Like lightning striking twice,
October 13, 2022
in the best possible way. Following on the heels of his brother Buddy, this guy had some big shoes to fill. And, he did in spades. So much nonstop love and laughter… for me and everyone he met. No one was immune from his magic. As I start this day without him and our daily “touching hearts” I can’t help but wonder, how did I get so lucky? Good bye Jaxon, my happy, happy boy.
Into The Darkness
October 10, 2022
As we move into Fall the shadows grow longer and the days get shorter. Preparing for the long descent into Winter I find myself thinking about things I can’t do without. And, when there is a choice to be made, I most always go to black. Ticks all the right boxes. Done and done.
Top to bottom:
My ” go to”…any day or everyday… a black cashmere crew neck. photo: Naadam
Looking ahead to next Spring when a new paintjob on the house is in order. While it’s already dark, I think I’d go even darker. Photo via Remash Tumblr
I can’t get this table by Chiara Ferrari outta my head. Perfect. If you know who took this pic let me know.
Celebrating his tenth year just like simplequietmodern, Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000. The best assistant ever. photo: gp
My first generation Aeron chair just got a tune up and is ready to take me forward in absolute comfort. Photo: Herman Miller
Just what you need to take you through a long cold Winter of soups and stews, this Crane cast iron Dutch oven. Photo: Heath Ceramics
Keeping everyone in barefoot comfort well after Labor Day has passed, Gobi II. The perfect take on my favorite Chukka. Photo: Vivobarefoot
My first flatware purchase was Ward Bennett’s GAP pattern in stainless, and I’ve been using it for longer than I’d care to say. If I do move onto something new, this will be it. Photo: Heath
With the holidays approaching I might suggest this upgrade to your apron wardrobe. You can’t go wrong with black linen. And, if you’re carrying in, dust it with a pinch of flour and hide the takeout containers.
Anyone who knows me can tell you that this Saarinen table is my favorite table ever. Any size , and until now, always in white. This recent introduction in black has a firm grip on me though. Equally stunning, the two In my mind are running neck and neck. Photo: Knoll
Never Forget
September 11, 2022
May all of those who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania rest in peace.
World Trace Center photo: unknown flag photo: gp
Just a little somethin’…
August 24, 2022
for punctuation. As we start moving back indoors this Fall our surroundings might just need a little hit of visual MSG. I know, we carefully pull together an environment that’s beautifully cozy. But, after these last 2 tumultuous years, where we have been home more than ever, we find that even our living spaces need a shot in the arm. It doesn’t take much…a beautiful pillow or two could do the trick. You can go bold with a sharp stab of color or pattern or keep it quiet yet fresh with a complimentary texture. Either way there’s a staggering assortment of textiles, shapes and sizes all ” ready to ship”. Now’s the time to head on over to Knoll and pull that trigger.
photos: Knoll
As American as….
July 4, 2022
the flag, burgers and apple pie. However you choose to celebrate the 4th, do it safely.
top to bottom:
If you’ve got a flag, fly it. If you don’t have one, get one.
Nothing more American than a burger on the grill. You might want to ratchet it up with a little Jack Daniels Maple Syrup Ketchup.
And, apple pie? Yes please.
Sparklers and a firecracker or two couldn’t hurt either.
Photos: gp
Nothing Like An Original
June 20, 2022
While most of the country is heating up I can’t help but think about a quiet place to sit and catch a cool breeze. And where better than Loll Design’s reintroduction of Thomas Lee’s Westport Chair.? Attributes such as being constructed of sustainable materials based on recycled milk jugs, durability making it suitable for all seasons and all weather, availability in your choice of 8 colors and being made in America make this choice a no brainer. The original modern outdoor seating. All you need now is a pair of shades, a good book and a refreshing beverage.
chair photos: Loll Designs remaining photos: gp
Don’t Forget
May 8, 2022
Call your Mother. Happy Mother’s Day.
photo:gp
And Not A Minute Too Soon
April 4, 2022
Ready to be put into use immediately is the Summer Seasonal Collection from Heath Ceramics. With Easter right around the corner it seems like a natural to get your order in now. This collection is available now but is sure to sell out quickly. I’m thinking the yellow pieces might be a great way to brighten the days while we’re waiting for Summer to finally arrive.
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top to bottom
A bit of forced rye grass with the addition of a cracked eggshell whispers Easter.
The Classic Heath Modern Cup in Sunflower
A bunch of pink hyacinths would feel right at home in that tall modern cup. And who wouldn’t love to receive the both as a gift?
Sunnyside Tea Towels will make cleaning up after Easter brunch a pleasure.
What’s Easter without the classic yellow Peep?
The Sunflower glaze on the classic Heath Budvase.
All Roads Grid napkins in Fuschia are part of the Heath Summer Seasonal Collection. These will surely get a workout from Easter through Labor Day.
Pink and Yellow. Something tells me with the way the last two years have been it’s a combination we might just be needing right about now.
Heath Plaza Dessert bowls and Sunnyside Napkins, also part of the Summer Seasonal Collection.
A big vase of forced Forsythia brings springtime right in to the table. It’s hard to beat.
All Heath Summer Seasonal photos by Heath Ceramics.
All other photos: gp
It’s Just The Sweetest
March 16, 2022
I’m talking maple syrup. And while it’s season and the trees are tapped and the sap is flowing I can’t help but think about all the ways I love to use it. I’m sure I can manage to slip it’s warm rounded sweetness into one thing or another several times a week. From sweet to savory, cocktails to dessert, maple syrup just adds that little earthy something that regular sugar seems to lack. I’ve noted below an assortment of applications that have become my simplequietmodern favorites over the last ten years. Now let’s tap into that dark amber goodness.
Gently reducing maple syrup by half and adding fresh blueberries to warm is the perfect topping to your favorite pancake or French toast recipe. It takes the chill off the berries and keeps that fresh quality that is lost when they’re cooked into the pancake.
A tablespoon or two whisked into a simple vinaigrette of olive oil and apple cider vinegar is as good on a Salad Lyonnaise as it is my take on a shaved Brussels Sprout salad with Bosc pear, Bleu Cheese and Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts.
Don’t save these for the holidays. Maple Syrup Sriracha Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. Really, you might want to make a double batch and just call it dinner.
If you haven’t tried this Maple Cube from Tonewood now’s a good time to get on it. A grate over fresh Spring berries can’t be beat.
Jack Daniels Maple Syrup Ketchup? Yes Please.
As a snack, with cocktails, on a salad or as a gift these Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts hit every note perfectly.
Substitute a tablespoon of dark amber maple syrup for the muddled sugar cubes in your next Old Fashioned and you won’t be making them your old way again.
Sometimes a little something nostalgic is just what’s needed. Maple Walnut Fudge reminds me of countless family road trips which honestly weren’t that much fun. Whipping up a batch without leaving home? Preferable.
photos: gp
Parentesi 50
March 7, 2022
It’s hard to believe that it’s time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Parentesi light. Designed by Italian designers Achille Castiglioni and Piu Monzu for Flos in 1971, the Parentesi became an immediate classic of modern architectural lighting. When I first saw a Parentesi in application I knew I had to have it…or better yet a pair. The simplicity of the light source held in place on a taught steel cable made this piece of lighting the definition of simplequietmodern. And, versatile. Singly, in pairs, with flood, spot or even frosted tube bulbs, I’ve put mine through the paces, each will stunning result. While the original incarnation was black, three additional color choices, red, nickel and white soon followed. And now, in celebration of it’s 50th year, the Parentesi 50 is available in orange and turquoise. A Little shot of color might be exactly what’s needed these days.
photos: Flos USA
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