Tropical

Where it comes from

Colonial-era building in hot, humid climates, arranged around airflow.

Tropical interiors are pale shells with dark timber accents, natural fibre and a lot of planting. The remodel risk is theming — once the prints appear the room stops being tropical and starts being a bar.

Lighting

Warm and low, with fans doing visual work as much as functional.

What breaks it

• Heavy upholstery
• Dark enclosed rooms
• Wall-to-wall carpet
• Fake plants

Where to spend

Ceiling. Boarded or panelled ceilings with a fan are what set it, more than any textile.