Hot Summer Days
July 10, 2016
Cool summer nights. Perfect sleeping weather might just have you reaching for a little cover, like a summer quilt. Reach a little further back in time for some inspiration from the original modernists, the Shakers. These antique quilts will satisfy both your comfort level and simplequietmodern aesthetic whether you’re spending your weekends in the woods or at the shore.
Photos: University of Alberta Museum
A Rare Occasion
July 6, 2016
It’s a rare occasion when I’m presented with something that I haven’t already seen, experienced and loved or already dismissed. It’s even more rare that I am surprised at all. Well, surprised I was when I found a small unexpected parcel at my door and simply stunned upon opening it. So simple, so quiet, so modern. At first glance it looked like a block of Russian Amber…or something from the MOMA gift shop. Closer inspection exposed its true identity, a new incarnation of one of my favorite things, maple syrup. The equivalent of a 7 oz. bottle packed into a grateable solid cube of dark, robust maple sugar…loaded with nutrients, antioxidants and polyphenols. Microplane at the ready, flaked on mixed Summer berries will be a great way to start.
photos: gp
http://www.tonewoodmaple.com/products/maple-cube-pure-maple-sugar-cube-from-vermont-vt
Secatuers
June 13, 2016
You don’t realize how much you need them until you do. Then, you wish you had these. Smart Scissors designed in 2009 by Japanese architect Hagino Mitsunobu. Chic anvil shears of stainess steel coated in matte flourocarbon polymer.
Top photo: https://food52.com/shop/products/1796-contemporary-japanese-shears
peony photo: gp
Better like this?
June 10, 2016
Or, better like this? ” A chair is to have no backside. It should be beautiful from all sides and angles.” to quote Hans J. Wegner. And who’s going to argue with the designer himself? Clearly, this icon of mid-century modern Danish design draws you in, front to back. The Ej100 Ox Chair, 1960.
Photos :http://hivemodern.com/pages/product9091/ej100-ox-chair-hans-wegner-erik-jorgensen
Gearing Up
May 30, 2016
The unofficial beginning of Summer is here. First up on this Memorial Day, and most importantly, fly your flag in honor of those lost. Then on to an early start. In my case it was a stop at the nursery for a little inspiration and a bit of immediate gratification until the bigger projects are complete. As long as you’re staying in town, and the weather is finally cooperating, you might as well get to it.
With so much color and texture available in trees and shrubs I can never figure out what all the excitement is about with annuals. Inspiration around every turn and not a geranium or Impatiens in sight.
I’ve never been a fan of Barberry, but this particular variety ( Sunjoy Gold Pillar) has appeal with its upright habit, bright color and tolerance to cold. Boxwood hedge replacement? Could be.
The sculptural quality of these stag horn ferns will be a welcome green addition to the porch. One may stay potted, the other mounted for hanging. Some artichoke thistle also made the cut to fill some vintage concrete saucer planters. Pics to follow once they get going.
A cocktail is definitely in order after a good day of running, hauling and yard work. So, while you’re firing up the grill you might want to sip on my Blueberry Bourbon Cocktail. Light, refreshing and a dose of antioxidants to boot. Grab a glass and muddle 8-10 fresh mint leaves in an ounce of home-made blueberry syrup. Add 2 oz. Bourbon and a handful of ice, give it a quick stir and top it off with a splash of Vernors Original Ginger Soda. You’re welcome.
Photos: gp
For everything…
May 22, 2016
there is a season. Now that we’re nearing the end of May, the time for tulips is coming to a close. There could not have been a more perfect simplequietmodern finale than these Parrot tulips…my hands down favorite…in my favorite tulip color.
What’s moving in to take their place through the summer months will be equally simple…a single (maybe two ) Monstera dropped into a glass cylinder. Cost effective at less than ten dollars a piece, this one has been going strong for over a month. Fresh…modern…sculptural. I can see this being my “go to” until Fall.
Photos:gp
Large or small…
May 19, 2016
hand knit or woven, I’m a sucker for a blanket. This Faribault classic, in wool and recycled acrylic fiber could come in handy over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Toss it in the car for a weekend road trip , spread it on the ground for a concert or picnic in the park or pull it over your shoulders for a nap on the porch. Did I mention it was made in America?
Additional whip stitch border colors: http://www.faribaultmill.com/collections/throws/products/recycled-throw-black
Right place…right time…
May 5, 2016
It’s always good to follow ones intuition. While this particular stop was not planned, it couldn’t have produced a better result…this vintage Eero Saarinen executive lounge chair with walnut legs designed for Knoll in 1957.
Photos:gp
Brown Butter Bourbon Blondies
May 1, 2016
If April showers bring May flowers, a wet Spring weekend also provides just enough time indoors to knock out a batch of these…Brown Butter Bourbon Blondies.
I adjusted Phyllis Grant’s adaptation of Mark Bittman’s Butterscotch Brownies by adding a cup of coarsley chopped toasted walnuts and replacing 3 of the 4 teaspoons of vanilla with Bourbon. Now we’re talking…I should have made a double batch. You can find the original adaptaton here: http://food52.com/recipes/32350-brown-butter-blondies
Hedged In
April 25, 2016
Or, so I thought. The last several winter’s extremes have taken their toll on all of my boxwood hedges. Gone. Time of death? Officially April 11, 2016. Where they once served as sharply clipped extensions of the house itself sits blank space in need of attention. So now what? Replace them as they were or start fresh with a new direction…and new plant materials that will be able to take on the bitter winters and always hungry deer. Now’s the time to jot new ideas, review old inspiration and perhaps even move into uncharted territory plant-wise. While I loved things the way they were, I can’t help thinking change might be good.
Top to bottom:
You’ve got to love the modern use of clipped layered hedges of boxwood and yew in the masterful garden designs of Luciano Giubbilei. More of his genius can be found here: http://www.lucianogiubbilei.com/
Maybe my solution is not more boxwood at all, but horizontal fencing and drifts of native grass Bouteloua Gracilis, Blonde Ambition. Napa Landscape by Scott Lewis Photo: via Gardenista
After a black and white Winter perhaps yellow Magnolia tucked into the woods would be a welcome sight come Spring, like this Magnolia Yellow Bird. Photo: gp
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