Home » Sunday » Home and Design
Meshing Oriental and Western features
Print Edition
AFTER a long career in Asia spanning from 1983 to 2003 that included living in Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong, Claude R. Jaeck and his wife Hsieh Shau Yu were very excited about moving to Shanghai shortly before Mother’s Day in 2003.
“Our first home in town was relatively easy to find and with the help of friends, and my wife being originally from Taiwan, we were easily able to deal with the real estate agents and building management to find suitable accommodations,” he said.
However, after staying in a rented property for a year the couple slowly became more familiar with the different districts and neighborhoods of the city, their distinct characteristics and their quaint alleys and narrow streets.
“After weighing all the advantages and disadvantages, we decided to move to Hongqiao, which offered more green areas and gardens as well as being closer to the French and American schools,” he said.
The very first time the couple saw this apartment, they immediately liked the layout and bigger spaces compared to others they had seen in central Shanghai. Another bonus was the long balcony stretching the length of the apartment, offering a wonderful “as far as the eye can see” view of Shanghai from their high floor.
Like many flats in Shanghai, the French homeowner said the apartment was still unfinished with just concrete walls and unfinished utilities connections.
“But this simplicity was a kind of a blessing in disguise as it allowed us to realize our vision and incorporate our personal preferences,” Jaeck said. “It was very exciting to undertake the project to create our living surroundings including the modification of the layout and floor plan. This allowed us to decorate the spaces according to our tastes.”
The renovation process was facilitated with the availability of world-class building and decoration materials. Products from all over the planet are available.
The main idea was to create a living space in which they felt comfortable and that provided sufficient wall space to accommodate their collection of furniture, artwork and various antiques they had acquired over the years.
“If a label has to be given to our home style, I believe it would be Oriental antique style (with a strong presence of Chinese and Korean furniture and Southeast Asian features) with traditional Western overtones,” Jaeck said.
The color scheme is mostly related to antique Oriental furniture and therefore rather dark and heavy, but this is enhanced by several modern pieces.
Indirect soft lighting plays an essential role in their interior to create a comfortable warm atmosphere as well as enhance certain furnishings.
Jaeck has been collecting Chinese antiques for years with many of his purchases being made in Vietnam and Thailand.
“We have the good fortune of having Bangkok based in-laws who own a furniture factory within Thailand’s Golden Triangle (www.antikasia.com). This has given us the opportunity to acquire exceptional pieces that have been with us for many years and have become inseparable from our family,” Jaeck said.
“We believe that our interior reflects our characters and love of art. Each piece, including even very small ones, all have a story to tell,” he added.
Jaeck’s favorite room is the study as it holds his large collection of books, memorabilia, unique “objects of art” and other meaningful things they have collected. The furnishings and decorations also reflect their interests.
“My wife enjoys oil painting and I have a passion for history which has led to the foundation of the History Society of the French in China, to which I devote much of my time in investigating the lifestyle and contributions of past generations to their host country,” he said.
A home can be many things, he said.
“It can be a very private retreat for yourself or it can be a place to entertain many friends,” Jaeck said. “But no matter what you choose, it’s always your home. A great kitchen and comfortable bedrooms are essential.”
Ask the owner
Q: What is the best thing about living in Shanghai?
The most fantastic thing about living in Shanghai for the past 10 years was to have a front seat to witness the most significant economic and social metamorphosis the world has seen: the coming of age of China and its best window, Shanghai. All spotlights were and still are on China and Shanghai in particular.
Q: Describe your home in three words.
Warmth, comfort and character
Q: What is the first thing you do when you get home?
In Asia, it is customary that one takes off his shoes when entering a home. This simple movement already places you in a different mood, leaving the hectic, busy world for another one of calm and peace.
Q: How do you unwind?
Unwinding and balancing the frenzy of a day’s work in Shanghai is a necessity for survival. Whether it is to find solace or inspiration, recharging your batteries or build up your inner strength, meditate or read a book, my study is the place, my cavern, my space shuttle, my safe haven, my retreat.
Q: Where do you spend most of your time at home?
Private time is mostly spent in my study surrounded by my books and memorabilia from a life spent in the Far East. The furnishings are mostly of Western signature with a French empire-style feel. The room features portraits and busts of Napoleon and De Gaulle. A crystal decanter filled with a rare single malt sits prominently on a marble fire place frame and classical music fills the air giving the room a pleasant and nostalgic warm feel.
Q: What is the best view outside your window?
To the south from our 11th floor balcony we enjoy the privilege of having an unspoiled view of Shanghai Zoo.
Q: Where do you source furniture in Shanghai?
Dongjiadu Road and out on Huqingping Road. We often visit the furniture markets on Yishan Road.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
