Interiors: Patrick Davin - A Perfect City Bolthole

Our regular Interiors features take a look through the keyhole into the homes of some of Shanghai's well known faces. 

Entrepreneur and long term Shanghai resident Patrick Davin is a man who knows what he wants. After living in a high rise for almost six years, eight months ago he decided it was time to have a ‘real lane house experience’ and set out to look for the perfect place. This two-story apartment-cum-loft was it. Luxing up a rugged industrial interior with contemporary furniture and wooden touches, the house weaves traditional Shanghai living together with the sleekness of a New York attic, making for the perfect bachelor pad.

Once a crumbling lane house, the residence underwent a full renovation by an interior designer before Davin moved in. The Aussie businessman added his touch, bringing in a mix of art – for which he has a serious penchant - retro knick-knacks and modern features.

Davin striking a ‘my house is awesome and I know it’ pose.

Slick and minimal, every detail in the house feels incredibly compact. An asymmetric wooden table is the centerpiece of an open kitchen, and a perfect working station for the entrepreneur.

Upon entering the house, visitors are welcomed by a dark blue wall covered in paper masks. “Whenever I have a dinner party, I ask guests to make and paint their own mask, which I then hang here,” Davin says. “I always like to start off a night with a creative twist.”

The entire place is filled with artworks – mostly from Indonesia – and bespoke furniture pieces. Located on the ground floor, the house risked being dark, but a white brick wall, floor to ceiling windows and clever lighting in the kitchen and living room help create a bright, warm mood across the space.

These wooden puppets are friskily climbing the stairs to the second floor. An element of playfulness shines throughout the house.

Dotted with just a handful of antique pieces, the bedroom reveals an almost brooding mood, balanced by the whiteness of the walls.

The bathroom has been given a full industrial effect with concrete walls. The painting above the bathtub – another Indonesian work – adds a touch of color.

Another example of Davin’s funky decorative eye. The lollipop holder in the background is always full and a constant feature of the house – Davin frequents his local convenience store and keeps it filled with Chupa Chups.

Art in all forms and shapes abounds around the house.

Photos by Stan Aron. To see other interiors features, click here.