Young House Love

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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. ajira says

    Yes! I agree completely with the word/vibe thing. I was trying to describe my style to someone when I was talking about things I want to do to my future house and I wound up using feeling words. The way I want people to feel about who I am and who my family is, what we’re about, where we’ve been and where we’re going. Home.

    Loved hearing how giddy you were and he was so gracious and sweet. Wonderful! Thank you!!

    Reply

  2. Richard says

    I watched the video you linked to. Great ideas, but I needed him to screech to a halt after the sentence “I got a job making pottery for Barney’s.” HOW????? HOW did you get that job? THERE’S the REAL mystery of it all. I think after that, you find yourself with a few more options.
    Of course, I’m sure that answer is a whole lecture in itself, or a simple “my mom knew a guy.” I love what he does and the energy he brings to things. You were so great with him, Sherry. I think he was really pleasantly surprised how just HOW great!

    Reply

  3. Dana @ House*Tweaking says

    Oh Sherry, this was so fun! I was excited and nervous for you just reading and listening. He seems like such an inspiring yet down-to-earth person. That makes for a winning combo. He and you are adorbs.

    Reply

  4. Rishia says

    Sherry you, as ALWAYS by the way, knocked that interview out of the park..and your IDOL Mr ADLER so very clearly, sincerely, acknowledges this at the end of the interview! You were NOT too giggly …. you were YOU… and Adler was so thankful a REAL PERSON, one who does not try to be anything but the unique, creative, BRILLIANT, person they are ASKED SUCH GREAT QUESTIONS!
    I can imagine what he had to say about the interview afterwards …’ man that was a surprise! That Sherry is too cute and smart!Must keep tracking this chick as she will be someone to contend with in this designer world… Soooo glad she didn’t turn out to be a stamped out cookie cutter person.. she had me going! I had to really THINK!No embarrassing stupid a___ questions thank God. Wow …that was memorable, and THAT I did not expect!

    Please waste not one moment of doubting your own talent. Your instincts are generated from accumulated info in your big brain, that comes together and you SEE what other’s do not. You and John are so well matched,you balance each other so totally. Yet you each could/do stand on your own as individuals, and all of us benefit from this streaming talent pouring forth in your lives …spilling a bit onto this blog.

    Keep the Faith and hold that head HIGH as you skip, giggle and generally cavort through your day! In between a nap or two of course. Studies say the 90 minute nap ideal over the 20 min FYI. Scientific American I think… LOVE to ALL, Nanny Rishia

    Reply

  5. Kim says

    Aw, how fun!! I loved the new home question since I’m feeling a bit paralyzed in my new home… although I’m using the excuse of “we’re still in boxes” to hide my paralyzing fear of decorating/designing/remodeling and regretting it. Since we are “still in boxes”, I can hold off the the decorating/designing/remodeling a little longer… guess I need to take the leap soon, though! ;)

    Reply

  6. Lilly says

    This is SO COOL! Two of muh faves. I have been able to meet him a few times (he has a store in Dallas so I go psychoooo code red security watch when he is in town and does an appearance). When you’re talking to him it is like he is your best friend! I asked to take a picture once and he said, “Yes, let’s model.” Dead.

    You and John are actually the other couple to him and Simon where I pull so much inspiration as a family where both people in the marriage are intense and creative and fun and it makes the whole so much more beautiful. I have told my husband before “My goal is for someone to say we are the heterosexual Simon and Jonathan.” More is more! You do a great job of it, and I am so happy to get to listen to this!

    Reply

  7. RachelS says

    If I ever got the chance to meet with you Sherry, I would be in the exact same state. I am planning a trip to Richmond Virginia, and all i can think about is what should i bring to wear in case i see YHL walking around! And if asking for a photo would be creeptastic… Seriously love you guys!:)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      You’re hilarious. And I bet we’ll bump into you! Richmond is a small city. I’d wear a ceramic animal outfit… or maybe that’s too annoying to pack. Ha!

      xo
      s

  8. jeannette says

    as an old reporter, i congratulate you on confecting questions designed to display your subject’s wisdom and creativity, very nice.

    if you’ve never seen the BBC production of simon doonan’s “Beautiful People” i can’t recommend it more highly. it used to be on netflix or something but now the only place i can find it is amazon dvds. it’ll be good for clara, too, when she’s a little older. it’s wonderful. thank you for reminding me.

    Reply

  9. Camilla @ Something Is Done says

    That was awesome! I love that you were your bubbly happy self and he was SOOOO nice! It’s hard to think off the top of your head in an interview like that but he had such helpful, thoughtful answers! I especially loved the “three words” thing and “no one cares so just go for it” theme! It is so true!

    Reply

  10. ajira says

    And oh, hahaha, I just remembered… I ran into Angela Bassett at a local mall back home in South Africa once, goodness, more than ten years ago. She was just chilling, walking towards one of my fave bookstores. I was inside a store when I saw her walk past so I went out and followed her and then said hello. Well, actually, I asked her if she was Angela Bassett, lol, and it went downhill from there. I couldn’t think straight, it was ridiculous. And what’s worse is that as soon as I saw her (and finished my omgomgomgomgomgitsherisn’titomgitrealyis moment) I started talking myself down and reminding myself not to sound like a complete fawning idiot. I told her I loved her work, and found her acting inspiring. She asked me which one I loved most and my mind blanked. Couldn’t think of a single movie! Ugh! Oh, it was bad. Finally mentioned the Tina movie and mumbled about others… she was nice, seemed tired so I finally dragged myself away from her so she could vacay in peace. And then totally kicked myself for not inviting her home for dinner. (Like she would have accepted!)

    Reply

  11. Dana @ chocolateandsunshine.com says

    What a fun interview! Isn’t it exciting to participate in something like that with an idol. Mine, too, would be Sarah or Nate! Also, love Genevieve.

    I love that he loves brass as seeing it everywhere and looks great with so many things, especially gray.

    You two are a breath of fresh air. I just posted on Pinterest a photo of some of my favorite design books and yours is in there. So glad I bought it.

    Reply

  12. Megan says

    Brass, brass and more brass?!? Care to comment? We just bought at 1980s house with everything brass accents, and it looks so dated! I can’t imagine, but we’re working with some of the light fixtures, so I’d love to hear how to incorporate those into our un-80’s look.

    Also, with the new house, my husband and I totally came up with a vibe (modern eclectic farmhouse) and it’s been really helpful to work towards that vision. With every fixture we purchase or tile choice we make, we ask ourselves, “what would a farmhouse want?” then that helps lead us.

    Thanks, Sherry!

    Reply

  14. Jennie S says

    I loved the interview. My bestie and I came to meet you in Charlotte NC on your book tour and it was all we could do to keep it together and not act like crazy stalker fans. We use the term “going grouppie”. Right now my three words are: designed by toddler, hopefully that will change for us soon.

    Reply

  15. Hailey says

    Too cute!!!

    In high school I wrote and photographed for our school paper. The movie “she’s the man” came out my senior year and my editor sent me to a “press junket” about the movie. To everyone’s surprise this junket turned out to be me and 2 other high school reporters in a hotel suite with Channing Tatum and Amanda Bynes.

    I’m not a super fan of either of them (I mean, yeah, Channing is a hunk) but it was by far my most star struck moment and a great memory to look back on.

    Reply

  16. AnaMaria says

    Awesome Sherry!
    This interview was so “real” and this goes to show that Jonathan is such a great guy and I think your questions were just perfect.
    Love his advice on how to decorate your first home or space when you don’t know where to start.
    This had me thinking on what my home means to me and it has inspired me to work on the “feeling” and the intangible things that my home is and can be. Like people say, “home is where the heart is”. :)

    Reply

  17. Alena H says

    Hello! I loved the interview with Jonathan! I’ve been following you for a while now and after linking to you from Little Green Notebook, I’ve found that you have quickly become my favorite blog. I kind of obsessively check you guys, it’s a bit sad. You are amazing at keeping up with new, fresh content and I’m really impressed by your stamina, especially with a new baby on the way (congrats!) Gush! That being said, I was wondering, since you’re the best home-design bloggers I’ve seen so far, whose blogs do you read? Who inspires you?

    My home in three words: tufted, gilded, rustic

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks Alena, you’re so sweet! We have a blogroll tab on our sidebar (down near the searchbar, but a few tabs over) so if you click that you can see a bunch of blogs I love and read everyday!

      xo
      s

  19. jill says

    Fabulous! And yes, I know exactly how you felt because I was so excited to meet YOU guys on your book tour, I was a crying, babbling dork! (Not that you’re a babbling dork. You held it together quite nicely and it’s clear JA adored you.)

    Reply

  20. Whitney says

    Aw Sherry, you are so adorable! That was a great interview. I too love the three word thing. I’m still trying to figure out what I want my home to say. After working long days all week that definitely put me a better mood! :)

    Reply

  22. Tanya says

    Love JA and this interview. What an incredible opportunity, you did a fantastic job!

    My three words for my home (and life) are: classic, happy, and loved.

    Xx

    Reply

  23. Sarah C says

    Yes! I had a a similar experience. But sadly, mine did not result in a phone conversation. :( But I will ALWAYS have the voicemail. I will TRY to be brief :)My brain totally has a crush on Ira Glass. I love him. So much. In a tale that is too long to tell, I ended up helping This American Life with a story that they were doing on a high school friend. (I helped find a student teacher.) Low and behold, one night after getting out of the shower I saw I had a missed call and a VM from a 212 number. I about LOST MY MIND when I listened to the VM and it started out, “Hi, Sarah this is Ira Glass…” HYPER. VENTILATING. He wanted to “fact check a few things with me. I died. By the time I calmed my racing heart and called back it was late and he didn’t pick up. The next day, someone ELSE called me back! :( BOO! At the end of the conversation, she booked me for an interview (!!!) but then they canceled. Double boo!:( In the end, I DID get a “Special Thanks” at the end of the show – which made me dance spasmodically around the house. (If you like NPR or This American Life, check out the episode – it’s seriously one of their best. Seriously. It’s called – “How I Got into College”)

    Reply

  24. Kelsey says

    I just want you to know how much I appreciate the transcript of your call! I’m in my masters program for mental health counseling and I have to transcribe my sessions with clients! So miserable! Great job with an annoyingly long process!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I was so nervous because they said I had 15 mins with him but around 12 mins I was done…. so I just was like “ok, that’s all I have for you!” – haha!

      xo
      s

  27. Anika says

    Sherry this was fantastic – thank goodness John talked you into it! I’ve loved “J-Ad” for awhile now but it’s always so different to hear someone talking, it just gives them such a personal and ‘human’ edge. I loved all the questions you asked and definitely think it made for a unique and interesting interview. Thank you so much for sharing this experience with us all – I loved hearing what you both had to say!

    Reply

  28. Susan says

    You did amazing! No squeaky voice moments! Perfectly paced. An appropriate amount of adoration, without getting weird. Lol. Your questions were also great. :)

    Reply

  30. Josh R says

    How awesome was that phone call! Wow.. Now I’m in love with him! lol… Thanks for sharing.. Great questions and awesome answers.. You Chakra Tingler! lol

    Reply

    • JoeyfromSC says

      OH & to answer your question, 2 things come to mind about being on the phone with someone & getting tongue tied.

      One was a radio interview in high school since I was vice president of the Student Council ha..I for some reason, got SO nervous & kept mumbling lol

      Also, the other time was when Ross Mathews(Do y’all watch his show on “E” called “Hello Ross”?) and I talked on the phone the 1st time ha..I got nervous, but he is so down to Earth, he put me at ease! I used to be the president of his fan club lol:) He’s a great person and now I just laugh thinking back on it!

    • JoeyfromSC says

      Sorry, one more lol

      Not telephone call related, but when I met ELLEN DEGENERES here in Hollywood, I got so tongue tied ha..you always think ahead of time, things you want to say when you meet someone you love, but somehow, with limited time and being star-struck, it never comes out the way you had imagined it lol:)

      I can’t get over how calm you were! You didn’t seem nervous at all!!

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh my gosh I would be a MESS if I ever met Ellen. Like I might say “my dining chairs are kind of like yours except yours are much nicer how’s Portia I think you have pretty eyes bye!”

      xo
      s

  34. Claire says

    I was totally this way when the guys from Ask This Old House came to help us with our plumbing in the basement. I stayed up way too late the night before trying to figure out which sweater to wear (green? blue to match my eyes? black to make me skinny?) and was so excited I ran around our house three times before I was told to calllllmmmm downnnn.

    When Richard Trethewey walked into my house and started joking with me about plumbing, I seriously thought I was going to die of emotion-overload. The TOH crew were my idols growing up and NOW THEY WERE IN MY HOUSE.

    I am 100% sure that when our episode actually airs on television, I will look like a complete starstruck fool, but who cares: it was a highlight of my life. :)

    {P.S. my three words goal: functional, colorful, bright}

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, I love this! Just picture me falling on my face on the sofa while pulling out my back with the Oprah crew in the next room. Also, the internal sweater debate the night before is such a thing. It happens to me too! Then I say “ahh, I’ll just do my blazer with big earrings again” and it looks like I only own one outfit. Haha!

      xo
      s

  35. Michelle says

    Hey guys! Long-time reader and first-time commenter from Australia!

    That was such a cool interview – you sounded really excited but also relaxed, if you know what I mean?

    Love what Jonathan said about living life in a bold, memorable way – YOLO, right?

    Also LOL at you including the duck-sized horses and horse-sized duck question – totally whimsical and hey, WHO ELSE has ever asked him something like that, huh?

    Reply

  37. Nicole says

    Ahh! I am in LOVE with J-Ad! He came to his Portland, OR store for a book signing and I went to see him. I was nervous just like you and I managed to say something about loving him and how authentic he is. He chuckled and said that I was adorable. I died. Just died.
    P.S. I just started following you guys (I know, where have I been?) so impressed with your blog and YOU! Thank you for doing what you do!

    Reply

  38. Gabi says

    That was so fun! I decided to write my three design words down, awesome idea, Mr. Adler!!! Mine are Comforting, Escaping, Nostalgic. I want my home to revive the residents’ and visitors’ spirits, transport us to far away places, and have touches that remind us times long gone. It’s awesome to get those feelings out. Now, when I look at something I would like in my home, I can ask myself if it fits with any of my words. A great way to not keep things around that I don’t truly love!
    Ok, I’m not trying to kiss up here, but during the book tour, when I met you guys, I was so nervous! I actually didn’t say anything stupid when I met you! I just turned red and giggled a bit. Maybe. Ok, a lot. It’s just so nerve racking talking to people in person who you’ve only met electronically! I’m so glad that everyone does that. Maybe Jonathon has someone he would be nervous talking to, too :).

    Reply

  39. Sherri says

    What I enjoyed about the interview was that you made him think. There was a good dynamic between the two of you, and by being yourself, he couldn’t help but like you. You are so refreshing, who could resist?! I checked back on the post where you were in the J-Ad store and couldn’t help but think that you subconsciously checked off a wish on your bucket list(your admiration for him was so strong.) I also was wondering when you purchased the zebra dish. In the post, you regretted not buying it. My three words for our home are: peaceful, stylish, and organized. I have always gone for a peaceful vibe with ambient lighting, etc., so I thought that there was a lot of wisdom in that concept.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yes, I totally regretted not getting it and during another road trip we passed a store and I got it! The funny thing is another girl at a signing bought me one too since she read that I regretted leaving without it at that first store, so I actually have two! So sweet of her!

      xo
      s

  40. Erin says

    I was really, really impressed with your interview. I was not expecting something so professional (not bc you are not awesome, but bc you are not a professional journalist). Thank you–it was such a fun treat while I cleaned the kitchen!

    My three words… I am the person you just described; moved into our first home and I’m a bit overwhelmed (and without much of a budget while we work on our backyard). I’ll have to come up with three words, but if I could ramble on, I’d say clean and uncluttered, comfortable/warm/welcoming/inviting, posh, cohesive (which I guess would happen if I purchased things that went with only three words) and interesting. So I guess I could edit to 4 words: clean, posh, warm, and interesting.

    Reply

  43. Sabrina says

    Thanks for writing out the transcript! I’ve tried the three words idea before, and usually come up with something like comfortable, cool, and unique.

    Reply

  45. Joan Klein says

    My friend just bought a fixer upper and was all stressed about where to start in the decorating/rehab decision making. I passed on the 3 word description idea and it really helped her define what she wants for her new home. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  46. Jill says

    Sherry, You asked really unique and thought-provoking questions. Great interview. You were adorable, and most importantly, genuine. Thanks for sharing it. I loved listening to it.

    Reply

  47. Jackie says

    Totally ja-dorable! I am not sure who was cuter…you or Jonathan. He is one of my design heroes, too.

    I am currently teaching an e-course called Define Your Style, leading students through creating a style definition for their home. My process is almost exactly what Jonathan said about choosing a three-word brand identity for your home. This interview was so validating… to hear a big designer that doesn’t believe you should start with the perfect rug or art. Totally love his approach.

    Thank you so much for sharing the recording!!

    Reply

  48. Lauren L says

    I haven’t even finished reading this post but had to comment as soon as I finished listening to the interview. You did such a GREAT JOB!!! I think I was smiling the whole time. The questions were awesome, the interview had a really good pace (I like the fast pace so I didn’t think you talked too fast at all) and I loved the questions. Congratulations on a successful interview! And Mr. Adler was absolutely delightful. What a class act.

    Reply

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