56 Island Room Ideas For Instant Relaxation

Become One With Nature

The fresh green and yellow linens in this guest bedroom on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, along with the mahogany doors and windows, echo the lush landscape outside. Window treatments and a ceiling fan keep the room cool and shady. Adding a small potted plant to the bedside table literally brings the outside in.

Mix Dark and Light

This St. Kitts great room features dark stained wood—a frequent feature of island design—but also retains an airy feeling thanks to its vaulted ceilings, creamy walls, and natural fiber rugs. Tropical foliage and floral arrangements add life and exotic drama.

Get Cohesive With Color

This main bathroom's shimmering Moroccan tiles are a softer take on the vibrant greenery outside and create a relaxing tone for a long soak. The top-to-bottom serene palette is grounded by a cream and green herringbone tile floor, ending with a chandelier dotted with sea green glass. The light green tub—instead of a traditional white or cream—unifies the space.

Style With Shutters

Many island homes feature exterior shutters that can be opened to take advantage of tropical breezes, or closed during rough winds, but this living room puts a fresh twist on the classic element by incorporating a painted shutter into the décor. All-white upholstered furniture and bare wood floors keep the room cool and light. Dusty blue and beige accent colors sync with the understated vibe.

Add a Cheery Hue

Sea urchins are affixed to the bright yellow wall of this Jamaican main bedroom, adding a fun layer of ocean-inspired texture. The rest of the room, decked in neutral tones, balances the wall's bold color. Pickled, wide-plank pine floors in a light sand tone tie into the beach beyond.

Incorporate Natural Elements

This Maui bedroom is full of island style. The ceiling's exposed rafters and bamboo ceiling, carved bedposts, and nearly floor-to-ceiling windows give the space a Swiss Family Robinson-like feel. Light blue bed linens lend a watery accent that reflects the home's oceanfront location.

Add Ethereal Accents

A neutral color palette and uncluttered design make this Bonaire bedroom feel like a peaceful spot for relaxation. The airy canopy lends a touch of island style without detracting from the room's modern aesthetic. A stained concrete floor looks like the ocean while keeping the room cool.

Play With the View

This vignette—in a bright beach house on Anna Maria Island, Florida—cleverly features a circular window in place of a more traditional mirror or piece of art. The buffet's playful curves and distressed finish provide a nice contrast to the clean, geometric lines of the window. Accessorize with found objects, like seashells, driftwood, and greenery.

Make an Entrance

The seashell curtain hanging over the entry to this bedroom is a fun reminder that the Pacific Ocean is just outside. Copper, mint green, and sunny yellow mirror the exterior beach scene. Cement floors in a wide, criss-cross pattern make the room look larger, and keeping them bare cools the space.

Cast a Bold Print the Star

The bold, leafy pattern on this South Padre Island, Texas, banquette creates a tropical atmosphere. Bright eggshell paint, vintage tiki stools, and folding director's-style chairs further enhance the effect. The bright, cheery, tropical vibe makes dining a pleasure.

Weather-Proof in and Out

Keep all eyes at sea by echoing Mother Nature's color palette inside. Pops of reds and blues in the fabric echo the flowers and sea, causing an uninterrupted focal point. To keep mold and mildew at bay, use durable, even outdoor fabics for indoor rooms frequently exposed to salty, humid air.

Be Bold and Playful

Despite the playful colors, the core elements of the room remain simple and straightforward. Be bold with hues, but make sure they complement one another. Combining a warm and cool shade, such as buttercup yellow and lilac, is a good team approach to paint.

Layer Terrific Texture

Color isn't the only way to make an impact. Neutrals can pack a punch if done the right way. Turn up the heat by using natural materials such as stone, woven grass, and raw wood to give a double dose of texture, and reserve bold color for the view.

Highlight Local Fabrics

A simple poster bed with local fabrics lets the sea speak for itself. Wood in warm mahogany tones complements the deep blues of the bedspread and breathtaking view of the water. A mosquito net is a must, but along with functionality, it adds softness and that whisper of romance every bedroom needs.

Round Up Pieces with Personality

SInce you are on island time, you might as well go all-out with your finishes. To reinforce what the owners call the Palm Beach-meets-Bahamas-meets-Fantasy Island vibe, conversations with collectors, searched of eBay, Chairish and antique shops took place to create an maximalist look that feels just right. Designer and collector Simon Paul Scott of Jardins en Fleur sold them the vintage bamboo tester bed that’s now in the primary bedroom. “It was the last one Scott had, and he did not want to part with it,” says the homeowner. “Then he saw our Instagram, chatted with us, and eventually gave in.” New Orleans artist E. Lee Jahncke Mead (of E. Lee Jahncke Fine Finishes) added the coral stripes to the walls.

Tile in Azure Blue

Wash the blues away with an azure blue tile shower with Greek key accents. Frosted glass allows natural sunlight to stream in without being too harsh or jeopardizing privacy. Eliminating shower doors opens a small space, allowing the feeling of an outdoor shower without the threat of rain or bugs.

See More Beach Bathroom Design Ideas

Cool Down With Blues

Re-create the effortless beauty of the islands by mixing variations of blues and pops of prints throughout a room. Here, the Chippendale headboards frame the room to keep the focus zeroed in on the floral fabric. A bright, white background ensures pattern mixing doesn't overwhelm.

Stand Up to the Elements Stylishly

This outdoor living room is far from a ho-hum porch. Apply the same design ideas used inside to your outside living spaces―it will quickly become the hottest spot in your house. Outdoor lanterns, bamboo furniture, and a ceramic stool will stand up to the elements without sacrificing style.

Let Decorative Elements Pop

Mosaic tiles transform an ordinarily boring backsplash into durable wall art. Keep the rest of the appliances and cabinetry simple to make the more decorative elements pop. Frame island fronds for an inexpensive D.I.Y. project.

Show Off Your Travels

Mix antiques and modern furniture for a cultured sophistication. White serves as the ideal backdrop to allow treasures collected throughout your travels to shine, like these birdcages, Chinese armoires, and the Louis XIV chair. Woven baskets and rugs say "island style" without competing with signature pieces.

Create Crisp Contrast

The repetition of black-and-white geometric patterns gives this room a calming rhythm. The varying shapes and sizes of stripes and rectangles keep the look from being too repetitive. Oversize basket-weave shades are delightfully unexpected.

Warm Up Black and White

Nothing is more timeless than black and white. But veer away from an ultra-mod, cold look by adding antique wood pieces and a mix of soft-toned pillows to maintain the uncluttered, laid-back ease of the islands. Mosquito netting further softens the sleek aesthetic of the mirror arrangements.

Sparkle With All White

The bath is an ideal opportunity for an all-white room. It just sparkles, appearing fresh and clean and inviting. The unique scale of the sink and mirror lend a modern touch.

Contrast Charm With Rustic

Rethink wall art. Hand-painted blossoms and an antique tub add charm to this calming bath. The bare wood floors keep the space from being too sweet.

Paint Floor to Ceiling

Painting the floor and ceiling the same color opens up the space, making the room appear larger. Steer clear from muted hues and paint walls a saturated color like this royal blue. A canopy bed draped in sheer fabric instills breezy, laid-back romance.

Add Pop With Tropical Prints

Carmen Miranda knew a thing or two about island style. Take a tip from her hat and choose prints that communicate the whimsy and fun of the beach. Pattern success comes when you keep the rest of the room understated with whitewashed walls and ceramic floors.

See More Beach Living Decorating Room Ideas

Casually Entertain

Keep your prime spots for sunset cocktails casual. Make sure you provide plenty of seating for guests, as well as a quiet place to chill out alone. The incredible views are the star here while a solid wood table and gray rattan chairs—a grouping of earth tones—blend into the background. An arrangement of a few plants picked from the garden makes a connection to the landscape even more.

Enhance Ocean Views

Sea-inspired hues are a foolproof choice that lends successful results. This classic blue-and-white palette enhances the surrounding views and provides a relaxing feel for this indoor/outdoor escape. Pastel yellow and pink pillows add just the right amount of warmth.

See More Classic Coastal Design Ideas

Charm With Vintage Details

Browse through vintage photos and old Hollywood movies from the 1950s and '60s to get design ideas. Bamboo caning, latticework, and pagoda-inspired umbrellas are staples from that era. The flamingo pink umbrella and pool blue upholstery against the lush green surroundings make for a classic, preppy color scheme.

Age It With Whitewashed Wood

Whitewashed wood in this Jamaican kitchen shows off the natural material's texture and imperfections—creating a lived-in-for-years look. An old brass curtain rod acts as a towel holder and becomes a point of interest in the room. A blue and white bottle collection adds a tinge of personality to the overall aged, white look.

Store Creatively With Built-ins

Make the most out of small island spaces by utilizing tricky angles. Built-in shelves allow storage for books, and wooden beams provide creative places to store clothing accessories. All that wood gets a lift with a light wash without covering up the grain.

Treat the Walls Like Artwork

To achieve a high-impact look with minimal effort, try sponging bold color on the walls and accenting with funky paintings. The brushstrokes will make the room look like a work of art. Complete the look with a simple furniture arrangement and a few key accessories.

Let the Outdoors Inspire

When decorating island-inspired rooms, draw from nature's color palette. Tropical details bring the outdoors into this Key West kitchen. Honey tones repeat from floor to ceiling. One large palm is all that's needed to add some greenery.

Substitute Texture for Color

Keep the laid-back feeling of the islands with barely-there neutrals. Amp up interest in a room by substituting texture for color. Go for materials such as rattan, seagrass, jute, and linen.

Set the Scene

No need for decorations in this room. The modern furniture in this sleek living room all faces the floor-to-ceiling louvered wood doors, which provide maximum cross-ventilation not to mention an incredible view. Classic blue-and-white pillows add subtle charm.

Trick Out a Bath With Bamboo

Get your bathrooms in on the tropical action too. Bamboo-print wallpaper adds just the right amount of pattern for a vintage-beach feel. A white bamboo-framed mirror adds repetition without making the patterns compete. A coral-colored skirted sink adds punchy color and softness.

Lighten Up a Formal Focal Point

Colorful island rooms can still convey a sense of formality with simple design choices. Here, a formal canopy bed is kept playful with bold red and graphic decorative pillows. A seagrass carpet—a foundation of beach style—supports the casual, elegant room.

Add Nautical Touches

Loosely arrange nautical collectibles, like these serving plates, on the wall for a no-fuss decoration. The casual nautical theme is reinforced with a natural rug and wooden chest as a coffee table. A big bowl and basket full of shells localizes the room.

Bump Up Beachy Neutrals

Simple palm fronds and a vibrant rug can add just the right amount of flair to an otherwise neutral room. Porthole-shaped mirrors and a mix of wicker furniture maintain the beach theme. A layer of subtle interest is thrown in with pattern-mixed pillows in the same neutral color.

Open to the Ocean With French Doors

Who doesn't want an ocean view and glorious French doors? This living room provides both. A calm color palette of neutrals and pale blues keeps the ocean view the focus of the room.

Balance Bold With Natural

Create a tropical paradise with bold prints, vibrant hues, and natural decorative pieces. Pick two standout colors—here, green and orange—and let them pop against white and neutrals. Ceramic frog stools and a seashell framed mirror add humor to a lux, island look.

Soothe With Cool Hues

Built-in cabinetry with a touch of seafoam helps collectibles pop in this crisp white dining room. An oil-based exterior finish gives the painted cedar floorboards extra durability. Seashells and fishing poles contribute to the sense of place.

Play With Retro Pieces

A mix of retro furniture, vintage decorations, and tropical accents give this room its iconic island feel. A display of sea-inspired artwork is anchored by two hefty ceramic carp below. An iconic seagrass carpet frames the seating area. Huge palms bring the outdoors in.

Match Modern to Refined

A camelback sofa and Chippendale-style chairs are an elegant pairing for the Saarinen table. Natural materials—a cane side table and bare wood floors in mink brown—add balance. The combination carries an air of refinement along with a mellow, easy vibe.

Try Formal Finishes on Casual Pieces

Shell chandeliers are an island home must! The antiqued silver finish on this chandelier adds a bit of unexpected formality to this playful dining room. Another classic, a seagrass carpet, is seen in a pickled white color instead of the typical natural tones.

Have Fun With Tropical Colors

Raffia upholstery gives the bed frame a neat and polished look, while soft pinks and full-throttled magenta play off the island's tropical colors. This classic Bermuda bedroom is a master class on layers—from window treatments to bedding to furniture pieces. Wallpaper on both wall and ceiling pulls off a cohesive, custom design.

See More Colorful Beach Bedrooms

Use Simple Nautical Details

Nautical elements, such as the handsome rope pulls and the sailcloth shades, give this tiny beach cottage kitchen plenty of personality. The azure kitchen counter tiles add a zing of color between floor-to-ceiling wood. Open shelving makes a small kitchen efficient as matching dinner and glassware become part of the decor.

Walk on the Wild Side

Bold fabrics and punches of color dress up this small, rustic cottage. Despite its proximity to the kitchen, the room has a homey feel from the lobster-trap-turned coffee table and oversized chairs. Paintings of tropical scenes and a wood bowl of seashells sync with the island, cottage chic look.

Keep It Flexible

Use neutral furniture as a blank canvas for bold colors and playful patterns. Swap out pillows and decorative accessories for a new look whenever you're in the mood to redecorate. Curvy, wing chairs look fresh in white and soften dark, geometric metal seating.

Get Creative With Seashells

Play up the beach theme with seashells. But not just in the traditional decorating sense. Use shells as a backsplash in a kitchen or as wallpaper in a small room. Large shells become a decorative feature along the top of cabinetry.

Invoke a Serene View

The rippled silk Tibetan rug, sea-foam walls, and driftwood coffee table hint at the beach beyond. Sheer curtains provide some privacy without completely blocking the view. Sea blues come together in the ceramic stool, pillows, and throw.

Go Beach-Chic With Linen

The sofa pairs with a round, ocean-blue tiled coffee table to accommodate big groups. Linen-wrapped poufs make for extra, moveable seating. Wood lamps and a wire-and-linen chandelier cast soft light on the space.

Set a Texture-Rich Scene

Woven grass-cloth walls set the tone for a texture-rich hideaway. Driftwood, bamboo, and linen are echoed throughout this bedroom to add depth and dimension to the rain forest color palette. Classic palm-print matching curtains and pillows bring the tropical look forward.

Create a Secret Retreat

Create the ultimate beachside suite by opening up to a private seating nook. Unfinished teak and woven floor cushions add rugged texture against shades of aqua and sage. The low-to-the-floor couches, flanked by ornate, stone column side tables, on bare terracotta floors create a rustic, cool escape. The color palette and aged furniture pieces present a seamless style inside and out.

Blend a Glam-Modern Mix

Sparkling white floors, billowing window treatments, and bamboo Chippendale dining chairs create the right blend of classic glamour and modern appeal—a perfect space for flirty conversation and a glass of wine. A silvery chandelier, serene but ornate wallpaper, and solid, dark cushions all further add to the transitional glam dining room. Everyone (almost!) has a stunning view from the dining table.

Indulge in Seaside Decadence

This teahouse is a space designed for indulging. A French iron daybed, crystal chandelier, gauzy tie-top drapes, and garden urns filled with seashells make it an ideal spot for watching a sunset. A dark wood-top coffee table, seashell floor lamp, French armchair, European rug, and distressed urns all tie the rustic, romantic look together.

See More Beach-Themed Outdoor Ideas