As we see more falling white stuff and dropping temperatures, the strong trend toward tropical décor can feel a bit out of place.  We had the opportunity to work with a Client in California recently through our “Designing at a Distance” program, who was looking for a tropical feel with their renovation which pushed us into our virtual warm, sunny places.  One can certainly be drawn to the bold graphic patterns and strong colours, but we also wanted to go with a relaxed comfortable feel with just a nod or two to tropical details focusing on bringing natural elements into the space.   Above we are showing examples of bathroom ensuite finishes which is a perfect space for transforming into your tropical haven. (Items shown in picture from Crate & Barrel, Lowe’s, Home Depot & Arte).

examples of bathroom ensuite finishes which is a perfect space for transforming into your tropical haven
examples of bathroom ensuite finishes which is a perfect space for transforming into your tropical haven
examples of bathroom ensuite finishes which is a perfect space for transforming into your tropical haven
examples of bathroom ensuite finishes which is a perfect space for transforming into your tropical haven

(Pictures Source – Daltile, Cartwright lighting, RH)

To add wood elements into your space, you can choose a wood porcelain tile that can be used on walls or floors (even in your washroom!), wood accents in your light fixtures like the wall mounted sconce above or the ceiling mounted pendant, and then you can use furniture to add the warmth of wood in your seating like the side chair above or in tables and storage cabinets.

wood porcelain tile on walls and floors
wood porcelain tile on walls and floors
wood porcelain tile on walls and floors

Adding a bold or textural wallcovering in a space on one wall or throughout a whole room can instantly add a tropical feeling to the space. You can select a really large bold pattern for a dramatic effect, a textural pattern of natural fibers to bring warmth into the space, or a tropical dense leaf pattern hinting at a forest walk in a neutral colour palette that would look great in any space. Take a look at Crown Surface SolutionsMetro Wallcoverings and Odyssey Wallcoverings for these great options to add to your tropical themed interior.

textural pattern of natural fibers to bring warmth into the space
textural pattern of natural fibers to bring warmth into the space
textural pattern of natural fibers to bring warmth into the space

Ideas for adding colour and texture into your room can be as simple as a pop of colour on a piece of furniture, colour and texture in your throw pillows on your sofa or chair, or a feature upholstered furniture piece such and an ottoman or an accent chair in a fun fabric like the ones shown above from Maxwell Fabrics and Kravet Inc.

simple colour and texture for room
simple colour and texture for room
simple colour and texture for room
simple colour and texture for room
simple colour and texture for room

(Pictures Source – Ames TileVan Gogh Designs, Benjamin Moore)

To tie in all the bold and beautiful colours, textures and warm woods a calm neutral background is key to give you the feeling of rest and relaxation and a place for the feature colours to pop! A soft comfortable sofa with space to add your throw cushions, tiled walls or backsplashes with varying sizes of tiles or textures and sheen, and wall paint that exudes a soothing environment.

We at #popdesigngroup really enjoy a little foray into the jungle sometimes and all of the new finishes and textiles reflecting the tropical influence from bold and traditional, to modern interpretations are a great way to grab on to the trend, and perhaps slip in a little vacation time in the tub!