AN AFFAIR WITH A BOOK - a recent find that I think you will love!
Every month I like to treat myself to a new book and this time I really wanted one that was about just one house. These are my favourite types of decorating books - I think you can really absorb yourself in the true style of the person who lives there, and seeing how they live from day-to-day is endlessly fascinating.
An Affair With A House by Bunny Williams is one of those books I had seen again and again but for some reason never purchased, so I decided that now was the time. This is a book from 2005, so I am pretty late to the party. However the timeless style that fills this book is still absolutely relevant and beautiful today, a gentle reminder that classic never dates.
This book tells the thirty-year story of Bunny Williams’ life at her country home in Connecticut and how it has evolved over that time. It is part memoir, part decorating manual, part cookbook - basically it is the story of a life well lived in a home that means so much to its owner. If I ever get the chance to write a book one day, this is the kind that I would most like to create.
The book delivers charm from the turn of the cover with this illustration of Bunny’s gardens and grounds.
The hallway with leopard-print runner. You don’t get to see this view in the book. Also the wall colour has changed, it was formerly a warming orange. I much prefer this.
The Living Room is a timelessly elegant space filled with comfortable seating and personal mementoes which reflect the tastes of the owner. In the book Bunny explains how the wall paint in this room was inspired by a napkin at lunch at the Villa San Michele in Italy.
The Library is a cosy room - perfect for reading a book by the fire. Bunny details the challenges of putting this room together because of its awkward layout. The final composition, to me, is perfect! I always like to use round tables to display books, flowers, and objects.
The Dining Room is a perfectly square room with a round table for eating. I had never really thought about the beauty and elegance of a square dining room before, but now it makes perfect sense and I would only ever want a square dining room!
Again, in the book the room is a little different and has a green striped wallpaper.
The Kitchen is a small yet functional room. I love the painted wooden floors and the fireplace which must be wonderful in the winter when having breakfast.
Another view of the kitchen showing the beautiful windows which flood the room with light.
The orangery is another room for eating. This kind of room is high on my ‘must-haves’ for my future dream home!
The bedroom. This room is now totally different to how it looks in the book. I do like the blue walls and overall feeling of airiness.
A view of the house from the garden
Like the house, the garden is laid out in series of rooms. Isn’t it elegant?
The abundance of green really does lift the spirits
NOW GET THE LOOK YOURSELF
I thought I would share some furniture and decorative objects inspired by Bunny’s style. This is not a sponsored post, as ever I am just sharing knowledge and my love for beautiful things!
I love the elegant simplicity of Bunny’s neutral linen sofas. This one from Oka is a great find and so well priced.
This mirror is classic and timeless - although it is new it looks like an antique
This hurricane lamp resembles the one in Bunny’s Living Room
Cushions are a great way to add colour and pattern to a room
This round side-table is so versatile and would work well in a variety of interior styles
This rug is a great way to replicate the sisal carpeting seen throughout the book.
A round table with a large flower-filled vase is always a smart look
These table lamps are very similar to the ones used by Bunny throughout her home.
I really hope you’ve enjoyed this look at the incredible home and style of Bunny Williams. To purchase the book CLICK HERE