Nestled among rambling apartment complexes, deep in the valley near Burbank is the hideaway home studio of Charles Hollis Jones. I first had the opportunity to meet Mr. Jones at a discussion during West Week many years ago where he spoke about the ups and downs of starting a furniture line. I was immediately taken. I had never heard anyone speak so practically, so frankly, so honestly about the design business – and with such legitimate success.

Interior of part of CHJ’s studio. You can see many of his catalogs and examples of his work over the decades.

Ahead of his time, Charles Hollis Jones was born and raised in Indiana in 1945 and moved to Los Angeles as a young man. As a pioneer in acrylic furniture design and fabrication, he has made custom pieces for almost every major 70’s and 80’s celebrity – from Johnny Carson to Lucille Ball. His innovative designs, master craftsmanship, and attention to detail make his pieces not only highly collectible but timeless additions to any eclectic interior today.

A corner of the studio with a lamp, bookcase, chair and many awards made and received by Mr. Jones.

A few months ago I had the good fortune to meet with Mr. Jones when a client was considering having him make a custom acrylic coffee table. Ever the artist and sentinel of his brand, his studio is filled with prior creations as well as those he has purchased from (unknowing garage) sales over the years. (The thought of Mr. Jones purchasing one of his own pieces from an unknowing seller gives me great pleasure.)

A desk and chair of CHJ’s. Note the drawings and other materials on his desk.

Not only do I find Charles Hollis Jones’ work to be incredibly beautiful and meticulously made, but the prospect of working directly with the designer himself is really something dreams are made of. Perhaps he is not as well known as Eames or Risom (i.e. found in the Design Within Reach catalog), but let’s not rush history. His work epitomizes the cool confidence of 70’s excesses and 80’s gluttony. The virtual invisibility of his pieces allow them to complement a wide variety of styles. Pair a CHJ table with a deep relaxed sofa or a prim settee and the magic begins.

See what I mean? A custom CHJ coffee table in a room by Carolina George. *Photo from www.carolinageorge.com

You can find many of CHJ pieces on 1stdibs or at a variety of major dealers from coast to coast. And if you can’t find anything available to suit your needs, don’t be shy to contact him directly via his website, and have the chance to fulfill a dream… like I did.