Patio Decorating Ideas | Tropical Paradise Patio

When you think of the tropics blue is one color that always comes to mind. The ocean and the cloudless sky go hand in hand with the islands. But what other colors are reflective of the topics? 

• Oranges - the sun, tropical florals such as a bird of paradise flower
• Greens - the lush vegetation, almost jungle like -- the palm trees, ground cover, grass and more have a lot of different hues of green
• Pinks & Purples - Again the tropical flowers that spring up from the ground, trees and shrubs
• Tans or Beiges - Bring to mind the sandy and miles of beach
• Whites - Like the fluffy clouds, seashells and flowers, shades of white always fit with a tropical theme

Each color has different ranges from vibrant or electric to softer, understated hues. Neither are wrong, neither are right -- it's all in your choice of style. 

A more modern color scheme would use the more vibrant colors, whereas a Hemingway-esque tropical retreat may lean more towards the softer hues. 

You don't need to have a home situated with a view of the ocean or a swimming pool to have a tropical patio theme, but water of some sort is helpful. Running water is soothing, calming. this can be accomplished through water fountains or small yard ponds with a pump that continuously cycles the water. 

If neither of these options are viable for your tropical patio, a birdbath or table top water fountain are other options. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes that will allow you to add a water feature at an affordable price. 

The small accents available for a tropical patio theme are endless. You can go all out -- in your face -- with your tropical theme or more subtle with suggestions of the tropics. 

To go all out, you could -

• Use an umbrella with a thatched top
• Add tiki torches around the perimeter of the patio
• Buy lighted, outdoor palm trees to scatter around
• Hang a hammock in the patio area
• Hang themed string lights -- margarita glasses, flamingos, palm trees and more are available
• Use bamboo poles in planters or around the perimeter in groupings of two or more with fish net hung between
• Build a set of pilings like you would see on a dock using round poles and heavy hemp roping

To be a bit more subtle in your tropical theme, you could:

• Use fabric to soften the look. Hang gauzy fabric (mosquito netting, outdoor sheers, etc..) in a soft white from pergola, deck or arbor support beams. Tie them in a knot towards the bottom or tie them to the beams using jute or hemp cording.
• Add toss pillows in lighter shades of blues, greens, yellows and oranges to tie in the tropical colors.
• Use a natural rug like jute or sisal to define sitting areas or dining areas. They provide a homey, welcoming feel. 
• Add shutters to the outside of the house in prominent areas (e.g. center of a seating or dining area). They don't have to be over actual windows, think of them as wall art -- creating the feel of plantation shutters you would find in old English Caribbean style bungalows. 
• Choose shades of white, beige or real wood for your furniture frames. They will act as the base. Accent with cushions in deeper shades of of those same colors or chose large prints or patterns in the softer, tropical shades as the cushion fabric.
• Create your own overhead shade by using fabric attached to the house at two corners and supports in the other two corners. The front supports could be bamboo or spear headed metal poles cemented in a pretty planter or container for stability. 

image used with permission - source:  © Kevin Tietz | Dreamstime.com

Different people have different ideas about a tropical paradise. Some go tiki/luau all the way with the fun, fruity umbrella clad drinks, island music and leis. Others prefer a more calming, British colony type Caribbean feel. 

If you have had the opportunity to visit a tropical destination or themed hotel/resort, what was the decor like? What elements really made you feel like it was paradise? Add these things to your list of decor options.

Whatever style reminds you of the tropics can be easily replicated on your own patio, porch or deck. Be picky with your accessories. They are often the pieces guests remember the most -- think conversation pieces. 

Put as much thought and planning into designing and decorating your patio area as you do the rooms of your home. You'll be much more likely to enjoy the patio if you like the decor! 

Image source used with permission: © Mirafilm | Dreamstime.com