Jonathan Adler started off his career as a semiotics and art history student but spent most of his time doing pottery, his Rhode Island School of Design professor told him that he had no talent and should move to New York to become a lawyer… So he moved, couldn’t keep an assistant job and reverted to his love of pottery. He taught classes for free studio space, developed a pottery collection and called the buyers from Barneys New York, they loved it and he hit it big!  Now, his design range spans from flatware to furniture, accessories to accent cushions and lighting to linens and an uber luxe interior design portfolio. I am obsessed with his aesthetic, it’s sexy Miami meets James Bond cool!

I’m a sucker for anything gold, and I will admit that, at times, it can be a bit 1999, but Adler executes it in a super sophisticated way- all in the details! His look can be quite 60s retro (which I LOVE) but far more elevated and polished. It’s current and a la mode, but not transient, it could look just as edgy and on point in 5 years.

Adler’s design philosophy is that you should have a classic and neutral palette and style it up from there, “ We’re a design company. Our philosophy: build a timelessly chic foundation, then accessorise with abandon.” I really agree with this because accessories and décor can add such a punch and can also be seasonal- brighter more flirtatious elements for the summer months and glam it up with richer tones and textures for the winter spent indoors…

Form is a source of interest in Adler’s furniture pieces, and the distinct sculptural quality pays homage to his roots and design foundation. The attention to detail and finishing off of everything is just outstanding!

Something, which is so striking, is how such a fun and bold atmosphere is captured in pure elegance and sophistication! The balance is just right- it’s cheeky and it’s sexy, colourful and pulled together.

The main sources of his inspiration for are Mid-Century Modern design, Brancusi's mix of guts and elegance, Pop Art, global pop culture, fierce femmes and luxe lifestyles. This resonates through his works as he has such a definite pulse on the current moment, the mood, what people want. We want some fun, everything is so serious and severe, his sophisticated playfulness is refreshing and his sense of style is progressive.

It’s just got that something, the random combination of décor, which just works- the luxe fabrics and materials, the pop of crazy artwork, absolute perfection! We can all add a lil Jonathan Adler to our existing spaces with interesting décor elements and accessories! Pick a metallic and rock it, a rich combination of colours, some pattern and a lot of fun!

All the images shown are from Adler’s collections. We can’t have it all, or so they say, but if I could pick just a few small things, these would be on my wishlist:

Images:

www.jonathanadler.com