What’s Old Is New Again
August 14, 2025
Knoll’s modern classic, the Eero Saarinen Tulip Table, is taking on a new look. Several new surface finishes as well as the addition of a new base finish take this design staple to new heights. While the white base with a white top will always be my first choice, I’ve found myself flipping the script and opting for the black base, black top. Now, with the addition of an available gray base and Clay laminate surface these tables can find a comfortable home right in the middle. The new Emperado Light stone top and the Topo Noir Veneer top add additional variations in neutral tone and texture. Add these new options to the numerous available sizes and shapes and you have, as they say, something for everybody.
Classic. White laminate tops on white bases
Clay Laminate top on a gray base
Emperado Light stone top on a white base
Emperado Light stone Top on a gray base
Classic black on black
Topo Noir veneer top
Topo Noir veneer top on a black base
photos: Knoll
Before there was Cottagecore,
April 30, 2025
Japandi or Maximalist style there was High Tech. It was the 70’s. And architect Joe D’urso was the crown prince of the movement. His loftlike interior projects were a rich elegant statement in minimalism with an industrial edge. Plywood seating platforms wrapped in charcoal industrial carpeting, black rubber Pirelli flooring, stark white walls and the punctuation of a simple black and white photograph were signatures. If an additional piece of furniture was needed a simple piece constructed of commercially used industrial materials was put into play. The D’urso Occasional Table was such a piece. Constructed of steel with a glass top and lower shelf these were equipped with castors to make them easy to use and move around to suit the application. Three sizes, three types of glass and three finishes made them even more flexible for a variety of interior uses as coffee table, side table, occasional table or bedside table. While the red finish had a certain Halston-esque appeal my favorite combination was the stainless base with the wired glass top. I did say it was the seventies and I was loving all things industrial. With Knoll’s recent reissue of this collection you can indulge yourself in that chic 70’s vibe once again. A smart coffee table book, a pot of orchids or a chemistry beaker holding a perfect single tropical is all that you’ll need to add to the mix to recall some of that magic.
photos: knoll
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
A New Year, A New Introduction
January 3, 2025
And, a New Year Sale! Knoll knows just how to kick 2025 off. While this New Year sale applies to everything, it’s worth checking out some of the newer introductions. This Panoramic Sofa designed by Piero Lissoni for example. The curved tight seat with reconfigurable and removable backrests transform from sofa to daybed to chaise or even an island if that works for you. I would start with your textile selection, like this Knoll classic texture Cato, which has been in production since 1961. Then you’re off to decide on large or small back cushions, no cushions and right or left orientation. There simply can’t be any wrong decisions here. Have fun.
photos: Knoll
Timeless
February 22, 2024
The Klismos chair is quite simply a classic. With its origins going back as far as 5th century Greece, there have been many interpretations along the way. This new group designed by Italian architect Antonio Citterio draws on the original and spins it in a modern new way while echoing the original graceful form. His Klismos Collection for Knoll is available as a lounge chair, dining chair and bench. All are meticulously crafted for you in oak and tightly woven cotton cord in natural or black finishes and optional seat cushions. Handsome.
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
Just a little somethin’…
August 24, 2022
for punctuation. As we start moving back indoors this Fall our surroundings might just need a little hit of visual MSG. I know, we carefully pull together an environment that’s beautifully cozy. But, after these last 2 tumultuous years, where we have been home more than ever, we find that even our living spaces need a shot in the arm. It doesn’t take much…a beautiful pillow or two could do the trick. You can go bold with a sharp stab of color or pattern or keep it quiet yet fresh with a complimentary texture. Either way there’s a staggering assortment of textiles, shapes and sizes all ” ready to ship”. Now’s the time to head on over to Knoll and pull that trigger.
photos: Knoll
Easy as 123
August 10, 2020
If it looks like you might be working from home a bit longer than you had anticipated, it might be time to rethink your set-up at the kitchen table. With three simple pieces from Muuto you can turn any corner into a workspace you’ll love to pull up to. Start with the 70/70 table designed by TAF Studio. So simple and elegant with it’s cast aluminum base and linoleum or laminate top with an exposed plywood edge. Add a fresh take on the classic shell chair with a Fiber Swivel Armchair on casters designed by Danish design duo Iskos/Berlin. Finally, shed a little light on the subject with Muuto’s Tip Task Lamp. There you have it. Three easy pieces that will have you feeling like your on your way to the corner office.
All pieces are available in additional finishes and options, are ready to ship in 1-3 days and the FedEx shipping is free. So, that said, where ya gonna set up shop?
All photos: https://www.knoll.com/shop/work-from-home
Look Familiar?
March 10, 2020
Imagine my surprise when I noticed the uncanny resemblance of the pattern on Knoll’s new Billow wall covering and the sample knit of my homespun newsprint yarn from several years ago. Inspired by the fiber arts and large scale knits in particular, this new release for 2020, with it’s allover organic pattern, is the perfect backdrop for any modern commercial or residential environment. While Billow is available in ten colorways, from light and bright to dark, my personal favorite is ” Inkwash” shown below. It doesn’t get any more simplequietmodern than that.
Newsprint knit photo: gp
Billow photos: https://www.knoll.com/knolltextileproductdetail/Billow
You had me at…
June 24, 2019
free shipping. I know you’re just getting situated for Summer living outdoors but it’s hard to ignore the seating sale going on now at Knoll. All of their seating selections, from stools to sofas and everything in between, are on sale and ship free. Take the opportunity now and in a couple months when you’re moving back inside you’ll have a new place to perch through the coming Fall and Winter. Harry Bertoia’s 1952 classic Bird Chair and Ottoman would be the perfect place to catch up on your reading or indulge yourself in a bit of Netflix bingeing. Better get a move on, the sale is only on until June 25th.
Photos: nhttps://www.knoll.com/product/bertoia-bird-chair
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