British summers never quite live up to the scorchers you dream of, so this year, don’t moan about the inevitable lack of one. Instead, fake it by injecting some tropical into your territory with bold prints, faux ferns and the odd flamingo.
There’s no need to go overboard – instead try to evoke some exotic escapism using statement pieces of furniture, plants and little reminders of warmer climes.
Here are some simple ways to bring a taste of the tropics into your home this season:
At one with nature
As the trend of bringing the outside in continues, people are getting more adventurous with the plants they choose to surround themselves with.
Take inspiration from Kew’s Palm House, but before your green fingers go wild, think about the space you have and how best to incorporate greenery into the room without creating a greenhouse.
Start with a banana tree, which likes a warm room (at least 12°C), plenty of daylight but not direct sunlight. Apparently it can yield edible bananas at home – we wouldn’t hold our breath!
Picture source: The Joy of Plants
For a stylish splash of colour, try Bromeliads. They flower once a year, but the bloom lasts up to six months.
Picture sources: The Joy of Plants & Bromsocnsw
The lion sleeps tonight…
Filling your bedroom with tropical things isn’t quite as good as waking up in a treehouse on stilts. Let’s hope it at least helps you dream of far off places, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the real world when you wake.
From fern to flamingo, these fun bed sets from Junique are stylish, a little silly and perfect for getting cosy under. Prices start from £59.
Picture Source: Junique
For something a little more subtle, opt for some cool prints to hang above the bed. We love these from Etsy sellers VictoranWallArt, RRP $80 (left) and Mariery Young, RRP £25 (right).
Picture sources: VictoranWallArt & Mariery Young
Go green
Tropical isn’t all about surrounding yourself with big, pink, print flowers. Instead, channel the lush vegetation of a tropical rainforest.
2017’s Pantone of the year is Greenery, so there’s plenty of green tones popping up in wallpaper designs and furnishings – perfect for creating a leafy, tranquil vibe…
After a small but bold statement? Try this Nina Campbell Palmetto fabric, great for covering cushions or an armchair if you’re feeling brave.
Picture source: Palmetto
For something more private and steamy, try a tropical print shower curtain. Close your eyes and imagine you’re in that famous shampoo advert… not standing in the tub under your tempermental, hand-held shower.
Etsy has a good selection of shower curtains like these ones from Tablished Works, RRP from £32.
Picture source: Tablished Works
Tropical thrones
A chair says a lot about you, so make the right statement with yours. If you’re ready to leave Aylesbury behind and channel your inner Amazon, park yourself on one of these… just lean back, shut your eyes and you’ll hear the sounds of the jungle in a jiffy.
Want to go all out? Opt for this handcrafted La Redoute Malu Rattan Chair, guaranteed to leave you feeling like George of the Jungle, RRP £249.
Picture source: La Redoute
For a slightly more affordable perch, try this Notonthehighstreet.com lightweight deckchair, perfect for your next jungle trek (or trip to Brighton beach), RRP £69.
Picture source: Notonthehighstreet.com
When the seasonal ‘it’ colour, material or style is all anyone talks about, it can be hard to know whether to re-decorate the whole house or just incorporate a few items to keep up.
Trends come full circle, so if you’re nervous to throw last season’s buys why not put them in storage instead? Shurgard has 26 accessible locations across London and the Thames Valley, so you can easily get to them if you need a break from the flamingos!
How have you brought the tropical trend into your home? Share your ideas, best buys and more below.
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