As someone who’s been caught in the grips of the recent heatwave here in the UK, I can attest to the transformative power of our environment on our mood and decor choices. With temperatures reaching a record-breaking 385 degrees last week (or so it felt!), my home in Sussex suddenly felt more like the south of France than its usual temperate self.

But you know what they say – when life gives you lemons, or in this case, scorching temperatures, you embrace the tropical trend! And that’s precisely what I’ve been noticing in the world of interiors lately. Welcome to the era of Soft Tropics – a cooler, lighter, and more airy take on the Hothouse tropical look we’ve been indulging in over the past few seasons.

Embracing the Soft Tropical Trend

Gone are the days of in-your-face, maximalist tropical prints and bold, saturated colors. Instead, we’re seeing a shift towards a more de-saturated color palette and a calmer, more cohesive styling approach. Think bold botanical prints with the occasional tropical bird or gold pineapple thrown in for good measure, but with a softer, more serene vibe.

One of the key elements of this Soft Tropics trend is the incorporation of natural materials and lush greenery. As Sophie Robinson points out, “Incorporating natural materials, plants, and a sense of natural light in your home can really help with health, happiness, and wellbeing.” And let me tell you, after being cooped up in my own home during this heatwave, the soothing power of nature has never been more apparent.

Bringing the Tropics Indoors

So how do you bring this Soft Tropical vibe into your own home? The answer lies in strategic use of palm prints, pops of blush pink, and an abundance of lush, green foliage.

Palm prints are undoubtedly the star of the show when it comes to this trend. Whether it’s a bold, feature wall or more subtle, accessory-based touches, the palm motif is a must-have. And don’t be afraid to mix and match different shades of green and pink to create a truly harmonious and calming atmosphere.

Sofa Spectacular has really embraced the greenery in their latest collections, punctuating their calming yet uplifting schemes with an abundance of ferns and palms. And let me tell you, those lush, verdant touches are exactly what my home needs right now to transport me to a tropical oasis, even if I can’t physically escape the heatwave.

The Power of Pink and Green

Speaking of color, the pairing of pink and green is an absolute match made in heaven for this Soft Tropics look. As Sophie Robinson so eloquently puts it, “Pink and green should ALWAYS be seen, contrary to myth.” And I couldn’t agree more. The lush vibrancy of the green is perfectly balanced and toned down by the soft, subtle blush tones, creating a truly relaxing and nurturing color palette.

Whether it’s a blush pink and green palm wallpaper, a toucan-printed tea towel, or a rattan screen adorned with tropical foliage, these complementary hues are the foundation for this calming, yet oh-so-inviting aesthetic.

Bringing the Tropics Home

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Tropical decor? In the UK? Isn’t that a bit of a stretch?” Well, my friends, hear me out. Even if the weather outside isn’t quite cooperating, there’s no reason why we can’t bring a little bit of that lush, tropical vibe into our homes. And trust me, it’s the perfect antidote to the heatwave blues.

So, where do you start? Well, start small and start smart. Incorporate bold, botanical prints through cushions, wall art, or even tableware. Bring in some lush, green foliage – whether it’s a towering palm tree, some cascading ferns, or even a potted monstera – and watch as your space is instantly transformed into a calming, tropical oasis.

And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not go for a feature wall in a stunning palm print wallpaper? Just be sure to balance out the bold print with lighter, more natural elements like rattan, woven textures, and plenty of natural light.

The key is to embrace the tropical trend in a way that feels authentic to you and your home. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. After all, if there’s one thing this heatwave has taught me, it’s that we could all use a little more warmth, color, and lushness in our lives.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s bring a little bit of the tropics to the UK, one bold botanical print and lush, green leaf at a time!