Shanghai Living: How to Create an Opulent and Luxurious Look 

Here’s how to achieve the Shanghai Living look in your own home.

Start with a warm, neutral base

Lay the foundation for this sophisticated scheme with a base of rich neutrals – think charcoal, deep brown, greige and fawn for flooring, cabinetry and key pieces of furniture such as the sofa and dining setting. Add layers to your scheme with cushions on the sofa and rugs underfoot in luxurious materials, such as silk and silk-weave in the same earthy hues.

To keep your interior bright and welcoming, balance deep hues out with crisp white on the walls and ceiling.

Opt for darker finishes

This dramatic scheme calls for mid-tone and dark timbers, such as walnut, wenge and teak. Consider dark timber joinery in the kitchen, a moody vanity in the bathroom, a rich, timber-clad feature wall in the entry and deep tones for furniture, such as the coffee table, dining setting and hallway console.

You might look to incorporate darker tones elsewhere too, such as a black or near-black benchtop or tiled splashback in the kitchen, black window frames, a feature wall lined with deep and dramatic wallpaper behind the bed, and black light fittings.

Mix classic and contemporary pieces

Channel the sophisticated vibes of a boutique Shanghai hotel by combining classic pieces with ones that are sleek and contemporary – for example, a rolled-arm sofa or a plush wing chair alongside a minimalist coffee table, side tables and lighting.

Formal detailing, such as structured pelmets and contrasting piping to the sofa and armchairs, adds to the chic, tailored effect.

Play up textural contrast

Layer your scheme with a medley of different textures to convey depth and a sense of sumptuousness. For example, light linen sheers at the windows, thick and luxurious carpet in your living spaces, and a selection of high-gloss, lacquered accessories dotted throughout your home.

Introduce a textured, natural element with dark, woven cane and rattan pieces in your living and dining spaces, rugged stone tiles to bathrooms and tactile, grasscloth wallpaper to the walls of a formal entry.

Touches of bling

Up the luxe factor with accents of gold in decor items, vases and tableware. For a bolder introduction of bling, consider adding a decorative folding screen or metal wall hanging with elements of burnished gold.

Oriental-inspired artworks and accessories

“Personalise your interior with a mix of different artwork types, including interesting pieces you’ve picked up on your travels throughout the Far East,” says Danielle. You might, for example, combine Oriental sculptures and fabric wall hangings with box-framed canvases, carved wooden pieces and modern, abstract prints.

For a sense of cohesion – and to keep with the scheme’s palette of rich, neutrals – limit your artwork palette to black, charcoal, grey, black-brown and stoney neutrals.