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Home Decorating Ideas - How to Decorate Tropical Style

By Candi Randolph

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Published: 13May2009
Word count: 784
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I live in southwest Florida and have the opportunity to see sunshine, palm trees, flowers and beautiful ocean waters every day. Yes, it's great and I love my surroundings! There is something about a warm, sunny tropical environment that lifts the spirits of many people, myself included. Folks who live in this area of the country also have access to a vast amount of 'tropical decor' in retail establishments, so bringing some of the outdoors into our homes is quite easy and simple as we are decorating.

So what do you do if you don't live in my area of the world and want to bring some of that tropical sunshine into your home decor? Or, you may reside in a warm climate, but want to do something more creative than palm tree pictures and place mats. Whatever the situation, you can create a beautiful tropical home decor that uniquely expresses your lifestyle.

First, determine what room or area of your home is going to be part of this decorating project, and then decide what your budget is going to be. It is critical that you address these two important points before doing anything else. If you are decorating on a budget, which most of us are, that will dictate your approach to this tropical transformation.

Tropical colors can be bold and beautiful, in shades of blue, green, coral, turquoise, purple and yellow, so if you love color, this is a great decorating style for you. Conversely, you can create a beautiful tropical decor with soft colors as well, so there is no definite 'right' and 'wrong' path for you to take when it comes to color choices. I have used the following combination in the past and it doesn't fit either color palette mentioned above, but it worked well. The walls of the guest bedroom were painted a medium shade of bronze-brown, floors were bamboo wood, window treatment was a simple off-white sheer tied back with a delicate silk leaf greenery, ceiling fan with faux bamboo paddles, simple palm tree sketches with brown frames on the walls, slim silk palm tree in the corner and a taupe iron bed with bedspread in cream, green and brown with a muted palm tree pattern. There was nothing in this room that shouted 'tropical style', but the combination of colors and the understated palm tree theme fit very well in my Florida style home.

You may decide to put a bold tropical color on the walls of your room to brighten up the area, and that would help to create the 'fun' tropical atmosphere. Or, you may opt for a muted shade on your walls and use the bright colors for accents in the room. Remember that the tropics includes naturals, including trees, trees and more trees, so a beautiful, realistic looking silk (or real if your green thumb and location will allow) palm tree or something similar will always look great. Keep in mind that with silks in particular, you really do get what you pay for, so choose carefully.

Accessorize thoughtfully and creatively, trying to avoid the types of commercial and over-used pieces that you probably see elsewhere. Look for a unique lamp that has a tropical feel. Shop for an area rug with tropical colors and style, remembering that you can shop online and find many great sources for themed rugs. Your area or entry rug could potentially become the focal point of your tropical theme, so take your time as you look, because there are some fantastic choices. Or, you might find artwork that is tropical in overall look but unique in it's framing, thus giving you an accessory that is not readily duplicated.

Window treatments can include plantation shutters, wood blinds, lightweight fabrics and fun print valances, depending upon your style preferences. Avoid heavy, dark draping styles, as they are contrary to a tropical decor.

The same applies to the overall look and feel of your room. The upholstered furniture does not have to be wicker and white, but it should have a light overall 'feel' and appearance. For example, if you are striving for a tropical look to your room's decor, a navy blue and hunter green plaid sofa will probably not create the feel you are seeking. A sea foam green sofa with a combination of cream and coral accent pillows will take you in the tropical, or Florida style, direction.

Determine your tropical color scheme and how you will apply it to your room, shop for unique and notabl (not necessarily expensive!) pieces, include natural textures, refrain from over-accessorizing, and you will be on your way to creating a beautiful Florida style decor, no matter where you live.

Candi Randolph is the author of Ten Simple Steps to Design Success, a simple home decorating guide. She is also the owner of Simply Designed...Decorating to Fit Your Budget, located in Southwest Florida. For more information please visit http://www.MySimplyDesigned.com

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