Jonathan Adler has built an empire of stores across the world with popping prints, jewel-bright colours and quirky home accessories. We dare you to check out his web-store and not be tempted to buy everything on it. We caught up with the designer.
ELLE: When did you get interested in pottery?
JONATHAN ADLER: I was 12 when I went to summer camp and tried pottery for the first time. The moment I touched clay I felt a connection and knew that I wanted to be a potter.
ELLE: But you worked in the movie business for a while. How did that happen?
JA: My pottery professor in college told me that I didn’t have what it takes for a career in pottery. I listened to her, moved to New York, and worked in the film industry. I hated it, was no good at it, and got fired from one job after another. It was then that I decided to take the time to do what I loved; the rest of my career has been an amazingly improbable adventure. I think every creative person needs someone to rebel against.
ELLE: Could you share your earliest design memories?
JA: I was fortunate to have very creative parents, and the home I grew up in was a perfect expression of who I am today. It was a very groovy, modernist house with rigorously chic furniture. My dad was minimalist modernist, and my mom had a sense of ebullience and a love of colour. It was a reflection of my style, craft, and design philosophy.
ELLE: What are your guidelines to follow when designing a space?
JA: Start with a bold rug as a foundation, and you won’t look back.
Always buy a chandelier that is bigger than you think you need and more expensive than you think you can afford. Colour, colour, colour.
ELLE: What’s on your mood board at the moment?
JA: I’m rediscovering my love for Cycladic art. The sculptures are minimalist, rigorous, and convey so much with an efficiency of line that is inspiring.
ELLE: What’s your idea of a dream home?
JA: My hubby Simon and I recently built our dream home on Shelter Island. My idea of a dream home is a place filled with the people you love where you can escape to do the things you love. And proximity to water so I can paddleboard is a must.
