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
Tone On Tone
May 16, 2024
It’s been a modern classic for near 100 years. Now Knoll is reimagining the Marcel Breuer Wassily Chair in three new frame finishes; Onyx Ultra Matte, White Ultra Matte and Dark Red Ultra Matte. I immediately focused on a simplequietmodern expression of tone on tone. What could be a more fresh take than black belting leather on a black frame, white leather on the white frame or for that punch of color, red leather on the red frame? Who knew that this small change from the original chrome frame would have such an impact? I’m sure Marcel would approve.
photos: Knoll
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/
If your Valentine is feeling generous….
February 12, 2017
you might ask to forgo the chocolates…the expensive evening out…the case of Veuve and wait a few more days for the annual Knoll sale. An investment in something from the Knoll Classics collection is sure to make your heart skip a beat or two. If you’re lucky enough to have a vintage piece in need of a recover, you might consider a few yards from their extensive textile collection.
Taking Full Advantage
March 6, 2014
Marcel Breuer favored maximizing both the view and the available natural light. As illustrated in this living room he designed around the middle of the last century, even the fireplace wall has been punctuated to take full advantage of both. There is so much to be learned from the work of the mid-century modern masters…details like this, extensive use of floor to ceiling glass, the wood ceilings and even the soffits to house the casements. simplequietmodern details. When it’s clear that these ideas could easily be implemented now, it makes me wonder why so many McMansions still continue to pop up at every turn.
photo via http://www.improvisedlife.com/2009/01/21/marcel-breuer-sun-and-shadow-the-philosophy-of-an-archtect/
Dining Out
June 27, 2013
Mid Century master Marcel Breuer designed this concrete block and stone patio table sometime in the middle of the last century. Now, re- imagine it for al fresco dining in 2013. A little planning, a trip to the Home Depot, Lowes or a local garden center can outfit you with the requisite concrete blocks, concrete block or paver adhesive and a big ol’ 4 x 8 sheet of marine ply to top it all off. Using this picture of the original, you can spin the basic concept off in any direction to get a modern look that is uniquely yours. This could be a great weekend project before the 4th, eh? Then all that’s left to do is fire up the grill.
simplequietmodern 