Say tropical decor and you immediately picture the 1980s at its worst. Tiki bars: umbrellas in syrupy cocktails, scratchy woven seats, and, inexplicably, musty wall-to-wall carpeting. Back then, people unironically installed thatched bars accented with taxidermy fish. It was a dark time. But thanks to cultural phenomena like The White Lotus — whose third season takes place in the lush tropical resorts of Thailand — the idea of bringing island-inspired design into the home is getting a much-needed refresh.
Not everyone is convinced. Among them is Livingetc interiors editor Emma Breislin, who wrote me this quippy note: "I'm sorry to anyone this might offend, but palm print reads souvenir shop to me. Great design is all about nuance and subtlety, but the tacky tropical motif tries too hard. It's overused — it’s become a bad shorthand for indoor-outdoor living — and often looks garish in the home. That said, I never dismiss an interior design trend entirely. You never know when something will come along that changes your mind… so, best of luck, Julia."
