If you’re a foreign property investor ready to build a villa in Bali but don’t know how to come up with the perfect design, this guide is for you.
You’re stuck.
You can see the villa in your mind… you know it needs to be Instagram-worthy…
But how do you get design ideas that attract those high-paying tenants?
I understand. That’s why I’ll outline 5 simple ways to help you spark some design ideas for your villa in Bali…
Soon, you’ll be ready to discuss your vision with your team and bring your dream villa to life.
Let’s get started!
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Let’s face it: If you want your villa to be unique, your building needs to be made of good materials and, most importantly, functional.
By researching, you will know the criteria for a good villa and understand the kind of villas already available.
The way to do effective research is…
#1 Visit ongoing projects in person
You’re strolling down a nice street in Canggu or Ubud and spot a villa that catches your eye.
Don’t be shy! Ask around.
You might see the owner or staff hanging around 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 to show 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 if they’re happy with the result.
You can feel how it works when you walk into a finished villa.
You can see if the rooms flow well if the light is good, and if the space feels right. This is much better than just looking at pictures.
Walking through different villas can spark new ideas for your project. You might see a cool feature you want to copy or realize what you don’t want.
#2 Dive into local design and architecture magazines
You’ve found the perfect spot for your new Bali home. It has great views and is nice and quiet.
Now, you need to find a design that makes your property look even more beautiful.
Here’s a simple trick: grab some local design and architecture magazines.
Think of them as your design guide to Bali. You can find these gems in local stores or online… or ask a local property agent for their portfolio and samples.
Whichever is comfortable for you!
Start by flipping through the pages. Take your time with each picture. When you spot a house that makes you go, “Wow!” That’s your cue to pause.
What caught your eye? The roof?
The way it fits into nature?
Make a mental note or even jot it down.
Don’t skip the text! They’re goldmines of info about Bali building ideas.
You might discover how locals use bamboo or learn about a traditional roof style that keeps homes breezy.
Here’s a pro tip: keep the magazines or books you love. They’ll be super helpful when you talk to your architect later.
It’s way easier to point at a picture and say, “I want something like this,” than to explain it from memory.
By the time you’re done, you’ll have a clear vision of your dream Bali villa. And trust me, after this step, you’ll have some ideas of what kind of villa you will build.
#3 Test-driving your future dream villa
If you’re coming to Bali, choose a villa that catches your eye but is popular on Airbnb or other booking platforms.
Seeing and experiencing a beautiful villa can give you real ideas for your place. You can note what you like – the layout, the use of light, the materials – and use these ideas for your villa.
It might also show you what doesn’t work. Like, “Oops, I keep bumping into this corner.” Now you know what to avoid in your place…
The “Aha!” moments: Maybe you’ll be cooking breakfast and think, “Wow, this kitchen layout is amazing!” Or you might realize the bathroom feels like a spa every time you use it.
If a design makes you happy during your stay, chances are your future guests will, too…
… And happy guests mean great reviews and a successful villa.
So, the next time you book a stay in Bali, think of it as research (but way more fun).
#4 Let’s explore the online world of Bali designs
Grab your phone or laptop and open up Pinterest, Instagram, or Houzz.
Type in “Bali villa designs” and prepare for a feast for your eyes!
As you scroll, pay attention to what makes you stop and stare.
Is it a stunning pool? Or a bedroom? When you see something you love, hit that save button.
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 got your savings, 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.
Remember, you’re not copying these designs—you’re getting inspired!
Your villa will be uniquely yours. These online pictures are just starting points for your imagination.
#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.
Grab your favorites, and let’s get started.
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.
Start by picking out pictures of villas that made you go, “Wow!”
Paste them onto your board. Now, look around your current home. What colors make you smile? Add swatches of those to your board.
Next, think about textures. Do you love the feel of smooth wooden floors? Or maybe the roughness of natural stone?
Find pictures that show these textures and add them to your collection.
Remember furniture! If you have a favorite chair or dream of a certain style of bed, include those, too.
And speaking of Bali, why not add 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.
And off you go…
You don’t have to try all these steps—just a few can spark ideas and help you visualize the villa you want to build.
Remember, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at the start. Designing a villa is a big project; taking those first steps can be challenging.
But you’ve got this!
You’ll find the inspiration you need by exploring villas in person, diving into design magazines, staying in inspiring places, scrolling through online ideas, and creating a mood board.
You don’t have to do it alone.
With some ideas you have, talk with a local architectural team and see how they can help bring your vision to life.
And if you’re ready to find an architectural team with whom you can easily collaborate and who understands your ideas and style, check out our recent post here.
You’ll find simple, actionable steps to help you find the right team for your project.
In the meantime, which step of your “design journey” will you try first? Leave us a comment below!