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If you adore distant exotic island locations and the tranquility and peacefulness they exude, there’s a way to bring those vibes straight to your home. The bathroom is an ideal place to start because it’s usually the first stop every morning after you wake up and the last stop before going to bed at night. By enhancing this space with indoor tropical plants and other rainforest-like features, you will be able to fully embrace the look and feel of the tropics. Sometimes just a few touches are all that is needed to create an ambiance reminiscent of the beauty of the islands of the South Pacific or other far off escapes such as the Maldives or Seychelles.
Learn Creative Ways to Remodel Your Master Bathroom to Look Exotic, Stylish, & Serene
Whether small or large, a bathroom can be a great statement room. With careful planning, the space can be transformed into a paradise sanctuary regardless of where you live. If you’re considering a remodel, continue reading 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 10 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, accessories, and accents.
Interior Decorating with a Tropical Style
Image 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
- Uncluttered floor space
- Natural materials (stone, wood)
- Textures (natural fibers including rugs and accents)
- Sustainable design practices
These elements found in exotic rainforests and remote islands come together to create some amazing results. In the sections below, we will explore these further.
Amenities
Image credit: Maison Valentina
To create a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere, choose spa-like amenities that add functionality, convenience, and value to your space. Indulge in features that help create the feeling of relaxation and Zen:
Image credit: Maison Valentina
- Walk-in showers with steam, body jets, and rainfall showerheads
- Water walls and fountains
- Freestanding soaking tubs
- Soft, diffused lighting
- Natural stone countertops
- Wood vanities and benches
Indoor Plants
Courtesy of: Deavita.net via Arch20
To achieve tranquility and serenity, you have to return to nature. One way of doing this is to add tropical plants to your bathroom and give it the lush and fresh ambience of a rainforests.
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 have them hang from the ceiling or placed on the floor, they can sit on countertops, shelves, and windowsills, or even be in the shower as space and light permit.
Choose low-maintenance plants that thrive in a warm, humid and steamy bathroom environment. Some suggestions are as follows:
- “Marble Queen” and “Golden” Pothos
- ZZ plant
- Majesty palm
- Snake plant
- Aloe vera
- Monstera Deliciosa
- Lucky bamboo
- Philodendron
- Anthurium
- Spider plant
- Dracaena Madagascar Dragon Tree and Dracaena Golden Coast
- Rubber plant
The Importance of Natural Materials
Image credit: Minimalism
One of the principal features of tropical design is the integration of natural materials. The use of these brings a simple yet organic look and feel to the space. When selecting materials, choose eco-friendly and sustainable options that are easy to maintain, such as bamboo, recycled glass, and reclaimed woods and metals. Exotic woods such as teak, and then rattan, stone and even polished concrete, are commonly used to recreate the feeling of a being at a tropical jungle destination in a hidden luxury escape with an outdoor shower and a secluded beach. When it comes to fabrics, select those made from organic materials and natural fibers such as cotton, jute, or linen.
Color Palette
Courtesy of: 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, or you can go darker with blues and greys if you have more natural light. Opt for pops of bright color to accentuate. Use vivid hues of natural greens, yellows, oranges, or reds that appear naturally in rain forests and jungle flora.
Accessories
Image courtesy of 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 your dream escape. You can feel as though you are just steps away from a sparkling white sandy beach!
Some good choices for tropical bathrooms include:
- Woven rugs, baskets, stools, and chairs
- Bamboo shelves and dividers
- Jute, hemp, and sisal mats
- Stone vases, soap dispensers, toothbrush holders
- Wooden blinds
- 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. Plants, whether potted plants or designed to be a living wall of color, are the foundation of tropical bathroom design. In addition to bringing in those necessary shades of green, they create that true tropical rainforest vibe. Just go with big plants with large, bold leaves. If lighter color tones are used on walls and flooring, rich, dark colors, and bold prints will work perfectly as accents.
Below, we have collected a series of tropical bathroom design ideas which we hope will inspire you as you decorate your bathroom. For a minimalist touch, less is obviously more. Choose a neutral color palette throughout, combined with a select few décor pieces and plant additions.
1. Indoor-Outdoor Retreat
Image 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 tropical foliage to pop with color, form, and texture. The wooden element of the ceiling with its ambient lighting complete the look.
2. Small Bathrooms
Although this bathroom is small, it works. It is tastefully decorated with carefully chosen pieces that bring in the vibe of far off locations. 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 your home. The large mirror is a smart piece because of how it reflects the light and makes the room feel brighter and more open.
Image courtesy of Maison Valentina
3. Simple Luxury Oasis
Image 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 creates dramatic visual interest. The free-standing bathtub works as the focal point since almost no décor pieces are used. A single large potted bamboo or palm tree in a terracotta pot is all this space needs for a bit of color.
4. Modern Functionality
Courtesy of: Ventierinterior
Even if your bathroom is small, you can still make it opulent and classy while not losing out on 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 soften the look while bringing the tropics inside. The large window and natural light help to make this space feel more open and airy.
5. Vintage-Inspired Retreat
Courtesy of: Vogue Scandinavia
If you are a fan of vintage décor, here’s an example of how to renovate your restroom so it looks like a real vintage gem. A free standing black clawed tub is surrounded by tropical foliage in woven baskets and ceramic pots. These are placed on dark wood plant stands of varying heights which do an excellent job of creating visual interest. A small rug and white draperies bring in additional warmth and texture to the space.
6. Simple Calming Oasis
Image 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 tropical green color and adds to the mix of serenity and practicality.
7. A Modern Tropical Look
Image 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. Contemporary Retreat
Image 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. Large indoor plants help to achieve the tropical island feel. Large windows allow for plenty of natural light which softens this room and keeps it airy and open.
9. Rejuvenating Retreat
Courtesy of: Decorilla
Rejuvenate your senses with this tropical bathroom design. It creates a truly calming place for you to wind down at the end of the day. The shelves and wall niches allow for storage and display while woven bamboo shade is perfect as a tropical window covering. The large stone pebbles are very easy to place and they create a stunning bit of visual interest which is reminiscent of luxury tropical resorts.
(Quick tip when using large stone pebbles: These are easy to keep clean. Simply use the brush attachment on your vacuum hose. Pebbles that are large enough will not be sucked up.)
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. Bathroom with Unique Character & Flair
Image credit: DigsDigs
If you have a lively personality, you might very well want to have a tropical bathroom that has a lively personality as well! Here, we see a perfect blend of repurposed vintage pieces with copper elements and lots of wood and greenery. As you can see, even though the room is small, the design details are awesome. They bring in that touch of a faraway tropical escape.
11. Luxurious Outdoor Bath
Courtesy of: Spotools
This incredible, luxurious space features a unique granite tub. Even if you don't have a stone tub, any quality freestanding tub placed in an outdoor setting such as this can truly be part of your unique tropical escape. Placed along side a cream-colored stone half-wall and contrasting dark wooden walls and ceiling, it creates the feeling of being in a remote nature-filled place like the jungles and rainforests of Bali or Thailand. Large-leaf outdoor tropicals provide gorgeous floral architecture which completes the look of this luxurious, one-of-a-kind outdoor bathroom oasis.
12. Small Updates Create Big Changes
Courtesy of: Sherwin Williams
If you are not up for a major renovation, there are small projects you can do that can have a big impact on how a space looks. For instance, by changing wall color to white to forest green and then adding a few accents, you can achieve a striking effect. The green accent wall brings depth and contrast to this small bathroom which was previously all white, including the vanity. 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 dual vanity 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.
14. Tropical Powder Room
Courtesy of: Model Remodel
This powder room features playful palm leaf wallpaper, brass fixtures and accents, and a walnut vanity. Vivid colors are balanced by the dark-framed wall art, the white countertop, white subway tiles, and black hexagon floor tiles. Although the footprint is not big, this room still has tropical flair to it thanks to bold prints, color contrasts and design. Don’t be afraid to play with various print and design elements just because the area you have to work with is small. You may be surprised at how well the end result turns out to be!
15. Luxury Tropical Texture
Image by: Malgosia Design
The 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 tropical style. The custom-made wash basin and the single white orchid plant sitting on the floating wood slab vanity bring in an additional hint of the tropics. This is luxury tropical perfection.
16. Hawaiian retreat
Image credit: Knudson Interiors
This spa-like bathroom functions as an indoor relaxation sanctuary. Oversized wood-framed windows with bamboo window treatments offer an exotic island tone and link between the outside and the inside. The freestanding stone tub with soft edges placed on a bed of large blue-grey pebbles takes center stage. This tropical escape is the perfect blend of natural materials and creates a blissful place, right in your own home.
17. Jungle vibes
Courtesy of: Studio DIY!
This refreshing bathroom is designed with the ambience of tropical islands and rainforests in mind. This works because of the flora-inspired color combination. Vibrant greens are paired with white and pink which perfectly complement the medium-toned wooden vanity. The flooring features authentic cultural design elements from the South Pacific. All of the color and design elements of this bathroom blend together to create a truly beautiful and unique look.
18. Transitional Tropical Style
Image by: Susie Bettenhousen Design via Curated Interior
In this example, the result is a cool and serene bathroom found on a sun-drenched island. The window with wonderful exterior landscaping allows for tons of natural light. The white shiplap walls, crisp white sinks, and freestanding tub set against white walls add to the beauty and brightness. Textural elements which include the woven-framed mirrors, bamboo window treatments, and woven baskets warm the room. The wood countertop and shelving, fabric accents, and tropical leaves bring completeness and coziness to the room.
19. Island Inspiration
Courtesy of: Decoist
Revitalize and rejuvenate yourself! Again, a lot of natural light, which is even better if you have a great view, is one of the key features needed in tropical bathroom escapes. With just a few changes to existing décor and design, you can create a powerful impact. Through the use of wooden accents and fabrics which are in whites and soft shades of blue, the look and feel of a space can dramatically change. Add in some unusual lighting, a jute rug and several plants, and you will find yourself transported to a tropical happy place.
20. Wellness & Spa Haven
Image by: 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. Whether you want to make just a few simple changes to your existing décor or you want to do a full remodel, this example is filled with ideas about how natural materials can be included. Here, a freestanding marble soaking tub is placed on a pebble floor. Exterior plants are paired with indoor potted plants to create a more dense jungle feel.
The right choices in new wall art can complement any major changes you make. Simple design elements such as choosing a small wooden tub side table can help you choose a whole new wooden vanity perhaps, and even a relaxing new wooden bench or chair. A change in lighting can work wonders also. The possibilities are endless!
