12 Key Decorating Tips to Make Any Room Better

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Blue

The colour palatte in a contemporary home is vital. Neutral tones can define and dominate the decor, to evoke tropical hues, I use blue colour accents. It evokes imagery of the colour of the ocean, clear skies and the beach.

Teak, Metal, Concrete and Glass

Combining exotic local materials with modern designs can create a contemporary tropical feel in a house. The key is the keep the interiors sophisticated, sleek and inviting, while seamlessly blending into its natural landscapes.

Plantation Chair

Authentic pieces can add personality when styling interiors. I recently purchased a 1930s anglo indian plantation chair, and it is certainly a conversational piece in our home. The rough rattan seat, with the elegantly carved frame evokes memories of these chairs on my trips to Sri lanka. Made out of rosewood or teak, these chairs have evolved from the colonial history in which they are steeped into to adapt to the humid, tropical environment. 

Patterned Furniture

Layering in neutral tones can seem quite dull. By adding patterned furniture as a design elements, gives the room a focal point by brightening up the room. Using patterns on several furniture pieces works when the scale of the print is the same throughout the room.

Chinoiserie

Using colour accents can help bring the decorative design elements into the home. With tropical styling, blue tones evoke feelings of the ocean, clear sunny skies, and non-cloudy days. I love the use of chinoiserie decorative touches to bring out the blue tones in contemporary, tropical rooms.

Ralph Lauren's House in Montego Bay, Jamaica;

Curtains

Simplicity and neutral palattes evoke contemporary tones in a tropical styled home. My preference is for sheer ivory fabrics, that pool and billow in an open breeze.

Love this pop of colour behind the heavy fabric of the drape. Perfect way to inject colour in a neutral palate.

Outdoor spaces can also be dressed with sheer curtain fabrics to inspire.