Jonathan Adler – fabulously fun but perhaps not quite quirky!

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Arts, culture, Cushions, Design, Dogs, Furniture, Homewares, Interior design, Jonathan Adler, Lifestyle, Peru, Rugs, Shopping, VAses

I know – his work is perhaps a tad too mainstream to be considered quirky, particularly for you Northern Hemisphere dwellers, but hear me out… I spotted these Jonathan Adler Williamsburg vases the other day and added them to my wee list of ‘things I like’.

As with so many things, when you change the context, you introduce a new perspective.  Forget they are a fabulously-fun-yet-not-quite-quirky Jonathan Adler design… NOW, might they look the teeniest bit quirky?

Jonathan Adler Utopia Williamsburg Vase
A little bit of whimsy for US$38 for the pair
(You can buy them here)
His and hers, no less!

Following on from that find, I thought it only reasonable to take a decent squizz at the flamboyant Mr Adler’s site.  You know what? – he’s got some funky stuff. If its been a while since you popped your head in, let me share a few things that tickled my wee fancy….

Jonathan Adler Zebra Rug - in orange
Hand loomed llama's wool rug from Peru at US$995
(You can buy them here)
Who knows where I would put it but its ORANGE!!! (or black, pink, red, turquoise, green...)

Jonathan Adler leather Terrier
Handcrafted from full grain leather at US$695
(You can buy them here)
Or, maybe you'd prefer a hippo' or pig or elephant or rhino'?

Jonathan Adler embroidered 'Specs Case' - in green
Handmade wool needlepoint for US$42
(You can buy them here)
I suspect it makes me officially old that I even need to consider a specs case...

Jonathan Adler Walnut Claude Special Edition Gossip Bench Set
You can stack or reconfigure to your hearts desire. This one for US$1,890
(You can order one here)
These are limited edition collectors editions and - forget the exorbitant shipping costs - I have no-where in my home to put one. DAMN IT!!!

Jonathan Adler Mod Love Cushion
Spread the love with needlepoint at US$175
(You can buy them here)
This design is also available as a footstool. Perhaps not together, though... too matchy, matchy, matchy!

I even quite like the Jonathan Adler manifesto.  Who doesn’t appreciate a brand that has the audacity to state, “We believe that when it comes to decorating, the wife is always right. Unless the husband is gay.“? Or, what about, “We believe tassels are the earrings of the home“? What do you reckon’?

Waking Up With Dan Golden’s ‘Positive Energy’

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Art, Colour, Contemporary, creativity, culture, Dan Golden, Humour, Interior design, Photos, Pillows, Positive Energy, Rugs, Social Commentary, Textiles, Tom Waits

'Positive Energy' Rug

OK – now that I’ve woken you up with Dan Golden’s ‘Positive Energy’ rug (are you feeling it, yet?), let me tell you a wee bit about the man and his quirky, fun and fabulous work…

Dan Golden and his partner in crime, Jen Huh make up the art & design team that is Dan Golden Studio, based out of New York. The firm specialises in concept development and is currently designing new textile, lighting and furniture collections. They recently launched a range of home decor products for CB2 (which now ships to Australia!).

Dan Golden’s art and design work has been featured in many magazines and websites including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Fast Company, Interior Design, Veranda, The LA Times, Shelter, FORM, Angeleno, David Report, Behance and MoCoLoco. And now, it has been featured right here in This Sydney Life, too! 

While I was tinkering about preparing for this post, I came across a CB2 interview with Dan.  Two things jumped out and really stuck. 1) the man is a massive dog lover.  He has a dog named Nutley (who is clearly massively loved), and 2) Apparently, years ago — when he was a waiter/aspiring singer-songwriter – he met Tom Waits. HE MET TOM WAITS! Dan says that Tom’s advice was to “be original and not try to be like anybody else. This advice was simple and true, and applies equally to being a designer.”  Looking at Dan Golden’s work now, I rather suspect Tom Waits’ advice was heeded.

The Dan Golden Studio pieces all have a recognisable design handwriting to them – for me, they are contemporary and clever, fun and humorous, uncluttered and, sometimes a wee bit ironic. I think it’s all great.  But then, I kinda’ like anything that looks good and makes me smile or think…

Check these out:

'So Long Suckahs' Rug

Safe Place rug

I want me one of these 'Jazz Superheroes' pillows

'Morphine is the Best Medicine' pillow

'Hole to Another Universe' Wall Sticker

Do you have a favourite Dan Golden piece?

(All images sourced from Dan Golden Studio)