Renowned American designer and tastemaker Suzanne Rheinstein’s New York City apartment contents are set for a one-of-a-kind sale, beginning January 15. The sale will be hosted at KRB NYC, a home design shop owned by her daughter, Kate Rheinstein Brodsky. Known for her discerning eye that artfully mixed global treasures, Rheinstein’s legacy in design is celebrated through this curated collection. Her love for blending old and new objects has been a hallmark of her work, reflecting a life dedicated to style and functionality.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designer: Suzanne Rheinstein
Curator: Kate Rheinstein Brodsky
Location: New York City
Event: Sale at KRB NYC
Key Collection Highlights: Painted wooden columns, Floral print chairs
Philosophy: Mix of antiques and contemporary furnishings
The collection comprises 105 pieces of exquisite furniture and unique objects from her Manhattan apartment, previously featured in a popular design publication in November 2010. This sale offers a rare opportunity to own beautifully crafted items that have been personally curated by Rheinstein herself. Among the standout pieces are a pair of intricately painted wooden columns and floral print chairs that once resided in her bedroom, showcasing the designer’s affinity for harmonious pairs and her belief in the decor’s transformative power.
At the heart of Rheinstein’s design philosophy was an appreciation for the interconnectedness of the past and present, which she expressed by incorporating antiques into modern interiors. She founded Hollyhock in Los Angeles, a haven for her curated collection of antique and contemporary furnishings, to bring this vision to life. Her passion for painted furniture and artistic forms is echoed in the sale’s offerings, including a striking pair of 18th-century Regency chairs and carved wooden mirrors that capture the essence of her eclectic taste.
Suzanne Rheinstein’s approach to interior design was not just about aesthetics but also about functionality and the richness it adds to a living space. According to Michael Boodro, who collaborated on her final book, “A Welcoming Elegance,” Rheinstein saw antiques not simply as historical artifacts but as essential components that enlivened a room and served purposeful roles. This perspective transformed how antiques were perceived in interior design, positioning them as integral rather than ornamental elements.
Kate Rheinstein Brodsky carries forth her mother’s legacy, reflecting on the journey she shared with her mother during countless shopping excursions, which imbued her with a deep appreciation for the artistry in everyday objects. She notes her mother’s penchant for Italian shapes and painted furniture, which makes this collection not only a testament to Suzanne’s exquisite taste but also an invitation to bring a piece of her world into one’s home. This sale ensures that Suzanne Rheinstein’s beloved pieces continue to bring joy and elegance to new spaces, rather than being confined to a static, museum-like existence.
In preserving Suzanne Rheinstein’s legacy, this unique sale at KRB NYC stands as a tribute to her life’s work, allowing collectors and admirers alike to own a piece of design history. As her thoughtfully chosen items embark on a new journey across various homes, they continue to reflect her philosophy of harmonious design, where past and present converge to enrich the living environments of those who appreciate the artistry in the ordinary.
