What is it about Caribbean decor that evokes a refreshing tropical vibe? Today’s Caribbean style can be mastered by paying homage to the calming turquoise waters and the abundant flora and fauna. With unforgettable hues, crisp textiles, and wooden pieces, you can create a stunning island-inspired space.
Color
The Caribbean islands have been influenced by a multitude of cultures from French and Spanish to Dutch, African, and English. These cultures blend into a unique style on tropical furnishings and decor. That means incorporating plenty of bright colors and sun-bleached white accents for a natural, beachy vibe. Quite different than Nantucket, Caribbean colors are not your traditional blue and white. Instead, they include more vibrant, eye-catching colors such as corals, peaches, lime and even sometimes yellow. Taking inspiration from the surrounding underwater life, jungle life and all the sunrises and sunsets in between.
Furniture
Caribbean furniture brings in beautiful wooden accents and adds depth and contrast. Bamboo, rattan, and wicker furnishings are great choices for Caribbean-inspired spaces.The furniture is not only functional but can tend to be the star of your Caribbean style beach house, so it’s important to get it right. Try using color materials for the fabric, decorated with patterns and styles that are inspired by the aqua waters and blazing sunsets. You want to try and bring out the life of the island in the furniture. It’s not uncommon for outdoor furniture to be used indoors. It makes perfect sense because our lifestyle on the island revolves around our natural surroundings. So things like outside wooden/wicker chairs make a great addition to a Caribbean influenced living room.
Accents
Caribbean homes are set in lush tropical hillsides or breezy beaches with plant life all about. So it’s no wonder that you’ll find pots used both indoors and out. Try bringing a bit of the natural flora inside by filling them with vibrant Bird of Paradise, Ti leaves and Bougainvillea or just as a catch all for those rainy day umbrellas.
Baskets made from local artisans displayed in vignettes or as wall art make a great addition to any Caribbean home. In line with keeping the decor tropical means keeping the materials organic. Whether made of palm leaves, banana leaves or bamboo, you can’t go wrong with a pair or grouping of locally made handicraft. Set on an entrance table they can serve as a place to catch the days beach findings.
Other ways to personalize your Caribbean inspired home is to think of your hobbies. Do you fish, you might display your family antique rods and lures. Or, are your surfing days over? Why not hang the vintage board as artwork. Paddles and all sorts of other water themed gear can be repurposed as decor to give your home a personal touch.
If this is all still overwhelming, remind yourself that Caribbean style is meant to be easy breezy and joyful.
