My Tropical Home

Have You Seen These Fun Tropical Kitchen Accessories?

2012-07-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

It's the details that make all the difference when it comes to decorating. Check out these great tropical kitchen finds from Dean Miller.

These surf trivets with graphics by famous artist Kelly Lane will protect your table from hot dishes and add some unique style too! Or how about some Tiki Totem Salt and Pepper Shakers? You definitely aren't going to see these everyday.

For a relaxed beach style, elegant tropical decor, or surf shack look these placemats will perfect for your table. This island style bird of paradise print is versatile, so from the dining room to the patio you'll have a place setting that fits the bill. You can even cook and serve your meal with tropical flair when you use these beautiful tropical print potholders!

Any of these tropical kitchen accessories would be a great addition to your own home. And if you're looking for a unique gift for someone who loves island style check out http://deanmillerprints.com for some fun and unique home decor gift ideas!

Throw Pillows are an Easy Way to Create Tropical Style

2012-06-29T06:49:00.001-07:00

Are you looking for new ways to add tropical style to your home decor? Using tropical throw pillows is an easy and inexpensive way to do just that. Whether it's on your bed, an occasional chair, or your couch a throw pillow in a bold tropical print will give your room a splash of island color and style!

You may want to look for bold Hawaiian flower prints, subdued leafy green and blue prints, or something just fun and unique with a hula girl or a message. Not only are throw pillows and easy way to decorate, they can always be swapped from room to room or switched out when you're ready for a new look. Whenever you need a change in your home decor, just try different combinations of throw pillows throughout your home!

Tropical Bedroom Makeover Tips

2012-04-05T06:06:00.006-07:00

Your bedroom should always be a place where you can retreat, relax, and feel at home. So it makes sense to put some serious thought into decorating your bedroom in a way that suits you. Do you want to make your room a tropical retreat? Whether you do a simple and inexpensive room makeover by purchasing a tropical themed bedding set and adding one or two other decorative pieces, or you decide to do a complete bedroom makeover, here are some tips to help you achieve the look you want.

Plan out your overall theme.  You can go with deep dark colors and bold patterns or more subdued greens, blues, and neutrals.  Will you use dark wood furniture, bamboo, or rattan?  Consider the wide variety of tropical looks and decide which is best for you.  

Set the mood of the room by painting.  You could one wall to paint with a bold, striking color for a dramatic effect.  Or you could paint all of the walls with a softer color such as blue, green, yellow, or a medium neutral.  If you really want to go all out you could even have a mural painted or use a packages mural on one wall.

Use tropical bedding to establish your bedroom theme.  Whether you want a bold pattern with striking colors or something a little more toned down, make sure to pick out a bedding set that you love.  It’s probably the most central and noticeable part of the bedroom so it will do a lot to determine the tropical look you will achieve.  Some fun tropical patterns to look for might be green leafy prints, bird of paradise prints, or hibiscus flower prints.

Use furniture and window treatments to further accentuate the tropical feeling you’re creating in the room.   There a many styles of furniture that can work with a tropical décor depending on your own personal taste.  Simple, Asian inspired, dark wood furniture can look great providing a simple backdrop for your other tropical décor.  Bamboo can be a great choice to increase your tropical look.  Rattan or wicker is another option.  As far as window treatments, you can choose curtains or valances that match your bedding or you can go with a solid neutral color that complements your room.  You may even decide to use raffia window valances.

Finish off your look with complementary tropical accessories and lighting. You can decorate with shells and coral or broad leafed plants depending on the style you choose, or incorporate it all. Don’t forget to think about lighting. You can let in natural light to warm up your tropical bedroom and accent with a candle or two. Consider lamps that complement your décor or even install a ceiling fan with a light that has a tropical look. Look for pictures or paintings to hang that have the tropical feel you're looking for. Now just relax and enjoy your tropical bedroom retreat!

4 Tips to Make Your Home a Tropical Paradise

2012-03-29T07:13:00.003-07:00

Use bold, vibrant colors to liven up your space. You can easily add energy and tropical fun to your home by adding color. There are many ways to do this such as painting the walls, using vibrant tropical bedding, adding bold throw pillows to your sofa, or with wall art.
Let in the sunlight! Look around your home for ways to increase the natural light coming in. You don’t have to abandon window coverings, but tie back curtains and open the blinds. This combined with tropical style decorating will do lots to make your home feel more warm and tropical.
Use bamboo or vintage furniture and a couple of large plants. This can instantly give you a fun tropical feel and will add some character to your home. Any palm would look great or a broad leaf plant like a bird of paradise, and if you really don’t have a green thumb there’s no shame in going with a quality artificial plant.
Incorporate your outdoor space into your home. If you have a porch, deck, patio, or any yard at all make the most of it. Set up a comfortable seating area and decorate it a bit so that it feels like an extension of your tropical home.