7 ways to get a taste of the tropics

(Image credit: TBC)

last updated 27 June 2022

Blame the Olympics in Rio. Blame the terrible weather we've been having. Whatever the reason, everyone's going loco for tropical style. If the spring/summer previews were anything to go by, come summer we're going to be awash with big leaf palm prints, splashy jungle patterns, Latino colour and cheerful motifs such as pineapples, monkeys and bunches of bananas. Whether you go all out and create a jungle room fit for the Amazon, choose to refresh your look with a hot colour palette, or prefer simply to nod to the trend with a few well chosen references, we've got plenty of ideas for you. 7 ways in fact, to bring a taste of the tropics to your home.

1. LATINO COLOUR

Latin America loves bright colour – and a lick of pain is a quick, easy and affordable way to spruce up your space. Choose clashing combinations for maximum impact. Cobolt blue and terracotta orange or fuchsia pink are traditional, but try sea green with red or yellow to make a truly modern statement.

2. LUSH PATTERN

bedroom with white chair and bed with pillows

A splashy fruit salad print injects a note of flavour into a sunny bedroom. Add a mosquito net and a touch of bamboo for full effect.

3. LEAFY PRINT

living room with white walls and printed sofaset with cushions

In a simple, neutral room, a bold splashy print can really stand out. Palm print is a classic pattern that is easily made modern when superscaled or mixed with contrast colour piping.

4. FEATURE WALLPAPER

room with leaf printed wall and round mirror on wall

For a look straight out of uptown Miami, mix a verdant wallpaper with some sassy zebra print. Keep the accessories white or to tone, to ensure a look that's more glamorous than garish.

5. GO GREEN

bedroom with green wall and bed with pillows

Take inspiration from the atmospheric short stories of W. Somerset Maugham and their setting in the sultry Far East for a colonial look that layers verdant shades and organic textures to bring the outdoors in.

6. FURNITURE

Rattan furniture is also having a moment right now, and it's the perfect indoor/outdoor expression of hot climate living. Make the classic modern by updating it with splashy prints, a vase stuffed full of Birds of Paradise and a bowl of Tahitian fruit. Good enough to eat.

7. PUMP UP YOUR PALATE

Even if you can't bring yourself to abandon the cool neutral decorating palette for some splashy colour, indulge the trend by serving up some brightly coloured sorbets in zesty passionfruit, mango and papaya. Talk about totally tropical taste.

Read our gallery on inviting carnival cool style into your home for Rio 2016.

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Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street.