Steven Harris Architects/Rees Roberts & Partners

Cobble Hill case study

Photo by Scott Frances

As relaxed as a beach house in the Pacific Palisades or Point Dume, this pavilion and adjacent terrace are the crowning touch on a brick townhouse in the bosky surroundings of Brooklyn’s Cobble Hill. Principal Lucien Rees Roberts notes that the chill mood was dictated by the client: “It is a very spare, minimal interior incorporating traditional elements, but more of an Aalto take on traditional.” With his team, Rees Roberts proposed an edited selection of 20th-century French and Nordic classics. “The Perriand stools, which become an integral component of the functionality, bring scale and movement to the space,” he says. The room feels generous because the pieces are modestly scaled. Great design is grounded in decisions like these.  

Photo by Lisa Hancock

“The presence of light and views is always a significant focus of ours. Light should make you look good and feel good.”
— Lucien Rees Roberts

Designer Picks

Jean Prouvé S.C.A.L. Daybed, ca. 1950, Offered by DADA Shop Now
Jean Prouvé S.C.A.L. Daybed, ca. 1950, Offered by DADA

“Prouvé’s daybed exemplifies form and function with its refined metalwork and upholstery. The shaped pull-out table is an ingenious design that provides even more experiential opulence.”

Set of 4 Rush and Wood Dining Chairs in the Style of Charlotte Perriand, 1950s, Offered by South Loop Loft Shop Now
Set of 4 Rush and Wood Dining Chairs in the Style of Charlotte Perriand, 1950s, Offered by South Loop Loft

“These chairs are forever timeless. The simple materials never feel lacking but provide incredible depth, texture and visual interest.”

Arnold Madsen Pair of Clam Chairs, 1950s, Offered by Dagmar Shop Now
Arnold Madsen Pair of Clam Chairs, 1950s, Offered by Dagmar

“Not many chairs are as comfortable and sculptural as this one, making it so unique and pleasing, both for its composition and its function, as you see in this lounge space.”

Serge Mouille Two-Arm Rotating Sconce, New Reedition, Offered by Gueridon Shop Now
Serge Mouille Two-Arm Rotating Sconce, New Reedition, Offered by Gueridon

“The soft, curved forms of the Mouille sconce create an elegant and interesting contour, while also giving just the right amount of light.”

Charlotte Perriand Les Arcs Round Stool, 1968, Offered by Neal Beckstedt Shop Now
Charlotte Perriand Les Arcs Round Stool, 1968, Offered by Neal Beckstedt

“The Perriand stools exude a sense of honesty in form and function, providing effortless additional seating in a room.”

 Pierre Jeanneret Easy Low Armchairs, 1954, Offered by Splendid Antiques Shop Now
Pierre Jeanneret Easy Low Armchairs, 1954, Offered by Splendid Antiques

“The Jeanneret chair, again, is simple and embodies a nonchalance. However, the materiality is what gives it its powerful character.”

Le Corbusier Ahmedabad Console Desk, 1960, Offered by P! GALERIE Shop Now
Le Corbusier Ahmedabad Console Desk, 1960, Offered by P! GALERIE

“Le Corbusier’s design here is monumental and refined. The broken surface plane guides your eye along its incredible teak work surface, creating much-appreciated visual interest.”

Hans Olsen for Viska Möbler Easy Chairs, 1960s, Offered by Studio Schalling Shop Now
Hans Olsen for Viska Möbler Easy Chairs, 1960s, Offered by Studio Schalling

“There is something so casual yet elegant about Olsen’s Easy chairs. The leather — seat and back — drapes so thoughtfully over its minimalist wood frame.”

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