I think a lot of his designs are spot on. But his new Claude Modular bench is just wrong, in my humble opinion. The idea is that you start with the base and add things to create your own special whatever. I’m okay with the drawers, which you can add on to create a double dresser. The bench version is out of proportion and looks like it’s going to tip over. It also looks like something from IKEA, and at $1,045, I say skip it.

How about you – pass or fail?

I use scented candles because I can turn them off. As long as they’re in a small space like a powder room, the scent is enclosed. And diffusers are looking rather smart these days. I like this style from Jonathan Adler. ($68.00).

Let’s have a show of hands. Diffusers: bliss or blech.

These enamel accessories are (try this with your jaws clenched and a pseudo British accent) sooo the bomb, dahling. Where are the cocktails? To shop these can’t lose accessories, go to Jonathan’s shop righ here.

Lighting, & Accessories

a

To complete the look in a way that makes this room your own, I suggest checking estate and yard sales, which are just getting underway at this time of year. But we’re clicking today. Tomorrow we’ll be sewing the fabric I found for the sofa pillow. :-)

• Alessi-like Stockholm Bowl ($39.99) from IKEA
• Basisk Floor Lamp ($29.99) also from IKEA. Their lighting is weak, but I got lucky.
• Chocolate Pearl Ribbon Pillow ($130) from Hable Construction. If you can sew, you’ll save. Worth learning!
• Synops Sculpture ($19.99) IKEA – again! Actually, you get 2 sculptures for one low price. Yay!
• Waverly Garden fabric ($15.30) from Online Fabric Store

Art & Accessories

a

Ick, I don’t like the art in the original. I chose my own. The one designer element is the Jonathan Adler pillow. It’s a splurge, but we deserve it.

• Hibiscus Print, ($116.58) matted and framed from The Fulcrum Gallery
• Jonathan Adler Palm Beach Pillow ($110) from his site.
• Tall Sphere Vase ($29.99) at West Elm
• Rubix Table Lamp ($299) from Mitchell+Gold

That’s it. Done. Phew! Now all you have to do is get out your paint brush, your sewing machine, and your wallet! I’ve done all the work.

Two questions. Should I do another room? and… What element do you think is the biggest waste of money?

I like many of Adler’s things, but I’m having a hard time picturing these looking good in a room. The first thing that comes to mind are these rugs, after a few years, keeping company with other cast-offs in a frat house.

Where do you see these? In a funky bedroom? As a wallhanging? What’s your vision?

Second, the color is neutral. It will fit into a contemporary or traditional setting and be styled to match the surrounding elements with toss pillows or a throw. Third, the price is realistic. It retails for $2,950. That’s not bad for a sofa with a designer name associated with it.

The only downside is that it doesn’t look like it’s a high quality product. I don’t know who manufactures for Adler, but some of his other sofas look a little lumpy. It’s one of those things you have to see in person.

But it begs the eternal question, should you save up for a more expensive version that you’ll own forever? Or do you save the money and risk tossing this out after several years?

This beauty reminds me of the Eiffel Tower. It’s called Lightweight by Tom Dixon.
From Hive Modern for $4,999.

From Flos, The Zeppelin is available at Hive Modern for $2,760

Kind of like Add-A-Bead, make you own chandelier by David Weeks Available through Ralph Pucci

The Magdelena from Terzani

One of the first contemporary light fixtures, PH Artichoke From Y Lighting. $6,500

L’Eclat Joyeux by Ingo Maurer

The Meurice: from Jonothan Adler.
It comes in polished nickel or antique brass – $625.

Birds, Birds, Birds by Ingo Maurer

Handmade Glass Chandelier from Grey Design Studio. $4,500