Summer is just around the corner, meaning it’s time to transform your home into a relaxing paradise. Get ready to create a lush tropical oasis that will rejuvenate guests, as though they’ve truly traveled to Bali or the Maldives. Explore how to make the perfect retreat this hot season.
The Wonders of Bringing Plants Into Your Property
Having plants indoors and outdoors has wonderful benefits for your home and well-being. A study found they help enhance relaxation, improve cognition, lower blood pressure and boost academic achievement. Just being around greenery can help make you feel at peace. Moreover, the act of caring for vegetation can be quite therapeutic.
Plants can also make a space feel lively and welcoming, which can positively impact your summer staycation and have guests coming back for more.
8 Tips for Creating a Tropical Oasis
Bring summer’s vibrant vibe to your property with these tips.
-
Embrace the Big Leaves
Go big and bold this summer. Add large, dramatic leaves like the Swiss cheese plant and Kentia palm in your living room, sunroom or a spacious bedroom corner. Opt for something like a ginger lily for that pop of color.
-
Layer Your Plants
Create layers of greenery with medium-sized plants and blossoms like frilly apple-green coleus, asparagus fern, angelonia and variegated ivy. Use plants with varying colors and heights to create visual interest. Place them on entryway tables and shelves to make a good first impression.
-
Frame Your Front Door With Vines
Adorn your property’s entrance with blooms and foliage. Plants like climbing roses, wisteria and clematis are great options. Place a structure behind them for support. Find your climate zone to identify which perennial plants grow in your area.
-
Incorporate Natural Textures and Prints
Thoughtful textures and colors can enhance the tropical ambience. Select natural materials, such as rattan furniture, bamboo accents and jute rugs. Use a base of neutral hues like beige and cream, then incorporate vibrant colors found in tropical flowers through artwork, carpets and throw pillows. You can also add plant decals to make an accent wall.
-
Use Accent Plants
An accent plant could have extraordinary foliage, a unique size or shape, or bold colors. Add sun-loving flowers like coneflower, lantana and butterfly weed to improve your curb appeal or backyard garden.
-
Create a Living Wall
Create a mini-jungle vibe by incorporating a living wall. The vertical garden design makes for an Instagram-worthy photo. You can place it near entrances to integrate the indoors and outdoors seamlessly. Use wire baskets, a pegboard or wall-mounted terra cotta pots to show off easy-to-care plants like pothos.
-
Consider Vertical Dimension
Hanging dainty plants is an excellent way to fill an empty corner or bring dimension to a space. Use macrame holders, curtain rods, towel bars and tiered planters to hang your medium to low-light houseplants like philodendron, which require dry soil and grow vines that climb up or down hangers.
-
Include a Water Feature
Water is a must-have in a tropical oasis. The gentle sounds of flowing water create an instant calming effect. Your element can be a simple tabletop fountain or a dramatic pond with a wall-mounted waterfall. Choose a feature that complements your tropical theme, such as sculptural or urn fountains.
Create the Ultimate Tropical Getaway
Make this an unforgettable summer for you, your family and your guests. With these simple design and plant ideas, you can transform your space into a lovely staycation.
By: Evelyn Long
Evelyn Long is a seasoned gardening and landscaping expert specializing in sustainable and native plant design. Her expertise is featured in leading publications such as the National Association of Realtors and Jay Scotts. As Editor-in-Chief of Renovated Magazine, Evelyn provides homeowners with strategies for creating thriving and eco-conscious garden spaces.
