Shifting Focus

February 2, 2022

From biting bitter cold to major snowstorms, we are sure to be glad that January is behind us. Now’s a good time to shift our focus to other beautiful forms of Winter White that aren’t as challenging. From a simple vase of forced spring branches to dreaming about a a coveted new addition to your home, a little distraction isn’t out of order as we try to keep warm until the thaw.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_0182.jpg

 

frngTulip2Fcrpt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

whtPrrtBnch adj

 

spa

 

 

Top to bottom:

For me, a fresh dump of snow is pretty for about 10 minutes. That’s it.

A bunch of white fringed tulips generally take the edge off all of that cold white stuff.

Planning ahead certainly guarantees some additional garden interest. This Blonde Ambition grass is certainly holding it’s own.

What do you mean you haven’t potted up that Amaryllis you received as a Christmas Gift? Get on it.

I know. Put it on your want list now. One large Saarinen dining table…six Saarinen Executive Chairs. You can’t go wrong with white on white, tone on tone. Photo: Knoll

Check that pantry and you might find the few ingredients needed to whip up a batch of this no-churn Bourbon Ice Cream.

Poke around the yard (or neighborhood)with a pair of pruners in your pocket. You could come home with a few flowering branches to force into bloom.

Too afraid to add that dining table to your want list?  How ’bout a more do-able side table? photo: Knoll

I can never have enough white tulips to pull me through Winter. This white Parrot variety is a particular favorite.

If you’re going to be stuck inside bingeing movies, how great would it be to do it stretched out on this classic Florence Knoll sofa dressed in creamy upholstery?

Shoveling is horrible. Period. But, a hot soak or scrub down afterword with some Birch scented bath salts? Lovely.

Winter White Cashmere. Now, that’ll keep you cozy till spring.   Photo: Naadam

 

 

And, just like that…

October 4, 2021

it’s feeling like Fall. Bright foliage changes to lift our mood set against unpredictable gray skies. Lot’s of inspiration to be had around every corner as we prepare again to move indoors.  I recently wove a box of manzanita wood into this sizable assembly that would be as striking in the garden as over this vintage Florence Knoll credenza from 1948. Or, it could be used in place of a large painting or photograph, hung on a wall covered in Grasscloth for additional drama and texture. I’m loving it so much I may just need to spend  some time gathering branching for another.

 

morentz_galleryFlorence Knoll for Knoll International, sideboard, walnut, seagrass, cane, steel and leather, United States, 1948.

Multi Grass Wallpaper

 

from the top: first 2 photos: gp,  Credenza photo: via https://plastolux.tumblr.com/  Grasscloth photo: https://www.yorkwallcoverings.com/collections/grasscloth-wallpaper/products/ywd-b65-multi-grass-wallpape

 

 

 

 

She Must Have Known

December 12, 2018

Decades before the arrival of the flat panel TV, Florence Knoll had designed the 116 credenza…simple case, sliding panel doors, leather pulls, interior drawer and shelves set on iron legs. As you would expect over the last 70 years it’s minimal style genius was put to great use in living rooms, dining rooms and offices alike. Today, I can’t help thinking that Florence must have had a premonition that the 116 would be a great perch for today’s flat screen. And, it would if you were able to get your hands on one. Hey Santa, a little help please? I’ve got just the spot.

Photo: Plastolux

lhttp://plastolux.tumblr.com/post/139850446985/20cmodern-in-with-the-older-early-knoll-116

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

 

Have a Seat

February 18, 2018

As we continue to celebrate Florence Knoll let’s take a look at a piece that she simply referred to as a ” fill in”. The influence of her mentor, Mies van der Rohe, is evident in its spare geometric profile. Still Florence made it her own, blending it seamlessly into the rest of her furniture collection. Originally designed in 1954 the Florence Knoll Bench is available in a 2 or 3 seat version upholstered in leather or any of the approved Knoll Textiles. Suitable for any situation where a little extra place to sit is needed… in an entry, at the foot of the bed, even as a cocktail table alternative… this bench was designed to ” fill in” beautifully.

Photos: https://www.knoll.com/product/florence-knoll-bench

 

 

Setting the Table

November 18, 2017

And, what a table! In any configuration. As we are about to celebrate Thanksgiving let’s also continue to celebrate the design genius of Florence Knoll. Specifically the dining table group designed in 1961. Simple and elegant in proportion, these tables include shapes, sizes and finishes to perfectly anchor any space and satisfy every taste. Round, square, rectangular or oval…surfaces in laminate, wood or stone, sizing to seat four to ten…the options seem endless. What Thanksgiving feast wouldn’t  look even better on any one of them?

 

 

Photos: https://www.knoll.com/shop/by-designer/florence-knoll

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still Celebrating

July 31, 2017

As the celebration of the 100th birthday of Florence Knoll continues, let’s explore the new Relax group that Knoll has introduced in Honor of her 100th year. Based on her classic three seat sofa released in 1954, this new seating features a deeper seat and a more relaxed sit…with four legs rather than the six found on the original Florence Knoll sofa. Like the original group, the new Relax collection offers a two seat sofa and lounge chair, all available in approved Knoll textiles and Spinneybeck Leather. While the original three seater has always been my hands down favorite, I can’t help thinking this new take on the classic might just be the perfect spot to indulge in a little  Netflix ” bingeing” this Winter.

 

 

photos: http://www.knoll-int.com/home/by-designer/classic-designers/florence-knoll/florence-knoll-collection-relax