Bold jungle prints have been trending for a while, but with the warmer summer weather here, decorating tastes are becoming far more tropical.
John Lewis reports that online searches for its ‘palm bedding’ and ‘desert palm’ styles are up 200 per cent compared with this time last month, suggesting many of us are looking to bring our holidays home.
Tropical decor gives a scheme a laid-back, natural yet joyful feel.
Oasis: Jungle prints, rattan furniture, indoor plants – tropical designs are back in our homes
‘I’ve always been a maximalist, so exotic elements such as palm leaves, rainforest flowers, peacocks and feathers feature in my designs — mixed with bold, vibrant colours,’ says fashion designer-turned-interiors-specialist Matthew Williamson, whose Palm Lamp (£115) is part of the department store’s on-trend range.
‘Introduce smaller tropical elements first, such as a table lamp or statement cushion,’ he says. ‘If you want to make a bigger impact, a tropical wallpaper will bring personality.
‘Pluck colours from the repeat and use these to choose soft furnishings and accessories.’
Back to nature
Escapism plays a large part in this trend. The bright colours and prints inspired by nature provide the perfect escape to a tropical paradise.
‘This style evokes a sense of tranquility, creating a calming atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day,’ says Kerry McKenzie, co-founder of innovative wallpaper label Brand McKenzie, whose Banana Leaves paper (£128 per roll) is a surprisingly grounding addition to a scheme.
‘An easy way to create a tropical interior is through prints, from soft furnishings to curtains,’ she says.
‘If you’re feeling adventurous, try combining wallpaper and curtains. Tropical-print cushions give a subtler nod to the trend, too.’
But it’s not all about vivid pattern. Another crucial component is the use of natural textures.
Rattan, bamboo and wicker furniture, along with jute or sisal rugs, inject warmth, while taking a scheme right back to the natural world for a relaxed, bohemian feel.
Accessories, such as woven baskets, wooden bowls, rattan side tables or lacquered furniture, such as Charles Orchard’s Wave Side Table (£710) all set the scene.
Gentle hues can still add a tropical air. ‘Painting walls in a soft pink is good for those looking for a subtle design statement,’ says Helen Shaw, of paint firm Benjamin Moore.
‘This shade pairs beautifully with green plants to create the ultimate oasis.
‘Finish with wooden furniture and accents.’
To add a tropical twist to a pink or pale yellow wall, try a bold geometric floor tile featuring wine red and mustard, or green and black tones.
Top with plant baskets with a relaxed silhouette, such as La Redoute’s Zac Seagrass Basket (£25.20).
‘Sand tones, soft blues and beaded lighting also recreate the aesthetic of a getaway in a far-flung tropical destination,’ suggests Arteriors’ Helen Pett.
Go wild
Tropical interiors require commitment in order to achieve a cohesive result. That’s especially true if you’re opting for a wallpaper.
‘Don’t just paper one wall and then decorate the rest of the space in a nondescript colour,’ says Kerry McKenzie.
‘The secret is to stop your feature wall from looking like an afterthought. You can achieve this by pulling a colour from the paper and painting it on the other three walls. If you’re feeling brave, take it across the ceiling, too.’
To make tropical interiors stand the test of time, opt for colours you can live with long-term, paired with plenty of natural accents and indoor planting. You’ll be king of the jungle in no time.
