Over the weekend the lovely team at Jonathan Adler invited me to host a little Holi-DIY party for some of my best Boston bloggers buddies in their Chestnut Hill store. Our project for the day was a felt-monogram gift tag that doubles as a keepsake ornament once your friends and family open their gifts! I used a simple tutorial to create the monogrammed felt tags and everyone crafted up a bunch in bright jewel toned (and Jonathan Adler-inspired!) colors. Honestly, what’s better than a chilly winter morning working on holiday crafts with your girlfriends? After popping a little champagne, the JA team sent us home with some festive holiday swag — the perfect ending to a Holi-DIY fete! Jonathan Adler Holiday DIY 9Jonathan Adler Holiday DIY 3Jonathan Adler Holiday DIY 8Jonathan Adler Holiday DIY 7Jonathan Adler Holiday DIY 5Jonathan Adler Holiday DIY 6Jonathan Adler Holiday DIY 2Jonathan Adler Holiday DIY 4

Last week I had a pinch-me-is-this-real-life moment when I got the opportunity to interview the impeccable taste-maker and designer extraordinaire Jonathan Adler before his new store opening in Chestnut Hill. He was absolutely charming and kind and funny, and I may have tried to hug him about five times during our meeting because I genuinely want to be his BFF. Check out the pictures of the gorgeous new store (taken by my actual BFF who was there to make sure I didn’t totally embarrass myself), plus my interview with Jonathan where he dishes on his entertaining style, favorite hostess gifts, and awesome advice for young business owners:

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K: Tell me about the new store, what makes this Chestnut Hill location special?

JA: Our other local store, Newbury Street, is like a jewel box, but this is big, there’s room to breathe in here. It just has the feeling of a place you want to hang out in, and it’s great to be able to do that here.

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K: Tell me about your entertaining style, what’s your secret?

JA: The key is super-duper casual, very laid back entertaining. Keep it casual and everyone will have fun. Plus some mini-champagne bottles never hurt, those always get the party started.

K: Any tips for at-home entertainers?

JA: I always serve myself first. It makes people feel relaxed and at home; plus I get cranky if I’m hungry, so it’s better for everyone if I’m fed.

K: I can relate to that!  Any particular party theme you’re known for throwing?

JA: I did a huge clambake last year and that was so fun — it goes back to the casual, laid back entertaining vibe. The key is  to mix it up, mix it up with your themes, with your tableware, mix and match, and have fun with it.

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K: One of my favorite parts about this new store is the Gift Bar right when you walk in — it is brimming with gift ideas for every occasion. Do you have a favorite gift to give from the collection?

JA: The Muse shakers are a favorite, they’re great because you have a set for everyone: Mr & Mr, Mrs & Mrs, or Mr & Mrs, and they go with everything.

K: Being in the business of creating beautiful giftwares, I can imagine you bring a stellar hostess gift when visiting friends — what are your go-to hostess gifts?

JA: I love to bring candles, coasters, pottery… the Muse candle is one of my go-to gifts. And one of the best host gifts I’ve received is a good book; it’s so thoughtful and leaves a great memory when you bring a book.

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K: It took a lot of entrepreneurial spirit to get to where your brand is today; what advice do you have for young entrepreneurs starting out today?

JA: The best advice I can give is: Never ask anyone for advice, and never listen to the advice that people give you. If I had listened to the advice of others when I first starting out, I would have never gotten here. I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing had I followed the advice I received. Just politely say to those who offer it:  ‘thank you for offering your advice,’ — and then don’t take it. Trust your gut.

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All photos via Bring to Light Photography

 

I love a good high-low collaboration, and right now Jonathan Adler and Conran have just that — two new collections at JC Penney. What’s interesting is how perfectly the two collections work with each other! I pulled together a few of my favorite items below, that couch is a major deal, and I’m eyeing the knit pillow and greek key tumblers (just $6!). What do you think? Time to redecorate?
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Clockwise from top left: Nightstand, Greek Key Mug, Pillow, Bookends, Lamp, Pitcher, Tumblers, Pom Pom Pillow, Couch

Where some people stray away from experimenting with color, I fall on the other end of the spectrum. For me, working with whites and neutrals in my home is a challenge! Yet I love the calming, simple aesthetic that comes from an all-white space. Do you have a serene, neutral room at your house?

For more decorating with white inspiration, check out my houzz post here.

Sources: Chair, Floor Lamp, Cake Stand, Table Lamps, Bookshelf, Pouf, Couch, Pillow, Throw, Clock

I’m over on Houzz today posting about 20 ways to get the coastal look without the kitsch; click over and check out a few of my ideas for creating a beach house style of your own!

I was flipping through Jonathan Adler on Happy Chic Colors, which I got for my birthday, and fell in love with this dining area. I’m a big fan of the metallic shelves and orb light fixtures, plus a splash of citron gets me every time. It’s a really great book with tons of interior inspiration.

Snag a copy of the book here.

This weekend, Boston realtor Ricardo Rodriguez presented the Urban Showhouse — an open house fundraiser benefiting the Pine Street Inn, with rooms decorated by various interior designers including Jonathan Adler, Andrew Terrat & Dee Elms, Dennis Duffy, and Lisa Kreiling. I had the pleasure of sneaking a peak with my friend Taz after a lovely Sunday morning afternoon brunch and a few champagne cocktails.

Per usual, everything in Jonathan Adler’s family room was quirky, fun, and effortlessly stylish. I was lusting after these matching chairs:

Lisa Krieling designed the swanky office space, and officially convinced me that a West Elm parsons desk is in my future.

And my favorite space was the second bedroom, also designed by Lisa Krieling. I stood in the center of the room and spun around pointing at things, saying “Want. Want. Want.” The end tables looks like a smaller version of Jenna Lyons’ desk.
And I’m obsessed with the green bench and the rug — the colors are gorgeous! I would have bought it right off the floor if I had the option (especially with those few glasses of champagne in my system).

Did I mention the house is for sale? A mere 2 mill and this pad could be yours! Check out more pictures at the listing here.

Things I’m currently very excited about:

I found a new (old) couch on craigslist. It popped up on Apartment Therapy’s scavenger, which I sometimes browse because they take out some of the hassle of thumbing through thousands of uglies before you find your gem.

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The couch is an older version of Crate and Barrel’s Cameron sofa and I’m just elated to finally have a grown-up couch to replace my junky old college one! Plus, I bargained and talked the owner down to half the original asking price! Mom would be proud.

Cameron Sofa

And in other exciting news, I heard a rumor that Jonathan Adler is taking on Boston and opening a Newbury Street shop. Sure enough, a little googling revealed they’re currently hiring store managers and a visual confirmation was found on Diary of a Yummy Mummy. adler coming to boston

Would it be unreasonable to leave my career and salary to be a shop girl at an Adler store? I think I would be the happiest girl in the world rolling around in faux zebra rugs and union jack embroidered pillows all day!

To top off my list of exciting things, my 2010 Ikea catalog finally came in the mail, and I’m oozing with happiness as I start the first of many many many reads.

 
 
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