Tropical Interior Design
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OK – so I’m sure you’ve dreamed of relaxing in that idyllic, tropical paradise – let’s face it, where would you rather be? Another dull, grey day at work, or sitting in the sun, surrounded by blue skies, lush vegetation and the scent of tropical flowers? Hmm, silly question, right?
Well, why not think about a tropical interior design look for your home. Then you can come home everyday to that relaxing atmosphere (although you might need to crank up your heating to get a really authentic feel!)
Whether you already live in a warm climate, and want to bring the outdoors in, or live in a cold, grey country (like Britain – brrr! Chilly!) tropical interior design style can work really well for you.
Find out how…
Walls and Color
- Ultimately, your choice of color may well be determined by where you live. A tropical look can work fabulously anywhere in the world, but in cold climates you do have to be a little careful that it doesn’t look out of place…
- If you live somewhere hot and sunny, try sticking to white (and fresh greens) for your main color scheme – this will give a cool, fresh feel to your room, perfectly suited to that tropical feel.
- If you live somewhere cool and grey, fresh white may be too cool for your room – you can still get the tropical interior design look very simply though – just warm it up little with a warm color palette of natural tones. Choose soft, natural browns and beiges and muted greens as your color base.
- For either color scheme, you can choose accents of bright and fresh greens and perhaps a small amount of a wonderful, tropical color, such as red, orange, yellow, pink or turquoise. Think lush, green vegetation and beautiful, tropical flowers for your inspiration.
- Another great idea for your tropical decorating scheme is to use a patterned wallpaper - choose a striking, bold design – lush foliage or bold flowers will work fabulously.
Flooring
- Carpets are definitely a bit of a ‘no-no’ for a tropical interior design scheme. Instead, go for a hard, wooden flooring, or slate or ceramic tiles.
- Natural floor-coverings such as bamboo, sisal and sea-grass will also look great, and add to the tropical feel.
- Yes, of course rugs are allowed – try something simple and neutral – or make a striking statement with a bright, tropical design.
Windows
- Simple, uncluttered windows are a must for an authentic tropical interior design look. Go for hard wood shutters, or wooden slatted blinds. Anything natural looking is good, so try roll-up bamboo blinds for a very tropical feel.
- If you can’t go without some fabric at your window, try simple, white, floaty voiles, for a very fresh, airy feel.
Furniture
- Again, natural products are ideal when choosing furniture for the tropical interior design look. And there are several options to choose from – but it is best not to mix and match between the styles.
- Why not go for simple, dark wood styles - solid furniture in teak, mahogany and walnut. These should be simple, square styles – nothing too fancy!
- Alternatively, you could go for more delicate styles, with lots of ornate, wrought-iron decoration.
- A further choice, and perhaps my personal favourite, is to go for what I would call ‘conservatory-style’ furniture. This is furniture woven from rattan, wicker or in bamboo – and gives a very tropical, out-doorsy feel to your room.
Accessories
- Accessories are very important, but are not at all difficult for a tropical interior design look…
- The main thing you should do in your tropical-inspired room is to include lots of plants. You really do need to make sure that there is plenty of lush, green foliage in your tropical room, to get the most authentic look.
- Try positioning a source of lighting behind your tropical plants, to get a really striking look (and fantastic, unusual shadows!) for your evenings in.
- Other accessories you might choose, are
- pictures of animals – lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes and tropical birds and butterflies
- pictures and photos of green foliage, plants and flowers
- batik prints
- ethnic-style wood-carvings
- ornaments and models of animals - lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes and tropical birds and butterflies.
Try this: Create your own colorful tropical paradise with "Polly" parrot hanging from her own metal ring and chain. Perfect anywhere!
- animal print fabrics – for cushions and throws
- bowls of exotic fruit – pineapple, mangoes, bananas etc
- a few tropical shells scattered artistically, or placed in bowls, around the room.
- Think tropical, and think the jungle and you are sure to be inspired to create a great looking room.
- The only thing I would caution against (unless you are in search of a kitsch, obviously themed room – which is fantastic, if that is your choice) is getting too carried away with too many accessories or grass-skirts…
- This collection of fascinating artifacts and art from exotic destinations reflects your own taste for the exotic.
So take time out to take a look and find that perfect accessory for your tropical paradise...
- Done subtly, you will find a tropical interior design scheme will bring just the right touch of the tropics into your life – while still giving you a chic, sophisticated room you can be proud of, and relax into
Why not start your tropical interior design today with a look on eBay to see what tropical goodies you can find…
Below is a live feed from eBay, with lots of tropical bits and pieces. It is constantly updated. Just click on a product for further information, or to bid or buy – just as you would normally.
Happy Shopping!
If any of these recommended eBay auction products, or the exotic ware from Design Toscano (above), do interest you, please support my website by using the links on this page to buy. The price to you is always the same, but I will earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to provide you with the information on this website, all for free.
Thanks for your continued support :)
If you like this tropical interior design look, you may also like this African interior design style.
Or, you might be interested in a beach decorating style
If you are ready to start planning your design right away, take a look at this checklist of interior design tips which should put you well on the way to success…!
Browse for more interior design themes and inspirations.
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