Stefan’s Inspired & Eclectic Studio
Name: Stefan of ArchitectDesign
Location: Logan Circle neighborhood of Washington DC
Size: studio 475 square foot studio, owned
Years lived in: 2½ years
Most people may think that being a collector of beautiful things is incompatible with dwelling in a studio apartment, but Stefan shows that big style can exist in small spaces. With careful arrangements and clever storage, he manages to create intimate conversation zones and large-scale displays of his expansive art collection while still preserving an overall feeling of spaciousness. And of course, the open floor plan, high ceilings, and wall of windows don’t hurt.
The first thing that struck us about Stefan’s home — aside from the spaciousness of its small footprint — was the artful integration of traditional and modern elements. It’s common to see classical architecture decked out in mod furnishings, but it’s a rarity to see a successful execution of the reverse where industrial modern architecture looks at home filled with very traditional embellishments. However, Stefan manages to pull it off by sticking with clean-lined, contemporary styles for most of the large furniture (i.e.- the long narrow bookcases that run the length of most of the room) while reserving more ornamental pieces for the gallery-styled display wall. It’s this balance of styles that first attracted us to Stefan’s famed blog, ArchitectDesign, where he continually awes us with an inspiring mix of contemporary and classic design.
Although he jokes that he’s been accused of decorating with doilies, we found Stefan’s refined style to be timeless and distinctly masculine. He mixes warm woods and gold accents against a crisp, cool backdrop of gray, blue, and white paints, and creates contrast with touches of black and steel that play up the industrial style of his modern apartment. However, despite his careful attention to detail, Stefan’s home is not overly styled. It’s comfortable and inviting, and clearly filled with things that have both personal and aesthetic meaning to Stefan.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Style: Simple lines spanning neoclassical through modern. I like an eclectic mix!
Inspiration: Magazines and books! World of Interiors, Elle Décor, Domino (no longer), Architectural Digest…
Favorite element: Lots of light and glass
Biggest challenge: Size — it’s so small!
What friends say: It’s very grown up for my age
Biggest embarrassment: I don’t like to dust! Again, the size — it’s so small!
Proudest DIY: Bathroom shelves built into an unused nook.
Biggest Indulgence: Basic pieces — a good sofa, good table and chairs, etc. The basics need to be right. And candles…
Best Advice: Craigslist and eBay are godsends! Don’t worry about it being ‘used’ — the finest antiques are ‘used’!
Dream Source: 1stDibs
Other Inspiration: artwork and china. They bring life to a space and life to my existence!
Resources
Appliances: stainless steel GE monogram (came with apartment)
Furniture: Crate & Barrel, DWR, IKEA, auctionhouses, craigslist and eBay
Accessories: everywhere under the sun
Lighting: CSNlighting online or vintage, Ms. Pixies here in DC, The Brass Knob in Adams Morgan, eBay
Rugs & Carpets: hand-me-down ‘orientals’ and eBay
Tiles & Stone: black granite, ceramic faux stone slabs from Italy
Window Treatments: roller shades
Beds: West Elm — but I love Restoration Hardware beds
Artwork: family, eBay and friends!
Paint: Duron – ‘titanium’ walls, ‘shell white’ trim, ‘intellectual gray’ ceiling
Accent color – ‘blue slate’
Flooring: tile that came with the apartment
Thanks Stefan!
Images: Leah Moss
Originally published 3.26.2009 – AA
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