How Contrast Creates Harmony | Healing Spaces | Modern Luxury Style | Interior Design Ideas
5 min read
What truly goes into creating a home? It’s more than just walls and furniture—it’s a reflection of the people who live within. But what happens when a couple sets out to build their dream home, only to find their styles collide? This designer, Alyssa Xie of ACE Design curated a healing home for them, by merging two different styles into a unique aesthetic.
“The couple is indeed very different, and I think this is what makes them unique. When we bring them together, it creates a collision that sparks a unique aesthetic expression,” shared Alyssa Xie.
Stepping through the entrance, a narrow hallway gently unfolds into a wider passage.
“Now we arrive at the entrance hall of this villa. This entrance hall is designed with an L-shaped passage. There’s a subtle turn here, and after turning, the passage isn’t particularly wide—but looking up, there’s a sense of openness and remarkable imagination because we’ve used a double-height void to craft this entrance corridor,” shared Alyssa.
“We hoped to provide a unique experience so that upon entering, passing through a narrow corridor allows this family to feel, as they step into this space, a sense of ceremony—like the feeling of returning home.”
Artworks line the walls, guiding you deeper into the home, and just beyond, the living area reveals itself—open, calm, and bright.
“Because we’ve always advocated for healthy living spaces, a healthy home has two key aspects. The first is physical health, meaning the house is designed to be well-ventilated with excellent light management. At the same time, it can breathe freely, making it a truly natural and organic living space.” This is how Alyssa Xie curated a healing home with therapeutic spaces for this couple.
Framed by soft curves and natural light, the living area feels less like a room and more like a quiet stage for everyday moments. Rich colours add warmth to the otherwise restrained setting, while sculptural furniture pieces add playful geometry.
“This reception area is not exactly a conventional reception space. It serves that function, but at the same time, it’s also a family music area. Because this family has children who love playing the piano, we’ve also created a piano corner for them. It’s worth mentioning that the piece of artwork displayed at the very centre is a photographic work, yet it carries a strong sense of drama. It exudes a theatrical presence, perfectly complementing the piano area.”
“Regarding the dining environment, what’s interesting is that we designed it with a view-oriented approach, facing the garden. At the same time, a water curtain can be opened, creating a highly romantic backdrop for dining. It feels pleasantly cool while dining here, offering a truly remarkable experience.”
Sliding doors open to an alfresco dining space. Surrounded by vibrant greenery, the outdoor area offers a quiet contrast. Just beside it, a home theatre reveals itself, with sliding doors connecting to the landscape. Minimal cabinetry lines the space, and recessed lighting mimics natural daylight, blurring indoors and outdoors.
“There are two elements here—one is the staircase on our left. This staircase is particularly important in shaping the space. It’s a reimagined version of the original staircase structure, now redesigned as the main staircase. When viewed from above, it takes on a subtle heart-shaped form.”
“Ascending this staircase, we designed it to feel relatively light and airy. The left side features solid steel plates, while the other incorporates a transparent design. Many areas feature rounded treatments, including circular details in these spots. Between the glass panels, we’ve added crystal column accents to make the space feel more luminous and crystalline.”
“This is a significant artwork in the public area, created by an Italian artist. Personally, I feel this artwork serves as a focal point and an anchor for the entire hall, defining the space instantly. It elevates the artistic ambiance and tone of the space.”
“Now we ascend to the second floor of the villa. The initial impression of this space is one of depth and richness, enveloped in deep red tones. This space was specifically designed for the lady of the house.”
“It is highly dynamic, primarily consisting of two distinct areas: one is a relaxation area where one can lie down, and the other is this round table area. We used a deep, rich red to craft the overall ambiance, infusing it with a distinctly feminine character.”
“Warm walls and timber flooring create a grounding, calm feel. A recessed ceiling draws attention to a tree in the corner, where daylight streams gently in.”
“On the same floor, an outdoor deck stretches open to the view. A bold and playful chair stands alone as a sculptural statement among soft reeds—it becomes a place to pause, sit, and see the world a little differently.”
“This space serves as the centerpiece of the entire house. It faces west, capturing the sunset around six or seven in the evening. Standing here to enjoy the sunset offers a delightful experience of the surrounding scenery—truly remarkable.”
In the master bedroom, a neutral palette sets a restful tone, punctuated by rich textures and bold colour in the art.
“The space is quite spacious, and we’ve divided it into two distinct zones: one features the bed and a lounge chair for relaxation, and the other is a small nook—a cozy corner within the bedroom.”
“This nook is significant, as the bedroom is more than just a place for sleep. It allows the homeowners to shift their mood, offering a change in atmosphere. It’s a small, curated corner dedicated to reading or study.”
“The entire space is anchored by a deep, rich forest green as the foundational colour, imbuing the room with a sense of masculine weight while also reflecting the refined taste and appreciation for quality and texture.”
A second spiral staircase leads to the wife’s walk-in wardrobe, hidden above the master bedroom. Even with a slanted ceiling, the space remains airy and open thanks to a skylight in the corner. Cleverly concealed storage keeps the room seamless, while soft furniture and playful touches add a sense of childlike wonder.
“There’s no right or wrong in their aesthetic preferences. When combined, they create a unique spark—this is what makes their home distinctly theirs. From the beginning to the completion of this project, we’ve collaborated closely, evolving and growing together.”
In the end, this is what makes a home feel alive—a reminder that when we let our differences breathe, they can become the spark that makes life, and our homes, uniquely ours.
If you enjoyed this story, don’t forget to check out the top 10 interior design trends from Nu Infinity’s stunning homes here!
Thank you for taking the time to read this Article. Stay tuned for more updates!