#DPExclusive: Inside Villa Collagio, A Sculptural 5000 Sq Ft Tuscan-Style Home In Chandigarh

Designed by Aarti Dariwal from Stories with AD, Villa Collagio sits on a quiet estate in ChandigarhThe 5000 sq ft villa brings together European-style arches, handcrafted finishes, and natural materials to create a refined but relaxed space built for slow living.

Set on a sprawling 1.25-acre plot in Chandigarh, Villa Collagio by interior designer Aarti Dariwal,  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 Dariwal. “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.

The villa opens with a luminous, emerald-accented door by Aluminr—setting the tone for the layered design within. (Image Credits: The Matter Studio)
The villa opens with a luminous, emerald-accented door by Aluminr—setting the tone for the layered design within. (Image Credits: The Matter Studio)

At its entrance, a front door accented with gold 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 Dariwal. “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.

 

Also Read: DP Trends: Statement Lights Making Waves In These Indian Homes

 

An Earth-Toned Material Palette Rooted in Nature

A sculptural staircase by Aarti Dhariwal stands out as a central design feature, showcasing intricate stone inlay, Tuscan-style wooden arches, and detailed relief work inspired by the surrounding natural landscape. (Image Credits: The Matter Studio)
A sculptural staircase by Aarti Dhariwal stands out as a central design feature, showcasing intricate stone inlay, Tuscan-style wooden arches, and detailed relief work inspired by the surrounding natural landscape. (Image Credits: The Matter Studio)

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,” Dariwal 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 for narrative.

 

A Formal Living Room That Feels Both Grounded And Inviting

The living room commands attention with a dramatic cluster of Guccha light—lingam-inspired forms suspended mid-air by Ashiesh Shah Studio. Plush sofas from Ziba Homes and accent chairs from The House of Things add comfort and character, while tropical palms and beach-inspired wallpaper by Artisan Furnishings tie the entire space together with a sense of laid-back elegance. (Image Credits: The Matter Studio)
The living room commands attention with a dramatic cluster of Guccha light—lingam-inspired forms suspended mid-air by Ashiesh Shah Studio. Plush sofas from Ziba Homes and accent chairs from The House of Things add comfort and character, while tropical palms and beach-inspired wallpaper by Artisan Furnishings tie the entire space together with a sense of laid-back elegance. (Image Credits: The Matter Studio)

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, a brick-red sofa rests against warm beige walls, setting up a palette that feels both grounded and inviting. The tropical wallpaper by Artisan 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 Dariwal. 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.

 

Also Read: This 9,000 Sq-Ft Haryana Residence Is A Masterclass In Architectural Movement

 

Material Warmth Anchors the Master Suite

A calming yet curated space, the master bedroom features statement orb lamps from Kasto Design, luxurious beige fabrics by Season Furnishings, and a side table and bed from Sand Living that tie it all together. (Image Credits: The Matter Studio)
A calming yet curated space, the master bedroom features statement orb lamps from Kasto Design, luxurious beige fabrics by Season Furnishings, and a side table and bed from Sand Living that tie it all together. (Image Credits: The Matter Studio)

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 Dariwal, “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

In the ground-floor lounge, a delicate chandelier by Lightbox floats overhead, a bold zebra-print sofa from Ziba Homes anchors the space, with a coffee table from The House of Things, and chairs by Escape by Creatomy. (Image Credits: The Matter Studio)
In the ground-floor lounge, a delicate chandelier by Lightbox floats overhead, a bold zebra-print sofa from Ziba Homes anchors the space, with a coffee table from The House of Things, and chairs by Escape by Creatomy. (Image Credits: The Matter Studio)

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. Below, a bold zebra-print sofa from Ziba Homes introduces pattern play against a palette of earthen hues. 

“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 Dariwal. “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

A custom green-tiled bench nook designed by Aarti Dariwal in response to the client’s request for fixed, built-in seating. (Image Credits: The Matter Studio)
A custom green-tiled bench nook designed by Aarti Dariwal in response to the client’s request for fixed, built-in seating. (Image Credits: The Matter Studio)

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 from Aarti Dariwal’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.

 

Also Read: Stone, Wood, And Nature: A Pune Farmhouse That Blends Craft With Rustic Artistry

 

The Bar: Light, Privacy, and Proportion

This refined bar corner features Shailesh Rajput Studio’s striking suspended lights, Ashiesh Shah’s sculptural Swayam Table, wall art from Art Centrix Space and elegant fabric-rich seating by Season Furnishings. (Image Credits: The Matter Studio)
This refined bar corner features Shailesh Rajput Studio’s striking suspended lights, Ashiesh Shah’s sculptural Swayam Table, wall art from Art Centrix Space and elegant fabric-rich seating by Season Furnishings. (Image Credits: The Matter Studio)

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.

Furniture by Ashiesh Shah Studio, including blue and ivory sofa chairs, 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 zone, 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.