WITH views of the city's old town and the Pudong New Area skyline, Bruce Ryde's Shanghai home has a relaxed but eclectic feel to it.

The high-rise apartment has a mix of classic furniture, trinkets that mingle with contemporary artworks and subtly patterned fabrics. It is evident the general manager of Hotel Indigo loves mixing Scandinavian classics and unique finds from different cultures. Clever touches give the overall look a sense of individuality.

The Australian homeowner has let his interiors unfold around his passions, embracing the kitsch, quirky and eccentric.

Ryde favors statement pieces that stand out in a quite neutral space like the large-scale art piece, and oversized design lamp.

"The things I have around the flat have to mean something to me. It's about having my memory around me," he said.

Ryde joined IHG in Sydney in 2002 and moved to Southeast Asia soon after in a number of regional roles. He has lived in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam. He relocated to Shanghai two years ago tasked with opening the region's first Hotel Indigo.

Ryde said that every place he's lived in had a different feeling to it: a lot of wood in Malaysian house, a minimalist style in the ultra-modern Singapore home, and an eclectic, funky feeling to his Shanghai flat.

Ryde said he looked more than 30 houses before finding this one.

"This three-bedroom flat has plenty of space, abundant light, and a convenient location. I can ride my bike to work if I want to," Ryde said. "And it is not outrageously expensive. It's a simple apartment and I can make it to be my home."

With three bedrooms, one big living and dining room and two balconies, the flat is enviably large at about 200 square meters. Ryde didn't change the layout, but painted one wall and moved in his collection of furniture and accessories.

A white palette helps to create an air of serenity and a backdrop for stand-out pieces. The wall in front of the dining table was painted deep grey to give contrast to the decor.

It took Ryde six months to finish "editing" the space, creating a warm and inspiring atmosphere that gives some clutter a chic look.

Ryde doesn't want decor that doesn't hang together so a sense of balance is created between the different styles in this home.

"A bit like Indigo, my home is eclectic, filled with interesting funky furniture and 1950s or 60s iconic Scandinavian designs such as the Charles Eames Lounge chair and ottoman placed in the living room," he said.

Instead of antiques and Asian style furniture, Ryde chose modern, fresh furniture pieces with clean lines and classic designs. And fabrics add warmth, color and interest. Soft rugs and cushions smooth out hard-edged modern furniture.

Pieces contrast and combine in a harmonious fashion since everything was chosen with the homeowner's distinct style in mind.

One distinct similarity between Ryde's home and the hotel he manages is the impressive collection of contemporary art pieces. On display are paintings and artwork from Spanish artist Dani Marti, Shanghai artist Yu Nancheng, Australian designer J. De Chiera and artist Du Haoxin.

"The contemporary art illustrates the person you are and shows what influences you," Ryde said. "I prefer young emerging artists who are really doing interesting things."

Besides art, books, small items, fresh flowers and plants always make home warm and cozy. Ryde turned flea-market and street finds into a focal point. A cabinet in the living room has been used to display his collection of decorative pieces brought from different countries.

"A lot of objects in this home have stories," he said, adding that other elements like aromatherapy, and good music are also essential in creating an atmosphere.

Despite the considered arrangement of furniture and the unified groupings of art and home accessories, the home doesn't feel over-designed. Ryde loves the way the place makes him feel now.

A lighting scheme also has the magic power to transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary. Ryde said when different kinds of lights come together, they create an overall symmetry that feels just right.

The homeowner has explored many new ideas in his rented Shanghai home. Previously an ordinary flat, it has been lent a sophisticated softness with a mix of design classics and contemporary art pieces.

Who is she?

Yasmina B. Kossmann is Tai Ping Carpets design director for the US residential market. She designed her first carpet for Tai Ping in 1999 as a freelance designer. Shortly thereafter, she joined the company's Paris Atelier full-time, helping to define the brand's new identity through the creation of contemporary, fashion-forward collections. In 2006, Kossmann moved to New York City to assume the role of US residential boutique contract design director.

Kossmann studied textile design at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne and interior design at l'Ecole des Arts Appliqus Boulle. She lives in Manhattan, where she takes full advantage of the cultural treasures the city has to offer.

Kossmann has a strong background in luxury carpet design. And her international experience has been the single most profound inspiration in her work. After a childhood spent in Morocco, she lived in Jakarta, Indonesia, before moving to Paris, where she lived for 17 years. Travel remains a passion for Kossmann, whose collections often celebrate art, design, fashion, and decorative traditions from around the world.

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

I started my career designing for the Royal Palace in Morocco. From there I turned my attention to the hospitality sector, designing carpets for properties including the Hilton, Rabat; the Hyatt Regency, Casablanca; The Plaza, New York; and Le Grand Vfour, Paris. I have also dabbled in the retail market, always focusing on a premium product with a sophisticated contemporary design sensibility.

My work constantly evolves to the next inspiration; searching for new ideas is an important part of my job. Boheme is the rug collection I am launching and is certainly the work I am most proud of for its eclectic vision. This newest line offers a glamorous interpretation of a globe-trotting style inspired by everything from folkloric embroideries and Portuguese needlepoint to expressive brush strokes and exuberant tie-dye patterns. The collection mixes abstract shapes with bright, hues of blue, green, yellow and rose, along with a base of blacks in both shiny and matte effects.

Are you currently involved with any project?

The rug collections I am currently developing for 2012 are the primary focus of my attention. At Tai Ping I enjoy what a designer values most - creative freedom. With access to the finest fibers and world-class craftspeople, even the most imaginative design can be realized.

Describe your design style.

My design style is eclectic; I am truly choosing the best from various inspirations. My style is also bold, audacious and expressive.

Where are you most creative?

I am good at foreseeing colors and trends for the next collection.

What does your home mean to you?

As a French person living in New York, my home portrays my identity with memories from Paris and Morocco, where I grew up.

What do you collect?

I collect vintage fabrics from different origins that I re-engineer into pillows that I mix on my sofa or bed.

Where would you like to go most in Shanghai?

Visiting Shanghai means going in search of the art scene in new art spaces and galleries.

What will be the next big design trend?

A return to craft is a big trend in reaction to too much technology in our lives. People want to feel the hands behind the objects again.

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

A: Excitement. It's such an exciting city, always changing and evolving. And I love the mixture of cuisines the city offers.

Q: Describe your home in three words.

A: Inspiring, invigorating, lots of stories.

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

A: Turn on the music.

Q: How do you unwind?

A: Reading and listening to music.

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

A: In the living room.

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

A: From my kitchen looking toward Pudong New Area.

Q: How do you scent your home?

A: Jasmine, citrus aroma.

Q: What's your favorite object at home?

A: A gorilla statue designed by a Shanghainese artist.

Q: Where do you source furniture?

A: Kava Kava on Anfu Road and a warehouse in Pudong New Area.