Explore Amazing Differences in Coastal Design!
Bring Paradise Home: 20 Tropical Living Room Ideas for Every Budget
Dreaming of a tropical oasis with lush greenery and big, beautiful, colorful flowers evokes a genuine sense of serenity and relaxation. It can take you back to an amazing tropical island you have visited before or maybe one you have only read about. Tropical imagery soothes both your mind and body as it helps you to mentally get away from the everyday stress of a busy life. Fortunately, you can bring the elements of a tropical oasis straight to your own yard, even if you don’t live in a hot and humid climate. Tropical backyards are no longer exclusive to places like Miami or Hawaii. With a little planning and a few inspirational ideas, you can have a dreamy tropical destination right in your backyard!
Backyard Makeover: Ideas & Tips on How to Design a Lush Tropical Garden at Home
In this article, we have pulled together a collection of essential design tips and ideas on how to make a picture-perfect tropical escape in your backyard. Whether you have a townhouse patio, small backyard, or a large piece of land, our collection of wonderful tropical garden design ideas is guaranteed to inspire you to create a gorgeous dream space just for yourself, regardless of budget.
Obviously local climates are going to be a key driver in what can and cannot be done when creating a tropical escape. But it is our hope that as we explore the basics of tropical landscape and design, that you will be able to create the perfect outdoor getaway for yourself.
We will now explore the primary features of tropical outdoor design, how to plan the layout, and which tropical plants to choose.
We will also talk about hardscape elements like accents, walkways, water features, decks, patios, pools, outdoor furniture, lighting, as well as various materials, and a tropical color palette.
By the time you have read this article and with a bit of thoughtful planning and consideration, you will be able to create your own luxury tropical gateway.
1. What Is Tropical Design?
When people think of tropical settings, they think of relaxed island living and a true paradise which creates a positive mindset and a sense of calm.
Successful tropical landscaping will evoke similar feelings. Its design should help bring to life those stunning vacation spots you’ve been dreaming of visiting, whether they are the South Pacific, Indonesia, Thailand or the Caribbean.
The primary elements in tropical landscaping include dense green and glossy foliage, such as would be found in a rainforest, and brightly-colored flowers. Decorative accents made from stone, wood, and metal can be incorporated to complete the look. If you have a pool, the tranquil blues from the water are a wonderful tropical addition to the look.
A carefully planned combination of textures from natural materials is a must to create the full sensory experience. From the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze to water lapping over stones in a water feature or a pool, as many authentic tropical elements as possible should be included. A shaded area can allow for a gazebo with outdoor furnishings.
Be sure to include creative uses of subtle outdoor lighting such as strategically placed uplighting behind tree trunks and large rocks. Small individual lights along pathways and walkways also set the mood. Include some tiki torches where possible for a real tropical island touch. Awesome lighting is very important for evening entertainment and nighttime relaxation!
Photo credit: Cook Islands
2. Tropical vs. Coastal Décor: What is The Difference?
Decorating both indoors and out in tropical and coastal styles has increased in popularity in the past few years because they create a sense of relaxation and tranquility that everyone needs. While both styles remind us of vacation destinations, there are distinctive differences between the two.
Tropical style - evokes a jungle or rainforest ambiance with includes vibrant colors, polished woods, and time-worn metals.
Modern tropical garden. Image credit: Lush Garden Design.
Coastal style - evokes a sub-tropical (California) or non-tropical (New England) beach and sea feel. It is characterized by a more soft and natural color palette, wind and drought tolerant plants, and cooler weather. It can include nautical elements.
Coastal (nautical) garden. Image credit: Completely Coastal
3. 6 Steps To A Create A Tropical Garden
Tropical landscaping uses various techniques and elements which can bring your dreams to life. They can engage all of your senses for a greater sense of well-being.
Here are 6 simple steps you can use to turn you backyard into a tropical haven:
STEP 1 – Planning
There are a few things to take into consideration when planning your tropical landscaping:
- Backyard conditions - Consider climate, type of soil, light (sunlight, shade), and topography (slopes, elevations) to determine which plants will grow well in your area. Use the USDA plant hardiness map for reference. Remember to include water conservation solutions too, where possible.
- How it will be used - Consider who will use this area and how it will be used. For example, planning and designing for a household with children or pets will be different from the design needed for those who plan to use it for entertaining (a tiki bar perhaps?) with friends.
- Gardening time - Consider how much time and effort you will have available to maintain your outdoor tropical space. If you are new to caring for plants, consider easy-to-grow and low maintenance options (we will get into those). Or if your budget allows, you can hire a professional gardener to take care of your new oasis.
Image credit: Concept Draw
STEP 2 - Include Tropical Plants (a must!)
Tropical gardens are full of vegetation, bursting from every corner, creating cool, relaxing areas with lots of shade. Since tropical plants thrive in humid and hot weather, it is very easy to create these types of gardens if you live in a warm and humid area. However, if you live in cooler areas, choose potted plants so you can move them inside during colder weather.
After checking the plant hardiness map for your area, you can use these suggestions for the more common tropical plants to use in your new backyard paradise. Some of these species include several varieties, some of which are more cold and drought tolerant versus those which required more heat and humidity:
- Ferns
- Palm trees (example: coconut and queen palms in tropical zones, Mediterranean and date palms in colder zones)
- Flowering plants such as plumerias, hibiscus, begonias, bromeliads, birds of paradise
- Large-leaf plants such as monstera and banana
- Ornamental grasses
- Vines such as bouganvilla and passion flower
Plumeria plant. Image credit: Easy to grow
STEP 3 – Include Hardscape Elements
While softscape includes vegetation, hardscape is man-made elements, such as pathways, walls, water features, fire pits, pergolas, decks, and so on. Features to consider for your tropical oasis include:
- Water Features – Small fountains, birth baths, tropical ponds, waterfalls, streams, outdoor showers, and custom-designed spas can create a true jungle feel.
- Outdoor Lighting - Dim ambient lighting, moonlighting (lighting trees from above), backlighting, silhouetting, uplighting, string lights, tiki torches, color-changing lights, ornate lamps and shades, etc.
- Pathways – Walkways are a great way of dividing different sections of your yard and adding visual interest. Use mosaic tiles, gravel, flat stones, pebbles, wooden planks, or grass walkways that blend in with the rest of the space.
STEP 4 – Seating Areas
Consider creating entertaining areas in a shaded area or under a pergola or gazebo. Use good quality outdoor furniture so it can stand up to the elements for as many years as possible. Teak is excellent due to its water repelling qualities.
Use your imagination to give seating areas special attention while creating your outdoor tropical space. What you would love to see while seated outside during a vacation at a wonderful exotic resort? Go ahead and create it here!
Outside tropical dining area. Image credit: Garden Design
STEP 5 – Add Tropical Decor
Tropical accents which include bamboo fencing, decorative kava bowls, rich woodcarvings and figurines, handmade glassware, authentic serving boards, will add a truly unique character to your outdoor space. You can also include colorful cushions, a hammock and bamboo wind chimes to create a captivating paradise right outside your door. Going even further and including a palapa with tiki masks or even a full on tiki bar really would complete your tropical escape!
STEP 6 – Attract Wildlife
Flowering plants such as Heliconias (also known as ‘Lobster Claws’ and ‘Toucan Beak’), purple Mexican salvias and Passiflora (passion flower) attract various birds including hummingbirds as well as butterflies and other insects that will add life to your oasis.
4. 20 Tropical Backyard Makeover Ideas: Transform Your Outdoor Space Into A Relaxing Retreat
From budget-friendly DIY ideas to intricate design concepts, there are lots of ways to turn your outside space into a resort-like tropical retreat.
With the right design and a little bit of effort, you can make almost any layout work. Using carefully selected plants and hardscape features, you can create a tropical piece of paradise to call your own.
Here are 20 ideas for transforming your garden into a tropical haven.
1. A Tropical-Themed Corner Garden
Being able to enjoy the beauty of a tropical paradise at home doesn't mean you have to have a huge yard or own large piece of land. You can spruce up a corner area of a small outdoor patio or yard and turn it into a vibrant, lush space, bursting with colors, scents and the gentle murmur of the fountain.
Photo credit: Hello Hayley
2. Tropical Walkways
A thoughtfully planned garden walkway can add allure and charm to your outdoor setting.
A stone walkway guides you through tropical landscaping with tiki torches illuminating your way at night.
Image: Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers and Luxury Portfolio International®
3. Tropical Outdoor Shower
If you have a pool and enough space, you should consider installing an outdoor shower for your guests. Using the right materials, you can create a stunning addition to your tropical escape!
It will definitely create lively conversation during summer family gatherings. Plus, your tropical plants will love the water and the humidity. If you are not able to find actual lava rock, other dark-colored stone mimics the look of lava rock and pairs perfectly with bright green foliage.
Photo: Elite Pacific
4. Gazebos and Pergolas
This yard is a great example of how careful planning can lead to the creation of an amazing tropical escape. The gazebo creates the perfect retreat space.
If you love the idea of a covered seating area but don't have the space for a gazebo, perhaps you can consider a pergola instead. Gazebos and pergolas both add a lot of character and charm to outdoor spaces.
While creating a space like this can seem challenging at first, with careful planning and a little creativity, you can achieve any look you wish.
Photo credit: Del Rancho Pool & Spa
5. A Secret Spa Escape
Choose a secluded area of your yard to install a ‘secret’ outdoor shower which is just for you! Use large tropicals to create privacy. Include flowering plants to add more beauty of this space. Add a teakwood bench or lounge chair for relaxation in addition to a small fountain or water feature. The sound of bubbling and falling water is truly medicine for the mind. You can even include a small side table to hold your book or your drink as you sit and relax in your own personal and private space!
In this example, tropicals include Heliconia, paradise flowers, anthurium, and hibiscus because of their bright and gorgeous flowers.
Image credit: Reno Guide
6. A Mini Jungle Under Windows
To achieve this look, place the tallest plants closest to the wall. In this example, Ti plants, which are famous for their brilliant red and purple leaves, are placed closest to the wall since they are the tallest plants. Next, place leafy plants which are medium in height in front and finally shorter plants and flowers in front of those.
Image: Thank Your Garden
7. Build a Tiki Hut or Bar
Dreaming of lying on a beach under swaying palm trees with a tropical cocktail in hand? Here is a wonderful idea for recreating that tropical feel.
If you have the space and the budget, installing a palapa or tiki hut as a seating space is one way to bring a true tropical look to your yard. Thatched palm roofs are an iconic look. You can also create a bar area complete with bar stools and storage space for your favorite mixers, beverages and bar supplies.
To create a complete look for the entire outdoor space, use the layering technique: taller trees and plants against walls and fences with shorter plants in front. As your tiki hut will be the focal point, you want everything surrounding it to lead your eye to it in a smooth and uninterrupted manner.
Image credit: Moon Valley Nurseries
8. Poolside Tropicals
Carefully selected tropical plants and florals bring this poolside area to life. This small tropical space has all the elements needed to make it a breathtaking tropical escape: water, lush colorful foliage, stonework, and filtered sunlight which is reminiscent of a rainforest.
Image credit: Hello Hayley
9. High-End Tropical Entertaining
Bring the lush and luxurious appeal of tropical living to your outside space by dividing it into sections: covered and uncovered entertaining areas, stone walkways, floating flowerbeds and a relaxing pool.
A variety of palm trees mixed with large-leaf plants such as banana or bird of paradise grounded by flowing bedding plants creates a lot of visual texture and interest.
Photo by: Moon Valley Nurseries
10. Potted Tropicals for Your Patio
Transform your patio into a wonderland by surrounding yourself with mix of potted vibrant color in various sizes and textures.
If you have the space for pots both on tables and on the ground, all the better for visual interest. Having a variety in height works very well, even in small spaces!
Photo by: Proven Winners
11. Small Spaces
Small spaces can be challenge due to lack of space. Many tropical plants and trees can grow to be quite large and you do want to avoid creating a scenario where you are having to frequently cut your landscaping back because there is not enough room for it.
When choosing plants, research their growing patterns and be selective. This small space is a great example of how to create a cozy tropical seating area that allows for greenery which can grow to heights that work.
Calathea lutea (also known as ‘Cigar plant’ or ‘Havana cigar’), philodendrons, and compact versions of Alocasia or "elephant ear" are great choices. Pair these with a small table and a couple of chairs and you have arrived at your tropical retreat!
Image credit: Thank Your Garden
12. Lush Green Oasis
Create lush, exotic landscaping by adding statement plants such as golden cane palms (Dypsis lutescens), snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata), Swiss-cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa), or Taro (Colocasia esculenta).
By using plants of various heights and sizes, you can achieve a truly amazing scene such as this. Again, add a small table and a couple of chairs and be transported to the tropics.
Photo by: Reddit
13. Townhouse Courtyard
If you live in the city and have a compact urban patio or yard, you can transform it into an inviting, one-of-a-kind space for relaxation and gatherings with family and friends.
By adding carefully chosen greenery for your local climate. you will purify the air and beautify the space for years to come. To maximize the space, go vertical. Use climbing or cascading species and those that will grow tall in pots.
Photo by: Melanie Jade Design
14. Outdoor Living Areas
Another great idea is to increase the size your square footage for lounging and entertaining. Designing an outdoor living area with tropical vibes is always fun!
By defining your outdoor needs (dining, conversation, play area), you can maximize your space by transforming specifically defined areas according to how they will be used. Keeping things low maintenance will free up time so you can enjoy your outdoor tropical room even more.
Image credit: This Old House
15. Tropical Patios
If you have a large yard but prefer to only have a small tropical escape, or if a patio is the only available space you have, the quickest and easiest and quickest way to recreate the tropics is to bring in a few bright accent colors in addition to tropical foliage.
In this example, bright blue chair cushions on wicker frames perfectly complement the blue brickwork and large-leaf plants. A few small flowering potted plants will bring in additional splashes of color.
Image by: Bella Flores Landscaping
16. Tropical Havens Are Possible In USDA Zone 7 Or Less
Even if you live in lower USDA hardiness zones, you can still have your tropical paradise. Use the USDA plant hardiness map to help guide you with your plant selections.
Here are a few suggestions to help keep things easy:
- Keep things portable. Even if you choose to use larger, heavier pots and containers, make sure you have a hand truck available so you can move them either into your home, a garage or a sturdy shed for protection from the cold.
- If you do choose to plant in the ground, choose hardy perennials and varieties of tropical plants that can tolerate some colder temps.
- Use frost cloths, heavier sheets, or light weight blankets to cover plants when temps drop in the 30's (F) or colder. Damage will most likely occur to outer leaves and branches but most plants will recover and grow back in the spring.
- Do not use plastic sheeting or tarps as these do not retain any heat.
Photo credit: Gardening Know How
17. Tropical Decks and Balconies
Decks and balconies both allow for either a minimalist or more full approach to tropical design. Simple, smaller-scale furnishings, potted plants in varying sizes and heights, and some ambient lighting can turn any of these small spaces into wonderful and relaxing escapes.
Image by: Shelterness
18. A Contemporary Tropical Retreat
If you prefer a more contemporary style, here is some inspiration: A custom-made, built-in sofa in neutral colors with a portable fire pit is built right above the dark-bottomed pool that is framed with tall palms and tropical foliage.
This example is a more toned-down and minimalist look. If you want to brighten things up and add a bit more visual interest, some bold-colored pillows and textured accent pieces will do the job!
Image credit: Adam Robinson Design
19. An Industrial Tropical Patio
For those who prefer a clean industrial look, here is an excellent example. Combine tall dark fencing with concrete sofa frames, dark grey cushions, a firepit, and some tropical greenery along the walls as the sole source of color. The result is cool, sleek, and very inviting.
Photo by: Shelterness
20. Tropical Hot Tubs
Here's a fantastic alternative for those who don’t have a swimming pool. You can enjoy your own private rainforest at home by bringing a hot tub into your tropical space!
Bamboo creates a beautiful natural screen. Just be sure the read about the different kinds available because some grow very large and others are very invasive. Add some rich wooden pieces and other well-chosen tropical accents for authenticity. Tub designs vary so choose one that fits the look best that are working to achieve.
Photo Credit: Gardening Etc
5. How To Save Water In Tropical Backyards
Wherever you live, you should consider water conservation techniques, both to preserve this natural resource and to lower your water bill. Most tropical plants require a lot of water and given where they originate from, that is usually not an issue as the tropics are known for receiving large amounts of rainfall.
To achieve a tropical look without wasting water, follow these tips:
- Group plants with similar water needs together to reduce the need to water across larger areas.
- Surround tropical plant sections with native plants that require less watering.
- Install irrigation systems with rain sensors.
- Switch to low-maintenance options such as artificial grass where possible.
- Introduce more hardscape such as flagstone or wooden walkways, rock garden areas, and larger accents or sculptural pieces which cover ground space.
- Add plants which look tropical but are in fact drought-tolerant such as hosta, oleander, and desert rose.
Final Thoughts
Tropical backyards offer a perfect retreat for those seeking a visually captivating and mentally relaxing oasis. There are many ways to recreate the look and feel of a tropical locale with the vibes of a rainforest and the beauty of nature. Remember, it's not just about the plants you grow. It's about the ambiance, the senses and emotions, and the healing that comes from the end result. It's the successful combination of plants and other elements create your tropical escape.
So whether you are just starting out with a small outdoor corner or are looking to renovate your entire backyard, remember that nature is always evolving, and so are you. Throughout the process creating your own tropical paradise, you will learn and grow in the most positive ways!
