Parisian wood sculptor creates retreat where every detail matters
Directed by Yang Di. Reported by Yang Di.
Inside a typical lane off tree-lined Changle Road, Anne-Laure Delmotte's art-filled family house offers them peace, tranquility and comfort.
Anne-Laure followed her husband Guillaume Delmotte to the city after he changed jobs, arriving in the city with their children Olga and Lison at the end of 2022. The family of four is discovering Shanghai and China for the first time.
"We quickly became captivated by the city's vibrancy and the richness of its history," she said. "We were looking for a neighborhood with a lively and rich culture life and a home with a bright space, ideally in a lane house, as I appreciate the historical charm and unique atmosphere they offer."
In her bright studio, Anne-Laure Delmotte, a wood sculptor, creates one-of-a-kind pieces with passion and precision.
Anne-Laure is a Parisian designer creating design objects that combine the timeless elegance of wood with contemporary forms. The ideal home also needs to include a space that could accommodate her workshop, as woodworking is essential to her life.
"Finding the right balance between comfort, functionality and beauty made our search in Shanghai particularly special. We moved into this three-level lane house because it embodies everything we were looking for: a blend of historical charm and modern comfort," she said.
With rooms on different levels, the ample space allows everyone to find their own universe, especially a room where Anne-Laure can work without being disturbed.
The living room, bathed in natural light from its arched windows, features Antoinette Poisson's domino papers and two Polish armchairs, blending craftsmanship and design in a luminous setting.
"As soon as I crossed the doorstep, I was struck by the unique atmosphere of this place, as if the house had a soul. The living room on the ground floor, with its rounded windows, captivated me, with soft light filtering through the glass. I particularly enjoy the view of the garden, like a bamboo forest."
She immediately saw the potential of the space – it had charm, but clearly needed some improvements to revive it.
"It needed special attention to bring it back to its original glory," Anne-Laure said. "I regret that the owner didn't keep the black Shanghainese window frames, which are so typical and beautiful. They would have added an authentic touch and extra character to this space."
She had everything repainted white, even the bathroom cupboards, to start fresh and try to rediscover its former soul. She changed the tiling in the bathroom, taking inspiration from old black and white tiles from a small shop nearby. In the kitchen, she added a large rug to create a true living space, choosing warm colors and natural materials.
Bathed in light from windows on multiple sides, the master bathroom showcases new tiles inspired by vintage Shanghai patterns, beautifully blending nostalgia with modernity.
Upstairs, the red wooden floors typical of Shanghai are beautiful but the one on the ground floor is shiny. To balance that, she opted for green walls and added large white rugs to calm the overall look. The wooden and cane unit was built behind the sofa to hide the radiator, giving the space a unique touch.
"Each change was made with care to make the house a real home and keep its authenticity. I love the idea of bringing it back to life in my own way," she said.
She favors clean lines and natural materials. "I strive to create spaces where, above all, you feel good; a space where every object has its place and contributes to a harmonious whole. I particularly appreciate wood, which brings warmth and authenticity, while I also add colorful touches to liven up the space."
Throughout the house, she accumulates objects according to her personal tastes rather than a particular style.
"This personal approach creates a unique atmosphere in my home, where each object tells a story. I love mixing my work with pieces I've found in China, Poland, Paris and Korea."
In the living room, Anne-Laure Delmotte's works come to life. From the handmade coffee table to the sculpted lamps and carved wooden art pieces, they offer a true invitation to explore her artistic universe.
Several eye-catching wooden objects created by Anne-Laure are displayed in the living area.
After 10 years as an account manager in a design agency, Anne-Laure chose to join the renowned Ecole Boulle (a renowned school of fine and applied arts) in Paris, where she specialized in cabinet-making. Living abroad for over six years, she has enriched her creative universe through inspiring encounters, especially with Korean sculptor An Moon Su at Studio Rou, where she had the opportunity to study wood carving.
For several years now, she has been creating design objects out of wood. Her work reflects a fusion of Western and Eastern techniques and influences, linking tradition and modernity.
"Each country has given me a new perspective, enriching my practice and nourishing my creativity. I'm deeply inspired by nature and organic forms. Each piece of wood has its own personality, and I love the way light interacts with the textures I create. Asian culture, with its craft traditions and refined aesthetics, has also enriched my vision," she said.
Anne-Laure Delmotte sculpts a new wooden piece in her studio.
One piece that holds a special place in her heart is a lamp she created recently. She started with an ash tree trunk that she carved into the base and then searched for a local lampshade supplier to create a custom design.
This is the first time she has displayed so many of her own works at home, so it brings a personal and artistic touch to the space. "Each piece reflects a moment of creativity and emotion, making the environment vibrant and inspiring."
Her choice of furniture and decorative objects is deeply influenced by her work in sculpture and design. "For me, every piece should tell a story, and I rarely buy based on trends. I love to explore, compare, and sometimes make or have made."
The living room sofa has been with the family for six years, and the coffee table was created by her a month ago. A warm atmosphere is created in the living area with simple furniture to encourage conviviality. The dining room is mainly furnished with pieces accumulated over time: a Paris cabinet, a Ronéo unit from their student days, a table crafted in Poland by an artist she admired, chairs found in Paris, and a bench restored in Korea.
A Chinese antique furniture piece sits alongside a table designed by Anne-Laure Delmotte and crafted by a Polish artisan in the dining room. The artwork by Lin Fanglu adds a contemporary touch to the space.
"By choosing objects that resonate with me, I turned my space into a personal gallery where history and emotion take precedence over trends. It's this freedom of expression that, in my view, brings true personality to an interior, making each corner unique and deeply rooted in who I am."
Among her favorite items are six Polish armchairs found for just a few euros, which had been restored by a craftsman when they lived in Warsaw. "They evoke a time when I was obsessed with armchairs; I even compiled a book featuring all the Polish models, their designers and their periods. During that period, there wasn't a corner of our home that wasn't filled with an armchair," she said.
"While my passion has evolved and it has recently turned to Chinese benches, and to be honest, I'm currently on the lookout for a vintage green leather Shanghai armchair," she added.
On the old staircase of this lane house, a vintage furniture piece found in China, an Art Deco lamp globe, and a photograph of Shanghai by Thomas Gerbault blend vintage charm with contemporary flair.
Another cherished element is a piece of art she acquired from Art+: a piece by Chinese artist Lin Fanglu. Her work highlights the craftsmanship of women from Yunnan. "This work is particularly meaningful to me as it features meters of fabric meticulously worked into undulating landscapes of knots and folds. Every time I admire it, I feel connected to that rich history and the culture it represents," Anne-Laure said.
Walking up to the top floor is the master bedroom, where she opted for soft colors and Indian fabrics to invite relaxation.
Each object chosen to incorporate into the house has a meaning: memories from their home country, souvenirs from their travels and local touches that remind them of their surroundings.
Relaxing on a Chinese opium bed, Anne-Laure Delmotte enjoys the vibrant artwork of the Chinese artist Sunny, whose orange tones beautifully contrast with the bronze wall behind her.
The top floor features the master bedroom, where she opted for soft colors and Indian fabrics to invite relaxation.
"It's a delicate blend, a balance between what we've left behind and what we're discovering here," she said. "My interior is a true reflection of our family lifestyle and my passions. By incorporating my own sculptures and creations, I've shaped a space that feels like me and tells our story. Our home is also a place for sharing, where friends and family come together to celebrate life's simple moments. There's always a flow of visitors here; our door is always open."
"As expatriates, our home is much more than just a physical space: its a refuge, a place of grounding. It serves as a bridge between our roots and our new life. It may be a temporary space, but it's essential. We need to be able to entrust it with our precious memories and recreate a warm atmosphere," she added.
"Moreover, this space is also my workplace. Everyday, I strive to make this place a true sanctuary, both professional and personal, where every detail matters."
