Book Review: An Affair with a House by Bunny Williams
Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! Sending love your way! Love has come to me in the form of a book, and is the subject of this Book Review: An Affair with a House.
The author of An Affair with a House is world renowned interior decorator and gardener, Bunny Williams.
Bunny Williams wrote this book 25 years ago, and it is an expensive, large hardcover…yet, the purchase has proven invaluable to me in a variety of ways though the story is not a modern one.
I was not familiar with Bunny Williams until one of you recommended I read her books.
I looked over the list and considered each one…then selected An Affair with a House, because I desire to have a love affair with the new home I am currently living in.
I had that feeling with the home I loved in San Antonio that my son’s family now live in…and I want that feeling back.
The beauty of this book is that not only has it sparked ideas to achieve that feeling, but also has been very affirming for me.
Just stick with me and at the end I will share a brief update on my home.
BOOK REVIEW: AN AFFAIR WITH A HOUSE: THE STORY
Bunny Williams describes falling for an amazing property 28 years ago which was in dire need of love and repair.
It is an incredible property…an 18th century New England manor house full of potential and she turns it into a cozy gorgeous wonderland with her talents.
I often wanted to crawl inside the pages and experience the comfort for myself…especially with the barn and conservatory.
The gardens are exceptional and she does a great job of making sure to share the identity of plants and everything in the landscapes.
You will also find recipes and I have noted a few to try myself…I was not familiar with New England Pot Roast, but it sounds amazing.
And it is part of the Bunny Williams’ tips for entertaining.
Though the book is older, the interior shots could have appeared in magazines today proving her talent for timeless decor.
Bunny Williams writes on page 22 of An Affair with a House: “I think we have a misguided notion that a living room should look a certain way, perfect and pristine, but that kind of untouchability can be soulless.”
“When a room is lived in, you can feel it. The furniture is not stiff and tight, the cushions are molded to the curves of the human body. It feels good to sit there. The room is comforting, and lures you in to cozy up with friends or a good book.”
And, I get it when she writes to let the room tell you where each piece of furniture should be.
BOOK REVIEW: AN AFFAIR WITH A HOUSE: AFFIRMING AS A HOME DECORATOR
I confess that when I first walked into the house we were to live in and it was big and empty, I kind of wanted to throw up.
I felt out of my league in the area of interior decor, and I had allowed myself to believe that the things I loved were antiquated and useless for a beautiful home.
I do not know why I bought into that negativity but I did and gave away many things I loved before coming here.
But, precious Bunny Williams in An Affair with a House, gave me permission to be me…because in many ways we are very much alike. Here are a few of those ways:
- “The general rule is the bolder the scale, the more interesting the room.” I always believed that but had been convinced to be more demur with home decorating and furniture.
- Bunny Williams loves dishes, and buys many at antique or resale shops…”Instead I prefer to create my own uniquely mismatched service.” so do I! I hosted a baby shower and it was all mis-matched and I loved it…yet, convinced myself to give a lot of those dishes away before moving and I regret that. Bunny admits that she is addicted to beautiful dishes.
- She loves so many small things like I do…votives, candles, lots of lamps, clay flower pots inside with real plants for decorating, mis-matched textiles, mis-matched styles, garden statues of animals inside.
- And she loves dogs and shopping…that’s me.
- She likes to surround herself with small things that bring back special memories when she sits at her desk…and, yes, I am the same way.
- She moved items around often until hitting the spot that she knows is perfect. (I do this but thought it meant I was indecisive!)
Though she lives in much more grandeur than I, we are so much alike in our likes and dislikes. I felt as though I had just met up with an old trusted friend.
She empowered me to decorate my home like I want to decorate it…and at age 71, it’s about time.
I am now trained and ready to go back to the antique stores…now with a list of areas that need attention.
Bunny Williams writes, “Every time you walk into an antiques shop, you’re going to learn something.” We are alike because both are impatient and want the results now. I need to take time to learn from the shops.
But, she has learned, “A house should evolve over time. I know that furnishing a home takes patience and passion. Your home must always reflect who you are.”
I left behind many things that had a story, but it is time to build new stories and enjoy them for this next stage of my life.
An Affair With A House gave me back to me as far as my home goes and I am so grateful for that.
It is time, however, to toss a few hand-me-downs, and decorate with what I love.
BOOK REVIEW: AN AFFAIR WITH A HOUSE: RECENT ADDITIONS
I shared with recently about adding the olive tree with lights…and we still love it (I have found a new place to put away the weights when we are not using them)
Today, I want to tell you about the smokey blue lamps that I recently found at Pottery Barn.
These are the small 16″ FARIS CERAMIC TABLE LAMPS in the indigo color. Mr. B and I both are liking these a lot and the white lampshade helps to blend in the white in the platter we got in Mexico.
The blue of the lamps goes perfectly with the blue in the painting. I am shopping for something to put under the painting that I can set a large fern on.
It’s on the list.
Thank you for joining me today for my Book Review: An Affair with a House.
It ended up, for me, being empowering with my home…and so much more than decorating ideas.
I hope to see you again tomorrow…until then…
GIVE THANKS FOR WHERE YOU LIVE & KEEP SMILING!
By: Pamela Lutrell
Whether shopping new arrivals or clearance sales, please shop with the links on my SHOPPING PAGEâŚthank you, thank you to all who shop this way.
I will look for this book that has made such an impact on you. From the few passages you shared, it sounds wonderful. We are starting to look for a house now after selling our beloved home in 2023 and living in temporary housing. It’s mind boggling! I felt as if nothing could ever be “home” again until I read this post this morning. Thank you.
Hi, Pam. I learned about Bunny Williams years ago when I stumbled on a PBS program where she was being interviewed and giving a tour of her home and garden. Delightful! I fell in love with her style right away!!
I think Amazon had a few used copies, Deanna. Since it is 20 years old, I think you could find it without purchasing a new one. When I first arrived here, I questioned if this could feel like home…but it is certainly beginning to. Now that I am focusing on decor that reflects more who I am, I believe this going to be fun and a true home. You are so welcome.
So have I and it was so refreshing to discover she is so much like me…and not stuffy at all! Thanks Marcia.
I love this and the whole idea of getting more inspiration from a like minded woman. I remember her books and also fell hard for her esthetic at the time. Perhaps I should listen to her ideas again. I will eagerly await your journey with your new home
Thanks Diane. I am trying to follow Bunny’s advice to be patient and listen to the house when shopping. I so often just want to plow forward and many times have a regret or two. I hope I find the pieces I have in my head, but it may take some time.
Thanks so much Pam, it sounds like a really fun book. I was able to request it through the library system and look forward to reading it. I also left a house I loved. I help design and oversaw the building off it. I also had to give away or sell some things I treasured as I was downsizing after my first husband’s death. The house I live in how has its good points but also challenges. Maybe she can help me make small changes. I look forward to seeing you transform your new space. Happy Valentines Day.
Hi Kathie, I hope you will share how your journey is going with your new house (and Deanna!). I hope no one will get caught up in the fact that this is about a very grandiose property…I learned so much that I can apply to my humble West Texas home.
I hope all of us will have fun with it. We need to cherish the memories of the other houses and rejoice in the decorating of a new one.
I could feel your soul bonding with this book! What a powerful gift you were given by the Universe to stumble upon it.
God gives me powerful gifts daily, Lisa. I do feel bonded to her in so many ways…I love it when God surprises me this way.
Interesting post. We are in the midst of extensive home renovations, so decorating is very much on my mind these days!
This post about making your home personalized and surrounding yourself with the things you love resounded with me. I am well past retirement age and still love having my home and the dishes, paintings, rugs, etc. that I have collected. I also have a large number of gardens and continue to love them and enjoy working outside. I feel lucky to have the health to enjoy life in this manner. Thank you for sharing. I may buy this book.
I have such a love of my home, and have been blessed with several beautiful historic homes in my life, so for me it has been an easy launching pad having wonderful “antiques” built in to the very architecture. Our cottage has built-in bookcases, cut glass knobs, corner china cupboards, and beautiful wainscoting and trim work that is a great backdrop for the layers I add through fairly simple furnishings. I also enjoy adding live plants, pottery, gobs of white dishware, and plenty of vintage textiles. The garden we did from scratch 21 years ago, scrapping a straight path in favor of a curving walkway and undulating beds which I filled with daisies and agapanthus. In back we have the beautiful river below, and our firepit patio from which to enjoy it. There I grow all my lavender by the retaining walls. Still, there are things I want to add…a hydrangea and lilac so I will have blooms all spring and summer…some rattan shades behind my curtains, for another layer of cozy. Yes, it is love. đĄ I hope you enjoy your decorating process and end up madly in love, as well!
Hi Pam,
After my relationship with God and my family, decorating is truly my passion. A few years ago I found myself moving into what into what I thought was my dream house; but soon realized it held a lot of decorating challenges. Itâs tempting to buy things just to try to put together the rooms, but Iâve found that thereâs so much fun in the hunt.
I like the Home Goods motto: âGo Findingâ. Itâs really taken off the pressure and allowed me to save money on things that wouldnât really work in my vision for the rooms. I find that looking through magazines, books, or online and getting a vision of how I want the rooms to feel, it helps me focus in my shopping.
Have fun decorating your house. It might seem insignificant to some, and I know itâs not the thing that matters most, but I believe our homes are influential in how we feel about life. It definitely improves my outlook.
Thanks for the inspiration, Pam. I could not get this book at our local library system, but there are some other Bunny Williams books that I have ordered. I love mixing modern with older items. I think that also gives that interesting and comfortable vibe to a home. You can do that in the smallest of spaces.
We need to give ourselves permission to enjoy our homes and the things we love. Sometimes, I think we can rush too quickly to “clean out.” Now that I have cleaned out and moved, I am going to be slower net time.
I want to enjoy this place for many years to come.
Wow…Connie what you are describing is idyllic and would be such an amazing blessing. I know I will not achieve close to this, but hope to love what I do just as much.
I agree, Cindy. After moving to a new place, this is not insignificant at all and no matter my age, I want to be in cozy, warm comfort with a smile. Just as I have always wanted my personal style to be evident in my clothing choices, I also want that at home. I feel Bunny Williams has given me the direction I lacked.
I agree with you Mary…I hope you enjoy the books you get at the library by Bunny,
The longest that I lived in one house in my 80 years was 17 years in the home we built here in Canon City, Colorado. But my health began to fail and we realized it was too big to care for including the yard. So nearly ten years ago we built this ADA compliant home for my needs and possible future needs. No stairs was a real blessing and a yard, front and back cared for by our HOA. That includes snow removal and boy have we needed it this season! I love and always have loved making a house a home. Each move just brought more challenges to make it mine. I have been married 3 times and each one deferred to my decision on decorating and making our homes cozy, comfortable and home. Two of my four sons were career military and moved a lot to different countries and states here. Their wives always made each place a cozy home. Pamela, keep true to yourself and your home will reflect your joy.
Thanks for sharing, Sydney.
How wonderful that you have found this book at just the right time. Since my husband’s passing, I have been in the process of making what was our house into my home. Much of the furnishings were my husband’s taste not mine. I am what a friend termed “a cozy minimalist”. I prefer clean lines & a lighter brighter atmosphere with room to breathe. Like you I am taking things slowly.
Good for you, Becky. I think this is important for you to do.
I have the Bunny Williams book A House by the Sea. She is definitely a talented interior designer with a gift for the collected style. I have a love of the sea and grew up on the Gulf of Mexico in North Florida and my house reflects this relaxed beach style inside and outside even though at this point we live just outside of New Orleans. We were military and moved quite a bit over the years. I feel a house should definitely reflect the loves of the owners and be your happy place! If you like Bunny Williams there are some good You Tube videos featuring her and one in particular is a tour of the house in the book you enjoyed. A move can be overwhelming, in time it will all come together! Meanwhile have fun shopping for those treasures that speak to you Pam! Many BlessingsâŚ
Thank you, Wendy! I am off to find the videos!
Thank you so much for this post, which could not be more timely as I prepare to move from my current home of almost 19 years into what I hope will be my forever home. My current house was chosen mainly for its proximity to my workplace when my daughter left home for college, and I went into the purchase thinking it was a five-year plan. Newly divorced in 2006, I felt certain I would remarry within five years and either sell this “temporary” house or use it as a rental property. I never really did much toward redecorating it, because I truly believed I wouldn’t be here long enough to care. During COVID I finally made some small updates that helped me to love it more, but I still looked forward to eventually owning a vintage home in an area that valued the homes’ history, rather than bulldozing them to make room for modern McMansions and faux farmhouses. There’s so much truth in the saying “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.” I have no doubt that finding my dream house late last year (a 1928 Craftsman-era bungalow) was Divinely ordained, not even close to “luck” or an accident. From it being listed exactly one year to the day after I began my search on the evening of my mother’s funeral, to the street number being the same as my early childhood home six blocks away, I am certain that it has been a part of God’s plan for my life all along. Buying a home in a historic district is such a privilege, but also comes with some outside pressure to maintain and decorate it in a “period-appropriate” way. I can’t wait to track down this book you’ve recommended because I need the same permission you found to hold on to some items I truly love, and to deviate from any perceived arbitrary rules regarding how my house should look and feel. Your words have encouraged me that I don’t have to have it completely nailed down the day I move in, and that I can take my time and see what feels right as I begin waking up in those rooms every morning. I have always admired your knack for decorating, as that gene seems to have skipped me entirely after being raised by Depression-era parents who could not imagine owning anything that was just decorative. There was nothing on our walls, not even the Olan Mills family photos acquired whenever a new church directory would be printed. I always enjoy studying and emulating homes that I love, and look forward to feeling at home in mine soon. I hope you’ll continue sharing your decorating journey and challenges with us, as I learn something from every post.
It is such an exciting time for you!! I just watched the Bunny Williams YouTube video about the house in the book in Connecticut. I am inspired again and we can do this together!!
Many years ago I saw this book in a shop while on vacation. My husband purchased it and surprised me on my birthday. The decorating is very much my style and a great source of inspiration. I still love it to this day!
It is a book I will return to often! There is just something about it that I really connected with. Thanks Karen.
I love you Pam! You always connect with me. The idea that we can love our home dearly but still move to a new home and start decorating again to make it our special loved home gives me hope. If I am forced by circumstances to move in the next year or so I will look forward to making my new home a place we can love.
You made me smile, Beth! Just because we are in a different stage of life doesnât mean we shouldnât strive to love our home and connect with a new space.