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French touch adds warmth to garden house
By Patsy Yang |
January 10, 2010, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
EXPANSIVE and filled with light, this 1930s garden house on Hunan Road retains its original charm while creating a nurturing oasis for a French family. A constant stream of natural light, sunshine and kids flow between indoor and outdoor spaces through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Laetitia and Remi Charachon settled their family of seven here in 2004, happy to have traded their comfortable way of European living for an exciting new beginning in Shanghai. "Before Shanghai, we were settled in Brussels and had a very pleasant life. But we didn't hesitate moving here. It was a very quick decision."
Their first criteria was to find a large family house with a garden, centrally located in downtown Shanghai. "At the time, there were few garden houses available. When we first visited this three-floor property, a Hong Kong-based company was still doing renovation, respecting what was essential and taking out what was not," Laetitia said.
They rented it after the makeover. It was a simple, clean house with a fresh look and enough space for seven people. More importantly, Laetitia could make the most of the home's laid-back setting by embellishing it with beautiful displays of all the things the family loved.
The interior's warm, easy-going look offers a more liveable alternative to the minimalist style popular in recent years. But liveable does not mean lacking in style. Laetitia's relaxed approach to decorating allows the home to reflect her passions and interests, encompassing everything from family photos, eccentric ornaments and festive highlights to piles of books.
The living room on the first floor sets the tone for the whole house. It is a warmly welcoming focal point where the family put their feet up and unwind after a long day.
Well proportioned sofa sets, a mixture of textures, soothing light and an airy feel enliven the living room in a truly relaxing way.
The furniture choices again mirror Laetitia's light-hearted style. The only few pieces the family brought to China included a piano and two orange chairs. What is obviously consistent is an appreciation for quality, simple objects.
She looks for beautiful materials, proportions and colors. "I wanted to add more modern Chinese pieces to create a mix of European style and Chinese influence. We love a mix of old and new furniture."
However, when decorating the home she became frustrated at not being able to find things she expected to see in Shanghai. "I thought I could easily find blue and white porcelain and wonderful Chinese ceramics everywhere in the market but it turned out to be difficult. Nor could I find some of the items I was used to at the time. The only options were either Ikea or Bo Concept."
Thus Laetitia and former Australian fashion editor Sandra Shimith started to scour the market, finding ceramics in Jingdezhen and sourcing lifestyle products from around the world.
They combined their life experiences and unique tastes to create a boutique that showcases a global modern approach to living.
Their first Platane shop was opened in 2006 on peaceful Yongfu Road, filled with a hodgepodge of soft furnishings and whimsical everyday items with a distinctly designer vibe. With Shimith returning to Australia, Laetitia is now managing two Platane stores.
There is a careful selection of its products displayed in Laetitia's living room. The interpretations of ancient Chinese designs blend gracefully with the contemporary environment, such as an eye-catching silk painting on the wall.
This living room's features create a relaxed ambience. A neutral-colored sofa is large and inviting, covered with comfortable cushions and throws. The floor-to-ceiling window floods the space with plenty of natural light.
A wooden dining table placed before the huge window is decorated with a series of fine tableware and festive flowers. The red wooden doors from Shanxi Province are something Chinese and artistic to complete the decor. As a bonus, the garden view through the window is wonderfully peaceful.
"Decoration is always my passion because I grew up in beautiful houses filled with artworks back in Lille. People from northern France love to decorate their homes. It is the tradition," Laetitia said.
She likes to inject personality into a room and make it spring to life by displaying objects she finds appealing. She will change a room's layout or swap cushions to make rooms a bit different. She believes it adds a feeling of ease and relaxed wellbeing.
The second floor is dedicated to bedrooms for the couple and their five children. The master bedroom has soothing colors, silk curtains and a special bed. Laetitia has decorated the children's bedrooms in a creative and stimulating manner. Apart from being bright, ventilated and colorful, the focus is on using sleek furniture to make way for space.
Her favorite room is the study on the top floor from which she loves overlooking the garden. It is also a warm space where family members love to pass their spare time watching TV or reading books.
1: Barnslig mirror, 129 yuan, from Ikea
Address: 126 Caoxi Rd
Tel: 400-800-2345
2: Fargglad chldren's chair, 99 yuan, from Ikea
Address: 126 Caoxi Rd
Tel: 400-800-2345
3: Barnslig mini chest with four drawers, 29.90 yuan, from Ikea
Address: 126 Caoxi Rd
Tel: 400-800-2345
4: Tree Coat Stand, 6,000 yuan, by Magis, from Design Republic
Address: 88 Yuqing Rd
Tel: 6082-3788
5: Plywood Elephant (limited edition), 28,800 yuan, by Vitra, from Design Republic
Address: 88 Yuqing Rd
Tel: 6082-3788
6: Gas Pump Storage Box, 2,290 yuan, from Ninos
Address: 136 Taikang Rd
Tel: 6466-8198
7: PM Box, 330 yuan, from Ninos
Address: 136 Taikang Rd
Tel: 6466-8198
8: Kids Lounge Chair, 2,800 yuan, from Ninos
Address: 136 Taikang Rd
Tel: 6466-8198
9: Moover Toys Doll's Pram Red, 1,500 yuan, from Ninos
Address: 136 Taikang Rd
Tel: 6466-8198
Laetitia and Remi Charachon settled their family of seven here in 2004, happy to have traded their comfortable way of European living for an exciting new beginning in Shanghai. "Before Shanghai, we were settled in Brussels and had a very pleasant life. But we didn't hesitate moving here. It was a very quick decision."
Their first criteria was to find a large family house with a garden, centrally located in downtown Shanghai. "At the time, there were few garden houses available. When we first visited this three-floor property, a Hong Kong-based company was still doing renovation, respecting what was essential and taking out what was not," Laetitia said.
They rented it after the makeover. It was a simple, clean house with a fresh look and enough space for seven people. More importantly, Laetitia could make the most of the home's laid-back setting by embellishing it with beautiful displays of all the things the family loved.
The interior's warm, easy-going look offers a more liveable alternative to the minimalist style popular in recent years. But liveable does not mean lacking in style. Laetitia's relaxed approach to decorating allows the home to reflect her passions and interests, encompassing everything from family photos, eccentric ornaments and festive highlights to piles of books.
The living room on the first floor sets the tone for the whole house. It is a warmly welcoming focal point where the family put their feet up and unwind after a long day.
Well proportioned sofa sets, a mixture of textures, soothing light and an airy feel enliven the living room in a truly relaxing way.
The furniture choices again mirror Laetitia's light-hearted style. The only few pieces the family brought to China included a piano and two orange chairs. What is obviously consistent is an appreciation for quality, simple objects.
She looks for beautiful materials, proportions and colors. "I wanted to add more modern Chinese pieces to create a mix of European style and Chinese influence. We love a mix of old and new furniture."
However, when decorating the home she became frustrated at not being able to find things she expected to see in Shanghai. "I thought I could easily find blue and white porcelain and wonderful Chinese ceramics everywhere in the market but it turned out to be difficult. Nor could I find some of the items I was used to at the time. The only options were either Ikea or Bo Concept."
Thus Laetitia and former Australian fashion editor Sandra Shimith started to scour the market, finding ceramics in Jingdezhen and sourcing lifestyle products from around the world.
They combined their life experiences and unique tastes to create a boutique that showcases a global modern approach to living.
Their first Platane shop was opened in 2006 on peaceful Yongfu Road, filled with a hodgepodge of soft furnishings and whimsical everyday items with a distinctly designer vibe. With Shimith returning to Australia, Laetitia is now managing two Platane stores.
There is a careful selection of its products displayed in Laetitia's living room. The interpretations of ancient Chinese designs blend gracefully with the contemporary environment, such as an eye-catching silk painting on the wall.
This living room's features create a relaxed ambience. A neutral-colored sofa is large and inviting, covered with comfortable cushions and throws. The floor-to-ceiling window floods the space with plenty of natural light.
A wooden dining table placed before the huge window is decorated with a series of fine tableware and festive flowers. The red wooden doors from Shanxi Province are something Chinese and artistic to complete the decor. As a bonus, the garden view through the window is wonderfully peaceful.
"Decoration is always my passion because I grew up in beautiful houses filled with artworks back in Lille. People from northern France love to decorate their homes. It is the tradition," Laetitia said.
She likes to inject personality into a room and make it spring to life by displaying objects she finds appealing. She will change a room's layout or swap cushions to make rooms a bit different. She believes it adds a feeling of ease and relaxed wellbeing.
The second floor is dedicated to bedrooms for the couple and their five children. The master bedroom has soothing colors, silk curtains and a special bed. Laetitia has decorated the children's bedrooms in a creative and stimulating manner. Apart from being bright, ventilated and colorful, the focus is on using sleek furniture to make way for space.
Her favorite room is the study on the top floor from which she loves overlooking the garden. It is also a warm space where family members love to pass their spare time watching TV or reading books.
1: Barnslig mirror, 129 yuan, from Ikea
Address: 126 Caoxi Rd
Tel: 400-800-2345
2: Fargglad chldren's chair, 99 yuan, from Ikea
Address: 126 Caoxi Rd
Tel: 400-800-2345
3: Barnslig mini chest with four drawers, 29.90 yuan, from Ikea
Address: 126 Caoxi Rd
Tel: 400-800-2345
4: Tree Coat Stand, 6,000 yuan, by Magis, from Design Republic
Address: 88 Yuqing Rd
Tel: 6082-3788
5: Plywood Elephant (limited edition), 28,800 yuan, by Vitra, from Design Republic
Address: 88 Yuqing Rd
Tel: 6082-3788
6: Gas Pump Storage Box, 2,290 yuan, from Ninos
Address: 136 Taikang Rd
Tel: 6466-8198
7: PM Box, 330 yuan, from Ninos
Address: 136 Taikang Rd
Tel: 6466-8198
8: Kids Lounge Chair, 2,800 yuan, from Ninos
Address: 136 Taikang Rd
Tel: 6466-8198
9: Moover Toys Doll's Pram Red, 1,500 yuan, from Ninos
Address: 136 Taikang Rd
Tel: 6466-8198
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