Think relaxing on a tropical beach, with warm sun, white sand and the soothing sound of waves. This is the essence of a Balinese influenced-home, an interior decorating style which encapsulates the feeling of light, nature and wide open spaces.
Floors and Walls
On the floor, organic materials are key. Hues are neutral and earth-toned, and finishes are matte. Dark timber strip flooring, with its natural glow and soothing touch underfoot, is an apt choice for the style. Ceramic or porcelain slabs, in a warm terracotta shade or soft colors of brown, gray or cream, are a low-maintenance alternative. Pebble stones or a woven rug may be used as an accent in the foyer or entrance to the living area, to create texture and to enhance the cozy feel.
Walls are plain and light-colored, to reflect the sunlight and make the area seem bigger and brighter. If you are able to get your hands on one, a traditional Indonesian wood-carved panel makes a wonderfully authentic feature wall.
Compact spaces may appear dim and cramped. To counter the problem, walls could be knocked down, if possible, for an open-concept layout. This brings about an illusion of greater light and space. Instead of opaque barriers to demarcate the different room functions, psychological boundaries such as timber slats, decorative wooden pillars or raised floors, can be used. For a more contemporary look, frosted glass may be juxtaposed with wood on the divider for visual contrast.
Furniture
Coffee tables and settees are long and low to the ground, emphasizing comfort and closeness to the earth. They may either have clean, flat lines for a more modern appearance, or intricate patterns for a more traditionally ethnic look. Furniture carved from tropical dark wood, such as teak, emphasizes the natural, ethnic theme. Alternatively, have sofas made of plush, luxurious material in deep, woody hues to imbue a sense of coziness. Seats can be topped with soft cushions in brown or cream colors for a unified color scheme, or in brighter jewel hues such as red and gold for a more dramatic effect.
Ornaments
Accessories are little details that go a long way in pulling together the look of your home, whether you want to put the finishing touches to a traditional Balinese-style interior, or simply wish to add a little ethnic charm to your abode. Quintessential Indonesian ornaments include woodcarvings, wood relief pictures and oil paintings depicting landscapes or scenes from Balinese life. Ikat cloth, traditional Indonesian hand-woven fabric, can be draped over coffee tables, thrown over sofas or hung on the wall as wall-art. And finally, leafy green plants are a fitting, inexpensive and natural way to bring Balinese style into the home.
