It’s been far too long since our last window-shopping adventure. These outings aren’t sponsored or anything — we simply wander through a store with a camera and photograph what inspires us. This post is a little overdue, but now that I’ve uploaded the photos and sat down to write, I’m excited all over again. A few months back I finally visited my first Jonathan Adler store while we were in DC for a signing, and I was completely smitten.
I’ll admit I’m not always graceful in shops I love: I get giddy, grinny, and probably look one step away from hugging everything on display. The staff were lovely and nobody escorted me out, so I counted that as a win. Here’s what greeted me when I casually sauntered in bounced my way through the space like a non-tiger version of Tigger.
Bright color palettes were everywhere. I adored the mug designs—imagine a stack of those on an open kitchen shelf. Several would even inspire wall-stencil ideas or DIY projects. The mix of playful patterns and bold hues made every corner feel like a miniature mood board for a happy home.
The lighting selections were standouts. I tried not to stare, but the fixtures were show-stopping: sculptural, glamorous, and the kind of pieces that turn a room into an event. I didn’t ask about prices (I wanted to pretend I was cool), but they looked worth every penny. More importantly, they were packed with inspiration—free and abundant.
If you haven’t read Jonathan Adler’s books, I recommend them. He’s witty, candid, and full of practical cheer. A quote from his recent book, 100 Ways To Happy Chic Your Life, had me snapping an Instagram photo months ago. His tone and aesthetic are great reminders to embrace what makes you happy.
Two yellow-and-white ottomans caught my eye and, yes, I petted them. They felt like tiny bursts of joy you could tuck into a living room or bedroom. A comical needlepoint pillow even made John laugh; witty pillows are the best kind of decor—they add personality and start conversations.
One needlepoint map pillow made me imagine an entire child’s room built around its colors. I pictured soft blue walls with accents of brighter blue from the pillow, plus pops of green and orange and perhaps a glossy yellow rocker for contrast. The kid-friendly possibilities were endless and cheerful.
A lovely chair, a relative of the office chairs we own, practically invited you to sit. I used to prefer neutral spaces—our early decorating phase proves that—but since Clara arrived and we moved into our current home, I’m much more open to bright, upbeat decor. Jonathan’s aesthetic has quietly wormed its way into my heart; I found myself thinking “yes!” at displays where I once would have felt uneasy.
My favorite tabletop items were small faux-zebra dishes in several colors. I regretted not buying the green one for my nightstand—it would be perfect for holding earrings or a watch. Another richly colored needlepoint pillow showcased a wide palette yet still felt versatile enough to layer into many rooms. Paired pillows with colored piping offered a simple DIY inspiration for anyone inclined to sew or customize cushions.
A plate with a gold rim and playful pattern made me want to try a thrift-store makeover using metallic paint or gold leaf. Little creative projects like that are so satisfying: scavenging old dishes, adding a gilded edge, and giving them a fresh, modern life.
Several ottomans in white, pink, and bold red arranged in ikat-like patterns were aspirational for a future big-girl room for Clara. I’ll file those away as inspiration even if they’re not in the budget now. Small details—the teal-and-gold wooden egg, for example—spark DIY ideas: buy craft-store wooden eggs, spray them gold, add rubber-band masks, then spray teal to reveal metallic stripes when you remove the bands.
One side table was essentially a white lacquer tray atop an X-base. That’s the kind of remake you can replicate: repurpose an old base, add a lacquered tray, and you’ve got a chic occasional table. We made a similar tray-side table for our guest room using simple materials and a bit of creativity.
A corner display featured bold bird art on the wall. Large bird prints seemed entirely appropriate—two of them would be even better, I thought without any sarcasm. Nearby, a tufted velvet headboard in a platinum tone was styled with yellow poufs and colorful pillows to keep the palette lively rather than neutral.
The shop’s retro wall with vintage-inspired wallpaper and a feathered wall hanging felt playful and textural. The lacquered tray appears again on a styled table, this time topped with a chesty vase for added drama. Even whimsical pieces—like a decorative turtle that reminded me of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—could be the kind of quirky hero piece that adds character to a console or buffet.
The kids’ section was delightful. Fun wallpaper, possibly available in pink, would be great inside a nook or closet. A needlepoint giraffe pillow prompted an actual hug and a small, gleeful whisper of “this is the best day of my life.” Yes, I get that excited by design.
In short: Jonathan Adler’s store is an endless source of joyful inspiration. I’m glad we ducked in for a purely inspirational browse—eye candy really is everywhere, from big-name shops to thrift stores, Target, and independent boutiques. Which stores have you been admiring lately, and did they spark any new projects or updates for your home?
PS: I also did an interview with Jonathan Adler — check out the details and the audio recording if you’re curious to hear him speak in his own voice, or read a transcript for the full conversation.