HBO’s “The White Lotus” captivated audiences not only with its sharp social commentary and drama but also with its breathtaking filming locations. The lavish resorts, rich cultural influences, and luxurious interiors make each season a visual masterpiece.
Whether you’re decorating a stylish loft apartment in Chicago, a cozy rental in Portland, or a sunlit home in Miami, the right decor can completely elevate your space. No matter your location or living situation, drawing inspiration from the iconic destinations of “The White Lotus” can transform your home, adding warmth, texture, and personality.
“The White Lotus” and its cultural impact
Beyond its stunning visuals, “The White Lotus” has had a profound cultural impact. Aside from the social media takeover that follows each week’s new episode, the show’s exploration of wealth, privilege, and social dynamics has sparked discussions about class disparities and the ethical dilemmas of luxury tourism. With each season set in a different high-end resort, the series exposes the tensions between guests seeking escapism and the local communities that serve them. The power of the show comes with its ability to bleed into the social feeds of both avid watchers and those who have never watched.
This juxtaposition of beauty and underlying critique has influenced interior design trends as well. The show’s aesthetics — whether the historic charm of Sicily, the breezy luxury of Hawaii, or the serene sophistication of Thailand — have inspired an interest in destination-inspired home decor. People are now more eager to incorporate global influences into their living spaces, seeking not just luxury but also authenticity in those cultures featured.
“When ‘The White Lotus’ premiered a few years ago, I was immediately taken with the cinematography and vibe of the show,” Jacki with Valley Of Oh explains. “To put it simply, it felt like an Instagram filter had been placed over real life. This vibe extended into that summer… and eventually the rest of my life. Flash forward to earlier this year, when I was struck with a bolt of inspiration to redecorate my half bathroom. Armed with nothing more than a box of flowers, a glue gun, and Cristobal Tapia de Veer’s impeccable score, I got to work. I channeled the resort from season one, heavy on flowers, calming tones, and relaxation… something very few of the families on the actual show got to experience. In each season of ‘The White Lotus’, Mike White does an incredible job of bringing the outdoors inside and that is what I attempted to replicate on a smaller scale in my own bathroom.”
Tropical tranquility: Hawaiian resort luxury (Season 1: Hawaii)
Filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui, Season 1 embodies Hawaiian tropical luxury blended with sophistication.
1. Natural and organic materials
The Hawaiian aesthetic embraces nature with materials like rattan and bamboo furniture for a breezy, island-inspired feel. Teak wood accents in coffee tables, bed frames, or shelving and linen and cotton fabrics for light, airy drapes and upholstery.
2. Soft, coastal-inspired color palette
To channel the beauty of the ocean and sky, use sandy beiges and taupes as neutral bases. Seafoam greens and soft blues complement these neutrals while emulating coastal waters.
3. Lush tropical accents
“Infuse your home with the luxurious aesthetic of ‘The White Lotus’ by drawing inspiration from its iconic Four Seasons locations. Channel Maui’s serenity with vibrant Missoni textiles, lush greenery, and rattan furniture reminiscent of the Four Seasons Resort Maui,” Stefan with Continental Traveller Blog. Textures like woven rugs, baskets, and wall hangings serve as stylish accents for spaces as well.
4. Open and airy spaces
Hawaiian interiors embrace openness and natural light, so consider sheer curtains or no window coverings to maximize light. When creating a more open space, lean into minimalist furniture arrangements that promote relaxation and spaciousness.
Sicilian elegance: Opulence and old-world charm (Season 2: Sicily)
Set in the stunning San Domenico Palace in Taormina, Sicily, Season 2 of “The White Lotus” showcases interiors that balance grandeur with historical elegance.
1. Rich, sun-soaked color palette
Sicilian interiors are known for their warm and earthy hues that evoke the Mediterranean landscape. To capture this essence, opt for terracotta walls or accents, ochre and mustard yellow tones, and deep olive greens to represent the lush countryside and vineyards.
“Focus on blending laid-back luxury with local character. Incorporate Mediterranean or tropical tones depending on the season featured — warm terracottas and lush greens for Sicily,” Anna with Besides the Obvious details. “Use curated, mismatched décor that feels both elegant and personal, like vintage art or artisanal ceramics. The key is creating a space that feels like an upscale escape, yet relaxed and effortlessly stylish.”
Antonella Ravidà with My Personal Sicily reiterates the beauty and importance of color when channeling the Sicilian style in your home. “As a Sicilian travel expert, I loved ‘The White Lotus’ season 2, filmed in Sicily, for its luxurious villas and warm Sicilian design featured in each episode! To bring that vibe home, go for warm terracotta tones, deep blues, and soft neutrals. Add hand-painted Sicilian ceramics, vintage-style lighting, and colorful details. Keep things breezy with linen fabrics and rustic wood accents to balance elegance with that effortless, vacation-like feel.”
Image courtesy of Allison Scola
2. Mosaic and tile accents
Sicily is famous for its intricate tile work and mosaic art. “To capture the essence of season two, I suggest a motif that includes classic hand-painted tile designs sporting royal blue and white (like the poolside decor at Taormina’s San Domenico Palace, where the show was filmed), anything with lemons on it, remarkable ceramics, specifically Sicily’s iconic Moor’s heads (Called “Testa di Moro” in Italian) and the island’s symbol of hospitality, a colorful ceramic pinecone,” Allison Scola, owner and curator of boutique tour operator Experience Sicily shares.
“In one of my past apartments outside of New York City, I covered the white kitchen tiles and stair risers with Sicilian tile decals I found online, and everyone thought they were authentic Sicilian tiles. Another idea for channeling the heart of Sicily is an item from the Bialetti coffee partnership with Dolce & Gabbana for a series of Sicily-folk-art-inspired coffee accessories. They are a great gift for a friend obsessed with the show. The blue and white tile-inspired one is perfect.
3. Ornate and antique-inspired details
Sicilian design leans into the grandeur of old-world European style.
“Imagine crossing the threshold of your home and rediscovering the luminous welcome of Sicily My Home villas: walls in delicate natural tones, accents of deep blue that whisper the magic of our crystal-clear sea, and precious details in handcrafted wood and natural fibers that infuse a relaxed and authentically Sicilian elegance. Bring the vibrant soul of our island into your daily life with touches of exclusive craftsmanship: hand-painted Caltagirone ceramics, narrating millenary stories with their vivid colors, precious linen and cotton fabrics that evoke the soft caress of the Mediterranean breeze, and wrought iron lamps that project suggestive shadows, recalling the intimate atmospheres of our charming residences,” Lucia Leontini with Sicily My Home shares.
Leaning into traditional Sicilian decor and traditions is a special way to bring the Italian vacation spot into your home. “Buying a locally made piece is a great way to add a touch of Sicily to your home. One of my favorite things about Sicily is that local artisans still use methods and traditions that have been passed down for generations,” Josh Scheer with White Lotus Travel Design explains.
“In Siracusa, there’s a woman who has been creating papyrus in the ancient way (papyrus still grows in Siracusa) for almost 50 years. Once the papyrus has dried, she paints local images on it and sells them in her shop. A Sicilian Moorish Head is another locally made item you can buy that will surely turn heads as well. Either way, you’re adding a nice splash of color to your home, supporting local artisans, and will have a bold and interesting conversation starter for years to come.”
The island’s rich ceramic tradition offers stunning options that blend history, artistry, and local craftsmanship.“One of the most evocative elements, to bring at home after a travel to Taormina, is Caltagirone ceramics, a world-renowned Sicilian tradition,” Gaetano Russo Truglio with Sicily Vibe emphasizes. “The Testa di Moro vases, intricate and rich in history, serve as statement pieces. If you prefer vibrant, colorful ceramics, opt for De Simone pieces, which feature warm hues of red, yellow, green, and white. For a more refined and subdued style, Alessi ceramics offer a palette of blue, azure, white, and ochre yellow.
“Additionally, the expressive anthropomorphic flasks by Niccolò Morales bring a unique artistic touch, characterized by their striking human-like expressions. When selecting authentic ceramics, pay attention to the depth and brilliance of the colors — handmade pieces often exhibit subtle variations that distinguish them from factory-made products.”
4. Mediterranean greenery and florals
Sicilian villas are often filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Bring this to life with potted olive trees, lemon plants, or bougainvillea vines (real or artificial) draped over balconies or walls.
Exotic Thai sophistication: A fusion of culture and serenity (Season 3: Thailand)
The third season of “The White Lotus” is set in Thailand and features a rich blend of tropical beauty and elegance.
1. Dark wood and gold accents
To mimic the grandeur of Thai interiors, incorporate teak wood furniture with intricate carvings or gilded details on frames, mirrors, and decorative objects. “Incorporate intricately carved teak furniture, silk throw pillows, and handwoven rattan accents,” Priya Florence Shah with Ahoy Matey shares. “Use a warm palette of gold, deep red, and earthy neutrals complemented by tropical plants like orchids or palms. Soft ambient lighting, lotus-shaped decor, and statement pieces like a Buddha statue or lacquered screen complete the look, transforming your space into a serene five-star retreat.”
2. Traditional Thai textiles and patterns
Thailand is known for its stunning handwoven fabrics, so try adding silk cushions or other decor pieces with traditional Thai patterns. “To bring the elevated Thai aesthetic of ‘The White Lotus’ into your home, lean into natural wood textures, earthy color palettes, and soft, intentional lighting,” Lauren Fowler with Travel Eat Sleep Repeat uncovers.
“Add a layer of indulgence with silk accents such as cushions, curtains, or throws that echo the refined touches seen at Anantara Bophut (one of the prominent filming locations in Koh Samui), where even the staff uniforms feature iconic Jim Thompson Thai silk. Thai-inspired design is all about balance and calm, so opt for thoughtful pieces that create a sense of warmth, peace, and quiet luxury.”
3. Lantern and mood lighting
As Lauren Fowler touched on earlier, Thai spaces glow beautifully with warm, ambient lighting, so use hanging lanterns made of silk or paper. You can also opt for soft, dimmable lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere or carved wooden lamps that cast intricate shadow patterns.
4. Indoor-outdoor connection
Thai architecture often blends the indoors with nature. “Bring the serene elegance of season 3’s setting into your home with natural textures, earthy tones, and artisanal craftsmanship,” Quintin with Yellow Leaf Hammocks details. “Woven rattan furniture, airy linen drapes, and a palette of deep ocean blues and lush greens evoke the region’s luxurious resorts. A handwoven yellow leaf hammock, crafted in Thailand, will add the perfect touch, transforming any space into a breezy, five-star retreat. Whether indoors or on a sunlit patio, it invites effortless relaxation with a hint of adventure.”
Add large plants like bird-of-paradise or bamboo to large corners in indoor and outdoor rooms. Outdoor seating areas with plush floor cushions bring a spa-like vibe to your home to complete the look.
Florals can serve as wonderful accents to brighten the room while inspiring biophilic design. “When I think of a luxe Thai design aesthetic, the following spring to mind: tall, lidded finial pots, lacquer furniture, intricate, hand-loomed textiles, ornate, often gilded wood carvings and those iconic blue and white, hand-painted ceramics…celadon pottery too. Lastly, great armfuls of vibrant magenta orchids with other tropical blooms strung and draped, lace-like, into sweet-smelling chains and garlands by deft, skilled fingers,” Annabel Smith with Designs By Origin explains. “Here’s how – team elegant lacquer furniture pieces – a sideboard, for example – with decidedly modern upholstery for a stylistic contrast. Group finial pots as a focal point in a niche or atop a sideboard and add drama with a downlighter. Frame colorful textiles as art for a unique ‘gallery’ wall. Use carved wood panels as wall art in the same way for a 3D effect. Traditional Thai tableware – think patterned serving bowls and dishes – looks beautiful across a ‘tablescape’ in combination with modern white plates and elegant stemware. Then it’s just a question of filling a sculptural, celadon vase with…orchids perhaps.”
Image courtesy of Baubauwall
Blending the “White Lotus” aesthetics
Each season of “The White Lotus” offers a distinct aesthetic, yet they share common themes of elegance, cultural appreciation, and luxury. “To bring ‘The White Lotus’ aesthetic into your home, embrace a blend of luxurious minimalism and bold, coastal-inspired accents. Opt for crisp white linens, natural textures like rattan and linen, and statement pieces in rich jewel tones or Mediterranean blues,” Katie Warner with Lucid Routes recommends.
“Incorporate vintage or artisanal decor — think handcrafted ceramics, sculptural lighting, and locally inspired artwork — to create an upscale yet relaxed ambiance. Finally, maximize natural light and add lush greenery for that effortlessly chic resort feel. As a travel professional, I’ve been fortunate enough to have stayed at each of the resorts featured in White Lotus. These were some items I brought back from Hawaii, Sicily, and Thailand for my home.”
Anna-Kai Tõrs with Baubauwall explains that staring at the walls is the easiest way to transport yourself to one of these beautiful locations.
“If you want your home to feel like a five-star escape, start with the walls. A mural wallpaper is the easiest way to bring in that White Lotus vibe – whether it’s a fairytale-like lemon grove that channels Sicily, lush tropical greenery for a Thai retreat, or ocean tones from Hawaii. Gorgeous mural wallpaper sets the mood instantly, and the rest – rattan chairs, linen curtains, maybe a vintage lamp – just falls into place. Think of wallpaper as your shortcut to vacation mode.”
Don’t shy away from taking elements of all locations to create a stunning, serene, and unique environment. “To bring The White Lotus aesthetic into your home, draw inspiration from each season’s stunning location. For a Hawaii-inspired retreat (Season 1), incorporate natural wood tones, breezy linen fabrics, and tropical greenery like monstera or palm plants to create a serene, island-like oasis. Sicily’s grandeur (Season 2) comes to life with terracotta hues, vintage Murano glass, and intricate tilework, evoking the elegance of Mediterranean villas. Thailand’s lush, exotic beauty (Season 3) can be reflected through carved teak furniture, silk cushions in jewel tones, and golden accents that capture the country’s rich cultural heritage,” Faye Bradley with CSP Times shares.
“The White Lotus” aesthetic: Bringing it home
To truly capture “The White Lotus” aesthetic, blend authenticity with luxury. Invest in high-quality materials, pay attention to texture, and curate spaces that feel both luxe and personal. Whether you’re dreaming of a Sicilian villa, a Hawaiian retreat, or a Thai sanctuary, these decor ideas will transport you to “The White Lotus” world — minus the drama.
