LAST WORD glamorous. And did I mention the cameos by my shorter half, Simon Doonan? What’s an interior design hack everyone should know? Always buy a chandelier that is bigger than you think you need and more expensive than you think you can afford. Whenever I’ve skimped on lighting, I’ve lived to regret it. What’s been a defining moment in your career? My career-defining moment actually happened before I had a career. My pottery teacher in college told me I had no talent and should become a lawyer. It was the best advice I never took; I think every creative person needs a naysayer to rebel against. My career has been an unimaginable creative odyssey, and it probably wouldn’t have happened if someone hadn’t told me I couldn’t do it. Where does your passion for design come from? I’d like to think it’s all me, me, me, but the truth is I was blessed with an extremely creative father (lawyer by vocation, painter by avocation) and a groovy mother whose ebullient sense of color inspires me to this day. Tell us about your new interior design instructional series debuting on Wondrium. For more than 25 years I’ve been creating products and interiors designed to bring modern American glamour to the world. Yes, I am very, very old—which means, of course, that I am also very, very wise—and I’m thrilled to be able to share my wisdom with Wondrium’s audience. After the course, viewers will have the background and tools they need to create exceptional spaces that reflect themselves at their most
REAL TALK WITH...
Jonathan Adler
The potter and designer dishes on decorating hacks, life on Palm Beach, and more BY KATHERINE LANDE
Adler often incorporates bright colors and patterns into his designs.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and what would you create? I’m a restless designer—the more I make, the more I want to make. I’ve been lucky to work with some of the best companies out there over the years, but I’ve never designed a car. Detroit, if you’re reading this, give me a ring! What do you love most about living on Palm Beach? The white of the clouds, the blue of the water, and the yellow of the sun. Mother Nature is the best designer, and she was showing off when she created Palm Beach. Describe a perfect Palm Beach day. It starts by fighting with Simon about whose turn it is to walk the dog and make a pot of tea. Once that’s settled, we bike over to Sant Ambroeus—their elephant ear cookies are responsible for every ounce of my back fat. Then back home to read The New York Times, The New York Post, WWD, Daily Mail, Palm Beach Illustrated, and the latest draft of whatever book Simon is working on. Then it’s Zoom meetings with my team all day, punctuated by lunch at my bestie Liz Lange’s house. In the afternoon I bodysurf, Zoom some more, and then have an early dinner (hey, it is Palm Beach) usually back at Liz’s house. When someone’s as great a hostess as she is, it would be a crime not to take advantage of it!
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