People who live in warm sunny climates (yes, I'm one of the lucky ones!) have an abundance of sunshine, greenscapes, flowers and warm, tropical air to enjoy every day. We also have many local home decor choices when it comes to tropical or Florida style decorating, so if we choose to bring the outdoors into our homes, it's quite simple.

What can be done if you want that same tropical sunshine feel in your home but you don't live in my area of the world? Or, you may reside in a warm climate, but want to do something more creative than palm tree pictures and place mats. Whatever the situation, you can create a beautiful tropical home decor that uniquely expresses your lifestyle.

First, determine what room or area of your home is going to be part of this decorating project, and then decide what your budget is going to be. It is critical that you address these two important points before doing anything else. If you are decorating on a budget, which most of us are, that will dictate your approach to this tropical transformation.

Tropical colors can be bold and beautiful, in shades of blue, green, coral, turquoise, purple and yellow, so if you love color, this is a great decorating style for you. Conversely, you can create a beautiful tropical decor with soft colors as well, so there is no definite 'right' and 'wrong' path for you to take when it comes to color choices. I've had success with the following color palette, and although it is different than the color schemes mentioned above it worked very well. The walls of the guest bedroom were painted a medium shade of bronze-brown, floors were bamboo wood, window treatment was a simple off-white sheer tied back with a delicate silk leaf greenery, ceiling fan with faux bamboo paddles, simple palm tree sketches with brown frames on the walls, slim silk palm tree in the corner and a taupe iron bed with bedspread in cream, green and brown with a muted palm tree pattern. The understated theme of this room did not shout 'tropical style', but the color and accessory combinations worked very well in my Florida style home.

You may decide to bring the tropical atmosphere into the room in a big way by using a bright, bold color on the walls of your room. Or, you may opt for a muted shade on your walls and use the bright colors for accents in the room. Remember that the tropics includes naturals, including trees, trees and more trees, so a beautiful, realistic looking silk (or real if your green thumb and location will allow) palm tree or something similar will always look great. Bear in mind that you really do get what you pay for with silks, so choose the best that your budget will afford.

Accessorize thoughtfully and creatively, trying to avoid the types of commercial and over-used pieces that you probably see elsewhere. Look for a unique lamp that has a tropical feel. Remember as you shop to look online, for there are many great sources for tropical themed rugs. Your area or entry rug could potentially become the focal point of your tropical theme, so take your time as you look, because there are some fantastic choices. Or, you might find artwork that is tropical in overall look but unique in it's framing, thus giving you an accessory that is not readily duplicated.

Window treatments can include plantation shutters, wood blinds, lightweight fabrics and fun print valances, depending upon your style preferences. Avoid heavy, dark draping styles, as they are contrary to a tropical decor.

The same applies to the overall look and feel of your room. The upholstered furniture does not have to be wicker and white, but it should have a light overall 'feel' and appearance. For example, if you are striving for a tropical look to your room's decor, a navy blue and hunter green plaid sofa will probably not create the feel you are seeking. A sea foam green sofa with a combination of cream and coral accent pillows will take you in the tropical, or Florida style, direction.

Determine your tropical color scheme and how you will apply it to your room, shop for unique and notabl (not necessarily expensive!) pieces, include natural textures, refrain from over-accessorizing, and you will be on your way to creating a beautiful Florida style decor, no matter where you live.

About the Author

Candi Randolph is the author of Ten Simple Steps to Design Success, a simple home decorating guide. She is also the owner of Simply Designed...Decorating to Fit Your Budget, located in Southwest Florida. For more information please visit http://www.MySimplyDesigned.com

Article Directory: www.articlerich.com

I am happy to share this information.          Golf Course Homes                  Custom Log Homes      Horse Properties

                                                                                           GENE MOCK ~ MAKING IT EASY!

If you are looking for log homes for sale in Aiken, South Carolina - look no further. My website is an excellent tool to help with your Aiken area property search. Aiken SC offers something for everyone! Log Homes, Golf & Gated Communities, Equestrian with houses and building lots for sale, Condos & Townhouses, Patio Homes, Commercial Properties, Development Land, Horse Property, Historic & Luxury Estates, Downtown cottages, Polo properties... all this and more are for sale in Aiken County, South Carolina. Have you heard about Woodside Plantation and The Reserve at Woodside? A popular gated community in Aiken. No matter what your dream…. Log homes, condos, town homes, cottages, horse farms, golf property, lots, land, investments… you can find it, right here, in Aiken South Carolina. Start searching for your next Aiken SC properties today. Some of the best South Carolina Golf Communities are located in Aiken County South Carolina. Build your dream South Carolina Log Home.  For listings in Aiken - all areas: Rural, SE, NE, NW, SW - start your search right here. Looking for a golf course house? Are you investing for your future? Real Estate in Aiken can't be beat! Your one stop place for Aiken County Real Estate. Search the entire Aiken MLS right here! Find your Aiken realty today. Call Gene today for your Aiken SC Real Estate needs. Gene Mock, Realtor. Gene is a member of The National Association of Realtors, South Carolina Association of Realtors, and Aiken Board of Realtors.   ALSO LICENSED IN VIRGINIA!!

Gene Mock ~ Making it Easy!

visit my blogs:
Active Rain
Real Answers to Real Estate
Real Estate Solutions