Phew. It’s the hottest day of the year by some margin, and suddenly our domestic design is looking a little dated; suited to nights with the curtains drawn and the fire roaring rather than windows flung wide open under light linen sheets. If this has got you thinking of giving your home a warm weather makeover, then read on; our 7 ways to achieve tropical chic in your interior design.
Plant Power
Obvious, we know, but nothing brings the sunshine inside like plants, and plenty of them. For bringing the vacay vibes without leaving the house, invest in some tropical indoor houseplants, the more colourful, exotic and pronounced, the better. The archetype in this arena is the bird of paradise flower; one hell of a statement piece in a room as they can reach 5 feet in height.
The anthurium is another brilliant way to evoke the tropics, with its bright, stately colourscope, and provocative, heart shaped appearance bringing intrigue to any room. Of course, plants bring benefits to a space way beyond the visual, which we’ve written more about here. And if you’d like to embellish the theme, tropical wall prints can look great, when done tastefully and with restraint..
Botanical Wall Art
…Indeed, if you’re looking to add a touch of the tropics without the maintenance of live plants, botanical wall art is a smart move here. Think large-scale prints of lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and exotic foliage. These pieces can serve as focal points in a room, bringing a sense of nature indoors. Opt for framed prints or canvas art that features tropical plants like monstera leaves, palm fronds, or hibiscus flowers. The key is to choose artwork that complements your existing decor while adding a splash of colour and a hint of the wild.
Recline On Rattan
Rattan furniture is ubiquitous in the tropics due to its lightweight nature and durability. When the temperature soars, the structure of such a chair keeps airflow moving around your body, keeping you cool. And of course, no one wants to invest in furniture that fades due to sun exposure or whose joints swell and crack after a few months.
Rattan doesn’t do this, making it a popular choice in countries prone to heat waves and temperamental weather conditions. Moreover coming from the palm family, when sourced sustainably, rattan is an eco-friendly material. An added bonus is that it looks and feels bloody great, whatever the weather.
If you really want to bring home the theme, add some extra aloha to your rattan chairs with tropical decorative seat cushions. Think prints in the design of exotic plants, jungle patterns, pineapples and flamingoes.
Tropical Textiles
Indeed, a great way to incorporate tropical patterns and textures into your home is through textiles. This can be as simple as swapping out your current throw pillows, curtains, or rugs for ones that feature tropical designs. Look for fabrics with bold prints of leaves, flowers, and fruits in vibrant colors. Natural materials like linen, cotton, and bamboo can also enhance the tropical feel. For a more subtle approach, choose textiles in shades of green, turquoise, and coral to evoke the colors of a tropical paradise.
Natural Light & Sheer Curtains
Maximise natural light to create a bright and airy atmosphere reminiscent of tropical locales. Replace heavy drapes with sheer curtains that allow sunlight to filter through, creating a soft, diffused glow. This not only brightens up the space but also makes it feel more open and inviting. Position mirrors strategically to reflect light and make the room appear larger. The combination of natural light and sheer fabrics will help you achieve that breezy, tropical vibe.
Sleep Under A Mosquito Net
Sure, Britain has far fewer mosquitos and other critters than warmer climes, but there’s no denying that feeling of safety and comfort which sleeping under a mosquito net brings. Perhaps it makes us nostalgic for camping trips as children, maybe it feels like it fends off bad dreams, or perhaps it just adds a little flourish of unique interior design.
Whatever it is, a room with a mosquito net has a certain style and charisma that we just love. On a more practical level, the rising temperatures associated with climate change look set to bring more mosquitos to our shores in the near future, meaning a net may soon be a necessity, not a quirk of design.
A Rotating Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan is, of course, functional, moving air around the room and making things less stuffy, as well as offering a cooling breeze on warmer nights. But it also brings tropical chic to a room in both its appearance and sound. What’s more, if you’re struggling to sleep, the hypnotic groove can help lull you off into slumber. Many in the U.K double up as a lamp, but if you’re investing in one for aesthetic reasons, we’d give the combo versions a swerve in favour of something more streamlined.
These guys are useful for the winter months, too. Indeed, a ceiling fan can actually keep you warm; use the switch which rotates the blades in the opposite direction to its cooling function and warm air from near the ceiling will be moved back towards the floor. Who knew?