Jonathan Adler Picks His All-Time Favorite Rooms from the AD Archive

Architectural Digest

by Jonathan Adler

February 23, 2026

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Jonathan Adler, the celebrated ceramicist and designer known for his bold, camp-chic style, has curated a selection of standout rooms from the AD Archive that reflect his unique perspective on design. From quirky lacquered ceilings to over-the-top decor, Adler’s choices highlight the playful and experimental side of interior design, showcasing how decorators in the past century pushed boundaries while blending opulence with humor. His picks include iconic figures like Angelo Donghia, Albert Hadley, and Tony Duquette, each known for their distinct contributions to the world of design. In 1973, Angelo Donghia’s New York apartment was a standout example of blending luxury with comfort. Adler admires how Donghia combined the sleekness of the 1970s with the coziness of the 1980s, creating a space that feels both louché and inviting. The use of bold patterns, like a striking stripe wallpaper, and a lacquered ceiling that shimmers with an almost otherworldly glow, exemplify Donghia’s ability to mix high-style elements with whimsy. Albert Hadley’s 1975 project in Washington, DC, represents the epitome of understated elegance. Known as the “American GOAT” by Adler, Hadley excelled at blending antiques with modernist touches, creating interiors that felt both luxurious and grounded. The custard-colored dining room, with its traditional wood chairs and subtle yet sophisticated color palette, highlights Hadley’s ability to balance old-world charm with contemporary flair, making the space feel timeless. Tony Duquette’s San Francisco home is a masterclass in layering and cultural mash-ups. The 1860s Victorian property, filled

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Originally published on Architectural Digest on 2/23/2026