Our 50 Prettiest Island Rooms

Photo Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn, Stylist Elizabeth Raines Beeler,

Airy Bedroom

Create the illusion of an impressive poster bed (without the price tag) by attaching a mosquito net above each corner of the bed. Woven seagrass and rattan touches throughout add a rustic island flavor.

Photo Sandra Allen Lynn, Photographer Jean Allsopp,

Outdoor Living Room

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.

Photo Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn, Stylist Elizabeth Raines Beeler,

Bold Bedroom Color

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.

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.

Photo Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn, Stylist Elizabeth Raines Beeler,

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.

A mosquito net is a must, but along with functionality, it adds softness and that whisper of romance every bedroom needs.

Photo Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn, Stylist Elizabeth Raines Beeler,

Laid-back Luxury

A simple poster bed with local fabrics lets the sea speak for itself. A mosquito net is a must, but along with functionality, it adds softness and that whisper of romance every bedroom needs.

Eliminating shower doors opens a small space, allowing the feeling of an outdoor shower without the threat of rain or bugs.

Photo Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn, Stylist Elizabeth Raines Beeler,

Seaside Shower

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.

Re-create the effortless beauty of the islands by mixing variations of blues and pops of prints throughout a room.

Photo J. Savage Gibson, Stylist Heather Chadduck,

Caribbean Classic

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.

Outdoor lanterns, bamboo furniture, and a ceramic stool will stand up to the elements without sacrificing style.

Photo J. Savage Gibson, Stylist Heather Chadduck,

Porch Perfection

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.

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.

Photo J. Savage Gibson, Stylist Heather Chadduck,

Ocean-Inspired Oasis

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.

Mix antiques and modern furniture for a cultured sophistication.

Photo Jean-Philippe Piter, Stylist Pernille Vest,

International Interiors

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.

The varying shapes and sizes of stripes and rectangles keep the look from being too repetitive. Oversize basket-weave shades are delightfully unexpected.

Photo Jean-Philippe Piter, Stylist Pernille Vest,

Crisp Kitchen

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.

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.

Photo Jean-Philippe Piter, Stylist Pernille Vest,

Back to Basics

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.

The unique scale of the sink and mirror lend a modern touch.

Photo Jean-Philippe Piter, Stylist Pernille Vest,

White Wash

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.

The bare wood floors keep the space from being too sweet.

Photo Sophie Munro, Stylist Brice Gaillard,

Tropical Touch

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.

Steer clear from muted hues and paint walls a saturated color like this royal blue.

Photo Sophie Munro, Stylist Brice Gaillard,

Effortless Ease

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.

Photo Annie Schlechter

Rustic Kitchen

Distressed walls, lighting, and cabinetry give this kitchen a sense of depth and history that most new homes lack. If time isn’t on your side, try distressing techniques such as sanding furniture, or scouring flea markets for goods with patina. Mix things up with a freshly lacquered turquoise backsplash.

Photo Annie Schlechter

Tropicana Paradise

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.

Photo Annie Schlechter

Entertaining Spot

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.

Photo Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

Ocean Blues

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.

Photo J. Savage Gibson

Poolside Preppy

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.

Photo Sophie Munro

Vintage Appeal

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.

Photo Sophie Munro

Smart Thinking

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.

Photo Sophie Munro

Inspired Canvas

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.

Photo Jean Allsopp

Island Time

When decorating island-inspired rooms, draw from nature’s color palette. Tropical details bring the outdoors into this Key West kitchen.

Photo Jean Allsopp

No-Fuss Neutrals

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, sea grass, jute, and linen.

Photo: Gaelle Le Boulicaut

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.

Photo: Annie Schlechter

Bamboo Bath

Get your bathrooms in on the tropical action too. Bamboo-print wallpaper adds just the right amount of pattern for a vintage-beach feel.

Photo: Annie Schlechter

Formal Beach Style

Colorful island rooms can still convey a sense of formality with simple design choices. Here, a formal canopy bed is kept playful with a bold red and graphic decorative pillows.

Photo: Reena Bammi

Collector's Paradise

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.

Pop of Color

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.

Photo: Lisa Romerein

Room With a View

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.

Photo: Deborah Whitlaw Llwellyn

A Taste of the Tropics

Create a tropical paradise with bold prints, vibrant hues, and natural decorative pieces.

Photo: Lisa Romerein

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.

Photo: Annie Schlechter

Retro Island Glam

A mix of retro furniture, vintage decorations, and tropical accents give this room its iconic island feel.

Photo: Pieter Estersohn

Modern Match

A camelback sofa and Chippendale-style chairs are an elegant pairing for the Saarinen table. The combination carries an air of refinement along with a mellow, easy vibe.

Photo: Annie Schlechter

Island Whimsy

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.

Photo: Lisa Romerein

High Style

A trademark of island architecture, a high vaulted roof is both pretty and practical, keeping indoor spaces cooler by pulling warmer air, which naturally rises, high above living areas. Stick to a subdued color palette to help the room appear cooler.

Photo: J. Savage Gibson

Bermuda Classic

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.

Photo: Eric Boman

Bohemian Style

Hand-poured cement tiles lend tropical flair and bold pattern to the kitchen. Bentwood chairs pulled up to a sleek white table give the kitchen even more personality.

Photo: Richard Leo Johnson

A Nod to the Past

Lime green trimwork gives new life to an old beach cottage, but beds crafted from driftwood serve as a reminder of the cottage's humble origins.

Photo: Richard Leo Johnson

Walk on the Wild Side

Bold fabrics and punches of color dress up this small, rustic cottage. Despite its proxmity to the kitchen, the room has a homey feel from the lobster trap turned coffee table and oversized chairs.

Photo: Sophie Munro

Vibrant Verandah

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.

Photo: Jean Allsopp

Breath of Fresh Air

Play up your grade-A views with wide-open rooms, double-decker terraces, and unfussy decór that reflects the surrounding's simplicity.

Photo: Troy Campbell

Sea Shell Art

Play up the beach theme with sea shells. But not just in the traditional decrating sense. Use shells as a backsplash in a ktichen or as wallpaper in a small room.

Photo: Dominique Vorillon

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.

Photo: Lisa Romerein

Beach-Chic

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.

Driftwood, bamboo, and linen are echoed throughout this bedroom to add depth and dimension to the rain forest color palette.

Photo: J. Savage Gibson

Surf and Turf

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.

Photographer Tria Giovan

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 sea foam.

Photo: Dominique Vorillon

Classic Elegance

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.

Photo: Lisa Romerein

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.