Hey there friends! Take a moment to hop down memory lane with me to the breathtaking island of Koh Samui, Thailand! I had the pleasure of visiting this incredibly magical place a few summers ago and enjoyed the most relaxing escape, a home for a few weeks, at this coastal villa perched on a mountainous hillside overlooking Chaweng Beach.
As an interior designer, it seems a bit funny but also fitting that my first impression is focused on the design elements and spatial planning over the gorgeously lush island surroundings, haha!
From the moment I stepped into this little piece of paradise, I was greeted by an open floor plan concept that seamlessly blended the indoor and outdoor spaces. The living room, with its wall of glass doors, allowed natural light to flood in, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that instantly put me at ease. The fact that the sliding glass doors, when fully opened, allowed for the living space to visually expand to the outdoor terrace with views beyond, really set the tone to make this stay feel like a true island getaway.
With these doors that opened up to a spacious pool terrace, I found myself seamlessly transitioning from lounging on the sofa to soaking up the sun with a refreshing drink in hand. The effortless flow between the two spaces created a sense of continuity and harmony that enhanced the connection to nature in a way I could never experience in my Long Beach condo… although, perhaps the vast ocean view had something to do with that!!
And let’s not forget the outdoor shower experience, because any island getaway would of course feel incomplete without an outdoor shower! And in this home, there were actually a few! One was tucked away in a private corner of the terrace, this true outdoor shower was a serious oasis of tranquility. Surrounded by lush greenery, open space and the sounds of nature, I felt like I was showering under a waterfall in the middle of the jungle…except with an ocean view!! It was a refreshing and invigorating experience that added an extra layer of luxury to my stay.
The other outdoor shower, part of an en-suite, was partially enclosed for full-privacy and also worked well for those rare chilly evening showers. I loved the combination of textures along the surrounding walls from wood slats to natural stone, and the added touch of greenery offered a true sense of being outdoors. I’m always curious as to how and why shower floors and drains are constructed the way they are when I travel abroad. My honest thought is that I would have rather seen a smooth transition with a subtle sloping over a harsh break in the floor plane toward the shower drain, but hey… that certainly did not ruin the experience!
What also caught my eye was the use of minimal pops of color throughout the home. The neutral palette of whites and earth tones served as the perfect backdrop for the occasional vibrant accent pieces that added a touch of personality without overwhelming the senses. I gathered that it was a cultural inspiration, fusing modern tastes with hints of Thai tradition. It was a lovely balance, showcasing how less can truly be more when it comes to design as long as function and natural beauty are present.
While I didn’t capture as many photos of the home as I had thought (!), my time in Koh Samui (and overall in Thailand!) was a design lover’s dream come true. Aside from the home itself, the island was filled with inspiring design details, vibrant colors, and a wonderful fusion of traditional elements and contemporary details.
More Inspiring Snaps from Koh Samui, Thailand
Design truly has this power to elevate our everyday experiences and make even the simplest of moments (like a trip to the bathroom!) feel extraordinary. And I strongly believe that travel can be the catalyst to expanding the design palette while offering inspiration for your home’s surroundings.
Have you had a recent trip abroad where your accommodations tantalized your design senses!? Tell us about it in the comments below, we’d absolutely LOVE to hear !
Xoxo,
Megan
