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***Original post 2021.***
A couple of weeks ago I talked about what Coastal Style is here. If you haven't read that hop on over there first. It perfectly introduces my topic today, Tropical Style. Tropical Style is a type of Coastal Style with a lot of the same elements and the same casual feel. But there are a few notable differences that I will cover here.
Tropical Style has its roots in the British Colonialism of the 16-1700's. It is a mix of traditional design elements and native influences of the Caribbean and West Indies.
Tropical Style
How to Get the Look - Key Elements
MATERIALS - This look is all about a connection to nature so natural fibers and materials abound. Everything should be easy care like washable cotton and linen. Tile is a great flooring option, particularly in a black and white checkerboard laid diagonally, but for a richer look stick with darker wood.
FURNISHINGS - Furnishings have more traditional shapes, although a more contemporary Tropical Style has cropped up that uses cleaner lined furnishings. Solid carved wood pieces are mixed with rattan, cane, bamboo and wicker furniture. Teak, mango, acacia, palm and rosewood are some of the exotic hardwoods used.
COLORS & PRINTS - Prints are fun and colorful, depicting motifs seen in island life, like tropical fruits, flowers and animals, palm trees and leaves, and bamboo. Also mixed in are stripes, toiles, animal prints, and trellis patterns. Newer tropical wallpaper murals let you wrap a whole room in a tropical scene. Colors are inspired by the water, the vegetation and brightly colored birds and flowers. Use bright blues, greens, teals, and turquoises, corals, oranges, pinks and yellows. Or, if you want to go neutral stick to white decor and upholstery which pops against the darker wood of furnishings and flooring.
LIGHTING - Lighting can go either way using more traditional shapes or more contemporary ones. Again, materials like rattan, caning, and wicker and bamboo bring in a natural element, but more traditional metal or crystal fixtures that would have been brought over from England can be used as well.
ACCESSORIES - Accessories include potted flowers and trees, candles with hurricanes, screens, found and carved wood objects and framed art referencing island motifs.
Now that you have the tools, start creating your own Tropical oasis! Click on any of the products below to Shop the Look.
***Updated April 2024. In the case that the same items were not available, similar items were chosen.***
Tropical Style
Not a fan of the options above? Here are some alternatives so you can make it your own! Click on any of the items to get a closer look.
Tropical Sofas & Chairs
Tropical Coffee & Side Tables
Tropical Lighting & Fans
Tropical Wallpaper & Wall Decor
Tropical Table Decor & Botanicals
Tropical Rugs & Pillows
Websites to shop for more Tropical Style:
If you haven't yet, take my Design Style Quiz to see what your personal style is!
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