How To Recreate The White Lotus Look For Your Home

In the hit HBO series "The White Lotus," there's a deeply authentic look and feel to each season. From Maui to Sicily to Thailand, the show's visual aesthetic combines local geography, climate, and culture in the high-end design of each White Lotus hotel. You can recreate the Thai-inspired aesthetic of "The White Lotus" inside and outside your home by using various design components, including antique furnishings, animal motifs, natural wood and bamboo, soft lighting, and bright, warm colors.

Show creator Mike White described the vibe of Season 3 as having two distinct human themes: the spiritual and the carnal, both reflected in the show's visual elements (via The Wrap). The guest villas are quiet, cozy, luxurious yet simple, and open to the outdoors. There's a palpable connection to nature, with nearby bird sounds and lush greenery seen through windows and doors. Animism (the belief that everything has consciousness) is heavily intertwined with Buddhism in Thailand, and this is reflected in the show's portrayal of the natural world and how it permeates every living space.

This sense of nature is seen in the animals and plants portrayed in paintings and sculpture, in the many potted plants and trees, in the fire element seen in the many torches and fire dishes, and in the ways the hotel curates an overall look of harmony and beauty. The hotel's healing spas are also a focal point, as well as the sense that Thailand is steeped in culture and tradition. To create this hotel's look at home, consider all of these visual and thematic elements and determine where they will work in your space.

The show's color palette mixes pale neutral hues with bold spots of color, mainly orange (inspired by the robes of the Buddhist monks), blue, turquoise (the many bodies of water), and deep green (the tropical vegetation surrounding the hotel grounds). Sustainability of resources is important in Thai culture and tourism, and sustainably harvested teak wood is used to make many things, including furniture and artwork. Teak is one of the best types of wood for outdoor furniture, as it is long-lasting and weather resistant. Teak chairs with bright orange, blue, or green cushions and linens could provide a focal point.

The White Lotus hotel in Thailand is full of soft, diffused lighting. Whether from glowing torches, ambient lights lining outdoor walkways, stylish pendant lanterns illuminating dining areas, or antique lamps lighting villa entrances, this style of lighting is beautiful and unobtrusive. Try soft paper shades on glazed ceramic lamps. Metal lamps with cut-out shades or woven wicker lampshades create dappled lighting. For outdoor areas like gazebos or pavilions, torches, hanging lanterns, or glass candle holders also offer soft lighting.

The rooms, though fairly modern, contain antiques: painted wooden cupboards, folding screens, textiles, wall hangings, and paintings. The presence of antiques seems to emphasize the cultural importance of beauty and helps to balance the modern touches. Handmade items are also seen, and these celebrate the artisans who make everything from furniture to baskets. The hotel also discourages the use of personal electronic devices: There are no televisions, and laptops and cellphones are restricted to certain areas. The antique furnishings and lack of electronics provide a feeling of timelessness and calmness.

The decor in the hotel has a sense of openness, connecting indoor spaces to the outdoors. Airy, lightweight curtains let plenty of light in, and carved wooden folding screens are used to provide privacy without sacrificing sun. Combined with the constant presence of tropical plants and figures of animals, this theme of nature is central. Plants also add organic shapes to a room's simple lines and provide a touch of green to balance neutral-colored walls. 

This connection to nature can be portrayed in a room in many ways. Bring in earthy colors and natural materials like clay, wood, and bamboo. Place plants strategically in the space. Add some natural rocks or stones. Finally, try adding statues or images of animals or animal prints. Animals often seen in the White Lotus decor include tigers, monkeys, leopards, and elephants. In fact, the Asian elephant is the national animal of Thailand. Even with artwork that is stylized, images of animals enhance the connection to nature.

The spa spaces in the hotel also combine various visual elements to create a unique look: the balance of neutral and rich colors, the handmade and antique furnishings, and the ubiquitous presence of greenery. This aesthetic is central to creating an atmosphere that is relaxing and healing. To create the perfect spa-like bathroom or bedroom, try using tranquil colors and make sure the space remains uncluttered so it feels harmonious.