Interior design entrepreneur Sheila Man, founder of Bali Interiors, has opened Bi Design House, a five-bedroom boutique guesthouse that serves as a showcase for Indonesian art, design, and craftsmanship. Located in Canggu, a popular surfing destination in southwest Bali, the property was originally designed as Man's family home by Argentine architect Sylvia Fairman.
The transformation from private residence to hospitality venue came after five years when Man's eldest daughter left for university, prompting the family to downsize to a smaller home. Rather than simply selling the property, Man decided to convert it into a design-led hotel that would reflect her company's mission of promoting Indonesian creative talent. "Bali Interiors has always been about elevating and showcasing Indonesian talent, so having the same ethos and values in our hotel came completely naturally," Man explained.
Working alongside Canadian interior designer Annie Gauvreau, Man reimagined the space as a creative sanctuary where guests could find inspiration. The guesthouse was conceived as an alternative to typical hotels, with each of the five bedrooms featuring its own distinct character and style through carefully curated locally sourced art, furniture, and decorative objects. "My goal was for each room to have its own feeling and energy," Man said. "I wanted people to have their favorite room and to keep coming back to it."
The five bedrooms draw inspiration from mythical themes, with rooms named Luna, Sol, Phoenix, The Portal, and The Oracle. Each space showcases different aspects of Indonesian craftsmanship, from rattan furniture and warm pink tones in the Luna Room to the green-painted Oracle Room on the ground floor. The Phoenix Room prominently features mixed-media artwork by Athena Anastasiou, while the Sol Room offers an en-suite bathroom with views overlooking rice paddy fields.
Throughout the property, Man has incorporated a diverse range of Indonesian materials and techniques, including weaving, rattan work, pottery, woodwork, natural fabrics, and contemporary art. Notable pieces include wave-edged desks and daybeds by furniture designer Anysia Imada Kristandi of Anada, linen lamps by Lumiere Shades, and decorative ceramics scattered throughout the space. "I think interiors should always reflect and reference the geographic and cultural location," Man noted.
The architectural layout centers around outdoor spaces, with a central courtyard dividing the building into three distinct blocks. A pool terrace and garden extend along the rear of the property, offering scenic views of the surrounding rice fields. The communal areas, including the kitchen, dining room, and living spaces, feature a more eclectic aesthetic than the bedrooms, reflecting their indoor-outdoor nature with arched glass doors that promote natural airflow.
The courtyard serves multiple functions as an additional room, hosting dinner events, yoga classes, and tea ceremonies. "I was adamant about having a courtyard," Man emphasized. "The weather in Bali is a big factor to consider; we made a lot of design decisions to create a cool environment without the use of air conditioning in the main living and kitchen area." The design incorporates elements like perforated walls with half-moon openings that serve as a backdrop to the staircase while facilitating air circulation.
Beyond accommodation, the guesthouse includes a workshop space designed for creative activities ranging from educational talks to hands-on pottery classes. The aesthetic in these communal spaces blends contemporary Indonesian furniture, art, and objects with carefully selected antique finds. Eye-catching additions include pendant lighting by atelier Ong Cen Kuang and textiles from Spanish studio Ranran Design, creating an international yet locally grounded atmosphere.
The renovation process took two years to complete, focusing primarily on upgrading fittings and finishes rather than major structural changes to accommodate the transition from private home to commercial guesthouse. Man, who also works as a photographer and documented the transformation herself, expressed satisfaction with the final result. "We couldn't be happier with the result," she said. "Our boutique hotel is designed for those looking to revive their creative spirit and connect with others. We want our guests to rediscover the joy of creativity and community, free from expectations and pressures."
