Decorate your way to a Balinese paradise

The garden island of Bali is one of Australia’s favourite overseas holiday destinations. The first thing most travellers want to do when they return from a relaxing holiday at a Balinese resort is to recreate the magic in their own homes and backyards. Doing it is easier than you might think.

Elements of a Balinese garden

Bali’s rich soil and frequent rain are responsible for the island’s natural beauty, but the spirit of a Balinese garden can be recreated here in Australia without having to import plants that are indigenous to Indonesia. We have indigenous and imported species here at home that will do just as well.

As a rule, Balinese gardens rely on rich, green foliage. Flowers are added as colour accents and for their fragrance. Ferns, palms and other greenery make up much of the foliage, with flowers providing splashes of colour.

Other important elements of a Balinese garden include:

• natural stone pathways and pavers
• a gazebo or other open-air structure
• water features
• statuary: Bali statuary is Hindu, but any statues that evoke a feeling of peace and stimulate the imagination can be substituted.

Click to open gallery

Balinese decor

The Balinese are superb artists and artisans and it shows in every detail of their indoor and outdoor decor. You will be tempted to bring as many Balinese works of art and wood carvings as possible back to Australia, but may be disappointed to find some or all of the timber items confiscated by customs. You may be able to have them treated by customs, but it will be at your own expense. Shipping costs for heavy items such as beds and furniture can be very high, too.

That doesn’t mean you have to go without the day bed you wanted to place in your patio, gazebo or living room, though. Many Australian retail outlets specialise in Balinese furniture and decor. They will have most of their more popular items in stock, or they might be able to have your furniture custom-made for you.

Whether you choose all traditional Balinese art, furniture and decor, or mix it with contemporary furnishings, you can create a Bali-style paradise in your home or yard if you remember these three things:

• Use all natural materials.
• Choose a colour palette from nature. The Balinese use all the colours of the rainbow, but they use them in a way that soothes rather than excites the senses.
• Focal points should be artistic designs made from natural materials.

It’s amazing how much of a difference Balinese textiles can make to your decor. Toss a few batik print cushions on a plain muslin-covered sofa and you’ve added a touch of Balinese magic to your home. Replace your bedspread with a Balinese bedspread and you’ll be off to a good start.

Indoors and out, let nature be your guide. Use natural materials, water features and as much lush foliage as you can: you will be well on your way to creating a Balinese paradise in your own home.