The Definitive Guide to Bali-Style Bathroom Interior Design
- Azula Designs
- Sep 17
- 9 min read
Article Updated September 17, 2025
Tired of your ordinary bathroom? Imagine a space where you can escape the daily grind and unwind in a serene, spa-like sanctuary. A Bali-style bathroom is the ultimate expression of this dream, blending the raw beauty of nature with a feeling of luxurious tranquility.
This definitive guide will walk you through the core principles and actionable design choices you need to transform your bathroom into a personal oasis. We'll go beyond basic inspiration to give you the exact blueprint for creating a Bali-style bathroom that is both beautiful and functional.
The Core Philosophy: A Sanctuary Where Indoors Meets Outdoors
At its heart, Bali-style design is about harmony. The goal is to blur the line between your indoor space and the natural world outside, creating a sense of peace and openness. This style isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about a feeling—a daily retreat into a private, tranquil space where you can relax and rejuvenate. The design is rooted in the use of natural, raw materials and a focus on simple, elegant details.
Essential Elements of a Bali Bathroom
To achieve this signature look, you need to be intentional with every element. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key components.
Natural Materials: The Foundation of a Bali Oasis
Every surface in a Bali-style bathroom should feel grounded and organic.
Stone: Incorporate a variety of natural stone. Consider using river stone or natural pebbles for a tactile, massage-like feel on your shower floor. A freestanding bathtub carved from a single piece of stone can become a breathtaking focal point.
Wood: Teak is the most authentic choice due to its water-resistant properties and natural beauty. Use it for vanities, storage shelves, or even as decorative paneling on a feature wall. Bamboo can also be used for accents or blinds to add a tropical texture.
Textiles: Choose natural fibers like linen or cotton for towels and bathmats. These materials add to the soft, earthy feel of the space.
A Closer Look at the Materials
Teak: New vs. Reclaimed
While all teak wood is known for its durability and water resistance, the choice between new and reclaimed teak can define the character of your bathroom.
Reclaimed Teak: This wood is sourced from old buildings, ships, or furniture, giving it a rich history and a one-of-a-kind look. Its character comes from visible nail holes, a varied grain pattern, and unique imperfections that tell a story. Choosing reclaimed teak is also an eco-friendly option.
New Teak: If you prefer a more uniform, pristine look, new teak is the perfect choice. It has a smooth finish and a consistent golden-brown color that will age into a soft, silvery patina over time. New teak is ideal for a clean, modern aesthetic.
Sourcing and Using Natural River Stone
A river stone floor in your shower or around a freestanding tub creates a truly immersive, spa-like experience. The tactile feel is not only beautiful but also offers a gentle foot massage. To ensure a successful installation, source high-quality, pre-cut or mosaic-mounted stone tiles.
When choosing river stone, look for a reputable supplier that offers smooth, flat-bottomed stones to ensure they are comfortable underfoot. A professional installation is highly recommended to ensure proper drainage, waterproofing, and a durable, lasting finish.
Once installed, a good quality sealant is crucial to protect the stone and grout from moisture and to make daily cleaning easier.
The Pros and Cons of Copper Fixtures
Copper fixtures—from a stunning basin sink to faucets and spouts—can add a warm, luxurious metallic accent that beautifully complements the natural tones of a Bali-style bathroom.
Pros: Copper has natural antimicrobial properties, making it a hygienic choice for a bathroom. It also develops a unique patina over time, shifting from a bright, polished finish to a deeper, richer tone. This evolving look adds character and authenticity to your space.
Cons: The patina process means the look will change. If you prefer a consistently shiny finish, you'll need to polish it regularly. Copper can also be a more expensive option than standard chrome or stainless steel fixtures, so it is best used as a statement piece.
Create an open-air feel in your Bali-style bathroom
Open air is one unique characteristics of Balinese design. Bali’s tropical climate and culture inspired this concept. The open-air bathroom will allow you to connect with nature and enjoy a fresh breeze, sunshine, or a beautiful sky while taking a shower.
To create an open-air feel in your bathroom, try an outdoor shower or a bathtub in a private garden. You can surround the shower with beautiful plants and flowers. This setting can give you a sense of being in a Bali spa resort. Having plants and flowers can help you relax in nature’s beauty and ambiance.
Another way is to have a skylight or a large window in your bathroom. Large windows can let in natural light. A skylight can create a dramatic effect at night when you can gaze at the moon and the stars while soaking in the tub. A large window can offer you a scenic view of your surroundings.
Lush Greenery: The Life of the Room
Plants are non-negotiable for bringing the "outdoors in." They add color, life, and a sense of calm.
Plant Selection: Choose plants that thrive in a humid bathroom environment. Snake Plants and Boston Ferns are excellent choices for their resilience. Placing a tall Bamboo stalk in a corner can add a dramatic vertical element, while hanging Orchids can add a delicate touch of elegance.
Earthy Color Palette: A Soothing Canvas
The color scheme should feel grounded and peaceful.
Base Tones: Stick to a base of deep browns, warm grays, and sandy beiges. These colors create a calming canvas.
Accent Colors: Use subtle accents from nature, like forest green or sky blue, to add a pop of color without overwhelming the senses. Copper fixtures can provide a beautiful metallic accent that complements the earthy tones.
PRO TIP! A professional designer can help you choose the right plants that will thrive in a humid environment."
How Balinese bathrooms embrace zen and serenity
Zen is a philosophy that originated in China and Japan and influenced Balinese culture and design. Zen emphasizes simplicity, harmony, and mindfulness. Balinese bathrooms often embrace Zen principles to create a serene and peaceful atmosphere. This setting creates tranquility and inner peace. One way to create a Zen-inspired bathroom is to use a minimalist design. To create this, you need to reduce clutter, unnecessary items, and excessive decoration.
A minimalist bathroom can help you focus and avoid distractions. You can use natural materials to create a sense of warmth and coziness. Another way is to use soothing color palettes, such as white, beige, gray, or light blue. These light colors help you relax and calm your mind.
You can also add some pops of color by incorporating some plants, flowers, or candles for some contrast and interest. Lastly, you should keep your bathroom clean and organized. A clutter-free space can help you feel more comfortable and at ease.
Incorporate water features
Water is an essential element in Balinese culture, as it symbolizes life, purification, and abundance. Balinese bathrooms often incorporate water features, such as stone basins, waterfalls, or small indoor ponds. This aims to emulate Bali’s water-centric culture and create a soothing and refreshing ambiance.
Water features can add movement, sound, and texture to your bathroom and enhance your space's natural feel. You can use water features to create a focal point, such as a stone basin with a waterfall or a small indoor pond with fish or plants. You can also use water features to create a spa-like experience, such as a rain shower or a jetted tub.
Water features can also have positive effects on your health and well-being. Water can humidify the air, lower the temperature, and reduce stress. Water features can also attract positive energy and luck, according to feng shui principles.
Some of the best water features for Balinese bathrooms are those that are made of natural materials, such as stone, wood, or bamboo. These materials can create a rustic and authentic Bali vibe, as well as blend well with the other natural elements in your bathroom.
Fixtures and Furniture for a Spa-Like Experience
The fixtures you choose can elevate your bathroom from a simple room to a luxurious retreat.
Showers and Tubs: A rainfall showerhead is a must-have for a spa-like feeling. If space allows, a freestanding, carved stone tub is a breathtaking centerpiece.
Vanities and Sinks: Choose a vanity made of natural wood, like reclaimed teak. For the sink, a beautiful carved stone bowl or a rustic copper basin will add a unique, artisanal touch.
Storage and Decor: Use woven baskets for storage and place them on a simple wooden shelf. Incorporate artisanal touches with a hand-carved mirror frame or a small stone statue.
Add Balinese art and decor
To complete the Bali bathroom ambiance, you can add some Balinese art and decor to your space. People know Balinese art for their intricate details, vibrant colors, and exotic motifs. This characteristic reflects the island’s rich history, culture, and spirituality. Some of the most common Balinese art and decor items that you can use in your bathroom are listed below.
Traditional artwork
This includes paintings, sculptures, crafts, or masks. This artwork depicts scenes from Hindu mythology, local legends, or everyday life scenes. Hang them on the walls, place them on shelves, or display them on pedestals.
Carved mirror
A carved mirror is a wooden frame with elaborate carvings of flowers, leaves, or geometric patterns. You can use it to add some elegance and charm to your vanity or dressing area.
Ornate fixtures
This includes faucets, knobs, hooks, or towel racks, which are made of brass, copper, or bronze. These fixtures can add some sparkle and contrast to your bathroom. It also can create a sense of luxury and sophistication.
Eco-Friendly and sustainable choices in Bali bathrooms
Bali is not only known for its stunning beauty but also for its sustainable lifestyle. Many Balinese people live in harmony with nature. They respect the environment. Eco-friendly and sustainable choices can benefit the environment, your health, and your well-being. You can also adopt this environment-conscious mindset when creating your bathroom. You can do this by making some eco-friendly and sustainable choices. Some of the ways you can make your bathroom more eco-friendly and sustainable are listed as follows.
Use environmentally friendly materials
These materials include recycled wood, bamboo, rattan, or stone. These materials are renewable, biodegradable, low-impact, durable, and beautiful.
Choose energy-efficient fixtures in your room
LED lights, low-flow faucets, and solar-powered heaters are energy-efficient appliances. These fixtures can help you save energy, water, money, and reduce your carbon footprint.
Install water-saving features
This includes dual-flush toilets, aerators, or rain barrels. These features can help you conserve water, which is a precious resource.
Bringing It All Together: Designing with Intention
Your bathroom is more than just a collection of materials; it's a feeling. Here are some final tips to ensure you create a beautiful space.
Design Fusions:
Bali-Modern: Combine the natural materials and open feel of Bali design with the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic of a modern style.
Bali-Scandinavian: Pair warm woods and greenery with a soft, neutral color palette and simple, functional furniture for a "hygge" tropical feel.
Ready to Create Your Own Bali Sanctuary?
Creating your dream Bali-style bathroom requires careful planning and a deep understanding of the design principles. Whether you're building a new home or renovating an existing one, our team can help you bring your vision to life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bali-Style Bathrooms
Q: How much does a Bali-style bathroom renovation typically cost?
A: The cost of a Bali-style bathroom renovation can vary widely depending on the size of your space, the quality of materials you choose, and the extent of the changes. Simple updates like adding natural stone accents and tropical plants can be a few hundred dollars, while a full-scale remodel involving custom stone tubs, teak vanities, and new plumbing fixtures can run into the thousands. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to consult with a professional designer - like Azula Designs - who can provide a detailed quote based on your specific vision.
Q: Can I create a Bali-style bathroom in a small space?
A: Absolutely! While many Bali-style bathrooms feature large, open spaces, you can easily adapt the core principles to a smaller bathroom. Focus on creating a sense of openness with a clean, minimalist design, large mirrors to reflect light, and a curated selection of materials like smooth river stone and light-colored teak. Instead of a full-size tub, consider a rainfall showerhead and a few well-placed plants to capture the same serene, spa-like feeling.
Q: What are the best plants to use in a humid bathroom environment?
A: To bring the outdoors in, you need plants that can thrive in a humid environment. Excellent choices include Snake Plants (Sansevieria), which are incredibly resilient and low-maintenance; Boston Ferns, which love moisture; and bamboo or tall Pothos plants, which can add a dramatic vertical element. For a touch of elegance, consider placing a few humidity-loving orchids.
Q: Where can I find authentic materials for my Bali-style bathroom?
A: You can source authentic materials from a variety of places. Look for specialty suppliers that import natural stone, carved wood, and artisanal fixtures. If you're working with an interior designer, they will often have established relationships with vendors who can provide high-quality, authentic materials. For a DIY approach, you can find a growing number of online retailers specializing in these unique products.
Q: How do I maintain and clean natural materials like teak and stone in a bathroom
A: Natural materials are surprisingly easy to maintain. For teak, a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed for routine cleaning. Over time, it will develop a natural patina, but you can use a teak sealant to preserve its original color if you prefer. For stone, use a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid damaging the finish, and be sure to seal porous stone surfaces to protect them from stains.
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