Bend it like….

December 2, 2021

Breuer. Clean simple modern design in home furnishings started way before the middle of the 20th century. Actually, the seating designs of Marcel Breuer appeared closer to the beginning of the last century. Yet, they held their ground throughout, and even in the early years inspired great modern masters like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe to interpret the simple bending of steel tubing into furniture designs of his own.  As fate would have it, the furniture designs of both of these icons have stood the test of time… still in production and as elegant as ever. You may recognize these pieces from their popularity in the 1970’s. Breuer’s Cesca chair seemed to be everywhere. Another 50 years later and we see their popularity on the rise once again. What’s there to say? Good is just good. And, while some things occasionally fade in popularity, modern classics like these never go out of style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

top to bottom:

Marcel Breuer’s classic Wassily chair , Wassily chairs and Laccio tables , a gaggle of Cesca chairs with cane seats and backs, Cesca chairs in full upholstery, Knoll’s new introduction: Breuer’s MB Lounge Chair and a pile of Laccio coffee and end tables.

Next up: Mies van der Rohe’s  Bruno Chair, the MR Adjustable Chaise, MR Lounge Chair and MR Table, an MR  Lounge with and without arms and an MR Stool in tan leather.

all photos: https://www.knoll.com/

 

Less is …

January 25, 2016

more difficult than it looks. The classic quote ” Less is more” is often attributed to modernist architect Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe who knew a little something about materials, the qualities of distillation of design and the elimination of all unnecessary and confusing detail. The residence here, by i29 Interior Architects, illustrates these principles beautifully while incorporating and elevating one of my favorite materials, plywood.

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photos via  http://plastolux.com/?s=plywood+in+a+modern+home

 

 

Cheers!

January 3, 2016

Four years, 415 posts and hundreds of photos… it’s time to celebrate as we move into year five of simplequietmodern. Reviewing the last year you have surprised me yet again by digging into the archives and making some of the earliest posts the ones you favored most in 2015. So cheers to you my readers, followers and friends. Thank you for taking the time to stop by, get inspired, leave a comment and inspire me.

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From classic mid-century modern furniture and architecture, sophisticated applications of humble materials like concrete and ply, brilliant projects featuring recycled pallets and paper to something good to eat with only a few simple ingredients and minimal effort…just a small sampling of what has kept my interest and yours this past year.

 

 

 

 

 

Forecast: H O T

July 30, 2015

When the temperatures reach into the 90’s a pool looks awfully inviting. And, there are none more inviting to my simplequietmodern mind than this beauty…the work of  Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for his 1929 Barcelona Pavillion. If you’re in need of a little modern pool inspiration, here it is.

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Photo via Gardenista http://www.gardenista.com/posts/20-best-architectural-swimming-pools-minimalist-new-modernism

 

X’s & O’s

February 4, 2015

You’re sure to get plenty of both if you spoil your Valentine with this. From the original modernist, the Barcelona Cowhide Stool by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. simplequietmodern then, when it was designed for the Barcelona Exposition in 1929… simplequietmodern now.

 

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And, it’s made in the USA by Knoll.

 

 

Photos: via http://hivemodern.com/pages/product3746/knoll-mies-van-der-rohe-barcelona-stool-cowhide