Basic Black
July 21, 2025
You can never go wrong with basic black. Or in this case, Obsidian, Heath Ceramics’ new glaze offering. Available on both their Coupe and Plaza dinnerware lines, this black beauty is ready to take the stage alone or play nicely with your more colorful Heath pieces. And if you’re in the mood for a little extra drama you might pair it with Heaths’ Muir flatware in Onyx. Just think of it as an extension of your black on black wardrobe, always simple always quiet always modern.
photos: Heath
Flag, Check
July 3, 2025
Sparklers, check. Burgers, check. Watermelon, check. But how bout something special for dessert as well? With the assortment of berries flooding the market now, one of my favorite treats seems appropriate. Summer Pudding. While originally a British dessert I’ve been making it for years and still can’t quite figure out why more people aren’t serving it up. Made the night before makes it convenient and there is no need to turn on the oven on these already warm Summer days. And do I have to say it? Who doesn’t love berries? I’ve used a simple recipe from Merrill Stubbs at Food52. As recipes go it could not have been more simplequietmodern. Knock one out tonight and you’ll be ready to impress your guests tomorrow.
photos: gp
Heat Wave
June 24, 2025
In the mid-west particularly, a week of humid 90 plus degree days can take it’s toll. Enter a simple solution that you might need to add to your ” must have” list, an outdoor shower. It might take a little thought but the end result could be, WILL be spectacular. Finish the experience enjoying a special cocktail while you air dry in the sun and you’ll be wondering everyone doesn’t have one.
Photos: Remash Tumblr
My Blueberry Bourbon Cocktail. Light, refreshing and a dose of antioxidants to boot. Grab a glass and muddle 8-10 fresh mint leaves in an ounce of home-made blueberry syrup. Add 2 oz. Bourbon and a handful of ice, give it a quick stir and top it off with a splash of Vernors Original Ginger Soda. You’re welcome.
photo: gp
Classic Summer
June 9, 2025
No Summer backyard gathering would be complete without the requisite stack of white paper plates. A modern classic, the plain white paper plate has served up it’s share of burgers, potato salad, watermelon and pie. But it might be time for an upgrade, something studier and more dependable. These matte finish porcelain plates are just the ticket, possessing all of the original charm but with additional strength. No chance of that burger ending up in your lap now. And, no trees were harmed in their production.
plate photos: The Lost Kitchen All other photos: gp
Like A Breath Of Fresh Air
May 29, 2025
The B131 Cafe in Hangzou, China it a testament to a few of my all time favorite things: natural wood, birch plywood, concrete and coffee. I can only imagine the feeling upon entering, with just the aroma of freshly brewed beans softly distracting you from the simplequietmodern space. No unrelenting marketing. no endless options, no shelves packed with marginally related goods, just peaceful quiet, like a breath of fresh air.
Photos: Wen Studio via Remash Tumblr
Since the end of the Civil War,
May 26, 2025
Americans have been celebrating Memorial Day in one way or another to honor those service members who had lost their lives defending our country. One of the easiest ways of joining in this tradition is to display an American flag on your home or business. It’s important as well to keep your flag in good order. Give yours a check and If you need to replace it, make sure you dispose of the old flag in a proper and dignified manner. Your local government offices, the American Legion and even your local fire department can provide help with the the proper disposal.
photo: gp
They’re in season,
May 23, 2025
and the simplest treat ever. Artichokes. Italian vegetable royalty. The pride of Castroville, CA for near 100 years. As a simple Spring lunch or start to a simple supper, preparation could not be easier. Trim the stem and pull off a few of the small tougher leaves at the base. Then, if you’d like, you can trim about an inch from the tip end. Drop them into a large pot of water with a good glug of olive oil. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for about an hour. You can check them at about 45 minutes by pulling a petal from the middle of the bud. If it releases easily, good, you can turn off the heat, they are done. If there is still some resistance, continue cooking for and additional 10-15 minutes. While the artichokes are cooking is the time to whip up a little dip, which could be as simple as melted butter. Lately, I’ve been combining equal parts melted butter and mayonnaise with a squeeze of lemon juice and a bit of anchovy paste. Enjoy them now while they’re large, meaty and plentiful. In another two weeks it could be too late.
photos: gp
Before there was Cottagecore,
April 30, 2025
Japandi or Maximalist style there was High Tech. It was the 70’s. And architect Joe D’urso was the crown prince of the movement. His loftlike interior projects were a rich elegant statement in minimalism with an industrial edge. Plywood seating platforms wrapped in charcoal industrial carpeting, black rubber Pirelli flooring, stark white walls and the punctuation of a simple black and white photograph were signatures. If an additional piece of furniture was needed a simple piece constructed of commercially used industrial materials was put into play. The D’urso Occasional Table was such a piece. Constructed of steel with a glass top and lower shelf these were equipped with castors to make them easy to use and move around to suit the application. Three sizes, three types of glass and three finishes made them even more flexible for a variety of interior uses as coffee table, side table, occasional table or bedside table. While the red finish had a certain Halston-esque appeal my favorite combination was the stainless base with the wired glass top. I did say it was the seventies and I was loving all things industrial. With Knoll’s recent reissue of this collection you can indulge yourself in that chic 70’s vibe once again. A smart coffee table book, a pot of orchids or a chemistry beaker holding a perfect single tropical is all that you’ll need to add to the mix to recall some of that magic.
photos: knoll
There’s recycled…
April 22, 2025
then there’s RECYCLED! Enter Kartell’s Re-Chair, designed by Antonio Citterio in 2020. Hard to imagine, as you’re sitting on the patio enjoying your morning cup, that your chair was created using recycled Illy coffee capsules. When most people think of recycling they don’t imagine such an elegant and sustainable result. Suitable for use indoors or out, for your residence or office, the Re-chair is stackable six high and is available in black, white, gray and green in packs of two. A little something to consider on this Earth Day.
Photos: Kartell
Blue Skies, Green Grass
April 14, 2025
If Mother Nature is going to hold out, thankfully Heath Ceramics is not. While some of us are still getting snow and ice, Heath Ceramics Summer Seasonal Collection is offering us the Spring and Summer we’ve been longing for. And just in time for Easter. New exclusive glazes like Cyan, Grass, Nimbus and gradients like Tule and Seto will have you feeling like kicking of your shoes and heading outdoors. Explore the entire collection now, it’s only available in these finishes while supplies last. Fair warning.
All Heath Ceramics photos: Heath Ceramics Others: GP
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