#DPExclusive: Inside Villa Collagio, A Sculptural 15,000 Sq. Ft Tuscan-Style Home In Chandigarh

Set on a sprawling 1.25-acre farm in Chandigarh, Villa Collagio by interior designer Aarti Dhariwal,  the project draws from Tuscan architectural cues—arched openings, textured surfaces, and a warm, earth-toned palette—while remaining firmly rooted in Indian materiality and craftsmanship. From the very first glance, the villa establishes a language of balance: between openness and enclosure, structure and softness, nature and design. “It was clear this wasn’t going to be a conventional home,” says Dhariwal. “The idea of creating a collected, layered home inspired the name Collagio—drawn from the Italian word for collage.”

This ethos is expressed through the spatial planning and material selection. High ceilings are softened with curved tracery, sculptural elements emerge organically from the architecture, and each room reflects both the lifestyle and values of its inhabitants. From its gold-and-emerald-accented entrance door to the fluidity of its internal layouts, Villa Collagio is defined by balance between natural textures and sculptural form, between indulgence and restraint, between the personal and the poetic.

At its entrance, a front door accented with brass and emerald hints at the layered story that unfolds inside—a design language that continues throughout the villa with an emphasis on natural materials, slow living, and quiet luxury. “The idea was never to just ‘design’ a home,” shares Aarti Dhariwal. “We wanted to curate an environment where every object, material and detail held meaning.” The result is a residence that exudes a calm, collected charm while staying rooted in its lush surroundings.

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An Earth-Toned Material Palette Rooted in Nature

One of the most dramatic elements in the home is its staircase—a sculptural centrepiece that ties together the house’s architectural and design intent. “We worked with a variety of natural stones and tiles,” Dhariwal explains. Crafted with intricate stone inlay and flanked by Tuscan-style wooden arches, the staircase is layered with relief work inspired by the surrounding natural landscape. It is, in many ways, the spine of the home—both visually and symbolically. It speaks to the client’s passion for art, for detail, and narrative.

A Formal Living Room That Feels Both Grounded And Inviting

The space welcomes you with a soft, diffused glow—Guccha lights by Ashiesh Shah Studio, inspired by the form of lingams, hang weightlessly from the ceiling, anchoring the living alcove with quiet drama. Below, two brick-red sofas rest against warm beige walls, setting up a palette that feels both grounded and inviting. The tropical wallpaper from Artisan Furnishings adds depth without overwhelming, creating a subtle visual rhythm that echoes the home’s nature-forward ethos.

Thoughtfully arranged for casual hosting, the layout encourages slow conversations and unhurried moments. “The fabrics were equally considered—a mix of linens, cottons, and natural blends in earthy tones that soften the space and add a casual elegance,” says Aarti Dhariwal. Every element, from lighting to upholstery, works together to create a room that’s intimate, tactile, and reflective of the villa’s larger narrative of curated comfort.

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Material Warmth Anchors the Master Suite

Serene yet expressive, the master bedroom channels the villa’s layered approach to design. Dusty green tones stretch across the room—on walls and accents—creating a grounded atmosphere that feels both fresh and intimate. This subdued palette is elevated by bold orb-shaped lights from Kasto Design, adding a sculptural punctuation to the space.

Furniture pieces by Sand Living, including the bed and side table, offer clean lines and understated craftsmanship, while tactile beige fabrics lend softness and depth. The most unexpected gesture? A set of graphic black-and-white striped curtains. “I took a chance with them,” says Aarti Dhariwal, “but they tied the whole room together in a way that surprised me. From the outset, we knew this wasn’t going to be a conventional home,” she reflects. “It had to reflect the client’s curiosity—a collector of objects, ideas, and meaning.”

A Lounge for Living — Light, Arches & Dogs at the Window

Framed by crescent-shaped walls and crowned with a soaring dome ceiling, the room embodies calm grandeur. A series of arched windows open onto the landscape and the farm’s main gate, ushering in natural light that shifts gently throughout the day, animating the textures and tones within. The space is anchored by a suspended skeletal chandelier from Lightbox—a statement piece that mirrors the room’s sense of quiet drama without overwhelming it. Beneath it, a zebra-print sofa from Sand Living injects boldness into the otherwise neutral room, its graphic pattern offering a striking contrast to the palette of soft, earthen hues. Bringing depth and definition to the space is a black pillared shelf from The House of Things—sculptural in form and functional in purpose, it grounds the seating area while tying together the surrounding elements. Together, these pieces create a layered composition that feels both curated and spontaneous, where texture, tone, and silhouette are in thoughtful conversation.

“We wanted this to be a room where one could curl up with a book, enjoy a long conversation, or simply take in the view,” shares designer Aarti Dhariwal. “It’s also where the client’s dogs spend most of their time—perched by the windows, watching the world go by.” Furnished with tactile restraint and architectural clarity, the lounge is a seamless extension of the villa’s ethos—inviting, sculptural, and deeply connected to the rhythm of its surroundings.

A Lobby Built for Living, Not Display

This tiled nook is proof that quiet design can make the loudest statement. The lobby welcomes you with a custom-built bench, fixed into the architecture, which came from a simple request: no movable furniture. Clad in handcrafted green tiles, it brings colour, texture, and clarity to the corner. The glazed surface reflects light beautifully, giving the space a cool, sculptural presence. A Bali-inspired rug called ‘Petals of Peace’ from Aarti Dhariwal’s debut collection softens the floor below. It’s a space meant for lingering—sipping tea, taking a call, or just sitting still. Unexpected yet seamless, this nook blends utility with bold character. It’s one of those rare design details that feels both effortless and unforgettable.

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The Bar: Light, Privacy, and Proportion

The bar at Villa Collagio is more than just a stylish corner—it’s a sensory experience shaped by fluid forms and custom details. The ceiling was designed to mimic the gentle ripples of the nearby water body, introducing a sense of organic movement into the architecture. A customised ceiling lamp by Shailesh Rajput Studio anchors the space—its sculptural form cascading downward like a liquid spill, catching the light in soft, metallic waves.

The coffee table by Ashiesh Shah Studio mirrors this same rhythm with smooth curves and softened edges. At the centre, the Swayam Table by Shah becomes a quiet showstopper—three lingam-inspired forms float above delicate marble stems, visually weightless yet grounded in symbolism. Paired with curated wall art by Art Centrix Space, the space achieves a thoughtful balance between structure and fluidity.

More than a gathering space, the bar is designed as a spatial pause—refined, tactile, and visually immersive. It invites presence without performance, allowing design to hold the atmosphere rather than dominate it.

What stays with you isn’t just the sculpted arches or the soft interplay of textures—it’s the quiet clarity running through every space. The neutral base, lifted by gentle greens and blues drawn from the landscape, creates a seamless connection between indoors and out. Nothing feels forced. Every material, finish, and furnishing is grounded in intention. It’s a home that doesn’t demand attention but earns it—through balance, restraint, and a deep sensitivity to how people live. The result is a space that feels effortless, yet thoroughly considered—a place where design doesn’t dominate but supports the rhythm of everyday life.