Bunny Williams is one of the most influential and respected interior designers in the world. Her timeless style, impeccable taste, and remarkable achievements have earned her a place in the history of design. But how old is Bunny Williams, and what are some of the highlights of her illustrious career? In this article, we will explore the biography, age, and impact of this visionary designer.
Early Life and Education
Bunny Williams was born in 1944 in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she grew up attending country auctions and helping her mother decorate her family’s house. “In the South,” says Williams, “your home is your project.”[^1^][1]
She studied interior design at Garland Junior College in Boston, where her mother encouraged her to pursue the arts. She was also inspired by the work of Dorothy Draper, whose bold and colorful style opened her eyes to what rooms could look like. She realized that she did not have to play it safe with design.[^1^][1]
Career and Achievements
In 1964, Williams moved to New York, where she began working at Stair & Co., an antiques gallery frequented by Sister Parish and Albert Hadley, two of the most prominent designers of the time. She joined Parish-Hadley as Albert Hadley’s secretary in 1967, and learned the importance of balance, proportion, and the transformative power of thoughtful design. She also collaborated with Sister Parish, who taught her how to mix traditional and modern elements, layer textures, incorporate antiques, and infuse personal touches into every space.[^1^][1] [^2^][2]
Williams launched her own design firm, Bunny Williams Inc., in 1988, after working at Parish-Hadley for 22 years. She quickly gained recognition for her exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. She also opened the highly successful store Treillage with antiques dealer John Rosselli, whom she married in 2004.[^1^][1]
Williams has designed homes for celebrities, politicians, and socialites, as well as hotels, restaurants, and public spaces. She has also authored several books, including An Affair with a House, Point of View, and Love Affairs with Houses. She has created furniture, lighting, and accessories collections for Bunny Williams Home, Ballard Designs, and Dash & Albert. She has also received numerous awards and honors, such as the Albert Hadley Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York School of Interior Design, the Innovator Award from CTC&G, and the Design Icon Award from Las Vegas Market.[^1^][1] [^3^][3] [^4^][4]
Impact and Legacy
Bunny Williams is not only a successful designer, but also a mentor, a teacher, and a philanthropist. She has influenced generations of designers with her elegant and eclectic style, her passion for the decorative arts, and her generous spirit. She has also supported various causes and organizations, such as the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, and the Animal Medical Center.[^5^][5]
Bunny Williams is a living legend in the world of interior design. She is 80 years old as of 2024, but she shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to create beautiful and comfortable spaces that reflect her personality and vision. She is not only a designer, but also an artist, a storyteller, and a lover of life.