Takin’ It Outside
July 2, 2024
Summer’s here and the livin’ is easy. Particularly if you are taking along any of the great new releases from Sunbrella to add that extra bit of indoor comfort to your outdoor entertaining. Known as the OG of high performance fabrics, Sunbrella is putting their textiles to use in areas other than the expected upholstery application. Through their ReMade line, table runners, placemats and coaster sets as well as totes and duffels will have you covered if you are entertaining on the patio, in need a host gift or taking your adventures on the road. Each one of a kind item is crafted of upcycled Sunbrella fabric, is machine washable and sewn right here in the USA. From brights to neutrals, solids, stripes or patterns, you’re sure to find something that is right up your street. Ticks all the boxes for me.
photos: Sunbrella
Resting Stones
June 28, 2024
I was immediately rushed back to days combing the southern California beaches for beach glass or Summers along Lake Michigan’s shore searching for s perfect specimen when I came across these. The Resting Stones, from Material Kitchen, ticked all of the boxes for me. Simply beautiful organic shapes that look as beautiful at rest as they do when put into use. They’ll hold a spoon in the kitchen and keep your rings safe on your night table at the end of the day. Maybe simply rest atop a stack of books on your coffee table holding one of your beach treasures. The ways you will find to use them is unlimited. The Resting Stones are made in small batches of fire-polished glass in three colors. While you order a set for yourself, you might want to pick up extras for gifts before they are sold out.
top three photos: material kitchen.com
The Summer Solstice
June 20, 2024
The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year and well, it could just be the perfect day to play hooky! At least spend as much time as you can outside. If you’re drawing a blank, let me help you out. Pick one or more from the following, grab your keys , your sunglasses and go!
photo: schoolhouse.com
Top to bottom:
You should have ordered earlier to play on this today, but having this rope swing on it’s way now will ensure of a Summer full of solitary F U N.
Take a ride to the nearest lunch spot on a lake or river and enjoy a refreshing Limoncello and Prosecco cocktail while you fuel up on the sights and a bit of vitamin D.
Or, if you plan on kicking back at home, burgers on the grill with a side of potato salad makes easy work of a classic seasonal dinner.
Finally, stoking up a relaxing fire, slicing up a cold watermelon and toasting up some marshmallows puts a crowning touch to the day, the official start of Summer.
all photos unless noted: gp
TGIF
May 24, 2024
And, there’s no better way to kick-off the Summer than by adding an extra day to an already long holiday weekend. No matter what your plans, start by honoring those who have sacrificed their lives for our country.
First things first. Check the condition of your flag before displaying it. If it needs replacing, replace it. If you don’t have one, get one.
Next, drag out the outdoor furniture and give it a hosing. This reproduction Westport Adirondack Chair by Loll is a stunning example of recycled material use while being the perfect spot to soak in some Summer and a long, tall cool one. photo: Loll
A quick manicure and survey of the landscape is in order with perhaps an addition or two, or a transplant of material now or later in the season.
This is a no-brainer. You’re going to have to eat, so simple burgers with a bit of Jack Daniels Maple Syrup Ketchup, sweet corn, my simple New Potato Salad with Soft Herbs and cold watermelon are a classic combination that is always appropriate. Be safe and enjoy your weekend.
Unless noted, photos: gp
Tone On Tone
May 16, 2024
It’s been a modern classic for near 100 years. Now Knoll is reimagining the Marcel Breuer Wassily Chair in three new frame finishes; Onyx Ultra Matte, White Ultra Matte and Dark Red Ultra Matte. I immediately focused on a simplequietmodern expression of tone on tone. What could be a more fresh take than black belting leather on a black frame, white leather on the white frame or for that punch of color, red leather on the red frame? Who knew that this small change from the original chrome frame would have such an impact? I’m sure Marcel would approve.
photos: Knoll
Movin’ On Out
April 17, 2024
Before you know it these cooler Spring days will be warming up and there will be no stopping us from heading outdoors to spend the rest of the Summer. Furnish your outdoor space with any of the 9 Yard group of outdoor upholstery from Blu Dot and you might not want to return to the indoors come Fall. The Armless Sofa and Slipper Chairs in either the Sunbrella Stripe or Charcoal fabric will have you lounging in carefree style all season. And, if you have the space, the addition of varied corner and end pieces will have you creating a lounge area fit for a crowd. The clock is ticking. Only six weeks until the unofficial start of Summer.
photos: Bludot
Happy Easter
March 31, 2024
With gray skies on this early Easter, I’m feeling the need for some yellow and the simplest of decoration. Simple uncolored eggs in small patches of forced grass, handfuls of yellow Daffs and a mouthful of yellow Peeps should do nicely. Enjoy your holiday.
photos: gp
Bonus
March 6, 2024
Leap Day, a bonus day for everyone. How did you spend yours?
Me? I spent the day with my partner in crime, baby Buster Porkchop 3000. We made a quick stop at Traders for a few things,
including a couple of bunches of Daffodils to usher in March. Their gentle fragrance and unmatched color can slice through a gray winter day like nothing else.
Another stop and we picked up the ingredients for Baby Bok Choy with Oyster Sauce. I thought it was a good day to step out of my routine and try something new. While Asian food I quite leave to those better suited, this had the simplequietmodern bonus of just a few ingredients cooked up in very little time. I’ll give it a thumbs up.
After dinner a little online shopping was in order before I lost or misplaced again the gift cards. A simple white cashmere sweater seemed an appropriate twist to my signature black for Spring. photo: Naadam
We finished off the day with a little Apple TV + and an episode of The New Look, the dramatic series about Christian Dior. Period costumes and sets? Yes, please. photo: Apple TV+
All around it was the perfect ” day off” covering many bases. I hope yours was as well.
Timeless
February 22, 2024
The Klismos chair is quite simply a classic. With its origins going back as far as 5th century Greece, there have been many interpretations along the way. This new group designed by Italian architect Antonio Citterio draws on the original and spins it in a modern new way while echoing the original graceful form. His Klismos Collection for Knoll is available as a lounge chair, dining chair and bench. All are meticulously crafted for you in oak and tightly woven cotton cord in natural or black finishes and optional seat cushions. Handsome.
photos: Knoll
The heart wants what it wants.*
February 8, 2024
Your Valentine might be easier to please. With Valentine’s Day just a week away you better get on it. While flowers and candy are the standard, it doesn’t have to be all red roses and tacky heart shaped boxes of cheap drug store chocolate. I’ve assembled a few ideas that might just help get you started without falling into the usual clichés.
If your Valentine is putting in the hours working from home, this Saarinen Executive Chair will have them looking forward to logging in in the morning.
photo: Knoll
Who could say no to this John Hardy hinged Surf Cuff in sterling set with diamonds?
photo: John Hardy
At few dollars a bunch near everywhere now it would be an impressive romantic gesture to fill every vase, glass and jar and fill the house with an early Spring.
photo: gp
With Valentine’s Day mid-week, how bout staying in and making pizza at home, finishing things off with some chocolate mousse cake, berries and something sparkling that you picked up on the way home. photos: gp
Nothing like making a splash with red cashmere. And, better yet, this red cashmere from Naadam is the best value around.
Berries and roses as only Diptyque-Paris can blend them…Baies. Yes, the place will smell that good.
With the perfect small vase, you can extend your Valentine gift by filling it with a few lovely stems all year long. You just can’t go wrong with this Bud Vase from Heath Ceramics.
photo: Heath
If your Valentine is a fan of salted caramel you can push them over the edge with these handmade caramels from Bequet Caramels in Boseman, MT. There might not be any sharing, they are that good. Just saying. photo: gp
Even little Porkchop deserves a special treat. This tennis ball in fun turquoise should keep him busy. Well, at least until it looks like confetti.
And just a little something extra to add to any of the above or for just that little touch of a corny sugar rush… small bags of Jelly Bean Hearts from Trader Joe’s. Sweet.
photo: gp
*Emily Dickinson
simplequietmodern 