Tropical chic is a popular, exotic way to decorate any room. Jungle themes, vivid colors and natural woods are part of the look. The style is reminiscent of the wild while at the same time becoming sophisticated and peaceful. Different textures of wood are mixed with intricate animal and plant patterns to create a visual interest that makes you feel like you are lounging in the middle of a tropical forest.
Common motifs on fabrics using this style include stylized palm trees, banana leaf prints, pineapples, coconuts, monkeys and large exotic blossoms. Furniture often is made out of rattan or wood and then covered with large cushions covered with grass clothe, leather and prints. The furniture tends to casual, comfortable and unstructured and slightly larger than usual.
When animal or floral patterns are not used then paints and fabrics tend to be in neutral tones such as ivory, cream, beige, khaki, camel, tan deep brown, mustard yellow, crimson, avocado, light sage, mustard yellow, crimson and banana yellow. Accents are in crimsons, corals, dark brown, black and gold. Patterns are big and not tiny or demure.
Another characteristic of this look is giant looking furniture that seems that it might embrace you… Wicker, bamboo, iron and rattan are created in a larger scale so that people look like they are disappearing into the comfort of the room. Rugs and curtains tend to have Zebra, giraffe or leopard prints.
Window coverings should be natural. Linen panels, plantation shutters or bamboo or matchstick blinds suit the look of this room. This matches grass cloth mats, wicker baskets and folding screens that are also a signature part of this look.
The artwork that looks best with this décor is usually one that is done in demure browns, oranges and greens. Forest scenes and animal scenes are typical. Go for large simple vases filled with sheathes of bamboo or large single blossoms of exotics such as the Birds of Paradise or Orchids.
When it comes to a dining room tableware might be made of bamboo and the plates out of natural colored stone wear. Rattan or textured colored placemats can complete the look. Rattan or bamboo tables painted black or natural with thick glass paned tops are also characteristic of this look.
Stand alone large plants such as palm trees in pots are an inexpensive addition to a room in which the Tropical Chic theme is attempting to be expressed.