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What's Your Style: Coastal Style Goes Tropical in Singapore
Give the light and airy coastal interior style a Singapore twist and turn it tropical
Niki Bruce
6 March 2018
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my inner-homeowner run free!
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my... More
Coastal as an interior design style is a growing decor look right now. It originated in the American east coast cities, but has morphed into something that focuses on the beachy colours of blue, white and sand, natural materials and as much natural light as possible.
Coastal turns into Tropical style
In Singapore, there has been a further twist to this popular style. Since the original coastal look depends on large window and door openings to bring in natural light, our version incorporates natural greenery and indoor-outdoor spaces.
In Singapore, there has been a further twist to this popular style. Since the original coastal look depends on large window and door openings to bring in natural light, our version incorporates natural greenery and indoor-outdoor spaces.
In HDB apartments with restricted window openings with little or no outdoor space, designers focus on bringing the outdoors in via plants, innovative lighting ideas and light furniture pieces.
Just add plants… or plant prints
Naturally, the plants used are tropical.
Naturally, the plants used are tropical.
“I believe the tropical interpretation of the Coastal style in Singapore interiors is totally forgivable; the true coastal style does warrant large foliage to finish the look,” says Jas Jhol from interior design firm Sugarbakers.
Get the look:
If you’re not someone who wants to add a lots of large indoor plants to your home decor that might be messy or difficult to take care of, you can go for plants like succulents, or look for plants in self-watering pots.
If you’re not someone who wants to add a lots of large indoor plants to your home decor that might be messy or difficult to take care of, you can go for plants like succulents, or look for plants in self-watering pots.
Get the look:
Another great way to get nature indoors in your home is to look for wallpapers that feature large botanical or tropical prints.
Get ready for a tropical storm with a glamorous twist
Another great way to get nature indoors in your home is to look for wallpapers that feature large botanical or tropical prints.
Get ready for a tropical storm with a glamorous twist
“Lately, interior trends are going towards more large floral designs,” explains Jhol. “Incorporate these with clean creamy whites, clear blues and sea greens which are simple, natural, and call to mind the hues of sand and water.”
Get the look:
Don’t forget that the sea is not just blue, it is also green, teal and turquoise. Use these tones in a variety of strengths for a modern tropical coastal look.
Add bright white trim for contrast, or go with sandy-beige tones for a more natural feel.
Don’t forget that the sea is not just blue, it is also green, teal and turquoise. Use these tones in a variety of strengths for a modern tropical coastal look.
Add bright white trim for contrast, or go with sandy-beige tones for a more natural feel.
Get the look:
Go for a punchy modern version of tropical style with bright versions of beach colours and fun prints.
See Singapore homes that have gone coastal
Go for a punchy modern version of tropical style with bright versions of beach colours and fun prints.
See Singapore homes that have gone coastal
A touch of colonial style
For real tropical colonial inspiration you need look no further than Singapore’s classic black and white houses.
For real tropical colonial inspiration you need look no further than Singapore’s classic black and white houses.
Although they’re monochrome on the outside, these homes can be full of colour on the inside. In fact, the Black & White house is pretty much the perfect example of tropical interior style.
Get the look:
Colonial detailing is something that is unique to Singapore. Instead of heavy teak furniture, try lightweight wicker pieces for a relaxing, casual vibe.
How to work in wicker
Colonial detailing is something that is unique to Singapore. Instead of heavy teak furniture, try lightweight wicker pieces for a relaxing, casual vibe.
How to work in wicker
You can either with natural cane, or paint it white to emphasise the beachy feel.
Get the look:
Other colonial touches like large ceiling fans, also in natural materials, and vintage or reproduction Victorian-style furniture pieces, will add to the authentic tropical vibe.
Other colonial touches like large ceiling fans, also in natural materials, and vintage or reproduction Victorian-style furniture pieces, will add to the authentic tropical vibe.
TELL US
What’s your interpretation of coastal style? Share a photo in the Comments if you’ve got one.
What’s your interpretation of coastal style? Share a photo in the Comments if you’ve got one.
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