I recently worked with Very to create a tropical-style living room space, using products from their latest collections.
As a BIT of a fan of all things tropical (understatement!), I thoroughly enjoyed accepting the challenge – and I have to say, the brand have some brilliant pieces that worked beautifully together in the space.
given the backdrop – ie this room – and had to come up with my own scheme that ticked the brief.
With a ‘tropical’ theme, it could be quite easy to create a pastiche, or something that’s a bit kitsch. So I wanted to make sure that the main ‘anchor’ pieces would give a real sense of sophistication, while the accessories would add the tropical hints.
My main focus was choosing the right sofa – and I felt that dark green velvet style really added a sense of luxe. A jute border-edge rug on the floor grounds the space and gives it some texture, but doesn’t overwhelm what else is going on.
I am a huge fan of ‘layering’ cushions. It adds warmth to a space, but equally allows you to open up the colours and add additional prints or textures.
On the green sofa, I added two large, oversize yellow cushions, which I layered with two botanical prints.
The yellow cushions tie in nicely with the lemon linen tub chair, while a bold orange throw keeps the citrus vibe going.
One simple, neutral pineapple cushion looked great on the tub chair, which I linked to the pineapple lamp base on the chest of drawers.
How do I make my room look tropical?
The key to creating a taste of the tropics in your own home is to keep the proportions in check. The majority of your space should be plain, or a simple, bold shade – in this case, the green sofa and yellow chair – against a neutral coloured wall.
That way it’s the mix of accessories that bring the drama – but which, if you get fed up of them in a few years time, won’t cost the earth to replace.
All that’s left to add is a huge plant or two. And pour a Pina Colada.
Here is my favourite tropical furniture pieces and room designs from the internet :