Bunny Williams: Past, Present and Future



House in Provence, decorated by Bunny Williams. Image: www.bunnywilliams.com  

Another interesting and informative lecture I attended at the Design Bloggers’ Conference was given by Bunny Williams. I’ve heard Bunny speak on several occasions when she was launching one of her books but this talk was about how to develop as a designer and how to practice as a good designer.

Remembering Mr. Hadley

Albert Hadley.  Photographed by Mark Hampton.

The design world has lost one of its leading influences of the 20th Century; Albert Hadley died on Saturday at the age of 91 in Nashville.  Mr. Hadley is highly admired for his innate talent, strongly grounded design principals and for the stunning yet realistic interiors which he created for many prominent figures, most of whom were fashion and style icons themselves.  Mr. Hadley's work is well documented in multiple publications spanning over half a century and in Adam Lewis's Albert Hadley: The Story of America's Preeminent Interior Designer.  Those who knew Mr. Hadley light up when they hear his name.  The Hadley enthusiasm is not only for his style but for the gentleman he was; impeccable manners, humility and graciousness are words frequently used to describe Hadley.  He was a beloved mentor to many of today's leading designers - Bunny Williams, Thomas Jayne and Christopher Spitzmiller to name a few.  Hadley never stopped learning and worked well into his later years; I spotted him at lectures as recently as last spring and in the D & D two years ago.  Mr. Hadley will be missed by those who knew him and by the many admirers of his work.

Shop Our Space at Rooms With A View!

Southport Congretional Church was buzzing last night with the opening party for Albert Hadley's "Rooms With A View" showcase. Thank you to everyone who came to Connecticut to see our space!

All items in our space are for sale! Ten percent of proceeds will be donated to Southport Congretional Church and the twenty charities that benefit from this annual fund raising event.

A custom "Parsons meets Empire Period" etagere desk with combed faux bois finish. Made in two pieces: bottom 30" high x 36" wide; top 58" high x 30" wide.

Our Space at Albert Hadley's "Rooms With A View"

My vignette at "Rooms With A View'.  Rendering by Victoria Molinelli.

It was an honor to be selected as one of twelve interior designers to decorate a vignette for the annual Albert Hadley "Rooms With A View" showcase, opening tomorrow night, at the historic Southport Congregational Church in charming Southport, Connecticut.  Design icon Albert Hadley came up with this fund raising idea seventeen years ago.  The vignettes are eight by six foot miniature rooms which are supposed to offer a "view" into a special room.  I constantly reference images of Mr. Hadley's work for clients and it was fun draw on inspiration from him to design my vignette.  Please visit "Rooms With A View" this Thursday night through Sunday afternoon!

Many wonderful people helped make my vignette possible.  Special thanks to sponsorship from Hennessy Automobile Companies; my assistant, Poppy Hall; Parker Rodgers; Marisa Marcantonio; and my outstanding vendors: Amelia Osborne, Bruce Wiley, Christopher Spitzmiller, Country Carpet, Eliko, Fabulous Things Ltd., Il Papiro, J. Pocker, Jerry Pair, Meg Braff, Mrs. Howard, Paces Paper, Potterton Books, Rosenfeld Interiors, Two Worlds Arts.

The Decorated Wall

Utilized by the early Egyptians, stenciled walls are still very popular today.  Refined stencils were used in this 1800's home in San Miguel, Mexico.

Art dealer Jennifer Gyr invited me to attend Florence de Dampierre's lecture on her new book, Walls: The Best of Decorative Treatments. In her research, de Dampierre found that in many people, walls stir passion. Thus, she began the lecture with Oscar Wilde's deathbed quote: "my wallpaper is killing me - one of us must go!"

The Finest Rooms With Thomas Jayne

Last week at the Institute Of Classical Architecture & Classical America, I had the chance to hear Thomas Jayne, acclaimed designer and historian, lecture on his new book The Finest Rooms In America.