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.
Finally…summer
June 24, 2013
Well, sort of. Mother Nature has taken her good ‘ol time and still there has been no shortage of gray days, gray clouds and rain. What better way to counter all of that than with a healthy dose of orange…or, simply securing the perfect spot to sit it out until the current weather passes…which it will.
http://www.shopterrain.com/colorful-utility/sun-garden-hose-orange/?upsell=1
http://www.youaretheriver.com/
http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2012/02/math-facts-quilt.html
http://pfeifferlab.com/#/plank/
http://www.mrporter.com/product/361786
http://www.mrporter.com/product/352553
Top to bottom:
Dramm’s premium rubber hose is 50 feet of smile snaking through your garden.
A secluded roof deck with built-in seating sets you up in tree fort-like comfort.
Wrapping yourself up in this graphic summer quilt will ward off a chill until the bonfire is really roaring.
Relaxing with friends in the simplicity of Eric Pfeiffer’s modern spin on a classic Adirondack chair is sure to keep the conversation going.
Smythson’s orange leather-bound notebook is perfect for keeping track of this summers to-do lists and projects.
Pots of Epidendrums provide their own fireworks with firecracker-like bursts of hot color.
And, if you’re caught in a summer downpour you can keep yourself dry and happy with this oversized rain parka in orange cotton.
Any volunteers?
June 17, 2013
Really, look around…do a quick survey of your site…and make a few notes as to the indigenous plant material that has made a home there on its own…the volunteers. If they are doing well, you have the added benefit of knowing that in addition to being happy they’ll be safe from attacks by local fauna. This is a great jumping off point when selecting the plant material for your new landscaping project. The juxtaposition of modern meadow against structures, clipped yew, tallhedge or boxwood may be just the simplequietmodern statement you’ve been looking for. Dutch landscape master Piet Oudolf illustrates this point to perfection in the design of the Highline in Manhattan as well as both public and private spaces around the world. If inspiration like this can come from a quick inventory of flora in an abandoned elevated train track I imagine you could pull a little magic from the “surprises” popping up in your yard. 
http://www.oudolf.com/piet-oudolf
http://remash.tumblr.com/
It was worth the wait.
May 21, 2013
Muscari. Grape Hyacinths. Tiny floral jewels popping up in the spring soon after the crocus. But, this year? What happened? It might have been Spring’s late start or the rollercoaster of low to high temperatures every other day that held them off. Whatever it was, they’re here now…in waves of violet-blue against the chalky white of the birch…the fresh green of new grass. Time to grab a handful to bring indoors before the lawn crew comes and ….well, you know, that’ll be the end of that. And, what a perfect container in this Mid-Century piece of Murano glass. My favorite vase shape, a cylinder, allows the hyacinths to arrange themselves when simply dropped in. I usually only pull this out to showcase Spring’s first daffodils, but when I noticed the similarity of the Muscari florets to the broken canes captured in this ” end of day” mix, well…it was a no-brainer.
Thanks Mom
May 12, 2013
Even after they’re spent she keeps them around… a reminder of the special connection you have. It’s a Mom thing. 
Indoors or out…
May 1, 2013
you are sure to find the perfect spot for these low saucer-shaped planters. My favorite planter shape, the shallow bowl, reminds me of the vintage concrete pieces that were popular in the 50’s and 60’s. And, like those earlier containers it was all about the scale…really low and really wide. These new incarnations are constructed of UV and weather resistant plastic and measure an impressive 24″ and 36″ diameter. A dark leaden finish keeps the look modern, ready to be filled with a single variety of annuals, a pile of egg rock and mosses or a treatment of simple decorative grasses. Used indoors they could be the perfect receptacle for a cluster of blooming orchids, stacks of gardening magazines or the greatest yarn bowl ever.
Available at Terrain
…always in bloom.
April 22, 2013
Well, that was the thinking of Richard Schultz when he designed the Petal Table in 1966. As a request by Florence Knoll to fill the void for quality outdoor furniture, the Petal series was created to compliment the chairs of another Knoll luminary, Harry Bertoia. Looking as if they were inspired by the daisy, a strong 60’s iconic image, these tables were actually inspired by the Queen Anne’s Lace that spotted the Pennsylvania countryside near Schultz’s home. Still available after near 50 years the Petal table is available in a dining, cocktail and occasional version and finishes are all white or a white base with teak petals. So, as you start thinking about your Spring planting you might consider adding one of these perennials to the mix.
http://hivemodern.com/pages/product5306/knoll-richard-schultz-petal-dining
Sometimes, all you can do is…
April 15, 2013
wait . And, while Spring is taking it’s good ‘ol time getting here you might need to help things along. Some sunny yellow parrot tulips should do until the sun peaks out. Simple enough.
Dig in
April 10, 2013
“The best time to plant a tree was always 20 years ago. The second best time is always today.” *
So, what’ll it be? Something flowery or something evergreen? A treat for yourself or a living memorial for all to enjoy? Now that the nurseries and garden centers are stocking up for the season there is no excuse for not finding the perfect specimen and getting it seated so that Mother nature can water it in over the next few wet weeks.
*Chinese proverb
Take a deep breath.
April 7, 2013
You can smell it. Spring …the Earth waking up.Time for a big stretch and to clear out Winter’s congestion…first in your environment which will precipitate a release of your physical congestion. It’s time for some fresh air…a fresh approach…a fresh project…a fresh outlook.
Photo above by Theodora Wayte via Gardenista
Purl Soho’s modern knit blanket in white…photo by Purl http://www.purlbee.com/bulky-knitt-pixie-dust-blanket/
Donghia Textiles Espadrille stripehttp://www.donghia.com/collections/textiles
What’s new at Brentano Fabrics…Tempo http://www.brentanofabrics.com/whatsnew/nw_201302.aspx
Leaves scan thanks to Anat Rodan at http://anatrodanblog.blogspot.com/
Brentano Fabrics Wool Epingle http://www.brentanofabrics.com/fabrics/
simplequietmodern 