Shifting the Conversation
January 10, 2019
While Washington argues concrete walls and steel barriers, let’s take a look at how both materials can be put to great simplequietmodern effect closer to home. The Lake House, by Suyama Peterson Deguchi, ticks all the right boxes. It’s always good to start the New Year with a fresh outlook and a little inspiration, isn’t it?
Photos: Kevin Scott… found here: http://remash.tumblr.com/post/181222239869/the-lake-house-suyama-peterson-deguchi-photos
Down to the Wire
December 17, 2018
There’s still time for some small last minute gifts. Here are a few sqm ideas to help you tick those last few boxes on that list.
Top to bottom:
From Heath Ceramics Classic Red Collection: the Tall Modern Cup in Ruby Red and Suede Red. It would be particularly special if it was filled with fresh flowers once a month for a year. photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/products/tall-modern-cup-ruby-red-suede-red
Memo blocks by Ito Bindery. Photo: https://www.odetothings.com/products/ito-bindery-memo-block?variant=5444084498463
Some homemade sweet treats are always appreciated… especially by those who are cooking and baking challenged. Use the search bar right at the top to access simplequietmodern recipes for Shortbreads, Maple Glazed Walnuts or Bourbon Balls for starters. Photo: gp
These Italian woven paper bags by UASHMAMA feel like leather. They can be the gift or become a special gifts modern reusable wrapping. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/uashmama-paper-bag.html
Potted white Helebores bring an unexpected freshness that will charm now, on the Solstice, Christmas and through to the New Year. Being able to plant it in the garden once winter breaks is an added bonus. Photo: gp
The holiday fragrance of cinnamon and fir poured into a reusable Heath Red Suede Cup. Once the candle is gone this gift keeps on giving…as a teacup or small vase. Photo: https://www. a .com/products/candle-large-modern-cup-ruby-red-suede-red
She Must Have Known
December 12, 2018
Decades before the arrival of the flat panel TV, Florence Knoll had designed the 116 credenza…simple case, sliding panel doors, leather pulls, interior drawer and shelves set on iron legs. As you would expect over the last 70 years it’s minimal style genius was put to great use in living rooms, dining rooms and offices alike. Today, I can’t help thinking that Florence must have had a premonition that the 116 would be a great perch for today’s flat screen. And, it would if you were able to get your hands on one. Hey Santa, a little help please? I’ve got just the spot.
Photo: Plastolux
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Forecast: Chance of Coral
December 8, 2018
You have to love the optimism of the Pantone Color Institute. Every December brings us their prediction of a color that we will be seeing a lot of in the coming year. Each prediction has them waxing poetic on their selection…hoping to convince us of the relevance of their choice. I’m still waiting to see previous Color of the Year selections like Marsala, Serenity and Purple Passion flood the marketplace. While the 2019 color of the Year, Living Coral, is pretty enough I’m not convinced we’ll be seeing it everywhere. It makes one wonder if Pantone, when it comes to forecasting, might have better luck predicting the weather.
Images: https://www.pantone.com/color-intelligence/color-of-the-year/color-of-the-year-2019
O Christmas Tree
November 30, 2018
Or, no Christmas tree. While I love a fresh tree I’m never opposed to rethinking the traditional Christmas tree by deconstructing it or reimagining it in simplequietmodern style. A sheet of plywood and a few strings of lights? BOOM! Modern Christmas magic!
Photos and Geneva Vanderzeil’s complete DIY tutorial found here: https://apairandasparediy.com/2015/12/diy-string-light-christmas-tree/
Jackpot
November 25, 2018
I recently ran across an unused gift card in my desk drawer…then another. Then, an online credit memo. Yoo hoo! What I had tucked away for safe keeping I had completely forgotten about. I think I’ll use this “found cash” to jump start my holiday shopping…maybe pick up a little perk for myself in the process. Just in time for Cyber Monday. Check those drawers, people.
A few ideas to kick off the season, top to bottom:
A new glaze, Zinc, on Heath Ceramics Coupe Dessert Bowl courtesy of that unearthed online credit memo. Photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/collections/bowls/products/dessert-bowl-coupe
This Floating Gemstones Necklace Kit from Purl Soho provides enough material to create several great gifts in the month ahead. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/floating-gemstones-necklace-kit.html
Also from Purl Soho, Posy, a hand-dyed Superwash Cashmere, Merino and Nylon blend yarn. Gift the skeins to your favorite knitter or whip up a warm cap or scarf in this Winter-busting shade…Sour Gooseberry. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/posy-gift-list-gallery.html
If you’re itching to start decking the halls, Trader Joe’s has the best value in town with their mixed evergreen wreaths. Photo: gp
Start them now and you’ll have gorgeous amaryllis in bloom for Christmas. This moss covered bulb is available from Terrain. Photo: https://www.shopterrain.com
In The Dark
November 9, 2018
There’s always a little extra illumination needed once Daylight Saving Time has us “falling back” into Autumn darkness. Recent upgrades to Peter Bristol’s Thin Task Lamp provide us with even more design options when using this simplequietmodern favorite to shine a little needed light on things. Still providing a minimalist profile while providing fully articulated warm white LED illumination, the Thin Task Lamp is now available in a wall mount. Two sizes, three finishes, hardwire or plug- in options and matching toggle or rotary switch and dimmer will have your needs covered no matter your desired application.
Photos: http://www.juniper-design.com/products/thin-task-lamp-wall-mount/
Just the ticket…
November 5, 2018
for a relaxing sit or restful sleep. The George Nelson Daybed, designed in 1950 is available once again. Produced by Herman Miller, it is lean minimalist seating by day, firm comfortable bed by night. Perfect for that first apartment, a home office/guest room or that modern weekend cabin. My favorite incarnation is as shown in walnut. A light ash finish, brushed or polished metal hairpin legs and dozens of approved Herman Miller Textiles are available options.
Shifting Gears
October 11, 2018
Fall. Time to turn up the heat, spice things up, enjoy the seasons bounty and get ready to adjust our mindset before Winter and the holidays are upon us.
Some simple inspiration to make the seque, top to bottom.
Terra cotta petals with a cream backside… the Leonidas rose. Picture perfect as Mother Nature changes everything around us.
Exotic spice blends like Zaatar and Ras el Hanout bring a little something special and exotic to everyday eats.
The perfect fiber blend to bridge all of the seasons, Purl Soho’s Flax Down… Baby Alpaca, superfine Merino and Linen, worked together with their Linen Quill in True Turquoise. https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/09/05/swath-wrap/
Flor samples for consideration for a pending Winter project. Neutrals are great but a plaid underfoot might just be fun. https://www.flor.com
On a weekend night of binge watching, a Texican dinner of Chili Verde will transport you to the southwest and warm you up. https://simplequietmodern.com/2015/10/27/a-little-needed-comfort/
Locally.grown and processed apples and apple cider…the Fall possibilities are endless and not to be missed. What’s your pleasure? A cocktail of Bourbon and cider or apple pie for breakfast?
Photos: gp
Then and Now
October 7, 2018
Continuing the celebration of Florence Knoll’s 100th year, let’s focus on some new additions to her 1954 Lounge Group. What she originally considered a “fill in” piece, the Florence Knoll Bench has been impressively resized, elevating it to a “statement” piece. Whether you select the small, medium or large, and put it to use as a bench, ottoman or coffee table, the clean geometric profile of this modern classic is available in a dizzying selection of approve Knoll textiles and leathers. Wow!
Photos: https://www.knoll.com
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