When we first learned about Ansel and Peter’s newly opened design studio, Marvin Lang, we had to visit and photograph their modern masterpiece. The pair transformed a late 19th-century garage into a vibrant studio while preserving and celebrating as many original rustic and industrial details as possible.
Beyond the custom double doors is a welcoming client lounge filled with vintage finds and Danish modern furniture. The designers left original features—rough plaster and brick walls and the concrete floor—intact, creating a warm, textured backdrop for the curated furnishings.
Because the space originally lacked interior partitions, Ansel and Peter added two closets and a generous bathroom. The bathroom features striking metal wall panels that serve both as a sleek surface and as large magnetic boards—blending practicality with industrial character.
They kept most of the studio open to maximize natural light, which streams through and reflects off exposed ceiling beams and the sealed concrete floors. The clear sealant preserves the building’s authentic feel while making the surfaces easy to maintain.
Storage was solved with reclaimed shelving crafted from wood salvaged on-site. These shelves provide functional storage while reinforcing the studio’s sustainable, resourceful ethos.
A section of wall was covered with large homasote panels to create an oversized pinboard for prints and posters—an attractive, practical display solution that adds texture and function to the workspace.
The kitchen corner continues the metal-wall motif with an easy-wipe backsplash and features a thick Carrara marble countertop, an undermount sink, and an eye-catching wall-mounted faucet. The materials are both durable and elegant, elevating the studio’s hospitality areas.
Ansel, who specializes in graphic design, introduced playful signage throughout the studio. Small humorous signs and graphics add personality to each area—one favorite references lightheartedly the bathroom scene to keep the tone fun and informal.
One of the most charming preserved details is a set of old chains embedded in the concrete floor. These were used to secure cars when the building functioned as a garage, and they remain as tactile reminders of the site’s history.
To maintain the original character, the front doors were custom-built to fit the original garage opening. The thoughtful restoration preserves both the building’s past function and its distinctive visual identity.
We appreciated the chance to explore Ansel and Peter’s fresh, beautifully executed studio. If you have an interesting home or workspace and are open to a friendly photo visit, they welcome inquiries—these designers know how to balance history, practicality, and style in a way that feels both authentic and inspiring.