Hello, I’m Kyle Xiao, the founder of Dunyue Design in Taiwan. Dunyue Design is a consultancy composed of spatial experts dedicated to creating luxurious, comfortable, and captivating environments. We firmly believe that a space is not just a functional arrangement but a place to experience emotion and beauty. Whether it's a fine dining restaurant, boutique retail, or private residence, our goal is to craft distinctive and memorable experiences. With meticulous attention to detail, we curate environments that resonate deeply through harmonious proportions, materials, and lighting.

Could you briefly introduce a signature project?

“Moon Baking Studio” is a premium bakery brand that masterfully blends simplicity, sophistication, and a raw, elemental aesthetic. The brand’s philosophy is deeply embedded in the spatial design, most notably expressed through the ivory Roman stone wall at the entrance. Paired with a glossy black tiled floor marked by irregular, air-pocket-like holes, the design evokes a sense of natural vitality. The main wall is divided into two parts: one side features an art piece with a rusted texture, while the other is adorned with fine bronze metal mesh—both symbolizing the layered structure of bread. Every detail in this space embodies a balance between ruggedness and refinement, much like handcrafted bread that hides delicate flavors within a rough crust. It’s a space that transcends food, offering an experience of art and lifestyle, inviting visitors to savor the purest and most essential form of beauty.

The most challenging part of the project was the detailing and material selection. How could we make synthetic materials feel organic and alive? We applied techniques that emphasize raw, irregular finishes—such as the hand-carved stone wall, the stained and pitted black-glazed floor tiles, and the intricate textures of the metal mesh. These choices enriched the brand’s warm and intentional identity, significantly enhancing the overall user experience.

We noticed that ‘black’ and ‘natural elements’ are frequently used in Dunyue Design’s projects. Could you explain the reason and meaning behind these choices?

Yes, black and natural elements are integral parts of Dunyue Design’s signature style. Black symbolizes elegance and modernity, while also adding depth and layering to a space. It serves as a backdrop that allows other colors and objects to stand out more vividly. On the other hand, natural materials such as stone and wood represent purity and primal beauty. These elements infuse vitality and an organic feel into the space. In the Moon Baking Studio project, for example, we used glossy black tiles and ivory Roman stone walls. The black tiles envelop the space, helping plants and users stand out, while their irregular texture adds a more natural dimension to the black tone. The Roman stone was chosen for its resemblance to the air pockets in bread and the grain of flour, with its raw texture and rounded edges reflecting the artisanal quality of the brand’s baked goods. These elements not only add richness and texture to the space but also emphasize the handcrafted spirit of the brand.

What is the meaning and direction behind the design Dunyue pursues?

Our design philosophy can be summed up by the phrase "La bellezza è l'armonia delle parti"—“Beauty is the harmony of all parts.” We believe design should go beyond visual aesthetics to incorporate both functionality and practicality. Every space must strike a perfect balance between beauty and utility, offering comfort and satisfaction to its users. At Dunyue Design, we blend creativity with scientific principles, ensuring thorough pre-planning and adaptable execution to create exceptional environments. This approach is evident not only in the visual appeal of our designs but also in the thoughtful selection and application of materials. We emphasize human-centered design, tailoring our work to user needs and experiences, and ultimately aim to create spaces that convey a sense of calm, stability, and comfort.

It’s fascinating that you apply scientific principles to design. How is this approach implemented in your work?

We incorporate several scientific principles into our design process. Since spatial design primarily serves user comfort, we consider modern elements to ensure users can enjoy the space more conveniently and comfortably. For example, in the Moon Baking Studio, we applied the principle of light reflection to create a visual effect resembling gentle ripples when light hits the glossy black tiles. This approach enriches the depth of the black surface, creating a soft, natural glow and shadow effect that enhances the aesthetic quality of the space while offering comfort to the user. By understanding and utilizing the behavior of light and shadow, we’re able to more precisely control the atmosphere and emotional tone of the environment.

As a designer, what is your perspective on life and the world?

I believe design holds the power to drive change. Through design, we can create better environments and help people feel more at ease and free within a space. In an increasingly complex modern society, I strive to go beyond aesthetics and focus on creating spaces that truly meet the real needs of users. To me, design must carry a unique story and soul in order to resonate with people and move them emotionally. Spatial design is more than just an artistic expression—it’s a pursuit of quality of life and a reflection of how we choose to live.