Happy Chic

Imagine my surprise as I walk into work on Saturday morning, latte in hand, and spot a Christmas gift with my name on it placed tauntingly on the counter. My fabulous boss lady Jessica had left me a hefty present, roughly the size and shape of what could only be an awesome coffee table book, and I just couldn't help myself. After about 10 minutes of mock restraint, I tore that sucker open. I know, I know. But how could anyone possibly sit in a room with a wrapped gift mere feet away and not open it?! That's crazy talk.

I'm not at all sorry I did, though, because it turns out that I opened one of the best design books ever! I've always liked what I've seen of Jonathan Adler's work, and his pottery is undoubtedly gorgeous, but I never realized how awesome he really is. I read the entire thing cover to cover that night and it dawned on me that we share the same design philosophy, an aesthetic he has dubbed "Happy Chic". Everything is fun and fabulous and colorful and happy and unapologetic in its boldness. And I love all of it. Granted, some of it is a little over the top, very 70's and sometimes even tacky - but that's the point. Jonathan Adler interiors are like the leopard print house -they don't care what you think.

In addition to having brilliant pictures, it's also well written in a cheeky, friendly way. I thought I'd share some of the best quotes from the book along with some of my favorite Adler interiors.

"In a stunning epiphany, we realized the utter pointlessness of good taste without fun."

"When you furnish your home, you should buy what you love rather than ponder what the Smiths down the street might think."

"Let your foyer say "Hello!" and "Come back soon!"

"Tchotchkes are life enhancing."

"I believe good design creates good moods."
(P.S. - There isn't a single thing in this whole room that I don't like. Perfection.)

And my personal favorite, as it basically describes me in a single sentence:

"I believe in dorky enthusiasm."

Jonathan and I are meant to be.