There's more to tropical decor than a potted palm in a corner. Of course it is an integral part of the theme and can't be done without. There is however a wide variety to choose from, the most popular being the Kentia Palm, Bamboo Palm, and the Lady Palm, each contributing to a different look by itself and an amazing ambiance in a group.
A tropical decor would call for lush greens and earthy browns, with as many natural products as possible thrown in. There is a kind of sparseness in spite of all the lushness which is what has to be borne in mind throughout. To achieve this remove all rugs, carpets, and throws. The curtains could be replaced with rattan, sisal or bamboo blinds that tame the strong sunshine and lets it enter in muted shades.
Wicker is the furniture of choice, but teak and mahogany or anything that looks similar would do as well. Embellish side tables, sofa tables and occasional tables with baskets, bowls or other objects made of bamboo, sisal, mat, or grass. Artifacts made of copper, brass, and iron lend a touch of panache to an otherwise earthy ambiance. Wrought iron in the form of candle sticks, wall art, or small pieces of furniture works well with the palms gracing a corner.
A large stuffed animal may work for some folks while others may prefer their German shepherd lounging around, for a touch of the majestic. Various ethnic elephant statues in festival finery, cute monkeys, and other animal art is a great way to extend the tropical beyond the ordinary. Wall art could include straw hats, hand held fans of rattan or straw, framed batik prints of tropical flowers such as the hibiscus, or fabulous figures that complement the decor.
A bowl of fruit is a normal occurrence for any kitchen or dining table, but for a tropical look, fill it with a pineapple, pawpaw, and some bananas. If you can lay your hands on an old table fan, set it up on a corner table.
Try combining the tropical beach look with some nautical decor. Substitute the animal theme with the marine. Display a large conch shell or a collection of small shells. White wicker and large blue cushions spell nautical with a capital N. A sailor's cap or a life belt on the wall leaves no one in doubt as to your intentions. Another interesting display could be of empty liquor bottles of interesting shapes, sizes and colors. So just because you don't live in the tropics doesn't mean you have to do without it.
Great Room Decorating Ideas
Think about it - what other room (besides your kitchen) do you use as much as your bathroom? A bathroom is a great place to really make your own, whether as a showcase for a great antique vanity mirror, to a handcrafted artisan glass sink, to a spa-like retreat - or even just a fun place for the kids' bath time. The choice is yours!
Let's start with these two basic questions:
1) what would you like to do, and
2) how much would you like to spend to do it?
Some older homes' bathrooms tend to be on the smaller side - so you may want to earmark extra cash for any plumbing upgrades within the wall, or possibly expanding the footprint of the room itself. On the plus side, if everything looks ok structurally speaking in your older home's bath, you can focus on just re-decorating, which will be significantly easier - and less costly.
If you're in a newer home, you may be in luck- most of the modern plumbing upgrades were probably built in. Now you can start to have fun making the bathroom your own. So let's get down to business.
Budget Details
Less than $300
On a shoestring? Not to worry - you may be a little more limited, but remember - a smaller upgrade can make a big difference. Consider a quick new coat of paint in a new color scheme, brand new hardware (like towel racks, soap dishes, drawer pulls - even a new doorknob)...these little changes can make your bath feel brand new.
$300 - $600
If you can afford to spend a bit more cash, think about the suggestions above, and consider some additional upgrades like a new shower curtain, hotel quality bath & hand towels, a cozy rug, even a new mirror or medicine chest. To top it off, look into new light fixtures to show off all your efforts.
$600 and Up
When you're committed to making a change. At this stage, look into options for bigger-ticket upgrades: a spa tub, furniture-quality vanities, artisan glass or fired clay sinks, and designer toilets and faucets. If you're handy, you can take some of the punch out of the bottom line by doing some work yourself - such as replacing sink or bath faucets - but the larger-scale work will need to be done by a professional. Typically, this is where the bulk of your costs will fall.
Other Options
Rather than doing a full demolition, you can also look into some cost-saving alternatives such as tub re-glazing (about $500) and re-grouting or re-tiling bathroom walls. The work typically takes only a few days (as opposed to weeks) and can make an immediate change for a fraction of the cost of a full remodeling.
Remember, you don't have to spend a fortune to get the look you want. Check out your local home center and independent bathroom showcase stores. Another great place for inspiration is online. You'll get a better idea of what you're looking for, and you might be able to find a bargain at the same time!
Russ Roman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Bathroom Decor, Bathroom Home Improvement. Russ Roman ? Express D'cor public relations. ExpressDecor is offering bathroom fixtures and accessories, including glass vessel sinks, faucets, showers, vanities and bathroo. Russ Roman's top article generates over 1900 views. Bookmark Russ Roman to your Favourites.
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