While many of you will know the popular TV show The White Lotus for its suspenseful plotlines and satirical commentary, it's struck a chord with us here at Homes & Gardens for its impeccable interiors too.
Embracing some of the most sophisticated interior design trends, the show's interiors have made a mark and left us wanting more. HBO's season three of The White Lotus is filmed at 'The White Lotus' resort, a fictional name given to the hotel that's actually the iconic Four Seasons, located in Koh Samui, Thailand.
Filled with earthy textures, dark wood, and botanical prints, the hotel's interiors balance laid-back bohemian vibes with tasteful sophistication. We spoke with the Four Seasons' architect and interior designer Bill Bensley who discussed the inspiration behind the design and how to recreate the effortless bohemian style at home.
Nestled amid the palm trees on the island of Koh Samui you'll find the irresistibly beautiful Four Seasons Hotel. The show was filmed all over Thailand, but unsurprisingly much of the series takes place at 'The White Lotus' resort. You can spot the hotel's enviable interiors in scenes that feature the Ratliff Family Villa, the Ladies’ Villa (pictured below), Rick & Chelsea’s Room, the Breakfast Restaurant, the common areas, and the pool.
Speaking with Bill, it became clear that the surrounding natural beauty was the main inspiration behind the hotel's interior design. 'The inspiration was what Mother Nature handed to me on a silver platter! When I first saw the site some 25 years ago the gorgeous bay was packed with some 856 coconut palms. I went to the site some 17 times to adjust the site planning so that none of the trees or palms were cut down.'
Bill sums up the hotel's style as, ''Thai vernacular set in a tamed jungle'. 'I let nature take the lead', he says. 'I believe the best “rooms” in a resort are in the sweet spot between the indoors and the gardens. I put a great deal of energy into the design and maintenance of the gardens and let them influence the design of the interiors. It's a safe technique as good gardens never go out of style.'
The jaw-droppingly gorgeous scenery is ingrained in the hotel's identity. Although much of the design has been inspired by its habitat, there's a lesson in using nature (of all kinds) to inspire your interior design, no matter where you are in the world.
Bringing The White Lotus look into your own home is all about channeling natural beauty Bill says. 'Perhaps the most important advice is to (if you can), open your home up to the gardens. Pull back the drapes, or eliminate them altogether, and reorient your furniture to make the gardens the focus instead of a 65” TV! In many of my resorts, we have eliminated TVs to create a garden or view-centric room.'
Although many of us aren't blessed with the stunning backdrop of palm trees and turquoise waters, that's not to say you can't mirror the hotel's tranquil bohemian interiors.
The White Lotus has an effortlessly serene vibe (despite all of the drama). You'll notice the rooms follow an ocean-inspired color palette and incorporate a variety of organic textures. Reminiscent of bohemian bedroom ideas, many of the suites have a laid-back feel that comes from the presence of natural materials. To recreate the hotel's modern organic style, incorporate rattan textures, wood furniture, and natural woven fabrics like linen.
Subtle patterned upholstery is featured throughout The White Lotus. Botanical prints nod to the landscape and tie the outside and inside together, from the Roman blinds to the headboards, even the smallest details have been considered. Decorating with patterns is an easy yet impactful way of incorporating nature into your scheme and will transport you to a place of sun, sand, and serenity.
There's a real blend of old and new too. Intricately carved wood is a common feature throughout the hotel and can be seen in the background of many of the scenes. Providing plenty of sophistication, the dark wood brings an aged feel that only elevates the aesthetic, whether it's an antique screen, a daybed, or a carved panel.
The Ratliffs Villa embraces these transitional decorating ideas by featuring vintage-style painted furniture, traditional architectural features, and antique-style decor. Combine these pieces with a contemporary color scheme and organic textures and you'll have a space that feels eclectic and artfully considered.
Recreate The White Lotus look with these key pieces
This pair of vintage chairs feel like they came straight from The White Lotus set. Embrace the bohemian style and place them around a round breakfast table or in a study for a tranquil yet sophisticated feel.
If you've watched the show you would've noticed the huge statement lamps featured in the bedrooms. Bold in both size and style, this ceramic table lamp channels the luxurious look that will transport you to the grand interiors of The White Lotus.
To harness the bohemian aesthetic, a day bed is essential. Bill featured these throughout the Four Seasons design and you'll notice them in many of the scenes in the show (a protagonist is lounging on a daybed in pretty much every episode).
The mixture of old and new decor makes the hotel's interiors luxurious and elevated. A great example is aged wood pieces, like this intricately carved screen that looks exactly like the one in the Ratliff Villa.
An easy yet impactful piece of decor, a rug is essential to any room but will truly make a difference to a White Lotus-inspired space. This blue and white flatwoven example has a beachy feel that will pair well with wooden furniture or a comfy couch.
Most natural decor can help to mirror the hotel's organic look. This teak bowl would look best at the heart of a dining table filled with fruit, embracing the hotel's tropical vibe.
The elegant interiors of the Four Seasons are the perfect backdrop for The White Lotus and help to bring its clever intricacies to life. While many of us don't live on a scenic Thai island, The White Lotus look is inspired by nature and harnesses the eclectic and organic, design qualities we should all embrace.
