Trend report: soft tropics
I’m feeling inspired by the recent heatwave we’ve had here in the UK, a whopping 38.5 degrees recorded last week, the highest on record! My home is Sussex felt like the south of France for a couple of days, and I literally had to keep all the doors and windows closed, curtains drawn and retire to the house! It made me grateful for my cool stone floors and light linen sheets, all decorating elements embraced by hotter climates.
How we decorate our homes is really evocative of mood and feeling and I’ve been picking up quite a strong trend in interiors right now for what I’m calling ‘Soft Tropics’, which is perfect for this heatwave weather. Its a cooler, lighter and more airy take on the Hothouse tropical trend that we have been indulging in over the past few seasons. See my post on Jungle chintz, so read what I’m talking about, but think bold, in your face, colourful floral and botanical prints with the odd tropical bird and gold pineapple thrown in for good measure. But moving on from that, I’m seeing a steer towards a softer, calmer approach using a more de-saturated colour palette and less of a maximalist styling approach.
Loving the palm print cushion collection to update a light and natural palette by H&M Home
In order to create an impact, invite nature inside with living plants but my tip is to go for it in volume to create a really dramatic lush look. In our recent episode (series 4, episode 2) of The Great Indoors podcast, Kate and I discussed Biophilia is some depth and the many benefits of introducing living greenery into the home, so this goes much deeper than just a visual trend. Incorporating natural materials, plants and a sense of natural light in your home can really help with health, happiness and wellbeing. You can listen to the full episode here and see my show notes here.
Sofa.com has embraced the greenery in this calming yet uplifting scheme, punctuated by ferns and palms
In terms of design motif’s, it’s all about the palm! Whether real, faux or in print format, this will continue to be a key look so if you are a lover of the tropical trend I feel its something you shouldn’t be afraid to invest in. If you choose to go a full feature wall (please do, as nothing winds Kate Watson-Smyth’s up more) or simply go for carefully chosen accessories, you can easily create a soft tropic vibe, as there is so much on the high street right now to choose from. In terms of colours, green is key but I think the update for this look is to introduce blush pink tones. Pink and green should ALWAYS be seen, contrary to myth, and I think they have always been ideal partners in a scheme because the lush vibrancy of the green is toned down with a soft, subtle pink. It’s a match made in heaven and again creates a very relaxing and nurturing room palette.
Fenna palm wallpaper in plaster pink and green, Made.com
Introducing the odd (or more) accessory will add character and subtle touches of the soft tropics look.
1. L’arbre tropical gold framed print, £250, Audenza | 2. Toucan placemat tea towel, £13, Sara Miller London | 3. Geline hand woven rattan screen, £470, Out There Interiors | 4. Palm tree wall clock, £28.50, Trouva | 5. Diantha bamboo garden daybed, £355, Out There Interiors | 6. Picking coconuts cushion, £47.50, Penelope Hope | 7. Low rattan chair, £275, Cox & Cox | 8. Iman lamp, large, £440, Sweetpea & Willow.
Featured image at top: Exotic palm printed bedding set by Marks & Spencer
Featured image at top: Exotic palm printed bedding set by Marks & Spencer
