Malaysian homes are ideal for embracing the warmth of the tropical style with bold colors, natural and rustic décor, and large windows that allow the air to circulate. This is because Malaysia is so close to the equator. Naturally, there will be challenges, but there are also opportunities for designing a living space that oozes a welcome and a sense of relaxation: relief, if not from work, at least from the humidity.
In short, by adding the tropical touch to your living room, you are merging the space with the outdoors and utilizing raw materials, natural textiles, and bold prints. This combination will brighten up your abode and make it attractive while remaining soothing.
The use of color
Even though the color palette associated with the tropics includes dark greens and colors of the forest flowers, there are the greys and browns from the stones and tree stems. These latter two colors are mostly used as a neutral base in modern tropical living room design.
Everything from the floor, which may be in cement, wood, bamboo, or stone, to the walls coated in soft hues of pale grey or beige colors, to the sofas in neutral greys and soft browns, is enhanced by color. This may be added in with scatter cushions in a celebration of brightness – pinks and coral reds, olive and pistachio greens, avocado-green leaf patterns, or even soft mustard yellows in geometric patterns.
Colour is not simply limited to soft furnishings. It may be added to the walls through the bold, leaf-patterned wallpaper that is currently on-trend. Artwork may be placed behind a sofa or console, which can also provide a focal point for the room.
Don't forget about plants.
Another way of adding color to your scheme is by introducing plants. From Monstera deliciosa, better known as a Delicious Monster, to orchids, plants will help to add interest and life to your living room.
Bear in mind the plants' growing needs, including sufficient light and humidity for good growth. If you are unsure about the plants' evolving needs, do speak to your nurseryman before acquiring them.
Think open – open spaces and open to the outdoors
Tropical living rooms work well in open-plan living spaces. This allows not only for better air circulation but also for a more relaxed feeling. This relaxed mood strengthens that sense of hospitality within the space. However, it is not only the lack of walls within a space that works exceeding well in this style: access to nature is also important. Therefore, large windows and sliding doors that open onto the garden will also allow the living room to merge better with the outdoors. The connection with the outdoors will increase with large windows, as will your natural light quality.
However, if you are fortunate enough to have high ceilings and exposed beams, make the most of these. Besides adding a ceiling fan to help with the air circulating, you could add striking pendant lights to draw the eye upwards, thereby helping to augment the spaciousness.
Think less – but keep it stylish
The interior décor of a modern tropical living room is uncluttered. A couple of sofas, with a few scatter cushions, a coffee table, two armchairs, and one or two large paintings, are all that is needed for this style. Then again, with this interior design, the large windows act as art pieces in their own right.
An upholstered three-seater sofa can be a hefty investment, costing RM2358 or more. Therefore, it may be best to cover it in a neutral shade of fabric. You can always add your color in the form of scatter cushions and throws. When you are tired of the color or want to include a current trend, you could simply replace the cushion covers instead of having your sofa re-covered.
If you are going to add furniture, opting for exceptional designer pieces will make a stronger statement. The chairs need not be in wicker: you could have solid wooden pieces in warm woods like mahogany. On the other hand, if you want a more natural look and more texture in your space, armchairs in rattan will work well.
Do you need curtains in a tropical living room?
Having curtains in your living room depends on your preference and how much privacy you already have. If, for instance, your living room is not overlooked, and a roof overhang reduces the sunshine entering the room, you could pass on the window treatments. If, however, you would like something to filter the sunlight or add some privacy, consider installing wooden shutters or blinds. You could also add sheer curtains to filter the light. Blinds and shutters would be your best option for a more modern look. If you need suggestions of what will work for your space, speak to an interior decorator.
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