Thinking that you'd like to infuse your city apartment with a touch of the outdoors, but love elegance and vibrant color? Looking to feel like its summer all year round? Tropical style might just be the perfect starting point for your decorating adventures, as it brings the outdoors in, but is also all about that relaxed vibe, something we could all use more of in our homes, right? Tropical style is inspired by the nature in the tropics and anything that conjures sea, sky or jungle, and with an eye on comfort, and touches of luxury. Tropical style actually finds its roots in British colonial style, which came about when British explorers returned home from their expeditions with all kinds of specimens and exotic items. Sounds good?
Whether you love elegant or ethnic or both, tropical style has such a wide range that there is truly something for everyone, well unless you just love white on white, then maybe not? Okay, lets get started!
Here are 6 ways to create the perfect tropical vibe in your city apartment, in a way that works for your own style and budget!
1. The Walls Speak, So Figure That Out First!
The easiest and least expensive way to create a tropical vibe in your apartment is with paint and wall paper. If you prefer paint, think deep greens or blues that create mystery and look amazing with touches of brass. If you like wall paper you can opt for large tropical leaf patterns, or a tropical scene of some kind that could even be black and white or sepia and white, and truly set the scene. Of course grasscloth wall paper with lots of texture can be soothing and neutral, or think about vinyl stickers to add vines that drop down from the ceiling or large monstera leaves here and there.
Statement walls with jungle or leaf patterns are a great way to infuse your space with style, without going overboard. Keep the large pattern on one wall, and balance it out with pillows that pick up the same colors. Think about what paradise means to you, and go with that! And yes white mosquito canopies and twinkling lights can certainly work with tropical style!
Above: Wow, over the top tropical style creates a feeling of truly being transported to somewhere else. Wall paper, plants, and shiny gold are key, but don't forget the outfit!
Above: Tropical style can also mean pastels, and these pinkish tiles do look amazing!
2. Fill Your Space With Plants, Plants and More Plants!
To create the feeling of a lush jungle or the tropics you'll need larger plants like palms, fiddle head figs, and strelitzia. Don't forget about monstera and some climbing vines like heart leaf philodendron might just do the trick. Think about hanging plants if you are going for the maximum effect! Do be realistic about your ability to take care of plants and plan accordingly! And while many folks love artificial plants, there is truly nothing like the feeling of living, breathing plants in a space!
Above: At the very least create a collection of plants on a side table
Above: Create wall decor with vines, in this case heart leaf philodendron which grows quickly and cuttings root in water.
3. Add Elegant Or Ethnic Furniture Or Both!
The great thing about tropical style is that it can be easy on the budget if need be, because it can include some simple ratan pieces or an elegant velvet couch, or both, you decide! Tropical style is both elegant/ resort and beach shack so combine the two as you wish! I love the idea of a green velvet couch and then ratan chairs and baskets, paired of course with some shiny brass!
Above: some simple rustic furniture pieces that fit into the tropical style
Above: Loving this green velvet couch together with plants
4. Dont Forget A Playful Statement, As Fun and Relaxation Say Tropical!
Tropical style might mean wandering down to the beach, napping on a hammock or simply enjoying the sea breeze. How can you bring that relaxed feeling into your home? I'd say a swing or a hammock chair for starters, and maybe some whimsy in the form of signs or pillows or wall hangings. Of course a fun mix of hanging bird cages (with some artificial birds, or not) is a great look, as might be a giant pineapple shaped basket in neutral colors, or fruit references of any kind. Of course if you love kitsch flamingos are perfect! And if like me you've always loved beaded curtains, now is the time to play with that, as well as bamboo blinds.
Above: Go tropical style with a real indoor swing!
Above: A hammock chair is a great way to say "come relax"
5. Don't Forget The Tropical Accessories And Art!
Decorative elements made from bamboo, rattan, and teak are a great addition to any tropical style interior. Woven fabric like jute, cotton, linen, and sisal, also work perfectly for rugs, curtains, table clothes, pillows and bed covers, while decorative objects like carved wooden bowls, and wicker baskets are great for plants, wall decor and hiding clutter. As far as art, you can create a modern style gallery wall with tropical leaf art, or go for something with rich color and pattern. There are so many options, have fun seeing what you like!
6. There Is Nothing Quite Like Flowers
Who doesn't love the vibrancy of stunning fresh flowers, especially when the bouquets include large tropical leaves, bird of paradise or even orchids. And friends, leaves can last for weeks and weeks, so once the flowers have wilted and need to be tossed, save the leaves to put in vases anywhere, as nothing says the tropics quite like large green leaves! And while you are at it, since you saved money by making your own apartment feel like the tropics, why not treat yourself to a flowers delivery service to get fresh bouquets on your doorstep every week, wow. Just don't forget to specify the kind of bouquets you'd like to receive, namely vibrant color and tropical!
Now that you've read this guide on how to create the perfect tropical vibe in your city apartment, make yourself an iced tea or maybe seltzer with lemon, and make a plan and get started. And who knows, maybe this year's vacation means a stay-cation in your newly decorated space that feels like the tropics!
