Jonathan Adler

Do you watch reality TV? Scour the design shows and soak up their competition-based programming? If so, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve seen – and admired – the work of Jonathan Adler.   

A distinguished name in interior design, Adler began as a ceramicist who took the design world by storm in the 1990s with his white-on-white pottery in intriguing shapes.   

Adler quickly put his imprimatur on lamps, pillows, and ultimately, furniture. His signature look – white lacquer with accents of bright color – appeals to such a wide range of style mavens, from traditional to uber modern, that it’s hard to put Adler in a box. Adler himself declares an obsession with Wasp country club style, evident in his choices of color: pink, green and yellow. His work also evokes old-style Hollywood glamour, but brings the glitz down to eye level by mixing in earthy woven fabrics for livable and pet-friendly rooms.   

Until now, Chicago-area devotees’ only resource for Adler’s understated yet glamorous furniture has been Jayson Home and Garden, which carries a few pieces. That lacuna was filled in August when his eponymous store opened in Chicago – on the Gold Coast, of course.   

The relatively small space is bursting with style. Low to the ground groupings of upholstered pieces in pale fabrics are arranged in perfect room environments. Lacquered tables and lamps in vibrant colors with shiny chrome accents add pop. Everything here is an Adler design, down to the wool rugs with interlocking Greek key designs, another signature Adler touch.   

You might not expect the delightfully low-key atmosphere and helpful staff. Jonathan Adler may be at the height of popularity among the Palm Springs set, but you’ll not get even a hint of haughty here. Adler’s work is fun. (Remember those kitchen storage canisters labeled Valium instead of Flour?) So is shopping his store.

 

Jonathan Adler  

676 N. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312.274.9920

www.jonathanadler.com

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SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer – L. Heller.
 
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Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. SeeMoreShopping incurs all expenses associated with reviews. Publ.  09/07.