2022 1stDibs 50 Designers

Bunny Williams Inc.

Elegance and ease in Atlanta

Photo by Francesco Lagnese

Unmatched in their mastery of timeless comfort, Bunny Williams (right) and her partner, Elizabeth Lawrence, designed a welcoming living room for an Atlanta client with a keen eye for modern art. Neutral backgrounds are enlivened with bright paintings, contemporary but alluding to the past. Continental antiques, such as the Langlois bergères from the late 18th century, take on new relevance covered in plush corduroy or treated like sculpture, as with the 1740 George II console table. The revelation here is a shell mirror, a baroque form reimagined in 1930 by Maison Jansen. “To me, the beauty of a room should be subtle enough that you never tire of it,” Williams says. “The combination of furniture, art, fabrics and colors should become more interesting as one spends time there.”

Photo by Peter Murdock

“To me, the beauty of a room should be subtle enough that you never tire of it.”
— Bunny Williams

Designer Picks

Rosewood and Brass Serving Cart, ca. 1960, Offered by FS Henemader Antiques Inc. Shop Now
Rosewood and Brass Serving Cart, ca. 1960, Offered by FS Henemader Antiques Inc.

“This handsome tiered cart would make a great side table. It’s big enough to hold a large reading lamp, and the shelves provide added storage — a place to keep reading materials or display objects.” 

Swedish Neoclassical-Style Upholstered Bench with Egyptian Revival Carvings, 19th Century, Offered by A. Tyner Antiques Shop Now
Swedish Neoclassical-Style Upholstered Bench with Egyptian Revival Carvings, 19th Century, Offered by A. Tyner Antiques

“This bench is full of character.”

Crossover Stool in the Style of Thomas Hope, New, Offered by Jonathan Sainsbury Shop Now
Crossover Stool in the Style of Thomas Hope, New, Offered by Jonathan Sainsbury

“Stools are great for occasional seating. Float one or a pair in front of a fireplace and pull them up when you have guests.”

Pair of Directoire-Style Bergère Chairs, ca. 1960, Offered by Elizabeth Pash Interiors and Antiques Shop Now
Pair of Directoire-Style Bergère Chairs, ca. 1960, Offered by Elizabeth Pash Interiors and Antiques

“Chairs should always look just as good from the back as the front. The rolled back and painted/ parcel-gilt finish on these make them attractive from every angle.”

Pair of Bergères Attributed to Süe et Mare, 1930, Offered by Guy Regal NYC Shop Now
Pair of Bergères Attributed to Süe et Mare, 1930, Offered by Guy Regal NYC

“These chairs have unique carving, and the gilt finish would reflect light beautifully throughout the day.”

Venetian-Style Etched-Glass Wall Mirror, 19th Century, Offered by Newel Shop Now
Venetian-Style Etched-Glass Wall Mirror, 19th Century, Offered by Newel

“Scale is so important. Oversize mirrors open up a space or make a room feel larger. At eighty-six inches tall, this one will have a big impact when hung over a mantel or a console table.” 

Dutch Marquetry Writing Table with Inlay, Early 19th Century, Offered by Naga Antiques Shop Now
Dutch Marquetry Writing Table with Inlay, Early 19th Century, Offered by Naga Antiques

“Two different side tables that complement each other are sometimes more interesting than a matching pair. The marquetry top on this one is beautiful — you won’t want to cover it.”

Christopher Spitzmiller Pair of Blue Gregory Ginger Jar Lamps, Contemporary, Offered by The Antique and Artisan Gallery Shop Now
Christopher Spitzmiller Pair of Blue Gregory Ginger Jar Lamps, Contemporary, Offered by The Antique and Artisan Gallery

“Christopher Spitzmiller’s lamps are exceptionally crafted. Having two bulbs enables you to have full light for reading and to dim them when you want a moodier atmosphere.”

Maison Jansen Black Marble and Gilt Brass Coffee Table, 1960s, Offered by Maison Marie Anne Shop Now
Maison Jansen Black Marble and Gilt Brass Coffee Table, 1960s, Offered by Maison Marie Anne

“A simple shape with classic, clean lines is always a smart choice for the center of a seating group.”

Bunny Williams Inc.
Over the course of three decades, Bunny Williams Interior Design has earned a reputation for superior design, balancing refined beauty with livable appeal. Although creating delightful rooms is Williams’s passion, her firm’s success is due, above all, to the long-lasting relationships it builds with clients, many of whom return again and again. Williams’s own houses and long career have provided material and inspiration for multiple books, and she is a sought-after speaker and mentor on design, decoration, gardening and entertaining.
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