simplequiet…poof!
April 16, 2012
And, decidedly modern. Like magic. As if something was there and then POOF!…it’s gone. Or, perhaps something otherworldly is about to emerge from the colored mist. Mesmerizing. In any case it is hard to ignore the beauty and genius of these photographs. Armed with a camera and homemade smoke bombs, Filippo Minelli created these visions in various locations throughout the European countryside. http://www.filippominelli.com/silenceshapes/
Branching out
April 14, 2012
No matter where you are in the country there should be copious amounts of flowering branches available…if not in your own yard maybe a kindly neighbor or friend? A small armload of judiciously pruned branches~ be they cherry, quince, forsythia or peach~can make quite a statement when brought indoors. Pull out your glass cylinder vase, pound those woody stems and let them arrange themselves. 
Five Easy Pieces
April 12, 2012
OK…this is where you start. An empty room…and add five easy pieces. In this case; 1. a sofa 2. a lounge chair 3. a coffee table 4 . an end table & 5. an occassional chair or two. This will kick things off with plenty of places to sit for you and your guests as well as a place to set your coffee or cocktail. Whether it’s a group of classic mid-century designs as illustrated or assorted hand-me-downs of various degrees of style or vintage this formula establishes a strong base to which you can add and embellish…or keep it simple and modern.
Smokey
April 11, 2012
I love the smokey color this Berroco Remix yarn brings to this seasonally transitional slouchy cap. The recycled blend of fibers ( nylon, cotton, acrylic, silk and linen ) keep it from looking too wooly and makes it easily wearable on all but the warmest of spring days. The pattern was genius; simple and easy to follow with a quick and satisfying result that has the added bonus of being reversible. A great treat for yourself…even greater as a gift. Jennifer Adams’ pattern is available here http://nuttyirishmanknits.blogspot.com/2011/11/graham.html
If today were my birthday…
April 9, 2012
I would like a little pate’, a little champagne and a big ‘ol piece of this cake! It’s just too great! Like a big 60’s milner’s confection for someone like Liz Taylor. Simple combination of fluffy white frosting on dark chocolate cake, modern presentation…and oh,yeah….quiet. Fork please.
That’s Italian
April 6, 2012
I’m not Italian,but this seems like the perfect Easter dessert…Ricotta Cheesecake. Simple, light…with a touch of sweetness from golden raisins and a burst of freshness from lemon zest. This would be the perfect addition to an Easter brunch or ending to a dinner of lamb chops and roasted asparagus. My Hungarian grandmother used to make a cake that the flavors and textures of this recipe bring to mind. Oh yeah, she wasn’t Italian either.
http://www.pbs.org/everydayfood/recipes/ricotta_cheesecake.html
Clean Sweep
April 3, 2012
Spring cleaning can mean a lot of things. To me it means an opportunity to get ruthless…make a positive impact. Really, people, clean windows are nice but I’m talking about all of that stuff you refuse to tackle. Go on…open that closet…step into that basement or garage. If you see something that you haven’t touched, used or even thought of in the last year….well…it’s gone! Simple. Get rid of anything ( everything ) that hasn’t fulfilled it’s purpose or usefulness in the last 12-24 months. After the first couple items (or panic attack) you’ll see how easy it is…how much spaced you’ve gained and, if you’ve passed it on for re-use by another…how good you feel. Now, take a deep cleansing breath. Done.
Yellow or Pink?
April 1, 2012
I can’t decide. Maybe both. This year just seems like a pink and yellow Easter…maybe it was the early spring and the blasts of pink and yellow blossoms around every corner…maybe I just like the way pink and yellow make a modern statement when placed in a neutral setting. These artful ovoids were easy enough. A literal drop of old school food coloring in a cup of HOT water with a splash of vinegar. Partially submerge your hard-boiled eggs…remove carefully. Done. 
Shifting gears
March 30, 2012
As the days get longer and the temperature rises it’s time to look into that transition to Spring. Trade in the snow shovel for a rake and ice melt for fertilizer…assess the damage done by Mother Nature ( or the deer ) and get to work on a game plan. I’ve learned to keep things simple to maximize the enjoyment yard work can bring , which includes gathering my favorite tools to get the job done. I’d be lost without my leather gloves( http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100561415/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=leather , my wheelbarrow and my burn permit. First up…cut back all the blue dune grass, gather the fallen branches and light ’em up.
From this…
March 28, 2012
to this. Who knew a pile of discarded tires could be repurposed as the top on this simple and striking coffee table? That’s some modern thinking… with a simple and quiet result. Perfect. And, at 60″ w 14″ d 17″ h this stunner can do double duty as an ample bench. Singly or in pairs “Retread” is ready to enhance your design statement while reducing your carbon footprint. How ’bout that?
http://shop.manorfinewares.com/FNcffetbleretrd.html
table photo: Jake M Richardson http://www.jakemrichardson.com/
simplequietmodern 