A traditional 1930s Balinese compound; home to one family, three generations. It was a privilege to walk inside the stone walls and observe everyday life there, an experience I won’t forget anytime soon.

I expected poverty but I was completely surprised by the beauty. This is the very essence of simple living; a wood fire oven, cast-iron pans, enamel plates, wooden spoons, a water well, stone walls, thatched roofing, bamboo details, succulents in tin pots.

The earthy aesthetic so evident here can also be seen across hundreds of pinterest pages as designers and stylists and home lovers are inspired by muted hues and natural materials. Completely ironic, don’t you think? We’re all running back to a simpler time…like 1930s Ubud, Bali.

We brought home a sweet-sounding wooden flute carved by this kind gentleman. His smile was so big and genuine, his parting “namaste” was from his heart space.