"The number of local clients (for vernacular villas and furniture) is growing. Most are aged 30 to 50, including both Shanghai natives and 'new' Shanghai people who resettled in the city. We also see clients from across China buying Shanghai-style furnishings, such as people from Zhejiang and Yunnan provinces, as well as Xinjiang Uygur and Xizang autonomous regions."

Client Tang Lei, a 44-year-old business owner from Kunming, Yunnan province, says: "Personally, I especially like antique Shanghai-style furniture, in which you can clearly see the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures. Some traditional Chinese furniture might seem a bit 'heavy' and complicated. The simplicity and delicacy of Shanghai furniture is just right.

"Also, I'm fond of art deco, with its geometric lines and strong sense of adornment. Most importantly, Shanghai-style furniture focuses much on functionality, comfort and a sense of ritual in life," Tang adds.

Ke says that Shanghai-style furniture isn't exclusive to Shanghai but is more of a decorative art that can fit freely into diverse arrangements and styles anywhere.