Show Me Your “Ugly”
November 2, 2014
Less than a month until Thanksgiving and Christmas right on its heels. Still, you have no idea how to handle your ugliest interior design dilemma before the crush of holiday revelers start popping in. Well, help is here. Take a quick snap of an area in your home or garden that could benefit from a new set of eyes and send* it to me. I’ll select one submission at random, come up with a plan and post the simplequietmodern resolution. There’s no time like now…I spotted my first installation of Holiday lights only yesterday.
Keeps the pics to a few… add any detail that might help… and get them to me by midnight November 8, 2014 at gpettyint@comcast.net with SQM in the subject line. Your place looks great but your holiday cooking or entertaining skills have you in a knot? I’ll take that submission as well. Let’s get started.
Five Easy Pieces II
September 30, 2013
Again, a simplequietmodern interior starting with five easy pieces…the armless sofa, 2 armchairs, 1 pair of raffia cubes for a coffee table and the folding screen. A base of pale neutrals anchored with rich peacock-blue, this room could be equally stunning if the blue were switched out for another rich color (aubergine, copper) or pulled back completely with a smoky charcoal. The selection of the French armchairs, the classic shape of the white lamp set on a simple geometric base and the white armless sofa are reminiscent of the elegant interiors the late David Hicks created for the jet-set in the 1960’s. Even in an intimately scaled setting like this , it’s possible to achieve great style and seating for eight with the right selections and a little judicious editing. If you’re lovin’ the “cocktail stools” pictured you might try a pair of these raffia cubes from oomph!
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.
http://hivemodern.com/pages/product203/carl-hansen-hans-wegner-ch44
Summer pickin’
July 10, 2013
There is no shortage of garage sales or flea markets when the warm weather finally hits making it a perfect time for a little summer pickin’. No telling what you’ll find, like this mid-century modern box… clean trim rectangular walnut body, travertine marble top and perfectly patinated brass fish appliques. A great hiding place for the remote or valet for your watch, wallet and pocket change on the dresser….either way you’ve found yourself a timely simplequietmodern treasure that’s one of a kind and sure to bring a complement or two.
As you spring forward…
March 10, 2013
you loose an hour of sleep. To make up for that loss you’d be totally justified investing in new bedding to take you through the Spring and Summer months. It is no secret that linen is my simplequietmodern fiber of choice so these thick, rumpled natural linen sheets and cases from Fog Linen should do nicely…ensuring plenty of sweet dreams and restful nights.
http://www.shop-foglinen.com/product/linen-pillow-cases-natural
If you were lucky enough to call this bedroom yours, you’d be able to take full advantage of that additional hour each day. Perfect.
http://www.archdaily.com/336289/residence-in-keisen-masao-yahagi-architects/
Rack ’em up…
January 31, 2013
stack ’em up. What a perfect simplequietmodern solution to storing your firewood , keeping it close at hand, and making a major statement in the process. Any room with a fireplace, no matter what style inclination, can benefit from the look of the clean steel frame that will present your timber in a neatly organized vertical “installation”. Designed by Franz Mauer, the stand alone Woodtower not only solves the problem of keeping your split logs conveniently located, but it does so very elegantly.
http://www.connox.com/categories/furniture/wood-storage/raumgestalt-woodtower.html
In eight short weeks…Spring
January 25, 2013
It’s not too early to start thinking about getting back outside, spending the warm Spring and Summer months in the yard. In fact, in order to have what you want…when you want it…now is the perfect time to set your plan into motion. Maybe it’s a new piece of furniture or two you’re desiring. Confirming availability, lead times and shipping now can have you ordering things up and having them in your possession at precisely the right time. It’s possible to enjoy a balmy 70 degree day early in April. How nice would it be to have a place to sit, sip and watch the garden you worked so hard putting to bed last fall slowly waking up? And,what a better spot to do it from than this simplequietmodern favorite. The Split Seat Bench from Henrybuilt, in teak , placed in the entry courtyard, on your porch or outdoor dining area could hit just the right simplequietmodern note. If it’s needed inside… at the foot of a bed, in an entrance hall or flanking a dining table…you can select from the extensive wood options, like the quartersawn walnut pictured, to enhance any interior location.
Mother Nature…Modernist
January 19, 2013
A fallen tree, a single river rock worn smooth by the passage of time and rushing water, both modern minimalist inspiration found in nature. A quick walk through the yard or a relaxed meander through the woods or shore can ignite a creative spark that can’t be found sitting at the desk. Muted tones to bright colorations that only she can produce…materials, form and texture that seem impossible get those creative juices flowing. Is it your garden or your interior you need to rework? A room in your garden or a room in your home can both benefit from a leisurely stroll with both eyes wide open. Leave your iPhone behind, open the door, take a deep breath and head out. This exercise is not only simplequietmodern…it’s free. You might be surpised where it takes you.
Visit artist Jaehyo Lee ( work pictured above) here:http://www.leeart.name
This Bryan Nash Gill woodblock print can be found here:http://www.shopterrain.com/art-accents/cookie-woodcut-print/searchString/gill
It’s definitely green
January 7, 2013
We may not all be as lucky as Angelina Joli …what with these simplequietdropdead emerald earings, but there will soon be verdant options for the rest of us. The Pantone selection for color of the year 2013 is Emerald. While Pantone believes in its universal appeal, it’s not for everyone. Yet, everyone will be seeing it used everywhere and on everything…coffee mugs to evening gowns, wallpaper to bath towels. Let’s hope we will benefit from its symbolism of clarity, growth , renewal and prosperity as well as its positive affects toward healing and unity
Where are my keys?
November 14, 2012
In this bowl…by the door. A simplequietmodern solution to one of life’s great annoyances. Place this bowl from Manor Fine Wares …cut , hollowed and polished from a large river rock…on your entry table and the mystery is forever solved. And, with plenty of room for your sunglasses as well. Done and done, a two-fer! Or, perhaps it could be put to use in your dressing area as a receptacle for your watch and pocket change. Surely this would be a most welcome gift for someone on your list this Christmas so you might as well order up two.
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