We're no strangers to the inspirational of Workstead, we've talked about their creative light fixtures and an amazing kitchen renovation. When they aren't helping others beautify their homes, Stefanie Brechbuehler and Robert Andrew Highsmith are working on their own masterpiece.
The couple moved from a 387 square foot studio apartment to an 850 square foot apartment in Cobble Hill, NYC — it must seem like a mansion! Their apartment is self described as a collection of things inherited, gathered, and assembled. The Eames Lounger was inherited from Robert's grandparents, the piano is from Robert’s parent’s house in North Carolina, the painting hanging above the bed was done by Robert’s grandmother and the pillows on the couches were made by Stefanie and Robert's mothers.
Their take on purchasing is inspiring and one that we believe pretty whole heartily with too: they try to limit their purchases of 'new' furniture and objects, preferring the story and character of vintage and reconfigured pieces. Most importantly, they believe in buying things once. Obviously it's a little pricier to only purchase things once and it takes a lot of self control, patience and a good savings account!
The double use dining room is a great piece of advice for small space dwellers. The couple use it as an office during the day and a dining room at night. It's important when space is limited to use rooms for multiple functions.
More photos of the Stefanie Brechbuehler and Robert Andrew Highsmith home are available at Design*Sponge.
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So beautiful! I love the floors.
fantastic!!!! just amazing! very architectural too!!!!
Drab.
Grim.
Gorgeous apartment.
I would hang a very tall mirror over that fireplace to take advantage of the light coming though the windows.
Also, there seems to be something missing here, maybe some color could be subtle and plant life, don't know its just a bit sterile and I usually love this style.
were the pictures taken in black and white? /sarcasm.
This is GORGEOUS! So upscale I love it!
i am in love. Especially with the light fixtures.
I love this. Those floors are amazing! And I need some of those molded plastic chairs in my life. Every time I see them (and it's really often here), I want them more and more.
gorgeous, love the floors!
I think the people finding this apt. grim/bleak would like it better if the window shades were up and all the pics had that slightly overexposed look popular in design magazines.
I also felt a bit bleah about the pics, but upon closer examination, I think the loveliness is in there.
This is exactly my style. Just throw a giant wool dogbed somewhere, replace the piano with an antique porch swing suspended from the ceiling and replace the lithos with large scale colorful art of questionable taste and I'm all over it.
It's the treatment on the photos that makes them look dark and grim. They are underexposed. It's not much better than overexposing to make a dark apartment "seem" light-filled when it really isn't. I like the look of this place ... it's interesting they've paired very expensive lighting and furniture with some cheap items (IKEA PS cabinet).
So, soooo beautiful! One of my dreams.
But would it be so beautiful without the high ceilings and the architectural details? For example would the same furniture and pictures with a new hardwood floor look nice in a 1970's house with standard 8ft ceilings? Everytime I see something like this, I wonder...
That's like looking at a piece of art and saying, gee, I wish he'd of used green!
It's a whole, as is, and lovely. And no, that would not look good in a standard h/w floor 8-foot...etc.
Like Rothko said: It is what it is.
AMAZING! This space looks like a Parisian townhouse. I'm in love with every detail.
They've done a nice job here but I tend to agree, too limiting of a color palette against all that white and it's not helped by the exposure of the photos as they do look a touch under exposed and their style isn't mine as it's a bit too rustic.
Now if it were me, I'd replace most of the furnishings (the Eames lounge can stay), add some colorful mod pieces, bold graphic artwork and I'd think the place would perk up greatly IMO.
Unbelievably chic. These people have true style.
I love it. I have the same color palate and really appreciate seeing it here.
Wow what a great space. Everything blends together so seamlessly. Love the piano
I love it. Finding a white paint is challenging. Can you please let me know the color you used?
the floors really make the space - like the window coverings a lot
Chic, sophisticated. I'd like to curly up on that lounger with a throw and a cup of tea. Yes. Miles Davis playing in the background.
homina homina homina....
This space is absolutely fantastic. I love every inch of it. Fabulous job.