Bowled Over
January 22, 2013
I was recently put to the task of finding for a client something made of wood for the center of their Saarinen dining table. In keeping with the classic mid-century aesthetic of the home I immediately thought of a Dansk bowl or tray of some type because of the classic modern lines that Dansk produced in wood…particulary in the 60’s and 70’s. I thought I knew exactly what I was going to find until I stumbled upon this piece…I had never seen it before. In this beautiful pale finish it would complement the pale wood veneered walls of the dining area as well as the Calacatta marble top on the table, with its pale tan and gray variegation. The softly sculpted sloping shoulder on the thick wall of the bowl created an object that was elevated far above “salad bowl” status while mimicking the shape of the George Nelson Bubble Lamp hanging above it. Even though it was designed and produced to serve up a mean Caesar, I love the way it looks empty.That was simple.
Mother Nature…Modernist
January 19, 2013
A fallen tree, a single river rock worn smooth by the passage of time and rushing water, both modern minimalist inspiration found in nature. A quick walk through the yard or a relaxed meander through the woods or shore can ignite a creative spark that can’t be found sitting at the desk. Muted tones to bright colorations that only she can produce…materials, form and texture that seem impossible get those creative juices flowing. Is it your garden or your interior you need to rework? A room in your garden or a room in your home can both benefit from a leisurely stroll with both eyes wide open. Leave your iPhone behind, open the door, take a deep breath and head out. This exercise is not only simplequietmodern…it’s free. You might be surpised where it takes you.
Visit artist Jaehyo Lee ( work pictured above) here:http://www.leeart.name
This Bryan Nash Gill woodblock print can be found here:http://www.shopterrain.com/art-accents/cookie-woodcut-print/searchString/gill
Pumpkin X 2
January 16, 2013
One pumpkin…two great eats. The first, a savory pumpkin peanut soup, the other a soft pumpkin cookie. Both suitable for the cooler (OK, colder) months, you decide which you make first. The soup I improvised when I had leftover pumpkin after a day of baking. Not quite Indian and not quite Thai, it’s basically a pumpkin vegetable soup with an assortment of spices ( but, nothing too exotic) and peanut that’s a satisfying non-meat meal to come home to after a hard day at work or a harder day of holiday returning. It thickens and tastes even better on the 2nd and 3rd day…you might also serve it up over a bowl of quinoa for that added grain protein. Whip some up on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy it into the week for lunch or a quick supper.
Forecast…COLD
January 13, 2013
Time to throw another blanket on. My modern interpretation of the classic Hudson Bay Blanket should warm things up nicely, like only a wool blanket can. Simple garter rows in Berroco Vintage Chunky and some size ten sticks make for a thick knit, heavy enough to protect from any draft or chill. Pair it up with some flannel sheets and a vintage quilt and you may not want to crawl out from under it until spring…which I hear in Montana, where this was sent, comes rather late.
It all starts here …
January 10, 2013
with the simple basics. Tablet or pad? Stylus or pen? With all of the available and new technology the best things for getting the job done are still the tried and true…the Project pad, the Sharpie, the Uniball fine point. I’d be lost without them (ask my friends and associates, without my tools I can get kinda cranky). Things for me run more efficiently when I’m using tools that I like and that do the best job for me. From an early punch list, beginning sketches, plan developement to checking off completed tasks nothing beats these three for getting things done, and there is nothing to plug in and recharge. So I’m starting off this New Year as always…with my new box of Sharpies, Uniballs and a pack of Tops project pads. OK, now I’m happy. Let’s get to work. 
It’s definitely green
January 7, 2013
We may not all be as lucky as Angelina Joli …what with these simplequietdropdead emerald earings, but there will soon be verdant options for the rest of us. The Pantone selection for color of the year 2013 is Emerald. While Pantone believes in its universal appeal, it’s not for everyone. Yet, everyone will be seeing it used everywhere and on everything…coffee mugs to evening gowns, wallpaper to bath towels. Let’s hope we will benefit from its symbolism of clarity, growth , renewal and prosperity as well as its positive affects toward healing and unity
Speaking of…
January 4, 2013
time, OMG…one year of sqm come and gone. Yep, simplequietmodern is one year old today. Someone once said that ” If you genuinely have something to say, there is someone out there who genuinely needs to hear it”. That’s pretty simple. Apparently I spoke and you listened…I’m so very grateful…for that, and most especially for my new friends around the world who have touched me with their inspiration, their support, their kind words. I have received every compliment humbly, felt every hug, laughed out loud when it was needed the most. I hope I am able to do likewise for you. Thank You. Now, let’s get back to the business of living life simplequietmodern. Hey, should we be having cake?
Cake and photo courtesy of Kirsten Johnstone http://www.kirstenjohnstone.com/blog/
OK, and maybe some flowers.
Time…
January 1, 2013
it has a way of creeping up on you, doesn’t it? Or, is it time “marching on” that’s the problem. In any case, what better way to keep track of those fleeting moments than with this 1947 design by George Nelson…his Tripod Desk Clock ( we should all still look this good at 66). As we close the door on 2012 and look forward to every joyful second of the New Year 2013, an occasional glance at this modern gem on your desk or your nightstand should keep you right on schedule. Happy New Year! 
http://hivemodern.com/pages/product624/vitra-george-nelson-tripod-clock
It’s clear…
December 29, 2012
that you have to arm yourself against the suns damaging rays. Still, you look at the beauty of a Winter sunrise…sky clear, snow sparkling…and the those bright Winter rays burning a hole right through your retina and making a bee-line to the center of your brain. Yikes…already a major headache and you haven’t even opened the first of your morning email. Simplequietmodern solution… select any of the frames available with tinted lenses from Lookmatic… like their Reeve…in black, gray or tortoise. Your eyes will thank you, your associates will thank you, and you’ll be putting a modern face forward in the process. If you happen to have received some Christmas cash that’s burning a hole in your wallet…even better.
http://www.lookmatic.com/men/reeve-black-clear/sunglasses
Sunrise photo:http://favimages.com/image/274219/
What are ya doing New Years…
December 27, 2012
New Years Eve? Going out on Amateur Night? Yikes!…no. A small gathering in with friends could be the perfect simplequietmodern plan. A few small plates and something sparkling in the beverage department will easily satisfy with a minimum of stress. If you whip up some tasty Greek meatballs during the week you can freeze them and reheat while your guests are enjoying their first beverage. Add some pita, tziki…and a big Greek salad, all easily prepared earlier in the day (or even better…ordered and picked up “to go”). Don’t forget the Baklava for a sweet note and you are done, done and done. How simple was that? You’re welcome.
This Greek Meatball recipe was fromhttp://www.sauceandsensibility.com/?p=1639, really,give it a try.
simplequietmodern 