Giorgio Armani, RIP
September 4, 2025
Always simple, quiet, modern, impeccable. I was hooked from the start.
A younger Giorgio Armani as seen in Esquire
Now We’re Talkin’
August 26, 2025
Be it back to school, back to work, back from the cottage or just a quick trip to Traders, everyone can always use another shopping tote. And what could be more fun than one of these takes on your fashion faves from Sticky Bestie. I love anything with a sense of humor. Act fast, these are bound to sell out.
photos: StickyBestie
What’s Old Is New Again
August 14, 2025
Knoll’s modern classic, the Eero Saarinen Tulip Table, is taking on a new look. Several new surface finishes as well as the addition of a new base finish take this design staple to new heights. While the white base with a white top will always be my first choice, I’ve found myself flipping the script and opting for the black base, black top. Now, with the addition of an available gray base and Clay laminate surface these tables can find a comfortable home right in the middle. The new Emperado Light stone top and the Topo Noir Veneer top add additional variations in neutral tone and texture. Add these new options to the numerous available sizes and shapes and you have, as they say, something for everybody.
Classic. White laminate tops on white bases
Clay Laminate top on a gray base
Emperado Light stone top on a white base
Emperado Light stone Top on a gray base
Classic black on black
Topo Noir veneer top
Topo Noir veneer top on a black base
photos: Knoll
Perfect Summer Saturday
August 2, 2025
Picture it. In the city, up North or at the shore. A quiet Summer Saturday with the sun shining, a cool breeze blowing and the temperature a perfect 75 degrees. You could start the day taking in a little nature with a hike or hop on the bikes for a trip to the local farm stand. It’s August so one of my Summer favorites is ready for the cutting, local Gladiolus. At only a few dollars a bunch, Glads will make a statement that will last till next Saturday. As you might have guessed, I love the white, arranged in a 12″ x 6″ glass cylinder vase. What a lovely way to kick off the weekend.
Photos: gp
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
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