And, just like that…
October 4, 2021
it’s feeling like Fall. Bright foliage changes to lift our mood set against unpredictable gray skies. Lot’s of inspiration to be had around every corner as we prepare again to move indoors. I recently wove a box of manzanita wood into this sizable assembly that would be as striking in the garden as over this vintage Florence Knoll credenza from 1948. Or, it could be used in place of a large painting or photograph, hung on a wall covered in Grasscloth for additional drama and texture. I’m loving it so much I may just need to spend some time gathering branching for another.
from the top: first 2 photos: gp, Credenza photo: via https://plastolux.tumblr.com/ Grasscloth photo: https://www.yorkwallcoverings.com/collections/grasscloth-wallpaper/products/ywd-b65-multi-grass-wallpape
Wait! Go Back
September 19, 2021
I was recently returning to the city from a quick day trip to Northern Michigan scoping out a new project, Traveling down US-23 along Lake Huron I spotted, out of the corner of my eye, what I thought was a dining table designed by T.H. Robbsjohn-Gibbings. But, what would a beautiful table like that be doing along the side of the road? A quick U-Turn had me heading back to find out. Pulling onto the shoulder I quickly realized that is wasn’t the classic modern piece that I thought, but maybe something better… a vintage rustic picnic table AND a pair of benches, all with the signature X base. Bonus detail…drop leaf extensions on the table as well. It was as if I had found the original table’s long lost country cousins. Sold.
Top photo: Unknown lower photo: gp
More Black
September 16, 2021
And, more inspiration to pull you though to the weekend. Reducing a dwelling to it’s basic shape, black is shown here in a variety of sizes, styles and locations. Hard to pick a favorite isn’t it?
top photo http://www.rocioromero.com/planLV.html
other photos via https://remash.tumblr.com/
Variations on a Theme
August 30, 2021
I’ve always loved the Harry Bertoia Wire Side Chair with the full upholstered cover. While the wire grid frame has interest, the full cover reduces the seat and back to pure sculpture. The 1952 original is always handsome in the appropriate Knoll textiles, but recent additions showcase this chair’s iconic form differently. A full leather cover is tightly applied over a molded shell seat for added lux and the molded seat and back of fiber reinforced nylon is available unadorned, for ease of maintenance indoors or out, in a selection of colors. Mix and match the leather, upholstery or nylon top with black, white or chrome base to your taste….the possibilities are endless. And, if the variety wasn’t enough, the Knoll Annual Sale starts tomorrow. Perfect timing if you’re still working from home and your space needs a little lift, or you’re anticipating a few guests for the holidays and a stack of additional seats could come in stylishly handy.
A counter stool is now available as well which looks particularly swanky in Diva, colorway: Coal.
https://www.knoll.com/shop/classics/harry-bertoia-collection
photos: knoll
I’m Back
August 27, 2021
Clearly, the last year and a half have been challenging for all of us. Tech issues being the last to be tackled has left me and simplequietmodern basically MIA. But, now we’re back. And, glad to be back to be sure. Before we attempt to catch up, I think a random selection of images from past posts will remind us of where we’ve been and help me focus more clearly on where we’ll go from here. Thank you for checking in and thanks in advance for your patience should we encounter a hiccup or two as we come back up to speed.
Top to bottom:
It’s hard to believe but Baby Hambone Jaxon is celebrating his ninth birthday. Even with Covid you know there will be treats.
If you’re still working from home you might want to consider some appropriate task lighting. This Muuto Tip lamp through Knoll could fit the bill. Photo:Knoll
And no… I still have not narrowed down the candidates for the reupholstering of this vintage Saarinen Executive Lounge chair.
You don’t think you need it until you do. The Landscaper’s Hori Hori Photo: Terrain
My first generation Herman Miller Aeron chair is in need of a tune up. Easier said than done. Photo: Herman Miller
I had the opportunity to install this Billow wallcovering from Knoll on a residential project. Yes, slowly some beautiful things were getting done. Photo: Knoll
Just as the pandemic hit I had treated myself to a pair of Vivobarefoot Gobi II Desert Boots. What can I say? I love a desert boot. Two thumbs up. Photo: Vivobarefoot
My favorite design inspiration…vintage Florence Knoll Photo: Knoll
Still looking great even after a twister last summer tore the yard up good. This climbing hydrangea hides a cluster of electrical meters while the tall clipped yew hedge does the same for the furnace and A/C.
Simple summer pleasures. What’s better in August than local Midwest Glads…especially in white.
Before Cauliflower Pizza Crust…this Southern Chow Chow. The perfect blend of pickled cauliflower, onions and yellow peppers brightened with Turmeric.
As the shadows grow longer a simple linen covered daybed could be just the spot to kick back and take a nap. Photo: Remodelista
Cordyline Red Star… Again, the seasonal selection to fill my modern low bowl planters after my search for Artichokes turned up zip.
Yes you can! Make yourself some homemade vanilla ice cream. Just a few ingredients and no ice cream maker needed.
Unless noted, all photos by GP
I didn’t include links here, but if you use the search bar at the top of the page you will be taken to the original post.
Easy as 123
August 10, 2020
If it looks like you might be working from home a bit longer than you had anticipated, it might be time to rethink your set-up at the kitchen table. With three simple pieces from Muuto you can turn any corner into a workspace you’ll love to pull up to. Start with the 70/70 table designed by TAF Studio. So simple and elegant with it’s cast aluminum base and linoleum or laminate top with an exposed plywood edge. Add a fresh take on the classic shell chair with a Fiber Swivel Armchair on casters designed by Danish design duo Iskos/Berlin. Finally, shed a little light on the subject with Muuto’s Tip Task Lamp. There you have it. Three easy pieces that will have you feeling like your on your way to the corner office.
All pieces are available in additional finishes and options, are ready to ship in 1-3 days and the FedEx shipping is free. So, that said, where ya gonna set up shop?
All photos: https://www.knoll.com/shop/work-from-home
Room To Spread Out
July 14, 2020
If you have to work from home you might as well treat yourself and go big. No cramped cubicle now, no way. Pulling your chair up to a work surface like this will have you feeling like you’ve just moved into the corner office. At the end of the day there is still room to cozy up with family or friends for dinner. There is something to be said for a big, simple, modern table. It’ll carry you through.
photo: https://remash.tumblr.com/
Open Auditions
July 9, 2020
While in lock down all Spring you would think I would have pulled the trigger on this upholstery project. Slowly anticipating the arrival of the Knoll Textile samples I pretty much thought my mind was made up…something neutral with a boucle’ or crepe texture. Then I started holding auditions. And now, with no bad choices really, I’m totally confused. While playing it safe is always a good move, this Corona thing has me rethinking the entire project. Maybe a little fun is needed now. Maybe some pattern. Hmmm. Could be. Or, then again, I might just take it back to… black. I’ll keep you posted.
top to bottom:
My vintage Saarinen Executive Armchair…ready for reupholstery.
Knoll Textiles Tweed Frisee’ in natural
Knoll Textiles Kaya in Inkwell
Knoll Luxe Sandis in Tobacco
Knoll Luxe Arezzo velvet in Squid Ink
photos:gp
Knoll KT Prairie Pebble Finished vinyl in Bison
Knoll Saarinen Executive armchair with wood leg in ebonized walnut upholstered in Presto Crepe color Black Tie
photos: Knoll
Enough
June 4, 2020
If it’s all getting to be too much, it might be time to edit, edit, edit. The last several months have been tough to be sure. The last week? Even tougher. If the social distancing, the masks, the stay in place “lock down” orders and night after night of endless bad news is taking it’s toll, it might be time to create a little quiet space of your own, a tranquil place to escape all of the noise for a moment. It might be a designated room to sleep or, if you’ve got the space, a spot to meditate and enjoy a simple moment of silence without distraction. This minimalist bedroom is just such a space.
photos via: https://remash.tumblr.com/
What? It’s Nearly the End of May?
May 22, 2020
Is it me or is everyone having a difficult time keeping track of what month it is…what day it is? It seems like during the entirety of this Corona lock down the weather has kept us thinking it’s more like Fall than Spring and the sun has taken a back seat to the gray and rainy skies. A little inspiration seems to be in order to get us through the next few weeks to be sure. While the upcoming holiday weekend and unofficial start of Summer will be different than we know it, a little inspiration may ease the discomfort of continued shelter in place and social distancing orders. The simplest of things can bring new joy and freshness to a stale situation or outlook so look around with new eyes and see what happens. I’ve selected a few items from the simplequietmodern archives that might help get you started.
Top to bottom:
Sheltering in place might have you contemplating a second place to get away to once we’re able to move around freely. And, while working from home may become the new normal for some, a simplequietmodern cabin with WIFI may be a neccesity. Photo: Leonardo Finotti via Remash Tumblr
A comfortable place to kick back, either tucked away in the yard or on the front porch for those all important breaks between Zoom meetings. This reissue of the originalWestport Adirondack Chair design comes to mind immediately. Photo:Loll Designs
A simple spring dinner of steamed artichokes takes advantage of the season and satisfies while keeping time in the kitchen to a minimum. Photo: gp
If you need something to keep your hands busy and out of that bag of chips, this Elementary Wrap by Purl Soho is it. A modern hand-knit using their Linen Quill yarn results in a lovely seasonal project that will take care of that spring chill or tick off a special gift completed for the upcoming holidays. photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2018/05/02/elementary/
The garden centers are open again. A quick stroll through might just tempt you to make a modification to your present landscaping. This Sunjoy Gold Pillar Barberry will add a little brightness even on those days the sun stays hidden. photo: gp
Why wait for the September running of the Kentucky Derby? This perfectly modern julep works for me any day . http://gardenandgun.com/media/mint-julep photo: gp
Cabin Fever? Get out of the house and take a look at your place from a new perspective. Take a few phone pics from different approaches and try to view things as your neighbors or passersby do. You might be surprised to find that things are looking pretty good. photo: gp
Who doesn’t like ice cream? My recipe for Pistachio Semifreddo will have you amazed that yes, you made it yourself. photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2015/05/24/whip-it-fold-it-freeze-it/
River rocks…or landscapers egg rock… can add that little touch of zen when used used in the landscape. As long as you’re home you might as well start another project to keep you outside. photo: gp
Not all potato salads are created equal. While I can often get a craving for potato salad like Mom made, I most often opt for this salad from Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food…Potatoes Vinaigrette. Photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/05/04/a-simple-lighter-spin/
Memorial Day weekend is when those pots get planted. But, with what? I’m not into annuals…too bright. And last year’s planting of lily grass and Blonde Ambition Blue Grama grass while beautiful, did not winter over as I had expected. Now, I guess it’s back to my original choice…Blue Dune Grass. Fast grower, simple modern statement and, the deer won’t eat them. Check, check and check. photo: gp
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