President of established US design school curates 7,000sq ft neocolonial home

Williams described herself as ‘an incredible introvert’, yet determined to be a convivial host, circulating among guests snug in velvety sofas and chairs. Photos: Jillian Freyer/The New York Times

“It’s a 7,000sq ft (650sq m) house, and I am alone,” said Crystal Williams solemnly, about halfway through a four-hour tour of her Gilded Age residence in Providence, Rhode Island, the United States.

She moved in two years ago, upon becoming the 18th president of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and is not done arranging it. While hosting nonstop events there, she has staked claim to the interior, intertwining her favourite objects and hues with the creations of RISD faculty members, students and alumni.