Seeing Bali through the eyes of an Auckland-based interior designer

My family and I just returned from an unforgettable two-week trip to Bali, and wow, what an experience!

Bali is buzzing with tourists—and it’s easy to see why. Sanur offers a tranquil coastal escape for families (like mine!) soaking up the sun. Ubud is a haven for yoga lovers. And surfers (like my husband!) flock to Canggu where the waves never stop.

As for me? Sure, I loved the family time, sunshine, and relaxation, but I was also on the lookout for inspiration.

Here are the top design trends that made the biggest impact during my time in Bali:

Bringing Sanur’s chilled beach vibe to New Zealand’s interior spaces

We kicked off our trip at a coastal resort in Sanur, which I highly recommend if you’re travelling with young children. The serene beaches and cosy cafés made it the perfect start to our Bali adventure.

Our resort was the ultimate place to unwind, and I noticed that its interior was designed to highlight soft tones, natural textures, and plentiful ocean views. It got me thinking - how can we bring that same soothing,  nature-inspired feel to coastal resorts in New Zealand.

Retail design trends at Icon Bali Mall

As an interior designer, commercial spaces are my playground, from retail stores like People Like Us to hospitality hotspots like Kokadak. So when I stumbled upon Icon Bali Mall, I was in my element!

This new shopping centre, featuring a blend of local Balinese artisans and international brands, strikes the perfect balance between modern architecture and natural beauty. The design seamlessly fuses contemporary styles with traditional Balinese elements, creating a space that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in local culture.

The cultural and culinary delights in Ubud

Wandering through Ubud, your senses are constantly engaged. The floral incense of offerings. The beautiful blend of blues in the Balinese brand IkatBatik’s ikat and batik (dyed textiles, and wax-resist designs). The handcrafted pottery that invites you to reach out and feel.

Interior design is not just about looks. It’s about engaging the senses through scent, sound, and touch. Ubud’s serene yet striking aesthetic, complete with handmade designs and sustainable craftsmanship, reminded me how powerful sensory-driven spaces can be.

Designing seamless flow between indoors and out

The term "indoor-outdoor flow" might be a design buzzword, but Bali takes it to a whole new level. Lush greenery, tropical leaf patterns, and potted plants blur the line between inside and out, and somehow, the sounds of birds and flowing water even follow you inside.

Bali makes nature the focal point, something I’d love to see more of in New Zealand. By embracing natural fibres, bold patterns, and vibrant greenery, we can create spaces that feel completely connected to nature.

Family-friendly spaces in the retail and hospitality sector

Travelling with a young child opens your eyes to design in a whole new way. My three-year-old son, Theo, was thrilled by his first snorkeling adventure, but he was also captivated by the thoughtfully designed family-friendly spaces we encountered.

Here are six standout venues:

MILU by Nook and Milk & Madu Cafe, in Canggu, seamlessly blend retail, hospitality, and play. They both created a relaxed, interactive, and safe environment for children to explore.

Secana Beachtown offers a multifunctional space with a restaurant, grocery store, and takeaway coffee. It’s welcoming, comfortable, and makes it easy for families to grab the essentials (like food and coffee!).

TYGR Sushi goes beyond just dining. They offer their own branded merchandise: an excellent way to build brand loyalty by creating memorable experiences that resonate with adults and children alike.

These places got me thinking: The best family-friendly venues don’t just tack on a kid’s corner—they create safe, stimulating environments that engage all ages. This is an insight I’m excited to apply to future retail and hospitality projects, designing spaces that cater to everyone, from toddlers to adults, becoming destinations in their own right - just like Cheeky Monkey Cafe, where families can enjoy great food while the little ones have fun in a welcoming atmosphere.

The essence of Bali is captured in its design 

Surf, relaxation, and boho—these elements define Bali’s spirit, and its design effortlessly embodies them.

The surfer vibe flows effortlessly through Sanur, reminiscent of Surfer’s Paradise in Australia. Then there’s relaxation—my experience at NEST Spa in Sanur was pure bliss from the moment I walked through the door. And Bali’s take on Europe’s Bohemian style is everywhere. Think earthy tones, woven timbers, and lots and lots of texture! 

I also visited Bungalow Living Bali, where the home decor reflects influences from African, Indian, and Egyptian designs. This fusion of cultures highlights a re-emerging trend of blending diverse styles to create unique spaces, demonstrating how great design transcends boundaries and brings together global inspirations for authentic, character-filled environments.

Speaking of fusion…

This concept leads me to my most recent commercial interior design project: Pastarita, an Italian Boho restaurant offering Halal food in Auckland’s Newmarket neighbourhood. Stay tuned for all the details in my next blog! Here is a sneak peek:

Have an upcoming commercial, retail, or hospitality project? Want to explore how Bali’s design elements could transform your space? Get in touch—I’d love to chat.

Bridget x