The Style Files: Bunny Williams
I almost feel silly writing an introduction for Bunny Williams because she surely doesn’t need one. The design doyenne is considered one of the most important interior designers of our time and has been incredibly influential to many of the best interior designers working today. When interior designers are asked which of their fellow designers they most admire and have had the greatest influence over their own work, the name Bunny Williams always comes up. Known for her relaxed approach to elegance, Bunny creates beautiful spaces that are timeless, chic, and inviting. Never one to do something avant-garde or solely because of the way it looks, the rooms designed by Bunny are effortlessly livable.
After working with the late Albert Hadley at the legendary Parish-Hadley Associates for twenty-two years, Bunny struck out on her own, establishing Bunny Williams Associates in 1988. Since then, the Bunny Williams brand has grown to include an interior design firm, Treillage– the store she owns with husband, John Rosselli, four best-selling books with a fifth one on the way, and Bunny Williams Home which includes furniture, upholstery, lighting, mirrors, rugs, and soon– a line of fabrics with Lee Jofa. I am honored and thrilled that Bunny took the time to let me interview her for The Style Files. I am certain you will be completely inspired as I am. Enjoy!
PC: What does each of your homes say about you?
BW: They are the embodiment of a relaxed and generous spirit.
{Bunny’s Iconic Home in Punta Cana}
PC: Where do you turn for inspiration?
BW: Everywhere. Museums, old movies, and travel.
PC: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
BW: It’s often the small things that matter the most.
{Image byFritz von der Schulenberg via Mark D. Sikes}
PC: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
BW: My friends and my efforts for organizations, such as Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club.
{A Room Designed by Bunny Williams for the Kips Bay Showhouse}
PC: Who has been your greatest professional influence?
BW: My mother and Albert Hadley
PC: What is your idea of “la dolce vita”?
BW: Friends gathered at my house in the Dominican Republic
{The Dominican Home of Bunny Williams and John Rosselli | Image byFritz von der Schulenberg via Mark D. Sikes}
PC: What can we look forward to next from you?
BW: My garden book in the spring (Pre-Order Here), fabrics for Lee Jofa. more products for Ballard and new beds for BW Home.
{Bunny’s Forthcoming Book, On Garden Style (available in March) and New Lighting, Upholstery, and Lacquer Pieces from Bunny Williams Home}
Go-To Outfit: Black pants, white shirt, and great earrings
Style Mantra: Keep it simple.
Scent: Jo Malone, Pear & Freesia
Piece of Jewelry: Gold Bangle bracelet, given to me by John
Color I Never Tire Of: Moss green
Flower: Tuberose, Dahlias
Indispensable Design Element: Books
Era for Design: Now
Fabric/Textile: Hand-blocked chintz from Claremont or Linen prints from Robert Kime
Hostess Gift: Homemade cookies.
Meal: Chopped salad (always on a diet)
Drink: Soda & bitters (when good), Bourbon when bad.
Way to Unwind after a Long Day at Work: Play with my dogs.
3 Things I Love About My City: Central Park, Metropolitan Museum, Film Forum.
Weekend Destination: Our house in Connecticut
Hotel: Hotel Verhaegen, Gent, Belgium. La Mirande, Avignon, France
City: Paris, Beirut, Rome
Museum: The Met, Victoria & Albert
Artist: Matisse
Song that Always Puts Me in a Great Mood: Anything by Al Green
Actor/Actress: Catherine Deneuve
Risk Worth Taking: Adopting a mutt
Greatest Extravagance: My garden
Go-To Color Palette: Moss green, turquoise blue
Rule to Break: Frankly, I hate rules.
Movie Set Design: ‘Merchant Ivory’ & ‘Out of Africa’
I can never have too many…: Good friends
