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Project Overview
A second home for people who travel frequently in and out of the country, offered an opportunity to create something different from a conventional primary residence. The owners wanted their suite to feel less like a home and more like a private destination, almost as though they had simply checked into an intriguing hotel in Shanghai.
That idea opened the door to a more daring approach. Rather than designing around permanence or familiarity, the space became an Asian-inspired celebration of pattern, color, and cultural imagery. I wanted the result to be lively, theatrical and intentionally removed from the restraint of a traditional residence.
Design Story
The design began with the idea of creating an atmosphere that felt collected, worldly and a little mysterious. Custom wallpaper was developed from antique Chinese gift-wrapping paper. Dragon designs were drawn from old billboards and silk upholstery motifs. Patterns traditionally used as supporting elements were enlarged and given the prominence of feature elements. Ambiance was created from backlit lighting solutions and drama by spotlighting the various features.
As the suite evolved, the interior doors were eventually removed, opening the rooms to one another and allowing guests to move freely throughout the space. During the many soirées held there, people could mingle, sit wherever they pleased and become part of the continually shifting life of the interior.
What Made This Project Unique
The owners’ desire for anonymity became one of the most intriguing ideas behind the design. Their suite was intentionally given the character of a place one might discover rather than a residence one might identify.
That freedom allowed the design to be bold, playful and almost theatrical. Dragons, antique paper, silk motifs and exuberant patterns could coexist without having to conform to the rules of a conventional home.
In the end, Shibata became less about decorating a second residence and more about creating an escape, a private, ever-changing setting for entertaining, travel memories and the pleasure of being somewhere completely different.
Photos by Dan Forer
Project Overview
A second home for people who travel frequently in and out of the country, offered an opportunity to create something different from a conventional primary residence. The owners wanted their suite to feel less like a home and more like a private destination, almost as though they had simply checked into an intriguing hotel in Shanghai.
That idea opened the door to a more daring approach. Rather than designing around permanence or familiarity, the space became an Asian-inspired celebration of pattern, color, and cultural imagery. I wanted the result to be lively, theatrical and intentionally removed from the restraint of a traditional residence.
Design Story
The design began with the idea of creating an atmosphere that felt collected, worldly and a little mysterious. Custom wallpaper was developed from antique Chinese gift-wrapping paper. Dragon designs were drawn from old billboards and silk upholstery motifs. Patterns traditionally used as supporting elements were enlarged and given the prominence of feature elements. Ambiance was created from backlit lighting solutions and drama by spotlighting the various features.
As the suite evolved, the interior doors were eventually removed, opening the rooms to one another and allowing guests to move freely throughout the space. During the many soirées held there, people could mingle, sit wherever they pleased and become part of the continually shifting life of the interior.
What Made This Project Unique
The owners’ desire for anonymity became one of the most intriguing ideas behind the design. Their suite was intentionally given the character of a place one might discover rather than a residence one might identify.
That freedom allowed the design to be bold, playful and almost theatrical. Dragons, antique paper, silk motifs and exuberant patterns could coexist without having to conform to the rules of a conventional home.
In the end, Shibata became less about decorating a second residence and more about creating an escape, a private, ever-changing setting for entertaining, travel memories and the pleasure of being somewhere completely different.
Photos by Dan Forer