Summer, looking back
September 21, 2012
OK, now it’s official…the solstice is upon us and we are moving into Fall. I tried to stretch this summer out as long as I could , so that I could enjoy more simple pleasures and not forget some special simple moments. As I look back I am grateful for each juicy bite, each bright ray, each conversation, each quiet walk, each project…each gentle nudge and nuzzle. I will welcome Fall differently now…more simply, more quietly. Let’s see what it brings.
It’s simple. It’s soup.
September 18, 2012
Like my “Five Easy Pieces” formula for designing a room…these five simple ingredients will keep you warm and satisfied at mealtime during the cooler months ahead. I wanted to incorpoate my favorite superfood, Arugula, into a simple hot dish that could be made on the quick…like soup. After scouting several recipes, editing,tweaking and adjusting.., my Potato White Bean and Arugula soup is the result. In less than an hour you can turn this out and feed a group with minimal effort using 5 items you most likely have on hand; chicken stock, white beans, potatoes, garlic and arugula. Ok, you might need to run out for the greens, but they go in last, so you have the opportunity to pick up a great loaf of bread and some figs for dessert to round out your meal while the soup is simmering. After a bowl of this you’ll be wondering why you don’t make soup more often.
This soup could only be better served up in this simplequietmodern soup plate from the Chez Pannise collection produced by Heath Ceramics….don’t you think?
http://www.heathceramics.com/cook-dine.html?heath_collection=226
Summer Rocks
August 26, 2012
And, that is the inspiration for this simple “assembled” floral display…a found object…a rock. Well, that and the white-hot sunlight that August brings and lush green lawns. What could be more refreshing on a hot hot day than crisp white and the cooling effect of mossy green? interpreted in Ornithogalum and Dianthus barbatus cultivar…simply arranged in an assortment of clear and frosted glass cylinders, this grouping can stand alone on your dining or coffee table any day of the week or, with a little further augmentation, create a quiet, elegant presentation for some occasion more special. Perhaps grouping the parts on a white lacquer tray or natural log slice, adding more egg rock or river stones and some simple votive candlelight to compliment the star-shaped blooms? Any way you rock it you’ve got simplequietmodern that lasts and lasts ( these flowers in the photo are in week 3) and won’t break the bank.
“The journey of a thousand miles…
August 23, 2012
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.”
Again, Plato knew.
July 11, 2012
” Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity.” Plato
Leave it to the French
July 7, 2012
to come up with a new spin on an icon of American design history…the log cabin. In my earliest recollections I have had on my wish list an”inspired” log cabin retreat…rustic yet with a modern turn. I never let my imagination run to this…simplequietmodern at it’s best. The fact that the “whole” has been broken into 2 living sections and that those are lined in one of my favorite materials, plywood, makes it even more perfect. It’s as if someone has been reading my mind.I can’t think of a better place to knock back some Champagne and take a deep relaxing breath.
http://www.busyboo.com/2009/09/24/prefab-house-flake/
Black and white and…
May 19, 2012
summer all over, horizontally speaking. Nothing amplifies the crisp clear sunny days of summer like black and white stripes. Indoors or out, priced high or low, there is something striped for everyone and every budget. From a Pottery Barn umbrella, custom upholstery in F. Schumacher linen. a rug from Crate & Barrel or a flotilla of paper lanterns from Z Gallerie, these bold bands of black and white will make quite the statement. If black and white is just too bold, try winding it down a bit with Black and Linen or Black and Charcoal for an equally dramatic effect.
All you need now is a tall glass of sweet tea.
http://www.shopterrain.com/house-home-outdoor-furniture/
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/
Clean Sweep
April 3, 2012
Spring cleaning can mean a lot of things. To me it means an opportunity to get ruthless…make a positive impact. Really, people, clean windows are nice but I’m talking about all of that stuff you refuse to tackle. Go on…open that closet…step into that basement or garage. If you see something that you haven’t touched, used or even thought of in the last year….well…it’s gone! Simple. Get rid of anything ( everything ) that hasn’t fulfilled it’s purpose or usefulness in the last 12-24 months. After the first couple items (or panic attack) you’ll see how easy it is…how much spaced you’ve gained and, if you’ve passed it on for re-use by another…how good you feel. Now, take a deep cleansing breath. Done.
Warm days, blue skies and cool water…
March 24, 2012
can easily become the catalyst for your next interior design project, as this lake side residence illustrates. Pulling the outdoor colors in visually expands this space, blurring the confines of walls and windows. Crucial editing of furniture and accessories keeps the room’s design lean and modern…even when occupied by family and friends, the dog and that growing pile of mail.
simplequietmodern 