An Affair with a House

This book attracted me because I'd heard of Bunny Williams, but also because I'd recently moved into an 18th cent. house in the South which somewhat resembles hers. As someone with a new/old house, I found this far more helpful than any other book I've seen yet. While she doesn't walk through plans and tactics, clear themes emerge -- these themes are far more helpful than books which take a more direct 'how to' approach, since they provide pathways for one's own self-expression, without being a bit rigid. Examples: make the gardens a series of surprises; find a unifying principle for your collections; choose fabrics that go together but aren't all matchy-matchy. I also love that she is realistic about how long it takes to get something that feels wonderful to you. I'll be referring to this book for years, as I make my new house into a wonderful home for me and my family for the rest of our lives, one that respects the 200+ year history of the place, and one that is constantly changing and bringing us all deeper levels of happiness and fulfillment.

Not only is this a lovely book about Ms. Williams' and Mr. Roselli's country estate, it is a wonderful lifestyle manual with great ideas for entertaining, setting the table, cooking and a host of other ideas. This is a book where you will actually become engrossed in the text (unlike many books where only the photos are interesting). In a totally down to earth, unpreachy tone, Ms. Williams takes us on a chapter by chapter tour of the entire property, and what a property it is. But the greatest part of this volume is the total comfort radiating from every page. Other designers and decorators should take note, for this kind of decorating, so full of talent and experience, is very difficult to achieve. Congratulations, Bunny!! This book is a must have.

This lavish book is a document of the author's 30-year restoration of her sprawling 18th century country house in Connecticut, complete with a guest barn, pool house and aviary. While many of us don't have the access or funds for beautiful antiques or a head gardener, Williams is refreshingly unpretentious. She wisely took her time, taking each room in her home at a time, lovingly creating rooms with vibrant color and immense charm. Outstanding photography and design make this a book to savor and return to again and again for inspiration. In addition to the outstanding photographs, there are recipes, advice on living with dogs, and integrating exotic plants into the garden.

"I am not sure if I believe in destiny, but I do know that after years of looking for a house, my palms began to perspire as I turned onto a tree-lined driveway in a small New England village." This is the beginning of a beautiful tale that grows in the telling, as Bunny Williams invites the reader into a creative journey that is uncommonly rich, deep, and satisfying. The author has in fact woven a number of story lines together into a seamless fabric of exceptional beauty. Each chapter begins with a piece of the actual love story - the room by room accounting of how Williams transformed a dilapidated 18th century manor house and the property on which it stands into a masterpiece of surpassing elegance and style. This is followed by a photographic exploration of each area in which every image is a composition that would stand on its own as fine art. Captions to the illustrations are instructive and helpful without deconstructing the harmony of the spaces that Williams has created. And, interspersed throughout it all, are practical tips and advice on a variety of subjects such as hunting for antiques, arranging flowers, and even setting up for a picnic. Totally absent is the self absorbed, prissy, and obsessive tone that often attaches itself to the work of great decorators. Instead, this is an intimate celebration of life complete with dogs, chickens, vegetables, flowers, and a very beloved husband. Williams makes the point that a zest for living and a keen understanding of human behavior underscore every successful design. This book is beautifully conceived, beautifully written, beautifully illustrated, and beautifully executed in every aspect. I give it my highest recommendation.

If you love home decorating and interior design, this is a must read. Filled with wonderful anecdotes and useful tips on decorating any room in the house (there are even recipes for entertaining out of town guests), this visually stunning book deserves a place on every coffee table. Ms. Williams shares her decorating expertise with readers while taking them on a tour of her magnificent country house. Along the way, we learn everything from setting the perfect table, hanging art on the wall, arranging flowers, the art of placement, and where to find the best antiques and other furniture finds. This is a book you can read over and over again.