The Ultimate Guide to Transforming Your Home into a Tropical Oasis

The cold weather and short daylight hours of the winter months can bring you down, especially when you’re stuck at home. If a tropical vacation isn’t in the cards for you right now, you’re not alone. Fortunately, with a few simple and affordable tweaks, you can create a warm, relaxing, tropical oasis right in your own home.

Natural Light

Most tropical décor has an uncluttered, open-air feel, and natural lighting plays a major role. When selecting a room or area to transform into your personal paradise, choose a space with as much natural light as possible. Not only will it bring your tropical theme to life, but natural light also has mood-boosting properties. (Pro tip: To let the light in without sacrificing privacy, try a peel-and-stick window film in a pattern that blends with your décor.) Maximize your tropical-resort vibes by removing any clutter and unnecessary furniture. Try to leave as much open space as possible.

Natural Materials and Textures

Again, tropical vibes are all about being in tune with nature, so you’ll want to incorporate as many natural elements as you can. Select fabrics and furnishings that feature natural or neutral materials and textures. Consider using sheer cotton or linen curtains for a light, airy feel. Try wooden furnishings with natural finishes. Rattan, bamboo, or live-edge pieces accentuate the tropical mood. To evoke a relaxed, “on-vacation” mood, stick to comfortable, unfussy, lounge-worthy pieces.

Tropical Prints and Colors

Incorporating tropical peel and stick wallpaper prints and colors is a key element in creating a home oasis. You can start with small touches, like a brightly patterned throw pillow; however, remember to avoid cluttering up your space with too many accessories.

To achieve the biggest impact with the least effort, add some tropical wall decals to one or more walls. After all, the tropic life is all about communing with nature, and nothing ruins that vibe faster than four stark white walls! Remember to maintain a balance between colorful prints and calming neutrals. With bold, vibrant walls, you’ll want to keep the floor, ceiling, and furnishings neutral and fairly monochromatic. If you have bright hues and patterns in the furniture or rug, opt for a more neutral wallpaper like a grasscloth print.

Live Plants

Take your tropical décor to the next level by adding some live plants. House plants are a beautiful and inexpensive way to truly bring nature into your space and help purify the air in your home. Before choosing plants, assess the amount of natural light and humidity level in your chosen space, and be sure to choose a plant variety that will thrive in those conditions. If you’re new to plant care, start with just one or two plants, adding more as you feel comfortable. In keeping with your tropical theme, choose pots or planters made from natural materials like wood, woven fibers, or clay. A woven basket makes an excellent planter, but don’t forget to put a pot inside, or else your basket will disintegrate.