Make every day feel like a vacation with the right tropical aesthetic. Tropical interiors exude relaxation and give you all the vibes of island-living right in your own home. If you love bold pops of color and up-to-date beachy decor, you'll love tropical chic! But, what is tropical chic design? We go over this stylish take on tropical interiors, below.

What Is Tropical Chic Design?
How to Recreate the Tropical Chic Look at Home

What Is Tropical Chic Design?

Chic tropical style combines trendy decor elements with laid-back, nature-inspired style for a vibrant and sophisticated take on tropical interiors. It's fun, it's fresh, and it’s tailorable to you. Imagine artsy flamingo prints, metallic pineapple figurines, coral-patterned accessories, hibiscus flowers, and abstract palm tree designs fit for a stylish retreat – and that's just to name a few! The goal is to add a trendy elegance to your tropical space.

Tropical Chic vs. Traditional Tropical Style

So, what sets tropical chic style apart from traditional tropical interiors? Both love breezy textiles, woven silhouettes, nature motifs, bold colors, and lush green foliage. However, traditional tropical design focuses more on natural elements and relaxation. In contrast, tropical chic interiors use cool decor upgrades and contemporary tropical furnishings to create the go-to spot for after-beach cocktails and coastal-inspired entertaining. Where a traditional tropical space might have a beige sofa for calming vibes, the chic tropical space might have a hot pink sofa with a Bird of Paradise plant pattern. Learn more about the basic principles of traditional tropical style in, Tropical Decorating: What Is Tropical Interior Design & How to Recreate It.

How to Recreate the Tropical Chic Look at Home

Now that you know what chic tropical design is, let's dive into all of the fun ways you can incorporate it into your home. There are so many ways to get the look with simple decor upgrades or bold furniture swaps.

1. Bold & Beachy Color Schemes

Tropical chic spaces love bold pops of hot pink, fuchsia, coral, aqua, and citrus-inspired oranges, yellows, and greens because they reflect the beautiful color schemes found in a tropical paradise. You may also notice metallic notes of gold or silver as these add that bit of sophistication and style that this aesthetic loves. Review our guide on How to Decorate With a Tropical Color Palette to learn more.

2. Playful Rattan Elements

When it comes to achieving the tropical chic look, you don't want to skimp on woven rattan accents! Rattan is also a go-to material for traditional tropical spaces, but chic tropical interior design takes this material and gives it a modern spin. Look for table lamps, decorative trays, mirrors, accent chairs, and tables with scalloped edges or unique woven patterns to incorporate rattan in a contemporary way. This infuses your space with curved forms that resemble the classic scallop shape that comes to mind when we think of seashells. There are so many ways to add rattan to your home that we compiled a list of decor and furniture to keep on your radar:

• Rattan Table Lamps
• Rattan Decorative Trays
• Rattan Accent Mirrors
• Rattan Accent Chairs
• Rattan End & Side Tables
• Rattan Headboards

3. Eye-Catching Tropical Patterns

Tropical chic patterns use fun colors and abstract designs to create a fresh contemporary vibe while packing a punch. Palm fronds, flamingos, coral, seashells, and tropical fruit patterns fill spaces with exotic shapes and colors. Incorporate these patterns through wallpaper, wall art, furniture upholstery, and throw pillow designs. Here are some examples to get started:

• Tropical Wallpaper
• Tropical Abstract Wall Art
• Tropical Abstract Area Rugs
• Tropical-Patterned Throw Pillows
• Tropical Bedding Sets

4. Tropical Greenery & Sleek Gold Furnishings

Balance natural elements with contemporary furnishings to get the tropical chic look. Contrast lush palm trees, banana leaf plants, and other tropical houseplants with streamlined, modern furnishings. Opt for gold metal side tables and furnishings with tapered legs to create an open, breezy feel that's oh-so on-trend.

5. Artful & Fun Tropical Chic Decor

The best part about tropical chic decor is that it can instantly transform a room and add a bit of style to laid-back tropical spaces. Focus your decor search around decorative coral, painted seashells, metallic pineapples, palm tree or sea creature figurines, and flamingo statues to get started. Here's a list of tropical decor to cultivate the chic aesthetic you've been dreaming of:

• Palm Tree Decorative Objects
• Sea-Life Decorative Objects
• Flamingo Decorative Objects
• Tropical Decorative Objects

Tip!

Get more tropical chic ideas with these 18 Tropical Decor Ideas to Create a Resort-Like Feel at Home.

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