Wipe Your Feet

September 24, 2018

It’s Fall. We’ll be reluctantly moving our lives back indoors, dragging along any and all types of dirt, dust or yard debris. To the rescue is a simplequietmodern favorite, a no border, plain woven cocoa fiber doormat. This dense woven fiber with its natural mold and mildew resistant properties, will trap and hold dirt and debris below the surface of its deep pile. Most commonly used in commercial settings, cocoa fiber mats are a perfect choice for the most heavily trafficked areas at home, indoors and out.

Mats are available in standard sizes from 2×3′ to 6×12′, as well as custom sizing. Classic natural cocoa fiber tan, as well as six additional colors, all have the 3/4″ woven fibers secured in a heavy-duty vinyl backing. I’ve decided that the charcoal, both at the front door and in front of the kitchen sink, should keep things tidy enough.

photos: https://www.americanfloormats.com/cocoa-mats

 

Yeah, Baby

September 14, 2018

Nothing like a good sale, right? Now that it’s Fall and we’re all starting to move back inside it’s the perfect opportunity to get inspired and save a little in the process.

The Knoll Annual Sale runs from September 14-25 offering 15% off and free delivery on all furniture. A great opportunity to treat yourself to a classic, like the Saarinen Executive Arm or Side Chair, or explore some of their new textile introductions like Double Agent shown in Vocabulary (top) and Embassy (bottom). I’m thinking this large scaled 60’s inspired plaid might be just what’s needed to take the chill off.

photos: https://www.knoll.com

 

so it might be a good idea, to honor those lost that day, for the country to come together now. Just a thought.

9/11  Never forget.

 

 

photo: gp

 

Like A Blur

September 10, 2018

One minute it was the 4th of July and the next it’s nearly the middle of September. I know it was Summer because it was plenty hot, but it came and went like a steamy blur. I guess a heavy schedule had me focusing daily on the seasons simplest pleasures, squeezing some Summer fun into every day. And, now that Fall is growing closer, I’m glad I did.

Top to bottom:

The best peach ever tossed to me one day at lunch. Does it get any better or simply scream Summer than a big ripe juicy peach?

A little maintenance on the  climbing Hydrangea and hedges, and the addition of some new annual material had the yard pulled together in no time.

Visiting the farmers markets regularly for local Midwest Gladiolus and vegetables. The glads make a simple modern statement for 2-3 bucks and will last all week. The locally  grown produce, when transformed into G’s Chow Chow, will carry that Summer brightness right into Fall.

For the recipe…https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/06/16/quite-the-pickle/

A little daydreaming on a summer afternoon never hurt. I seemed to frequently drift to visions of a small Modern house in the desert. This one looks just right.   Photo: https://www.thrillist.com/home/gorgeous-prefab-homes-and-cheapest-land-for-sale-in-every-state-for-building

Six years old…Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000.  While he was treated to his favorite mixed berry treats, cake for his friends and fans is definitely in order. And what could be more fitting of the Puli personality and sense of humor than a modern naked take on a confetti cake from Milk Bar? Photo: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/momofuku-milk-bars-birthday-layer-cake

Linen in Summer, wool for Fall. The best qualities of both can be found in Flax Down and Linen Quill Yarn from Purl Soho. These three skeins in Kettle Black will produce their Swath Wrap, the perfect transition to Fall and Winter.  Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/09/05/swath-wrap/

photos: gp (unless otherwise noted)

 

A simple setting…

July 9, 2018

for the entire summer. A spacious table with coordinated bench seating that satisfies my minimalist taste. Steel construction finished in matte black powder-coat make it equally at home outside or in. The Supermetal Table and benches, by Chiara Ferrari, is currently only available for delivery in Southern California. That won’t stop me from adding it to my wish list just in case that changes sometime soon. Besides sitting down to burgers and potato salad outdoors all Summer, how great would this be indoors come Thanksgiving?

Photos: http://www.betterlivingthroughdesign.com/furnishings/supermetal-table-by-chiara-ferrari/

 

 

Perfect Timing

June 11, 2018

After a Winter that seemed endless and the shortest Spring ever, the timing is perfect for Heath Ceramics Summer Seasonal collection. From our favorite bud vases in Wildflower, Zinnia and Black Plum to the debut of new glazes like Sunset Fade on the Deep Serving Bowl and Sorbet on the Multi Stem Vase, it’s clear from where the inspiration was drawn..Summer flowers in pinks and oranges, glorious Summer sunsets and juicy late Summer fruits.

 

Heath Ceramic photos: http://www.heathceramics.com/summer-seasonal

Peony and plum photos: gp

 

 

 

I’m Obsessed

May 14, 2018

Can one have too many black Oxfords? I don’t think so. These polished leather Derby shoes by Common Projects, set on crepe rubber soles, fill the gap perfectly between their minimalist sneakers and more formal offerings. Paired with everything from jeans to business attire, these will take you right through till summer, when, weather permitting, you’ll be barefoot in the grass.

Photos: https://www.mrporter.com/en-us/mens/common_projects/polished-leather-derby-shoes/1056503?ppv=2

 

 

 

 

Elementary

May 2, 2018

As its name implies, the Elementary Wrap from Purl Soho is just that…easily dealt with, straightforward, uncomplicated. Three skeins of Purl Soho’s Linen Quill, a blend of Highland  wool, alpaca and linen, a US #4 circular needle and the free pattern is all that’s needed to get you into a little Zen knitting. This time next week you’ll not only be totally chill, but you’ll have created a Mothers Day gift that’ll be hard to top.

Photos: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/05/02/elementary-wrap-in-linen-quill/

 

 

 

Takin’ It Outside

April 8, 2018

It won’t be long before we’ll be moving outdoors for our morning coffee, a sunny lunch or relaxing dinner.What could be more simple and welcoming than a long planked table and bench cozied up to a sprawling banquette? I’ve been inspired by this photo for so long, I’m thinking it might be time for a little weekend DIY before the weather breaks.

Photo: http://remash.tumblr.com

 

Out like a…

April 3, 2018

lamb? Well, that’s supposed to be the way March exits. The reality is we might have to kick up our own seasonal inspiration as long as Mother Nature insists on playing these games. I say plow ahead, pretend the temps are in the 50’s and 60’s and completely disregard any call for snow. A simple vase full of flowering branches couldn’t hurt either.

 

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Photos: gp