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An artist living the lanehouse life in color
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THE charm of this three-storey lanehouse lies in the stories Basmat Levin tells, stories that are layered on its walls and in every nook and cranny.
The artist showcases her aesthetic sensibility and personal taste throughout her family home with happy, warm colors and a boundless creativity.
Before moving into this house with its distinctive Shanghai characteristics, she and her family had lived in different, but always modern, apartments in the former French concession. “I wanted the romance of living in a Shanghai lane house, but I was worried about the downsides, like insulation in the winter. Finally, though, I decided to give it a try,” she said.
After scouring the area for three months, Basmat finally found her ideal house four years ago on the corner of Wuyuan Road and Wulumuqi Road.
“It had been nicely renovated by the landlord, with double-glazed windows and floor heating. It’s bright, spacious, and more importantly, it was totally devoid of furniture, so we had complete freedom to decorate it ourselves,” she added. “In addition, the location is so central — we have easy access to everything we need, and are close to dining and entertainment, making socializing very convenient.”
The first floor living and dining areas overlook the terrace from the floor-to-ceiling windows. In creating the ambience, Basmat says she wanted to create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for her family of four, rather than a specific style. It was important, she says, that the family and their occasional houseguests feel at home and at ease.
Basmat enjoys being surrounded by things she can both love and live with, and the same is true of this house. “The ambience is very warm and inviting, with our house filled as it is with objects that we’ve custom-made according to our tastes and that we like to see and use,” she said.
The first change the artist made to the interior was to paint the walls in “her colors.” “My colors are also reflected in my paintings — always bold and happy. I used a mixture of shades throughout the house — from greenish yellow to burgundy.”
Furniture came from a custom furniture shop Arnold, and Basmat had a full set of new furniture for their home, mixing and matching with furniture from Danish brand HAY.
She had a large 16-seat dining table made, the setting for many intimate evenings of food, wine, and laughter.
The simple lines of the furniture are offset by the vivid colors of her own colorful, playful artwork, giving the interior a fresh dimension.
Basmat, who comes from a family of artists, says of her work, “My art comes directly from my heart with a natural instinct when it comes to colors and energies.” Her paintings are in constant rotation, giving the home a different vibe and mood. Her favorite piece, she says, is the portrait of a Tang Dynasty queen in the dining room, the centerpiece of the space.
The second floor houses the master bedroom and the family room, where the family often gathers for movie nights, and where her son plays instrument. The children’s bedrooms are on the attic-style third floor, where a large skylight can be opened up.
The interior is unique with a very personal touch, with every single aspect designed to create a highly functional and liveable space, where a feeling of lightness was created through a combination of materials, textures and hues.
Ask the owner
Q: What’s the best thing about living in Shanghai?
A: The energy of the people and the daily surprises.
Q: Describe your home in three words.
A: Happy, warm, and cosy.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
A: Saying hi to my dog and then go upstairs to look for my family.
Q: How do you unwind?
A: Talking to my family over dinner, and having a nice glass of wine.
Q: Where do you spend most of your time at home?
A: At the dinner table and in the family room.
Q: What’s the best view outside your window?
A: My garden -- and I love the greenery!
Q: How do you scent your home?
A: With fresh air as much as possible and flowers!
Q: What’s your favorite object at home?
A: It is not in the house, but it is a minute from the house -- the best thing ever for living where I am is the location. I am a minute away from the Avocado Lady!
Q: Where do you source furniture in Shanghai?
A: We found an amazing guy, Arnold, who custom makes great looking furniture.
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