Interiors: Maria Laletina and Nicolas Dodet's family retreat

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

Long-term Shanghai residents Maria Laletina and her husband Nicolas Dodet are former French Concession aficionados. This house on Fumin Lu is their third home in the area over the last 10 years, three beautiful stories boasting high ceilings, charming wooden floors and original 1930s window fixtures in every room. The perfect nest for the couple and their two daughters Ekaterina and Isabella, the place retains a décor that’s simple, art-filled and dotted with the odd flash of color. 

Most pieces in the house are either gifts from the couple's many artist friends or purchases Maria has personally picked from markets and shops around China and South-East Asia. "I am a bit of a collector," she says, "but also a hoarder of quirky, random items I find around." The hefty bookcase is a piece from Xinjiang. The cabinet was bought in Shanghai and Laletina repainted it yellow herself. DIY touches can be found throughout the house.

Maria with her girls, Ekaterina, seven, and Isabella, 10 months, in the house’s quaint back garden. 

A 3-D puzzle of Moscow’s St. Basil’s Cathedral sits next to a half bust of 20th-century Russian writer and political activist Maxim Gorky. Laletina is Russian French and a few, tasteful items in the house link back to her country of origin. Embracing her love for DIY, she gave Gorky a red-dotted blue tie and a hat. 

Featuring a long dining table and no TV, the airy dining room is designed for socializing. 

The entire house shows a palette of reds juxtaposed with subdued colors such as white, cream and beige. The bathroom – one of two – reflects that same aesthetic. 

In the master bedroom, a weighty red wood cabinet makes for a beautiful and bold statement piece. 

Minimal décor blends with an original art selection in the living area-cum-guest room on the house’s third floor.

A close-up of a tattered but oh-so-charming Chinese cabinet reveals traditional style with a modern, fun edge.

The view from a loft area reachable by a very steep ladder gives a perfect idea of the house’s incredibly high ceilings.

Simple geometrics and clean lines show through in this bookcase Maria had made. 

// To see other interiors features, click here.