Indonesian design is currently all the rage, and at the center of this Asian aesthetic is the province of Bali, with its corresponding design aspects bringing zen to every room. Emphasizing naturalism and minimalism through exotic materials and vivid, organic colors, the sights of Bali are showing up in homes all over the world. Also known as “Tri Hita Karana,” this philosophy uses natural elements such as bamboo, teak, and more to create a three-way harmony between humanity, nature, and the divine. Along with being environmentally friendly, another popular feature of the Bali aesthetic is to unite the natural world and the indoors in a way that brings the outdoors in. Both timeless and trendy, the on-style pieces made in this vein are certain to put the “in” in Indonesia.
Bali Lights, Bali Nights
Vibrantly tropical and warm year-round, it’s no wonder why so many people find Bali to be such an inviting place. Whether indoors or outdoors, the overall environment is sure to make everyone’s heart start burnin’ and cause them to dance the night away. Regardless of whether the mood is being set to host guests on the deck or to turn up the illumination for a romantic dinner indoors, lighting is key. The best way to bring tropical vibes to a home’s lighting is to embrace the Bali aesthetic, combining tropical lights with everyday nights. In that case, a great option for island vibrance is the Adalina Woven Rattan Pendant.
Made from the increasingly popular material rattan, the threaded texture of this pendant light turns even a suburban home into a jungle hut in the best way. Looking straight out of Bali, it can work well as the overhead light for any room, especially for buildings with open-plan layouts. The piece also creates the sense of creeping, verdant flora in a way that gives its surroundings a touch of seaside life. On top of all that, it showcases a level of sustainability for natural products that’s part and parcel with the Bali state of mind. Of course, the best way to be truly sustainable is to keep things basic, especially when it comes to the overall aesthetic.
It’s Giving Minimalism: Embracing Bali Zen
While the Bali aesthetic might be elegantly eye-catching, it’s anything but cluttered, gaudy or ostentatious. The word of the day with this style is minimalist, with Bali being all about creating a serene setting that’s as calming as it is inviting. One way to turn down the volume and embrace the silent stillness is with more neutral colors. These reflect the more naturalistic edge that Bali design is meant to embrace, with beige, white and other Earthy colors creating a soft ambiance. Pieces with these colors reflect rocks, seashells, and other natural elements, especially those found in tropical locales such as Bali. The Mila Coconut Shells Round Accent Table offers this in multiple shades, with the green variety having the right kind of woodsy aura.
Along with a soothing sense of muted colors, Bali-style pieces should be functional without being cumbersome. In other words, size matters, and taking up too much space is anathema to this modest approach. Instead, consider pieces that take care of all a room’s needs while still producing an open and alluring environment. Not only will it prevent sensory overload or claustrophobia, but it will also promote cross-ventilation, creating a natural tropical breeze in any room. This biophilic purpose is best seen in the Delilah Woven Abaca Storage Coffee Table, which is great for keeping things inside while also holding objects on the top of its lid. It’s essentially two pieces in one, removing the need for too much furniture, and the combination of wood and abaca construction is certainly “Balicore.” Even if things are minimal, they don’t have to be uninteresting.
Combine Zen with Luxury Through Bali Nirvana
Minimalism doesn’t have to be bland or boring, and with the Bali design style, luxury only needs an extra touch or two. The Bohemian Luxe style gives extra “woah” to Boho, and it’s taking over by storm in the realm of both fashion and interior design. Featuring the same naturalistic and minimalistic sense of whimsy as traditional Boho aesthetics, the addition of equally exotic and eclectically luscious pieces makes this style and any room showcasing it into works of art. Need to upgrade from the traditional table bowl? The Dialah Carved Wooden Bowl looks right out of the Louvre, albeit still featuring the rustic appeal associated with Bohemian Luxe and Bali style. Kiln-dried and made from solid munggur wood, it’s the right amount of rustic while still being perfectly functional on a table or other centerpiece.
A combination of bold designs, unique textures, or striking (yet still natural) colors is another way to elevate the Bali style further. There’s a sort of low-key artistry to making these elements work in unison, especially since things should still feel organic and laidback. One trend that feeds right into Bali luxury is that of rounded furniture, with these pieces tending to be functionally practical and psychologically pleasant. For living rooms or even office spaces that need a touch of the Luxe, the Cyrus Round Storage Coffee Table and Nesting Stool is sonorous and smooth, combining organic appeal with corporate comfort. Made from solid mango wood, it functions as a unique table while also boasting extra storage. Whether it’s home to the latest coffee table must-reads or a potted plant that’s wabi sabi to the max, it’ll make a statement wherever it’s placed.
How to Make Your Home All About Bali
Still looking for other ways to get your space gussied up with a Bali-inspired touch? There are several pieces that perfectly embrace this aesthetic in ways that still fit right at home in any home. For instance, the Stacie Rattan Lattice Back Stools and Counter Stools have a naturalistic look in any of their color options, offering a quick trip to the tropics without being too visually overbearing. The bamboo lattice pattern really strengthens the sense of earthy appeal, especially in green.
Wanting the bed to feel more naturalistic and less generic? The Annalisa Rattan Lattice Back Headboard can do the trick, turning any mere bed into an exotic bungalow. Making the bedroom a lot more bohemian, the size and color choices ensure that no one wanting to spruce up their interiors will be left out of the equation. When paired with the aforementioned stools, it’s a great way to complete the look and add the entire collection to the house. Regardless of how tropical or Asian you want your home to look, the Bali design style is universal and easy to accessorize. Whether it’s an entire collection that’s added to a home makeover or just a few pieces here and there, embracing Bali always adds a little bit of natural beauty to everyday surroundings.
