Interior Designer Debbie moved to Bali before Covid. She took a long-term lease on a local home and used her design skills to renovate it. We sat down to discuss how she did it!
Who are you and where are you from?
My name is Debbie and I’m from Los Angeles, California.
What did you do in California before you came here?
I was an interior designer, working in the construction industry where I did a lot of rehabs, converting historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles from commercial historic buildings into residential condos/apartments. I worked for a developer.
How long did you do that for?
It was about six years and then before that I was an interior designer. I had a home improvement company and then became an interior designer. Then there was the market crash in 2008, and our home improvement business went to zero. So I started building my client base for interior design work. I was going back and forth with being on my own boss and working for a company.
I did a lot of residential projects such as kitchen renovations. So I know the construction industry backwards and forwards, especially in California which is very specific, because there is a big focus on efficiency and sustainability. I had to have that knowledge in order for permits to get approved.
Anyway, because of the crash of the housing market. I had to move out of my house and I rented it out. I lived with my friend in a small home down the street.
One day I got a phone call from my real estate agent saying “you can sell your house and make a lot of money”. Meanwhile, I’d be coming to Bali since 2001 because it’s the one place I felt at home outside of my home country. Plus, a good friend of mine lived here already and I could see a change in her, more relaxed and enjoying her life. She was a true inspiration. At that point, I decided that I was going to come and check it out and see if I could move to Bali.
When did you come to Bali to investigate it as a long-term option?
That was 2018. I came here in summer 2018, and I knew I was ready. So I went back home and sold the house and got everything ready in only 30 days! I was manifesting like I’d never manifested in my life before!
Which areas of Bali had you stayed in previously?
The first time I came out here, I stayed in Seminyak. That was 2001 and I really liked the area.
Is that why you were looking in the Seminyak area?
Yes, that’s right. Also, because of the beach and many other lifestyle amenities including easy access to grocery stores, plus many cafes, boutique shops, art galleries, it is very walkable.
(Before and After Photos Below)
Were you looking for a local house that you could fix up, or did you want a villa?
Yes, fixing a local house was always my plan. I knew I could use my design skills to renovate a simple house.
How did you find your house?
It was through a friend of my friend. I was looking for a long-term lease for a local house, and a friend of a friend had an empty house in Seminyak. It was just an 8 minute walk to the beach, so the location was great.
The house owner wasn’t living in the house. They had inherited it and it was empty. Actually, they are part of the royal family, and after the husband died, the wife had inherited some houses. So I’m renting my house from the wife.
I saw on your YouTube video description that the rental price is USD $4,500 per year for 10 year lease. And your renovation cost USD 24,000 for materials, labour and furniture. That is very affordable compared to the prices now.
Yes, that’s right. I did it during Covid, so the prices were very good. The owner was very happy to rent her home, and I was happy too. The owner’s kids were about to start college so she told me this money would help with her children’s college tuition.
Were you involved in the renovation?
Oh definitely! I was not leaving it up to my contractor to figure it out. I was very hands on. I was negotiating with suppliers and sourcing materials.
Back in the United States when I had my business, I used to do that a lot, so I wanted to use my skills.
What did the house look like when you first got it?
Oh my gosh! It was basic, and very run down. It reminded me of a New York loft. Concrete everywhere. Yeah. It was open plan and everything looked old. I think it has been done up 5 or 6 years before, but it looked and felt so old. Things age or disintegrate here due to the environment and climate. It was dark and dingy. It was authentic Bali!
There were termites, and I remember my contractor pulled literally pulled one wall of the supports with his bare hands. It came straight off, and behind it were hundreds of gecko eggs.
But I saw potential in it! I knew that as it’s post and beam, I can strip it back and fix it up.
Did you see an architect?
You know, I knew I didn’t need an architect. There was nothing structural that needed to be done. I’ve worked a lot with architects and I know how they view a project. No disrespect to architects. But it’s not what I needed. I knew what I wanted and I knew I could explain it to my contractor!
Did you add a bathroom upstairs?
Yes, I did. That was a little bit of not-quite-engineering, but there was certainly plumbing involved.
So you have a 10 year lease now. What do you think you’ll do when it’s going to expire? Do you think you will extend it.
To be honest with you, I don’t know. I’m on the fence about extending or moving, because Seminyak is now so noisy where I live. During Covid it was so lovely and quiet, but it has changed. The beach clubs play music at all hours. I want something quieter.
One of the options I may do is move to a farming area and create a working farm space where people can visit and see how farming works in Bali. My friend lives in a village near a farming area, so I could do it there. It’s up near the Plaga area.
These days, renovations seem to be almost as popular as compete builds. Do you have any tips for people who are looking for a local house to develop?
Here’s the secret to finding a place in Bali…..it’s all about word of mouth. Utilise your community. If you know somebody that lives in the area you like, ask them to look out and let you know if they find something. Tell everybody you meet what you’re looking for. It’s all word of mouth. It really worked for me.
If you are building in Bali (or have just finished) and would like to be featured in our Build Diary, please contact us at admin@bali-interiors.com
