Caribbean Décor Ideas for Your Home

Summer is on its way. It will be especially appreciated by those of you living in northern climates. Maybe a summer vacation to a tropical island is in your plan. Wouldn’t it be nice, though, if you could capture that beachy, tropical feeling all year round? You may not be able to physically live in the islands year-round because of your job and responsibilities but you can bring the tropics into you home.

Here are a few ideas to help you fill your home or at least a room in your home with that warm, bright, tropical feel:

Rather than dark, heavy, ornate wood furniture or polished metal, go for some distressed lighter colored wood or fabrics. Keep the room light with shades of tans and whites. Accent your room with blues, greens and coral colors.

If possible change out your drapes or curtains for lighter ones or combine with light colored indoor shutters.

Add a touch of wicker.

Create more tropical atmosphere with a few indoor plants. 

Add a tropical ceiling fan.

Create a focal point on the wall with one or two large original Caribbean paintings, by me of course.

Cruz Bay Sunset by Alan Zawacki

Lido Days by Alan Zawacki

Here are some other areas to consider for your Caribbean transformation:

• Wood flooring
• Tile flooring
• Area rugs
• Sheer white curtains
• Bamboo Shades
• Bedding
• Mosquito netting
• Throw pillows
• Folding screen
• Bistro set
• Hammock
• Reggae music

Happy Caribbean decorating everyone,
Alan

Creative Process for my painting - "Beached"

Staring at a blank canvas is where I begin every painting. I usually already have a general idea of what I want to paint based on some magical inspiration, reference photos and my imagination.

The following is a step-by-step photo illustration of the stages of development for creating this latest painting.

I began with a light pencil sketch on the canvas to lay out the general composition. The (beached) foreground row boat was the focal point for this painting so I began the painting with that. The values and colors will be adjusted later.

 
Added the sky next. This gave me the basis for the light and dark values of the painting.

Now the basic colors of the Caribbean water.

Added some indications of gentle waves and the sand colors below the shallow water and on the beach.

 

I began laying-in palm tree shapes.







Adjusted shadow values and colors. Also added additional details with the oars to create more interest in the focal point area. I like simple, calming and uncomplicated scenes so I didn't want to add any more details to the painting. I firmly believe that less is more.

Finished painting -- Beached.

Beached by Alan Zawacki - 30"x40" acrylic on gallery wrap canvas

So the process began with an inspired idea, then a period of time to tweak and nurture -- and finally the satisfying end result.




Have a great week everyone,
Alan

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

May your Holidays be filled with peace and joy and your new year be filled with warm turquoise water and white sandy beaches.

All the Best,
Alan