A Chat With Bunny Williams

What is the most common request from your clients?
They are asking for more casual, media-friendly rooms. People do not want to live so formally. Media rooms are great fun. We love movies, so
having a space with a large screen is a real luxury. The most expensive media room is one that has raised platforms and real theater chairs in rows. It is luxurious, but the room can only be used as a theater. However, a long narrow space with moveable chairs that can be pushed aside can also function as a place to gather or a project room. It is important that each chair have a small table for drinks and that there be a nearby microwave for popcorn and a cabinet with supplies such as bowls and napkins. Lighting should come from sconces and overhead sources and should be on dimmers.

How do you make family spaces kid- and pet-friendly, yet attractive and comfortable?
I often use faux-fur throws, Indian quilts, or other pieces to wrap the sofa cushions, not only so the dogs can feel at home but also to protect the furniture. I have many leopard-print dog beds around each house for the dogs to curl up in. I also find that attractive baskets that fit under tables or on bookcases are a quick way of tidying up toys, magazines, and newspapers.

What color palette are you most attracted to at the moment?
The colors I use do not change much over time, but I am having fun mixing strong, clear colors with subtle, more neutral shades.

What do you consider to be the foundation of a room?
A well-thought-out floor plan. A no-fail arrangement consists of a 7-foot sofa, a 4-by-2-foot coffee table, one upholstered chair, one bergère or other upholstered chair, a pair of open-arm chairs that can be moved around, one 30-by-20-inch bench, two odd end tables, and two low drink tables.

What is your favorite place to go for inspiration?
My gardens. The colors inspire me, and the quiet allows my mind to wander through all the places I have been to find the perfect idea for a space.

 

RESOURCES: Bunny Williams, Inc., 212/207-4040, www.bunnywilliams.com; Treillage, Ltd., 212/535-2288, www.treillageonline.com; Virginia Di Sciascio Antique Textiles, 212/794-2725, www.antiquetextilestudio.com; Laura Fisher/Antique Quilts & Americana, 212/838-2596, www.laurafisherquilts.com; Sotheby’s, www.sothebys.com; John Rosselli Antiques (to the trade), 212/737-2252, www.johnrosselliantiques.com; Mecox Gardens (visit www.mecoxgardens.com for locations); Hollyhock, 310/777-0100; www.hollyhockinc.com; Halcyon House Antiques, 410/828-8889; Summerfields, 239/430-2505, www.summerfieldsnaples.com; Mrs. Howard (visit www.phoebehoward.net for locations). BeeLine Home by Bunny Williams: Visit www.beelinehome.com for a complete list of retailers.