Time Flies
January 12, 2020
Well, it just does. There is no other explanation for the fact that simplequietmodern has just celebrated it’s eighth anniversary. At this time each year I am always interested in what subjects, products or photos you’ve been drawn to most. Black fences seems to have shot to the top of the list again along with a few of my favorites from Heath Ceramics…their new Muir flatware, classic field tiles and the updated Coupe line of Edith Heath’s iconic dinnerware. The simplicity of Spring flowering bulbs rounds out the top 5. Nice. So, thank you for faithfully checking in and checking things out…for indulging me in inspiring you and for your continued support and friendship.
photos:
Black fence: https://www.gardenista.com/posts/trend-alert-black-fences/
Muir flatware, Coupe Line and Heath Field Tile: https://www.heathceramics.com/
Tulips: gp
New Year, New Decade
January 9, 2020
While hindsight might be 20/20, the New Year brings with it new vision, new possibilities, a new look at old favorites. Take the classic Saarinen Dining Table for example. As long as I can remember there were only two options for me…white base with a white laminate top or, if your wallet was feeling generous, the white base with the Calacatta marble top. simplequietmodern perfection. Then the recent introduction of a new size and new top finish had me rethinking things…re-examining the fluid lines and sculptural form. In it’s new incarnation, the Saarinen oval dining table at 96″ will seat eight. And, the black base finish with the matte black laminate top…well, it’s just too good. While I’m comfortable most days in head to toe black, it’s no wonder I’ve fallen so hard. Add into the mix the Saarinen Executive Armchair upholstered in Knoll’s Classic Boucle in Onyx and the 20’s are off to a very good start.
Photos: https://www.knoll.com/shop
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
Hard to believe,
December 17, 2019
but I am actually enjoying a Poinsettia moment. Really. Like Truman Capote in Jay Presson Allen’s Tru, I too felt that “Poinsettias are the Bob Goulet of Botany”. Decades of over-saturation in the seasonal marketplace have rendered this bright red holiday staple cliche’, cheesy and hopelessly out of date. It was spotting this new variety, Envy, with it’s bright chartreuse coloring that made me stop and rethink it’s potential. While I generally indulge in white Tulips, Amaryllis and Helebore from the Winter Solstice through till Christmas and the New Year, I couldn’t help but think how well this fresh new addition would play with the others, both in the pot and as a cut specimen.
Photos: gp with the exception of the Amaryllis photo via https://www.shopterrain.com/categories/blooming-gifts and the last photo via: https://www.gardenista.com/posts/poinsettias-rethinking-traditional-christmas-flower/
If you like blue,
December 11, 2019
then 2020 is going to be your year. The Pantone Color Institute has announced that 19-4052, Classic Blue, is their choice for Color of the Year for 2020. The good news is that it might see greater acceptance than past selections of the last several years…Living Coral, Ultra Violet, Greenery and ( who could forget this flop? ) Marsala. The bad news? Unless a blue is the darkest navy, l’m generally not a fan.
Image: https://www.pantone.com/color-intelligence/color-of-the-year/color-of-the-year-2020
Making the Cut
December 6, 2019
Keep them hidden in your desk drawer and you’ll never be cut short again. These 10″ black Kevlar shears will have you cutting through everything from tape, gift wrap, card stock or fabric with ease. Made of Xylan coated hot forged carbon steel, a little gentle care after each use will have you at the ready no matter what your cutting needs are. I see some gift wrapping in your future, it might be a good time to pick up a pair for yourself and maybe another as a thoughtful gift.
photos: https://www.bestmadeco.com/products/ten-inch-kevlar-shears
Still Gorgeous at Seventy
December 2, 2019
An Icon of modern Danish design, the Chieftain Chair is celebrating it’s seventieth birthday and looking as good as ever. Originally designed by Finn Juhl in 1949 the Chieftain chair was reissued in 2002 and produced as originally specified in walnut and leather. Now, a Chieftain Sofa and Footstool are also available as well as an optional oak frame. Could be a good use of that Christmas bonus, right?
Photos: https://finnjuhl.com/collection/chieftain-chair
