The Rope | Gallery & The Rope | Studio

BEST OF | Issue 3 | Spring 2025

With The Rope | Gallery, AD100 interior designer Robert Stephan and his partners Vicky and Peter Schlagböhmer have created an unparalleled destination for collectible design in Munich. Their pied-à-terre debut is built on exceptional design objects, years of experience, and an extensive international network. Alongside The Rope | Gallery, the interior design studio The Rope | Studio curates refined interiors that seamlessly blend vintage and contemporary elements.

This sophisticated master bedroom features warm tones, sculptural accents, and Marc Newson’s iconic felt chair as the centrepiece.

The Considerate Connection of Understated and Underrated

With over 15 years of experience, Robert Stephan has earned international recognition for crafting unique, highly curated spaces. Renowned for his expertise in vintage design and contemporary collectibles, he masterfully fuses different design eras, creating interiors of exceptional depth and sophistication. His reputation for refined eclecticism led him to collaborate with fashion entrepreneur and now business partner Peter Schlagböhmer on his two private homes. Their shared passion for extraordinary design and rare objects inspired them to bring an exclusive selection of collectible design to the German-speaking market.

The Renzo Schirolli executive desk in the home office of this Chipperfield house is an exceptionally rare find.

The Rope | Studio: One-of-a-kind Refined Interiors

At The Rope | Studio, each project embodies timeless sophistication, seamlessly blending architecture, materiality, and bespoke design. The studio offers a fully integrated approach to interior design – from spatial planning and material selection to custom-built elements and meticulously sourced furniture. With an uncompromising dedication to craftsmanship and individuality, The Rope | Studio creates interiors that are both deeply personal and extraordinarily refined. The transformation of a 1970s bungalow in Munich underscores The Rope | Studio’s dedication to redefining spatial experiences. Originally characterised by stark minimalism, the home was reimagined through thoughtful materiality and expertly curated furnishings. Warm wooden panelling in the entrance and standout pieces from George Nakashima, Rick Owens, and Vladimir Kagan infused the space with intimacy and character. The result is a residence that retains its architectural integrity while radiating modern Americana’s inviting essence.

In the living room two Osvaldo Borsani swivel chairs draw the eye next to a dramatic wooden floor lamp (limited edition) by Daniel Arsham.

One striking residence was transformed into a relaxed, California-inspired retreat through Robert Stephan’s expert curation. By integrating exquisite vintage pieces with contemporary craftsmanship, The Rope | Studio created a harmonious space exuding effortless sophistication. The furniture selection, featuring design legends such as Pierre Guariche, Pierre Chapo, and Charlotte Perriand, was complemented by an Osvaldo Borsani vintage armchair. A rare Jean Prouvé aluminum door with porthole windows adds architectural intrigue while connecting the library to the living space.

The library’s custom fireplace with dark, irregular, handcrafted ceramic tiles by Porzellanmanufaktur Nymphenburg is complemented by an Osvaldo Borsani vintage armchair, a Francesco Balzano coffee table and a rare vintage Pierre Guariche swingarm lamp.

David Chipperfield’s architecture set the stage for an extraordinary home, while The Rope | Studio infused it with a masterful interior concept – thoughtfully curated, yet effortlessly livable. Balancing respect for Chipperfield’s vision with creative freedom, the studio blended rare vintage treasures with contemporary icons. A standout piece was Renzo Schirolli’s ultra-rare desk – lost at auction but later discovered elsewhere. Sculptural works by Daniel Arsham and McCollin Bryan added artistic depth, while warm oak, walnut, and soft linen created a tactile sense of comfort. Every element was chosen to enhance the daily experience, ensuring the space remained elegant yet welcoming. More than a showcase of design, the home became a living canvas – beautiful, functional, and shaped by everyday life.

A rare Jean Prouvé aluminum door with portholes blends architectural charm with functionality.

The Rope | Gallery: A Showcase of Collectible Design

Complementing the established interior design studio, The Rope Gallery serves as a destination for design connoisseurs to explore an expertly curated selection of rare vintage objects and contemporary pieces. Regularly rotating exhibitions feature exceptional works from 20th-century masters and today’s leading creators, making the gallery a must-visit in Munich. From Pierre Chapo’s modernist masterpieces to the sculptural designs of Christophe Côme and Arno Declercq, the gallery upholds a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and substance.

Together The Rope | Studio and The Rope | Gallery redefine collectible design, seamlessly integrating history and modernity into curated interiors. Whether designing private residences or showcasing design excellence, Robert Stephan, Vicky and Peter Schlagböhmer and their team push the boundaries of high-end interiors – The Rope turns spaces into places.

The founders, Robert Stephan, Vicky, and Peter Schlagböhmer, bring their shared passion for interior and collectible design to life through The Rope’s distinctive gallery and studio concept.