Turning your house into a tranquil Polynesian escape is surprisingly straightforward. With just a few carefully chosen details, you can infuse your space with the calming essence of island living.

Island-Theme Rugs

Island rugs perfectly ground the decor.
Island rugs perfectly ground the decor.

Install island-theme rugs to tie the area together. They ground your space with a feeling of the tropics.

Deep Wood Tones

Using deep wood tones, bring in warmth and individuality.
Using deep wood tones, bring in warmth and individuality.

Deep, vibrant wooden furniture brings in layers of depth and comfort, capturing the core of Polynesian style. I’ve noticed that an ornate wooden table or chair can act as an eye-catching centerpiece.

Low-to-the-Ground Furniture for Relaxing

Furniture that sits low encourages relaxation.
Furniture that sits low encourages relaxation.

Pick low-to-the-ground furniture to encourage a relaxed mood. This furniture style makes you want to relax and kick back.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Space

Blurring any line between the interior and exterior.
Blurring any line between the interior and exterior.

Create a smooth indoor-outdoor shift to capture that true Polynesian feel. I’ve seen patios with organic design details turn into just another part of the living space.

An Earthy, Vibrant Palette

A balanced palette based on the natural world.
A balanced palette based on the natural world.

Go with earthy tones with bright accents. This blend gives a balanced, calming scene, reminiscent of the natural beauty of the islands.

A Spacious, Airy Feel

An open design enhances space and sunlight.
An open design enhances space and sunlight.

Design your space with an open structure to ensure smooth flow and sunlight. In my own apartment, this technique helps the smallest areas feel big.

Specialized Polynesian Art

Unique hangings make for a captivating focus.
Unique hangings make for a captivating focus.

Beautify your walls with special Polynesian art. These can be a focal point, catching eyes and earning compliments.

Breezy, Light Fabrics

Bright fabrics make for a relaxed and airy feel.
Bright fabrics make for a relaxed and airy feel.

Use bright fabrics like linen and cotton to ensure a relaxed vibe. I often use these to achieve a carefree yet elegant aesthetic.

Travel Based Designs

Personal mementos give your room character and stories.
Personal mementos give your room character and stories.

Put in travel-based designs from your adventures for a unique decor experience. These provide credibility and a great sense of storytelling.

Jungle Art for the Walls

Jungle art brings the vibrant island ambiance inside.
Jungle art brings the vibrant island ambiance inside.

Add jungle art in wall decorations for a splash of island life. These art pieces are a great way to draw attention and cause excitement.

Classic Island Art on Fabrics

Classic Island Art gives your home a touch of cultural history.
Classic Island Art gives your home a touch of cultural history.

Bring in fabrics showing iconic Island Art to highlight tradition. These patterns are well-loved by my clients for their narrative aspect.

Braided Design In The Home

Braided design brings comfort and richness.
Braided design brings comfort and richness.

Put braided design in rugs or containers to make a space feel more dynamic. People are often impressed with how these pieces create a snug, layered style.

Opt for Nature’s Materials

Using organic materials such as bamboo and woven grass, create a tranquil mood.
Using organic materials such as bamboo and woven grass, create a tranquil mood.

Polynesian design shines with natural materials like bamboo and woven grass. Using these can really connect your space to nature, which I’ve personally seen create amazing results.

Artistic Sculptures and Masks

Artistic sculptures and masks offer a feel of realness.
Artistic sculptures and masks offer a feel of realness.

Add cultural items such as masks or sculptures to lend a true feeling. These things have been great conversation starters in the houses I have designed.

Bright Textile Accents

Bright fabrics give life and energy.
Bright fabrics give life and energy.

Throw in bright textiles like blankets or pillows to inject life into any space. I use these simple changes to give any area a face lift.

Artisanal Wood Art

Unique art provides character and a personal feel.
Unique art provides character and a personal feel.

Show handcrafted wooden art parts for a personal style. I’ve seen these art pieces enhance designs by adding unique beauty.

Seashell and Coral Decorations

Seashells and coral provide a coastal element.
Seashells and coral provide a coastal element.

Beautify with seashells and coral for a beachy experience. These organic pieces are great for making a touch of the coast inside.

Verdant Tropical Plants

Using vibrant greenery, bring a touch of the tropics into your space.
Using vibrant greenery, bring a touch of the tropics into your space.

Add in abundant greenery such as palms and ferns for instant vibrance. I’ve learned that a thoughtfully positioned plant can make any area feel like a little refuge.