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Elizabeth Lawrence Envisions a Polished Library Around an Intriguing Henni Alftan Painting

The partner of interior design legend Bunny Williams in the firm Williams Lawrence curates a study for a confident woman with timeless furnishings and rich textures to evoke the spirit of meditative work

By Ryan Waddoups
Collage of home decor items: sofa, vase, painting, desk, rug, lighting, table, chair, and woman's portrait.

Storytelling sits at the heart of Elizabeth Lawrence’s approach at Williams Lawrence, the celebrated New York interiors firm she leads with Bunny Williams. That ethos informs their forthcoming monograph, Decoration (Rizzoli), as well as a library Lawrence conjured around a rosy Henni Alftan canvas.

Abstract painting of a hand holding an open book against a colorful geometric background.
Henni Alftan Novel (2022). Photo: © HENNI ALFTAN, COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND KARMA

I  wanted to complement the painting’s clean lines with interesting textures and materials”

Elizabeth Lawrence

“I like the tight framing; I like the coloring. I think it feels clean and modern,” says the designer, who curated an ensemble of timeless furnishings with rich textures to evoke the spirit of the meditative work. “I imagined a strong, successful woman hanging it in her study.”

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Shop the Look

Belle chandelier by Bunny Williams for Currey & Company.

Swedish Art Deco side chair from David Duncan Studio.

Fillo round tables by Alexander Lamont from De Sousa Hughes.

Trestle desk by Alessandro Albrizzi from Liz O’Brien.

Sofa by A. Rudin.

Vintage vase by Primavera from Maison Gerard.

Solange rug by Warp & Weft.

Tidal cocktail table by John Pomp from De Sousa Hughes.

Hanging gold pendant light with layered, circular design and chain.
Two elegant wooden chairs with tan leather seats and ornate curved backrests.
Bronze sculpture of two tall, artistic forms with intricate, round tops and long slender legs on a dark background.
Red and gold modern desk with three drawers and angled metal legs against a dark background.
Beige upholstered sofa with rolled arms and three cushions, featuring a tailored skirt for a classic and elegant look.
Ceramic vase with intricate patterns and a dark lid on a neutral background.
Abstract beige and blue patterned rug with a cloud-like design.
Modern sculptural coffee table with smooth, metallic base and textured glass top against a dark textured background.
Hanging gold pendant light with layered, circular design and chain.
Two elegant wooden chairs with tan leather seats and ornate curved backrests.
Bronze sculpture of two tall, artistic forms with intricate, round tops and long slender legs on a dark background.
Red and gold modern desk with three drawers and angled metal legs against a dark background.
Beige upholstered sofa with rolled arms and three cushions, featuring a tailored skirt for a classic and elegant look.
Ceramic vase with intricate patterns and a dark lid on a neutral background.
Abstract beige and blue patterned rug with a cloud-like design.
Modern sculptural coffee table with smooth, metallic base and textured glass top against a dark textured background.


A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2026 Fall Issue under the headline “Character Study.” Subscribe to the magazine.

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