If you’re a foreign property investor ready to build a villa in Bali but struggling to come up with the perfect design, this guide is for you.
As one of Bali’s trusted architecture and construction firms, we’ve worked with many clients who weren’t sure how to create a villa design that reflects their personal style while still embracing Balinese elements. And of course—it has to be Instagram-worthy, right?
We get it. That’s why in this article, we’ll share some inspiring Balinese design ideas and practical ways to choose the one that truly matches your vision. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- Building a villa in Bali starts with finding the right design that balances personal style and Balinese elements.
- Explore ideas by visiting ongoing projects, checking local magazines, staying in villas via Airbnb, browsing online platforms (Pinterest, Instagram, Houzz), and making a mood board.
Need Bali villa design? Explore Ilot Property’s Award-Winning Bali Architecture Projects
Bali Villa Design Ideas
Looking for Bali villa design ideas? Here are some Balinese architectural styles and designs that can inspire you:
Read More: Top 6 Bali Villa Design Styles 2025: Inspo for Your Dream Home
Best Way to Find the Right Balinese Villa Design
Finding the right Balinese villa design can feel overwhelming with so many styles and ideas to choose from.
The good news is, there are simple ways to explore, get inspired, and discover the design that truly fits your dream villa.
1. Visit Ongoing Projects in Person
Imagine you’re walking down a nice street in Canggu or Ubud and spot a villa that looks amazing.
You might see the owner or staff nearby and say, “Wow, your villa looks amazing! Do you mind if I take a closer look?” More often than not, they’ll be happy to show you around. Many expat villa owners are proud of their homes and love showing them off.
This is your chance to get nosy (in a good way). You can ask who designed the place, how the building process went, and whether they’re happy with the result.
Walking inside a finished villa lets you feel the space and the vibe, while checking details like lighting and room flow. This gives you a much better sense of the design than just looking at pictures.
Exploring different villas can also spark new ideas for your project. You might spot a cool feature you’d love to include—or realize what you definitely don’t want.
Read More: Contemporary Bali Architecture Explained (with Stunning Examples)
2. Dive Into Local Design and Architecture Magazines
Let’s say you’ve found the perfect land in Bali. The views are great, the spot is peaceful—now you need the right design.
You can check out some local design and architecture magazines. These can be found in local stores, online shops, or you can simply ask a local property agent for their portfolio and samples.
Explore Ilot Property’s stunning collection of authentic Bali villas here, where traditional Indonesian architecture meets modern luxury. Every villa tells a story of exceptional design and authentic island living.
Take your time with each picture. But don’t skip the text—it’s full of useful info about Bali building ideas. You might learn things like sustainable design, Balinese design history and philosophy, the best materials for building a villa, and much more.
Pro tip: Keep the magazines or books you love. They’ll be super helpful when you talk to your architect later. It’s much easier to point at a picture and say, “I want something like this,” than to explain it from memory.
3. Test-Driving Your Future Dream Villa
If you’re coming to Bali, book a villa you love on Airbnb or similar platforms. Staying there gives you real ideas for your own place. You can figure out which parts of the design work well and which don’t.
If a design makes you happy, it will likely delight your future guests, too. That means better reviews and a stronger investment.
So, think of your next Bali stay as fun research.
4. Explore the Online World of Bali Designs
Your phone or laptop is a goldmine for villa ideas. You can find tons of Bali villa design ideas on platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, or Houzz.
Try to save at least 10 designs you like. Don’t worry about why you like them just yet—just go with your gut feeling.
Once you’ve saved them, take a closer look: do you see any patterns? Maybe you’ve saved a bunch of villas with big, open living rooms. Or perhaps you’re drawn to homes that use lots of natural wood.
These images will be starting points to shape your imagination.
Read More: Find Your Dream Architect for Your Bali Villa: A Simple Guide
5. Make a Mood Board
A mood board is like a big collage of all your favorite ideas. Remember those cool designs you saw in the magazines? Now’s the time to use them.
You can go old school with a big piece of cardboard, or, if you’re tech-savvy, use an app on your phone or computer. Just pick out your favorite villa pictures and paste them onto your board. You can also add colors, textures, and furniture that support your aesthetic.
And since we’re talking about Bali, why not include some natural elements? A picture of a beautiful tropical plant or a serene water feature could be perfect.
When you’re done, step back and look at your creation. This board is like a window into your future villa.
FAQ
1. How much does a Bali villa cost to build?
Construction costs are usually measured per square metre of the building area. On average, expect to pay around USD $500–$1,000 per m² for a standard villa.
2. Is buying a villa in Bali a good investment?
Yes, it can be a smart move—both for lifestyle benefits and financial returns. Many investors see strong potential in high-demand areas such as Canggu and Uluwatu.
3. Can a foreigner own a villa in Bali?
Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property under specific titles. The two main options are leasehold and right-to-use (Hak Pakai), which make it possible for non-Indonesians to legally buy and hold villas in Bali.
Conclusion: Easiest Way to Make The Best Villa Design
You don’t need to try every step—just a few can spark ideas and help you visualize the villa you want to build.
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at the beginning. Designing a villa is a big project, and taking those first steps can feel challenging.
The good news is, you don’t have to do it alone. Talk to our architectural team for free and see how we can help bring your vision to life. Just click the link below anytime—no strings attached.
