H is for…
April 28, 2013
Hermes Paris. We are all familiar with the scarves and many covet the Birkin Bag. Classic…luxurious. But wallpaper? This wall covering, OP, from the Hermes archives could not be any more simplequietmodern. A design inspiration since the 1950’s , now might be the time to let it inspire you. As a background to support some classic mid-century furniture or used as a surprising detail lining the interior of your closet or the drawers of a modern chest, this elegant pattern of stacked Hs is sure to satisfy your modernist bent.
I love these neutrals, but, how gorgeous would this be in charcoal?
http://homefabricshermes.dedar.com/en/products/wallpapers/214003_M01#
Three ingredients…count ’em
April 25, 2013
three , plus the simplest vinaigrette. Celery Salad . Unbelievably simple…just celery, dates and almonds…tossed with a basic lemon/olive oil vinaigrette. Green, fresh, crunchy, tart and sweet…it covers a lot of bases and it is so simple it almost begs for an alteration if the need should arise. No almonds? How about hazelnuts. Dried cherries or raisins instead of the dates?…why not? Even the addition of some crumbled blue cheese would be a welcome addition here. And, it’s as easy to make a single serving as to adjust the amounts up if you’re serving a group.
…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
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/
It’s Kale…just eat it.
April 4, 2013
Deep green color…great ruffled texture…amazing versatility and ,wait for it, good for you. Who knew this powerhouse of the leafy greens possessed an unending list of benefits… vitamins and minerals, anti-inflammatory properties, Omega 3’s…and on. If you haven’t been cooking with Kale, start with something simple like this Lemony Kale Salad. The ingredient list is shorter than short…Kale, shaved Parm and Hazelnuts…and the dressing is a simplequietmodern basic…lemon juice and olive oil. You can’t beat it for keeping on track with your New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier, look better, live longer.
For the Martha Stewart recipe go here, http://www.marthastewart.com/342168/lemony-kale-salad
and for the complete list of the incredible health benefits of Kale, go here http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4408/Top-10-Health-Benefits-of-Eating-Kale.html
April Showers…
April 1, 2013
bring May flowers and the simplequietmodern choice for accommodating a stem or two is a selection from the new Heath vase collection. The modern shapes and inspired glazes will add a distinctive mid-century note to any interior setting. Use them singly or en masse…matching glazes or mixed complementary shades…on their own or combine them with other pieces in the Heath line. And, while I don’t generally approve of vases sitting around empty, there is no arguing their sculptural appeal…filled or not.
These images are from Heath…more on this group can be found here: http://www.heathceramics.com/decorate.html?category=41
A little or a lot…
March 29, 2013
Oomph has got you covered. As long as the gray days are still upon us, no matter that it’s Spring, it might be time to take matters into our own hands. Enter Oomph… refreshingly clean and modern takes on traditional furniture shapes finished with a jolt of Oomph color. Play it safe with White Dove, Dorian Gray or Foothills… or knock your socks off with Fireworks, Eros Pink or Knockout Orange to start… then combine it with a complimentary or contrasting top of lizard , linen , raffia or shagreen. OK, now select from the dizzying selection of styles. My favorites might be the Harbor Island coffee table ( a classic modern panel style) in White Dove with Raffia and the Tini I ( a light touch of a Martini table ) in Foothills with the brown lizard or shagreen top. I didn’t say it was going to be easy with so many options, but you are sure to come up with the equivalent of throwing open the windows and letting a fresh breeze in.
Hippity hoppity…
March 23, 2013
Easter’s on its way. Now’s the time to gather some sweet treats while the store shelves are packed with your childhood favorites…malted milk eggs ( the original sweet & salty), jelly beans and ( they better only be yellow and shaped like chicks) Peeps… and start getting your list together for Easter brunch, lunch or dinner. Simple glass cylinder bowls filled with sprouted wheat grass will make modern and cost-effective centerpieces with the addition of cracked egg shells and a few pastel jelly beans and a leather handled galvanized bucket would be the perfect Easter Basket if not otherwise put to use keeping wine chilled. Shake up your usual deviled egg recipe with a touch of cornichon or capers and consider a simple dessert of spring berries and Italian Almond Cookies. That was easy. You have a look, the ” befores and afters”…all you need to do now is decide on the main course. 
Leather handled galvanized bucket byCasamidy@ CASAMIDY.COM photo of bucket by casamidy.
On such a winters day.
March 20, 2013
From the view that inspired this blanket to the last of the hundreds of woven-in ends…California Dreamin II is done. Once I got started ( with a nudge from my friend C ) I was off to the races…completing this huge piece of textile in a record time considering I was in no rush. Then, once again,” life” happened…the Winter Holidays…a surprising joy easing sadness and loss. Not until well after the start of this New Year was I able to sneak in a bit of time here or there to take care of the finishing details. Just in time to say farewell to the last day of Winter and ready to ward off a Spring chill. 
https://simplequietmodern.wordpress.com/2012/03/04/and-the-skies-are-gray/
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