Jonathan Adler: Decorating with orange

Orange is the most controversial of colours. Many consider it to be the gauche legacy of the freewheeling '70s. But what an unfair reputation that decade has! To me, the '70s were when the counterculture became the popular culture -- and when adults finally felt liberated to embrace immaturity. You could be young again without having to be innocent! Orange shouted out to the world that you didn't take things too seriously: that you weren't old and crusty, that you were not your parents, and that you didn't have a living room full of plastic-covered furniture. Rather, your furniture was made of plastic -- and it was probably designed by Verner Panton.

Diss orange at your own expense. Orange says, "I'm fun!" Use it to draw out your inner child: grab a Fanta and an orange Tootsie Pop and feel your Happy Chic life expand.



Orange in the living room My cozy New York den is a design lab where I test out my latest creations -- as well as unorthodox colour combinations. Here's how I made orange and brown work together:

• A bold orange sofa sets the tone and anchors the room.
• The intensity of the sofa is echoed by the equally intense patterned lampshades, bold artwork, graphic rug and kicky throw pillows.
• Orange accent pieces on the coffee and side tables -- including lacquered trays and boxes-- bounce around the colour.
• Animals make for a happy menagerie: greyhounds, horses, bulls, snails, gazelles, birds and a leather rhino footstool.