Bright lights: Brooklyn's Workstead aligns warmth and minimalism
Celestial lighting and attention to detail characterize the brand
![Bright lights: Brooklyn's Workstead aligns warmth and minimalism](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LjFWYEwCxLRVh2hQBBAwLJ-415-80.jpg)
If you are constantly seeking minimalist design that is also soulful, or Instagram-worthy lights, you will already love Workstead without even knowing.
Founded in 2009 by Robert Highsmith and Stefanie Brechbuehler, Workstead has since built a reputation on the sort of pared down warmth appropriate of a studio straddling Brooklyn’s creative scene and the quietude of upstate New York.
In 2012, the studio showcased their talents in designing the public spaces for Williamsburg’s now iconic Wythe Hotel. At Philadelphia’s Roost Apartment Hotel, their pendant lights pair brilliantly with the ornate ceiling molding and details of a 1920’s office space. Most recently, an old cinema on Hudson, New York’s downtown thoroughfare has become the charming Rivertown Lodge where details from the wood burning stoves to planetary sconces in their brass orbits exude coziness.
This spring they debuted their Case Goods furniture series at ICFF – a tactile hardwood credenza and wardrobe with no hardware to come between fine craftsmanship and your fingertips. Subtly grooved doors and drawers open to multi-use, timeless pieces sure to endure as the center of gravity for any room they inhabit.
It is Workstead’s sublimely celestial lighting fixtures that set the property apart
Cedar ceilings cast a glow over the lobby bar
Case Goods is a series of tactile, hardwood furniture. Pictured, ’The Wardrobe’ in beech
The ’Orbit’ table lamps and wall sconces are their own brass solar system. Table lamps are brilliantly achored by Carrara, Green Marble or Travertine
This black steel wall lamp has seemingly infinite configurations
Robert Highsmith and Stefanie Brechbuehler founded Workstead in 2009. They have studios in Brooklyn and upstate New York, and split their operations between Brooklyn and Charleston
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Workstead website
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
-
Commune’s sustainable personal care products look ‘quite unlike anything else’
Commune’s Somerset-made products stand out in the sustainable skincare crowd. Madeleine Rothery speaks with the brand’s co-founders Kate Neal and Rémi Paringaux
By Madeleine Rothery Published
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published