Citra Reninta is a top interior designer and interior design principal for SHL Asia in Bali. Citra is renowned for creating the soul of a space that juxtapose forms, textures, colours, and cultural references, from hotels to homes to the forthcoming 3-hectare resort and villa development, Bali Aga Estates.
Citra was born and raised in Bali before going to Melbourne to study architecture and interior design. It was in helping a friend open a Seminyak bar that she was drawn to focus on interior design alone. Now she’s part of SHL Asia as interior design principal.
“I have always stayed away from fashionable or seasonal designs that are on-trend only for a moment. I want my designs to last and be recognisable.”
– Citra Reninta
Citra from SHL Asia sees interior design as an amplifier for a building; done well, it can instantly increase the value and quality of the overall concept, enhancing its attraction, primarily through a process of personalisation.
What’s the difference between interior design and architecture?
Interior design concerns itself with creating space within the home or workplace. Selecting the furniture, colours, lighting, fixtures & fittings. It’s all about creating an atmosphere that impacts the occupants and visitors of a space. Inside, everything revolves around space, whilst architecture is for the outside world.
Tell us about some of your design projects and what you love about them.
I can’t pick a favourite because each project has a unique challenge, concept and personality. I enjoy every assignment, as each project teaches me something more and offers valuable experience.
I like to collaborate with new people, figuring out what will work best for us—the designers, the artworkers, drafters, engineers, contractors, and clients. Working together to bring a vision to life makes the whole thing so worthwhile.
How do you help new clients discover their unique design aesthetic and bring their vision to life?
Our job is to make their dream a reality, but the client is responsible for about 80% of the project. With each assignment, I take a unique approach. I like to meet with the customer first to get a sense of our chemistry, as the connection has to be strong. From there, we can chat about the vision.
It’s all about mindset, psychology, how they approach, the vibes they bring, and then it’s over to us interior designers to transform the vision into reality.
How would you define or describe your design style?
Because I appreciate minimalism and simplicity, they must be timeless, elegant, and uncomplicated.
Can you tell us about your creative process?
First, we gather project-related information, understanding what’s required to bring the client’s vision to life. The research comes from anywhere and everywhere. For example, it could be inspired by the project’s film, music, or locations. Or perhaps the owner’s personality or brand vision for the project. Once we’ve gathered all the ideas, we’ll begin the interior design layout.
What new projects are you working on with SHL Asia?
We incorporate a lot of culture, art, and nature into our projects, two of which are as follows:
SHL Asia & Padmastana Resort
Located on a river in the tranquil village of central Java, this luxury resort was inspired by local tradition and Javanese heritage. The client’s brief was to create an iconic destination close to the region’s major tourist attraction, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Borobudur Temple.
The shape and zoning of the temple are incorporated into the architectural design’s cleanliness and elegance. The building has a light and bright appearance, with white toned materials throughout.
The client wanted a smooth transition from a simple ambience to a more vibrant and stylish design for the interior. Our interior design theme, in this case, was oriental eccentricity, which is evident in its bold colours, features, and the different patterns and textures used to create a characteristic and robust design. It has an international feel that meets the needs and convenience of such travelers, who are very much the target audience.
SHL Asia & Pramana Bali Aga Estate
We’ve collaborated with Pramana, a hospitality operator, paying homage to Balinese heritage to create Bali Aga Estates. With this experience, you can live in a traditional Bali Aga village. The architecture and landscaping of Bali Aga Estates echo the key elements of a traditional Balinese village.
One of the prominent features is the main (north-south) road’s intersection (Rurung Gede) with an east-west road, forming the village centre. The villages are symmetrical, with rows of houses lining up along this major roadside.
The interior design of Pramana Bali Aga is classic and modest. It utilises various textures and patterns that can be found in the interior design of a Bali village. Some predominant patterns include the bamboo weave and the pegringsingan pattern, which features a striking zig-zag design. The materials are kept simple using only the three elements of rattan, wood and fabric.
Where do you find your inspiration?
In magazines, books, nature, through stories and movies. Basically everywhere and through all my life experience.
Describe yourself in three words
Flexible, simple, curious.
What are you most passionate about?
I like to travel and explore new things. Not just places, but my body, mind and soul.
What do you need in life to be happy?
I enjoy simple things. Nature makes me happy.
Do you have a sense of life direction?
Yes, but it’s constantly changing. I had a lot of ambitions before the pandemic, but then, following more self-reflection, I learned to surrender to the flow. That’s how we practice self-love and self-care. We have to do things like reflecting every day, even at work, with our families and friends. We have a lot of dreams, but we have to keep them flowing.
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