Create your own Balinese retreat here in Mumbai

The charm of Balinese life need not be a privilege only the affluent enjoy. Anjana Vaswani searched Mumbai's stores to bring you simple ways to revel in exotic Oriental luxury without pinching you pocket

Antique-finish wall hangings
These antique-finish Ajanta-Ellora wall-hangings, have a strangely Indonesian appeal. A Batik-like-

print is visible on the headgear of the characters, and fish signify good luck in the coastal city.
Available at: Poi Doi Handicrafts, c/o Milton Gonsalves, House No R 237, Juhu Church Road.
Call: 9892202131

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Studio pot
This stylish studio pot is shaped out of a specially-treated clay and has both, ornamental and utilitarian appeal. Its diameter is approximately 29 cm, and height, 28 cm (without the handle).
Available at: Top Trend, Super Processors Compound Industrial, Lalbaug.
Call: 24713050

Cane and handmade paper lamps
These cane and handmade-paper lamps are available in a variety of sizes and styles including stand-alone pieces, suspended pieces and lights on cane pedestals. Lined with heat-resistant fabric, these can be fitted with high-voltage bulbs or low-watt bulbs, depending on your requirement.
Price: Cane lamps: Rs 1,050 onwards; handmade paper lamps: Rs 1,550 for 3 foot or above
Available at: Haryana Handloom & Handicrafts, plot No R155, near J W Marriott Hotel, opposite Gazdar Apartment, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu.
Call: 9320325858

Wicker seater
Polished in a dark shade, this armchair is designed using a combination of wicker, cane, rattan and offers both comfort and style.
Available at: General Cane Furniture, Kapoor Mansion, 49, Hughes Road.
Call: 23690340

Elephant-shaped laundry basket
In Balinese culture, the elephant signifies strength and fortitude. This laundry basket woven from cane, wicker and rattan combines utility with Balinese style.
Available at: General Cane Furniture, Kapoor Mansion, 49, Hughes Road.
Call: 23690340

Terracota pot
Painted pots like this one, with figures that resemble Indonesian dancers, can be positioned in corners or on stands. This store customises designs on their terracotta pots. Pick one and they'll design it for you.
Available at: Poi Doi Handicrafts

Marble tealight
This unpolished marble tea-light makes a unique coffee-table piece that can be a great way to achieve mood-lighting.
Available at: Haryana Handloom & Handicrafts

Where Balinese simplicity meets Hollywood flamboyance
Best-known for developing super-luxurious mansions and Ritz-Carlton Hotels all across the US, Mohamed Hadid has spent over 30 years catering to the demands of the rich and famous. Among his latest Beverly Hills constructions is a modern Balinese-style home, which was designed with imported bamboo and Asian wood. The home is believed to have wooden doors as thick as tree-trunks, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, 3 master-suites among 6 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, a home theatre, a wine-cellar, and an infinity pool. The 12,000 square foot structure, complete with custom-made furnishings was priced at $16.5 million, but currently carries the discounted tag of $12.9 million.

Balinese decor tips
Australian architect, Michael White first visited Bali in 1973. Although the student of architecture was there on holiday, he stayed on, eventually changing his name to Made Wijaya and authoring several books on garden-design as well as architecture. His Indonesia-based company, PT Wijaya Tribwana International, has a 500-strong team of artisans today, and Wijaya is recognised as an authority on tropical gardens and South East Asian architecture. He has published five books including Balinese Architecture: Towards an Encyclopedia, At Home in Bali, and Architecture of Bali A Source Book of Traditional and Modern Forms.

Wijaya's website Ptwijaya.com claims, "Balinese homes will never go out of style. Strike a balance between rustic Balinese charm and sleek, modern lines and you can embrace nature while maintaining modern stylishness." Follow these tips to achieve this look:
>>Screens can be used to replace walls. The illusion of space and airiness is paramount in this style.
>>Stone and wood are key elements. These can be introduced in the form of decorative objects or furniture. But be careful to avoid clutter and keep furnishing and accessories simple.
>>Plants like the palm tree can create a tropical feel. Natural sunlight and fresh air can be complimented with the sound of trickling water by adding a small indoor water-fountain.