Mother Nature…Modernist
January 19, 2013
A fallen tree, a single river rock worn smooth by the passage of time and rushing water, both modern minimalist inspiration found in nature. A quick walk through the yard or a relaxed meander through the woods or shore can ignite a creative spark that can’t be found sitting at the desk. Muted tones to bright colorations that only she can produce…materials, form and texture that seem impossible get those creative juices flowing. Is it your garden or your interior you need to rework? A room in your garden or a room in your home can both benefit from a leisurely stroll with both eyes wide open. Leave your iPhone behind, open the door, take a deep breath and head out. This exercise is not only simplequietmodern…it’s free. You might be surpised where it takes you.
Visit artist Jaehyo Lee ( work pictured above) here:http://www.leeart.name
This Bryan Nash Gill woodblock print can be found here:http://www.shopterrain.com/art-accents/cookie-woodcut-print/searchString/gill
Forecast…COLD
January 13, 2013
Time to throw another blanket on. My modern interpretation of the classic Hudson Bay Blanket should warm things up nicely, like only a wool blanket can. Simple garter rows in Berroco Vintage Chunky and some size ten sticks make for a thick knit, heavy enough to protect from any draft or chill. Pair it up with some flannel sheets and a vintage quilt and you may not want to crawl out from under it until spring…which I hear in Montana, where this was sent, comes rather late.
It all starts here …
January 10, 2013
with the simple basics. Tablet or pad? Stylus or pen? With all of the available and new technology the best things for getting the job done are still the tried and true…the Project pad, the Sharpie, the Uniball fine point. I’d be lost without them (ask my friends and associates, without my tools I can get kinda cranky). Things for me run more efficiently when I’m using tools that I like and that do the best job for me. From an early punch list, beginning sketches, plan developement to checking off completed tasks nothing beats these three for getting things done, and there is nothing to plug in and recharge. So I’m starting off this New Year as always…with my new box of Sharpies, Uniballs and a pack of Tops project pads. OK, now I’m happy. Let’s get to work. 
It’s definitely green
January 7, 2013
We may not all be as lucky as Angelina Joli …what with these simplequietdropdead emerald earings, but there will soon be verdant options for the rest of us. The Pantone selection for color of the year 2013 is Emerald. While Pantone believes in its universal appeal, it’s not for everyone. Yet, everyone will be seeing it used everywhere and on everything…coffee mugs to evening gowns, wallpaper to bath towels. Let’s hope we will benefit from its symbolism of clarity, growth , renewal and prosperity as well as its positive affects toward healing and unity
Time…
January 1, 2013
it has a way of creeping up on you, doesn’t it? Or, is it time “marching on” that’s the problem. In any case, what better way to keep track of those fleeting moments than with this 1947 design by George Nelson…his Tripod Desk Clock ( we should all still look this good at 66). As we close the door on 2012 and look forward to every joyful second of the New Year 2013, an occasional glance at this modern gem on your desk or your nightstand should keep you right on schedule. Happy New Year! 
http://hivemodern.com/pages/product624/vitra-george-nelson-tripod-clock
It’s clear…
December 29, 2012
that you have to arm yourself against the suns damaging rays. Still, you look at the beauty of a Winter sunrise…sky clear, snow sparkling…and the those bright Winter rays burning a hole right through your retina and making a bee-line to the center of your brain. Yikes…already a major headache and you haven’t even opened the first of your morning email. Simplequietmodern solution… select any of the frames available with tinted lenses from Lookmatic… like their Reeve…in black, gray or tortoise. Your eyes will thank you, your associates will thank you, and you’ll be putting a modern face forward in the process. If you happen to have received some Christmas cash that’s burning a hole in your wallet…even better.
http://www.lookmatic.com/men/reeve-black-clear/sunglasses
Sunrise photo:http://favimages.com/image/274219/
May your days be merry and bright…
December 24, 2012
and may all your Christmases be*….well, all that you wish them to be.
Merry Christmas.
*Irving Berlin
Midwinter
December 21, 2012
Odd name for the Winter solstice which is actually the first day of the season. Call it what you will, it is absolutely my most favorite of days. It marks the shortest day of the year in terms of daylight but signals the slow, steady increase in daylight hours as we move into spring. Sure, it might not seem like a big thing to you but trust me, if you live anywhere near the midwest, you will immediately notice that the sky has not gone to pitch at 4:45 in the afternoon. There is a feeling of hope…yes, that spring is just one season away. So, celebrate with me if you care to, with anything ( hell, everything ) that reminds you of spring… and relish every extra minute of daylight.
Your holiday signature…
December 17, 2012
create it. It’s a simplequietmodern statement that will be fondly remembered year after year by your friends and family. It also simplifies the task of readying your home for the onslaught of revelers each Christmas in the midst of a carrying on with the rest of your busy life. It could be a signature menu for a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day supper that folks look forward to every year … vases of assorted Winter greenery and white tulips, narcissus or Amaryllis to usher in Midwinter…the offering of a signature cocktail like a smart Christmas Manhattan with a splash of Marachino juice…illuminating your Christmas Eve with candle light and a roaring fire exclusively or, simply keeping a bowl full of seasonal Clementines within easy reach. No matter the direction, when repeated every year it will not only become second nature, easily the first thing on and then checked off your holiday to-do list, it will signal the arrival of your Christmas and another season of memories you created simply…seemingly effortlessly.
starting at the top:
White Mink Protea with cut white Pine and Magnolia branches will last for weeks.
Clementines,traditionally the original stocking stuffer, for that blast of vitamin C and natural sweetness.
Nature provided Cardinal’s nest and a scattering of vintage glass ornaments.
“No Brainer” Gingerbread Brownies will kick off the season perfectly. You can find the recipe here:http://www.ohbiteit.com/2012/11/gingerbread-brownies.html
There is nothing like roast pork to anchor your holiday dinner. This lesson from Martha can be found here:http://www.marthastewart.com/920465/bone-pork-loin# My preference is to have the butcher tie two boneless loins together and simply season with garlic and caraway seed.
If you’re not able to secure white tulips you should have no difficulty finding white Phalanopsis orchids in plant form that will last well into the New Year.
Sorting through your collection of mid-century vintage ornaments and separating them in groups of like color can make a modern statement as you revisit and display them each year.
*photo of the roast from Martha Stewart Living
Dear Santa,
December 11, 2012
…I’ve been pretty good. I’m just sayin’.
simplequietmodern 