I first met Bunny Williams at the Design Bloggers Conference last spring, and was instant fan girl status. I obviously knew who she was; we share a mutual love for blue & white ginger jars and I’ve styled a few shoots with items from Bunny’s collections in all their glory. So when Southern Living invited me to chat with Bunny in conjunction with the launch of its 2015 Southern Living Idea House, I was totally game. Set in Bunny’s hometown of Charlottesville, I knew this Idea House would be extra special to Bunny, and lend an opportunity for her to incorporate special details and sentimental touches in her design.
While I could have spent an entire day talking to Bunny, we did a quick deep dive focusing on collecting. Being a beginner collector myself, I was interested in hearing her thoughts on what makes a great collection (odd numbers), when collecting turns into hoarding and a little about her own recent collections. Read the full interview with Bunny below, and be sure to check it out on The Daily South. I’d love to hear what you’re currently collecting in the comments while you’re at it! TRULY, MKR
MKR: Are there any collections, personal or not, represented in the Southern Living Idea House?
BW: My favorite collection in the Idea House is a grouping of personal photos in the Master Bedroom hallway. They’re of me and my brother, my Dad on horseback, and an image of friends and family on a hunt. These photos are meaningful to me. And, I printed them large and framed them all in similar frames so they look attractive together. A bedroom hall is a wonderful place to frame and group family photographs. Other things that I love to collect that are represented in the house include silhouette portraits and lusterware.
MKR: How many pieces make up a collection, or when do you know you have the making of a collection?
BW: For a collection, it’s always best to have an odd number. I’d suggest at least 5.
MKR: What tips can you provide for starting a collection, especially when someone loves so many things and is having trouble narrowing it down?
BW: Collect what makes you happy. Let your collections be an extension of other hobbies you enjoy like gardening, animals, reading or travel.
MKR: What tips can you provide for displaying a collection?
BW: Think about scale when grouping objects. Always combine different shapes and sizes.
MKR: What are your go-to places for sourcing your collections?
BW: I don’t have a go-to source – it’s all about the hunt – from antique shops to Anthropologie, to thrift shops and auctions.
MKR: Does a collection ever become to feel outdated, and if so do you scrap it, adjust it, add to it, etc?
BW: Edit, edit, edit. The nice thing about small objects is that they can be moved around and changed easily. That way your home never feels static or predictable.
MKR: Is there any new collection you plan to start or are hoping to start soon?
BW: I’ve just recently started to collect handwriting samples. It’s a collection I really want to grow because it’s so inspiring – it’s truly a lost art.
MKR: Can one ever have too many collections, or rather what’s the line between collecting and hoarding?
BW: It starts to feel a bit like hoarding when every surface is covered. Remember, every tabletop must have enough empty space to at least hold a glass. Also, collections require maintenance. Like the rest of your home, they must be dusted and cared for otherwise they’ll seem a little sad.
