Jonathan Adler: Interior Design’s “Celebrity”

Name me a famous actor. Go on, I’ll give you a second. Second’s over. You probably didn’t name one, you probably just named several, right? Now name me a famous athlete. Again, you probably didn’t need a large amount of time to name several right off the top of your head. I’m sure the case would be the same if I asked you to name a famous politician or guitarist. Now name me a famous interior decorator. That one’s a little harder, isn’t it? Indeed, interior design is not a field in which one will usually be able to gain public notoriety, but it is largely unsung in the creative arts. Interior decorators can actually have more of a noticeable impact on your life. Have you ever modeled the design of your room off of something you saw in a film or television show? I know I have. That’s the influence of an interior decorator (or as they are known in Hollywood “art directors”) at play. And should you actually use an interior decorator at your employ, obviously that person will affect the aesthetics of your living space for however long you allow. Yet these people don’t tend to be listed in the headlines. They don’t snag the limelight. It’s pretty unfortunate. That’s why I would like to highlight one of the best artists in modern interior design: Jonathan Adler. Jonathan Adler might be a little bit more of a recognizable name to the masses. After all, he was a judge on the hit Bravo show “Top Design.” He has his own chain of stores as well. In 1998, he opened his first retail store in Manhattan, and has since expanded it to 14 more locations nationwide. Even if you’re not familiar with the name, you’ve certainly encountered some of his design work. He has designed for companies as variant as Lacoste, Steuben, even Starbucks. Adler is known for being a pioneer in the field of “happy chic,” an extravagant approach to interior design that embraces maximalism wholeheartedly. In fact, his famed (within the industry anyway) ten commandments states that “Thou Shalt Embrace Maximalism,” and “Thou Shalt Not Deny Thyself Hotelish Comfort At Home.” For good measure, his 7th commandment does state that “Thou Shalt Not Murder,” albeit for a decorative accessory. Due to his largess approach, Adler was swiftly picked up for large scale commercial projects and celebrity hot spots like the High Roller Suite at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas. In his private life, Adler, an openly gay man who married famed Barney’s consultant Simon Doonan in California back in 2008, is a staunch advocate for gay rights all across America. He frequently emphasizes that married straight couples are entitled to certain economic benefits that gay couples are not allowed access to. “I’m just trying to get my civil rights,” Adler said. “I think most people don’t understand the financial rights that are being withheld from us gays.” However, I’m sure Adler would more like to be known for his impressive work in one of the most underappreciated fields in the creative work. His influence in the circle of interior design knows no bounds, and his minor celebrity status is warranted completely. You can do a lot with custom wallpaper and custom printed wallpaper.