Part of the fun we have as Indonesian furniture suppliers is seeing the variety of Bali’s incredible villa interiors. Bali villa design is something you really must see first-hand as you never know what type of innovative concept might be in the villa next to you. Villas tend to all have their own unique story and design through architectural details, natural materials, designer furniture, and seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces that take lifestyle to the next level.
Your living room interior design should be one of your biggest considerations as it sets the tone for the entire home and creates the primary gathering space. Bali-style design is all about serene spaces no matter if your design is more modern or traditional.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what it takes to create a Bali-inspired living area that checks all the essential boxes and redefines how you experience daily living!
Essential Elements of Bali Style Living Room Interior Design
There’s a simple secret to understanding Bali style which is: try and bring the outdoors into to the interior as much as possible.. This means using natural looking materials especially stone and wood, adding plants and greenery, having lots of windows to connect you with the outdoors and provide natural light, and often Balinese architecture incorporates large doors or windows that can be opened to create an indoor-outdoor living concept.
Balinese interior design philosophy centers on harmony, balance, as well as culture. Natural materials create warmth and comfort in the space, while plants and outdoor elements bring freshness and vitality. Decorations like wooden carvings and traditional fabrics such as batik give the opportunity to showcase culture and make the space feel authentic.
Also, in Indonesian design philosophy, space is considered a fifth element that works in harmony with earth, water, wind, and fire. This emphasis on space, combined with Bali’s signature indoor-outdoor living concept that blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, explains why Indonesian design often incorporates open areas and thoughtful use of empty space—a principle also found in feng shui and furniture arrangement.
Ultimately, your living room should be a sanctuary where style meets function and comfort – a space where you can unwind while also entertain. Beyond the visual components, you’ll need furniture that doesn’t just add to the look, but brings extra value by being comfortable, and hopefully even add to some of the story of the space.
Let’s narrow down which colors can be the key ingredients to your design.
Figuring Out Your Color Palette
When it comes to colors for your living room, there’s some rules of thumb that are a recipe for success, and what we typically see in 95% of properties.
As Balinese design works to mimic nature, you can blend neutrals and warm earth tones and it will always create a natural and timeless feel. Add pops of color for accent items and that can be anything from vibrant tropical greens to ocean-inspired blues or even bright reds and yellows. After all, Bali is known for it’s beautiful brightly colored flowers.
We recommend staying safe with softer, lighter neutral colors as your base.
Neutrals and Warm Earth Tones
Neutral tones like beige, cream, and gray reflect sand, colors of the beach and natural stone, and are great for larger surface areas as they create a sense of calm.
Warm earth tones, such as terracotta, sienna, and rich browns, add depth and coziness, reminiscent of traditional Indonesian clay pottery and wooden architecture.
These colors can derive from anything whether it’s your flooring, wall color, countertops and furniture. A great way to integrate neutral and warm tones is through textured materials like natural fiber rugs or woven bamboo accents.
Together, these colors create a sophisticated palette that perfectly balances tropical beauty with chic, timeless aesthetic.
Pops Of Color and Accents
To add some vibrance, use tropical hues like turquoise and green. Burnt orange is also great and commonly used. Use these colors in accessories like throw pillows, rugs, or even essential furniture pieces.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with bolder accent colors like sunny yellows and vibrant reds. These brighter hues, when used thoughtfully in artwork, cushions, or decorative pieces, can create cheerful focal points that elevate the energy of your space. It’s all about balance – while your base palette remains natural and a calmer tone, some pops of color can a cheerful positive energy.
Essential Materials and Textures
The Nusantara Lifestyle ‘Alami’ range TV cabinet features repurposed teak wood with hand woven rope doors, creating elegant natural texture for your living area.
The right materials are key to creating a living room design that feels warm and authentic. We’ve already mentioned natural materials like wood and stone, but there’s others such as bamboo and rattan that are staples of Indonesian design and add texture, as well as contribute to eco-friendly practices and sustainable sourcing.
Beyond how materials look, think about quality, durability, and your source. Incorporating traditional accents and sustainably sourced materials are an opportunity to appreciate the skill of Indonesian artisans and environment, while also ensuring a better shelf life if you find the right furniture suppliers.
Here’s a few examples
- Teak Wood: Used for nearly everything you can imagine. It’s known for its moisture resistance, durability and rich golden-brown color. Aside from being used for flooring, ceilings, and structure, teak is used in statement furniture pieces like dining tables, chairs, bed frames, and cabinets.
- Natural Stone: Materials like river rock, limestone, and volcanic stone are used for flooring, wall features, and decorative elements to create an organic, grounded feel.
- Rattan: a solid-stemmed palm that produces incredibly strong yet flexible material that can be steamed and shaped into various forms. It appears in chairs, light fixtures, and decorative screens, adding texture while maintaining an airy, tropical feel.
- Bamboo: Used both structurally and decoratively in items like room dividers, window treatments, and accent furniture, bamboo brings a sustainable, natural element to the space.
- Hand-carved Wood: Traditional Balinese wood carvings, often featuring nature motifs or cultural symbols, can be incorporated as wall art, door panels, or decorative elements.
We always recommend looking for pieces that tell a story – such as a reclaimed teak coffee table or hand-carved wood panels. Selecting the right items means items that last longer, look amazing, and make your space more unique.
Living Room Furniture Selection & Layout
We’ve now introduced the most popular materials. Let’s talk more about furniture selection and layout.
When designing your Indo-inspired living room, it’s crucial to understand that furniture in Indonesia revolves around the tropical climate. Many Balinese homes feature open concepts where living spaces connect to outdoor areas, exposing furniture to varying levels of moisture and humidity. This means teak wood or rattan furniture is commonly used as it’s resilient to moisture.
Bali Style Living Room Furniture Materials: Best Options
Teak wood and rattan are the most common material options for furniture. Teak’s natural oils make it exceptionally moisture-resistant, while its dense grain provides durability and natural beauty with limited maintenance. Rattan offers similar benefits, being naturally resistant to moisture while providing a lightweight, tropical aesthetic.
Fabric selection is equally important in these settings. Opt for moisture-wicking, mold-resistant materials like outdoor-grade fabrics, even for indoor pieces. Natural fibers treated with weather-resistant finishes or high-quality synthetic blends can provide both durability and comfort while maintaining that luxurious Balinese feel.
Essential Balinese Style Living Room Furniture Pieces
Here are the essential furniture pieces you’ll need for a Balinese inspired living room:
- Low-profile sofas or daybeds – these create a laid-back feeling while keeping the room open and airy.
- Accent chairs – choose rattan or teak pieces that can be easily moved around for flexible seating arrangements.
- Coffee table – a solid teak piece with beautiful natural grain makes an amazing centerpiece and is very common in the best Bali designs.
- Side tables – small but practical surfaces for placing drinks, books, or decorative items.
- Storage solutions – beautiful carved wooden cabinets or handwoven baskets keep your space tidy while adding a lot of style and variety.
- Floor cushions – perfect for casual seating when friends visit. Floor custions are a great opportunity for pops of color or other color varieties.
- Console table – a slim table against the wall for displaying artwork, flowers or decorative items. This helps to add extra variety and expand the energy of your living room.
Shown above: essential living room furniture pieces by Nusantara Lifestyle featuring 100% reclaimed teak wood
Arranging Furniture for Conversation and Relaxation
The goal you should have for arranging furniture is to create intimate conversation areas while maintaining an open, flowing layout. Position your main seating – typically a low-profile sofa or traditional daybed – against a wall or as a room divider, ensuring it faces the primary focal point like a garden view or artistic feature. Complement this with smaller seating arrangements using rattan chairs or floor cushions placed at comfortable angles for easy interaction.
Layer the space with plush cushions in natural fabrics and textured throws, incorporating traditional Indonesian patterns or batik prints. These soft elements not only add comfort but also add authentic cultural touches. Consider placing small side tables within easy reach of seating areas for drinks and decorative items.
The key is to get that balance of both beauty and function. Having a mix of statement furniture pieces as well as supplemental pillows and other seating areas make it so you have options, as well as extra seating for any unexpected guests!
Flooring Decisions
Flooring is key, and the right choice makes a room feel more welcoming. Flooring should match the room’s natural elements and colors, so a wood or stone look is typically preferred.
Carpet is hardly ever used, as wood or natural stone tiles are the most popular flooring choices. However, area rugs are great to add warmth, define spaces, and introduce complementary colors and patterns.
Natural Materials vs. Synthetic Options
When it comes to flooring, you have two main paths: natural materials or synthetic alternatives.
Modern synthetic materials like laminate or faux-wood tiles can look great, be more cost effective, and require less maintenance, however they might not quite reach the level of style you’d see in a higher end luxury property. That being said, tiles that have the look and even texture similar to the real thing are very commonly used in Bali villas and still look great, so don’t feel too bad about considering these options.
For luxury properties and high-end villas, natural materials are often preferred as they add authenticity and contribute to the property’s story. The unique grain patterns in real wood or the natural variations in stone create an organic, one-of-a-kind feel that synthetic materials just can’t quite pull off.
The choice between natural and synthetic often depends on your budget, maintenance preferences, and whether authenticity or practicality is your priority.
Importance of Rugs or Floor Cushions
In Balinese home decor, rugs and floor cushions are essential for creating welcoming spaces. Natural fiber rugs add texture, while Indonesian-patterned textiles bring authenticity. Floor cushions with batik or linen coverings offer flexible seating and create a relaxed atmosphere. In our opinion it’s always ok to have extra pillows! These elements help define your living space, add comfort, and create perfect spots for gatherings or quiet moments.
Lighting Schemes and Ambience
Lighting is key in making your living room feel like Bali. Traditional Balinese accents, like rattan pendant lights, bring warmth and calm. They make your space feel like a tropical getaway.
Accent lighting can spotlight special pieces, like a wooden panel or a colorful plant. Soft, warm lights also create a cozy, spa-like feel, great for relaxing while adding a bit of a dramatic effect.
Decorative Pieces and Accessories
Traditional Balinese elements like carved wooden panels and vibrant textiles can transform your living room. They bring a tropical feel, making your space feel like a luxurious retreat.
Layering pillows, throws, and woven baskets adds depth and interest. It creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for relaxing. Adding natural elements, like potted plants or fresh flowers, brings the outdoors in. This enhances your space’s tropical vibe.
To elevate your living room, consider unique art pieces or decorative accessories. A handmade wooden mask or a colorful textile wall hanging can add personality.
Wrapping It Up
Bali living room interior design is fundamentally about crafting a space that maintains a connection with nature and promotes a feeling of peace and tranquility.
If you stick to a focus on implementing natural materials (or even natural looking materials), you’re already on the right track. Keep your base colors conservative, but don’t be afraid to add some pops of color and patterns, especially if you want to utilize some traditional batik patterns or woven rugs or throws to give a more authentic cultural feel.
Add plants and extra accessories like woven baskets and pillows to help fill out the space and create a visual balance as well as functionality. With the right selection of furniture combined with the rest, your space should come together easily to create a serene living area that hopefully elevates the feel of your home.
FAQ
What are the key elements of Bali-style interior design?
Bali-style design focuses on natural materials like wood, stone, and rattan. It also includes traditional Balinese elements. The goal is to blend indoor and outdoor spaces, creating harmony with nature.
How can I create a tropical color palette for my living room?
Begin with neutral and warm earth tones as your base. Then, add vibrant colors like greens, turquoise, or burnt orange. This will bring energy and vibrancy to your space.
What are the essential materials and textures used in Bali-style interior design?
Bali-style design emphasizes natural materials. These include wood, stone, bamboo, and rattan. They add warmth, authenticity, and a connection to nature.
How should I arrange the furniture in a Bali-inspired living room?
Arrange furniture to encourage conversation and relaxation. Use low-profile seating like sofas and daybeds. The layout should promote flow and harmony.
What role does lighting play in creating a Bali-style atmosphere?
Lighting is key in a Bali-style living room. Use accent lighting for art and decor. Soft, warm lighting creates a spa-like feel. Natural light is also important for balance and harmony.
How can I incorporate traditional Balinese elements into my living room design?
Use statement art, carved wooden panels, and traditional sculptures. Add textiles like pillows, throws, and woven baskets. Layering these elements adds depth and interest.
