Bali Living with Nature Inspired Interior Design

When you think of Bali, you likely imagine lush greenery, kind people with a good heart, rice terraces, and a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor life. It is no wonder that nature inspired interior design feels like a natural fit here.

In Bali’s climate and cultural context, bringing nature into our home is not just aesthetic, it becomes part of the design logic itself. That is why in this article, Manon will explore how architecture types from tropical villas to modern homes can be planned with nature at their core, and why this approach is becoming a defining trend in 2025.

Let’s jump right in!

Why Nature Inspired Interior Designs Are Gaining Momentum

Most design leaders agree that 2025 is the year we lean into nature. The resurgence of earthy, organic palettes and biophilic design is shaping the industry globally. Biophilic elements such as daylighting, plant life, natural shapes, and views to green are proven to reduce stress, boost wellness, and create a stronger emotional connection to space.

In Bali, this trend is not new, it is a rediscovery of architecture that has always drawn from nature, using orientation, local materials, culture, and indoor-outdoor transitions (Tri Mandala) as part of the cultural language.

As a design studio rooted in Bali, we understand how cultural zoning and nature inspired interior designs add real value when combined with sustainable design. We are here to translate those principles into spaces that are thoughtful, timeless, and deeply connected to place for you.

Trust us to bring that balance into your project, find us more here.

Types of Architecture and How to Plan Nature Into Them

1. Tropical Villa Living

A Bali villa offers an ideal canvas for nature inspired interior design. Think large sliding panels, deep overhangs, cross-ventilation, and courtyards. At Manon, we often begin with a site analysis that studies sunlight, prevailing winds, and vegetation. From there, design choices like timber louvers, open terraces, and filtered light are integrated from day one.

2. Modern Contemporary Residences

For minimalist homes, the beauty often lies in subtlety. In Bali, our modern contemporary approach blends clean lines with natural materials and seamless transparencies that blur the edge between indoors and outdoors.

At Puri Gading House, you will find full-height glazing, delicate screens, and muted textures that mirror the surrounding landscape.

If you want to explore this design further, take a closer look at our Puri Gading House project.

3. Biophilic Design

Nature inspired interior design has always been at the heart of biophilic design. And for us, it is more than just a style, it is a way to honor the land we live on and love, our home, Bali.

In one of our recent projects, Toba Restaurant, we wanted to bring this philosophy to life inside and out. The open layout was designed to encourage flow and conversation, creating a dining experience that feels both practical and soulful.

One of the highlights here is a grand tree at the center of the space, inspired by the gathering points in traditional Batak villages. It is not just a striking design feature, but it is a symbol of connection. A place where people naturally come together to share meals, stories, and laughter. This living centerpiece reflects our nature-inspired values, weaving biophilic design right into the heart of the dining experience.

Check out our design here.

So, How Do We Plan Nature Into Nature Inspired Interior Design?

1. Start With Context and Orientation

Paying attention to how the light moves through the space, how the air flows, and even the view outside. Big windows or skylights can make a huge difference here and the daylight will set the tone for the room.

2. Choose Natural and Sustainable Materials

Think wood, stone, bamboo, rattan, metal, or reclaimed timber. Also, raw textures or slightly unfinished surfaces can add depth and an authentic feel to your interior.

3. Bring in Greenery

Whether it is potted plants, hanging planters, or even a green wall will enhance the nature inspired interior design in your home. They do not just look good, they freshen the air, keep the space cooler, and instantly brighten the mood.

4. Maximize Natural Light

Floor-to-ceiling glass, sliding doors, or skylights can keep a space feeling open and full of light. And if a room does not get much sun, you can use mirrors or lighter finishes to help reflect and spread the daylight around.

5. Add Water and Multisensory Elements

Small fountains, water walls, aquariums, or even the sound of flowing water create a calming effect to the house. Layer this with natural scents like wood, flowers, or herbs for a full sensory experience.

6. Incorporate Colors, Patterns, and Shapes from Nature

Earthy colors like greens, browns, terracotta, and warm neutrals create a calming vibe. You can also bring in leaf patterns, soft curves, and flowing lines to break up stiff, boxy spaces, and make the room feel more organic.

7. Blend Indoors and Outdoors

Patios, balconies, courtyards, or even a well-framed view outside can blur the line between indoors and outdoors in this nature inspired interior design. It makes the space feel more open, more relaxed, and naturally connected to its surroundings.

8. Keep Comfort and Maintenance in Mind

Pick plants that fit the local climate and do not need too much fuss to thrive. Make sure the space has good ventilation to keep the air fresh and humidity in check. And do not forget using durable materials and a smart layout which will keep everything practical while still feeling close to nature.

Also Read: Why Architecture Site Visits Are Crucial for Your Project

If you are working with existing structures, planning becomes more strategic, including:

Retain mature trees
Creative zoning
Retrofit passive features (like new rooftop overhangs or shading devices)

In renovations, nature inspired interior design often means repair, restore, reimagine rather than overhaul.

We understand adaptive reuse and renovations are great, but to make things simple and stress-free, it is best to let the experts handle it for you. Learn more about us.

Best Nature-Inspired Interior Design Ideas by Manon

1. Orientation, Light, and Ventilation

Let the light in…

That is one of the simplest ways to make any space feel alive. Large openings like floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, skylights, or terraces allow sunlight to flood the room, creating that warm, inviting glow we all love.

As the light shifts throughout the day, it plays with textures and materials, giving your home a natural rhythm and charm. To keep things comfortable, add elements like overhangs, louvered roofs, or cross-ventilation to balance brightness with a pleasant indoor temperature.

But even if your home does not have big windows or endless sunlight, do not worry… There are still easy ways to make your space feel lighter, such as:

Try painting your walls in soft, neutral tones to reflect more light
Simply clear your windowsills to let sunshine flow in
Skip window dressings altogether in main living space

If you can, think about rearranging your space to open up those outdoor views, maybe it is through wider windows, glass doors, or simply by shifting your furniture to face the garden or the trees outside. Even a small glimpse of nature can make your home feel more connected, calm, and effortlessly inviting in nature inspired interior design.

But here is the thing, if keeping up with your dream interior feels like too much work, our interior design team can help bring it to life effortlessly. Learn more about it, right here.

2. Material Selection and Craftsmanship

Favor locally sourced, sustainable materials like bamboo, certified wood, natural stone, and low-VOC finishes. Even simple additions like a handcrafted ceramic, a woven tray, or a timber stool can bring warmth and character that mass-produced pieces rarely offer.

These not only bring authenticity and durability but also keep the environmental footprint small which is something deeply rooted in Bali’s hospitality architecture, where design always feels connected to nature and the human scale.

So, when you are updating your home, choose materials that not only look beautiful now but will continue to evolve with you. The marks, the wear, the patina, those are what make a space truly yours.

3. Landscape Integration and Vegetation Buffering

Do not think of landscaping as an afterthought because it is an essential part of the design. When possible, preserve existing trees and let them become natural companions to your architecture.

They do not just add beauty, they also help filter light, reduce heat, and soften sound. In many Balinese nature inspired interior designs, vegetation is not cleared away but thoughtfully integrated which forms gentle buffer zones that blur the line between indoors and out.