2022 1stDibs 50 Designers

Robert Stephan Interior

California dreaming in Munich

All photos by Daniel Schäfer

Moving among homes on the United States’ two coasts and in the Bavarian woods isn’t for everyone, but a fashion-industry couple has made it work, with an assist from Munich-based interior designer Robert G. Stephan. In suburban Munich, Stephan has channeled California cool and New York urbanity by introducing his clients to Vladimir Kagan’s vintage Freeform sofa and a pair of contemporary bronze-and-stone tables by Silas Seandel, all afloat on a Tai Ping silk carpet. A BDDW standing lamp and, outdoors, Asturias rockers by Carlos Motta for ESPASSO bring worldy élan to what is, in Stephan’s understated words, “an atypical Munich villa.”

“It’s always worth having a closer look at the heritage and the context of design objects — you can feel the beauty of timeless design.”
— Robert G. Stephan

Designer Picks

Taichiro Nakai for La Permanente Mobili Freeform Sofa, ca. 1955, Offered by WA Design Gallery Shop Now
Taichiro Nakai for La Permanente Mobili Freeform Sofa, ca. 1955, Offered by WA Design Gallery

“Taichiro Nakai is known only to real design connoisseurs. His organic Freeform sofa would work particularly well in any art collector’s home.”

Vladimir Kagan Cosmos Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1988, Offered by Modern Drama Shop Now
Vladimir Kagan Cosmos Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1988, Offered by Modern Drama

“I have this swivel lounge chair by Vladimir Kagan in my own living room. It’s not only very comfy but also has a great sex appeal.”

Joaquim Tenreiro Cane and Exotic Wood Rocking Chair, 1960s, Offered by Adam Edelsberg Shop Now
Joaquim Tenreiro Cane and Exotic Wood Rocking Chair, 1960s, Offered by Adam Edelsberg

“I like to mix vintage pieces by unknown creators. This Brazilian design has such a strong character that you can mix it within any interior style.”

Silas Seandel Terra Coffee Table, Late 1970s, Offered by ReMod Gallery Shop Now
Silas Seandel Terra Coffee Table, Late 1970s, Offered by ReMod Gallery

“I adore the craftsman art of Silas Seandel. He’s the only one on this planet who was (and still is, at over eighty years) able to treat concrete and liquid bronze in such an artisanal manner!”

Renzo Schirolli Desk, 1950s, Offered by Orange Furniture Shop Now
Renzo Schirolli Desk, 1950s, Offered by Orange Furniture

“Without any question, the coolest (executive) desk ever. Very sought after, but you can find it occasionally on 1stDibs.”

Lumenform Glass and Chrome Table Lamp, 1970, Offered by Fundamente Shop Now
Lumenform Glass and Chrome Table Lamp, 1970, Offered by Fundamente

“This rare Lumenform table lamp has a great contrasting material mix but still appears so pure. It works in any sophisticated interior and adds an atmospheric glow.”

Santiago Calatrava DS 150 Lounge Chair, 1986, Offered by DDC Shop Now
Santiago Calatrava DS 150 Lounge Chair, 1986, Offered by DDC

“This limited (to fifty pieces only) lounger from 1986 by the celebrated architect Santiago Calatrava definitely represents the best collectible design for the future — a great investment!”

Philolaos Tloupas, Shop Now
Philolaos Tloupas, "Expansion," 1991, Offered by Galerie Jean-Louis Danant

“I started to collect Philolaos Tloupas just half a year ago. Not only his sculptures but also his puristic chairs are amazing and should be part of any serious twentieth-century design collection.”

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Robert Stephan Interior
With projects in Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Austria and Switzerland, Robert Stephan, an avid design collector and expert in 20th-century design, is known for combining collectible vintage and curated contemporary pieces in refined residential spaces tailored to the needs of the client and the context.
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