Closing in
December 15, 2025
With just 10 days until Christmas you might be feeling just a little panic setting in. I’ve presented here a handful of items that can fall into the gift idea list or treat for yourself list. Either way, all are available online, making late night shopping a breeze. And, a few items can be found at reduced holiday pricing which is an added bonus. So take a quick look. you might find some of my favorites this season are also some of yours.
If you found yourself mismatched over Thanksgiving it might be time to upgrade your flatware. Or, you might have someone setting up their first homestead and could use a little modernist treat. Heath Ceramic’s new flatware introduction, Reyes, is sure to stand the test of time with it’s simple midcentury appeal. Available in both a polished and matte stainless steel it will compliment any timeless dinnerware pattern from Russel Wright American Modern to Heath’s new collaboration with Herman Miller. Photo: Heath
Always a great gift for anyone on your list is the classic Heath Ceramics Bud Vase. shown here in the limited edition matte glaze Lemon Rind. Photo: Heath
While this release isn’t until mid February, a promise of The Weekend Gardener by Henry Agg stuffed into a new pair of gardening gloves or a project planning pad will be a most welcome gift to anyone on your list that loves to garden or is about to start their own gardening adventure. Planning, implementing and special projects are all covered here making easy work of a daunting task. If you follow Henry as I do on Instagram, he’ll have you jumpstarting your new garden plan well before Spring arrives. Photo: Amazon
This KD28 table lamp by Joe Columbo for Kartell falls directly into the “gift for me” category. It addreses the minimalist 70’s aesthetic that’s been taking up too much of my mind lately. Maybe there is someone on your list that would love this as well. I’m partial to the white, but black, orange, yellow, taupe, blue and maroon are also available options. photo: Kartell
Winter has been pretty brutal so far and we’re only midway through December. Surely you know someone who would love wrapping themselves in this Lambswool Plaid Throw from Schoolhouse. 100 % Merino wool? Yes, please. And it’s currently 50% off! Photo:Schoolhouse
Who doesn’t love a mug? Particularly this modern classic Studio Mug from Heath Ceramics in this limited edition glaze, Lemon Rind. Still making a statement today as it did when Edith Heath created it in the 1940’s. When it’s good…it’s good. Photo: Heath
With boxes arriving daily, the holidays or not, you might just need to up someone’s unboxing game. This HMM Utility Knife in black should up their game significantly. Also available in silver and bronze green from WMS&CO. Stylish. photo: WMS&CO
I’m a sucker for a lacquer tray. Any simple tray really. But, this set of four assorted stacking trays in their bright colored lacquered finishes are almost too good to pass up. They can be presented as the complete set or broken up into individual gifts. When you get them, you’ll decide. Photo: Schoolhouse
Who doesn’t love a little sweet treat at the holidays? One of my all time favorite classics is Panettone. Specifically to be made into a Bread Pudding on Christmas Eve or French Toast on Christmas morning. Available everywhere, and seemingly immune from increased pricing, I tend to pick mine up at Trader Joes. Sometimes one just for me or sometimes a cartful for everyone on my list. Trust me, no one will be disappointed. Photo: gp
Clocks a tickin’
February 8, 2023
With Valentines Day less than a week away you might want to put a little thought into what to give your Valentine. No Valentine on the horizon? Well, treat yourself! Below are just a few tried and true treats that are sure to bring a smile and a big hug.
Top To Bottom:
Who wouldn’t love the holiday’s signature color realized in cashmere?
This little homemade indulgence is so simple and a sure fire hit. Chocolate Raspberry Champagne Truffles.
Who could resist cozying up with this fiery pillow from Knoll. A romcom and pizza in beats fighting a mid-week dinner crush.
Available nearly everywhere and at no great expense. Sweet and sweetly scented carnations in pink. Just a few tucked into a small vase or cup can hit just the right romantic note.
White Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold…all by itself, in combination, or with the addition of diamonds. Tiffany’s Lock Bangle. Simple, quiet and modern in any configuration.
This rosy red Bromeliad could brighten someone’s desk for months if they’re still working from home.
And for those ” clock watchers” , this Hemisphere wall clock with it’s hot pink face is sure to be a hit.
photos: Truffles and carnations gp All others via their respective sites.
That Reminds Me
November 20, 2022
This sudden Winter blast reminded me I should have knocked one of these out a month ago. Apparently a 70 degree start to November had my mind elsewhere than keeping warm. Queue, my improvised cap, is as simple to work as possible, even for a beginner. Using about 1 1/4 skein of DK weight yarn and a pair of #7 needles, you simply knit up a swatch of Mistake Stitch Rib large enough to go around your head and as long as you’d like your cap to be. After binding off in pattern, sew the piece up the long edge. To finish, thread a double strand of yarn and stitch around the tube about 4″ from the top edge, pull to gather from the inside and tie off. Done. I told you it was simple. Once you’re on a roll you might want to make a couple extras for Christmas gifts.
photos: gp
New Year,
January 9, 2022
new outlook. It’s always great to start the New Year armed with what you need to tackle whatever comes your way. A new yearly calendar ( yes, old school ) a handful of new Uniballs and black Sharpies and a crisp blank journal is where I always start. That’s pretty much all you need to do a quick jot of your goals, plans, and inspiration, contained for easy reference. That covered, maybe hone an old skill or develop a new one to help you work your way through the day smarter, not harder. And, if you’re still working from home, maybe treat yourself a little and up the business casual with some cashmere…a classic crew neck sweater for the waist up...cashmere sweatpants from the waist down. 2022, we’re ready for ya.
photos 1 & 3: gp
Better Get On It
November 13, 2021
With all of the talk about supply chain and shipping issues, now might just be the perfect time to get that Christmas shopping out of the way. Taking advantage of all of your online options will not only get the job done, there will be no standing in line waiting for the next cashier available to assist you. Early Black Friday pricing and free shipping only sweeten the deal. I gathered here a few of my simplequietmodern favorites for this season. So, pull out that credit card, mix yourself a festive cocktail, put your feet up and start shopping.
Top to bottom:
If a simple Brandy Stinger on the Rocks doesn’t put you in the Christmas shopping mood…what will?
A simplequietmodern favorite is the Heath Ceramics Tall Modern Cup. In the 2021 Winter Seasonal collection it’s offered in Red Plum and Currant. When it’s not full of coffee, chai or hot chocolate, there isn’t a better container for a handful of seasonal blooms. photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/collections/heath-holiday
Perfect for anyone still bingeing the weekend away watching Netflix, a gorgeous velvet pillow from Knoll Textiles to get cozy with. This one is in Arezzo in colorway: Dolce. Photo: https://www.knoll.com/product/pillows-by-knolltextiles-shop?p=TP-K14421_1218
What’s not to love about a Baroque pearl? Even better in this modern treatment…a simple gold filled ball chain threaded through a large hole by Ana Mari Ortega. And, if you’re feeling it, go with two to be worn together or threading both chains through both pearls. Photo: https://www.anamariortega.com/collections/fun-jewelry-necklaces
If you have the time, snagging a couple of skeins of Purl Soho’s Cashmere Tend and whipping up a luxurious scarf may be just the ticket for someone on your list. Or, gift the yarn itself and let them create their own. Added bonus, the Merino wool, Cashmere and nylon blend is washable and available in 18 colors. Photo:https://www.purlsoho.com/cashmere-tend.html
No one does a fragrance candle like Diptyque Paris. This limited edition Sapin captures just what this holiday season needs…Pine and a hint of wood smoke. Perfect. photo: https://www.nordstrom.com/s/diptyque-sapin-candle-limited-edition
Also from Heath Ceramics Winter Seasonal Collection is this square tray in Chili. Add a few homemade Bourbon Balls to gild the lily. Photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/collections/heath-holiday Recipe for the Bourbon Balls, https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=bourbon+balls
People are definitely ready to celebrate the season…I’ve already seen lights glowing and tree lots stocked and open for business. I personally know the holidays have kicked in when I see these mixed evergreen wreaths available and my Trader Joes. You might pick up a few and surprise some friends, family or neighbors. The last year hasn’t been kind to any of us so that simple act of beauty might just make someone’s day. Photo: gp
If someone on your list just loves a crispy fried egg… either on a burger, topping a salad or to start the day … this is the gift for them. From Lodge Cast Iron, a 6.5″ seasoned cast iron skillet. Photo: https://www.lodgecastiron.com/product/round-cast-iron-classic-skillet?sku=L3SK3 Eggs photo: gp
I couldn’t leave out the classic Bud Vase, again from Heath Ceramics Winter Seasonal Collection, in Cranberry. A few twigs of Tallow berry and you’ve got a simple holiday statement that will take your through to the New Year. Photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/collections/heath-holiday Tallow berry photo: gp
I’m Back
August 27, 2021
Clearly, the last year and a half have been challenging for all of us. Tech issues being the last to be tackled has left me and simplequietmodern basically MIA. But, now we’re back. And, glad to be back to be sure. Before we attempt to catch up, I think a random selection of images from past posts will remind us of where we’ve been and help me focus more clearly on where we’ll go from here. Thank you for checking in and thanks in advance for your patience should we encounter a hiccup or two as we come back up to speed.
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It’s hard to believe but Baby Hambone Jaxon is celebrating his ninth birthday. Even with Covid you know there will be treats.
If you’re still working from home you might want to consider some appropriate task lighting. This Muuto Tip lamp through Knoll could fit the bill. Photo:Knoll
And no… I still have not narrowed down the candidates for the reupholstering of this vintage Saarinen Executive Lounge chair.
You don’t think you need it until you do. The Landscaper’s Hori Hori Photo: Terrain
My first generation Herman Miller Aeron chair is in need of a tune up. Easier said than done. Photo: Herman Miller
I had the opportunity to install this Billow wallcovering from Knoll on a residential project. Yes, slowly some beautiful things were getting done. Photo: Knoll
Just as the pandemic hit I had treated myself to a pair of Vivobarefoot Gobi II Desert Boots. What can I say? I love a desert boot. Two thumbs up. Photo: Vivobarefoot
My favorite design inspiration…vintage Florence Knoll Photo: Knoll
Still looking great even after a twister last summer tore the yard up good. This climbing hydrangea hides a cluster of electrical meters while the tall clipped yew hedge does the same for the furnace and A/C.
Simple summer pleasures. What’s better in August than local Midwest Glads…especially in white.
Before Cauliflower Pizza Crust…this Southern Chow Chow. The perfect blend of pickled cauliflower, onions and yellow peppers brightened with Turmeric.
As the shadows grow longer a simple linen covered daybed could be just the spot to kick back and take a nap. Photo: Remodelista
Cordyline Red Star… Again, the seasonal selection to fill my modern low bowl planters after my search for Artichokes turned up zip.
Yes you can! Make yourself some homemade vanilla ice cream. Just a few ingredients and no ice cream maker needed.
Unless noted, all photos by GP
I didn’t include links here, but if you use the search bar at the top of the page you will be taken to the original post.
What? It’s Nearly the End of May?
May 22, 2020
Is it me or is everyone having a difficult time keeping track of what month it is…what day it is? It seems like during the entirety of this Corona lock down the weather has kept us thinking it’s more like Fall than Spring and the sun has taken a back seat to the gray and rainy skies. A little inspiration seems to be in order to get us through the next few weeks to be sure. While the upcoming holiday weekend and unofficial start of Summer will be different than we know it, a little inspiration may ease the discomfort of continued shelter in place and social distancing orders. The simplest of things can bring new joy and freshness to a stale situation or outlook so look around with new eyes and see what happens. I’ve selected a few items from the simplequietmodern archives that might help get you started.
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Sheltering in place might have you contemplating a second place to get away to once we’re able to move around freely. And, while working from home may become the new normal for some, a simplequietmodern cabin with WIFI may be a neccesity. Photo: Leonardo Finotti via Remash Tumblr
A comfortable place to kick back, either tucked away in the yard or on the front porch for those all important breaks between Zoom meetings. This reissue of the originalWestport Adirondack Chair design comes to mind immediately. Photo:Loll Designs
A simple spring dinner of steamed artichokes takes advantage of the season and satisfies while keeping time in the kitchen to a minimum. Photo: gp
If you need something to keep your hands busy and out of that bag of chips, this Elementary Wrap by Purl Soho is it. A modern hand-knit using their Linen Quill yarn results in a lovely seasonal project that will take care of that spring chill or tick off a special gift completed for the upcoming holidays. photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2018/05/02/elementary/
The garden centers are open again. A quick stroll through might just tempt you to make a modification to your present landscaping. This Sunjoy Gold Pillar Barberry will add a little brightness even on those days the sun stays hidden. photo: gp
Why wait for the September running of the Kentucky Derby? This perfectly modern julep works for me any day . http://gardenandgun.com/media/mint-julep photo: gp
Cabin Fever? Get out of the house and take a look at your place from a new perspective. Take a few phone pics from different approaches and try to view things as your neighbors or passersby do. You might be surprised to find that things are looking pretty good. photo: gp
Who doesn’t like ice cream? My recipe for Pistachio Semifreddo will have you amazed that yes, you made it yourself. photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2015/05/24/whip-it-fold-it-freeze-it/
River rocks…or landscapers egg rock… can add that little touch of zen when used used in the landscape. As long as you’re home you might as well start another project to keep you outside. photo: gp
Not all potato salads are created equal. While I can often get a craving for potato salad like Mom made, I most often opt for this salad from Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food…Potatoes Vinaigrette. Photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/05/04/a-simple-lighter-spin/
Memorial Day weekend is when those pots get planted. But, with what? I’m not into annuals…too bright. And last year’s planting of lily grass and Blonde Ambition Blue Grama grass while beautiful, did not winter over as I had expected. Now, I guess it’s back to my original choice…Blue Dune Grass. Fast grower, simple modern statement and, the deer won’t eat them. Check, check and check. photo: gp
No More Puzzles, Please
April 14, 2020
You’ve assembled your last jigsaw puzzle. I hear you. I’ve never been a jigsaw puzzle fan either. Still, sheltering in place may have you looking for a project that will keep your hands busy and take your mind somewhere other the ever changing news. It might be time to learn a new skill or revisit and old one. This Heel Stitch Hand Towel from Purl Soho might be just what you need to occupy some quiet time and end up with an elegant end result. Even if you’re a beginning knitter this project is not near as complicated as you’d think…it’s a simple combination of the basic purl and knit stitches. The pattern by Jake Canton for Purl Soho is free, and the yarn is available online so there is no reason to go out. Just 2 skeins of Purl’s Field Linen and some #3 sticks will produce an absorbent textile of heirloom quality that will add a little luxury to the task of washing your hands. So, if you needed a good reason to put down that bag of chips…this might be it.
Photos: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2019/08/12/heel-stitch-hand-towel/
Look Familiar?
March 10, 2020
Imagine my surprise when I noticed the uncanny resemblance of the pattern on Knoll’s new Billow wall covering and the sample knit of my homespun newsprint yarn from several years ago. Inspired by the fiber arts and large scale knits in particular, this new release for 2020, with it’s allover organic pattern, is the perfect backdrop for any modern commercial or residential environment. While Billow is available in ten colorways, from light and bright to dark, my personal favorite is ” Inkwash” shown below. It doesn’t get any more simplequietmodern than that.
Newsprint knit photo: gp
Billow photos: https://www.knoll.com/knolltextileproductdetail/Billow
Down To The Wire
December 24, 2019
Is it just me or has this holiday season seemed like a “drive by”? I know, with all good intentions of getting your shopping completed early, you find yourself feeling totally behind the eight ball with the clock ticking down fast. Enter the gift card. A quick trip the the grocery store will have you leaving with a pocketful or simpler yet, an hour or so online will have you checking off that list with lightning speed. In no time…in a word…DONE. From cookies to cashmere, wine to winter coats there isn’t anything that isn’t available with a gift card and what recipient wouldn’t love one? Selecting exactly what they’d like beats having to make a return or exchange by a long shot. Santa has already started his trip on the other side of the world, so if you still have gifts to buy you better get on it.
photo: gp
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