Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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My Chat With Jonathan Adler

Anyone who knows me knows that I love Nate Berkus and Jonathan Adler more than anyone else in the design world (although I have sizable girl-crushes on Sarah Richardson and Candice Olsen) so when I got an email asking if I wanted to hop on a phone interview with J-Ad (as I like to call him in my head since we’re besties) well, I momentarily lost my mind.

I debated saying no (I’ll definitely get awkward and squeal-y and make him think I’m nuts) but after chatting about it with John, he convinced me that a 15 minute call with Jonathan Adler might end up on my highlights reel of this whole blogging “career” when we look back on this crazy ride of ours. Hubs was right, I had to do it. Clamminess and too-loud-laughs be darned.

So I emailed back a response that I hope came off cool and collected (as opposed to hyper and maniacal) and was given a Friday at noon time-slot for my call. I hardly slept on Thursday night thanks to getting all of my questions ready and second guessing myself a million times, and I even asked you guys for question ideas on Facebook. Then fifteen minutes before my time-slot for the call on Friday I got an email asking if Monday would work instead. Ahhhh! Half of me was relieved to put it off for another few days, and half of me immediately went into a bigger tizzy (the anticipation of more days of planning/waiting/second guessing every question sufficiently loosened more marbles). 

And then I heard his voice. And all was right with the world. Turns out I still was too giggly, talked way too fast, and generally just couldn’t help myself (as interviews go, I’m sure I was far from the smoothest or the most professional) but he was so nice. And I didn’t know this was possible going into the call, but when I hung up the phone, I loved him more. I couldn’t stop talking about it with John, and I’m SO GLAD I did it. It was definitely highlight reel material.

I’m terrible at taking notes while talking, so I recorded the interview on my phone (after asking J-Ad’s permission of course) and as laughy and loud as I am, I thought you might like to hear it all go down in real life, so here’s the clip. Update: Click here to be taken directly to the sound clip if it’s not showing up below.

Is he awesome or what? You guys. My design idol said I got his CHAKRAS TINGLING. I’m floating on air. And we exchanged I love yous. Hello? Is this real life? My favorite discussion was the whole “just start with the vibe – not the walls or the curtains – and define how you want your house to feel in three words and use those as your guide. SO SMART.

My only regret is that I didn’t make John snap a picture of me while I was on the phone. But this is pretty much what it looked like:

 

So I hope you enjoyed that little brain-picking session with one of my favorite designers ever. Have you ever met or phoned someone up that you’re crazy about while half worrying you’d put your foot in your mouth (or just start babbling incoherently)? I’m telling you, it can be pretty amazing, even if your heart’s beating out of your chest the whole time.

Psst – For anyone who can’t listen to it right now, or would prefer to just read the interview, here’s a general recap for ya (there’s a little more banter in the recording, it was just tough to write every line out since we overlapped sometimes, etc).

Comments

  1. Nancy says

    Well done, Sherry! I thought that was a marvelous interview. It was balanced and entertaining and thought-provoking. I’m going to brainstorm with my husband about our three words. Thanks!!

    Reply

  2. Lucy says

    I love this! I just raided his store on Monday and bought three ceramic animals. He does ceramic animal like no other…

    Reply

  3. Sara R says

    I’m glad you didn’t back out on an opportunity that meant a lot to you. In grad school, I had the opportunity to interview my oboe teacher’s famous teacher, John Mack. It was suppose to be under the guise of a school assignment when in reality it would be the basis for program notes at a surprise concert in honor of his upcoming 80th birthday. Unfortunately, I was too intimidated by his fame in the music world ( and by the fact I bombed my audition to grad school with him) and never made the appointment to interview him. A couple of months later, he died of a brain tumor. I learned my lesson to say yes when opportunities present themselves and figure out a way to make it happen.

    Reply

  4. Lauren K says

    Sherry, this interview mad me so happy! I love JA, Candice and Sara too, she says while pretending to be on a first name basis with them :)
    I think I would pick classic, modern and love. I know that classic and modern might seem like they don’t go together, but I’m all about breaking the “rules” too. I guess that I really mean a timeless look with clean lines. Love because I want to fill our home with the things we love (even if they stray from the first 2 words. Hello teal dining chairs!) and our love for each other. Oh man that sounds cheesy out loud :)

    Reply

  5. Geertrude says

    Had to read the transcript, since my husband is working (and having phone calls) next to me, but I’m looking forward to actually listen to you both talk. I loved this interview, both your questions and his answers.
    I’ve been on both sides of the notebook (worked for a newspaper and have been interviewed about my books) and I know how hard it is to ask good questions, but also to answer them. My interviews as a reporter often ended up being really nice long chats and lots of scribblings in my notebook that took me hours condense into a 400 word article. I guess I can be chatty – like in my comments lately ;-)
    Three words for my home? I guess the one word for me would be “home”. And that would crystallize into: peace, rest, happy. Oh! That is what my home looks like. Lots of woods and natural tones, combined with some happy colors.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I love the three words you guys are coming up with! It’s amazing to me how different they all are but how amazing they all sound! I want to live in all of your houses.

      xo
      s

  6. heather says

    For some reason the player didn’t show up for me, but I will say this – I had never seen the Shy Ronnie clip and I just laughed. That laugh was much needed. So so so good. I’m also super thrilled you got to talk with one of your design hero’s! How exciting :)

    Reply

  7. Annie says

    AAAAHHHH!!!
    SO Awesome!!!

    That was a great interview! I love the “Start with a vibe…” Such great advice because it’s all about how your home feels. You two were great together! So down to earth.

    Seriously, I think what Simon said is so true. Like you’ll listen to that and pick yourself apart, but we’ll just glean all the cool information and smart, warm vibe. No?

    AND you have so much street cred because YOU ALREADY INTERVIEWED EMINEM! (Sorry to scream…too much coffee)

    Did you and John come up with your three words?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks Annie! We’re still percolating on our three words. I think we like happy and casual a lot, but maybe something like layered as the third one? A room that’s layered with memories and different textures and all that stuff is so good, ya know?

      xo
      s

  8. Karyn says

    When I went to Jen Lancaster’s book signing and met her. I gave her a necklace wrapped up and told her not to open it while I was standing there. Pretty sure I looked like a weird, sweaty stalker. I am convinced that’s why she hasn’t come back to Richmond for a signing;)

    Reply

  9. Julia @ Cuckoo4Design says

    OMG, OMG, OMG no you are not his biggest fan…I am lol! Love him so much.
    When he was on Oprah and he told the story that his teacher told him he wasn’t going to go anywhere with his pottery and I soooo adore his pottery.
    I almost died when I saw his JCP line.
    LOL to coming back as a basketball player ;)
    And you are the cutest interviewer ever!
    Bring it DUCK!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yes, that story about his teacher is amazing! I linked to it in the transcript of our chat (it’s that “don’t give an eff” thing I referenced in that one question, which sounds really callous, but his point is amazing and wonderful and encouraging to all of mankind I think, haha!).

      xo
      s

  10. MC says

    I think you sounded great Sherry! Not too giggly or anything – perfect interview! Loved the questions, loved him. Good job!

    Reply

  11. Sena dees says

    HE’S SO NICE!!! I love him. More. How adorable is he? He doesn’t like to hate and his favorite pattern is the one that reminds him of his hubs!! And liberty floral? Also my favorite!! I’m so excited you got to talk to him and share it with us!

    Reply

  12. Heather says

    OH goodness. The player showed up and I was in SHOCK when you asked his favorite word. It was until he repeated it the last time that I realized he was saying “brass” not “breast”. Or wait…now…I hope that’s what he was saying?

    Reply

  16. Soulmaz says

    You just ROCk, I honestly believe you are a HUGE part of why this blog is so popular (no offence to John) :) and hope to have enough courage and will power to continue with my blog!!

    I couldn’t help it but I had a big ear to ear smile while listening to your interview, you are so down to eart and kind, I’m sure you have been told a 1000 times, “this blog is my morning go to place”. I anxiously wait for your daily 10:00 o’clock post (here in Toronto) meanwhile keep up the good work.

    Reply

  17. Julie L. says

    Seriously great job, Sherry! You are too hard on yourself… as we all are. As a journalism major, I can say you conducted an excellent interview. You asked unique, thought-provoking questions that required more than a one word answer (except, of course the intentional rapid-fire ones!) You didn’t talk too fast at all or talk over him. To have him compliment your questions must have sent you to the moon! Congrats!

    Reply

  18. Adrienne says

    ahhh you guys are so cute I just want to eat you up! What a great, insightful and just happy conversation between two inspiring people. Loved it, good way to start a Friday.

    Reply

  19. Jess says

    Sherry, you were so cool, calm, and collected!!! (Even if you weren’t in real life, you totally sounded like it on the phone.) And you did not seem fan-girlish or crazy or anything other than awesome! That was SO fun to listen to! Great questions & I’m sure you’re still pinching yourself today :)

    Reply

  20. Kristen says

    I don’t own my own home yet, but I can’t wait to! Someday, my house will be “modern, homey, bright!” – Imagine white & yellow, ceramic and glass accents, and fun patterns in the living room; dark wood floors with white cabinets and subway tile backsplash in the kitchen… One day, you will be mine, house! Ahh, a girl can dream ;)

    Reply

  21. Carmen says

    Yay! So cute! I love that you got to do that!

    I also love how considerate you guys are for linking up to the previous speech J. Alder did – and that you mentioned that was some cursing. So thoughtful for little ears and anyone who likes a warning about that. You guys are the best!

    Reply

  22. Shelise says

    The clip of what you would have looked like if John had snapped a pic of you had me laughing out loud for at least five minutes. Hilarious.

    Reply

  23. Lulu says

    Hahahahaaa!!! That’s AWESOME!! Sherry you are SO generous with your honesty. You are doing a great thing for women and families by being your lovely silly excited and caring self – we need more honesty in the world(except for the family planning stuff – that’s none of our damn business). It’s why we love you.

    Reply

  24. Jennie says

    Out of curiosity, what do you own that’s JA? I admit I had to look him up, and I’m seeing trays for $500 and (brass) place card holders for $98! Yikes!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yes, he’s fancy – so he’s mostly for inspiration, but I have all of his books and I have a little zebra dish of his, all of which were under $25 (you can see that here). I also love checking out his shop full of bigger and fancier things for the sheer excitement of their gorgeousness (some of them even inspired some DIY ideas, which I chatted about here).

      xo,
      s

  27. Rita C says

    This was great, Sherry! The SNL video and your comments about your laugh cracked me up. And yes, I actually got all star-gazed this past summer when Quentin Collins from my high school days’ ‘Dark Shadows’ (aka David Selby) came to our state’s sesquicentennial celebration (he’s a native West Virginian) and played Abraham Lincoln in local theater. My daughter works in Arts Admin, and she arranged my meeting him backstage. I was all star-struck and probably said a bunch of goofy things, and I got my photo taken with him. Pretty awesome. That same night I also met Larry Groce (executive producer of Mountain Stage, singer/songwriter of many children’s Disney albums, and now my daughter’s boss, for Pete’s sake!). I KNOW I totally said some stupid things to him, about how we used to play his Disney albums, etc., etc., embarrassing not only myself but my daughter as well.
    (Btw, you should check out his Disney music for yourselves and Clara and baby bean – bet you’d love it!)

    Reply

  29. Nico says

    Ok, I’ve totally never commented before. But I just felt that I had to say how awesome that interview was! I’m so glad you decided to put the clip up because reading it would not have been the same! That was adorable and seriously, you guys could totally be besties! Great questions, Sherry!!!

    Reply

  30. Patti says

    I loved your interview Sherry! Your questions were obviously very well thought out, I appreciate that and it seemed like he did too. I’m still thinking of my three words, it’s not so easy!

    Reply

  31. Carli says

    Imagine me doing the home alone, face in palms scream for you right now!!! This is SO amazing. What an incredible opportunity. Totally one of those instances you’ll look back on saying, remember when I chatted with Jonathan Adler that one time?? So fun!

    Reply

  32. Christine says

    You are a great interviewer! You don’t sound giggly- very calm and collected with just the right amount of excitement. :) Congrats! Loved listening!

    * welcoming * eccentric * serene * (I want more than 3 words!)

    Reply

  34. Angie says

    Aw, it sounds like he really liked talking with you. I love hearing from higher ups in my field. It’s so inspirational. I actually just emailed a writer who’s represented by the same agent as I am (but has 4 books published, while I’m still finger-crossing for my first book), and it was so inspiring to hear her thoughts on the industry and how she fits in her writing time.

    Reply

  35. Kerry says

    Oh man, I had no idea he and Simon were married before now! I feel like the design world has just been tied up in a neat little bow…how wonderful!

    my three words: bright, comfy, functional

    Reply

  36. Amanda T. says

    So awesome!

    Bring it DUCK! I’m laughing so hard right now! Hahahahaha!

    Ok, so my 3 things would be comfort, color, and memories. :)

    Reply

  37. Jackie says

    That was so cute! It sounded as if you two were the best of friends just chatting and enjoying each other’s company. My favorite part was JA saying how much he appreciated your questions. A+ Sherry!

    Reply

  39. Rotem says

    This was great! I also really loved the whole ;figure out what you want your home to say, than decorate’ discussion. Great advice!

    Also – TGIF drinking game: take a shot every time Sherry says ‘love it’ :) seems fitting with the name of the blog… Sherry you can do shots of juice

    Reply

  41. Eilene says

    Congratulations on talking to one of your favorite designers! Did you run down the street like a crazy person after you got off the phone?!

    I love what he said about decorating your home to fit the vibe you want it to be. That’s exactly how I planned my wedding, and it made the process so much more relaxing. I didn’t pick a color… I choose for it to be vintage, rustic, and romantic… and that’s exactly how it came out. (Style Me Pretty approved and all! #notbragging #justhappy). I’m one of those people that is currently so overwhelmed about decorating my home, but he made me remember what I wanted, and that I’m actually already on my way. Fabulous work, you two!!!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      So sorry Shana! It’s such a good speech! If you click over to the transcript I made (at the bottom of this post) I linked to it in that post for ya! Hope it helps!

      xo
      s

  45. Danielle says

    Its probably just my pregnancy hormones going crazy, but I teared up a little for you at the end of this! So excited for you to have such a great convo with your idol!

    Reply

  46. Clare says

    This makes me so happy for you and was a delight to listen to! You actually sounded pretty breezy, natural and super happy…and Jonathan Adler seems like a real delight!

    Reply

  47. Sarah says

    Ahhhhh I am so excited for you! That is so awesome. Why did they want you to interview him, just to get publicity out in the blog world? What an awesome opportunity!!

    Also love his 3 words advice. I’m getting my masters in interior design and in my hospitality studio class my professor made us come up with 3 concept words for our hypothetical hotel design that we can always come back to. It’s great advice that translates into lots of different creative pursuits!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      It was arranged through a PR company, so I asked “do I need to plug anything or link to anything in the post, because we don’t do that” (I thought they might be trying to promote a certain book or store or collection or something) and they said “Nope! Just chat with him about whatever you’d like and there are no images or links you’re required to use!” I was so grateful! I still don’t know what sort good deed I did to deserve it, but I’m so glad they emailed me!

      xo
      s

  48. Jane B. says

    Sherry, I cannot even imagine how ah-mazing and surreal that experience on the phone with Jonathan must have been. Totally awesome. You really rocked it!! What a blast to have recorded it so we ALL could join in the fun experience. You’re a sup-ah star, for sure!

    Reply

  50. Jenny says

    How exciting, Sherry! You had totally great questions. My three words would be comfortable, quirky, and open-yet-cozy (and yes, I cheated with the hyphenated two-word combo).

    I, too, adore Jonathan Adler – my husband and I even used a set of his salt and pepper shakers as our wedding cake topper last October: http://www.jonathanadler.com/elephant-salt-and-pepper/
    [The reason for the elephants? My husband closed on a fixer-upper 5 days before we met, and he showed me the house on our first date. At the time, I thought “Don’t get your hopes up” but as the months passed, I knew that one day the house would be “ours” and not just “his.” The blood, sweat, tears, and laughter we shared over the course of many home improvement projects became the foundation (no pun intended) of our relationship. And after accepting that we couldn’t rush the process of tiling, painting, caulking, flooring, and refurbishing this entire place, we affectionately started referring to it as our elephant (after the old joke about how to eat an elephant: one bite at a time). Ten months after that first date, he asked me to marry him, and ten months later, we made it official, complete with a set of elephants atop our cake!]

    Reply

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