I’m feeling like…
December 27, 2016
a little Danish. A single selection or a few easy pieces by master of mid-century Danish Modern, Finn Juhl would satisfy that craving. Moving into the new year you might find yourself looking to simplify things as well, and the 57 Sofa, a 45 chair, the Finn Juhl Bench and Sideboard would outfit a room beautifully with s single stroke. I’d definitely favor walnut as my wood selection with neutral leather and textiles for the upholstery. It doesn’t get any more simplequietmodern than this.
http://www.finnjuhl.com/inspiration/inspiration-house-of-denmark-in-paris/
Night Shift
November 7, 2014
Still adjusting to “falling back” with the Autumn shift to Daylight Savings Time? It’s hard to believe how dark it is once you arrive home after a full day. And yet, there is still a lot of evening left, and plenty to do before hitting the hay. You’re halfway there if you can tackle some reading, work up some holiday to-do lists or do a little online shopping while propped comfortably in bed. Add the perfect over the shoulder bedside lighting and you are good to go. My pick ?…either of these beautiful mid-century pieces by master of lighting design, Serge Mouille.
Top photo: http://www.sergemouilleusa.com/Serge-Mouille-One-Arm-Double-Swivel-Sconce.php
Bottom photo: http://cabbagerose.tumblr.com/page/9
April Showers…
May 15, 2014
bring May…OK, more showers. While we’re waiting for the May flowers to grace us, there is the Chiara Chair to consider. Designed in 2013 by French designer Noe Duchaufour-Lawrance it has a decidedly 60’s appeal…ready to complement your growing collection of modern classics or infuse a more traditional space with a little punch. The generous flower petal inspired shape and self-returning swivel base provide the perfect perch to lounge, relax and wait.
Photos via :http://hivemodern.com/pages/product6578/bernhardt-design-noe-duchaufour-lawrance-chiara-lounge-chair
In and Out
January 16, 2014
There was a time when I looked forward to the “In and Out” lists that were published at the end of one year and the start of a new. I actually helped produce many. What’s out…what’s in? What’s hot and what’s not? It was fun. It kept things fresh. It’s time again to revive that tradition, but with a more discerning eye.There is so much information floating about, and with things changing in the blink of an eye, there comes a need to re-evaluate. If you hear that something is “trending” the fact is that it’s ship has sailed. And, what’s now available everywhere is a knocked off to the 100th power cheezy incarnation barely resembling the distinction or quality of the original thought. So, if you will indulge me;
Cupcakes? We know their time has passed but what’s in line to take their place? Mini pies? No, too much crust. Cronuts? Nice try. Maybe it should be a Mini Crostata ( Crostatita?)…like a pie that eats like a cookie. Hmmm…
CFL and LED bulbs: Who would have ever thought that a government would put a stop to the use of the classic incandescent lightbulb yet still allow the production of gas guzzlers like the Chevrolet Suburban or the Cadillac Escalade? Doesn’t seem quite fair does it? Not much we can do but slowly shell out the incredible prices for these less than appealing light sources and pray for a better option. I’m trying to like the Plumen 001, but I’m just not there yet. Until then, CFLs and LEDs out…sunlight and candlelight in.
photo via http://usshop.plumen.com/products/plumen-001-screw-fitting
Mason Jars…except for the fact that I use one or more everyday, from holding a bunch of parsley in the refrigerator to shaking up a quick vinaigrette, I really think these deserve a big “out”. Most especially at events and weddings. Unless your nuptials are taking place on a back porch in Appalachia and there’s Moonshine in them, there is no reason to be serving your guests drinks in a Mason jar. Clever? NO. Cute? NO. And, don’t get me started on the” dead relatives in a jar” used as centerpieces. ( Like this photo from internetland ).
Salted caramel? OK, a good caramel should have always had a salty note…adding sea salt is just redundant. Hasn’t anyone ever dipped a McDonalds fry into their chocolate shake? The salty sweet thing isn’t new…the same goes with caramel.With an exception, like the hand-made caramels from Bequet Caramels in Bozeman, MT…who have set the bar amazingly high, I think the salted caramel could use a rest.
http://www.bequetconfections.com/
Do the homework. Now that everyone and their mother has latched onto the term “mid-century modern” the market is flooded with new “inspired by” product as well as a lot of old kitschy stuff at every auction and estate sale. The fact is that there is a lot to know and a lot more for most people to learn. Just because something was made in 1950 does not make modern…or desireable. And the new “inspired” items are even less modern…less desirable. Some classic pieces are still in production however, and at workable price-points, like this Noguchi Rudder table designed in 1947.
photo via http://hivemodern.com/pages/product6716/herman-miller-isamu-noguchi-rudder-table
Pimenton: Smoked Paprika. How much of this can we eat before we are sick of it? I guess when it’s an ingredient in an apple pie baked in a Mason jar or dusted over a salted caramel we’ll know. I’m thinking the tide should be shifting to the Moroccan Spice blend Ras el Hanout. To North Africa what curry is to India, this mysterious (and heavily guarded) blend of spices, pods, barks and aromatics is used on everything from meats and poultry to grains and vegetables. Mix up a batch of your own and you can start keeping your own spicy secret.
We’ve sure been eating our green leafies, haven’t we? Who’d have thought we would not only like Kale, but that we’d like it raw and in a salad with Brussels Sprouts? Don’t get too comfortable. Better start getting used to the new “it” veg…Cauliflower. You might want to start by simply roasting it. What you’d think would pale by comparison will have you coming back for more…and more.
Tattoos: At least you can paint over graffiti. But ink? Not as easy. Maybe it’s time to make the unmarked body a new status symbol. If not that, maybe a 2 or 3 day waiting period is in order before pulling that trigger.
Artisanal Bitters: I want to know who has that much time on their hands. Or, drinks so much that they need a stash of blackened pineapple or long chili-chai bitters. Simply pretentious. Maybe it’s time for the classics like Angostura or Peychaud’s to stage a comeback…and maybe the Champagne Cocktail as well.
Black is the New Black; always was. Wear whatever color you want but don’t go for mass approval by calling it the new black. Black is black. It is not emerald-green, or orchid or brown. Black = IN. Enough said.
It all comes down to…
October 9, 2013
black. Every room needs a little punctuation and a stroke of black just simply does the trick. That said, it’s important to give it some carefull consideration for the maximum effect. Used sparingly yet scaled generously creates focus and a juxtaposition of styles shows every other piece in the room in a new light. So, if you’re looking to shake things up, you might consider what the exclamation point called black can do for your space.
Top to bottom:
The Charleston mirror by oomph , a great interpretation of a Chippendale classic, will boldly bridge that gap between traditional and modern. http://www.oomphonline.com/charleston-mirror.html
A large-scale painting can fill a wall…create a “view”. If something 2’x3′ seems large enough, take it to 4’x 6′ and see what you get. Really, it’s not that scary.
Beat Light Tall by Tom Dixon looks like it’s plucked directly from the middle of the last century. What could shed light on your newly found mid-century dining table than this? http://hivemodern.com/pages/product6185/tom-dixon-beat-light-tall
An artifact like this Etruscan handled cup strikes an impressive pose when used in a modern environment. After all, at the time, it was modern to them. This one produced in Deruta Italy.
The Eames lcm molded lounge chair provides a sculptural presence when presented in black on black. http://hivemodern.com/pages/product1431/herman-miller-eames-lcmGreat
Great art inspires. Can you imagine how your day would start being greeted by this Frank Girard sculpture spotted on Design Sponge? http://www.designsponge.com/2013/07/a-modern-chicago-home-made-personal-through-design.html
A Bird in the hand…
August 16, 2013
becomes a thing of beauty when reduced to its purist form. This sculpture by American artist Cleo Hartwig, created in the early to mid 60’s, illustrates this perfectly. It’s simplequietmodern at it’s best. Reproduced by her own company in white foundry stone, this Mid-century Modern gem may still be found from time to time. If spotted, my advice…grab it.
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.