London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Monday, Jun 30, 2025

How to display objects - Jonathan Adler's advice for getting it right

How to display objects - Jonathan Adler's advice for getting it right

Designer and Livingetc's guest editor Jonathan Adler explains how to display objects, embracing maximalism and making it work

To celebrate Jonathan Adler's guest editorship of Livingetc's June issue, in stores now, the designer gave us his exclusive advice for collecting and curating objets.

Find more of his thoughts, expertise, creative genius and wisdom in our June issue, which has just hit the news stands. From incredible houses chosen by him, to access to artists and designers from his little black book to his trademark wit and humor, the issue is one for lovers of contemporary, glamorous and smile-inducing design.

Read more about what to expect from Jonathan's guest editor issue here.

Minimalism is a bummer




It's perhaps no surprise that Jonathan Adler, who started his career as a potter and is known for his quirky objets, doesn't worry about having too much stuff.

"Minimalism is very safe. Tasteful, but it is not memorable," Jonathan says, explaining why his favourite modern interior design ideas always focus around plenty of things. "I think it’s a sign that you are slightly afraid of doing anything wrong and I think that’s a very boring way to live. To me, minimal is miserable and maximalist is merry. People might think that I’m very post-Marie Kondo but I absolutely love her concept that you should only surround yourself with things that spark joy. I just happen to have lots of things that spark happiness within my soul – and encourage you to find joy in, say, a lipstick-pink chair, just because."

Don’t forget negative space




When displaying objects, Jonathan thinks it's actually really important to think of the space around them, as much as the objects themselves.

"Think of your home as a series of islands with a little moat of clean, blank space around each one," Jonathan says. "Then decorate the hell out of those islands, be they shelves or plinths. I love plinths – fill your home with them – so unnecessary but so fabulous. Have lots of things that spark joy and conversation and – best of all – intrigue."

Add soul with craft


And when choosing what to display, Jonathan says you shouldn't be too worried about the price of an objet, but more about how it was put together, either by a maker or by yourself.

"My forever muse is our next-door neighbour, Mrs Goldstein, who decoupaged her kitchen with magazine covers. Her home was a mix of iconic design classics and homemade craft that felt chic and soulful," Jonathan says. "A banker can acquire all the trophies she wants, but for every bit of priceless art, you should have something that you actually poured your heart and soul into. It’s soulfulness you can’t buy…it comes from within."

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Robots Compete in Football Tournament in China Amid Injuries
Trump Administration Considers Withdrawal of Funding for Hospitals Providing Gender Treatment to Minors
Texas Enacts Law Allowing Gold and Silver Transactions
China Unveils Miniature Insect-Like Surveillance Drone
OpenAI Secures Multimillion-Dollar AI Contracts with Pentagon, India, and Grab
Marc Marquez Claims Victory at Dutch Grand Prix Amidst Family Misfortune
Germany Votes to Suspend Family Reunification for Asylum Seekers
Elon Musk Critiques Senate Budget Proposal Over Job Losses and Strategic Risks
Los Angeles Riots ended with Federal Investigations into Funding
Budapest Pride Parade Draws 200,000 Participants Amid Government Ban
Southern Europe Experiences Extreme Heat
Xiaomi's YU7 SUV Launch Garners Record Pre-Orders Amid Market Challenges
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Lavish Wedding in Venice
Russia Launches Largest Air Assault on Ukraine Since Invasion
Education Secretary Announces Overhaul of Complaints System Amid Rising Parental Grievances
Massive Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Belgrade
Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada Over Digital Services Tax
UK Government Softens Welfare Reform Plans Amid Labour Party Rebellion
Labour Faces Rebellion Over Disability Benefit Reforms Ahead of Key Vote
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Host Lavish Wedding in Venice Amid Protests
Trump Asserts Readiness for Further Strikes on Iran Amid Nuclear Tensions
North Korea to Open New Beach Resort to Boost Tourism Economy
UK Labour Party Faces Internal Tensions Over Welfare Reforms
Andrew Cuomo Hints at Potential November Comeback Amid Democratic Primary Results
Curtis Sliwa Champions His Vision for New York City Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Federal Reserve Proposes Changes to Capital Rule Affecting Major Banks
EU TO HUNGARY: LET THEM PRIDE OR PREP FOR SHADE. ORBÁN TO EU: STAY IN YOUR LANE AND FIX YOUR OWN MESS.
Trump Escalates Criticism of Media Over Iran Strike Coverage
Trump Announces Upcoming US-Iran Meeting Amid Controversial Airstrikes
Trump Moves to Reshape Middle East Following Israel-Iran Conflict
Big Four Accounting Firms Fined in Exam Cheating Scandal
NATO Members Agree to 5% Defense Spending Target by 2035
Australia's Star Casino Secures $195 Million Rescue Package Amid Challenges
UK to Enhance Nuclear Capabilities with Acquisition of F-35A Fighter Jets
Russian Shadow Payments via Cryptocurrency Reach $9 Billion
Explosions Rock Doha as Iranian Missiles Target Qatar
“You Have 12 Hours to Flee”: Israeli Threat Campaign Targets Surviving Iranian Officials
Macron and Merz: Europe must arm itself in an unstable world
Germany and Italy Under Pressure to Repatriate $245bn of Gold from US Vaults
Airlines Evaluate Flight Cancellations Amid Escalating US-Iran Tensions
Starmer Invites Innovators to Join Government Talent Scheme
UK Economy’s Strong Opening Quarter Shows Signs of Cooling
Harrods Seeks Court Order to Secure Al Fayed Estate for Victims
BA and Singapore Airlines Cancel Dubai Flights Amid Middle East Tensions
Trump Faces Backlash from MAGA Base Over Iran Strikes
Meta Bets $14 B on Alexandr Wang to Drive AI Ambitions
WATCH: Israeli forces show the aftermath of a massive airstrike at Iran's Isfahan nuclear site
FedEx Founder Fred Smith, ‘Heart and Soul’ of the Company, Dies at 80
Chinese Factories Shift Away from U.S. Amid Trump‑Era Tariffs
Pimco Seizes Opportunity in Japan’s Dislocated Bond Market
×