Bali Outdoor Living: The Secret to a Serene Patio Space

Imagine stepping out of your back door and being instantly transported to a sun-dappled Balinese retreat. The soft scent of frangipani in the air, textured wood underfoot, and the gentle whisper of linen curtains swaying in the breeze. This isn’t just a daydream; it’s the philosophy behind Bali outdoor living, and it’s one you can recreate at home.

At Balè, our roots are in the artisanal villages of Bali, where time slows down and living spaces breathe with nature. The goal of this guide is to help you design a serene outdoor space using Balinese principles, blending design inspiration with practical advice and curated pieces from our outdoor collection.

Balinese design is more than an aesthetic; it’s a way of life. At its core, it reflects harmony between humans and nature. Outdoor spaces aren’t just for lounging; they are sacred zones for reflection and serenity. This philosophy is embedded in:

• Open-air flow: Balinese homes blur the line between inside and out.

• Natural materials: Wood, rattan, linen, and stone ground the space.

• Neutral tones: Whites, beiges, and earthy hues dominate.

• Minimalism with purpose: Every piece has a reason and a story.

Our founders, Lita and Matt, infuse these values into every piece of Balè furniture, designing with simplicity, elegance, and sustainability in mind. That’s why our furniture feels as good as it looks.

Let’s explore how to translate this philosophy into your patio, garden, or balcony. Here are the essential components:

Opt for furniture made from solid teak, natural rattan, or sustainably sourced suar wood. These materials not only withstand the elements but also gain character over time. Weathered teak develops a silvery patina that adds to its charm, making it the perfect piece to grow with you.

Styling tip: Mix different textures. For example, you could pair a teak dining table with a woven seagrass rug or linen cushions. Don't forget to let natural imperfections show as they add soul.

Stick with soft whites, sand tones, and gentle greys. These shades reflect the calming energy of Bali and provide a blank canvas for layering in natural elements like plants and stones.

Styling tip: Avoid overly polished finishes. Opt for matte ceramics, raw-edge wood, or muted textiles. Use greenery like banana palms or ferns to introduce a lush tropical layer.

Balinese homes are designed around open-air flow. Even in urban settings, you can mimic this by using large door openings, sheer curtains, and lightweight lounge chairs that feel movable and effortless. The key is for the space to feel seamless as it moves from indoor to out and vice versa.

Styling tip: Position your furniture to encourage relaxation and movement. Some great options include lounge chairs angled toward the garden, sunbeds facing the pool or a bench with some textured pillows that invite you to take in the sunset.

Balinese furniture often invites lounging. Go for daybeds, slouchy armchairs, and cushion-based seating that encourage slow afternoons and barefoot conversation. Even the smallest of spaces can take on large personalities with these intentional design choices.

Styling tip: Layer cushions and throws in breathable fabrics, such as linen or cotton. For added elegance, consider a draping canopy which turns any daybed into a dreamy sanctuary.

Meals in Bali are communal and sensory. To bring that spirit home, choose a solid wood dining table paired with textured dining chairs or benches. Dine under a pergola, or string linen drapes for a canopy effect. Bring more magic in by stringing lights above or a rattan pendant.

Styling tip: Use ceramic plates in earthy tones, handmade glasses, and woven placemats to add layers of materiality and warmth to the setting. Bonus points for mismatching. 

Plants play a central role in Balinese design. Think oversized tropical leaves, climbing vines, and sculptural planters. To add dimension, mix it up with smal potted plants, or a vertical garden wall.

Styling tip: Use terracotta or stone planters to ground your greenery. Let them age and moss over for an even more organic feel. Nothing has to be perfect in Balinese design. The key is for the space to feel lived in.

When deciding on which lighting to use, think soft and atmospheric. Use warm-toned bulbs, rattan pendants or solar-powered uplights hidden among plants.

Styling tip: Add candles in glass jars or bamboo lanterns to echo the sacred, meditative energy of Balinese temples. 

Now we’ve built layers in our patio space, its time to think about the final touch. Water features, even small ones, bring serenity and the ‘wow’ factor to any outdoor space. Want to really bring that tropical flare? A bowl of floating flowers will make it feel like you’ve stepped into a balinese spa retreat.

Styling tip: Use natural stone or ceramic water basins. Add a touch of incense or essential oil nearby to evoke the full sensory experience.

Even if you're designing in New York, LA, or anywhere in between, Balinese style is adaptable. Here’s how to integrate it into American outdoor living:

• Go vertical: Use bamboo screens or teak paneling on fences to create privacy while adding texture.

• Layer lighting: Use warm-toned solar lanterns, candles, or string lights to cast an ambient glow at dusk.

• Embrace imperfection: Let your wood weather naturally. Allow leaves to settle between deck boards. Balinese minimalism isn’t pristine — it’s lived-in and loved.

• Introduce scent and sound: A small water feature or incense burner can transport the senses.

Every Balè piece is handmade by artisans in Bali, crafted with intention and care. When you bring a Balè piece home, you’re supporting heritage and sustainability.

Take our Teak Dining Tables: each one tells a story in its grain, shaped without excess, and designed to last generations. Or our woven rattan stools, which carry the texture of their origin villages.

What makes Balè unique is not just the design, but the core values behind the design. We believe beauty lies in the details, and that your home should feel like a sanctuary. 

A Balinese-inspired patio gives you room to breathe. It offers that quiet spot in the morning sun, or a shaded place to wind down as the sun goes down.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, start with one piece that feels right. That could be a teak lounge chair you've been eyeing up or a rattan side table that has a sense of peace. Start there and let the space grow over time. 

You’re not creating a setup for a show. You’re building something that feels calm to be in and feels like home.