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
Workstead’s latest hotel project is the cozy Rivertown Lodge, the third act of a 1920’s cinema in Hudson, New York
(Image credit: press)
By Daisy Alioto
published

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. 

Bright lights: Brooklyn's Workstead aligns warmth and minimalism

It is Workstead’s sublimely celestial lighting fixtures that set the property apart

(Image credit: press )

Bright lights: Brooklyn's Workstead aligns warmth and minimalism

Cedar ceilings cast a glow over the lobby bar

(Image credit: press )

Bright lights: Brooklyn's Workstead aligns warmth and minimalism

Case Goods is a series of tactile, hardwood furniture. Pictured, ’The Wardrobe’ in beech

(Image credit: press )

Bright lights: Brooklyn's Workstead aligns warmth and minimalism

The ’Orbit’ table lamps and wall sconces are their own brass solar system. Table lamps are brilliantly achored by Carrara, Green Marble or Travertine

(Image credit: press )

Bright lights: Brooklyn's Workstead aligns warmth and minimalism

This black steel wall lamp has seemingly infinite configurations

(Image credit: press )

Bright lights: Brooklyn's Workstead aligns warmth and minimalism

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

(Image credit: press )

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the Workstead website (opens in new tab)

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