We sat down with one of the most iconic names in modern-day design, Jonathan Adler, to talk about pot. The self-proclaimed, "aesthetic libertine," just debuted his smoking-hot (pun intended) capsule collection in timely 4/20 -fashion with Higher Standards, a premium shop shelling out elevated smoke-accessories.
Some call them, "ashtrays," but Adler — who’s been crafting the vibrant ceramics marketed as everything from catchalls to trays and coasters for years — holds a more liberating perspective on defining his designs: "I never think about calling anything anything. I’ve never been title-oriented." It’s with this exact mentality that Adler is able to transform the once alienating dishes into stylish and inclusive lifestyle accents that both smokers and non-smokers can enjoy — a decor trend he describes as, "the perfect home for a new level of chic."
"Ashtrays were such a thing of my youth — and I think they just went out of vogue, even though they have to exist," Adler shared. Although a non-smoker, the designer still draws style-inspiration from the, "saucy, sassy, and subversive," themes the taboo practice evokes (as encapsulated in his evocative smoking-lip design). "In my youth head-shops were all about pewter dragons and goblins, rainbow-colored glass clowns and bongs, and it was kind of funny but not stylish," Adler explained. "I thought the introduction of style in this set [for Higher Standards] felt perfect for me and fell very much in line with what I’ve always been doing and what I strive to do." Ahead we round up our favorite Adler ashtrays-to-some and catchalls-to-others from his newest collection and a few from his older (but still powerful) classics. Scroll on to shop this major 4/20 decor-trend from a smoking or non standpoint— and more importantly, to join Adler with the rest of the aesthetic-libertines in a home style-inclusivity moment.
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Adler poured that iconic, "sassy, saucy, and subversive," style into the first of his new decor designs with Higher Standards — appropriately dubbed the, "Smolder," this statement-making tray is crafted from high-fired and smoke-resistant white-porcelain with his stylish smoking-lips’ seal.
Jonathan Adler Smolder Square Tray (Jonathan Adler x Higher Standards), $38, available at Higher Standards
For this exclusive collaboration, Adler strayed away from his usual use of black and gold ceramics into a black and silver look that the designer describes as, "a slightly cleaner, different feel" — and also reminiscent of the Oakland Raiders.
Jonathan Adler Hashish Triangle Box (Jonathan Adler x Higher Standards, $68, available at Higher Standards
This rich, red-lipped tray evokes the most classic, "sexy, seductive, saucy," style of Adler’s designs.
Jonathan Adler Lips Trinket Tray, $98, available at Jonathan Adler
Adler’s exciting Now House collection launch on Amazon gave birth to this gem-inspired, glazed-stoneware dish that has quickly become a shining decor (and-or 4/20) essential.
Now House by Jonathan Adler Facet Small Decorative Tray, Green, $16, available at Amazon
Inspired by one of JA’s all-time favorite shows, Cabaret, this high-fired porcelain tray with real gold accents is ready to hold your trinkets to blunt-ash in glamorous-leggy style.
Jonathan Adler Square Tray – Les Girls, $34, available at eBay
Add an intense and uplifting pop of multicolor to your space with Adler’s gold-accented, rainbow-star tray.
Jonathan Adler Technicolor Star Trinket Tray, $98, available at Neiman Marcus
For more boho-style spaces, this small ceramic and metallic-eye accented tray is on-point.
Jonathan Adler Eyes Valet Tray, $68, available at Shopbop
We adore the low-key, ’70s surfer-vibes that this triangular Adler design radiates.
Now House by Jonathan Adler Miami Decorative Tray, $24, available at Amazon
This thick acrylic tray with its frosted-lozenge interior has more minimalist home-decorators’ (or smokers’) style on lock.
Jonathan Adler Hollywood Vanity Tray, $48, available at Horchow
Statement-making coasters to some, and a glamorous set of porcelain and gold-accented mini ashtrays to others.
Jonathan Adler Full Dose Coaster – Set of 4, $78, available at Amara
This classic zebra-skin-rug design from Adler can serve as a catchall for your grandmother’s jewels — or, a catchall for your 4/20 smoke-stash.
Jonathan Adler Metallic Zebra Dish, $32, available at Amazon
Another more colorful iteration of Adler’s evocative smoking-lip design in a sleek and modern blue-sheen.
Jonathan Adler Full Dose Valet Tray – Blue, $73.59, available at Amazon
A black and white combo paired with smooth marble material and oval shape makes for one glamorously minimal home decor accent.
Jonathan Adler Canaan Oval Tray, $48, available at Jonathan Adler
This stylishly psychedelic set is a mood — use the dreamy, glitter-accented collection as coasters, statement decor pieces, or resting places for snuffed-out blunts.
Jonathan Adler Druggist Coasters (Set of 4), $78, available at Jonathan Adler
Add a little ’70s-inspired, jewel-tone glam to your area with this gilded-trim tray.
Jonathan Adler Multi Harlequin Square Tray, $21.97, available at Nordstrom Rack
This ceramic terrazzo tray is another favorite from Adler’s Now House collection — its confetti-speckled design in soft pastel hues makes for a subtle yet chicly eye-catching accent.
Now House by Jonathan Adler Terrazzo Decorative Tray, $16, available at Amazon
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Source: Refinery29 – Elizabeth Buxton