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Freewheeling style enlivens family home
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CARINE Bonnois’s villa in Pudong New Area is a family home in the truest sense — a place that puts those who enter at ease with its comfortable assemblage of furniture, heirlooms and interesting curios.
“My criteria when looking for a house to live in Shanghai were all about family. We needed a big house with a garden because we moved from France with all our furniture. And location is crucial as well; no more than a half hour drive to school and not too far from my husband’s office,” Bonnois said.
Bonnois lives with her husband Jean-Christophe, and their children Ann-Charlotte, Oscar and Theodora.
She said her house met the family’s standards as it’s impeccably clean, smartly designed, and boasts enough space for everyone to feel comfortable together.
“I liked the mixture of materials and the discreet colors on the floors and walls the first time I saw the space, particularly the wood walls between the dining room and the kitchen,” she said. “I was also thrilled by the master bedroom with a big dressing room and a cute bathroom.”
With the family’s furniture from their home country, it was Bonnois’ job to create personal touches, surrounded by personal objects and art. “Each of them is meaningful in some way; they each have a story,” she said.
Bonnois is relaxed about mess and clutter, and always has visitors. It’s a house to live in and she never tried to introduce a particular style.
“My husband and I bought each object, piece of furniture, painting or blanket because we ... truly wanted to get it for our home. Afterwards, the only thing we did was to find he perfect spot for it,” she said.
And Bonnois loves to place things where they are least expected. Each corner is imbued with a thoughtful fusion of different cultural attributes and colors.
In the family TV room, thick carpets and leather sofas contrast with white cushions, vintage furniture and souvenirs from travels close to their hearts. The result is harmonious and fresh.
The spacious living room, according to her, is the house’s “coldest” space due to its many windows. She chose to fill it with three sofas, two armchairs, a liquor cabinet and two coffee tables, among other pieces. Bonnois has a very personal style and didn’t want her home look to be like everyone else’s.
The living room is pleasing to look at, but also super functional and a great place to gather with friends. The space boasts a harmonious blend of colors: blue, light purple, grey red with touches of green, yellow, gold and silver.
“As the background is white walls and curtains, I’ve added colors to make it more welcoming,” Bonnois said.
The dining room, by comparison, is more eclectic in style. “It was pretty easy to decorate as it was the only place where we could fit the piano, two cabinets and a dining table. I decided to twist the atmosphere with my collection of glass objects, and my interpretation of an English tradition: family photographs on top of the piano,”
Bonnois also installed two mirrors to give some depth to this room and a huge blue Indian blue carpet to add color. “The ceiling light is home-made: I recycled three lampshades and a piece of fake fur from a cushion to make it!”
The house boasts an eclectic collection of objects from all over the world. Bonnois is addicted to furniture, decoration shopping and magazines. “Firstly I must fall for it and need to bring it back home. It must fit into our easy living concept. Sofas, armchairs, and chairs must absolutely be comfortable,” she said.
“And my husband is responsible for art. In each place we go for holidays, he brings back a painting, or an art object. We both love native art and most of our paintings are from southern French artists. We also have a big collection of African art that includes statues, masks, a shield and stools, all of which have a sentimental value.”
Q: What’s the best thing about living in Shanghai?
A: The energy!
Q: Describe your home in three words.
A: Feels good here
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
A: Remove my shoes
Q: How do you unwind?
A: I share a delicious dinner with my dear friends.
Q: What’s the view outside your window?
A: No noise and green is all around.
Q: How do you scent your home?
A: I burn home perfume, paper from Armenia, candles and incense sticks.
Q: What’s your favorite object at home?
A: My new kitchen ceiling light.
Q: Where do you source furniture in Shanghai?
A: PRHome in Pudong and Puxi; SOFT GUGU in Hongqiao flower market; DTL and Taobao.
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