Searching for a trendy home and garden makeover that gives instant gratification and doesn’t require a lot of time and resources? The latest trends in fashion and home decorating are drawing inspiration from the bright colors and laid-back attitude of the tropics.

“Vibrant tropical colors are influencing home decor,” said Doug Jimerson, editor-in-chief of gardening for Better Homes and Gardens.

Whether you want to makeover a deck, patio or porch, add some tropical flair by following the “three Ps” of outdoor design: plants, paint and punch.

Plants

“New tropical plants are easy to grow for any outdoor space,” Jimerson said. “With fantastic colors and foliage, it’s simple to add splashes of intense color throughout your garden, deck and patio.”

Jimerson suggested going big and bold with gorgeous blooms of colorful hibiscus that come in dozens of bright tropical colors.

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“Whether you’re planning a … graduation party or just want a restful retreat, decorating your backyard with easy-care, sun-loving hibiscus offer a blaze of color for any occasion. Cut hibiscus flowers floating in water make an exotic centerpiece, and using the blooms as garnishes takes al-fresco dining to the next level,” Jimerson said.

New Bloomtastic! and Patio Tropics! tropical plants from Hines Growers, offer immediate color and impact for any-sized garden, deck, porch or patio. Simply leave them in their pretty pots to add lush flowers and foliage to your outdoor spaces or grow them throughout your landscape for a pop of vivid color.

One of the best hibiscus varieties is Bahama Bay Hibiscus “Amazon Queen” with huge blooms that match the Pantone Color Institute color of the year, Tangerine Tango. Pair it with the new bright yellow Bahama Bay “Enlightenment” hibiscus and add some Tiki lights for a festive garden party or luau.

Paint

Paint is one of the easiest, most economical ways to create a tropical feel inside or out. Choosing a color that reminds you of the beach sets the theme for your overall design.

Margie Grace, of Grace Design Associates, and a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), advised not to limit painting to just walls. “Paint an old set of chairs Caribbean blue, containers coral red and sunshine yellow,” she said. “Just remember when choosing a shade, tropical colors aren’t going to fade into the background. They’re going to make a vibrant statement.”

An accent wall on a deck or patio painted in key lime or ocean blue instantly transforms a space. Carry the tropics inside with a less-saturated color like a warm-mango tone or pair a rich, intense color accent wall with neutrals.

Punch

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Adding tropical patterns and fabrics to your decor brings flexibility and endless possibilities.

Cushions in tropical colors, throw pillows with bold floral designs and tropical inspired linens on the table are an easy way to add punch.

Use a single pattern to underscore your tropical theme or mix things up with a variety of prints and stripes. Keep in mind the many patterns that fall into the tropical category, including floral, greenery, and ocean and beach elements.

Then kick it up a notch with a new intriguing Black Hawaiian Spider Lily, Crinum Purple Dream. “Crinum’s exotic-looking dark purple almost black foliage and deep pink flowers on dark red stalks is trendy and looks nice mixed in the landscape or in containers,” said Jimerson.

Surround yourself with lush tropical foliage to turn your home into your favorite staycation paradise.

This article is courtesy of ARAcontent.

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