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Transform Your Bathroom: 20 Inspiring Tropical Design Ideas
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Learn Creative Ways to Make Your Bathroom Look Exotic, Stylish, & Serene
Whether small or large, a bathroom can be a great statement room. With careful planning, this space can be transformed into a paradise sanctuary regardless of where you live. From the simple addition of a few awesome accent pieces to a full remodel, continue reading on to learn more about how to transform your bathroom into a modern and luxurious space with the vibrant yet peaceful aesthetics of a remote, secluded island.
In this article, we start off by exploring ways of bringing the atmosphere of the tropics into your home before presenting you with 20 design ideas. So to kick things off, here are some tips about materials, textures, color palettes, lighting, décor, and accents.
Interior Decorating with a Tropical Style

Photo Credit: 123rf/brizmaker via Balcony Garden Web
This approach to interior design ingeniously blends the natural elements of the tropics to create serenity and a sense of calm combined with vibrant beauty to your home. The goal here is to create a design that remains functional yet seamlessly blends the outdoors with the indoors. By bringing nature and its elements inside, you can connect with nature in a truly relaxed and peaceful setting without leaving your home. This can be achieved by bringing together:
- Plenty of natural light where possible
- Indoor
tropical foliage (both real and faux) - Natural materials with textures (rocks and stonework, different woods, rugs and accents made from woven grasses and fibers)
- Color palettes which reflect natural
tropical settings - Organized bath products, linens, and accessories
- Tropical aromas
- Uncluttered floor spaces
Tropical styles also feature lots of textures from flooring choices to decor pieces and wall art. This can include walls themselves. Having heavily textured walls brings in so much character and visual interest as opposed to having only smooth and plain ones. One easy way to have fun with creating your
An inexpensive way to do that is to get a big bucket of joint compound or “drywall mud” as it is commonly known from a hardware or home improvement store. This mud has a consistency similar to peanut butter and there is so much you can do with it. You can create a wide range of effects from lightly textured surfaces to heavily textured ones. Here are few quick examples:
- Use a spackling knife to smear compound on the walls and then with a few lifting and patting movements which you then lightly smooth out, you can create a type of a “knock down” look.
- A roller tool specifically made for creating stucco-like textures will give you that stucco look as you roll it across an even coat of mud while applying different levels of pressure as you roll.
- You can even use things like a small garden trowel to create a hand-raked look by dragging it across the mud.
The possibilities are endless! And what is so cool is that if you find that after it has dried that your texture is too light, simply apply more here and there as needed and repeat your texturing method. Or, if your texture is too heavy, you can do a little “wet sanding” which mean you can simply wet an old rag or towel and lightly wipe down the area a few times as needed to tone down the texturing.
When you are ready to paint, give it a good coat of primer after it has dried. Or you can go straight to your color with a good quality primer blend paint. You can also experiment with different painting effects such as taking a very small amount of paint and diluting it in some water in a small container. Then with a clean damp rag, you can start carefully wiping it onto the walls in varying amounts to create a wonderful water color effect without removing the texture you created. Again, the possibilities are endless!
So with that in mind, all of these design elements can come together to create some pretty amazing results. In the sections below, we will explore them further. As you read, let those creative thoughts come to mind and don’t forget to make a note of them!
Amenities

Photo Credit: Maison Valentina
To create a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere, choose spa-like amenities that add functionality, convenience, and value to your space. Spending a bit extra where you can to indulge in features that help create the feeling of relaxation and Zen is worth it because it only benefits your health and wellbeing:
- Walk-in showers with steam, body jets, and rainfall showerheads
- Waterwalls and fountains
- Freestanding soaking tubs
- Soft, diffused lighting
- Natural stone countertops
- Wood vanities and benches
Indoor Plants

Photo Credit: Deavita.net via Arch20
To achieve tranquility and serenity, you have to return to nature. For your home, this means bringing nature indoors. One way of doing this is to add
Indoor plants provide so many benefits such as adding life to a space in addition to introducing color, form, and texture into your design. They provide an easy way of reconnecting with nature without stepping foot outside. You can hang them from the ceiling and place them on the floor. They can sit on countertops, shelves, and windowsills, or even be in the shower itself as space and light permit.
For live plants, choose low-maintenance varieties that can thrive in a warm, humid and steamy bathroom environment. Some suggestions are:
- “Marble Queen” and “Golden” Pothos
- ZZ plant
- Majesty palm
- Snake plant
- Aloe vera
- Monstera Deliciosa
- Lucky bamboo
- Philodendron
- Anthurium
- Spider plant
- Madagascar dragon tree
- Gold Coast dragon tree
- Rubber plant
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The Importance of Natural Materials

Photo Credit: Minimalism
One of the principal features of
Color Palette

Photo Credit: Edward George London
Color is a core element in home design. It sets the tone for how energetic or calming the space will feel. Base colors can include, whites, beiges, and light cream. You can go with darker blues, greens, and greys if you have lots of natural light. Use pops of bright color to accentuate the space. These can be vivid shades of yellows, oranges, reds, and purples as they appear naturally in rainforests and in jungle flora.
Accessories

Photo Credit: Casacoulon Interiordesign
Accentuate the space with bath accessories that bring in the feeling of being surrounded by nature. Picture gorgeous cascading waterfalls and crystal clear turquoise water surrounded by large-leaved, glossy greenery. Look for accessories that fit into that imagery. You can feel as though you are just steps away from a sparkling white sandy beach when you choose the right pieces in the right colors and textures!
Some great choices include:
Accentuate the space with bath accessories that bring in the feeling of being surrounded by nature. Picture gorgeous cascading waterfalls and crystal clear turquoise water surrounded by large-leaved, glossy greenery. Look for accessories that fit into that imagery. You can feel as though you are just steps away from a sparkling white sandy beach when you choose the right pieces in the right colors and textures!
Some great choices include:
- Bamboo or faux wood window blinds (be careful with real wood, they can warp in the humidity!)
- Bamboo shelves and dividers
- Woven rugs, baskets, stools, and chairs
- Mats or rugs made from jute, hemp, sisal or banana fiber
- Carefully chosen artwork and matching accents
20 Tropical Bathroom Design Ideas for Every Budget
Tropical design features lots of greenery, natural materials, rustic finishes, and rich colors. Potted plants, whether placed on the floor or placed on shelves on a wall that is designed to be a living wall of color, are the primary component of
Below, we have pulled together a series of
1. Indoor-Outdoor Retreat

Photo Credit: DigDigs
Here is a wonderful example of natural elements which blend perfectly to create an exquisite indoor-outdoor bathroom retreat. The minimalism of the stone tiles and rockwork allow the
2. Small Bathrooms

Photo Credit: Maison Valentina
Although this bathroom is small, it works. It is tastefully decorated with carefully chosen pieces that bring in the vibe of far off lands. The heavy use of wood, woven accents, and handcrafted accessories balances out the bold patterns of the flooring. The use of plants brings the atmosphere of an exotic jungle straight into to this space. The large mirror is a smart piece because it reflects the light and makes the room feel brighter and more open.
3. Simple Luxury Oasis

Photo Credit: Luxury Bathrooms
Create your own simple luxury oasis by incorporating lots of natural stone elements and a cream color palette. The open-beam wooden ceiling here creates dramatic visual interest. If you have a free-standing bathtub, sometimes you really need very little when it comes to décor pieces because most free-standing tubs are awesome focal points on their own. In this example, a single large potted palm in a terracotta pot is all this space needs for a bit of color. When you have a lot of floorspace, that can make things feel a bit cold or empty. We recommend adding a large potted plant or a grouping of smaller ones with varying heights. When seating is needed, pieces such as this teak bench work so well because teakwood can stand up to the high humidity found in most bathrooms.
4. Modern Functionality

Photo Credit: Ventierinterior
Even if your bathroom is small, you can still make it opulent and classy while retaining great functionality. Here, earth tones and neutrals are used from the vanity and accessories, to the wall art and the flooring. The large leaf plants positioned behind the large soaking tub provide wonderful color as they soften the look and bring the tropics inside. The large window provides ample natural light.
5. Vintage-Inspired Bath Retreat

Photo Credit: Vogue Scandinavia
If you are a fan of vintage décor, this example contains some great ideas for creating a vintage effect. A free-standing clawed tub surrounded by
Create some texture on the walls and then paint using a neutral color that has an aged look to it. Find vintage artwork and a mirror or two in antique frames. Textured rugs and off-white linen draperies for windows and to frame the tub or shower area will bring in additional warmth and will add to the aged look.
6. Simple Calming Oasis

Photo Credit: Decorilla.com
This bathroom is simple and evokes a calming sense of peace and tranquility. Its minimalist design makes it a great source of inspiration for what can be done without using a lot of furnishings and décor pieces. There is also no heavy use of color. The look is sleek and flows with a relaxing ambiance. The wood paneling brings in the necessary warmth and texture while the use of faux greenery provides that pop of
An important tip: When using any kind of faux plant panels indoors, especially when covering a larger wall area, we recommend unpacking the product outdoors and spreading them out so they can air out first before using them. If weather does not permit, lay them out in the garage or in another covered exterior space. Like most products made from man-made materials, these have a smell. Some products smell more strongly than others. The smell will disappear after a few days so be patient. You don’t want that unpleasant smell in your indoor spaces.
Having said that, faux greenery such as these boxwood hedge panels are very cool because they are so versatile and really create a wonderful statement. Cleaning them is a breeze too. Just use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner and gently vacuum them periodically to keep them dust free.
7. A Modern Tropical Look

Photo Credit: Hindware
In this design, the shower area is separated from the commode area simply by using a partition wall. Different materials and colors are used in each section of this room to further emphasize the separations. A dark wood floating vanity, a round LED mirror and a sensor-activated faucet are just some of the modern luxuries that provide convenience and functionality.
8. Tropical Contemporary Retreat

Photo Credit: Design Café
Contemporary design features clean shapes, geometric patterns, and hard angles. Here, the designer used a beautiful dark ocean blue on the walls with a cool white color palette for the bathtub, sinks, and accessories. Light wooden tiles are set in a geometric pattern which creates a wonderful visual effect. A large indoor plant brings in a touch of the tropics. Large windows allow for plenty of natural light which softens this room and keeps it airy and open.
9. Rejuvenating Retreat

Photo Credit: Decorilla
Rejuvenate your senses with this
A quick tip: Rocks and stonework are awesome. In spaces such as this, use large river rock in small non-traffic areas when possible. They add such an amazing natural effect. You can find them in the garden section of most home improvement stores. River rock is smooth, rounded and they are available in creams, greys, and blues. They are also easy to keep clean. Simply use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. These are large enough to not be sucked up so you can keep these spaces dust free.
Related Reads on Tropical Living & Design
- 8 Easy To Grow Indoor Tropical Plants: Planting Guide & Styling Tips
- 10 Top Picks For Outdoor Tropical Plants: Easy-Care Options For A Vibrant Oasis
- Bring Paradise Home: 20 Tropical Living Room Ideas for Every Budget
- Create Your Dream Escape: 20 Tropical Backyard Ideas
- DIY Tropical! Project Ideas For Your Outdoor Tropical Retreat!
- Embrace Tranquility: Create A Relaxing Space At Home
10. Unique Bathroom Spaces

Photo Credit: DigsDigs
If you love character and flair, you might very well want to have a
11. Luxurious Outdoor Bath

Courtesy of: Spotools
This luxuriously calming space features an awesome granite tub. Even if you don’t have a stone tub, any good quality freestanding tub placed in an outdoor setting such as this can truly become your own unique
12. Simple Changes With Big Results

Courtesy of: Sherwin Williams
If you are not up for a major redecorating project, there are small things you can do that can have a big impact on how a space looks. For instance, create a statement wall. By changing one wall color from white to forest green and then adding a cool piece of wall art and a nice plant, you can achieve a major effect by doing very little. The green accent wall here brings depth and contrast to this small bathroom which was previously all white. This is a simple and affordable upgrade anyone can do. And the wonderful thing about paint is it is just that. Paint. If your new color choice doesn’t fully transport you to where you want to be, you can always paint over it with a new color!
13. Vanity Makeover

Image credit: HGTV
This richly-colored master bathroom features an eye-catching color combination. The kelly green cabinetry is placed against a black shiplap accent wall. The lush green brings the outside in while the black hardware creates a calm contrast against the green and a stunning contrast against the crisp white countertops. The knotted rope light pendants and the barn-style sconces with vintage bulbs are the perfect accents and bring a touch of warmth to this bath space. When updating your lighting, we highly recommend using Edison bulbs. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can create an effect like nothing else! And when they are put on a dimmer switch, even better!
14. Tropical Powder Room

Courtesy of: Model Remodel
This powder room features lively palm leaf wallpaper, brass fixtures and accents, and a walnut vanity. Vivid colors are balanced by the white subway wall tiles and black hexagon floor tiles. Although this space is mall, it has loads of
15. Luxury Tropical Texture

Photo Credit: Malgosia Design
This sink area is an awesome example of textures resonating with the tropics. With its exquisite backlit bamboo-inspired wall, chocolate brown flooring, and beaded wall sconces, this space exudes the essence of luxury
16. Hawaiian Inspiration

Photo Credit: Knudson Interiors
This spa-like bathroom is an indoor relaxation sanctuary in a Hawaiian home. Oversized wood-framed windows with bamboo window treatments offer an exotic island feel and help to link the outdoors with the indoors. The freestanding stone tub with soft rounded edges placed on a bed of large blue-grey river rock takes center stage. This
17. Tropical Jungle Vibes

Photo Credit: Studio DIY!
This refreshing bathroom is designed with elements that are reminiscent of a
18. Transitional Tropical Style

Photo Credit: Susie Bettenhousen Design via Curated Interior
In this example, the result is a cool and serene bathroom like one would find on a sun-drenched island. The window with wonderful exterior landscaping allows for tons of natural light. The white shiplap walls, crisp white vessel sinks, and freestanding tub set against white walls allows the greens and neutral colors of the accents and accessories to pop and bring this space to life. They seamlessly allow the outdoors to be brought indoors.
Textural elements such as the woven-framed mirrors, bamboo window treatments, and woven baskets all warm the room. The
19. Island Inspiration

Photo Credit: Decoist
Here is another great example of a bath space which allows for revitalization and rejuvenation. Again, a lot of natural light, which is even better if you have a great view, is one of the key features needed in
20. Wellness & Spa Haven

Photo Credit: Build Design Center
Here is more inspiration for you to turn your bathroom into a blissful paradise where pampering yourself can mean that much more. Take a moment and imagine this space without the indoor and outdoor plants, without the small wooden table and without the rocks at the base of the tub. Even with this cool tub, this space would be very lifeless and boring. So it just goes to show you that by bringing in the tropics through the use of great plants, a few wooden and textural accents, and things like river rock scattered at the base of a tub, spaces like this can be transformed into
Final Thoughts
Many people don’t realize it but bathrooms can be great places to relax and forget the rest of the world for a bit. Sometimes it only takes a few pieces of carefully chosen furnishings such as a comfortable bench or a relaxing chair with a side table, a few accent pieces and some new wall art to make the necessary changes. For us, plants are always a must. Not enough natural light or you simply don’t want to care for real plants? Go with faux ones, there are a lot of great ones out there. They are aren’t cheap but good quality, lifelike ones are worth the cost. Make some changes to light fixtures too. Bring in a couple of uplights if you have the outlets for it so cords are not in the way. A change in lighting can work wonders in creating the right atmosphere. The possibilities are truly endless!
For your convenience, here is a list of the products we have recommended which can really help to create an amazing and relaxing
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$7.14
This texture roller is awesome for create lighter to heavier stucco effects using paint, drywall mud, and other course materials for walls and ceilings!
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This teak wood beach is the perfect tropical addition to bathroom spaces. Teak is naturally moisture resistant and the clean lines of this bench will beautifully blend in with your tropical design.
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$99.99
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$34.99
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