I’m still on vacation so today I’m sharing designer Jonathan Adler’s tongue-in-cheek list.

Jonathan Adler, colorful, whimsical designer that he is has put together his Top 10 Commandments for a Happy Home.  You can read it in its entirety here, or the abbreviated version below (with my random comments added).

Thou shalt embrace maximalism: “Thou wilt find minimalism to be something of a bummer in thy abode.”  He goes on to elaborate about the overuse of beige and states “… add a splash of color and a dollop of pattern”. 

Thou shalt not deny thyself hotelish comfort at home:  “Thy rooms shall feel like the most opulent hotel rooms in which thou hast ever stayed. Thou are worth it.”  You’re worth plump pillows, soft, luxurious fabrics, decadently thick towels and a big fluffy duvet.  You may have to collect them one at a time, but don’t lose the vision of a luxury hotel suite when choosing furnishings for your bedroom.  You’ll always feel like you’re on vacation.

Thou shalt buy an X bench:  “Then thou shalt buy another.  Thou shalt use them in pairs…..”  This is a little shameless promotion on his part since he’s designed an upholstered X bench.  However, I do agree it’s a versatile piece and is available in lots of styles.

If thy nest needeth zest, consider thy crest:  “Thou shalt emblazon thy initials wherever possible.”  Start at the front door with a welcome mat.  Take it inside with fun initialed pillows and lovely, classic 300ct monogram sheets.

 Thou shalt mix fancy with frisky:  “Thou shalt not be overly formal, for if thou art, thou shall be sad. Conversely, thou shalt not be overly whimsical …”

Thou shalt honor the funsters of yore:  “Thy home will be fun, happy and chic.”

Thou shalt not commit murder, unless thou art murdering for a decorative accessory:  “…seeth the last bird bowl (accessory) on a shelf, thou shalt feel free to use whatever means necessary to obtain that special something.”

What accessory do you HAVE to have? 

Thou shalt not be afraid of orange:  “Thou shalt use orange copiously in thy interior…”  and maybe the exterior too?

 Thou shalt play ping pong:  “… shall play ping pong with thy spouse rather than sitting around watching TV.”  (he’s designed a very unusal ping pong table and I couldn’t find the photo again!)

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house:  “In fact, after following these commandments, thy neighbor might covet thy house.”

SMILES

Many of his ‘commandments’ made me smile – as was intended.  The lesson I take away from these commandments is not to take home decor too seriously.  Don’t put extra stress on yourself to create some perfect magazine version of a home but instead work to make it a place that suits you.  It should be comfortable, stylish and filled with the personalities of your family.  Cindy and I are here to help you achieve that, so when you have a question just contact us….we’d love to help.