Jonathan Adler’s a busy guy. Besides expanding his burgeoning interiors brand into the world of fashion — including a recent collaboration with Toms — he’s opening his 27th boutique, in Boston at The Street in Chestnut Hill where services include complimentary in-home design consultations. We caught up with the iconic designer to talk home trends and the key apartment updates we need to make.
Current trends
“Pantone named Radiant Orchid the color of the year and they’re actually correct. So I’m totally feeling purple. I’m still enjoying emerald and I’ve never said no to either of those strong colors tempered with a dash of calming gray,” says Adler about the current color moments. “The truth is we’re lucky to live in an era where anything goes, which is fantastic. So the trend is more hyped up eclecticism. ‘Love what you love and it will work’ is truly what’s happening in the world and I couldn’t be happier.”
Splurge-worthy home item
“Definitely a chic and comfy sofa,” says Adler. “A lot of people settle for a sofa but you shouldn’t settle. Buy a sofa that you’ll be happy to take with you when you move apartments. It needs to comfy and couture.”
Make your entryway special
“An entryway is like the introduction to an essay — it’s a microcosm of what people can expect as they enter [your home]. So treat your entryway with care. I believe in making it super special,” says Adler. His criteria: “You need a place to put on your shoes, take one last look in the mirror and throw your keys and mail down when you come home.”
A must-have
“You always need an extra lamp. Lighting is under-considered,” explains Adler. “Lighting should come from multiple sources: There should be ceiling, wall, floor, table — and all on dimmers. That will make you look more twinkling and glamorous than you think you are.”
Your cocktail is served
“Bar carts are essentials,” stresses Adler. “You should decorate to look as glamorous as you want to be. Let your inner glamourpuss go wild and a bar cart is a great place to do that because it announces to the world that you’re a little bit louche. And that you entertain. It’s announcing that you’re Holly Golightly. You need to have a bar cart because it’s functional and it sends the right message.”
Credit: Jonathan Adler Cheval Bar Cart, $1950, www.jonathanadler.com
Boston picks
With his new Boston store opening,Adler lets us in on some of his favorite local spots.
For dining:
Back Bay Harry’s
Estelle’s
Legal Sea Food Harborside
For shopping:
Louis Boston
The Brooks Brothers on Newbury Street for Black Fleece
Reside
Hudson Boston