Renowned interior designer Hou Youyou is known for his imaginative designs, dedication to detail and the speed with which he completes projects. He recently finished a villa in Yutangshan compound in Changping district.

It's a three-story detached house of 456 square meters with Tuscan-style architecture and a small sunken courtyard. It's hard to believe that it took Hou just over 50 days to turn the rough shell into a luxurious, yet cozy, Italian-style home ideal for a small family.

Everything in the house, from the furniture to the flooring, lighting, fabrics, and all decorative items were handpicked by the meticulous designer. His magic touch has transformed simple items into a stylish yet practical home. Even after finishing the project, he still returns to make small seasonal adjustments. That's why the house already looks ready for Christmas.

"I never had one day of professional training. But I believe my works are better than many who have," Hou said. He wasn't boasting, merely stating a fact.

Hou used to be a businessman, but about 10 years ago he turned to interior design and has now established himself as a leading light in the capital.

Walking around the house is a journey of discovery. There are so many interesting corners that you did not expect. The most amusing of all is perhaps the square flowerbed with several cacti of different shapes and heights planted in sand under the stairs, a place normally used for storage.

False windows, lit by bulbs, give the cacti beautiful silhouettes that perfectly decorate what could otherwise be a very dark and dull corner.

Another clever trick the designer has employed is large mirrors, which make the interior feel much more spacious than it is.

There is a splendid hall, with views extending both horizontally and vertically. However, a closer look reveals that the hall is only half the size it appears, with one wall reflecting daylight into the room and giving the illusion of more space.

"The mirror is essential here not only because the house has a narrow layout with not enough extension along the east-west direction, but also because it is not naturally bright due to small windows as required by the Tuscan architectural style."

Hou has also made good use of mirrors on the walls of the gym and bathroom in the basement.

A good designer knows how to use natural resources. As the house is located in Xiaotangshan area, which is famous for hot springs and China's largest modern agricultural park, Hou has given it four bathrooms with different functions.

The en-suite master bedroom on the second floor has a luxurious bathtub by the big south-facing window and a stone-brick shower room, which has a view of the outside courtyard to the west.

There is a cozy wood sauna room and a mini Turkish bathroom that links the courtyard with the house.

Interestingly, since the Turkish bathroom is constructed outside and attached to the building, the designer gave it a transparent glass roof, on which he suggested the house owners raise fish.

"Imagine what an enjoyable scene it will make above your head," said Hou, smiling like a child.

Bathers don't need to worry about their neighbors, as the steam will frost the glass, creating a sleepy dreamland, he added.

When the room is not in use, warm daylight illuminates the room.

Hou said while he appreciates the architectural design of the compound, which is by a US company and has an "authentic" Tuscan style, he says a strong style is difficult for designers.

Many potential buyers thought the castle-like cylindrical part of the house was more for appearance than practical use. But, things are viewed as disadvantages by some are merely challenges and inspiration for designers as talented as Hou.

He found the circular areas on the three floors as functional as any. He creatively turned them into a cloakroom on the ground floor, a games area on the upper floor, and a wine cellar with a bar in the basement.

"Circles denote harmony. I found it a perfect place to set up a common area for the parents and children to be together without going to each other's rooms. They can just chat there or play video games together."

Meanwhile, a cylindrical space creates an intimate space for entertaining friends, as the mini-bar in the basement demonstrates.

"Due to its difficult inner layout, this used to be the most difficult type of house in the compound to sell. I have a hit now," Hou said laughing.