Home Decorating Ideas - How to Decorate Florida Style
Posted: Monday, May 04, 2009
by Candi Randolph
Simply Designed
I live in southwest Florida and have the opportunity to see sunshine, palm trees, flowers and beautiful ocean waters every day. Yes, it's great and I love my surroundings! There is something about a warm, sunny tropical environment that lifts the spirits of many people, myself included. Folks who live in this area of the country also have access to a vast amount of 'tropical decor' in retail establishments, so bringing some of the outdoors into our homes is quite easy and simple as we are decorating.
First, determine what room or area of your home is going to be part of this decorating project, and then decide what your budget is going to be. It is critical that you address these two important points before doing anything else. If you are decorating on a budget, which most of us are, that will dictate your approach to this tropical transformation.
Tropical colors can be bold and beautiful, in shades of blue, green, coral, turquoise, purple and yellow, so if you love color, this is a great decorating style for you. Conversely, you can create a beautiful tropical decor with soft colors as well, so there is no definite 'right' and 'wrong' path for you to take when it comes to color choices. I've had success with the following color palette, and although it is different than the color schemes mentioned above it worked very well. The walls of the guest bedroom were painted a medium shade of bronze-brown, floors were bamboo wood, window treatment was a simple off-white sheer tied back with a delicate silk leaf greenery, ceiling fan with faux bamboo paddles, simple palm tree sketches with brown frames on the walls, slim silk palm tree in the corner and a taupe iron bed with bedspread in cream, green and brown with a muted palm tree pattern. The understated theme of this room did not shout 'tropical style', but the color and accessory combinations worked very well in my Florida style home.
You may decide to bring the tropical atmosphere into the room in a big way by using a bright, bold color on the walls of your room. Or, you may opt for a muted shade on your walls and use the bright colors for accents in the room. Remember that the tropics includes naturals, including trees, trees and more trees, so a beautiful, realistic looking silk (or real if your green thumb and location will allow) palm tree or something similar will always look great. Keep in mind that you really do get what you pay for with silks, so choose the best that your budget will afford.
Accessorize thoughtfully and creatively, trying to avoid the types of commercial and over-used pieces that you probably see elsewhere. Look for a unique lamp that has a tropical feel. Remember as you shop to look online, for there are many great sources for tropical themed rugs. Choose carefully because one unique area or entry rug could potentially become the focal point of your tropical theme. Or, you might find artwork with a standard tropical theme, but the framing or artistry makes it stand out as unique and unduplicated.
Window treatments can include plantation shutters, wood blinds, lightweight fabrics and fun print valances, depending upon your style preferences. Avoid heavy, dark draping styles, as they are contrary to a tropical decor.
The same thought is applicable to the overall feel and look of the room. The upholstered furniture does not have to be wicker and white, but it should have a light overall 'feel' and appearance. For example, if you are striving for a tropical look to your room's decor, a navy blue and hunter green plaid sofa will probably not create the feel you are seeking. A sea foam green sofa with a combination of cream and coral accent pillows will take you in the tropical, or Florida style, direction.
Determine your tropical color scheme and how you will apply it to your room, shop for unique and notable (not necessarily expensive!) pieces, include natural textures, refrain from over-accessorizing, and you will be on your way to creating a beautiful Florida style decor, no matter where you live.
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Candi Randolph is the author of Ten Simple Steps to Design Success, a simple and easy home decorating guide. She is also the owner of Simply Designed...Decorating to Fit Your Budget, located in Southwest Florida. For more information please visit http://www.Great-Home-Decorating.com
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