet and pocket change on the dresser….either way you’ve found yourself a timely simplequietmodern treasure that’s one of a kind and sure to bring a complement or two.
Down to the Sea
July 7, 2013
It’s evident that an inspired walk along the shore set things in motion for this gorgeous fixture. Who could have imagined that the kelp that washes up…knobby joints…long thin limbs….would translate so beautifully to become this Sorenthia light by Dunn Studio? And,what a perfect fit for any simplequietmodern project you might be working to illuminate. Used singly or in multiples the articulation, simplicity and mellow finish are hard to beat. Added bonus? Made in the USA.
USA…USA
July 4, 2013
There is no better time than today, as we reflect on our freedoms and liberties, to make a solid commitment to buy American whenever possible. It can be tough I know, but it’s not impossible. Take a little time… do a little research. Let’s bring all of that foriegn production back home. The trend has started…let’s keep it going.
North African Beet Salad
July 3, 2013
I’m not sure which is better…the simplicity of roasted beets alone or a salad that elevates them to an entirely new level with the addition of only a few simple ingredients. This North African beet salad was shared by a friend and I have to say I make it all of the time now as part of a Mediterranean Mezza of Hummous or Cannelini bean dip, olives, pepperoncini, Feta and some great bread. I first made this with canned whole beets cut into chunks because I couldn’t wait to try it …and it was fantastic. It only gets better if you’ve have the time to roast some beets from the farmers market. Either way, you will not be disappointed…you might even want to start by doubling this recipe.
simplequietmodern 