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

 

Wipe Your Feet

September 24, 2018

It’s Fall. We’ll be reluctantly moving our lives back indoors, dragging along any and all types of dirt, dust or yard debris. To the rescue is a simplequietmodern favorite, a no border, plain woven cocoa fiber doormat. This dense woven fiber with its natural mold and mildew resistant properties, will trap and hold dirt and debris below the surface of its deep pile. Most commonly used in commercial settings, cocoa fiber mats are a perfect choice for the most heavily trafficked areas at home, indoors and out.

Mats are available in standard sizes from 2×3′ to 6×12′, as well as custom sizing. Classic natural cocoa fiber tan, as well as six additional colors, all have the 3/4″ woven fibers secured in a heavy-duty vinyl backing. I’ve decided that the charcoal, both at the front door and in front of the kitchen sink, should keep things tidy enough.

photos: https://www.americanfloormats.com/cocoa-mats

 

Yeah, Baby

September 14, 2018

Nothing like a good sale, right? Now that it’s Fall and we’re all starting to move back inside it’s the perfect opportunity to get inspired and save a little in the process.

The Knoll Annual Sale runs from September 14-25 offering 15% off and free delivery on all furniture. A great opportunity to treat yourself to a classic, like the Saarinen Executive Arm or Side Chair, or explore some of their new textile introductions like Double Agent shown in Vocabulary (top) and Embassy (bottom). I’m thinking this large scaled 60’s inspired plaid might be just what’s needed to take the chill off.

photos: https://www.knoll.com

 

A simple setting…

July 9, 2018

for the entire summer. A spacious table with coordinated bench seating that satisfies my minimalist taste. Steel construction finished in matte black powder-coat make it equally at home outside or in. The Supermetal Table and benches, by Chiara Ferrari, is currently only available for delivery in Southern California. That won’t stop me from adding it to my wish list just in case that changes sometime soon. Besides sitting down to burgers and potato salad outdoors all Summer, how great would this be indoors come Thanksgiving?

Photos: http://www.betterlivingthroughdesign.com/furnishings/supermetal-table-by-chiara-ferrari/

 

 

Takin’ It Outside

April 8, 2018

It won’t be long before we’ll be moving outdoors for our morning coffee, a sunny lunch or relaxing dinner.What could be more simple and welcoming than a long planked table and bench cozied up to a sprawling banquette? I’ve been inspired by this photo for so long, I’m thinking it might be time for a little weekend DIY before the weather breaks.

Photo: http://remash.tumblr.com

 

Out like a…

April 3, 2018

lamb? Well, that’s supposed to be the way March exits. The reality is we might have to kick up our own seasonal inspiration as long as Mother Nature insists on playing these games. I say plow ahead, pretend the temps are in the 50’s and 60’s and completely disregard any call for snow. A simple vase full of flowering branches couldn’t hurt either.

 

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Photos: gp

 

Breezy

March 26, 2018

It’s back. Russell Woodard’s breezy Sculptura collection of Midcentury modern outdoor seating. Many have seen and coveted the originals of 1956, but until their recent re-issue one had to rely on some good garage sale Karma or being heir to some generous relative’s estate. If you’re still willing to be patient and do a little hunting you can find some great vintage pieces like this lounge chair and ottoman listed on Chairish. If you need it now, the occasional chair, bench and ottoman shown here are new releases available at Design Within Reach. The new group includes this occasional chair, bench and ottoman constructed of the iconic iron mesh with a powder coat finish in black, white, gray and orange-red. Seat cushions in black or white are optional.

 

 

 

 

Top photo: https://www.chairish.com/product/1004762/mid-century-woodard-sculptura-garden-lounge-chair-ottoman-a-pair

Chair, Bench and Ottoman photos:  http://www.dwr.com/search?q=Sculptura&lang=en_US

 

Give a Bunch…

March 1, 2018

keep a bunch. How about spreading a little joy while waiting for Spring to officially arrive on March 20th? Nothing heralds the advent of Spring quite like Daffodils. Their bright sunny yellow and gentle fragrance are  like nothing else. And, at just a couple of bucks a bunch nearly everywhere, you can afford to treat yourself as well as a friend or two. It’s been said that presenting a bunch of Daffodils to another will ensure happiness and good fortune. Who’s going to argue with that kind of return?

Photos: gp

 

 

Little Helper

February 26, 2018

From the design collaborative MENU, a simplequietmodern solution to an everyday task. Designed by Jan Kochanski, Sweeper and Funnel brings a little style and elegance to sweeping out the fireplace or cleaning up after a few stray coffee grounds.The hole in the handle acts as the funnel while seating the ash sweeper handle when not in use. Just a little something pretty to take the edge off your upcoming Spring cleaning.

photos: https://menu.as/en/accessories/sweeper-and-funnel/