Ideas for creating a Caribbean style in your home

You’ve seen the ads in magazines, on the internet and on large posters at your local travel agency and they always send you into a state of wanton dreaming. Well, dream no more, for you can surround yourself with the colorful and exciting style of the Caribbean right where you live.

Despite the strong influences of its cosmopolitan heritage, there is a unique culture that continually bubbles within the heart of the Caribbean people and it is evident in the way they decorate their homes.

What is the Caribbean style?

The Caribbean style is best described as simplicity with a touch of colonial elegance. It is a lively array of cultures, almost like dots of different shapes, sizes and colors on a piece of fabric. It is a relaxed island culture, yet vibrant in its cuisine, music, dance, relationships and design. Its colors are as vivid as the landscape of mountains lush with shades of green, white sand, and sparkling blue water of its beaches. It reeks of comfort, warmth and a touch of the exotic using restful as well as vibrant colors and natural textural elements. It has a fresh appeal with touches of the traditional.

Here’s how to create the look and feel of the Caribbean in your own home.

Architecture

Remember that the region is strongly influenced by his colonial heritage so exercise restraint in the use of architectural finishes. You don’t want to create a colonial room or home but one with a Caribbean flavor. That means Caribbean flavor with subtle hints of history - subtle being the keyword.

Build a balcony or porch surrounded with wood, decorative concrete blocks or wrought iron to create a quiet outdoor spot just off the kitchen, dining, family or living room to read, relax or entertain.

Use jalousies and shutters for a taste of a bygone era. Add simple or elaborate wooden fretwork as details around doors, windows or archways.

Colors

Neutral tones are the foundation of this style. Nevertheless, the Caribbean palette is influenced by palm trees and sunny skies mingled with bright hues reflecting the culture and history of the region. Quiet pastels-hued buildings will live happily next door to homes shouting with vibrant colors, so be brave with your color choices.

Green is everywhere; use it in shades that range from mint to avocado and from greenish yellows to hunter and moss green. Accent a quiet room with warm colors like bright yellow, mustard yellow, red, and terracotta. Or cool down a warm room with blues in its varied shades.

Flooring

Terrazzo, tile, stone and concrete are as durable as you can get but they are cold. If you want a floor covering with a warmer feel install hardwood or cousin, laminate wood.

Add comfort on cold ceramic and stone floors, accent with area rugs. Bring in the natural look of the stylish, dressier sisal or the rugged, more rustic jute rugs. Other choices might be rugs featuring palm trees, banana leaves or stylized florals

Bring the outdoors in with a bright and colorful abstract rug.

Furniture & Finishes

Furniture in a room with a Caribbean theme is usually large scale and selected for comfort and function. Accent pieces in wicker, bamboo, wrought iron and rattan fit well with the look.

Use exotic hardwoods like teak, mahogany, rosewood and Guyana greenheart for furniture. Mix in chairs, sofas and tables and a myriad of accents made from natural materials like cane, seagrass, water hyacinth, and rattan.

Fabrics

Fabrics should be soft to the touch, durable and colorful. Look for cotton fabrics with prints that feature palm trees, banana leaves, and tropical plants with vivid blooms like hibiscus, bougainvillea, anthurium, orchids and Bird of Paradise. For a more refined look incorporate silks and floral-printed linen.

A common decorating practice is to use neutral, solid and textured upholstery fabrics which give you the flexibility to use pillows, ottomans and side chairs in jungle, leaf and floral prints.

Plants

Large plants, especially palm trees add height and are a perfect addition to your Caribbean room. Place them in corners and uplight with inexpensive can lights for nighttime drama.

If a green thumb eludes you, synthetic palms and other Caribbean greenery and flowers inside and outside will give you the lush tropical atmosphere you desire.

Accessories

Look to the beach for inspiration and find ways to incorporate them into the room. Tropical plants set in wicker planters, shells displayed in jars or shadow boxes and baskets, mats and rugs made of natural materials like rattan and seagrass will all infuse the room with a warm-weather atmosphere.

Avoid overdoing the room’s accessories. A few large plants, lamps and some carefully selected large-scale pieces will usually be enough. Avoid lots of tiny little items and keep it simple and spare. Remember this is a relaxed and comfortable style.

Include wooden bowls, and baskets. They are the mainstay of a comfortable and relaxed mood in any room and definitely in a room decorated in a Caribbean style.

Artwork

Generally, artwork looks best if it reflects the color scheme of the room. Ideally, hang them with the center at eye-level or slightly higher. Select art that depicts the beach or village scene, an interesting character, floral and fauna or a colorful Caribbean abstract. Of you could choose to pay tribute to Caribbean artist like

Lighting

Often this decorative and functional element is often overlooked. Yet your light fixture can add whimsy with floral or leafy embellishments. Use dark lamps shades to add visual weight to a room decorated with light colors.

Like with all other decorating styles, a Caribbean style can and should be tweaked to reflect your own individuality. Aim for the look of a lush atmosphere which gives you a mix of textures, bold and intricate patterns, and lively colors with simple details and a few large accessories. But whatever you do, make sure your personality shines through.