It’s been far too long since our last window-shopping stroll. As some of you know, these mini excursions aren’t sponsored — we simply wander a store with a camera and capture anything that sparks inspiration. This post is a few months late, but now that the photos are uploaded and I’ve settled in to write, I’m giddy all over again. I visited my first Jonathan Adler store a few months ago while we were in DC for a signing, and I was completely smitten.
I tend to get unreasonably excited in places like this: smiling uncontrollably, cooing at everything, and generally looking like I’m about to hug the merchandise. Thankfully the staff were friendly and I wasn’t escorted out, so I count that as a success. Here’s what greeted me when I bounced my way through the door like a jubilant, decor-obsessed Tigger.
Such joyful colors. I adored every mug design—imagine a stack of these bright beauties on an open kitchen shelf. A few even sparked ideas for wall stenciling.
And the lighting—don’t get me started. These fixtures were show-stoppers.
They were breathtaking. I didn’t ask prices because I was pretending to be cool, but I’m guessing they don’t come cheap. Even so, the store was packed with free inspiration, which is exactly why I love Jonathan Adler’s aesthetic.
If you haven’t read his books, I highly recommend them. He’s real, funny, and inspiring. One quote from his latest book—100 Ways to Happy Chic Your Life—stuck with me so much I posted it on Instagram a while back.
Speaking of loving what you love, how adorable are those yellow-and-white ottomans? I may have petted them. Couldn’t help myself.
This pillow even made John laugh—always a win. A humorous pillow can bring a room to life (anyone else remember the Joan Crawford quote from Mommie Dearest?).
Imagine a child’s room centered around this needlepoint map pillow: soft blue walls, pops of the pillow’s brighter blue in accessories, and splashes of green and orange. Maybe add a glossy yellow rocker—too cute.
This chair felt like a happy cousin to our office chairs—inviting enough to park yourself in it all day. Years ago, when our decor was very neutral, I wouldn’t have described Jonathan Adler as my style. But after having Clara and moving into our current home, I’m drawn to cheerful, colorful pieces. It’s funny how taste evolves; I didn’t even realize how much until I found myself thinking “yes, yes, yes!” in his store.
My favorites were these faux zebra dishes in playful colors. I regret not buying the green one for my nightstand—it would have been perfect for holding earrings or a watch.
That needlepoint pillow was bursting with color—yellow, red, teal, navy, gray, black, and pink—yet still felt versatile. The paired pillows with colored piping were lovely; savvy DIYers could recreate that neon-piped look at home.
A gold-accented plate caught my eye too. It made me think of thrifted white plates given new life with metallic paint or gold leaf—a simple project to try.
More ottomans—if budget weren’t a factor, I’d grab them for Clara’s big-girl room. Even just as inspiration, the layered white, pink, and bold red ikat patterns were fantastic.
I also loved a teal-and-gold decorative egg on a side table. A cheap craft-store wooden egg sprayed gold, then masked with rubber bands and sprayed teal, could emulate that layered metallic look—an easy DIY trick.
The side table itself was a lacquered tray on an X base. If you find thrifted bases, adding a painted tray top could create a similar piece. We used a lacquered tray concept for a guest-room side table and it worked out great.
This cozy corner stole my heart—giant bird artwork and layered textures made it feel playful and polished.
Another bold bird print followed—because one is never enough. I genuinely loved these oversized feathered images and could easily imagine two of them in a space.
The bed display was dreamy: a tufted velvet headboard in a soft platinum tone paired with bright yellow poufs and colorful pillows to prevent the look from tipping too neutral.
I loved this retro wall with vintage-inspired wallpaper and a giant feathered wall hanging. The lacquered tray table makes another appearance here, styled with a sculptural vase.
And yes, there was a cheeky turtle figurine—perfect for injecting personality into a buffet or console. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles nostalgia aside, it would make a playful focal point.
The kids’ section was delightful, especially the playful wallpaper that would be perfect inside a nook or closet. The giraffe needlepoint pillow was so charming I may have hugged it while whispering, “this is the best day of my life.” I told you — I get excited.
Jonathan Adler, I adore you. Let’s be best friends and trade ceramic animals each holiday.
I hope you enjoyed this virtual window-shopping tour. It’s refreshing to wander a store that’s purely inspirational now and then — we often poke around Target, World Market, Ikea, thrift stores, and small independent shops, but there’s truth to the idea that “eye candy is everywhere.” What stores have you been ogling lately? Did anything spark a new project or update after spotting it in a shop, restaurant, or café?
PS: I did an interview with Jonathan Adler — if you’re curious, check out the post with the audio recording and transcript for more details.