Look Ma, One Hand
March 9, 2014
As we reset our watches to daylight savings time today it might be a great opportunity to reset our thinking about time altogether. Let’s start with the Slow Jo watch. The folks at Slow may not have left us much choice but to slow down, take a bit of a breath, enjoy life and observe a little more. By removing a hand they force us to bring our awareness to an approximation of what time of day we are occupying rather than the exact time…down to seconds… that we are now used to in our fast paced world. I’m all for anything that will help us find the time to pause , look around just a bit…perhaps focus on something new…something inspiring… rather than the time stamp on the last text. The simple, perfectly symmetrical case is available in a variety of metals and face finishes as well as bands in metal, leather, canvas and nylon. I’m hoping the brown vintage leather band on the stainless case with the cream dial will cause me to slow it down and enjoy every extra hour of daylight this coming Spring and Summer.
photos via https://www.slow-watches.com/
Taking Full Advantage
March 6, 2014
Marcel Breuer favored maximizing both the view and the available natural light. As illustrated in this living room he designed around the middle of the last century, even the fireplace wall has been punctuated to take full advantage of both. There is so much to be learned from the work of the mid-century modern masters…details like this, extensive use of floor to ceiling glass, the wood ceilings and even the soffits to house the casements. simplequietmodern details. When it’s clear that these ideas could easily be implemented now, it makes me wonder why so many McMansions still continue to pop up at every turn.
photo via http://www.improvisedlife.com/2009/01/21/marcel-breuer-sun-and-shadow-the-philosophy-of-an-archtect/
Just Right
March 3, 2014
You’ve looked everywhere and have had no luck finding the perfect lamp. A lamp is a lamp right? You’d think so, but not when you’re trying to find something that has the right sensibility for an interior you’ve put your heart and soul into. And something with the quality and luxe you have come to expect from every other piece you have already purchased. Now is not the time to settle. Enter Porta Romana. Large or small, short or tall…they have you covered. Molten forms of Czech glass in shades from brights to watery neutrals, there is something to put the crowning touch wherever it’s needed…a pair flanking an Ed Wormley sofa or a single to illuminate the surface of the Saarinen table you are using as your desk. All reflecting the modern style of the middle of the last century without any of the kitsch. If you decide to say you found them at a great garage sale in Beverly Hills, well, that secret is safe with me.
all photos via http://www.portaromana.co.uk/north-america/glass-perspex-lamps
Wise Investment
March 1, 2014
Happiness and good fortune by the bunch. For a couple of bucks you can’t beat an investment like that. Make that a twenty-dollar bill and spread it around to ten others and wait for the return on your investment. I’m guessing you won’t be waiting too long. Daffodils…the birthflower for March. You just can’t beat that shot of yellow, the gentle fragrance only they can provide…their foretelling that Winter is near its end.
Doesn’t it always come?
February 26, 2014
Spring…yes, it does eventually get here. Patience is key as Spring is officially still weeks away. This experimental watercolor by Lourdes Sanchez reminds me how faint washes of color appear through the wet melting gray that was winter. A peak of blue through the heavy skies…the pinking of buds awakening in a monotonous landscape…the slow greening of moss with the help of a little sun.
photo via: http://buysomedamnart.tumblr.com/post/68986769276/sparse-experimental-watercolors-by-lourdes
or see more of her work here:http://www.lulisanchez.com/home
Like a shot in the arm.
February 22, 2014
It’s still winter but you’ve had your fill of your repertoire of comforting pasta dishes, soups and stews. The warming spices of Indian cuisine might seem like just the ticket to shake things up but learning a new kitchen culture might be more than you want to take on. Time to put a simplequietmodern plan into action…make something from scratch and get a little help from a jar. While you are simmering a classic combination of peas, potatoes, cauliflower and onion in a jarred Masala sauce you have time to whip a batch of complimentary Coriander Cilantro Flatbreads from scratch. Add add a handful of cashews and raisins to the vegetables and a side of Raita and some Basmati rice and you have got a perfect meatless meal in less than 45 mins. This should hold your interest till Spring.
The flatbread recipe can be found here: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/ground-coriander-and-cilantro-flatbreads-242112
A single sheet…
February 19, 2014
a single fold. There is no need to repeat how much I love plywood. That said, when a single sheet is manipulated with a single fold …well, I’d rather let the art speak for itself.
top to bottom:
Folded Plywood 9, Folded Plywood 6, Folded Plywood 10 Artist: Harry Roseman
All photos via Mr. Roseman’s site: http://faculty2.vassar.edu/haroseman/?p=10268
Indulge Me
February 16, 2014
I might just have a touch of “cabin fever”. Indulge me this little bit of a simplequietmodern escape. On the grounds of Phillip Johnson’s Beck House in Dallas is this modernist pool house designed by architect Sven Fruit. I can’t think of anything better to meditate on than an afternoon by that pool… warm dappled sun, gentle breeze and a giant Mojito within arms reach.
photos via http://blog.thedpages.com/flash-back-flash-forward-philip-johnson-1906-2005
Instead of seeing red,
February 9, 2014
I’m starting to see what appears to be a bit of blue peeking out of a darkly clouded sky. Yet more snow again this morning has me focusing on simplequietmodern white inspiration that will take my mind off of the weather for now. And, that little hint of blue, aqua really, might just have me considering a new addition to my completely neutral surroundings. Maybe it’ll help you too.
top to bottom:
This large modern cup in matte aqua glaze from Heath with keep both hands warm as you’re sipping any hot beverage from a simple dark roast to a hot buttered rum. http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/1005/s/large-modern-cup-5/category/3/#p147
Charles Pollock’s CP1 Lounge Chair marks his first new design release in the U.S. in nearly 50 years. Available in tufted leather or felt on a frame of stainless steel the CP1 captures all of the sex appeal of a classic Jaguar convertible. http://hivemodern.com/pages/product6560/bernhardt-design-charles-pollock-cp1-lounge-chair
If you feel like slowing down a bit, Heath’s vintage modern teapot design of the 1940’s will have you brewing a stylish cup of tea anytime. http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/969/s/large-teapot/category/3/#p147
Until we’re ready for a shift to Daylight Savings Time there will be plenty of gray days ahead. Arne Jacobsen’s AJ table , wall and floor lamps have been directing light exactly where we’ve needed it since their release in 1957. http://hivemodern.com/pages/product2055/louis-poulsen-arne-jacobsen-table-lamp
Almost as snowy and sparkly as the view outside, this super chunky “Pixie Dust” by Knit Collage Yarns will knit up fast on some giant needles. Maybe a modern textured lap blanket in this wool and mohair blend will keep you cozy till Spring. http://knitcollage.com/collections/yarn/products/pixie-dust#6
A quick tour of the yard with your pruners could provide a branch or two of flowering Quince to force in this bulb vase from Heath. That’ll do nicely until the tulips are up and ready to cut and bring in. http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/975/s/bulb-vase-8/category/40/#p147
all photos via the privided links
Valentine’s Day befores…
February 5, 2014
and afters. Instead of dinner why not keep it to a satisfying starter, a complementary salad and of course, dessert. This “before and after” menu will cover all of your bases providing savory, sweet, salty, spicy, warm, cool, crunchy and smooth with a minimum of effort. Begin with a nice Brut Rose…then Maple Sriracha Bacon wrapped shrimp… a salad of frisee, toasted walnuts, blue cheese and pomegranate lightly dressed with a maple vinaigrette and finish up with a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake for two. The first two are near no-brainers and while you are at Whole Foods picking up the wine, bacon, shrimp and salad ingredients, make a stop at their bakery for the cake…layers of dark chocolate cake and chocolate mousse covered in ganache. That was simple enough wasn’t it?
The appetizer recipe can be found here:http://www.inspiredtaste.net/15948/spicy-maple-bacon-wrapped-shrimp-recipe/ and my Maple Vinaigrette here:https://simplequietmodern.wordpress.com/2012/11/11/i-dont-love-brunch/
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