FULL of vibrant small details, the home of artist Zeng Hong is a beautiful example of how to create an intensely personal space.

From the mask collection Zeng accumulated on different trips to the small artifacts and her paintings dotted around the house, artistic creations are a vital ingredient in the design scheme. It's hardly surprising: as a painter for 25 years, Zeng has always been surrounded by beautiful, inspiring items.

Her home, which she shares with her husband Christian Lorenz and their son Lukas, is far away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. It's a two-floor apartment in Xujing Town, Qingpu District.

Having lived in Japan for six years, Zeng came back to China and chose to start a new life in Shanghai in 1999. She had a clear picture of what she wanted.

"When I bought the house in 1999, it was still surrounded by farm land. It was my own sanctuary where I enjoyed the birds chirping, the nature," said Zeng, who has fond memories of living in a traditional Japanese garden house close to Kyoto.

"Convenient urban living is not my goal and I was never into the city's high-rises. One element for my house is essential: the garden." With plenty of creativity in mind, Zeng set out to ensure that her home would be very personal and comfortable. "I went for things that felt rich, warm and inviting, which would make people want to reach out and touch them."

She didn't change much of the layout but created her favorite sun room as well as an inimitable, beautiful garden. The sun room, filled with local black bricks, vintage-look pieces, reclaimed objects and the homeowner's custom-made fabrics, provides a bohemian feel. "This room is where we come to relax, have coffee, read and simply escape the pressures of day-to-day life."

The sun room opens onto the garden where Zeng's aim was to create an unpretentious escape where they could relax as a family and with friends. The family love to spend time in the garden, soak up the sun in the breezy summer, barbeque with friends and eat breakfasts outside when weather permits.

The rest of the interior is a diverse mix of furniture and vintage items that Zeng has picked up in vintage stores, at flea markets or on her travels.

She custom-designed the major pieces of furniture and home accessories, ensuring a consistent style and color throughout. "There were not many decoration materials in the market a decade ago so I had to design and make them by myself," she said.

Much of the furniture is made of wood, which together with the old floor gives the space a natural warmth. Light floods in through the vast windows and pieces of old-style Chinese furniture are mingled with flea market finds and the ever-present paintings to create an informal yet stylish home.

She started the two-month home renovation by choosing wall colors for each room. While most people prefer the walls and base upholstery in neutral colors Zeng is the opposite.

"Choosing paint color was really a challenge back then. First I thought about the purpose of the room: the living and dining room is a social place that might do better with warm colors. The bedrooms are calmer and would do better with cool, calming colors," Zeng said. "I used my favorite colors, claret for the living area and green for the master bedroom. I felt comfortable with them painted on the walls, and it was a bold decision."

Zeng's tips for creating such a homey vibe are straightforward. "Start simple, never rush and add details as you go."

The dcor - with a collection of unique pieces Zeng has amassed over the years - gives the 200-square-meter space bags of character and charm. The neutral, streamlined custom-made furnishing is enlivened with Chinese antique items and occasional splashes of color in soft furnishings.

Decorated with hot red leather sofas, a Chinese-style lounge sofa and claret walls, the open-plan living and dining area is graceful enough for entertaining, and yet a place where family and friends feel immediately at ease. Obviously what Zeng had tried to achieve is a house that is warm, elegant but relaxed and informal.

The study room on the first floor is where Zeng spends most of the time. Unlike the vibrant, warm living area, the room where she creates numerous artworks is relatively neutral, with white walls and streamlined furnishing.

Walking upstairs to the second floor you can find three bedrooms. Eight-year-old Lukas' bedroom captures the excitement of a seaside outing with a warm and sunny seaside theme created by Zeng. The relaxing cool blue nautical fabrics and vintage-look sea-themed furniture creates abundant imagination for the child.

Entering into the master bedroom, the greenish silk/linen bedding stands out. For Zeng, creating her own designs and painting on fabrics is a passion and combining different textures can create added depth and eye-catching effect.

The artist's works have been exhibited in Japan, France, Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. Her ongoing solo exhibition is at Shanghai J Art Gallery on Tianlin Road.

In short, her home dcor is designed to create a mood, not a look, and the home's magical ambience delights adults and children alike.

Who is he?

Born in Hong Kong and raised in Toronto, Canada, Clifton Leung graduated from Ryerson University's School of Interior Design. After working as a designer in Canada for a few years, with projects including private residences and high-end retail shops, he returned to Hong Kong, his homeland, to explore other design opportunities. Leung founded Clifton Leung Design Workshop in 1997. On the commercial front, he's led the design teams of top-notch global fashion and retail brands such as D&G, Siemens, Just Cavalli, Converse, Gianfranco Ferre, Polo Ralph Lauren and Banyan Tree in the past 13 years. Leung's works for Hong Kong encompass the very best collection of top-tier exquisite residences in the region including Residence Bel-Air, Red Hill Peninsula, Discovery Bay, Beverly Hill and The Arch, just to name a few.

Early last year, he was thrilled to publish a book titled "Interior Design Lifestyle - from minimalism to maximization." The book is a celebration of all things creative inviting readers on an amazing tour of his 24 favorite design projects. Leung shares his unique inside look at the inspiration behind his thought process, insights and ideas, which are fundamental to his creativeness. He is very fortunate and honored that some of the projects have been used as choice locations for movies, music videos and TV shows.

Tell us some of your works, and name the one you are most proud of.

I took pride in the interior design assignment for a private apartment nestled amid the picturesque ambience of Repulse Bay, with a breathtaking view of the South China Sea. The owner came in with a simple brief: they wanted something different, a modern incarnation of their old flat. I've always loved challenges, as that's the only way I can push the boundaries and excel in what I do. In this assignment, I played around with the space a lot.

I created an extra bathroom, huge walk-in closets and a multipurpose room, adding to the functional space of the original three-bedroom layout. Neatly designed wall panels and use of false ceilings create a space to hide a complex network of lighting, built-in air-conditioning and air-purifying systems. Seeing the client walk away with a satisfied smile, I knew this interior was exactly what the client asked for and is indeed "something different."

Are you currently involved with any project?

I am currently involved in two commercial/retail projects. The Hong Kong retail project involves a 6,500 sq ft megastore, the first of its kind and a challenging undertaking in the territory. While in the Chinese mainland, I am working closely with Goelia, a reputable fashion chain, on the overall design of its headquarters and factory complex in Guangzhou. On the residential front, this is the busiest time of the year as every client wants to have the renovation completed before Chinese New Year. Apart from the various luxurious residential projects in Hong Kong, I am also actively involved in the design of a 10,000 sq ft house in Guangzhou.

Describe your design style

My design style emphasizes "minimalism to maximization." My signature design often embodies clean lines, hidden storage spaces and an interior free of clutter. I aim to create minimalist design through optimal use of space and concealed lighting, creating layered effects. Inherent in my design is the smart way of "creating" more room, not simply by utilizing proven and conventional practices such as full-wall mirrors to create an illusion of a more spacious ambience, but creating "genuine" space. Based on the design philosophy which pairs a deeply expressive primitivism with modernist sensibilities, my works strive to offer inspiration to individuals toward quality living.

What does your home mean to you?

Home design and décor says a lot about the owner. To me, home is a true expression of my character, who I am and the kind of life that I aspire to lead. It should be a comfortable and cozy sanctuary, where I can indulge in ultimate relaxation, an inspiring place for me to rejuvenate emotionally, physically and mentally.

What do you collect?

I'm crazy about airplanes; you'll find in-flight appliances and airplane models everywhere in my house and office. Inspiration continually flashes around me when I'm with an airplane engine, wing tip, fuel tank, tableware, trolley, etc - all the flying objects could be simply transformed into chic furniture pieces and kitchen storage. Classic and timeless design. Chairs are one of my collections, too. Different styles, materials, colors, heights, etc evoke different feelings. I have more than 30 designer chairs in my office. Chairs are multi-purposed as well; they offer comfortable seating, or serve as a display platform for chic décor like a vase. I like the design by Philippe Starck, who is good at designing chairs in unique, comfortable and eco-friendly materials.

Where do you like to go most in Shanghai?

Tian Zi Fang is one of my favorite spots in Shanghai. The placid district and its small alleys are full of fantastic historical architecture, petite fashion outlets and homeware shops. I also enjoy visiting the rebuilt factories and warehouses on Moganshan Road. The 1933 complex, behind the Peninsula hotel is another art deco landmark I admire - the conversion of this former slaughterhouse into a cool and refined space for the appreciation of beauty, art and culture is just amazing! I feel like going on a treasure hunt every time I visit these places. Of course, dining at The Bund, admiring the landmark heritage buildings and the famous waterfront promenade, is an inevitable part of my Shanghai itinerary.

What will be the next big design trend ?

Eco-friendly homes are inevitably the emerging trend in home design. For instance, LED lighting solutions are extremely energy efficient, using only one-tenth of the energy of comparable traditional lighting and lasting 25 times longer. Green designs like large windows can maximize the reach of natural daylight, hence reducing the use of artificial lighting. Double-glazed windows also enhance energy saving to create a warmer environment during winter and cooler space during summer, hence reducing the use of air-conditioning and heaters. Incorporation of smart technologies also plays a vital role in energy efficiency, offering greener choices for home-owners. Capitalizing on the latest technology, a smart home automation system which automates heat, lighting and window coverings, which will also help to reduce energy consumption. Simply put, green is the next big design trend.

Q: What's the best thing about living in Shanghai?

A: Shanghai is a very convenient city to live in. There are always work opportunities. And there are many international schools for kids education.

Q: Describe your home in three words.

A: Cozy, relaxed and safe.

Q: What's the first thing you do when you get home?

A: Have a cup of coffee.

Q: How do you unwind?

A: Do exercise, listen to music and travel.

Q: Where do you spend most of your time at home?

A: My study where I paint.

Q: What's the best view outside your window?

A: My plants and flowers.

Q: How do you scent your home?

A: The lavender I brought from France.

Q: What's your favorite object at home?

A: The painting desk designed by myself.

Q: Where do you source furniture in Shanghai?

A: Those small furniture shops which offer custom-made service.