Our regular Interiors features take a look through the keyhole into the homes of some of Shanghai's well known faces.
Born in the US, raised in Australia and educated in the UK, Charles Gale is what you’d call a real ‘global citizen.’ The entrepreneur, who runs his own manufacturing company for unique housing systems and transportable homes in Asia, Australia and Central America, has made Shanghai his home since 2008, and moved to his current flat on the top floor of a historical building on Fuzhou Lu in 2010.
“I fell in love with this place immediately,” he says, pointing at the panoramic view of the Lujiazui skyline he enjoys from his balcony. The timeless charm of the building was a major draw, too. Taking cue from its heritage, Gale decorated the apartment with an eclectic mix of the classic and the contemporary. “It’s one of those places that you don’t want to let go,” he says.
One of Gale’s favorite parts of the apartment is a small space connected to his balcony, where he likes to watch the sunrise or sunset, shoot the breeze with his friends over a beer or two, or simply enjoying some alone time with a book in hand.
“When I walk into the elevator, I always see the glamor of Shanghai in the 1920s and 30s. With just a little polishing, you can revive the beauty of [those days],” Gale says of his building, which was built in 1929.
With its high ceiling and plenty of natural light coming through the windows, the living room feels bright and spacious. Wooden elements, which are sprinkled throughout the place, create a layer of warmth.
“Living in a part of Shanghai where there’s so much history, and having so many old buildings around, you feel like you’re part of something,” Gale says of his neighborhood.
To add more space, Gale installed an extra bedroom and bathroom when he took over the apartment in 2010.
A series of striking paintings collected throughout the years dot the flat, revealing Gale’s penchant for art. Two of his personal favorites (including the green Buddha piece in his master bedroom) are works by an Indonesian artist.
Gale is also an avid music fan, and is currently working on a side project with local music legend and drummer Tony Hall (of House of Blues and Jazz) to release an album in the next few months. While he’s more involved in the business side of things, Gale describes the album as “really ‘Tony Hall,’” featuring a mix of rock n’ roll and jazz sounds.
To see other interiors features, click here.
0 User Comments