Musings with Jonathan Adler

September 2006

People actually get scared when they're trying to make choices for their homes. What's the best way to encourage us to stop worrying we're breaking some design rule and do something fun?
I would encourage people to think about how much of a bummer safe design is. When you look back at your life, you will remember the patterned lampshades and novelty pillows, not the boring beige carpet.

How can you introduce a fun, campy or kitsch vibe into a home without going overboard?
Carefully. I believe that design should be chic and happy at the same time. I think the key is to strive for a classical foundation--good proportions, timeless sofas, furniture you won't get sick of--and then add a layer of playful punctuation with accessories.

You've said your homes evoke many things you're not--that you and Mr. Doonan live like old grandmothers in a place fit for hedonists. Is your approach like an inverted form of self-expression?
Absolutely. Decorating is a perfect forum to live vicariously. You may be a cardigan-wearing accountant, or, like us, tea-drinking grandmothers, but you can come home to a groovy pad that is an expression of how you see yourself.

Are there certain elements you try to include in all of your work?
Yes. Hanging chairs, orange, and ping pong tables--these are the three fundamental building blocks for happy homes.

What do you think is the biggest mistake people make in decoration their homes?
Decorating for the neighbors rather than themselves.

What's your all time greatest shopping find?
I'm kinda partial to the life size bust of Michael Jackson (circa Thriller) that I found at the New York flea market for $20.

Your pottery is often described as being a fashionistas' take on ceramics. Did your style evolve at all from an appreciation of any other potters' works?
I have squillions of influences, from fashion designers to potters to architects to skateboarders. I have been making pottery since I was 12, so I am very familiar with canonical potters (yes, there is a pottery canon). But, to be honest, I am not really involved in the art ceramics world. My work is about style and function, not about referring to other potters.

Pottery's been a road to success for you. Is it a story on the sanity of following your dream, or one of serendipity? Did you ever think doing what you loved would actually work in terms of financial gain?
I consider myself very lucky. When I quit my heinous job in the movie business and decided to try making a go of it as a potter, I knew that I was making a lot of sacrifices. I assumed that I was sacrificing any chances of success, money, fame, or glamour to pursue my passion for clay. I was totally fine with that sacrifice if it meant I would be happy.

When I first started my business, my idea of success was spending my weekends hawking my wares at rain-soaked craft fairs. Just being able to find an audience for my work would have been enough. So, I'm ecstatic to have the unexpected and quite fun design gig I have now.

You've packed a ton of creative projects into a short time, without seeming to stop for break--what's next? More, more, more. More interior design projects (I'm currently working on five major projects), more stuff, more pots, pillows, lighting, furniture etc., and more stores!