Closing in
December 15, 2025
With just 10 days until Christmas you might be feeling just a little panic setting in. I’ve presented here a handful of items that can fall into the gift idea list or treat for yourself list. Either way, all are available online, making late night shopping a breeze. And, a few items can be found at reduced holiday pricing which is an added bonus. So take a quick look. you might find some of my favorites this season are also some of yours.
If you found yourself mismatched over Thanksgiving it might be time to upgrade your flatware. Or, you might have someone setting up their first homestead and could use a little modernist treat. Heath Ceramic’s new flatware introduction, Reyes, is sure to stand the test of time with it’s simple midcentury appeal. Available in both a polished and matte stainless steel it will compliment any timeless dinnerware pattern from Russel Wright American Modern to Heath’s new collaboration with Herman Miller. Photo: Heath
Always a great gift for anyone on your list is the classic Heath Ceramics Bud Vase. shown here in the limited edition matte glaze Lemon Rind. Photo: Heath
While this release isn’t until mid February, a promise of The Weekend Gardener by Henry Agg stuffed into a new pair of gardening gloves or a project planning pad will be a most welcome gift to anyone on your list that loves to garden or is about to start their own gardening adventure. Planning, implementing and special projects are all covered here making easy work of a daunting task. If you follow Henry as I do on Instagram, he’ll have you jumpstarting your new garden plan well before Spring arrives. Photo: Amazon
This KD28 table lamp by Joe Columbo for Kartell falls directly into the “gift for me” category. It addreses the minimalist 70’s aesthetic that’s been taking up too much of my mind lately. Maybe there is someone on your list that would love this as well. I’m partial to the white, but black, orange, yellow, taupe, blue and maroon are also available options. photo: Kartell
Winter has been pretty brutal so far and we’re only midway through December. Surely you know someone who would love wrapping themselves in this Lambswool Plaid Throw from Schoolhouse. 100 % Merino wool? Yes, please. And it’s currently 50% off! Photo:Schoolhouse
Who doesn’t love a mug? Particularly this modern classic Studio Mug from Heath Ceramics in this limited edition glaze, Lemon Rind. Still making a statement today as it did when Edith Heath created it in the 1940’s. When it’s good…it’s good. Photo: Heath
With boxes arriving daily, the holidays or not, you might just need to up someone’s unboxing game. This HMM Utility Knife in black should up their game significantly. Also available in silver and bronze green from WMS&CO. Stylish. photo: WMS&CO
I’m a sucker for a lacquer tray. Any simple tray really. But, this set of four assorted stacking trays in their bright colored lacquered finishes are almost too good to pass up. They can be presented as the complete set or broken up into individual gifts. When you get them, you’ll decide. Photo: Schoolhouse
Who doesn’t love a little sweet treat at the holidays? One of my all time favorite classics is Panettone. Specifically to be made into a Bread Pudding on Christmas Eve or French Toast on Christmas morning. Available everywhere, and seemingly immune from increased pricing, I tend to pick mine up at Trader Joes. Sometimes one just for me or sometimes a cartful for everyone on my list. Trust me, no one will be disappointed. Photo: gp
Holiday Head Start
November 8, 2025
Amaryllis. Order them now, gift them at Thanksgiving and everyone will be enjoying them by Christmas or the New Year. What’s not to love about checking their progress each day until that morning arrives where the smooth green stems are topped with a cluster of large exotic blooms? As always my personal preference is white, grown in a simple glass cylinder vase with an natural accent of green moss or perhaps a few brown pinecones. But, I might just have to switch things up a bit given the varieties available as well as treatments like waxed dipped bulbs or bulbs wrapped in moss. The selection below are just a few of the offerings available through Terrain. Pay them a visit and explore the waxed bulbs in white, fuchsia or blue, bulbs in moss wrapped with wire or any of the breathtaking specimen varietals like Luna with it’s chartreuse blooms or Doublet with it’s festive red blooms steaked with white. It’s time. Let the holidays begin.
photo: gp
photo: gp
unless noted: photos via Terrain
Heath X Herman Miller
October 31, 2025
It’s a natural collaboration but I can’t help thinking what took so long. Pulling inspiration from decades of modern design, quality, color and design innovation, this limited offering is a match made in design heaven…Heath Ceramics and Herman Miller. Warm neutral glazes like Turmeric, Yuzu and Pesto get a little punctuation and punch from Lemon Rind, Calendula, Cranberry and the very new Blossom, all inspired by Herman Miller color applications of the 1950’s. Also new is the hybrid Coupe Dinner Bowl, which will be making itself at home in Heath’s permanent offerings. Makes sense, who doesn’t love a dinner bowl? Just in time for dressing that Thanksgiving table with mid-century panache. While quantities last.
photo: gp
photo:gp
Unless noted, photos: Heath Ceramics
What’s Old Is New Again
August 14, 2025
Knoll’s modern classic, the Eero Saarinen Tulip Table, is taking on a new look. Several new surface finishes as well as the addition of a new base finish take this design staple to new heights. While the white base with a white top will always be my first choice, I’ve found myself flipping the script and opting for the black base, black top. Now, with the addition of an available gray base and Clay laminate surface these tables can find a comfortable home right in the middle. The new Emperado Light stone top and the Topo Noir Veneer top add additional variations in neutral tone and texture. Add these new options to the numerous available sizes and shapes and you have, as they say, something for everybody.
Classic. White laminate tops on white bases
Clay Laminate top on a gray base
Emperado Light stone top on a white base
Emperado Light stone Top on a gray base
Classic black on black
Topo Noir veneer top
Topo Noir veneer top on a black base
photos: Knoll
Instantly an icon
May 31, 2023
after it’s introduction in 1948 the Womb Chair, like all of Eero Saarinen’s designs for Knoll, is still made by hand and still going strong. I can’t help but hope that I look as good when I’m 75. Happy Birthday my friend.
photos: Knoll
If it’s March,
March 1, 2023
then it’s time for Daffodils. Especially after the last two weeks of ice storms and the grayest of skies. Who couldn’t use a dose of that perfect yellow while they’re available in every grocery store and flower shop. At only a couple of bucks a bunch you could easily pick up a dozen bunches and spread the wealth. While Spring is a few weeks off and we certainly know that we are not out of the woods in terms of ugly weather, a simple handle full of Daffodils might be exactly what’s needed to pull us through. For a simple effective presentation, 2 bunches dropped in a Heath Ceramics Tall Modern Mug is the way to go. No muss, no fuss.
photos: gp
Clocks a tickin’
February 8, 2023
With Valentines Day less than a week away you might want to put a little thought into what to give your Valentine. No Valentine on the horizon? Well, treat yourself! Below are just a few tried and true treats that are sure to bring a smile and a big hug.
Top To Bottom:
Who wouldn’t love the holiday’s signature color realized in cashmere?
This little homemade indulgence is so simple and a sure fire hit. Chocolate Raspberry Champagne Truffles.
Who could resist cozying up with this fiery pillow from Knoll. A romcom and pizza in beats fighting a mid-week dinner crush.
Available nearly everywhere and at no great expense. Sweet and sweetly scented carnations in pink. Just a few tucked into a small vase or cup can hit just the right romantic note.
White Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold…all by itself, in combination, or with the addition of diamonds. Tiffany’s Lock Bangle. Simple, quiet and modern in any configuration.
This rosy red Bromeliad could brighten someone’s desk for months if they’re still working from home.
And for those ” clock watchers” , this Hemisphere wall clock with it’s hot pink face is sure to be a hit.
photos: Truffles and carnations gp All others via their respective sites.
It might be time…
February 1, 2023
to reconsider the 70’s. More specifically Ray Wilkes ” Chicklet ” sofa. Designed for Herman Miller in 1976, this sculptural group includes a 1, 2 or 3 seat units constructed of injection molded foam over a flexible steel frame. Simple.
photos: Herman Miller
Just Right
January 23, 2023
If you are as tired as I am being bombarded by everyone and anyone’s take on the ” color of the year”, I have the answer. THE perfect white. Yes, white. Maybe it’s time to get back to some basics. While I’ve been using this for years when white has been needed, I’ve been computer matching an old paint stirrer to get it just right. Now, a quick trip to Home Depot will have us hooked up. Blank Canvas is all that…no leaning yellow, pink, green or blue…just a perfect warm neutral white. It doesn’t get better than this.
photo:gp
Merry Christmas
December 25, 2022
If you were hoping for a white Christmas, well, wish granted. However you are planning on celebrating the holiday today, stay warm…be safe.
photo: gp
simplequietmodern 