Stephan recently updated his own Mid-century condo on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. Last renovated in 2009, the 1200 s.f. two-bedroom, eighth-floor apartment offers views of both Lake Michigan and an urban landscape. It was refreshed with new wallpaper in the bedroom and study, refinished floors and a paint job to provide a light background for his exceptional collection of furniture, art and accessories. He added color to the space with bright punches of yellow on the doors.

To create a showcase for his museum-quality pieces, Stephan designed a collected look with a mix of items from different cultures, eras and aesthetics, all of which is on display throughout the apartment. A multi-colored David Best console from the 1970’s makes a bold statement in the living room, along with a 1980’s Constructivist wood-and-glass desk from Italy.  Some of Stephan’s own artwork, as well as an architectural relief collage by the Belgian artist Renaat Ramon, are strategically hung on the walls. The dining room features a group of multimedia collages by the French artist Guy LeClerq and an unusual 1970’s Brutalist wenge bar cabinet that Stephan discovered in Antwerp. Pillows covered in handwoven vintage textiles from Finland and Japan are scattered throughout the apartment.   

A bleached white oak floor runs throughout the common areas, while durable seagrass is used in the bedroom and study. Faux-bois textured wallpaper from Nobilis, so realistic it’s hard to distinguish from wood, covers the bedroom and study walls. Part retreat and part living gallery where extraordinary, one-of-a-kind décor abounds, it’s a thrilling space to inhabit.