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.

 

 

 

Better Late…

May 18, 2014

than never. While I usually schedule my Spring clean-up for somewhere nearer the middle of March, this past Winter and Winter-like Spring has only now allowed me the luxury taking stock and pulling on my gloves. Clearly Mother Nature has taken her revenge  and has left my property to resemble Chernobyl after the blast rather than a rural retreat in the Midwest. Boxwood hedges…gone. Yew hedges…stripped to skeletal by hungry deer. Japanese Skyrocket Hollies…a moment of silence please. And, what is left in the way of  birches, pines and spruce had taken one last good beating during a severe hailstorm on Palm Sunday. Devastating.  At least the grass is finally green. And, on that one positive note I will look to the light at the end of this tunnel, entertaining the thought of rewarding myself in a setting like this…pea gravel soft underfoot, a gentle afternoon breeze weaving its way through the masses of miscanthus, and a cocktail. Oh yeah…after this mess there will be cocktails.

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photo via: http://cabbagerose.tumblr.com/post/85363575103/outdoor-room-via-lorrainepennington

 

 

Any volunteers?

June 17, 2013

Really, look around…do a quick survey of your site…and make a few notes as to the indigenous plant material that has made a home there on its own…the volunteers. If they are doing well, you have the added benefit of knowing that in addition to being happy they’ll be safe from attacks by local fauna. This is a great  jumping off point when selecting the plant material for your new landscaping project. The  juxtaposition of modern meadow against structures, clipped yew, tallhedge or boxwood  may be just the simplequietmodern statement you’ve been looking for. Dutch landscape master Piet Oudolf  illustrates this point to perfection in the design of the Highline in Manhattan as well as both public and private spaces around the world. If inspiration like this can come from a quick inventory of flora in an abandoned elevated train track I imagine you could pull a little magic from the “surprises” popping up in your yard. 208HighlineNYpOudolf_highlineNYpOudolfSONY DSC228_meadowmxpOudolfFhttp://www.oudolf.com/piet-oudolftumblr_modzpdr4zK1qd5e3ao2_500,hedghttp://remash.tumblr.com/hsfrnt3cropgpyard7_07crpcropgpyard7_07b