Tropical Style, Refined

Written by Phillip Jeffries | Jul 15, 2026 4:19:06 PM

Every summer, tropical style finds its way back into the design conversation. At Phillip Jeffries, that inspiration comes to life through textured wallcovering that captures the warmth, beauty, and ease of the natural world.

The look has evolved beyond traditional island motifs. Designers are embracing tropical influences through handcrafted textures, botanical patterns, and natural fibers that blur the line between indoors and out. It's a fresh approach that feels effortless, inviting, and perfectly suited to summer living.

Elevated Island Style
Chicago-based designer Nalini Arantes is known for creating homes that balance sophistication with a strong sense of place. In addition to her work in the Midwest, she designs vacation properties that draw inspiration from their surroundings like this beautiful mid-century home in the Kahala area of Honolulu in Hawaii. In this project, Nalini is inspired by palm motifs of the islands and chose Phillip Jeffries The Grove to transform the space.

For another project in Oahu, Nalini used a textural grasscloth from our Grass Roots collection to give this dining room dimensional texture with a hint of blue inspired by the view. This tropical look is elevated, architectural, and timeless.

Photography by Adam Taylor

At its heart, tropical style has always been rooted in nature. Palm leaves, lush florals, and organic forms evoke a sense of escape, while materials like raffia, grasscloth, and woven fibers bring warmth and authenticity to a space.

Effortlessly Collected
Los Angeles–based designer Mandy Cheng is celebrated for her layered, livable interiors and thoughtful use of materials. Below, our African Raffia wallcovering sets the tone for this elevated dining room, adding texture, depth, and a natural connection that feels perfectly aligned with today's refined take on tropical style.

African Raffia dining room photo by Madeline Tolle, Seaside Jute entryway photo by Carmel Brantley, Jack's Jungle bar photo by Emery Davis

Wallcoverings play a natural role in this story. Large-scale palms can transform a room into a tranquil retreat as Palm Beach designer Caitlin Kah displays in the Florida entryway above, while botanical patterns introduce movement and softness in the bar area of this home designed by Lisa Henderson Interiors. Even the most subtle references to nature can shift the mood of a space, creating an environment that feels lighter and more connected to the landscape beyond its walls.

Naturally Chic Motifs
Natural textures are equally important. Raffia, grasscloth, and other woven wallcoverings add depth without overwhelming a room. Their handcrafted character brings a sense of artistry and permanence, while their organic texture reflects light in ways that make a space feel warm and layered throughout the day.

Fringe Raffia photo by Sargent Photo, Palmera photo by Phillip Jeffries, Arboretum photo by Dan Cutrona

Designers are increasingly pairing these elements with clean-lined furnishings, natural woods, stone, and linen to create a more refined expression of tropical style. The result feels sophisticated rather than themed—an approach that celebrates the beauty of nature while remaining timeless.

Sophisticated Palms
Based in Los Angeles, Alec Holland is known for creating interiors that feel relaxed, inviting, and deeply connected to their surroundings. In this bedroom below, Alec chose Ellie's View, a neutral palm motif offers a softer interpretation of tropical style. The pattern adds movement and interest while the understated palette keeps the space feeling calm, proving that tropical-inspired design can be both timeless and refined.

Photo by Genevieve Garruppo

Dimensional Details
Perhaps that's why tropical influences continue to resonate. More than a seasonal trend, they offer a way of living: one that embraces natural materials, abundant light, and a sense of ease. Whether expressed through a woven raffia wallcovering, a soft botanical print, or a statement palm motif, tropical style invites us to bring the feeling of escape home. Below, a new Phillip Jeffries grasscloth, Magnolia Mosaic, creates a dimensional statement piece.

In the end, the appeal isn't simply about tropical patterns. It's about creating spaces that feel grounded, relaxed, and inspired by the natural world—an idea that never goes out of season.

Want more?
See more Coastal Styles here.

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