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.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

Yeah, Baby

September 14, 2018

Nothing like a good sale, right? Now that it’s Fall and we’re all starting to move back inside it’s the perfect opportunity to get inspired and save a little in the process.

The Knoll Annual Sale runs from September 14-25 offering 15% off and free delivery on all furniture. A great opportunity to treat yourself to a classic, like the Saarinen Executive Arm or Side Chair, or explore some of their new textile introductions like Double Agent shown in Vocabulary (top) and Embassy (bottom). I’m thinking this large scaled 60’s inspired plaid might be just what’s needed to take the chill off.

photos: https://www.knoll.com

 

White Christmas

December 24, 2017

Snow, snow and more snow… a Bourbon Egg Nog Cocktail…a favorite place to relax and put your feet up…a cracking fire. Perfect. Merry Christmas.

 

Photos: gp

Womb chair photo: https://www.knoll.com/product/womb-chair

Virtual Yule Log: http://www.swiss-miss.com/2017/12/friday-link-pack-263.html

 

 

It’s Back

October 2, 2017

And, it’s made in the USA. The re-issue of Harry Bertoia’s molded plastic side chair. Designed in 1954 with its debut in 196o, this iconic piece of modern seating is back. The shells are available in neutrals and brights with the bases finished in black or white powder coat or polished chrome. Now might be a good time to think about that additional seating you’ll be needing  come Thanksgiving.

 

 

Photos: http://www.knoll-int.com/home/by-designer/classic-designers/harry-bertoia/bertoia-plastic-side-chair—outdoor

 

 

 

Worth the Wait

July 14, 2016

Perfect for dining al fresco now or to put into service indoors during Fall and Winter. Harry Bertoia’s plastic side chair for Knoll International, a re-issue of the original 1956 design in celebration of his 100th birthday. Shells will be available in neutrals to brights…the frames in polished chrome or powder coat.

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photos:http://www.knoll-int.com/home/by-designer/classic-designers/harry-bertoia/bertoia-plastic-side-chair—outdoor