Balinese interior design merges the serene beauty of Balinese culture with functional modern living, creating spaces that speak to tranquility and natural harmony. Here’s an exploration of this unique style.
The Essence of Balinese Interior Design
At its core, Balinese interior design is an expression of the island’s rich cultural tapestry, deeply influenced by its natural surroundings and spiritual essence. The design philosophy emphasises harmony with nature, incorporating open spaces that invite sunlight and fresh air, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors.
Key Features and Materials
A Balinese style interior often showcases hand-carved wooden Balinese furniture with intricate detailing, a testament to the island’s skilled craftsmanship. Teak wood is particularly cherished for its durability and resistance to the humid tropical climate. But it’s not just about the woodwork; the use of natural materials extends to bamboo for flooring, thatch for roofing, and local stone for decorative accents. This approach not only adds a touch of authenticity but also promotes sustainability and respect for the environment.
Design Elements
The beauty of Balinese design lies in its thoughtful details. From the layout that promotes communal living and social connections to the spiritual motifs that adorn the space, each element is imbued with meaning. The influence of Balinese Hinduism is evident in the tripartite division of spaces, symbolising the cosmic order, while the decor often includes water features, indoor plants, and flowers, fostering a sense of tranquility and well-being.
Creating a Balinese Atmosphere
Its is all about blending the indoors with the outdoors, and making nature a fundamental part of living spaces. This is demonstrated beautifully in the footage below. The stark white architecture acts as a canvas, highlighting the organic wood tones and the lush greenery of the indoor plants. The interior designer brings in elements of nature while maintaining a clean, sophisticated aesthetic.
The modern Balinese furniture, with its clean lines and natural wood, echoes traditional Balinese craftsmanship, marrying simplicity with elegance. The pool’s proximity to the living area brings a sense of calm and fluidity, integral to Balinese design, which often features water elements to enhance the sense of tranquility.
The open shelving with earthenware and curated decor items, along with the subtle placement of books, invites a sense of culture and intellect, reflective of the Balinese respect for knowledge and spirituality. To create a Balinese atmosphere, one can draw inspiration from these images by incorporating natural materials, maintaining a harmonious colour palette, and ensuring a flow between the interior space and the natural world outside.
Let’s Shop the Look
This dining setting is a stunning representation of modern Balinese design, where simplicity meets organic luxury. The robust, rectangular wooden table anchors the space, accompanied by matching cylindrical stools that provide a unique alternative to traditional dining chairs. The vertical fluting on the stools adds texture and visual interest, complementing the smooth, expansive surface of the table.
The setting is strategically placed on the edge of a serene pool, incorporating the Balinese affinity for water elements that signify calm and flow. This proximity to water seamlessly integrates dining with the tranquil outdoors, encouraging a relaxed and communal eating experience.
Above, the use of the thatch lampshade adds an earthy element, casting a soft, warm glow that would enhance the ambience in the evenings. The backdrop is kept minimalistic, with white walls and cascading curtains, ensuring that the focus remains on the natural wood tones and the craftsmanship of the furniture. This dining area is not just designed for meals; it’s curated for experiences, inviting diners to linger, converse, and soak in the serene environment that is quintessentially Balinese.
These sleek, black cylindrical Balinese coffee tables embody a modern twist on traditional Balinese design. The vertical grooves add texture and depth, evoking the intricate carvings found in Balinese woodwork, yet with a contemporary and minimalist flair. The Bali coffee table has a matte finish and the solid colour provides a striking contrast to the natural, often earth-toned palette typical of contemporary Balinese interiors, making them a bold statement piece.
In a Balinese-inspired interior, these tables can serve multiple functions — as side tables, casual seating, or even as artful stands to display sculptures or plants. They are a testament to the versatility of Balinese design, capable of adapting to modern trends while still maintaining a connection to natural shapes and textures. These tables would be particularly effective in an open-plan space, where they can be easily moved and repurposed, symbolising the fluidity and adaptable nature of Balinese living. Their robust silhouette and colour make them an excellent choice for grounding lighter, airy spaces or for adding a focal point within a monochromatic scheme.
The Surya Wilted Rattan Lamp Shade is a captivating blend of artisan crafts and contemporary design. The natural texture and organic form of rattan make it a staple in Balinese design, cherished for its flexibility and durability. This particular lampshade takes a playful approach with a design that suggests movement, reminiscent of a flower wilting or a piece of fabric caught in a gentle breeze.
The open weave allows for a dappled light effect, casting intricate shadows that add to the ambiance of any room.
When integrating the Surya Wilted Rattan Lamp Shade into a Balinese-inspired space, consider its placement as a central lighting feature or in a corner to softly illuminate and draw attention to a particular area. Its dark colour adds a modern edge and can serve as an eye-catching contrast against lighter backgrounds, balancing the bright openness typical of Balinese architecture.
More Balinese Furniture We Love
The Zara Lounge Chair below exemplifies the essence of Balinese design. Crafted with a robust teak wood frame, known for its longevity and resistance to weathering, the chair offers a sustainable and sturdy seating option. Its seat and backrest are woven with a natural fibre, which not only adds texture and visual warmth but also ensures comfort.
Incorporating this chair into an interior design scheme is straightforward, thanks to its natural materials and neutral tones. It fits seamlessly into a variety of spaces that emphasise organic elements or a wabi sabi interior design theme. Place it in a sunroom to create a cosy reading nook, or feature it on a covered patio for a tranquil outdoor retreat. Its understated elegance makes it versatile enough to complement both minimalist and bohemian aesthetics.
The Round Dining Table below, is intricately constructed with rich, warm-toned wood, the Maya table is a testament to the time-honoured woodworking techniques native to Bali. The cylindrical base, made up of vertical wooden slats, draws inspiration from the rhythmic lines of Balinese bamboo architecture, allowing light to dance through its open structure and casting a play of shadows reminiscent of Balinese forests.
The tabletop, a smooth expanse of polished wood, speaks to the island’s volcanic mountains with its rounded silhouette and undulating grain patterns. It provides not only a practical surface for dining but also a tactile experience, inviting touch with its organic edges and silky finish.
As a central piece in a Balinese-inspired interior, the Maya Round Dining Table anchors the space with its robust presence while maintaining a sense of airiness and flow—essential qualities in Balinese design philosophy. It pairs beautifully with handwoven textiles and pottery, as well as with tropical plants that echo Bali’s verdant outdoors, creating a dining environment that is both serene and sociable.
Compact in form, this table is suited for intimate gatherings, reflecting the Balinese value of community and shared meals. It complements spaces that embrace a minimalist yet warm approach, allowing the natural beauty and intricate craftsmanship to stand as a focal point of the interior design.
As a central piece in a Balinese-inspired interior, the Round Dining Table anchors the space with its robust presence while maintaining a sense of airiness and flow—essential qualities in Balinese design philosophy. It pairs beautifully with handwoven textiles and pottery, as well as with tropical plants that echo Bali’s verdant outdoors, creating a dining environment that is both serene and sociable.
Compact in form, this table is suited for intimate gatherings, reflecting the Balinese value of community and shared meals. It complements spaces that embrace a minimalist yet warm approach, allowing the natural beauty and intricate craftsmanship to stand as a focal point of the interior design.
The Kawi Dining Set with Bench is a resplendent celebration of Balinese culture, exuding a warm, communal spirit that is intrinsic to the island’s dining experience. This set, lovingly handcrafted from rich teak wood, carries the soul of traditional Balinese furniture-making, renowned for its durability, resilience, and timeless elegance.
The Kawi set’s robust table top rests solidly upon sturdy legs, inviting not only a shared meal but a shared life. Its expansive surface is a tribute to the Balinese philosophy of open-heartedness and generosity, where families and friends gather for nourishing food and conversation. The natural grain of the teak is a visual symphony of the island’s organic beauty, each line and swirl a narrative of growth and life.
Accompanying the table, the bench is a symbol of unity and community, a seamless addition that complements the table’s strong lines and natural finish. It beckons diners to sit side by side in comfortable intimacy, fostering a sense of togetherness that is so vital to the Balinese way of life.
Incorporated into a Balinese interior design, the Kawi Dining Set becomes is a centrepiece that anchors the room. It suits the open-concept designs and the natural material palette characteristic of Balinese homes, blending seamlessly with the soft textiles, thatched bamboo, and lush greenery that often adorn these tranquil spaces.
Balinese interior design is more than a style; it’s a holistic approach to living that balances beauty, function, and spirituality. It invites us to rethink our relationship with our environment, urging us to create homes that are not only pleasing to the eye but also nurturing to the soul. For those looking to capture the serene spirit of Bali, embracing these principles can transform a living space into a tranquil retreat.
FAQ’s
What are the 7 philosophies of Balinese architecture?
As we mentioned, Balinese architecture is deeply intertwined with the island’s unique Hindu culture, environment, and communal lifestyle. The seven philosophies that underpin traditional Balinese architecture are:
1. Tri Hita Karana: This core philosophy emphasises the balance and harmony between the three sources of life: humans, nature, and the divine. Architecture and design are thoughtfully created to respect and reflect this sacred relationship.
2. Tri Mandala: This principle divides spaces into three zones: the Nista Mandala (the outer and lower cleanliness zone), the Madya Mandala (the middle zone for daily activities), and the Utama Mandala (the inner and highest cleanliness zone dedicated to the gods).
3. Sanga Mandala: This refers to the division of space into nine parts, representing directions of the wind (north, northeast, east, etc.) with the central area as a sacred axis, reflecting a respect for the natural world in spatial planning.
4. Astha Kosala Kosali: These are the eight rules of measurement that guide the proportions and layouts of buildings, ensuring that the structures are in harmony with their function and surroundings.
5. Tri Angga: This principle divides buildings into three parts, similar to the human body, with a head (high section), body (middle section), and feet (lower section), each crafted with appropriate materials and designs.
6. Sanga Sahita: This concept highlights the nine main elements of a compound, including the family temple, bedrooms, kitchen, and so on, which must be arranged according to the Balinese cosmic order.
7. Cosmic Axis: Balinese architecture often incorporates a “cosmic axis” that connects the spiritual world above with the physical world below, often materialized in the form of a mountain or a shrine that is positioned at the highest point of the space.These philosophies ensure that Balinese architecture not only provides physical shelter but also supports spiritual well-being, a sense of community, and a deep connection with the environment.
What is Balinese Furniture Made of?
Balinese furniture is traditionally made from a variety of natural materials that are abundant in the tropical climate of Bali. Here are some of the most common materials:
- Teak Wood: Known for its durability and resistance to rot, teak is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor furniture. Its dense grain and natural oils protect it from pests and the elements, making it a long-lasting material for Balinese furniture.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is a sustainable and sturdy material often used in Balinese furniture. It is lightweight and has a distinct, versatile appearance, which allows it to be used in everything from chairs and beds to decorative items.
- Rattan: Similar to bamboo, rattan is a type of palm that is flexible and strong. It is commonly used to create woven furniture like chairs, baskets, and other decorative pieces.
- Mahogany: This is another type of hardwood used in Balinese furniture-making. It is valued for its beauty and durability, often used in more refined pieces.
- Suar Wood: Also known as rain tree or monkeypod wood, Suar is often used for larger pieces like dining tables and benches because of its wide diameter.
- Recycled and Reclaimed Woods: Balinese furniture also often incorporates recycled and reclaimed woods, which aligns with the Balinese reverence for nature and commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Stone and Concrete: These materials are used in outdoor furniture or decorative elements, especially in items that are meant to add a sense of solidity and permanence to the space.
- Natural Fibres: For accents and accessories, Balinese furniture may include natural fibres like cotton, silk, or wool, often with traditional ikat or batik patterns.
Balinese furniture is not only chosen for its material robustness but also for its intricate craftsmanship and design, which often includes carvings and motifs inspired by the island’s natural landscape and cultural traditions.
What are the elements of Balinese Interior Design?
Balinese interior design as we have discussed, is renowned for its tranquil and tropical aesthetic, heavily influenced by the island’s natural landscapes and cultural traditions. Here are key elements that define Balinese interior design:
- Natural Materials: As mentioned earlier, the use of natural materials like teak, bamboo, rattan, and stone is prevalent. These materials help create a harmonious connection between the indoors and the lush outdoors of Bali.
- Open Spaces: Balinese homes often have open floor plans that encourage airflow and natural light. This architectural design blurs the lines between inside and outside spaces, fostering a sense of unity with nature.
- Water Features: Elements such as ponds, fountains, and pools are integral to Balinese design, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation and inviting the sound and cooling effect of water into the living space.
- Earthy Color Palette: The color scheme typically involves earthy tones that reflect the natural environment, such as browns, beiges, greens, and other muted hues that evoke a sense of tranquility.
- Traditional Decor: Balinese interiors often feature traditional decor items like sculptures, carvings, and textiles that have cultural significance, such as Batik or Ikat patterns.
- Handcrafted Furniture: Balinese furniture is often handcrafted and features intricate carvings of floral, foliage, or geometric patterns, a testament to the island’s rich artistic heritage.
- Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Large windows, sliding doors, and semi-open structures such as pavilions help to maintain a seamless flow between the indoor spaces and the surrounding nature.
- Tropical Plants: Lush greenery is a staple in Balinese interior design. Indoor plants, as well as gardens and green spaces integrated into living areas, are essential for creating the typical Balinese oasis.
- Spiritual Elements: Statues of deities, offerings, and incense holders are commonly found in Balinese homes, reflecting the spiritual practices and beliefs of the island’s inhabitants.
- Luxurious Fabrics: While the overall aesthetic is earthy and natural, luxurious fabrics like silk and high-quality cotton are used in bedding, drapery, and cushion covers, adding a touch of opulence.
- Craftsmanship Detailing: The high level of craftsmanship is evident in the architectural details, including carved wood and stone, thatched roofing, and bamboo ceilings, all adding texture and depth to the design.
- Cultural Artwork: Artwork plays a significant role in Balinese interior design, with paintings, wood carvings, and crafts that tell stories or symbolize aspects of Balinese life and beliefs.