TRAVEL DIARIES ~ BALI.
For years, we have been inspired by the heart and spirit of Bali and its home decor. So when the opportunity came up for us to travel there ourselves, we were excited to go treasure hunting and see it all first-hand. As soon as we landed we were blown away by the intricate stone sculptures and temples that lined the streets. The carving details are simply gorgeous and you get a real sense of the rich artistic practices, often seeing locals sitting in front of their shops weaving and chiselling away. We could have easily filled an entire shipping container (or three) of amazing treasures from wood carvings, buffalo skulls, Bali huts, teak beds, driftwood mirrors, Buddha statues, linen placemats, macrame artworks, shell chandeliers, and handcrafted ceramics.
More trips to Indonesia are definitely on the cards but for the meantime, here is our guide to the best homeware stores in Bali (mostly in Seminyak as that’s where we spent the majority of our time).
Breathtaking items made from seashells are found at Arina Art. We were in a daze, surrounded by tribal necklaces (perfect piece for any lounge room or entry way), hanging lanterns, picture frames, lamps and other décor items. Arina Art also make pieces to order if you can’t find what you’re looking for. No website available
Bungalow Living is full of homewares, bedding and accessories. If you want your home to have the vibe of a resort, then this is the place for you. They have all sorts of resort style homewares and furnishings including neon pineapples and handcrafted crochet blankets and throws.
www.bungalowlivingbali.com
You can find pretty much anything at Carga. From your traditional Balinese homewares (engraves brass bowls, wooden carved boxes and weaved baskets), to gold jewellery and seaside-themed pieces. www.cargabali.com
If you’re travelling to Ubud, you need to visit Kevala Ceramics. We love stonewares at the style maison and Kevala Ceramics offers the best intricate tableware and crockery. Their name in Sanskrit means ‘perfect, whole and complete' and we agree! Kevala Cermaics can be found in some of Bali’s best restaurants and hotels – trust us, we turned over every plate at the restaurants we visited! www.kevalaceramics.com
Our top pick and somewhere we would live if we could is Kim Soo. The store is filled with exquisite homewares. The place is styled so beautifully and is full of inspiration. Make sure you head all the way to the back to enjoy the view of their pool and grab a seat at Kim Soo Café. www.kimsoohome.com
We’ve never been surrounded by so many lanterns and candle holders. Nadita Dewata store has a range of styles so you’re bound to find something that suits. This place has it all – Morroccan lanterns, brass holders, diamond-shaped chandeliers, stain-glass lanterns and more! No website available
Want to add a pop of colour to your room? Rainbow Bali Iron Work has what you’re after with an amazing range of handmade iron candle holders and iron furniture. You walk into the store and quite simply, it’s like you have followed the rainbow – colour, colour and more colour. But you can’t go past the stunning wire chandeliers that hang so proudly off the ceiling. These striking pieces would go perfectly in a bedroom or dining room above the table.
www.rainbowbaliironwork.com
SOUQ (from Aramaic ‘street market’) is one of Bali’s first high-end lifestyle emporiums. You’ll find a mix of traditional, authentic home pieces mixed with modern. Owned by two Aussies, this store draws you in right away by their window displays. There is also a café available for when you get the munchies after your big shop and if you’re missing your caffeine, they serve Toby’s Estate! www.souqstore.co
Shopping around for antiques, Tata Kayu is the place to go. They have the most amazing store – you walk in and it continues for days, filled to the brim with beautiful antique wood & architectural elements including recycled antique doors, stone sculptures, wooden fixtures and lighting. www.balitatakayu.com
The HOBO Store celebrates modern shabby chic style with their unique collection of rattan-top occasional tables, colonial 1940s vintage furniture, Javanese batik and handmade terracotta from Lombok. The products found here support real village production, using materials natural to the local landscape. www.thehobostore.com
Toko Emporium is for the inner-bohemian. They have beautiful hand-crafted and carved pieces from beaded cushions, cow hide rugs, pom pom weaved bags and water buffalo skulls. The pieces have incredible detail and make the perfect accent to any room. They also have jewellery and accessories – all beaded. www.tokoemporium.com