Bali deserves better: Time for more creativity in villa design

At the beginning of this millennium, the “contemporary modern villa” design became popular. Typically consisting of a block-shaped layout, these villas featured different rooms arranged in either an L-shape, U-shape, or multiple facing volumes.

About ten years later, around 2010, the Joglo-style villa suddenly became all the rage. Demand for this more traditional, wooden-style home surged as many people sought a design with more character and natural materials. These timeless designs remain in demand today.

But over the past three years, a new trend has emerged: the Mediterranean villa. Always painted white, this villa features arched doors and windows, wall niches (also with arches), and often a shaded alcove beside the pool – again with an arch. These villas are almost always two stories tall, squeezed onto small plots, with a swimming pool no larger than a generous bathtub. Since there's rarely any garden space, a rooftop terrace is added to compensate.

It seems that no developer or architect dares to present anything different at the moment. Week after week, agents are flooded with the same floor plans and sales texts for this cookie-cutter style. But why?

Sure, these villas do sell and get built. In places like Canggu and the Bukit, they’re everywhere. But is it not time for more originality? Is the demand for this style still as strong as developers assume? When we present this type of villa to our clients, many respond by saying, “If we wanted that, we’d buy a villa in Southern Europe or Morocco.” They feel this style simply doesn’t fit Bali.

As a buyer, you should also consider your villa’s resale value. Contemporary and Joglo-style villas have proven long-term appeal. The Mediterranean trend, however, may be short-lived. You risk owning a property that falls out of fashion – and may eventually only sell at a loss.

Perhaps this trend is already fading. The next one is on the horizon: Japandi style. “Sushi meets IKEA meatballs.” Nice enough, but hardly a culinary masterpiece. To be fair, this concept does bring in more Asian elements and makes use of natural materials with a minimalist Japanese touch. Still, let’s hope this doesn’t lead to another wave of identical builds. That would make Bali’s landscape even more monotonous.

Thankfully, we work with an architect who gives clients full creative freedom. Bring your own concept, and together we’ll build a villa that stands out from the rest. You’ll have a one-of-a-kind home, tailored to your vision – not a clone of your neighbor’s. Our architect has a passion for natural materials and will gladly advise you on the best choices for your unique project.

So here’s our message to architects and developers: show some creativity. Bring us something fresh instead of the same old Mediterranean model with a few decorative tweaks. Show the world that other possibilities exist.