Perfect Summer Saturday
August 2, 2025
Picture it. In the city, up North or at the shore. A quiet Summer Saturday with the sun shining, a cool breeze blowing and the temperature a perfect 75 degrees. You could start the day taking in a little nature with a hike or hop on the bikes for a trip to the local farm stand. It’s August so one of my Summer favorites is ready for the cutting, local Gladiolus. At only a few dollars a bunch, Glads will make a statement that will last till next Saturday. As you might have guessed, I love the white, arranged in a 12″ x 6″ glass cylinder vase. What a lovely way to kick off the weekend.
Photos: gp
Dog Days
August 25, 2023
What can be better than the long hot days of August? Taking the time to soak them all in…long afternoon shadows, nature’s bounty, simple pleasures. Here are just a few simplequietmodern later Summer favorites.
A trip to any farmers market or farm stand bursting with local goodness. Fresh corn to use in a roasted corn salad, Kirby cucumbers for pickling and heirloom tomatoes for that simple tomato sandwich or BLT. Maybe some figs to serve up with blue cheese to start or fresh local melons sliced up to end a perfect summer supper.
A refreshing outdoor shower after a long walk on a secluded rocky beach followed by a smart fresh cherry old fashioned while relaxing in from of an early evening fire.
Fresh locally grown seasonal flowers from hydrangeas to hops, bright dahlias to my personal favorite’s, white Michigan gladiolus.
photo: Food52
photo: Remash
photo: Loll
Unless otherwise indicated, photos: gp
I’m Back
August 27, 2021
Clearly, the last year and a half have been challenging for all of us. Tech issues being the last to be tackled has left me and simplequietmodern basically MIA. But, now we’re back. And, glad to be back to be sure. Before we attempt to catch up, I think a random selection of images from past posts will remind us of where we’ve been and help me focus more clearly on where we’ll go from here. Thank you for checking in and thanks in advance for your patience should we encounter a hiccup or two as we come back up to speed.
Top to bottom:
It’s hard to believe but Baby Hambone Jaxon is celebrating his ninth birthday. Even with Covid you know there will be treats.
If you’re still working from home you might want to consider some appropriate task lighting. This Muuto Tip lamp through Knoll could fit the bill. Photo:Knoll
And no… I still have not narrowed down the candidates for the reupholstering of this vintage Saarinen Executive Lounge chair.
You don’t think you need it until you do. The Landscaper’s Hori Hori Photo: Terrain
My first generation Herman Miller Aeron chair is in need of a tune up. Easier said than done. Photo: Herman Miller
I had the opportunity to install this Billow wallcovering from Knoll on a residential project. Yes, slowly some beautiful things were getting done. Photo: Knoll
Just as the pandemic hit I had treated myself to a pair of Vivobarefoot Gobi II Desert Boots. What can I say? I love a desert boot. Two thumbs up. Photo: Vivobarefoot
My favorite design inspiration…vintage Florence Knoll Photo: Knoll
Still looking great even after a twister last summer tore the yard up good. This climbing hydrangea hides a cluster of electrical meters while the tall clipped yew hedge does the same for the furnace and A/C.
Simple summer pleasures. What’s better in August than local Midwest Glads…especially in white.
Before Cauliflower Pizza Crust…this Southern Chow Chow. The perfect blend of pickled cauliflower, onions and yellow peppers brightened with Turmeric.
As the shadows grow longer a simple linen covered daybed could be just the spot to kick back and take a nap. Photo: Remodelista
Cordyline Red Star… Again, the seasonal selection to fill my modern low bowl planters after my search for Artichokes turned up zip.
Yes you can! Make yourself some homemade vanilla ice cream. Just a few ingredients and no ice cream maker needed.
Unless noted, all photos by GP
I didn’t include links here, but if you use the search bar at the top of the page you will be taken to the original post.
Like A Blur
September 10, 2018
One minute it was the 4th of July and the next it’s nearly the middle of September. I know it was Summer because it was plenty hot, but it came and went like a steamy blur. I guess a heavy schedule had me focusing daily on the seasons simplest pleasures, squeezing some Summer fun into every day. And, now that Fall is growing closer, I’m glad I did.
Top to bottom:
The best peach ever tossed to me one day at lunch. Does it get any better or simply scream Summer than a big ripe juicy peach?
A little maintenance on the climbing Hydrangea and hedges, and the addition of some new annual material had the yard pulled together in no time.
Visiting the farmers markets regularly for local Midwest Gladiolus and vegetables. The glads make a simple modern statement for 2-3 bucks and will last all week. The locally grown produce, when transformed into G’s Chow Chow, will carry that Summer brightness right into Fall.
For the recipe…https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/06/16/quite-the-pickle/
A little daydreaming on a summer afternoon never hurt. I seemed to frequently drift to visions of a small Modern house in the desert. This one looks just right. Photo: https://www.thrillist.com/home/gorgeous-prefab-homes-and-cheapest-land-for-sale-in-every-state-for-building
Six years old…Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000. While he was treated to his favorite mixed berry treats, cake for his friends and fans is definitely in order. And what could be more fitting of the Puli personality and sense of humor than a modern naked take on a confetti cake from Milk Bar? Photo: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/momofuku-milk-bars-birthday-layer-cake
Linen in Summer, wool for Fall. The best qualities of both can be found in Flax Down and Linen Quill Yarn from Purl Soho. These three skeins in Kettle Black will produce their Swath Wrap, the perfect transition to Fall and Winter. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/09/05/swath-wrap/
photos: gp (unless otherwise noted)
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