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
Despite the strong influences of its cosmopolitan heritage, there is a unique culture that continually bubbles within the heart of the
What is the
The
Here’s how to create the look and feel of the
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
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
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
Use exotic hardwoods like teak, mahogany, rosewood and
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
If a green thumb eludes you, synthetic palms and other
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
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
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

6 comments:
Hey...great info..by the way, that should be "jalousie" in ref. to the windows....hope you are feeling better...
Thanks Sita. Well there you go making use of your editing training. Despite my editing I missed that one but I've already made correctons.
Cheryl,
I could move right in now! I love your ideas and perspective and can envision myself doing this when the right house comes to call. There is something so happy and inviting about Caribbean style. I am a beach girl, so this probably explains my penchant for what you've written. I can hear the steel drums as I write....Lovely post!
Hugs!
Thank you Jan. Here's what. When that special house comes calling, I'll come and help you decorate and cook lunch for you too. We'll eat on the porch with steelband music in the background and the sun, sea and sand just outside.
I accept, Cheryl. Oh, how lovely that would be. I've added this new blog of yours to my blog roll. I love your energy here. Keep up the great work. Home is such an important thing for women to get in touch with. It reflects our heart and soul. I believe very much in creating sacred space for ourselves through our home. Someday I will take some photos of my nest on the Bay and share some of its sacred space with readers. Ever considered doing that? Hugs!
Yes, it is something I plan to do here eventually.
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