What could make you happier than a bright and sunny tropical vacation? Bringing the tropics to you!
Create a low-maintenance tropical oasis in your outdoor space. A tropical theme can make people visiting feel happier. It can make them feel like they are on an island vacation.
A tropical landscape may remind some people of their favorite vacation memories. You might also want to harness the joy of the tropics and create a private paradise that you can visit every day.
So use palm trees, bold colors, and tropical plants to design your property. This will allow all those who enter to enjoy their everyday life without taking an exotic trip.
Elements of a tropical landscape
A tropical design is a fun, eclectic way to decorate an outdoor space. The main elements to keep in mind are color, light, and texture. Incorporate tropical elements into your existing design aesthetic in the following ways.
Get more plants
Add luscious plants and trees to your area to transform the space around you into a tropical landscape. Strategically selecting all-weather tropical plants can help create the right aesthetic for you. The trouble is—there are no (or very few) all-weather plants for your tropical theme. The answer? Faux tropical trees and plants.
Artificial ones withstand more wear and tear and need less maintenance.
Choose natural materials
Enhance your tropical garden by incorporating natural materials into it. Use materials such as bamboo, linen, stone, or wood. Continue the tropical theme indoors too by incorporating these materials into your interiors.
Include a water feature
Water is an essential element of every tropical garden. Imagine walking through a rainforest. The sound of raindrops or a stream would immediately soothe your mind.
The same is true of the tropical landscape you are creating. Water features can be small or big. A tabletop fountain, a large pond, or even a waterfall element could work.
If you need to mask the noise of neighbors or traffic, install a water feature with running water.
Create a balance
Most commercial spaces are created keeping modern design in mind. The modern aesthetic uses more clean lines and minimalist architecture. But a tropical theme features bright, bold colors with unique textures.
Blend clean lines and bold colors. Bring both these aesthetics together by limiting contrasting colors, embracing neutral tones, using a variety of textures, and incorporating the tropical design both indoors and outdoors.
Voila – you have combined modern and tropical designs in a commercial space.
Finish off your tropical garden by adding the right decor pieces. A beautiful sculpture, a huge rock, some structures, and any other features that you want to place in the garden.
Bring in plenty of light
One key feature of the tropics is the bright sunshine. Add light fixtures, floor lighting, or even lanterns and string lights to your space. This can help your patrons view the area more easily, even in the dark. For an authentic tropical garden, take advantage of the natural light in the space during the day.
Space out the layout
Make sure that people have enough room to comfortably move about in the space. Your tropical garden should inspire, not overwhelm. Be creative with your layout. Use arches, green walls, planter boxes, and canopy-style trees around walkways. This can create a tropical vibe without making people feel like they are in a jungle.
Create stone pathways
You can try using natural stones to form pathways throughout your outdoor space. Create pathways that lead to entrances but also to focal points like water features, or special sculptures. A stone pathway will induce the feeling that the space goes on forever, and adds some tropical magic to the space.
Try to use stones that are native to the area if possible. You can also try using granite or textured concrete. Stone pathways are also a great way to link spaces and create a unified look.
Keep it eco-friendly
One of the growing trends seen over the last few years and this year too is sustainability. The modern design emphasizes social responsibility.
Work to reduce the wear and tear your property will put on its surrounding environment. Use recyclable materials, natural compost and pesticides, and eco-friendly irrigation practices. This can create a more sustainable landscape.
You could also choose faux tropical plants that will create shade around the property, without demanding any water.
Use durable materials that can withstand weather damage. Bamboo fences and accent pieces can keep in line with the tropical theme. And, these won’t have to be replaced very often. As a result, you can save resources and waste—a double win for the planet.
Experiment with bold colors and patterns
An island-themed landscape often features tropical plants and exotic flowers. Use this to create a flow between the outside and your indoor space. Add pops of color, and green motifs on the walls, furniture, or décor. This will improve your employees’ moods and make them more productive.
Get the right furniture
Rattan is a great material for your furniture. You can also look into cane furniture for your tropical landscape. These materials are resistant to weather damage. That makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. And, since they grow in the rainforest, they fit the island aesthetic. Set up rattan or cane chairs and tables for guests and employees to enjoy outdoors.
Add metallic accents
Metallic accents can create a contrast with the bold colors and patterns you have used so far. Think of materials like brass, copper, and gold. Incorporate these in your design. Add larger pieces of furniture such as metallic lounge chairs and tables. You could also bring it in through smaller decor pieces – pots, planters, and lighting. Once the faux plants and trees are done, don’t hesitate to decorate to tie it all together.
Bring your tropical paradise dream to life with our low-maintenance tropical landscaping tips.
