It’s three o’clock…
September 22, 2021
and you need a little somethin somethin to hold you over till dinner. This is it. Apricot, Date and Cashew Snack Balls. You know how we love a simplequietmodern recipe…few ingredients and even fewer steps with the best possible result. Simply gather your ingredients, pulse them up in the processor, roll them into balls. Really…that’s it. Since finding this recipe by Gena Hamshaw on Food 52 I’ve made a batch every week. I’ve also modified the ingredients like adding a few toasted hazelnuts to the mix or subbing in some raisins for a few of the apricots. Each change is as good as the original. Now go get your healthy snack on.
From the top, photo: gp
second photo: Alpha Smoot via Food 52
For recipe: https://food52.com/recipes/30743-apricot-date-and-cashew-snack-balls
Wait! Go Back
September 19, 2021
I was recently returning to the city from a quick day trip to Northern Michigan scoping out a new project, Traveling down US-23 along Lake Huron I spotted, out of the corner of my eye, what I thought was a dining table designed by T.H. Robbsjohn-Gibbings. But, what would a beautiful table like that be doing along the side of the road? A quick U-Turn had me heading back to find out. Pulling onto the shoulder I quickly realized that is wasn’t the classic modern piece that I thought, but maybe something better… a vintage rustic picnic table AND a pair of benches, all with the signature X base. Bonus detail…drop leaf extensions on the table as well. It was as if I had found the original table’s long lost country cousins. Sold.
Top photo: Unknown lower photo: gp
More Black
September 16, 2021
And, more inspiration to pull you though to the weekend. Reducing a dwelling to it’s basic shape, black is shown here in a variety of sizes, styles and locations. Hard to pick a favorite isn’t it?
top photo http://www.rocioromero.com/planLV.html
other photos via https://remash.tumblr.com/
Take a deep breath,
September 13, 2021
pull the trigger and make a statement. If we love a black fence, what’s not to love about a black house? Complete the study with some egg rock, a simple mass planting and boom! You’re done. Large or small, city residence or an upstate cottage, it’s a simplequietmodern look that’s hard to beat.
top to bottom:
My candidate for new paint. Nearly there now in it’s current coat of deep charcoal. Hopefully this Fall. photo: gp
Behr SC-102 Slate photo: Behr.com
Black…the perfect backdrop for mass plantings of a perennial grass like the Blue Gamma ” Blonde Ambition” Photo: High Country Gardens
Or, Blue Dune Grass Photo:gp
No other foundation plantings needed…just a deep border of egg rock. photo:gp
Now that that’s done, have a seat, kick back and relax. Loll Designs reissue of the classic Westport Adirondack chair. Photo: Loll designs
Twenty Years
September 11, 2021
The ultimate in simplequietmodern. I loved these two towers. The simplicity, the pairing, the scale. Even as a kid I knew that their presence would shape my design sensibility…and they did. Today in their footprint are the memorial fountains…a different simplequietmodern. Who could ever have known? I remember that morning in 2001 as if it were yesterday…sunny, clear, crisp. Now, I will never forget all of those lives lost…in NY, PA and DC. Take a moment today to remember them… and this place.
top photo: Andrea Alassio, bottom photo: gp
Get the Grill On
September 6, 2021
While I’ve never warmed up to the idea of grilled Romaine, I have on occasion enjoyed the severely grilled hot dog. When I saw this “Big Little Recipe” from Food 52 I started rethinking things. Grilled Romaine with Hot Dog Crispies and Pickle Mustard Vinaigrette seemed to tick all the right boxes; simple, short list of ingredients, easily adjusted for one or two to a larger group. And, what better time to take this for a test run than Labor Day. The grill is already going, right?
Photo: https://food52.com/recipes/83773-grilled-romaine-hot-dog-crispies-pickle-mustard-vinaigrette
Ok, this “Cremator” from Rutt’s Hutt in Clifton, NJ might need to be on my bucket list. I’m thinking it may have been the inspiration for the salad’s hot dog ” crispies”.photo: Barstool Sports
Variations on a Theme
August 30, 2021
I’ve always loved the Harry Bertoia Wire Side Chair with the full upholstered cover. While the wire grid frame has interest, the full cover reduces the seat and back to pure sculpture. The 1952 original is always handsome in the appropriate Knoll textiles, but recent additions showcase this chair’s iconic form differently. A full leather cover is tightly applied over a molded shell seat for added lux and the molded seat and back of fiber reinforced nylon is available unadorned, for ease of maintenance indoors or out, in a selection of colors. Mix and match the leather, upholstery or nylon top with black, white or chrome base to your taste….the possibilities are endless. And, if the variety wasn’t enough, the Knoll Annual Sale starts tomorrow. Perfect timing if you’re still working from home and your space needs a little lift, or you’re anticipating a few guests for the holidays and a stack of additional seats could come in stylishly handy.
A counter stool is now available as well which looks particularly swanky in Diva, colorway: Coal.
https://www.knoll.com/shop/classics/harry-bertoia-collection
photos: knoll
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.
Top to bottom:
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.
Never Forget
September 11, 2020
Whatever you are doing today, stop and take a moment to remember the victims and families of the terror attacks at the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and those aboard Flight 93 that was brought down in Shanksville, PA. I remember the morning of September 11, 2001 so vividly it is hard to wrap my head around the fact that 19 years have passed.
1970 photo by Andrea Di Castro
Thanks, Jax
August 27, 2020
Thanks for keeping me laughing and taking care of me. It’s been some year so far, hasn’t it? And, with very little good news until today, your birthday. Eight years has shot by like a bullet. So let’s have a cozy celebration just you and me, a super fun day and plenty of treats.
photos:gp
