That Reminds Me
August 10, 2013
multi-faceted
July 29, 2013
What do you get when you place a salvaged cedar log in the hands of an artist/designer like Riley Mc Ferrin? Well, simple…you get Little Gem. Looking more like a crystalline mineral formation plucked from the interior of a geode than the tree it started it’s life as, this hand shaped and finished end table could be just the needed punctuation in your simplequietmodern interior. I can’t think of a better choice for placing next to your favorite lounge chair, be it Eames or Saarinen, with just enough space to accommodate a book, your beverage of choice and possibly the remote. And, like the interior space you’ve created specifically for you, no two Little Gems are alike…insured by Mother Nature and Riley’s deft hand.
A watched pot…
July 26, 2013
as they say…never boils. The same could be said of trying too hard to get your spent orchid plants to rebloom. It’s simple really…a couple of ice cubes every week to ten days, some good air circulation, decent light and a cooler night-time temperature. Then go away and leave them alone. In a few months, almost like a little surprise, you’ll notice a shoot, then some buds…and finally the gorgeous blooms that will again last for weeks. I’d say that was a pretty good return on your investment for very little effort.
Hot Wheels
July 23, 2013
After a cruise along the beach you might as well keep going and make a quick run to pick up a few things down the road at the farm stand for dinner. No need to crank up the Range Rover when you can extend the fun of riding around on a custom-built beach cruiser from James Perse. This modern interpretation of the original from the 50’s and 60’s will draw you in, but I’ll bet it’s the coasting brake that’ll hook ya. Two-wheeling it doesn’t get any more simplequietmodern than this.
Fair Warning
July 17, 2013
Not exactly Christmas in July, just a little heads up. Now’s the time to start scouting every flea market, garage sale, and church rummage sale you run across. Start early, grab your coffee “to go” and get a great jump on that collection of vintage ornaments you always dreamt of having. The problem has always been that you don’t give it a thought until you’re about to set out to buy the tree in December…then, hind sight is 20/20 vision. So take a few bucks and invest an hour or two on Saturday morning and get your collection started with a few nostalgic pieces. Who knows? You might even run into some 50’s-60’s glassware that would make a kitschy gift for someone special. Two birds…one stone.
Summer pickin’
July 10, 2013
There is no shortage of garage sales or flea markets when the warm weather finally hits making it a perfect time for a little summer pickin’. No telling what you’ll find, like this mid-century modern box… clean trim rectangular walnut body, travertine marble top and perfectly patinated brass fish appliques. A great hiding place for the remote or valet for your watch, wallet and pocket change on the dresser….either way you’ve found yourself a timely simplequietmodern treasure that’s one of a kind and sure to bring a complement or two.
Down to the Sea
July 7, 2013
It’s evident that an inspired walk along the shore set things in motion for this gorgeous fixture. Who could have imagined that the kelp that washes up…knobby joints…long thin limbs….would translate so beautifully to become this Sorenthia light by Dunn Studio? And,what a perfect fit for any simplequietmodern project you might be working to illuminate. Used singly or in multiples the articulation, simplicity and mellow finish are hard to beat. Added bonus? Made in the USA.
USA…USA
July 4, 2013
There is no better time than today, as we reflect on our freedoms and liberties, to make a solid commitment to buy American whenever possible. It can be tough I know, but it’s not impossible. Take a little time… do a little research. Let’s bring all of that foriegn production back home. The trend has started…let’s keep it going.
A Genius Move
June 30, 2013
Really. At least to my minds eye. So, for starters, you have an open space with your kitchen in full view. The simplequietmodern exercise of placing the major appliances ( stove , oven, refrigerator ) around a corner or behind a wing wall keeps everything neat and tidy when viewed from the larger living area, no matter what you’re cooking up. All that is visible is some simple lower cabinetry sans hardware and a few neatly appointed open shelves. If the giant Kitchen Aid mixer was tucked around the corner too, the entire area would read as console, sideboard or wet bar rather than prep area. The rolling worksurface wears several hats also… as a working peninsula , lunch counter or serving table rolled to wherever it’s needed. Pretty smart.
Dining Out
June 27, 2013
Mid Century master Marcel Breuer designed this concrete block and stone patio table sometime in the middle of the last century. Now, re- imagine it for al fresco dining in 2013. A little planning, a trip to the Home Depot, Lowes or a local garden center can outfit you with the requisite concrete blocks, concrete block or paver adhesive and a big ol’ 4 x 8 sheet of marine ply to top it all off. Using this picture of the original, you can spin the basic concept off in any direction to get a modern look that is uniquely yours. This could be a great weekend project before the 4th, eh? Then all that’s left to do is fire up the grill.
simplequietmodern 