Talk Shop: Bunny Williams
ABOUT BUNNY
Bunny Williams needs no introduction. One of the most talented and revered names in interior design, Bunny Williams is an accomplished businesswoman, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. A lover of dogs, gardens, and china, Bunny’s knowledge and expertise is on par with her enjoyment of life. Her eponymous firm — launched in 1988 following a 22-year apprenticeship with the esteemed Parish-Hadley Associates — has wrought its own indelible imprint and legacy on the design world. She and her new partner, Elizabeth Lawrence, are continuing the legacy of the firm into a fresh era.
Bunny grew up in the countryside near Charlottesville, Virginia, where her parents encouraged her passion for the arts and led her to Garland Junior College in Boston, where she studied interior design. A watershed moment at age 15 was visiting the Dorothy Draper-decorated Greenbrier Resort, which had a color palette unlike anything Bunny had ever seen. “It really opened my eyes, and the lesson I learned was not to play it safe,” shares Bunny.
In New York, Bunny worked at Stair & Co., an antique gallery frequented by Sister Parish and Albert Hadley. It was no surprise that she joined Parish-Hadley and remained at the venerable firm for 22 years. Shortly thereafter, fueled by her devotion to gardening, Bunny opened Treillage (an iconic garden shop on the Upper East Side) in 1991 along with her husband, the antique dealer John Rosselli (see his Talk Shop here!) “Twenty-five years ago, Treillage was something entirely new, but all good things come to an end. Now, with Bunny Williams Home, I’m proud to show an entire line under one roof.”
Never one to rest on her many awards, accolades, and honors, Bunny keeps her eye on what’s next, whether it’s her collaborations with Ballard Designs, Bunny Williams Home, or her next book. Forward-thinking always, Bunny says, “While it’s certainly nice to look back on one’s accomplishments, it’s more interesting for me to look ahead.” We just love seeing what Bunny will do next! For now, please enjoy our #TalkShop with this design legend. (And excuse us while we pinch ourselves!)
Describe your style in three words or less:
Classic, comfortable, variety.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My surroundings as a child growing up in Charlottesville; My husband, John Rosselli, and our travels together; My time at Parish-Hadley, which was an education that made me appreciate furniture from many different periods.
How did you start your company, and what is your favorite thing about what you do:
After working at Parish-Hadley for over 20 years, I had gained clients of my own and so it was fairly easy to go out and start my own firm. My biggest hesitation was running the business side of the firm. I ended up hiring a woman to help with the financial side of things so I could focus on being creative.
One of the best things about being a decorator is that it doesn’t get boring. Each new project is like the start of a romance, and it keeps everyday interesting.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I always say that I went to the University of Parish-Hadley. Albert and Mrs. Parish were incredible teachers, and my time working with them left me with the skills to be able to go out on my own. Now, I’m lucky to be able to share what I learned with designers that join my team.
What does your home say about you:
That I want to be comfortable and I believe no room is too precious to be used. Scanning a bookshelf or examining the pictures in our house also says a great deal about our passions.
Where do you find inspiration:
Inspiration can come from anywhere, which is why it’s so important to be curious, to get outside, and to travel.
Who are your style icons:
As far as design style, I admire Frances Elkins and Renzo Mongiardino.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Good lighting, comfortable seating arrangements that are conducive to conversation, and a well-appointed bar where guests can help themselves. A good attitude is also important - if you are relaxed, your guests will be, too.
Do you collect anything:
Yes, I find that--whether it’s bronze animals, cachepots, or china--the things I collect are always a reflection of my passions.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
I come across so many beautiful pictures on Instagram just by browsing or following hashtags of things I like. I love Mitchell Owens’ account because I always learn something from his posts.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
They are almost always made to be broken.
What are you working on right now:
At home, I recently made some changes to my house in Connecticut, adding a bedroom downstairs and relocating the potting shed. At work, we just finished a big install in Palm Beach and are working on a number of projects for clients old and new. We’re also getting ready to launch a new collection for Bunny Williams Home in the Fall, and developing new collections for Lee Jofa, Ballard, and more.
Wardrobe staples:
Stubbs & Wooton slippers, a crisp button-down, and a gold bracelet that was a gift from John.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Impossible to choose a favorite, but I love Zuber’s scenic block printed papers.
Best interior advice you ever received:
A great room has to have some spontaneity.
Best career advice you ever received:
Never forget that interior design is a business, and your integrity should never be questioned.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in furniture that is high quality. I still have furniture I bought when I was 23. If you buy things you truly love that are well made, you’ll have them for your whole life.
I always tell people that if they’re not planning to stay in their house or apartment for very long, don’t invest in expensive curtains, because they can’t always move from place to place.
At the end of the day, it’s mixing and putting things together in a unique way that makes it interesting. You don’t need to spend a lot to have great style.
Your greatest extravagance:
My greenhouse.
Favorite places to shop for home:
In Connecticut, I can’t stay away from RT Facts, Michael Trapp, and Montage. I’ve also been able to discover many wonderful local artisans through sourcing items for my shop 100 Main.
Most prized possession and why:
My dogs, Annabelle and Bebe. They add more to my life than any object could.
Your interiors motto:
Don’t overthink it. Buy what you love.
Your life motto:
A good sense of humor will get you through life.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Go out and absorb as much as you can: visit historic houses, frequent antique shops. Trust your instincts and your eye. What makes it your own is how you put things together.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: My husband John’s Chicken Pot Pie
Drink: Bourbon
Film: Indochine
Hotel: Hotel Verhaegen in Gent, Belgium
City: New York
Bedding: Matouk
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee, with milk.
Playlist: Depending on the occasion, it might be George Strait, Yo-Yo Ma, Maria Callas or Marvin Gaye.
Weekend Activity: Gardening, Antique shopping
Design Book: A new favorite seems to arrive everyday. The latest is Philip Mitchell’s wonderful new book Collected Interiors.
