KOZY Travel Series: Zoe's Bali & Singapore Design Inspo

As Interior Designers travel is more than a getaway—it's an endless source of inspiration. This summer, my journey through Singapore and Bali opened up a vibrant world of design ideas, textures, and styles that I can’t wait to bring home. From high-design hotels and curated Airbnbs to lively street markets and under-the-radar furniture designers, the trip was a deep dive into modern aesthetics infused with spirituality and culturaL

Ubud, Bali

Modern Calm in Singapore: Sleek Lines Meets Nature

Singapore's design scene is a masterclass in blending modern minimalism with biophilic touches. In boutique hotels like The Momentus Hotel and sleek Airbnbs tucked away on Orchard Road I loved by the balance of clean architectural lines with tactile, natural finishes. Think raw concrete walls softened by warm timber accents, rattan chairs reimagined with contemporary silhouettes, and tropical greenery bringing softness to structured spaces.

This exterior design oftem translated through to the building's interior design from sleek shopping malls to unique back street bars, the modern minimalist mixed with a wide heritage of multiculturalism, Singapore's best stops scream well considered and beautifully designed.

One standout moment was visiting the Design Museum specializing in modular, sustainable furniture, craft and product design. Their pieces were designed to suit the compact urban lifestyle—a concept that translates beautifully into smaller living spaces anywhere in the world and balances naturalism, sustainability and our external environments.

Design Museum, Singapore

Bali: Earthy, Layered, and Handcrafted

In contrast, Bali was a sensory feast of texture, color, and artisanal detail. The interiors were in line with the culture and lifestyle of the island—open-air living, textured textiles, and a palette drawn straight from nature.

At boutique stays like The Slow in Gaiyner and private villas in Uluwatu, I found spaces rich with character: polished concrete floors under woven pendant lights, hand-carved wooden furniture next to linen-covered daybeds, and walls adorned with batik fabrics or local art. There’s a certain grounded elegance here that comes from using materials in their most authentic form.

Local markets were another goldmine of design discovery. I fell in love with handmade ceramic tableware in muted, earthy glazes and naturally dyed cushions featuring traditional ikat patterns. I also connected with small-scale furniture makers crafting one-of-a-kind pieces from reclaimed wood and volcanic stone—each item carrying its own history and energy.

Seminyak, Bali

For me, bringing inspiration from Singapore and Bali into your space doesn’t mean copying a look—it’s about capturing a feeling. Here are a few ideas to incorporate my travel inspiration from my summer trip:

Mix sleek with organic: Pair clean-lined furniture with soft, natural textures—linen, rattan, raw wood—for a balanced modern look.

Let nature in: Use indoor plants, bamboo accessories, or even an open-shelving layout to create a fresh, calming flow.

Support craftsmanship: Seek out handmade pieces with character—ceramics, textiles, or furniture that tell a story.

Play with contrast: Mix industrial elements like concrete or steel with warm woods and soft furnishings for depth and harmony.

Travel is a reminder that beauty lies in the details—in the way light falls through a woven shade, or how a rough-hewn bench transforms a minimalist room. Singapore and Bali offered endless lessons in contrast, craft, and the power of thoughtful design. Whether you’re styling a room or simply refreshing a corner, take inspiration from places that slow you down and make you look closer.

Until the next trip!

Zoe x