How to Design a Tropical Living Room

Tropical decorating is a great way to bring the light and lifestyle of the tropics into your living room, no matter where you live. The beautiful foliage and bright floral arrangements all add to the topical feel. It is possible to visit the tropics every day when going into your living room. All that is needed is the perfect combination of color, accessories and furniture.

1.  Select the appropriate colors for your tropical decorating scheme. Use a color wheel to select colors that complement each other. Pinks and reds are a good match as are yellows, oranges and violet for tropical decor. The walls should be painted a muted color, to reflect the tropics. For large walls beige, sand and pink are all excellent choices for bringing the tropical island look into your living room.  The entire look should be light and fresh.

2.  Choose the proper accessories. It is accessories that provide the right touches of bright colors for your tropical scheme. An excellent choice is throw pillows. They are available in bright pinks, reds, oranges, yellows and violets. These are all popular topical flower colors.

3.  Avoid any gaudy prints, because they can cheapen the feel of the overall decorating scheme.

4.  Select textured items for your room. Texture is another important element in the tropics. This can be done with the addition of bamboo, natural grasses or sand. A large bamboo floor mat is a good choice if you have a tile floor. Bamboo window shades are also an excellent focal point for texture. Containers of a pampas grass or glass containers of sand are excellent decor choices for bringing natural elements inside the home.

5.  Choose furniture that is reflective of the tropical theme. Avoid any heavy upholstered pieces. Wicker or rattan are excellent choices for living room furniture in tropical-themed decor. However, remember to use all furniture sparingly.  Keep the room's appearance open and airy.