Do you remember the scene from Top Gun when Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis are out on her indoor/outdoor patio? The sheer white curtains are billowing in the breeze. The atmosphere is relaxed and enticing, and there is something utterly romantic about the whole setting. Re-create this tropical chic decor in your own indoor/outdoor spaces. Do you have a partially covered porch, screened-in porch or a sun room begging for an interior make over?
The tropical chic decor is not the same as a Cape Cod or New England beach theme bedroom. Gone are the grayed blues and misty grays. The tropical chic decor also involves more textures, brighter blues, more greens, and a minimal approach to decorating.
Tropical Chic Decor for Indoor/Outdoor Spaces
Sheer White Curtains
Sheer white curtains are a must for creating the romantic and carefree feeling in this tropical chic space. If you are concerned about privacy, go for curtains that are not quite so sheer, but still let a lot of light in, and are summer weight.
Ideally, the sheer white curtains will be used in front of screens and windows which open. The entire effect works best on windows which are on a breezy side of the house or space.
Bamboo Rugs
Bamboo rugs will help complete the tropical chic decor. Use a large bamboo rug, or smaller bamboo rugs. The bamboo rugs should be placed wherever you may be inclined to remove your shoes, including underneath a chair.
The natural bamboo rug will add to the ambiance and natural outdoor feeling in your tropical chic room.
Minimal Furniture
The Tropical Chic decor for indoor and outdoor spaces should be minimal. The space, no matter the size, needs to feel roomy and full of air. Only decorate with the bare essentials.
At least two chairs should be incorporated into your tropical chic space. If the room is large, also consider a round table with chairs for drinking, eating and conversing.
Other furniture items well-suited to the tropical chic decor include a butler’s table.
Sea-Themed Pillows
One home decorating accessory you will want to add to your tropical chic space is a collection of throw pillows. Consider pillows of blues and greens with organic plant designs.
Pottery Barn has some tropical chic outdoor pillow with fun images of lobsters, crabs and fish.
Natural Wood Furniture
The only items that should make waves in your tropical chic space are those made from natural materials. Consider light-colored wood for a table and chairs. The other option would be to use white furniture or any color wicker furniture.
Rattan, Bamboo, Wicker or Wood
The best materials for creating a tropical chic feel are rattan, bamboo, wicker or wood. They can be incorporated into small home decor accessories including picture frames, curtain rods, place mats, or even drink coasters.
Ceiling Fan
Although they are fond of removing ceiling fans on Trading Spaces, a ceiling fan can instantly add an element of tropical chic to your indoor space or outdoor space. The ceiling fan will also add a breeze and keep you cool in the warm summer months.
Opt for a cool brushed nickel ceiling fan. Or find a ceiling fan with natural wood colored fan.
Use these paint color palettes and decorating ideas to create your own peaceful and romantic tropical chic indoor/outdoor space.
What to Leave Out
There are certain household objects and accessories which do not belong in your tropical chic indoor space or outdoor space. There should be no TVs, no computers, and no gaming systems. The only item that would work would be an iPod speaker system, a radio, or any other small item that can be hidden but heard.
Also leave out the strung lights, the hula girl lamps and the flower leis. The true tropical chic decor is minimal, sophisticated, and very adult.
Sources
Home Depot, http://www.homedepot.com
Pottery Barn, http://www.potterybarn.com
Top Gun, the movie
