Heroes in Modern Design

Modern-day designer Jonathan Adler does a beautiful job of mixing modern work with the mid-century modern aesthetic of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. That’s what I hope to do when procuring pieces for my own home. The other day, I had a woman in my living room buying furniture from me via Craigslist, and she said as we were talking, “Oh my God, this looks just like my Grandmother’s house!” HA! I took it as a compliment. I don’t know about you, but my grandmother had flawless mid-century modern taste. That comment, however, was a good reminder for me to remember to add some updated touches to keep my home from looking “old.”

This can be done with a fresh coat of paint, accessories, mod drapes, or updated patterns. (Notice the chevron pillow purchased at Pier 1 prior to the chevron explosion. I have however, managed to resist the mustache accessories. Never got the mustache thing.)

If you know me, you know I’m not much of a shopper (my husband will claim otherwise)  but when I hit Nordstrom Rack on a rare “girls day” with my mom and sister-in-loves, I was delighted to see my man Jonathan Adler on deep discount. (Authors apologies for camera phone pics taken on the fly)

Seriously. I couldn’t stop sniffing the Scottsdale “sugar cactus.” I don’t even remember what Telluride smelled like because I was high on scent. Delicious, sweet, intoxicating scent. Candle was marked down to $16. I didn’t pop for it as much as I wanted it. See? I have restraint.

At this point, we experienced a small earthquake in the store. The lady next to me said, “Does this mean we should stop shopping?” Hells, no, lady-hey…sniff some of this Sugar Cactus!!! Even the earth moving beneath my feet cannot keep me from admiring Jonathan Adler’s work.

 

MEOW!!!! These are the best kind of cats to own in my personal experience. They won’t pee on your carpet or leave tumbleweeds of hair that blow across the floor of your home, reminding you of your failure to not only keep the house clean, but of your inability to earn their acceptance.

Not big on animal S & P? How about Jonny’s lovely line of Futura…bringing that mod pop to your kitchen.

These bottle stoppers, also down to $28 would make a great wedding shower gift, or host/hostess gift.

Now! To the subject of stationery. Can you ever have enough? No. No, you cannot. How many times have you run through the house looking for those elusive post it notes to write on? $7 bucks will get you these:

While we’re on the subject of stationery, I must applaud Mr. Adler for so fashionably bringing note cards back. Tell me I’m not the only one who still does this!?!? In a world of texting and t.v….isn’t it still so nice to know someone thought enough of you to hand write a note, or a thank you? Bring it back, people. You can start here:

Mom claimed this little box o’ gems, choc full of unique cards for only $7. Go Ma! Go! I want the squirrel one with the “GO NUTS!” (Now I’m kind of wishing I had….gone nuts, that is, and bought one of everything. Ah, well.)

If you have a Nordy’s Rack in your hood….swing by and check it out! Jonathan Adler (on sale) will not disappoint – or damage that pocket-book too much.

What better way to keep your home from looking and feeling stale. Toss in some updated pieces or accessories and voila! You have beauty in balance.