Bali isn’t just a tropical destination. It’s a state of mind, a lifestyle, and—perhaps most enchantingly—a design ethos. For decades, travelers, creatives, and home designers from around the world have been drawn to Bali not only for its natural beauty and spiritual energy, but also for its unique architectural and interior aesthetic. The term “Bali interiors” has come to represent more than a regional style; it’s a design language that harmonizes nature, culture, craftsmanship, and comfort.
At its core, Balinese interior design is about balance—between indoor and outdoor, old and new, crafted and natural. It speaks of serenity, soulfulness, and understated elegance. In this article, we delve deep into the timeless appeal of Bali interiors, unpacking the cultural influences, materials, principles, and elements that make this style both distinctive and globally beloved.
The Cultural DNA of Balinese Design
Balinese interior design is inseparable from Balinese culture. Deeply spiritual, community-oriented, and reverent of nature, the island’s culture has shaped its aesthetic values in profound ways.
Spiritual Influence
Balinese Hinduism permeates daily life. Concepts like harmony with nature (Tri Hita Karana), offerings to spirits, and auspicious spatial orientation inform the way homes and interiors are constructed. Traditional compounds are arranged according to sacred spatial geometry, and interiors often feature shrines, altars, or symbols of protection like statues of Ganesha or Barong masks.
Craftsmanship as Heritage
Bali has a long history of artisanal mastery. From intricately carved wood panels to handwoven textiles and pottery, local craftsmanship is central to interior spaces. Every item tells a story—of heritage, skill, and time-honored techniques passed down through generations.
Architecture: Where Interiors Begin
Balinese interiors flow from their architecture. Traditional Balinese homes are open-air, organized in a compound system with separate pavilions for sleeping, cooking, and gathering. This layout inherently fosters indoor-outdoor living, a feature that contemporary Bali-inspired interiors worldwide often seek to replicate.
Open Layouts and Connection to Nature
Walls are often minimal or absent. Instead, columns, overhangs, and gardens define the space. Modern Bali-style homes feature large sliding glass doors, open courtyards, and breezy layouts that encourage cross-ventilation and interaction with the outdoors.
Thatched Roofs and Natural Light
Thatched alang-alang roofs not only provide insulation but bring a rustic, organic charm. Skylights and open ceilings let in abundant light—key to maintaining the bright, airy atmosphere characteristic of Bali interiors.
Also read: 7 Best Property Development & Contractors in Bali for Your Next Project
Materials: The Soul of the Style
Bali interiors draw heavily on natural, locally-sourced materials, reinforcing the island’s connection to the land and sustainability.
Wood
Teak, suar, bamboo, and coconut wood dominate the Balinese palette. From structural beams to furniture and carvings, wood adds warmth, richness, and texture. Reclaimed wood is especially prized for its aged character and environmental benefits.
Stone and Volcanic Rock
Lava stone, sandstone, and river stones are commonly used in floors, walls, and garden features. These elements ground a space, offering texture and permanence.
Rattan and Bamboo
Furniture and lighting fixtures made from rattan and bamboo lend a laid-back, island feel. These lightweight materials are sustainable and easy to shape, making them ideal for decorative pieces as well as functional design.
Textiles
Hand-dyed batiks, ikats, and endek fabrics bring soft layers and intricate patterns to otherwise neutral interiors. Often used for cushions, drapes, or wall hangings, these textiles introduce subtle color and artisanal detail.
Color Palette: Earthy and Elegant
The Balinese interior palette is intentionally restrained. This allows the natural materials and artisanal details to stand out while reinforcing a sense of calm and continuity.
Neutrals and Earth Tones
Creams, beiges, browns, and warm greys are the foundation. These tones echo the island’s sand, soil, and wood.
Natural Greens and Ocean Blues
Touches of green from indoor plants or soft blue accents inspired by the sea are occasionally introduced, but always in harmony with the natural world.
Black and White Symbolism
In Balinese culture, the black-and-white checkered cloth known as poleng symbolizes the balance of opposing forces—good and evil, light and dark. It’s not unusual to see this motif subtly reflected in interior textiles or tiles.
Furniture: Low, Loungey, and Handcrafted
Bali-style furniture is inviting, comfortable, and often handcrafted.
Low Profiles
Sofas, daybeds, and tables often sit low to the ground, echoing the island’s laid-back pace and Eastern traditions. This also emphasizes openness and enhances the connection with the earth.
Oversized Seating
Deep, cushioned sofas and expansive daybeds encourage lounging and hospitality. These pieces often double as indoor-outdoor furniture, blurring spatial boundaries.
Statement Wood Pieces
Large suar wood dining tables, carved headboards, or sculptural chairs act as focal points. These aren’t just functional—they’re art pieces, showcasing Bali’s woodworking excellence.
Decor and Styling: Understated Elegance
Balinese interiors favor minimal but meaningful decor. Every object is chosen with care, creating a curated, soulful space.
Sculptures and Carvings
Stone or wood statues of deities, animals, or mythical creatures add cultural weight and spiritual presence. Wall reliefs and panel carvings introduce texture and storytelling.
Ceramics and Woven Baskets
Handmade ceramics, often in neutral glazes, bring a tactile beauty to surfaces. Woven baskets and trays are both decorative and practical—used for storage, plants, or offerings.
Greenery
Plants are not just decor in Bali—they’re companions. Tropical palms, frangipani trees, and lush foliage soften interiors and purify the air. Indoor-outdoor transitions are often marked by gardens, reflecting ponds, or vertical greenery.
Candles and Soft Lighting
Ambient lighting is key. Balinese interiors are typically lit with warm, low lights—candles, lanterns, or shaded pendant lamps—to create a soothing, intimate mood.
Modern Bali Interiors: Global Influence and Adaptation
While traditional Balinese design remains iconic, modern interpretations are thriving—both on the island and abroad.
Bohemian Bali
A fusion of Bali and boho, this style blends layered textiles, eclectic decor, and a touch of vintage charm. It’s popular in boutique hotels and Airbnb villas.
Also read: 7 Most Profitable Businesses You Can Start in Bali
Minimalist Bali
In recent years, a cleaner, more pared-down version of Bali style has emerged—sometimes called “Japandi Bali”—merging Scandinavian simplicity with Balinese warmth and materials.
Eco-Luxury Villas
A new generation of sustainable villas in Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu are redefining luxury. They feature reclaimed materials, solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and plastic-free policies—all while staying true to Balinese aesthetics.
Creating Your Own Bali-Inspired Space
Whether you live on a tropical island or in a bustling city, you can infuse your home with the magic of Bali. Here are some tips:
- Let Nature In: Use large windows, sliding doors, and greenery to blur the line between inside and outside.
- Simplify Your Space: Choose quality over quantity. Keep your design minimal but meaningful.
- Embrace Craftsmanship: Invest in handcrafted furniture or decor that tells a story.
- Layer with Texture: Use textiles, natural fibers, and raw materials to create visual depth.
- Balance Energy: Consider spiritual elements like water features, incense, or symbolic artwork to enhance tranquility.
Conclusion
Bali interiors are not about trend—they’re about timelessness. Rooted in tradition but flexible in expression, they invite us to live more mindfully, harmoniously, and beautifully. Whether it’s the rustle of bamboo in the breeze, the grounding presence of teak wood, or the quiet beauty of a stone-carved deity, every element in a Bali-inspired interior contributes to a space that soothes the soul.
To design in the spirit of Bali is to honor nature, celebrate culture, and embrace the art of slow, intentional living. And that, perhaps, is the most luxurious thing of all.
