How to Create a Tropical Retreat

Since we are based out of Florida, we have many clients that have a vacation home here and want that tropical style.    Here are some things you can incorporate into your home design to achieve that “Tropical” feel.

1.  Tropical Plants - Trees - Florals - These can be real trees or plants or faux.  We always add a touch of greenery in our projects.   When designing for that Tropical look this is vastly important.   Add Travelers Palm, Yucca Tree or Areca Palms.  If your climate allows these can be real trees either on your lanai, pool deck or outside space OR you can utilize real trees or faux in your interiors.   Think lush, greenery in either a woven or light colored pot.

2. Wovens, Wovens, Wovens - You need to bring natural fiber woven materials into your decor.  This can be achieved in the rugs, furniture, accessories and even the lighting.   For rugs look at using natural fibers such as Jute or Sisal. For furniture incorporate pieces with lampakanay rope or wicker.   For accessories add natural woven baskets, pillows with woven braid details, woven picture frames or mirrors and for lighting look for natural materials.  For exterior spaces utilize resin wicker wovens, these will provide the same style and look but will hold up to the elements.

3. Natural Materials - Bring bleached, smooth woods into your home design.   We love furniture constructed out of bleached woods such as the Jonathan Charles Water Collection or Artistica’s Verite table.   These pieces have that soft touch, soft wood colorway and exude the tropical vibe.  For fabrics think linens (or linen blends), cottons, hemp and natural fibers.   Shiny polyesters aren’t going to work here.   Simple neutrals or solids are the way to go.  Your decor items should be natural pieces (that you can even find yourself!) think driftwood, seaglass pieces, stones, shells, etc.

4.  Areas, Furniture or Spaces for Lounging - Be sure to provide a place for lounging.   We love to incorporate a chaise lounge, daybed or cabana on your deck, lanai or pool area.  No room outside, think about adding an upholstered chaise lounge or daybed in your interiors.  Make your bedroom a Tropical Retreat - we love canopy beds in a primary bedroom with fabric panels and plenty of pillows for soft lounging.