Floors were native woods or tile for easy cleaning with rush mats, or tea-stained oriental carpets brought by the traders from the East. The effect was subdued and comforting, airy and clean, not cluttered. To achieve a tropical atmosphere today, designers are scaling down room sets and using fewer, but larger, multi-functional pieces. These pieces leave more open floor space and create the effect of higher ceilings by drawing the eye upwards. There is an emphasis on the vertical to make the room seem taller with tall armoires and folding screens.
Light fabrics flow easily from windows, and beds and fans are used to keep the air moving.
Fortunately, it isn't necessary to purchase a new room of furniture or to spend a great deal of money to achieve this wonderful sentiment of relaxed gentility. There are little things that decorators do that you too can implement. Leafy Patterns Wallcoverings and borders are easy to install these days and instantly evoke a feeling of the tropics, calling you to sit and relax for awhile. In the bedroom, place a sheet of sheer organza and hang long sheers with tabs from the windows, allowing them to sweep the floor with every breeze. Use plants and baskets or stacked boxes on surfaces.