10 Ways to Add Island Style to Your Home
Hola Friends!
We're sharing our top 10 ideas so you can bring that Island vibe to your home. Think laid back, easy, breezy, effortless & chic spaces that will make you feel like you're somewhere in the Caribbean!
1. Island Staples : Bamboo & Rattan
Source: Coastal Living
Don't you just love how Island interiors feel casual & organic? It's because there's a blend of natural products like bamboo, rattan, wicker, jute & seagrass. There's also an element of ease, nothing has to " match", pieces should tell a story, and if you're lucky enough to find a sweet little rattan settee you're all set!
Infuse your room with pieces that are tied to nature, whether its bamboo framed chair, capiz mirror, shell chandelier or quirky console table you can re-paint. We often upholster vintage chairs in bright and tropical fabrics - they become star pieces of a room and will last for years.
Scour flea markets, second hand shops & garage sales for accent tables, hutches & book cases. Sand & re-paint in a fresh coastal hue to compliment your space ( check out our must have coastal paint colors swatches on our other blog posts)
2. Create a Resort-Style Master Bedroom
Remember the luxurious feel of a beautiful hotel room? It's easy to relax with all the opulent touches, crisp bedding & attention to detail.
Source: Kate McIntyre and Brad Huntzinger
You can re-create this look at home by painting your room white - our go to shade is Simply White by Ben. Moore for walls and trim. Choose simple white bedding, and add an accent color for throw cushions, blankets & pillows (corals, lemons, teals and pinks are perfect).
A bamboo effect poster bed like this one in gold is a refreshing update on the typical dark island bed you see, but there are so many choices it's a matter of what appeals to you most. We've used some gorgeous headboards with woven inserts, open rattan detail or upholstered tropical prints and they all create this same Island feeling. You may gravitate towards a wood sleigh bed, choose all white or dark cherry, both are perfect options.
Simple nightstands like the ones shown here work well with such a statement bed, but most of us need more storage so opt for pieces that are both pretty & practical.
Lush green tropical palm fonds look stunning in clear vases or opt for oversized wallpapers, prints or murals like the one shown here.
We add minimal accessories, so everything looks sleek, but the ones we do have been carefully chosen. Think a pretty ring dish, a polished silver frame capturing a black and white photo from your last vacation, a good book on your nightstand or a pretty piece of coral.
Don't forget to how the room smells. Add your favorite scented candle, maybe jasmine or coconut that captures the tropics.
3. Skip the Drapes
No tropical interior is complete without plantation shutters. Their simple, low maintenance style is a must for Island homes, allowing plenty of light & air flow into the room.
Source: Jillian Harris
You may not be living in the Caribbean ( yet :) but you'll be surprised at how much this adds to the feeling that you are. So go ahead, skip the drapes and enjoy clean lines & an light and airy space.
4. Create a Lush Bathroom
Source:Planet-Deco
The master bathroom is the perfect opportunity to create your very own island escape.
Simply designed, an oversized vanity with room for plush white towels, bamboo baskets (to hide all your goodies) & lots of fresh island treats ( think fresh mango hand soaps, key lime scrubs & coconut lotions) will make you feel like you're on vacation everyday!
The woven blinds provide just enough privacy without over powering this all white space and they lend to the casual vibe of the room.
If you're not blessed with tropical foliage outside your door (but isn't it just dreamy?) you can add potted palms - inside or out.
5. Add Hot Island Hues
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
In addition to gallons of white paint, no Island interior is complete without lots of color.
So go ahead, channel the tropics with fresh inspiration...create an interior using these hot island hues.
6. Showcase Your Memories
Create a dramatic first impression - over sized pieces wow entry tables & hallways. In an all white interior, art and accessories take on greater importance, so choose meaningful pieces and create a setting that showcases your memories.
Source: Tuvalu Home
We love the contrast of the blue against the white and touches of gold & silver in smaller pieces prove that you really can mix and match you metals.
In a foyer or hallway, oversized tables like the one above hide away all your clutter whilst being effortlessly stylish.
7. Don't be Afraid of Black
Source: Lifestyle Etc
You may not consider black much of an Island color, but when used correctly, it makes quite the statement.
This kitchen looks timeless thanks to all the white and the inclusion of the antique wood pieces & rattan light shades exudes the laid-back ease of the islands. The finishing touches have to be given to the palm fonds and fresh fruit - don't you just feel like you're somewhere else?
8. Go Bold Outdoors
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
No Island home would be complete without a stunning outdoor area, but depending on where you live, that may be tricky. When the weather is co-operating, opt for bright colors like turquoise, pink, coral and orange and make relaxation a priority.
With beautiful fabrics like Sunbrella, your colors won't fade and it won't matter if you suddenly encounter a " tropical" rain storm :)
We love to mix and match our seating but what better than a porch swing? Check out Pinterest for hundreds of designs on how to make your own or invest in one and enjoy it for years to come.
Most important in re-creating this tropical oasis has to be the foliage, so again, get out your pots or dig up your boarders and plant a few palms. Voila!
9. Create a Colorful Welcome
Source: Remodelaholic
What better way to greet guests than with a stand out front door ? Choose your favorite hot hue and prepare guests for the interiors that will make them feel they've take a tropical getaway. Hues like coral are perfect, but feel free to pick what works for you. Turquoise, yellow, green & teal are also Island staples.
Don't forget the finishing touches, a seagrass welcome mat would be a lovely addition, or how about a seahorse door knocker? Get researching all the possibilities and have fun!
10. Island Accessories
Source: Homes Goods
No Island interior is complete without sand dollars, shells & pieces of coral. Display your ocean finds, sea glass bottles, trinkets & sponges on an open bookshelf or credenza.
Design tip : add stacks of books and vary the height to create interest. Wrap the spines in white or brown paper for a cohesive feel.
Alternate weathered pieces, branches, rocks - whatever you have to hand and showcase your trips to the beach.
We hope we've given you lots of great ideas so you can start to re-design your home. As always, be sure to share your before & after piccies, we'd love to see what you've done!
Xo Michelle & Maralyn
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