11 Ways With Tropical Wallpaper
Palm fronds, banana leaves and other tropical botanical patterns can add a lush, exotic atmosphere to any room
Becky Harris
March 17, 2016
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
If you’ve ever visited Graceland, the idea of a jungle room might conjure up lots of burled wood and green shag carpet on the ceiling. (If you doubt me, you really need to make the trip to Memphis to see Elvis’ beloved home.) But shake that image — jungle and tropical plants are dominating many stylish walls in every room of the house these days. Chic, powerful and welcoming, these wallpapers can thrive no matter the size of your room or the style of your home.
1. Make a strong first impression. A tropical pattern on the walls in the foyer is a wonderful way to welcome and wow your guests. When paired with wood furniture, white accents and cane or wicker textures, the style can take on a pleasing British Colonial look.
Wallpaper: Honolulu Palm by Julien MacDonald, Graham & Brown
Wallpaper: Honolulu Palm by Julien MacDonald, Graham & Brown
2. Create a living room accent wall. This is perhaps the most iconic tropical wallpaper. Designed by Don Loper in 1942 for the Beverly Hills Hotel, the glorious banana leaves have become a lasting symbol of Hollywood glamour. Used here as the backdrop for a sofa, with a starburst mirror in the center, the large leaves dazzle without overwhelming.
Wallpaper: The Iconic Original Martinique Wallpaper - Beverly Hills
Wallpaper: The Iconic Original Martinique Wallpaper - Beverly Hills
3. Cover every wall in a small space. But sometimes overwhelming is a good thing. Covering all the walls in this small powder room transformed the space into a lush jungle (complete with modern amenities).
4. Pair it with black and white photography. In this glamorous apartment of a fashion blogger, Bianca and Mick look right at home amid the Beverly Hills Hotel Martinique wallpaper.
5. Give a vast space human scale. In this bedroom, interior designer Eugenie Niven Goodman had these charming trees hand-painted. The result is a design that custom-fits the barrel vault ceiling and the spaces between the windows.
Custom painting by Flöe Painting
Custom painting by Flöe Painting
6. Accentuate a beautiful wood. African mahogany’s deep color and lovely graining are an apt match for the tropical leaves. Woven baskets add to the textural palette.
7. Jazz up a headboard wall. Interior designer Michelle Workman gave this entire condo a fresh makeover in green and white. She mixed the oversized leaves with smaller-scale geometrics, larger swaths of solids and even a toile print.
Wallpaper: Tropical Isle, Decorators Walk
(no longer available); headboard, bedding and bench: custom, Michelle Workman; fainting chair and ottoman fabric: Cathay Toile, Brunschwig & Fils; bedside tables and lamps: Gold Essex, Shine by S.H.O.
Wallpaper: Tropical Isle, Decorators Walk
(no longer available); headboard, bedding and bench: custom, Michelle Workman; fainting chair and ottoman fabric: Cathay Toile, Brunschwig & Fils; bedside tables and lamps: Gold Essex, Shine by S.H.O.
8. Add garden elements. The trellis details on the cabinetry and mirror, light fixtures that look like outdoor lanterns and whimsical drawer pulls give this room Bahamian botanical flair. You’ll feel like you’re putting on your face in a Caribbean gazebo.
Wallpaper: Palm Leaves, Cole & Son
Wallpaper: Palm Leaves, Cole & Son
9. Or take it more modern. The same paper also works well with clean lines and contemporary architecture.
Wallpaper: Palm Leaves, Cole & Son
Wallpaper: Palm Leaves, Cole & Son
10. Build in a strong contrast. The deep and bright colors in this wallpaper are surrounded by glossy white cabinetry, maximizing its colorful impact.
Wallpaper: Palm Jungle, Cole & Son
Wallpaper: Palm Jungle, Cole & Son
11. Go large-scale. The trees seem almost actual-size in this playroom. A subdued color palette gives it a more sophisticated look.
Wallpaper: Custom design by Studio Munroe
Your turn: Have you tried a tropical theme at home? Share it with us in the Comments.
More
So Your Style Is: Tropical
Kitchen Workbook: 12 Elements of Tropical-Style Kitchens
Wallpaper: Custom design by Studio Munroe
Your turn: Have you tried a tropical theme at home? Share it with us in the Comments.
More
So Your Style Is: Tropical
Kitchen Workbook: 12 Elements of Tropical-Style Kitchens
Buckeye Carpentry & Renovations based in Ohio, is a general contractor that specializes in a variety of... Read More
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What are these designers thinking? The patterns are overwhelming. Guarantee that people will avoid those rooms. Palms tend to look angular with those pointed ends. Avoid.
thanks!
1973' Green jungle wallpaper, black 4' square fiberglass tub, white vanity, with palm green sink with chrome fixtures, matching toilet. Get ready here it comes black and white Zebra floor., and to top it all off, large Sputnik light over tub! Everyone loved it! Every thing old is new again, except me. PS, ripped it out in 1990. Wish I didn't.