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A run-down space now a cozy lane home
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A once run-down space in the former French concession area is today the inspirational and cozy home of its creative owner Cathy Wang.
Wang, an interior designer, has always been attracted by Shanghai’s lane houses and wanted to convert the old-world charm into high-end luxury place similar to those found in London and in New York.
“So when I looked for a house in Shanghai, I went for the former French concession area and found this place on Yongjia Road with a good residential vibe,” Wang said.
When she bought the entire ground floor of the lane house, it looked nothing like it does today.
“The planning was crucial. In order to gain more spaces and higher ceilings I decided to dig down as much as I could,” she said. “This allowed me to put the bathroom lower than the bedroom and gave me a duplex-like space on the top that I use for dressing.”
The renovated house now suddenly looks like a doll’s house, especially with the double French mirrored doors.
Wang said the floor plan was based on a garden suite of a resort hotel, completely breaking from the traditional concept of the house. It is all open space yet has privacy, besides being multifunctional.
“The interior is romantic and practical at the same time. It is also earthy, a bit vintage look inspired by Provence in South France, and mixed with classical elements,” Wang said.
The room features old wooden floors, soft chandeliers, modern high-tech kitchen and bathroom, and a huge four-poster canopy bed. They complement the entertainment wall systems, bookshelves and a cozy fireplace.
Overall the design is feminine and elegant.
“I also paired the interior concept with lots of original artworks which I commissioned to a very talented artist to create an entire art collection especially for this place,” she said.
Michael Lechner von Leheneck, who goes by his pen name “Long Yinxi,” created a unique art vibe that matched Wang’s interior design.
The artist has gifted all the personal artifacts. Even more importantly, each piece of work has been painted specially for the interior and is an integral part of the overall design. According to Wang, there are a total of 16 artworks that are worth 7 million yuan.
“This brings the soul and character into the entire place. Even in my bathroom I have an original painting over the bathtub, as I do in the kitchen and in each of the rooms,” Wang said. “Only art can add amazing visual and emotional effect to an empty or a very well designed space.”
As for the color schemes, Wang chose to paint the rooms in cream, off-white, taupe and black, which are in a stark contrast to the dark wooden and mosaic stone floors in the kitchen, bathroom and the garden.
The winter garden, which in UK would have been labeled a “conservatory,” is Wang’s favorite spot.
“It used to be a tiny front garden all these lane houses have in front of their entrance door. I simply used black framed glass roof on top and it now gives the impression of a glasshouse.”
“In the ‘glasshouse’ all you can see is the sky and the huge old trees from the park next door.
“The garden is filled with greenery, great air and full of oxygen, a peaceful place perfect for meditations and to read a book or just to relax with a cup of tea,” she added.
Wang’s design of her home — a typical old Shanghai lane house turned into a fashionable, modern space — has won her multiple international awards: the Asia-Pacific Interior Design Award for the Best Creative Design in 2015 and Grands Prix Du Design special awards.
The house has also been featured in many magazines and on TV.
Q: What’s the best thing about living in Shanghai?
A: Shanghai is the most international city in China. Love the blend of old and new, west and east.
Q: Describe your home in three words.
A: Elegant, sophisticated yet comfortable.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
A: Opening the windows to get fresh air and a gentle breeze from the gardens, listen to birds singing.
Q: How do you unwind?
A: I meditate wherever and whenever I can.
Q: How do you spend most of the time at home?
A: Sitting in my winter garden reading a good book, listening music.
Q: What’s the view outside your window?
A: Huge ancient trees from the park next doors.
Q: How do you scent your home?
A: Feminine
Q: What’s your favorite object at home?
A: The painting “Falling Leaves” in the winter garden.
Q: Where do you source furniture in Shanghai?
A: There are many buyer’s shops I like to visit and I also like custom-made furniture. I work with some trusted manufacturers outside of Shanghai with whom I have been working on my design projects for years.
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