The Basics Of Tropical Interior Design

As with anything in life, design presents you with good options, and then it presents you with better options. How you design the interior of your home is no exception. We have all seen the commercialized idea of what it means to decorate a tropical home--store-bought shells, bathroom curtains with pictures or drawings shells or beach scenes, and blue towels with, that's right, even more shells. While it may be initially appealing to design your house around a "theme," you might want to consider the overall effect this will have in the long run. Designing your tropical home doesn't have to be kitschy or cliche. Done right, this design style can be relaxing and exotic without being overbearing. Here are a few tips on creating a home that speaks to the tropics rather than screams it from the rooftops.

To begin, focus on a few keywords that the tropics bring to mind. If you live in a tropical area or only want to recreate your vacation to one, create a short list of phrases and adjectives. Tropical style is best known for being lush, tranquil exotic, natural, and is reminiscent of cool breezes, a tropical climate, and fresh living. Keep these phrases and words in mind as you begin to design your home.

If you live in a tropical area, one of the key aspects of your design will be incorporating the outside with the inside. This indoor-outdoor functionality is one of the benefits of living in such a unique climate, and your home should reflect the surrounding nature. Furniture should take advantage of and enhance windows and other viewpoints, never cover it up or minimize it.

When choosing colors for your home, stick with natural tones for the walls, and feel free to add bright pops of color in the form of local artisan crafts or plants. A tropical home is best known for being in harmony with its surroundings, so keep that in mind as you look for elements to bring into your living space.

The key aspect to remember is to not try to be "tropical" but to rather evoke the feelings and senses of the tropics. Bright and aromatic flowers, natural woods, textured grasscloth, and airy linens all add to the tropical atmosphere of your home. In addition, any tropical element present in your home should also speak to who you are as a person. Don't let your personality get swallowed up by the theme of your house so much that you can't enjoy it or feel like yourself there.