Lanes
distinguished by the elegance and charm of old Shanghai. Simple indeed, yet every detail from the small stool to a whiskey trolley is a delight for the eyes.
The first level of the home is designed for proper dining and gatherings while the second level is ideal for a cozy evening with friends or simply unwinding after a long day at work. “Both rooms on different levels feature big windows with original black iron handles and a 4.5-meter-high ceiling. I keep the window ‘naked’ (no curtain) so that the beautiful plane trees outside can play their magic as a living shade. The color of leaves changes throughout the days and seasons which are so beautiful and irresistible,” Yao said.
She shows a small collection of her artworks here. The artwork in the dining room is painted by famous French artist Denis Rebas who drew it right in front of Yao’s eyes when he was in Shanghai for an art show last year. “It’s an amazing experience to see an artwork get developed from the beginning till the end. I feel so intimate with it,” she said.
The master bedroom is rather compact, with mostly white decor. Yao chose the smallest room as her bedroom as she wanted to give the best spaces for the living space and social gatherings. However, the bedroom is simplistic yet cozy — a peaceful retreat for Yao.