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Design couple turns flat into personal museum
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For couple Wang Yang and Zhou Ping, who are prominent designers, their apartment is like a museum to project their life. Having moved in just half a year ago, the couple seems to be smoothly transitioning their lives to a new stage. Their previous home was tucked away on Wuzhong Road, much more remote than their current place in the heart of city.
Besides being much more convenient, “my husband can continue his running routine on the street with lush platane trees,” Wang said.
The husband and wife team have tried out new home interior styles and touches for different spaces, using their talent to transform a 150-square-meter city flat into a light, livable family home with room enough for three and a lot of distinct character.
With a backdrop of white, grey and black color schemes, they added pop-up or neon colors here and there to balance the rather cold base.
From the moment you step inside, it’s clear this is a temple of creativity, given the sense of coherence with whitewashed walls, light gray floors, simple and timeless furniture styles and eye-catching decorations everywhere.
Zhou has been in the interior business a long time, so he is in charge of overall space design, materials and textures. Wang, who has built up her own brand YAANG since 2007 focusing on home furniture, accessories and lamps expressing her unique philosophy and taste, was keen to be in charge of how things look and she’s really stamped the place with personality.
For them, a room should never be finished. It should keep changing, depending on the mood at the time.
The result is a mixture of past and present, light and dark, warm and cool. All the rooms are sparsely decorated with clean-line, tailor-made furniture they designed. With a combination of materials including wood, concrete, silk, velvet and stainless steel, it works wonders and makes the space look chic and special.
With a functional yet stylish interior, the couple created a mild, soothing ambience with some pop-up colors.
“You can always add color to brighten up the space, and change it in an easy way by just replacing the displays,” Wang said.
A library wall in the living room is the highlight — it’s a place for books and also their collection of arty objects sourced around the world.
“There is no master plan for collecting. I tend to go for things with bold, graphic qualities, but also some whimsy. If I see something I like, I know it will work in the house — even if I have to move things around to find the right place,” Wang said.
The space demonstrates that there is no rule that says you have to display things at eye level. They can be high up, low or on the floor. Carefully chosen objects have been artfully arranged on shelves, sideboards, or walls to catch the eye.
“With years of traveling, it’s time to bring those sentimental keepsakes down from storage and put them on display,” she said.
Despite all the colors and possessions, it doesn’t feel hectic or frantic. “We actually feel very calm. They reflect our stories and bring warmth and happiness.”
For the master bedroom, they have kept the furniture and style touches to a minimum.
“I didn’t want too many things around so there is more focus on total relaxation. We wanted the space to be simple and peaceful,” Wang said.
The tatami room is an aesthetic and functional space which is used as a place for tea and books, and it also can be switched to a guest room if they have family and friends staying over.
Ask the owner
Q: What’s the best thing about living in Shanghai?
A: I’ve been away from my hometown, Shanghai, for a long time and still, I feel most comfortable here. Everything is familiar and dear to my heart.
Q: Describe your home in three words.
A: Clean, comfy, artsy.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
A: Unwind and listen to music.
Q: How do you unwind?
A: Music, coffee and a book.
Q: Where do you spend most of the time at home?
A: Living room. It’s the spot that makes me feel fully relaxed.
Q: What’s the best view outside your window?
A: Low and tall residential buildings that reflect the essence of the city.
Q: How do you scent your home?
A: I’m allergic to most of the scents so I rarely use them at home.
Q: What’s your favorite object at home?
A: Vintage Coca Cola bottles.
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