2026 | Professional

MUSE Design Awards Gold Winner

VERSANT DESIGN

Entrant

Lightness Within Darkness

Category

Interior Design - Residential 

Client's Name

-

Country / Region

Taiwan

About The Entry

【Design Concept】

Located in a populated urban environment, the homeowners long for a residence to leave the hustle and bustle behind. Muted, low-saturation hues create a calming atmosphere, while the restrained use of materials and lighting fosters a sense of tranquility throughout the home. As the public sphere receives natural light from only one side, the design is guided by the concept of “defining rather than dividing spaces,” creating distinct zones while maintaining visual and spatial continuity. Through an open-plan layout and the transparent design elements, each space maintains its own identity while allowing light to flow freely and encouraging connection and togetherness among family members.

【Functionality】

The defining feature of the home is the stone-clad feature wall, which is paired with an L-shaped glass to create the illusion of a floating architectural statement. This design gesture lightens the visual weight typically associated with dark-toned interiors. A steel shelf is placed behind the feature wall, serving as an open bookcase for the study room while providing essential structural support. Glass can be used to carve out spaces in a subtle way, enhancing visual depth and creating rich layers. A monochromatic color scheme with variations of gray shades sets the tone. Through its restrained simplicity, the space reveals how richness and nuance can emerge from a single color base.

【Innovation and Challenges】

A curved ceiling is employed to mitigate the visual prominence of the two structural beams spanning the public sphere, creating a sense of flow and movement. At the junction between the beams, wood finishes and indirect lighting add a layer of warmth and comfort, balancing the cool, restrained grayscale palette. A monochromatic color scheme with variations of gray shades sets the tone. Through its restrained simplicity, the space reveals how richness and nuance can emerge from a single color base.

Credits

NI WEI YA
More Gold Winners
Interior
2026
MUSE Design Awards Winner - André Leon Talley: Style Is Forever

Entrant

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

Category

Interior Design - Museum / Gallery

Interior
2026
MUSE Design Awards Winner - Cloud Beam

Entrant

Haobo Hu

Category

Interior Design - Commercial 

Product
2026
MUSE Design Awards Winner - MEICHIC Collagen Anti-Wrinkle Power Trio Set

Entrant

Guangdong Meisong Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

Category

Product Design - Beauty & Cosmetic Products

Interior
2026
MUSE Design Awards Winner - ANPU

Entrant

MDO

Category

Interior Design - Luxury