Work at home

Luca Rensi only spends half of the year in Shanghai, but his home still manages to be twice as nice as the average pad. Rensi’s flat is chicer-than-thou because he is a successful interior decorator and furniture designer, running Manhattan-based company Bungalow 5, which sells furniture to premium retailers around the US. The bright, cheerful space serves double duty as a nest between frequent factory visits and an at-home trial space for collection prototypes – every six months, Rensi overhauls the interior with the newest batch of Bungalow 5 stock. Here’s the latest look.

For that warm, comforting feel, Rensi paid about RMB600 for custom faux fur blankets at the fabric market, which has a variety of decent faux furs from beaver to fox.

Rensi chose this location for the unparalleled view and proximity to the train station, which he uses for his commute to factories.

Rensi firmly believes “Nobody looks good under fluorescent lights,” so he has plenty of lamps and flattering lighting options.

In the guestroom dressing area, Rensi plans to use a twisted branch found in a local flower market as a cast for a sculpture.

To draw the eyes to the window, Rensi created vivid contrast by making the rest of the room dark.

The apartment overflows with Bungalow 5’s future collection of artisan porcelain vases from Jiangxi, which are artfully arranged throughout the space.

Rensi advises renters in Shanghai to repaint “insane asylum white walls” a warmer, off-white color in order to create a less harsh feeling.

The master bedroom walls are covered in burlap. The unexpected material creates an interesting texture and adds warmth.

Photos by Nicky Almasy