Separated at Birth

August 11, 2014

Is it me or are these two products related? What is the likelihood of seeing such similar characteristics in totally unrelated materials like this mens Hermes scarf and this box of packing material used by Heath ceramics? I’m also seeing a little of Picasso’s Guernica in the mix as well…anyone else?

Hermes Imprimeur FouH552823T-07adj

 

heathpacking2F

 

 Top photo: Hermes http://usa.hermes.com/man/tie-fre/scarves-140-for-men/imprimeur-fou/configurable-product-scarves-imprimeur-fou-47978.html

Bottom photo: gp

 

 

 

Dog Days

July 10, 2014

The dog days are upon us and there is nothing like this kind of  simplequietmodern reward after a productive  day working in the yard…or, maybe just rinsing off a full day of Summer fun. Can it be that a bit of sun, a gentle breeze, some water and a bar of soap can be transformative? I think it can.

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soaps 1

shower photo via:http://remash.tumblr.com/

Add in a bar of Neutrogena Original Formula Transparent  and Trader Joe’s Ginger Almond Oatmeal Exfoliant and you’re covered head-to-toe.

 

Pitch Perfect

September 15, 2013

What’s simplequietmodern and has perfect pitch? It’s gotta be Hans Wegner’s c44 .  Designed in 1951, this icon of mid-century modern Danish design is still in production today. The solid wood construction and woven paper seat have an almost Shaker appeal and simplicity, yet it’s the pitch of the back and seat that invite you to sit a while. Available in over two dozen finish and seat combinations it might be hard to decide which will work best in your space. And, to confuse the issue even more, there is an available seat and back cushion with seemingly endless textile options.  My mind is made up. I’ll have a pair in white oil on oak with the natural cord seat…hold the upholstery.

 

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http://hivemodern.com/pages/product203/carl-hansen-hans-wegner-ch44

The Homies 2013

February 4, 2013

Apartment Therapy’s 5th Annual Homies…and simplequietmodern has been nominated in the category of  “Best Home Design And Inspiration Blog”. It’s pretty exciting. The voting will continue until February 8, 2013. For those of you that follow and have voted…a big Thank You. If you’d like to cast you vote now, please do and feel free to share sqm with your friends and associates. There’s always something new here, and as I like to say…simplequietmodern… read it, learn it, live it

homiescrop2113http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/best-home-design-inspiration-blog-the-homies-2013-183531#nominate

It all starts here …

January 10, 2013

with the simple basics. Tablet or pad? Stylus or pen? With all of the available and new technology the best things for getting the job done are still the tried and true…the Project pad, the Sharpie, the Uniball fine point. I’d be lost without them (ask my friends and associates, without my tools I can get kinda cranky). Things for me run more efficiently when I’m using tools that I like and that do the best job for me. From an early punch list, beginning sketches, plan developement to checking off completed tasks nothing beats these three for getting things done, and there is nothing to plug in and recharge. So I’m starting off this New Year as always…with my new box of Sharpies, Uniballs and a pack of Tops project pads. OK,  now I’m happy. Let’s get to work. projpad_penFpenspadFSketch2F

begins with a single step” in the words of Chinese philosopher Lao-tsu.  Or in this case,a single cast on stitch. Finally, California Dreamin II has been cast on…300 stitches to start…180K to go. Phew…that’s a lot of knitting. Elizabeth Zimmerman knew the benefit of a project like this when she said “Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit,and it doesn’t hurt the untroubled spirit either.”

Branching Out

July 2, 2012

What a simplequietmodern way to display a good handful of Rhoadsidiana ~grasses, wildflowers, seed pods~  picked on a relaxing walk around the lake. You are week-ending in the country aren’t you?  Modeled from an actual tree limb by ceramist extraordinaire PaulaValentim ,Tree Branch maintains the shape, texture and detail of the real thing. Produced in porcelain clay, this vessel is glazed on the inside to hold water, yet is quietly matte in its exterior finish. Just like arranging flowers in one of your glass cylinder vases (you must have one by now), putting this to great use could not be simpler. Give all of your selected material a fresh cut, fill the container with clear clean water and drop in…letting everything arrange itself. Done.

http://otchipotchi.bigcartel.com/product/tree-branch

Planting it modern

May 16, 2012

Spring clean up is done and now it’s time for the finishing touch. But, if your gardening aesthetic leans toward the modern you might find fewer choices. Whether you are lucky enough to possess some vintage cement garden bowls or if you make some inspired new selections like these from Terrain, the next step is determining what to fill them with. My best advice is simplicity. The blue Dune grasses are perennial and add just enough color and interest for my taste all year round without having to resort to the “Coney Island” assault of those annual flats each spring( really, mixed groupings of Impatiens, Geraniums and Marigolds…ugh). Massing one type of product in each container magnifies their effect. The more subtle grasses, the bright chartreuse of Sweet Potato vine or Lysimachia or, if you are   ” annual inclined” , masses of the same flowering plant in a single color (even masses of white Wave petunias) can work a modern theme. Memorial Day is approaching, better get on this.

http://www.shopterrain.com/garden-containers/

 

It’s not what goes in-

March 14, 2012

to a design that makes it good…it’s what’s left out.

 ” The camel is a horse made by committee” * is a maxim that can be applied to any creative endeavor you may undertake, from a complete re-design of your environment to getting dressed in the morning. Stop, take a deep breath, reel it in…then remove something. Now you’re on your way to a result that is simple and quiet…and that makes it modern.

*Vogue 1956