Balinese Interior Design: How to Bring Bali’s Tranquility Into Your Home
Imagine waking up to the sounds of birds, light filtering through carved wooden shutters, and a breeze that carries the scent of frangipani flowers. That’s the soul of Bali — and yes, you can bring it into your home, no matter where you live.
Balinese interior design is more than a tropical aesthetic — it’s a way of life rooted in harmony, nature, and spiritual balance. From earthy textures and handcrafted woodwork to indoor-outdoor flow and calming energy, this style has captivated interior designers and homeowners across the world.
If you’re a U.S.-based traveler, expat, or lifestyle enthusiast dreaming of island peace, here’s your guide to creating a Bali-inspired home.
🌿 What Is Balinese Interior Design?
Balinese design blends traditional Indonesian craftsmanship, Hindu-Buddhist philosophy, and tropical island lifestyle. It embraces natural materials like bamboo, rattan, stone, and teak wood — all combined to reflect balance with nature.
There are two main types:
- Traditional Balinese Design: Hand-carved teak furniture, shrines, thatched roofs, and open-air layouts.
- Modern Balinese Style: Clean lines, neutral palettes, tropical plants, and indoor-outdoor fusion with a minimalist touch.
Whether you’re renovating a whole home or refreshing a room, the key is simplicity, nature, and serenity.
Core Elements of Bali Style Interior
To bring Bali’s peaceful aesthetic into your space, here are the essentials:
1. Natural Materials
- Teak wood for furniture and wall accents
- Rattan and bamboo for lighting and chairs
- Stone or terra cotta for bathroom features
- Cotton and linen for light, breathable fabrics
🌱 Tip: Swap synthetic rugs or curtains with natural fiber alternatives like jute, hemp, or cotton.
2. Earthy Color Palette
Stick with colors you’d see in a Balinese landscape:
- Sandy beige
- Coconut brown
- Volcanic charcoal
- Tropical greens
- Ocean-inspired blues
This palette creates a calming, grounded atmosphere.
3. Indoor-Outdoor Living
In Bali, homes flow seamlessly from inside to outside.
- Use sliding glass doors
- Add greenery indoors: palms, monstera, bamboo
- Use water features or stone garden fountains
💡 Even a small balcony or patio can be styled with potted tropical plants, a woven rug, and bamboo lanterns.
4. Handcrafted Decor
Support local artisans (or choose fair-trade imports) when adding:
- Hand-carved wooden statues or panels
- Woven baskets and wall art
- Ceremonial umbrellas and offerings bowls
Bali-Inspired Living Room Ideas
Design a cozy, breezy space where you can sip ginger tea and unwind.
Essentials:
- Low, wide teak coffee table
- White or sand-colored sofa with woven throw pillows
- Rattan pendant lamp above
- Monstera or palm in the corner
- Carved wooden mirror or artwork
Don’t overcrowd — leave space to “breathe” and let energy flow freely (a nod to feng shui and balinese vastu).
Spa-Like Bathroom with Bali Touch
Bali is famous for luxury retreats — recreate that:
- Stone basin sink
- Rain shower with natural rock walls
- Wooden ladder towel rack
- Candles and incense
- Pebble or bamboo bath mat
You’ll instantly feel like you’ve stepped into a tropical resort.
Modern Balinese Bedroom Vibes
Keep it calm and grounded:
- Four-poster bed with white linen drapes
- Wooden or rattan headboard
- Light curtains to let sunlight in
- Diffuser with essential oils (jasmine, sandalwood, lemongrass)
Add a meditation cushion or yoga mat to bring in the spiritual side of Balinese daily life.
Balinese Design Meets American Homes
Whether you live in a studio apartment in NYC or a bungalow in California, you can blend Bali’s relaxed elegance into any space.
Here’s how:
| U.S. Home Style | Bali Touch |
|---|---|
| Urban Loft | Add teak accents, indoor plants, and soft lights |
| Suburban Home | Build a mini garden with tropical plants |
| Tiny Apartment | Use neutral palette, soft fabrics, and hanging baskets |
| Outdoor Deck | Rattan chairs, lanterns, and string lights |
Local Tip: Where to Find Balinese Decor in the U.S.
You don’t have to fly to Bali to find the right pieces.
- Online: Etsy, Novica, The Citizenry, and Balizen
- In-store: HomeGoods (for rattan & tropical decor), World Market
- Local markets: Look for Indonesian or Southeast Asian artisan pop-ups
🛍 Tip: Look for products labeled as “handmade in Indonesia” or “fair trade.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ What is Balinese interior design?
Balinese interior design is a tropical style rooted in Indonesian culture that emphasizes harmony with nature, spiritual tranquility, and the use of natural materials like teak wood, bamboo, and stone. It blends traditional craftsmanship with indoor-outdoor living.
❓How do I decorate my living room in Bali style?
Start with neutral tones, add a low wooden table, use rattan or bamboo furniture, and incorporate tropical plants like monstera or palms. Include hand-carved wooden wall art and soft, natural lighting for a calm, grounded feel.
❓Can I mix modern furniture with Balinese decor?
Yes! Modern Balinese style combines clean lines and minimalist furniture with natural textures and artisan accents. Think Scandinavian meets tropical spa.
❓Is Balinese design budget-friendly?
It can be! Many Bali-style materials like bamboo, jute, cotton, and rattan are affordable. You can also source handmade decor from ethical shops like Etsy or World Market. DIY projects using natural elements can also reduce costs.
❓What colors are used in Bali interior design?
The typical Balinese palette includes:
- Ocean blues: aqua, deep turquoise
- Soft neutrals: sand, beige, ivory
- Warm woods: teak, walnut
- Earth tones: terracotta, charcoal
- Tropical greens: leaf, moss
❓Where can I find Balinese furniture or decor in the U.S.?
Look for fair-trade or imported products on:
- Balizen.com for handcrafted items from Bali
- Etsy (search: Balinese decor)
- World Market
- The Citizenry
- Novica (in partnership with National Geographic)
❓What are some small Bali-style touches I can add to my space?
You can add:
- A stone water feature or tabletop fountain
- Woven baskets or lanterns
- A tropical plant corner
- Rattan lamp shades
- Incense or essential oils (lemongrass, sandalwood)
More Than Just a Style
Balinese interior design isn’t just about how your home looks — it’s about how it feels. It’s about creating an intentional, serene environment that reflects a slower pace and deeper connection with nature.
In a fast-paced world, adding a touch of Bali can be your everyday escape.
Want More Asia-Inspired Home Design?
Check out:
- Japanese Zen Interior Design: Minimalism with Soul
- Thai Tropical Homes: What Makes Them So Unique
- Modern Filipino Home Style: Mixing Tradition and Trend
Free Download: Bali Style Home Starter Checklist (PDF)
Includes:
☐ Color palette samples
☐ Furniture & decor essentials
☐ Indoor plant suggestions
☐ Budget-friendly sources
