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Tropical Coastal Cottage Style

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 0 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #1524 in Arts, #30851 overall

Rated G. (Control what you see)

Hot Colors, Cool Looks

 

Tropical style decor is hot. It uses the vivid colors of tropical reef fish and jungle macaws, of stunning tropical flowers and Caribbean cottages.

When I think of tropical, I think of Caribbean, but it also includes Polynesian and Southeast Asian/Indonesian, Central and South American.

You may find the decor includes everything from pink flamingos (ZOIKS!) and Oaxacan wood carvings to Talavera pottery and ceramics painted with marine life, from palm tree statuettes to sea glass, and from ships wheels to hanging fishing floats.

The tropical cottage can be a little kitschy, yes. But it is also common and popular in areas by the sea, especially south Florida, and in the homes of those who dream of tropical escapes.

Let's take a look at some of these bright beautiful looks and products!

Who's Got the Look? 

Here are some examples of the Caribbean, or tropical, exterior look. The colors seen on these island homes are found throughout the interior decor of homes in this category, as well.
If you want a tropical look for your exterior, this is a great place to look for inspiration.

42-15525474 by velnet2k

Brilliantly painted home in Smith Point, Grand Bahama

42-15525561 by velnet2k

Frenchmens Key Shop, Tortola BVI

42-15450532 by velnet2k

Cottage on Bonaire

42-15525528 by velnet2k

House at Smith Point, Grand Bahama

Caribbean Style by Windydear

Grand Cayman apartment buildings

The Tropical Attitude 

Carefree, irreverent, super casual and familiar... that's the tropical attitude. It's hot in the tropics and people like to lie around under a palm tree sipping a nice tall frozen daiquiri, listening to waves crash on a nearby beach.

You may experience a lot of Jimmy Buffet and reggae music in the tropical cottage! Clocks don't seem to mean much here. Unless you're checking if it's time for another cocktail!

Fun Tropical Coffee Mugs 

from Tropiques

A great way to serve a refreshing beverage on a hot lazy day.

These colorful stylish mugs feature original art photography and graphic design by Tammy Winand, the creator of Tropiques (a Zazzle gallery), who has lived all around Florida and loves tropical style!
In association with Zazzle.comIn association with Zazzle.comIn association with Zazzle.com

Tropical Kitchenware 

When you get done sipping those afternoon frozen goodies, go ahead and serve your meals and drinks on or in these attractive kitchenware items. Great for everyday or a themed barbecue!

Tropical Fridge Magnets 

No time for hang ups! Well, stick 'em quick with these cute colorful fridge magnets from Tropiques! They're bright, alright, so you'll never misplace an important number again!
In association with Zazzle.comIn association with Zazzle.comIn association with Zazzle.com

The Tropical Bathroom 

From shower curtains to soap dishes, there is no shortage of unique tropical decor for the bathroom. Whether your theme is flamingos, surfboards or reef fish, you can find it somewhere!

Tropical Porch Areas 

A really fun way to express your love for the tropics is to hang these beautiful themed lanterns around your porch areas, or even indoors if you're really into it!

Coral Reef Paper Lanterns, 2pk

Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 07/19/2008)

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Hibiscus Blue Lanterns

Amazon Price: (as of 07/19/2008)

4 O' Clock Somewhere Paper Lanterns (2 count)

Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 07/19/2008)

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Tropical Garden Paper Lantern

Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 07/19/2008)

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Tropical Accessories 

What tropical home would be complete without a fan pull or hanging reef fish mobile?! There is also a wide sselection of wall plate light switch covers.

Have a look at some fun funky accessories you can get.

Bring the Tropics into Your Boudoir 

get things heated up!

Add some tropical heat or Caribbean cool to the look of your bedroom to liven things up or feel like you're having an island getaway. There are numerous throw pillows and bedding sets out there, so have fun selecting the perfect ones to create your own private retreat!

The Tropical Look of Talavera 

Talavera pottery is handmade hand painted central Mexican ceramic ware. The bright colors and playful designs lend themselves perfectly to tropical cottage decor, although the locations where they are traditionally produced (in southern central Mexico) are not by the sea.

Keep your eyes peeled for my lens dedicated to the beauty of Talavera Pottery!

Artisan Claro Style Plate

Amazon Price: $44.00 (as of 07/19/2008)

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Flowerpot, 'Allende'

Amazon Price: (as of 07/19/2008)

Talavera ceramic bowl, 'Puebla'

Amazon Price: (as of 07/19/2008)

Talavera Bowl Hand Painted, 7 1/2" Diameter

Amazon Price: $9.49 (as of 07/19/2008)

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Fishing Floats and Ship's Wheels... 

Colorful glass orbs wrapped in rope and hung from the ceiling or wall hook to catch and diffuse sunlight are a popular look for the coastal home. They come in all colors and sizes, in single globes and sets of 2-3-or more.
The floats featured here are just a few examples.

Last But NOT Least...The Pink Flamingo 

This page simply would not be complete without a section devoted to that standard icon of tropical kitsch, the pink flamingo.

A classic if kitschy lawn ornament created in the late 1950s that never seems to go out of "style".

Not just a lawn ornament anymore, my friends!There is a stunning array of pink flamingo decor out there, folks. Just check out these examples for starters!

For More Flamingo Madness... 

If you are truly a fan of the pink flamingo (as I have recently discovered that I am), have a look at the fun, and funny, Pink Flamingo Theme Party page!

What Do You Think? 

Is tropical style something you would, or DO, have in your home? Have your say here! Thanks for signing my guestbook.

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CrypticFragments

About CrypticFragments

I am an artist, and I get around! The world, that is! My lenses strive to bring together those two passions. I love to create and promote regional art gift products and showcase design/decor styles which appeal to me, whether they are Native American, Asian or tropical.
I have a passion for blue glass, blue and white pottery, southwestern pottery, funky socks, funky hats, and...pink flamingos!
I also happen to love cats.

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