The Bali Effect: In Uncertain Times, Homes Are Becoming Sanctuaries

The Bali-effect has taken over our social-feeds, travel-reads and apparently our interior needs. With its light-filled top floor, mix of terracotta and mossy green hues, and enveloping ambiance, you would never imagine this home is actually an urban sanctuary.

Dvira Ovadia, founder of Dvira Interiors, was spot on when she recognised the transformation potential of this dated apartment located in a building from the 1980s, in the heart of downtown Toronto, Canada. “The architecture is characterised by its rounded and half arched windows and the playful use of bold, modern forms, elements that reflect the era’s experimentation with sculptural shapes while providing a strong architectural foundation for the home’s contemporary reinterpretation”, she says. Throughout the space, the designer also discovered walls with subtle curves, a feature she immediately embraced to give the interior a unique sense of movement.

Ovadia’s enthusiasm for reimagining the spirit of the space through a contemporary lens, while retaining a touch of nostalgia was contagious for the owners. The couple, in their 30s and working in creative fields, were immediately on board to push beyond the predictable and tap into something playful, layered and expressive. “The client’s willingness to experiment with colour, pattern, and unconventional finishes gave us the freedom to lean into bold ideas and create a space that feels distinctive and full of energy,” says Ovadia.

Spanning three levels with an open, flowing layout, the home features balconies and patios that extend from nearly every room. “The residence feels grounded and serene, more akin to a private retreat than an urban apartment,” describes Ovadia.

Inspired by the desert and Bali, the palette is informed by nature, layering dark honey wood tones with rich greens, warm terracottas, soft creams, and earthy neutrals. Natural materials like wood and marble seamlessly reinforce the home’s organic character. “One of the standout moments was lime-washing the entire third level,” remembers Ovadia. “Watching the terracotta tones transform the walls, ceilings, doors, and baseboards in real time was incredibly rewarding and truly cemented the home’s warm, cocooning atmosphere.

To achieve this Bali-effect that we're seeing everywhere, wallpaper is used to inject personality and contrast. In the primary bedroom, a burlap-like wallpaper is carried onto the ceiling to create a cosy, vintage atmosphere. Meanwhile, the office is adorned with a tactile cork wallpaper that brings a masculine texture, pairing beautifully with the green Jacob’s ladder bookshelf.

Designed for ultimate flexibility, every space easily adapts to entertaining or working. The rooms feel grand enough for social gatherings, yet intimate enough for quiet rest, always wrapped in an immersive atmosphere. Infused with subtle jungle vibes, the penthouse reflects a sense of escapism, offering a lush, sun washed refuge from the bustling city outside.