Bunny Williams, Furnishing the Garden in Boston

Last week we were lucky enough to have  elite designer Bunny Williams visit the Boston Design Center.  During a beautiful presentation, Ms. Williams presented her new Furnishings for the Garden from Century Furniture.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Williams before and her gracious, warm, and elegant qualities are inspiring. Her manner of speaking is a bit ‘Southern’ with a slower cadence than us New Englanders ~ but when Bunny Williams speaks, we all listen.

Ms. Williams is well known for her beautiful interior designs that combine traditional style, restraint, and balance as well as a patina from one-of-a-kind antiques. She has published several books including her latest, an updated version of On Garden Style. 

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Bunny and her husband John Rosselli own Treillage, a unique emporium which is filled with garden pieces and antiques collected from all over the world, along with other wonderful finds including decor and art.  She is also involved with a weekend event in Connecticut called Trade Secrets .  This unique two-day event features a rare plant and garden antique sale one day and a four garden tour the following day. Trade Secrets raises money for  WSS (Women Support Services) and takes place this year on May 16 & 17.

She is very inspiring, don’t you agree?  Let me share  some of that inspiration with you some via some tidbits from her lecture on Furnishing the Garden.  As I was watching the Power Point presentation, I felt like I was actually strolling through Ms. Williams gardens because the views were so captivating.

I have always  loved  a formal garden, there is something so European and romantic about it…maybe a game of hide and seek? The blue trellis obelisk makes a wonderful focal point and introduces height and a pop of bright color into the garden design.

There is something stunning about repetitive pieces like these white box containers.  They add an architectural element with the identical plantings.

A tip from Bunny:  Don’t hesitate to use unusual pieces as a centerpiece in your garden.

BW loves to use terra cotta containers in varying sizes and shapes.   She did however caution us about the use of this material in very warm climates because of the porous nature and how it will draw out the moisture from the plants. She confided in us and shared that some of the new plastic terra cotta-esque containers are just fine too and you can leave them out during our New England winters (bonus!).

This photo is so soothing, can you imagine coming upon this amazing curved bench in the woods, how lovely. Bunny believes that gardens should have places to sit and rest so that we can enjoy them fully.

This photo illustrates how natural cedar chairs are perfect against this stone wall because they do not detract from the space, but rather compliment the landscape elements.

And then again, you can add a shot of measured color to highlight the plant materials.  Isn’t this bench divine?

Some areas in the garden and yard call for black furniture which can add drama.

You can see from this terrace view that the furniture works well in this space.

Ms. Williams explained that  the furniture you select for a garden, terrace or porch should be determined by your  climate. For example, because of the humidity in Florida the best choices include aluminum, teak and stone. Beware of metal unless you don’t mind rust!

This stone bench has a custom made moss cushion, courtesy of Mother Nature.

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This Dining Porch features a table with a stone base and an aluminum top for true ease and function. Isn’t it lovely? I would be privileged to dine here…

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The Pool House at Bunny Williams’ Connecticut Home is one of my favorite designs. It is Greek Revival style and sits atop a hill with an elegant pool at it’s feet. It is whimsy and sophistication. Just look at the columns ~ they are made out of tree trunks and the pediment is filled with pine cones! I love how this Pool House blends with the land and yet makes an impressive statement.

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Bunny Williams Garden Furnishing Collection for Century was born from BW’s personal experience designing gardens, terraces and porches. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the collection…

This is a beautiful table from natural teak and just look at the design of the top~

Round Dining Table in Teak

I adore the Litchfield Garden Chair ~ the design on the back is truly eye-catching.

This Tidewater Lounge Chair is transitional in style and would compliment many an outdoor Living Room. I love the pink cushion )although it is available in other colors).

This presentation was as informative as it was beautiful and it was the perfect time to gaze at gardens and all they have to offer just in time for Summer!

My pleasure, Bunny Williams!

xo,

Pamela

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