How to perfect the Balinese Interior Style
What is Balinese Style?
Balinese Style can be described as the perfect combination of nature, tradition and texture. Balinese interiors incorporate natural materials and texture with underlying traditional design elements. Balinese interiors will incorporate the use of wood, rattan, jute, bamboo and stone to name a few. These natural materials and textures evoke a feeling of tranquillity and harmony which is key to any Balinese style home.
Traditional Balinese Décor
Balinese interiors offer a unique blend of tropical aesthetics and spiritual undertones. The design philosophy is deeply rooted in Balinese culture and spirituality. You will often find spiritual touches such as paintings and sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses along with wood carvings and stone sculptures.
This design style emphasizes balance, harmony, and a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The primary goal is to create an environment that is both tranquil and thought provoking, making one feel connected to nature and the divine. Traditional Balinese buildings are usually built from organic materials so that they blend effortlessly with the surrounding natural environment. Buildings are sympathetic to their surroundings, and work to blend in seamlessly so that they harmonise with the natural world around them. You will often see them feature grass or straw roofs, wooden doors and windows, bamboo furniture and water features, and natural stone walkways and sculptures.
Balinese style gardens
This brings us on to outdoor spaces. Balinese gardens are truly relaxing and zen like. The aim is to blur the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors. Courtyards, patios and verandas are a key element to Balinese style. You will see them adorned with water features and sculptures, usually laid out on beautiful natural stone patios. As Bali is in the tropics, lush green vegetation and statement plants will be dotted around the space. Tropical plants in statement pots are a key element, but the intent is not to overwhelm. The space must still be bright and airy to keep the zen like feeling. The use of lanterns is a popular design choice to create soft mood lighting, as well as religious shrines often being a focal point of an outdoor space.
Balinese colour schemes
Balinese interiors will often be based on a main neutral background colour palette with pops of warm earthy accent colours such as terractotta, greens and browns. These colours reflect the surrounding natural environment of Bali and again emphasise blending the outdoors with indoors. Lime plaster walls are often featured which give a rustic and natural feel to a space, along with natural concrete and stone which adds natural texture and depth to a space. Balinese interiors aim to create a harmonious balance between the man-made and the natural. You can accessorise with furniture and sculptural pieces to also add interest and colour to a space. Furniture pieces will often feature natural warm wood tones and rattan to add more texture and depth.
Why is Balinese Style so popular?
Current interior design trends are leaning towards light airy tranquil living spaces with organic and natural design elements. This is very true of the Balinese style. People are opting for bright open living spaces but still incorporating rustic and natural elements to bring warmth and complexity to a space. The techniques of lime washing walls or using micro cement as a wall or floor treatment are very on trend right now, and again this has been used for many years in Balinese interiors. They both keep the rustic feel of Bali whilst looking modern enough to keep up with current interior trends. Balinese style has evolved over the years to keep up with current trends with designers using modern touches and contemporary art to blend into Balinese style, which is resulting in a new more modern and streamlined style. This new “Modern Balinese” style is proving as popular as ever and can be found in properties ranging from houses through to high end hotels.
Balinese Aesthetics
If you follow the 4 following design principles for Balinese interiors you’ll be able to create a seamless and authentic interior perfectly recreating this tranquil and relaxing vibe.
Nature-Inspired Elements – Use plenty of Rattan, Bamboo, Stone, Carved Wood, Grass, Straw, Fans, Plants and Greenery within the interior. Bring nature indoors and give the illusion of a seamless transition between the two.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance – Be sure to include traditional sculptures and Hindu or Buddist artifacts. Bali is a very spiritual country and a lot of Baliese art often depicts religious or mythological themes. You can incorporate these with the use of handmade wooden carvings, alters, statues and sculptures.
Artistry and Craftsmanship – Elaborate wooden carvings are a main feature of Balinese design. The use of warm toned wood is often present around doorframes which can be intricately hand carved into beautiful focal points. The doors themselves may also be carved into stunning centrepieces. Other uses of wood carvings may be accessories such as photo frames, wall art and sculptures.
Simplicity and Serenity – Textiles are another main focus of Balinese design. In order to create a light and ethereal space you want to use plenty of sheer light coloured natural fabrics such as linen for curtains. These allow the light to shine through and give the illusion of a light, tranquil space. Handmade rugs will make a feature on the floor. Opt to place contrasting furniture and floor cushions on the rugs to give the feel of peace and serenity.
Overall, Balinese aesthetics emphasize simplicity and serenity. The design is uncluttered, with an emphasis on open spaces that facilitate a seamless flow between indoors and outdoors. This openness not only maximizes natural light and ventilation but also fosters a sense of peace and connection with the surrounding environment.
All of our blog posts are researched and handwritten in house here at Vaunt Design by industry experts.
Featured Image Credit: Staysomedays
