Island Interior Inspo: How to incorporate tropical decor all year round

So the weather might just be starting to cool down, and the abundance of PSL pics making their way into my social media tells me that we’re firmly headed into Autumn with no turning back. But with all this glorious Fall inspo around, I’ve decided to buck the trend and show you that – when it comes to decor – there’s no reason why you can’t live #thebeachlife all year round! I’m giving you island interiors inspiration today!

 

If there’s one thing that bloggers like Kat Gaskin (of Salty Pineapple and the Content Planner) and Rebeka Steen (Goldfish Kiss) have taught me (other than how best to take care of your pineapple plants and that there’s no such thing as layering too much delicate gold jewelry) it’s that you don’t need to live in the islands in order to embrace those tropical vibes at home (even if you live in Canada!) So this post is dedicated to that island interior inspo, and showing you just how you can bring some of that island sunshine inside. I’ll be featuring some of the items I already own, along with those on my wishlist!

ISLAND INTERIOR INSPIRATION

Leafy prints –

Nothing screams #islandlife and fresh tropical vibes like my signature leaf prints. I wear them, I use them in the branding for my blog, I have them all over my home – they’re everywhere! I’m addicted to all of the leaf prints but I definitely have a soft spot for banana leaves and monstera leaves. I’m thrilled that leaf prints still don’t seem to be going  a n y w h e r e and I am taking advantage of all that leafy loveliness still available in stores. I’m fairly certain that my husband might divorce me if I bring one more leaf print throw cushion home, but that doesn’t seem to stop me… Try to incorporate graphic prints – in order to keep things from getting a bit too floral and ‘Margaritaville’ in here, I like to balance the leafy prints with some bold black and white simple prints, like my black and white Aztec print cushions and a throw in thick black and white stripes.

Banana Leaf Cushion Cover | Set of 4 Leaf Prints | Black and White and Palm Print Cushion Cover | Black and White Throw with Tassels | Grey and White Throw with Tassels | Black and White and Leaf Print Cushion Cover | Straw Floor Cushion

*Adorable island rescue pup not included…

Coffee table books –

The source of much of my island interior inspiration, there are some gorgeous coffee table books available, as beautiful as they are practical. My favourite features lovely seafood recipes alongside interior decor ideas and snapshots of beautiful coastal homes. All those glossy pages of coastal living, beachside chic and tropical tastes. Pair those beautiful books with some of these fun book ends, I love my seahorse bookends (similar here) but this chic white shell pair is on my wishlist! *BVI friends, House has some gorgeous coffee table books currently in stock. 

The Book of Palms | Seahorse Bookends | Shell Bookends | Surf Shack Coffee Table Book | Aloha Coffee Table Book | Seahorse Bookends | Coral Bookends | Coastal Living Coffee Table Book

Plants –

It’s not just pictures of plants, you also need the real thing! No better way to switch up the look of your house, and bring some of that fresh outside feeling in, than with some gorgeous house plants! If you’re not confident you’ll be able to keep them alive, start off with some succulents or cacti (the beginners houseplants) and take it from there! *BVI friends, my gorgeous plants and succulents all came from Fort Garden Center.

Scents –

You know that distinctive holiday scent – that heady mixture of coconut, sunscreen and tropical flowers that immediately transports you back to balmy summer nights with a cocktail in hand? Bring that into your home with some of these gorgeous scented candles. Notes of plumeria and hibiscus, or coconut and lemongrass. I’m also featuring my favourite room diffuser – Seychelles by the White Company which smells beautifully warm and beachy with notes of bergamot and bright orange mingling with coconut, almond and vanilla.

Seychelles Reed Diffuser by the White Company | Palm Passion Coconut Lime Scented Candle | Coconut and Lemongrass Reed Diffuser | Plumeria and Hibiscus Candle | Plumeria Scented Candle

Palm coasters –

These guys get a whole section to themselves because whenever they feature on my Instagram I can always guarantee a flurry of DM’s asking about them! They were a gift from my little sister (who knows me so well!) but they are available at Sass & Belle. So here you are, and they’re in stock, you’re welcome!

Hanging Chair –

Bring the outdoor furniture in with a hanging chair or hammock chair for a comfortable and fun seating option that works as well in the lounge as it does on a deck or balcony.

 

Sass & Belle Tropical Leaf Coasters | Papasan Chair | Removable Palm Print Adhesive Wallpaper | Hanging Chair | Wall Ladder Shelves

Feature Wall –

If, like me, you live in rented accommodation, it can be really difficult to bring your personality into your home when you are restricted to what changes you can or can’t make. I have been mulling over the idea of a feature wall using some of the excellent adhesive wallpapers now on the market. They come in so many striking prints and are a powerful way to switch up your space without damaging the paintwork. Just be sure to clear it with your landlord first, to be on the safe side! Some of my favourites are here, here and here.

Gold Accents –

Get that sunshine feel with elements of bright gold – including a gorgeous starburst mirror that I have had my eye on for months. My fingers are just itching to add it to my cart. My heart says yes but my credit card says no…

 

Starburst Mirror | Gold and White Pineapple Bookends | Urchin Tealight Holders | Gold Nesting Tables | Bold Round Mirror | Hanging Planters

So there we have it – are any of these featuring on your wishlist or languishing in your cart? In case you haven’t had enough leafy inspiration – here are some of my favourite Pinterest images inspired by my love of the islands. You can follow along on my Pinterest for more tropical vibes and beachy Pinspiration here.

Photo Credits Clockwise from Top Left: Sarah M. Dorsey | H&M | Soul of Mine Interior | Oliver Bonas | Frontgate | H&M