Better late than later.
January 20, 2012
California Dreamin, continued. OK, I finally got some time to cast this on and see where it takes me. It’s going quickly, even with a yarn change at every row. Already 10 % in…unbelieveable.
I can’t hold out…
January 16, 2012
any longer. I was gifted this holiday with a HUGE basket of homemade preserves, salsas and sauces, each one looking like a jewel as the sun shot through each jar. These are not your grandma’s canned goods…no way. Modern combinations like Blueberry Lime Jam, Raspberry Mango Jam …and my personal favorite…Ginger Pear Marmalade, will have you running for a spoon.
With goat cheese on an artisan bread, spread over pancakes or eaten directly from the jar…all are winners. I’m a lucky lucky boy. Thanks L.
The recipes were extracted from the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving…it can’t get more simple and classic than that. 
Here’s the answer…
January 16, 2012
to my most asked question. “What color should I use to paint my______room?”. Well, my go to inspiration that works every time…for any room…in any style…in any part of the country… is a simple kraft paper bag. That’s it. Simple. Have it color matched at your favorite paint supplier in your choice of finish and it will transform your space magically. I know it will work for you and I haven’t even seen your space…this solution is THAT good. Deep enough to be dramatic yet not so deep as to be viewed as ” too dark”, and the perfect neutral to compliment ANY color on the color wheel. Any.
Looking for a neutral that might be more modern? Pick up a stone, drop it in that bag and take that to the paint store for a color match. Bingo! Another successful choice.
Add a great textured linen (see the neutral thing happening here?) like Calvin Fabrics ECO Linen #8384 and you my friend are on your way.
Seasonal Affective Disorder?
January 14, 2012
Not a chance. Nothing will take you through the gray winter months like a trip to Fiji! No time? No money? Here’s a simple solution that will radiate like the sun until the first blooms of spring peak up though the snow. Orchids. Available everywhere, cost effective and a snap to maintain. Nothing so simple, fresh and elegant could strike such a modern note in any interior… this “Los Robles” variety of Oncidium is a great example with it’s bright warm color. Drop it in a simple container and ride out the rest of January and February with ease.
C 24
January 11, 2012
Nothing says simple…quiet…modern like the c 24 wishbone chair by Hans Wegner. The appeal has stayed the same since it’s introduction in 1949. Of the seemingly endless number of painted and stained finishes available today, this soaped oak with the natural woven paper seat is my hands down choice. Perfect used singly as the occasional pull up, I have my eyes set on a group for dining on this enclosed porch…simple table TBD. wegnerwishbonechair.com has anything and everything you could need to know about the c 2
4.
Making makes us human.
January 10, 2012
I love this thought. Thank you Darlene Hayes. The complete essay can be read at knitcook.com
Woodsmoke
January 8, 2012
I thought my sticks were going to ignite as I worked to complete this in time for Christmas giving. Done and done. A simple triangular scarf combining Habu Silk Wrapped Stainless with Plymouth Baby Alpaca Lace. I love the modern result.
Until next year…
January 8, 2012
when we carefully unpack these vintage gems again…wondering about the families they came from, each Christmas they brightened and the “sophisticate” who was so fashion forward as to select PINK as their Christmas color story in 1950 something. Do you suppose there were pink toothpicks in the cheese cubes as well? I know there was at least some pink champagne…and hey, champange of any color works for me. 
Lights out
January 6, 2012
Epiphany. January 6th.Time to take down the Christmas decorations. Simple as that. Easy in my case. Two strings of ice-like lights hung in long verticles struck the perfect note. Simple, quiet, modern….
very effective.
California Dreamin
January 4, 2012
All the leaves are brown…and the sky is gray. Must be why I was attracted to this skein of Berroco Boboli. Multi colored? Wha? Add some cashmere, linen, merino and hemp…swatch it up and hope for the best. The result looks surprisingly woven, not unlike some great textured Mid Century textile produced by the likes of Knoll or Herman Miller. Mad as I might sometimes be…no, I will not be knitting enough fabric to cover a chair. I’m guessing a blanket once it’s on the sticks. Stay tuned.
simplequietmodern 