Wallpaper should be grasscloth or a vinyl texture, murals would depict outdoor scenes of beaches, palm trees, tropical plants and animals, or rainforest. Furniture of rattan, wicker, bamboo, or driftwood, with large animal prints, or island scenes for upholstery.  Fabrics should be loose textured…burlap or chenille are good examples. Hardwood or bamboo floors are the best, but simple, neutral ceramic tile works, too.

 Colors will range from the lightest of beige to the darkest browns, including pale yellow and mellow golds.  Any blue or green found in nature can be used, but limit your reds to a muted color or the bluish fushias of tropical flowers.

 Lighting can be driftwood lamps, tiki torches, or swag fixtures made up of colored balls.  An indoor fountain can be nestled into a grouping of silk palms and banana plants.  Monkeys and exotic birds can be perched on curtain rods or plants. A tall elephant with raised trunk can be a floor lamp or a coat tree.

 Windows can be anything from plantation shutters to lightweight sheers to simple bamboo shades with draped mosquito netting.  Accessorize with wicker or iron trunks, for end tables, coffee table or storage. Lightweight screens can be used to divide rooms, provide window cover, or just for show. Vases of colorful exotic flowers should be everywhere.  Tropical fish would be a plus.

 Don’t limit this look to your public rooms.  Follow through to the master bedroom, by hanging mosquito netting from your bed. Make the master bath feel tropical and luxurious with white painted wicker, lots of plants, and colorful, flowery towels and throw rugs. A wicker trunk next to the tub can store convenience items or be used as a table top or seating.  The same holds true if you place one or two at the foot of the bed.

 Some bamboo or jute rugs and mats, and a few ceiling fans of natural wood or rattan will complete your picture. Don’t overdo it, and avoid lots of small knicknacks.  Hang a few animal prints on the walls, put on the island music, light a few candles, and enjoy!