Design Inspiration: The White Lotus

Sawadee, cuties! If you didn't know, that's "hello" in Thai...a befitting greeting given this week's "White Lotus" season three theme! I feel like everywhere I turn right now, I'm seeing a new collab, inspo mood board, or clip from this buzzed about HBO show.

"Anyone who knows me well knows I truly do not watch much TV, but after catching a glimpse at the gorgeous setting—Koh Samui, Thailand—and the swoon-worthy resort interiors, I had to give it a watch!"

No surprise, I'm now hooked on the plot (may or may not be overly invested in the three blonde friends traveling together) but doubly obsessed with every dreamy design detail. The show is shot on-location in Thailand and the fictional White Lotus resort is actually the Four Seasons Koh Samui (BRB, looking up flights to Thailand!). Everyone here at KKH is loving the blend of tropical luxury, traditional Thai art and design elements, and biophilic motifs and materials. Now, without further a-dooo-DOOO-doooo-DOOO (hehe, I couldn't resist), read on for our top tips on how to get this to-die-for (see what I did there?) aesthetic in your own home and outdoor space, just in time for summer!

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Luxurious Outdoor Spaces

Truly, the breathtaking, lush vistas of Thailand are the star of the show if you ask me. Every shot seems to have the greenest palm trees, and the bluest water, and the most vibrant florals. The overall design style of the resort really leans into the natural beauty of the landscape, especially in the outdoor spaces. 

"The poolside scenes show off both mahogany-toned and honey-hued wood chaise lounges, tropical-luxe woven seating options, and plenty of contrasting accent colors in the decorative elements, like umbrellas and outdoor pillows."

Try this motif at home by leaning into natural materials and silhouettes, and then adding personality and color with boho- and botanical-inspired outdoor decor picks. I have to admit, only the "White Lotus" could get me to gravitate towards the color orange when it's on something other than an Hermes box (hehe), but somehow I'm loving the orange umbrellas and pool towels!

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Photo courtesy of HBO

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Photo courtesy of HBO

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Shop the White Lotus Look

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Living Spaces in Shades of Teal & Mahogany

One of my favorite aspects of the way the resort is designed is the way that there's a fluidity between indoor and outdoor living spaces, and everything so open and bright. The furniture and decor in the living rooms and lounge areas the characters use is beautifully reflective of the outdoor environment as well—eye-catching teal and aqua blues contrasting with rich dark wood tones and mahogany accents.

"I also took notice right away of the all of the design details that speak to Thai art and culture—intricate wood carvings, whimsical brass animal statues, and traditional woven motifs."

The combination of traditional and ultra-luxe can be a challenging balance to strike, but these sets and hotel villas do it perfectly. It all has me feeling very motivated to start mixing materials and to abandon my tried-and-true neutral palette at home in favor of something a little jungle-inspired!

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Photo courtesy of HBO

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Photo courtesy of HBO

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Shop the White Lotus Look

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Soothing & Opulent Bedroom Design

Okay, last but not least, we need to talk about the Ratliff's bedroom. Seriously. The black wood fretwork? The statement lamps? And that Thai tapestry? I truly had to pick my jaw up off the floor when I first saw this room. It's so unique, sophisticated, and intriguing.

"There's so much conventional wisdom out there (and honestly I'm the first to agree most of the time) that says you should use light colors to create a soothing atmosphere in a bedroom...well, this dark, moody space has turned that old adage right on its head!"

The best part, is if you're willing to go a few shades dark with your bedroom decor, this look is actually surprisingly easy to replicate. Start with a black (or deep brown) wood bed as an anchor point and surround it with moody blues and grays that also bring in some pattern and movement. A tapestry of oversized piece of art is a great way to frame your bed, and same goes for some really special nightstand lamps. Finally, as with all of the White Lotus looks, you can't go wrong by finishing the room with a pop of teal or turquoise and some beachy woven decor pieces. Kop khun ka, cuties!

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Photo courtesy of HBO

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Photo courtesy of HBO

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Shop the White Lotus Look

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Kathy Kuo Home Interior Design Services