Jonathan Adler’s mind moves fast. In the dozen or so minutes that he and I chatted, we covered reality TV, Justin Bieber, the British vs. U.S. educational systems, the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival and Twitter. It was a brief conversation, granted, but one that made me laugh, ponder, and rethink more than a few previously held notions. I was thoroughly charmed.
JA swept through Kohler-land a couple of weeks ago and delighted pretty much everyone he met, from front-desk folk to VPs to yours truly. I was lucky enough to meet him at a party to celebrate the new room he created for the Kohler Design Center. And now I’m even more of a fan than ever.
Adler’s room is a stunner. Inspired by the art direction in Stanley Kubrick’s film 2001, A Space Odyssey, the bright-white, gold-accented bathroom is called “Barococo Futurism,” a sly nod to its ingenious blend of modern geometric shapes and French neo-classical detailing. A luminous, up-lit floor cements the sci-fi theme.
This brilliant collaboration highlights Kohler products from the clean, contemporary Rêve suite—a one-piece, water-saving toilet and two distinctive sink styles—plus an expansive bath and gleaming, glass-encased shower.
Adler’s own inspired touches include moss-green velvet draperies, ‘70s-elegant modern gold lighting, and whimsical accessories like a gold banana and giant-head vase sprouting ostrich plumes.
Luminous and otherworldly yet surprisingly functional, this is one room that refuses to take itself too seriously. As his legions of fans can attest, that’s a hallmark of Adler’s design philosophy. Call it design with a smile or “irreverent luxury,” as Adler does in his manifesto. It’s an idea that dovetails with his number-one piece of advice: Your home should make you happy.
Chief Operating Officer & President David Kohler (left) steps inside Jonathan Adler’s sleek new room at the Kohler Design Center.
6 Comments
Hi Jo:
OMGoodness! This is simply breath taking! Jonathon Adler is a genius! Would Kohler consider ‘gifting’ me with this? Just askin’ – lol!
Thank you so much for sharing. I have adored Johnathan for the last decade and am so impressed with design prowess. HIs sene of joy of life is self evident along with a well balanced identity in whimsy and functionality.
I am loking forward to my next visit to the Kholer showroom to see this beauty for myself.
Best Talea
I love Jonathon Adler and his design is amazing! I will bring visitors to the design center!
Wouldn’t like to clean it, however ;- ))
I know, I know. That’s not really the point, is it? Lovely design, we really like the way it mirrors very sharp contemporary lines with the more rococco flourishes.
Athena, Talea, Jude, MBF — thanks for the kind words! His room is simply breathtaking–if you’re ever in Kohler, swing by the Design Center to see it in person.
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