Looking for a trendy home and garden makeover that gives instant gratification and doesn’t require a lot of time and resources? The latest trends in fashion and home decorating are drawing inspiration from the bright colors and laid-back attitudes of the tropics.
Vibrant tropical colors are influencing home decor and gardens this spring and summer, according to home and garden experts.
Whether you want to makeover a deck, patio or porch, add some tropical flair by following the “three P’s” of outdoor design: plants, paint and punch.
Plants
New tropical plants are easy to grow for any outdoor space. With fantastic colors and foliage, it’s simple to add splashes of intense color throughout your garden, deck and patio.
Consider going big and bold with gorgeous blooms of colorful hibiscus that come in dozens of bright tropical colors.
Whether you’re planning a summer luau, graduation party or just want a restful retreat, decorating your backyard with easy care, sun-loving hibiscus offer a blaze of color for any occasion. Cut hibiscus flowers floating in water make an exotic centerpiece, and using the blooms as garnishes takes al fresco dining to the next level.
Don’t be afraid to mix plants, colors and textures when decorating your outdoor spaces.
Paint
Paint is one of the easiest, most economical ways to create a tropical feel inside or out. Choosing a color that reminds you of the beach sets the theme for your overall design.
Margie Grace, of Grace Design Associates, and a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), advises not to limit painting to just walls. “Paint an old set of chairs Caribbean blue, containers coral red and sunshine yellow,” she says. “Just remember when choosing a shade, tropical colors aren’t going to fade into the background. They’re going to make a vibrant statement.”
An accent wall on a deck or patio painted in key lime or ocean blue instantly transforms a space. Carry the tropics inside with a less saturated color like a warm mango tone or pair a rich, intense color accent wall with neutrals.
Punch
Adding tropical patterns and fabrics into your decor brings flexibility and endless possibilities.
Cushions in tropical colors, throw pillows with bold floral designs and tropical inspired linens on the table are an easy way to add punch to your outdoor decor.
Use a single pattern to underscore your tropical theme or mix things up with a variety of prints and stripes. Keep in mind the many patterns that fall into the tropical category, including floral, greenery, and ocean and beach elements. Think Hawaiian shirts.
Surround yourself with lush tropical flowers and foliage for immediate impact and tropically inspired colors to turn your home into your favorite “staycation” paradise.
Recent Comments