Just in Time
June 30, 2017
The Gardens Of The a Highline: Elevating The Nature Of The Modern Landscape is now available, just in time for a little Summer reading. This chronicle of the transformation of the abandoned elevated tracks on Manhattans West Side, in garden designer Piet Oudolf’s own words and captured in the images of photographer Rick Darke, is sure to inspire.
Photos via Oudolf.com
Clink, Pop and Pour
June 10, 2017
A glass of ice, your favorite Bourbon and Birch Beer…the perfect beverage to segue from late Spring to early Summer. It doesn’t get any simpler than this.
photo: gp
Back Up Plan
June 7, 2017
As usual, the weather has been a little loopy. More rain and cooler temperatures than you’d expect, particularly when the forecast promised warmth and sun. Taking that as inspiration I’ve been getting “loopy” as well…putting some scraps and down time to good use. I’m thinking a little creative experimentation now should come in handy come Fall. We’ll see.
photos:gp
Now More Than Ever
May 29, 2017
As we kick-start Summer this Memorial Day, remember those that have been lost in service to the nation. If you have a flag, display it, if you don’t have one…get one and, if the one you have is in disrepair…dispose of it properly and replace it.
photo: gp
Not too big…
May 25, 2017
not too small. But, just right. Garden shed, studio or just a little place to hide out, the Muji Hut is any and all of those. At just under 100 square feet it features a covered porch, sliding glass door, an additional small window for cross ventilation and a wood burning stove. The surface materials of plywood and concrete with the exterior of charred cedar are the perfect complement to the simple shape with its sloped shed roof. While Muji is not currently offering the Hut outside Japan, you might start scoping out the yard for the perfect location should that change or they decide to offer plans only. A little something to inspire if you’re not taking off for the holiday weekend.
photos: https://www.muji.com/jp/mujihut/en.html
A Good Place to Start
May 22, 2017
It doesn’t take much to create a little something special. Keeping things simplequietmodern is key, as is careful editing of design and material. Let’s start with materials, shall we? My absolute favorites…raw plywood, concrete…and the addition of charred cedar. Stay tuned.
photos: Muji.com
Don’t Fight It
May 4, 2017
Like so many May flowers, sale signs are popping up everywhere now that it’s Spring. Yard sales, garage sales, rummage sales….you name it. My advice? Follow your gut. If you have an inclination to stop…stop. You might just come across a find like this early Florence Knoll table. The base is solid stainless bar stock and the top, walnut. While the surface had a large chunk taken out of the edge, for an initial investment of under $20 it was worth having a new top fabricated. That’s right, under $20. Boom.
photo: gp
Lentil Tacos
May 2, 2017
Just in time for Cinco de Mayo…Lentil Tacos. Four ingredients , a stack of corn tortillas and fifteen minutes….Ole’. Dinner is served.
G’s Lentil Tacos
1 package Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils ( 17.6 oz)
1/2 small red onion diced
1/2 packet Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning Mix
1 19 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chilis or lime and cilantro
1 tablespoon general use olive oil
Heat oil in skillet and sauté onions for two minutes. Add taco seasoning and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add the precooked lentils, tomatoes and 1/2 cup of water, stirring to combine.Bring mixture to a simmer and cook an additional 5 minutes.
Serve on grilled corn tortillas street style with some additional chopped onion and cilantro or fully loaded American style with your favorite taco toppings.
photos: gp
Dining Out
April 11, 2017
Outside, out of the house, on the patio, in the yard…any which way but indoors. Two great modern classics from Knoll’s iconic 1966 Group of outdoor furniture by Charles Schultz, ready to be set for dinner. I’m torn between the 60″x 60″ square and the 90″ x 38″ rectangle. Both will easily accomodate 8, the later even up to 10 guests. The original white finish is now joined by a striking black, either being a great place to start, especially when taking advantage of the Knoll Outdoor Furniture Sale which starts on April 13th.
Photos: https://www.knoll.com/product/1966-dining-table-60×60
Easter Bake
April 2, 2017
Even with a short list of ingredients baking bread can be a tricky undertaking. This recipe for Milanese Raisin Bread might be the exception. The addition of the raisin soaking liquid to the 50/50 ratio of flour to fruit gives this rich rustic loaf it’s distinct sweet flavor and deep brown crust. My test loaf actually cut and tasted better after a couple of days, so you’ll be fine baking it off ahead of time if you decide to add it to an Easter menu. The thought of pairing this with a sliver a baked ham and a touch of grainy mustard has me thinking…you might want to make two.
Photos:gp
Final photo, https://food52.com/recipes/66796-pantramvai-milanese-raisin-bread
simplequietmodern 