The tropical style of decorating can make you think of sun-drenched islands in the South Pacific. The feeling of this decor style is of the sea and the sky and the tropics. You won't find thick carpeting or drapes in the true tropical decorating look. Rather, lightweight materials and a lived-in yet exotic beach feel are at the heart of the tropical style of decor.
If any wood pieces are used in tropical decorating, they usually have woven cane inserts. Dining cabinets many feature cane door fronts, for example. Cane and rattan sofas and tables are popular tropical types of furniture. Glass table tops add sophistication and keep the look airy and light.
Instead of heavy carpets and rugs, the tropical style of decorating includes the use of woven sea grass mats. The mats can be used in any room to add the natural look necessary to capture the tropical style. Drapery fabric is also lightweight and is often patterned in a floral print.
Tropical floral prints can be quite large and are usually very colorful. They can liven up the light tones of rattan and sea grass. Green-based leaf patterned fabric may also be used in a tropical-themed room. Look carefully to find the designs and colors you like and find contrasting solids to complement the patterned fabrics you choose so that your tropical rooms are not overwhelmed with too much pattern.
Coral, turquoise, ivory and muted green are popular colors used in the tropical style of decorating. These warm-toned colors can either be bright or muted, depending on your taste. Palm trees and pineapples are the perfect motifs to capture tropical decorating. You could try an ivory cushion with a muted green palm tree design in the center or a thin cotton throw blanket with a pineapple print design.
Framed botanical prints hung on the walls are a classic accent in the tropical style of decorating. The idea when accessorizing a tropical-themed room is to make the room comfortable without adding too much clutter that would conflict with the light and airy feeling of tropical decorating. Think of ways to capture the feeling of warm breezes and a day at the beach. Seashells, sea grass boxes and coconut scented candles may be the perfect touch!