Happy Chic decorating with Jonathan Adler

The American designer - Jonathan Adler - is renowned for his 'Happy Chic' approach to decorating interiors and his use of colour. But did you also know that Adler began his career as a one-man pottery business.

 

jonathanadler.com

With his natural flair for design and an abundance of creativity, it was perhaps inevitable that he would branch out into interior design. In 2002, Adler launched a glamorous new furniture collection and started working on interior design projects and has become a sought-after interior designer. The vast Jonathan Adler product line encom-passes granny-chic needlepoint pillows, sly scented candles, boldly graphic wallpaper, myriad tabletop items and midcentury-inspired furnishings including lighting, seating and storage.

Not content to leave it at that, Jonathan Adler now sells home decor - by the room. Clients can visit his website and select an entire room setting online to recreate a designer look in their own home - without hiring an interior designer!

"I think a room should be 95 percent chic. There needs to be a solid foundation of good design, functionality, and harmony. Then you have the remaining 5 percent to layer on a playful vibe. If a room is merely playful it's usually wildly unchic. Conversely, if it's too chic it's dry and off-putting. I try to strike the perfect balance of chic and cheeky — an inclusive, unsnobby sort of buoyant spirit."

ABOVE: Pretty in Pink - This boudoir is definitely a show-stopper with its pink, wallpapered walls and black and white accessories. Who would have thought that pink could look so gorgeous.

ABOVE: Dressed entirely in white - including the floor - this kitchen pops with colour supplied by accessories and fabrics. What's nice about this room is that it's so easy to change accessories when you want a new look. Turquoise and green today - red and yellow tomorrow!

ABOVE: This room is definitely a Jonathan Adler signature look. The zig-zag carpet pops the floor into another dimension, while a hodge-podge collection of colourful accessories pump up the level of playfulness.

 

 

While it may not be to my personal taste, there's no denying that interiors designed by Jonathan Adler are colourful. Perhaps that's why I love some of his rooms - I've come to love colour so much.

ABOVE: Is this a Jonathan Adler? It is indeed. More refined and sophisticated, this setting still incorporates a certain amount of fun - just tastefully done.

 

 

Not happy to stop here, Jonathan Adler has teamed up with Lacoste to launch a limited-edition run of shirts that gives the iconic French brand Adler’s distinctive 'happy chic' twist.