The New Tropical Decorating Trend: Tropical Minimalism

Bring the sultry and sophisticated side of the tropics into your home by layering natural materials and refined finishes among lush palms and jungle-inspired designs tropical modernism

HOT AND HUMID

Trek into the jungle for your morning shower with a lush paper on one wall. Let your imagination run wild with themed or complementary pieces like this deep green mini-basin to maximise the impact – and the fun.

LIVING IT LARGE

Spacious, light-filled rooms can take strong design decisions. One dramatic painted wall is used to add atmosphere to this dining space, while allowing the natural textures to sing out.

FRAME YOUR FOLIAGE

How much is enough? This framed fabric is all it takes to beam the tropics directly into the space. Find a design that works with your style: here, the shape of these slim hand-drawn leaves complements the lines of the teak chair and sculptural floor lamp.

GOLDEN GLOW

Calming schemes don’t have to be pattern- or colour-free. Add a blind in a subtle leaf-inspired motif and pair it with prints and plants that echo the hints of horticulture. Focal points in wood and rattan introduce natural tones and textures to enhance the serene sensation.

A WARM WELCOME

A palm-scape panorama in a muted shade is a subtle and chic way to introduce the look without overwhelming a space. With woven leather, wood and linen, it is a combo that makes for a very pleasing place to hang your hat.

GOTTA HAND IT TO YOU

Want to change the vibe and re-energise your space? Discover your inner artist and paint a wall freehand – it’s a quick, easy and inexpensive update for any room.

NEW LEAF, NEW LOOK

A large leafy abstract design is what tropical modernism is all about. Add a slight pop of bright colour or small-scale pattern if you must, but keep the overall palette a mix of colour-coordinated plain fabrics and objects that make the pattern the star.

SIESTA READY

Remember that hammock under the stars? Feel at one with nature as you slumber thanks to a backdrop of boughs and branches – and beautiful bed linen in muted shades of green.

Photography: Jon Day

Styling: Karina Garrick

Lotte Brouwer

Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.