Lifestyle

Ceramics king Jonathan Adler dishes on chairs, cars and Capri

Baby-faced potter Jonathan Adler may be best-known for his whimsical, colorful ceramics empire — and his groovy husband Simon Doonan of Barneys.

But the former Bravo-host and Starbucks collaborator has also entered the world of large-scale residential design.

Working with real estate giant Related, Adler has designed many of the model residences at the luxe red brick-rental Abington House just next to the High Line.

With architecture by Robert A.M. Stern and additional interiors by Clodagh, Abington House brings a serious dose of style to North Chelsea.

As the project’s 312 apartments come to market, we spoke with Adler about his love of whimsy, history and all things Italy. Here’s what he had to say:

My favorite go-to website has to be 1st dibs

Which I find to be incredible.

The Abington House.Scott Frances

They seem to always have anything and everything I could want. Just recently I found a great pair of vintage Saarinen chairs there.

One of my true design heros is Alexander Girard

The New York architect whose fabrics and textiles I find so chic and joyful.

Girard designed the iconic Fonda del Sol restaurant in Manhattan’s Time Inc. building — but it sadly no longer exists.

The views of the High Line from our project (The Abington House) are like a true New York dream

Talk about making your chakras tingle — the High Line is everything New York should be; it’s like being on an instant vacation.

Capri, ItalyGetty Images

The most exciting period for design in history has to be right now

We live in this sort of “anything goes” period today with a tremendous amount of self-expression and tremendous resources at our disposal.

For me, the most overused design element has to be taxidermy

I am just not a fan of it.

People think taxidermy is edgy, but it’s macabre and just makes me feel sad.

When it comes to design inspiration

I am a big fan of anything Italian.

From the futurism of Milan to the incredible resortyness of Capri, I love it all.

Nelson LampHandout

The one product I would still like to design is a car

I am first and foremost a potter so I am all about shape and I would love to grapple with the surface and form of a car — to have the opportunity to redesign a car.

Until then, Jaguars always seem to get my motor running.

A great design brand that is both fail-safe and affordable is — duh! — my brand

I slave away to ensure that our pieces are classique and hopeful without breaking the bank.

Our pieces add an instant dose of chic eclecticism and eccentric glamour to a home.

Our classic Nelson Lamp ($395) is a great Adler piece to begin with.