Island Interiors

Imagine golden sandy shores, azure waters and a laid back, relaxing atmosphere and what do you get?...ISLAND INTERIORS! This week we are taking inspiration from gorgeous tropical islands and fun and funky island life with cool colour schemes, decor and accessories that will transform your home intro the perfect summer space. While the weather may be grey outside you can inject some sunshine into your home with a few simple yet stylish ideas.

Selecting the right colour scheme is key in creating a chilled out yet colourful space that reflects the fun of island life. Opt for calming blues such as azure, pastel blue, ocean blue and chalk blue and combine with bright fresh white for a clean and elegant look that is sure to create a relaxed feel in your chosen room. These tones can also be combined with sand and earthen hues for a more textural and cosy finish. If you are a lover of colour then select classic tropical hues such as fuchsia, turquoise, purple, orange and lime and use to create a bold feature wall or a zoned area of colour using accessories and textiles.

Soft furnishing should be used to create pattern and colour in your room with curtains, cushions, bedding, rugs and throws creating a functional and stylish finish in your chosen room. For a traditional island style design then opt for palm tree, banana leaf and hibiscus print patterns in deep, foliage green and white and pair with simple beige linen for a nature inspired partnership. If you prefer a more fun and quirky look then opt for bold cushion designs such as parrots, hammocks, pineapples and cocktails in bold colour schemes and place alongside a plain rug in bold pink or blue or a woven hemp rug for a mix and match of island styles.

Natural finishes and materials work really well in island inspired homes and can be used on both furniture and home accessories. Rattan style furniture such as seating, footstools and tables will look great among the bold interior colour schemes and creates a relaxed look that works perfectly in living room and dining room areas.  You could also select some large rattan vase, light shades, photo frames and lanterns for added visual detail. For a more sophisticated finish then select solid wood furniture in light beech or deep walnut with plenty of textural grain that will create a warming effect that compliments both relaxed and bold colour palettes.

No island inspired home would be complete without a selection of indoor plants and foliage that brings a sense of the outdoors, indoors and creates a beach side atmosphere in your chosen room. Select large rattan planters or woven colourful vases and display an array of palms, umbrella plants, banana plants and orchids in zoned areas around the room. This is the perfect way to draw attention to a plain feature wall, alcove space or can be used to highlight a sofa, seating area or bed frame for a pop of natural colour. For an added hint of island life then use some hollowed out coconuts to create some DIY tea light holders or create your very own mirror or photo frame using intertwined wicker or bamboo.

Where possible the colour and texture of the room should come from your textiles, accessories or a single feature wall so it is important to keep the rest of the room as plain and natural as possible. Select a wooden floor in light oak for smaller rooms or rich mahogany and walnut for larger interior spaces. For a modern look then accentuate a neutral wall with a funky tropical beach canvas or tone down a bold feature wall with a neutral tapestry or crocheted wall hanging that will create texture and visual pattern when hung above a fire place, bed or sofa.

For more ideas on creating an island inspired home interior, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Island Interiors