Tropic like it's hot: the FibreGuard Outdoor edit

Summer is upon us, and one of the hottest trends for the season is tropical chic. It’s a vibrant, nature-inspired aesthetic that evokes the laid-back lifestyle and diverse cultural influences of sunny locales anywhere between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. If you're dreaming of an island getaway, why not bring those vacation vibes home with you?

Today we’re breaking down the true essence of tropical décor style, with furniture and upholstery advice.

What defines tropical décor: wood and woven structures

At its core, tropical design aims to create a light, airy, and relaxing atmosphere reminiscent of warm destinations. We like to think of it as the wild younger brother of coastal décor, where everything is tidy and settled.

Hallmarks include the use of exotic woods like rosewood, teak, and mahogany, along with woven textures from materials such as rattan, cane, jute, and bamboo. We’ll let you in on a little secret: we’re huge fans of the craftsmanship that goes into creating artisanal furniture pieces. Maybe that’s why we love tropical décor so much!

Tropical vibes: summer colours and coconut aesthetics

Vibrant colours and bold patterns featuring motifs like palm trees, banana leaves, and exotic florals and fauna are also key to this design style.

If that sounds a bit too OTT for you, don’t worry. To achieve a more minimalist tropical look, stick to softer hues and incorporate just a few tropical accent pieces, like a showstopping rattan chair.

For maximalists, go all out! Now’s your time to shine with vivid tropical wallpapers, themed lighting fixtures, and lush greenery galore. Think sunny yellows, ocean blues, pithy pinks and oranges, and lots of lush greens.

Our FibreGuard Outdoor range is full of punchy patterns and vivid colours: explore the collections here.

Bring the jungle with you

It’s time to get downright biophilic. No tropical oasis is complete without plenty of plants! Potted palms, ficus trees, anthuriums, and orchids instantly evoke a rainforest vibe.

"Biophilic design uses features or patterns that elicit a similar mental and physical response to those we have when we're in nature. It's not just literally bringing nature to a space, but also considering natural light, fresh air and replicating the cosy or stimulating feelings that nature evokes in us." – Interior designer and biophilia expert Oliver Heath: Biophilic bedrooms: a natural approach to a good night's sleep

For an even more authentic jungle atmosphere, incorporate the sights and sounds of nature with bird artwork or indoor water features. And don't forget to let in lots of natural light through ample windows and sheer, flowing curtains.

Tropical furnishing and accessories

When it comes to furnishings and accessories, tropical style is all about that collected, layered look blending diverse materials, textures, and cultural influences into casual yet stylish designs. Look for pieces that incorporate sustainable tropical materials like rattan, bamboo, jute, and cotton.

Mix classic tropical furniture silhouettes with bold, leafy prints and organic, nature-inspired shapes. And feel free to accessorize with treasures from your own travels - think woven baskets, tiki carvings, or that vibrant rag rug you picked up on vacation.

FibreGuard’s soft upholstery fabrics are a great way to create comfortable seating or opulent drapes as you embrace a laid-back, sun-kissed spirit. The Monte Carlo Armchair, for example, is a boho twist on a classic tub chair and is available in Australia via Abide Interiors.

Crafted from sustainable teak and natural rattan, and featuring FibreGuard’s cream-coloured, stain-resistant fabric, this chair would sit perfectly in a tropical style interior.

The Three-Seater Villa Sofa from CosyCribs, another Australian company, is also covered in FibreGuard’s high performance fabric. Its American oak frame and pared-back styling makes it the perfect neutral piece upon which to layer more quirky exotic elements.

Tropic like its hot with FibreGuard on Pinterest

A fresh take on tropical living is everywhere on Pinterest at the moment. Both nostalgic Boomers and free-spirited Gen Z are driving the rise of tropical chic this year, with searches for terms like "pineapple mocktails," "coconut aesthetic," and "tropical decor" trending upwards as people seek a sense of escapism and sunscreen-scented nostalgia.

So go ahead and embrace the tropics at home - it's a refreshing way to bring the outdoors in and inject some fun, tranquil vibes into your space.

Where can I find FibreGuard’s easy clean fabrics?

Looking to purchase FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics for your outdoor furniture? Feel free to browse our digital fabric textures for free on the TwinBru platform! You can find the FibreGuard Outdoor collection here. Find a design you like? You can order free fabric samples from TwinBru as well.

Looking for more ideas for space? Click here to read about FibreGuard Outdoor’s fabrics, or be inspired by our Boho Tropical décor board on Pinterest.