Long Ago…
February 26, 2025
and far away. Or at least that’s how it feels. Remembering back to my very first apartment I’ve been trying to recall the specific vibe. Clearly it was simple, quiet and modern executed on literally NO budget. And, of course, as impossibly chic as it could have been for someone just starting out. Something a young Halston could appreciate before all of the RED. Imagine my excitement when I managed a pair of copies of Marcel Breuer Cesca Chairs at a department store warehouse sale for $80.00! My small dining room, came together like magic. I created a table from a Sonotube covered in a remnant of grasscloth painted black and topped with a precut glass top from Pier One. A giant wall treatment/sculpture was fabricated using white styrofoam packing found in a dumpster at work attached to the wall with bank pins. Finally a large round paper lantern was added for more drama and a soft ambient light. Done. The perfect setting for my morning coffee or ending my day with a bowl of $.17 Ramen. Good times.
photos: knoll
This Just In
October 5, 2023
Just in time for the move back indoors for the Winter, a reissue from Knoll. Florence Knoll’s Model 33 Sofa and Model 31 Lounge Chair, designed in 1954, are once again available. And, right up my simplequietmodern street. Simple tubular steel frame with a tailored tight seat and tight back. Classic. It doesn’t get better in my book. I better start making some room.
photos: Knoll
Instantly an icon
May 31, 2023
after it’s introduction in 1948 the Womb Chair, like all of Eero Saarinen’s designs for Knoll, is still made by hand and still going strong. I can’t help but hope that I look as good when I’m 75. Happy Birthday my friend.
photos: Knoll
Variations on a Theme
August 30, 2021
I’ve always loved the Harry Bertoia Wire Side Chair with the full upholstered cover. While the wire grid frame has interest, the full cover reduces the seat and back to pure sculpture. The 1952 original is always handsome in the appropriate Knoll textiles, but recent additions showcase this chair’s iconic form differently. A full leather cover is tightly applied over a molded shell seat for added lux and the molded seat and back of fiber reinforced nylon is available unadorned, for ease of maintenance indoors or out, in a selection of colors. Mix and match the leather, upholstery or nylon top with black, white or chrome base to your taste….the possibilities are endless. And, if the variety wasn’t enough, the Knoll Annual Sale starts tomorrow. Perfect timing if you’re still working from home and your space needs a little lift, or you’re anticipating a few guests for the holidays and a stack of additional seats could come in stylishly handy.
A counter stool is now available as well which looks particularly swanky in Diva, colorway: Coal.
https://www.knoll.com/shop/classics/harry-bertoia-collection
photos: knoll
Open Auditions
July 9, 2020
While in lock down all Spring you would think I would have pulled the trigger on this upholstery project. Slowly anticipating the arrival of the Knoll Textile samples I pretty much thought my mind was made up…something neutral with a boucle’ or crepe texture. Then I started holding auditions. And now, with no bad choices really, I’m totally confused. While playing it safe is always a good move, this Corona thing has me rethinking the entire project. Maybe a little fun is needed now. Maybe some pattern. Hmmm. Could be. Or, then again, I might just take it back to… black. I’ll keep you posted.
top to bottom:
My vintage Saarinen Executive Armchair…ready for reupholstery.
Knoll Textiles Tweed Frisee’ in natural
Knoll Textiles Kaya in Inkwell
Knoll Luxe Sandis in Tobacco
Knoll Luxe Arezzo velvet in Squid Ink
photos:gp
Knoll KT Prairie Pebble Finished vinyl in Bison
Knoll Saarinen Executive armchair with wood leg in ebonized walnut upholstered in Presto Crepe color Black Tie
photos: Knoll
Working from home?
April 1, 2020
It might be time to think about upgrading that kitchen chair. Even if you are pulling it up to a makeshift desk or dining room table, a new work chair can make all the difference in your productivity if not your mood. Until April 6, Hive Modern is having a “Herman Miller Work From Home Sale” where all Herman Miller Executive and Task seating is 15% off with free delivery. The Eames Aluminum Group designed in 1958 includes an assortment of executive, management or task seating and their Aeron Chair, originally released in 1994, is an ergonomic modern classic. Or, you might find something from the Saarinen group of executive seating from Knoll more to your liking, with arms or without. We’ll be sheltering in place and working from home for the near future but nobody said it had to be uncomfortable.
Eames and Aeron chair photos: https://store.hermanmiller.com/office/office-chairs?lang=en_US&hpn=12
Saarinen Chair PhotoS: https://www.knoll.com/shop/by-category/seating/work-chairs
New Year, New Decade
January 9, 2020
While hindsight might be 20/20, the New Year brings with it new vision, new possibilities, a new look at old favorites. Take the classic Saarinen Dining Table for example. As long as I can remember there were only two options for me…white base with a white laminate top or, if your wallet was feeling generous, the white base with the Calacatta marble top. simplequietmodern perfection. Then the recent introduction of a new size and new top finish had me rethinking things…re-examining the fluid lines and sculptural form. In it’s new incarnation, the Saarinen oval dining table at 96″ will seat eight. And, the black base finish with the matte black laminate top…well, it’s just too good. While I’m comfortable most days in head to toe black, it’s no wonder I’ve fallen so hard. Add into the mix the Saarinen Executive Armchair upholstered in Knoll’s Classic Boucle in Onyx and the 20’s are off to a very good start.
Photos: https://www.knoll.com/shop
Boo
October 30, 2019
Crossing over to the dark side while I try to avoid most things Halloween and prepare for the annual “fall back” into darkness. Here are just a few simplequietmodern points of inspiration.
Top to bottom:
Cy Twombly, Untitled 1970 Photo: MoMA
My favorite Bertoia Side Chair now available covered in leather. Photo: https://www.knoll.com/product/bertoia-leather-covered-side-chair
From Lostine…barn brooms. Or, is it a Coven parking lot? photo: https://lostine.com/collections/kitchen/products/barn-brooms
Always inspirational…the fall burn pile.
Dig in! Heath’s Muir Flatware now available in Onyx. Photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/collections/winter-seasonal-2019/products/muir-flatware-onyx-5-piece-setting-w19
Off the sticks just in time. Purl Soho’s Elementary Wrap Knit up in their Linen Quill in Kettle Black. https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2017/10/20/elementary-wrap/
Always my favorite container for a few gorgeous blooms, the Tall Modern Cup by Heath Ceramics. Photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/products/tall-modern-cup-sand-penny-green-w19?_pos=1&_sid=d7fb13c87&_ss=r
A Knoll Textiles classic, Diva… in Coal. Hmmm, what needs reupholstering? Photo: https://www.knoll.com/knolltextileproductdetail/Diva
OK…here’s just a little Halloween for ya.
Photos by GP unless where noted.
Cleared For Take-Off
February 22, 2019
Picture it…1966…the height of the glamorous age of jet travel. Arriving and departing through the Jetson-esque TWA terminal designed by Eero Saarinen. It was the modern future. And, it was stunning. Now all of that MidCentury style has been recaptured in the new TWA Hotel in New York. The original iconic terminal structure is the centerpiece piece of a complex that includes not only the new hotel towers, but a fitness center, meeting spaces, a restaurant and a vintage 1956 Lockheed Constellation put into new service as a cocktail lounge. The guest rooms have been fitted with Knoll Classic furnishings including Saarinen designed pieces like the classic Womb Chair for relaxing and his Executive chair at the desk. Set to open its doors in May, room reservations are being taken now, online. Wow.
Photos: https://www.twahotel.com/
Start Small
February 18, 2019
While it’s been increasingly difficult to find that perfect piece of vintage classic Mid Century furniture you’ve been lusting after, now’s the perfect time to just cut to the chase. Take advantage of the annual Knoll Classics sale running until February 26th and buy yourself that perfect piece and save a little time and money in the process. You don’t have to go for broke…get your feet wet with a side table, stool or pull up chair and work your way up to something more grand. A small statement can speak volumes. And, who’s doesn’t love free delivery?
Top to bottom, some of my simplequietmodern favorites.
The Saarinen 20″ side table, the newly re-issued Bertoia Molded Side Chair, The Platner Side Table in Bronze, The Saarinen Tulip Stool, The Richard Schultz Petal Side Table in White and Teak, and finally, the Saarinen Executive Side Chair with Walnut legs. All Photos: https://www.knoll.com/shop/by-category/knoll-classics
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