Tropicalism takes centre stage

Infuse your home with the lush, vibrant energy of the tropics with an outdoor dining space inspired by tropicalism.

This design aesthetic is all about creating an environment that feels fresh, close to nature and relaxed. Layered neutrals like Resene Eighth Spanish White and Resene Half Pearl Lusta set a tranquil tone, while brighter hues like Resene Quarter Lemon Grass and Resene Avocado echo colours reminiscent of a tropical island. We all want to be transported to somewhere warm and far removed from the daily grind – an outdoor dining space is the perfect area to create this feeling in summer.

There’s been a major emphasis on creating spaces that feel sanctuary-like. Whether it’s through use of bold botanical prints, wooden elements or the addition of lush greenery, the tropical aesthetic certainly evokes this sense of calm and escapism. It’s a great in-between point of vibrancy and serenity – the two can certainly co-exist with tropicalism.

While the look has been particularly popular in bedrooms and living rooms, the trend has since made its way outdoors. Given our warm spring/summer climates in Australia and New Zealand, tropicalism is well-suited to our outdoor spaces; our gardens and decks can be transformed into retreats. There’s something undeniably appealing about stepping into a garden or onto a patio that feels like a tropical paradise. This style is incredibly versatile outside – it can be adapted to suit a range of tastes, from the more subtle and understated to bold and dramatic. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of a few well-placed tropical accents or want to fully embrace the look with a jungle-inspired scheme, there’s a level of tropicalism that’s right for you.

We designed this alfresco dining space to evoke the fresh, calming ambiance of a tropical retreat. The key to achieving this look lies in the layering of whites, which create a sense of airy openness that’s ideal for outdoor dining. This space is small, but has been made to feel a lot bigger with clever colour use. Resene Eighth Spanish White painted on the walls and back trellis sets the scene; a soft and warm white that feels very relaxed. This shade has some subtle depth to it and keeps the dining space feeling spacious. For contrast, we used Resene Colorwood Bask colour wash wood stain on the foreground trellis. The richness of this finish complements the softness of Resene Eighth Spanish White, grounding the space with some natural warmth.

We paired a dining table in light cream Resene Half Pearl Lusta with a bench in Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta, closer to a bright white. These layered whites not only evoke a sense of freshness and elegance, but work to enhance our tropical vibe by reflecting light and creating an impression of spaciousness. In an outdoor setting where natural light is abundant, these shades work beautifully to keep the space feeling open.

No tropical space would be complete without a few strategic pops of colour to really lean into an island-feel. These can be on pots, plants, flowers or soft furnishings. We added a large pot in bold and deep charcoal Resene Baltic Sea and planted a banana plant, its deep green leaves adding a lush and tropical touch. A medium-sized pot next to it in the stony grey Resene Tana houses a Bird of Paradise, its orange flowers offering another burst of colour.

We added two more pots in the foreground – one in Resene Quarter Lemon Grass and the other in Resene Avocado – to add subtle green tones that tie in with our surrounding foliage. These shades are perfect for a tropical-inspired space as they echo hues found in nature inspired by palms, grasses, leaves and sands. On the dining table, a tall vase in the crisp white Resene Blanc filled with eucalyptus leaves adds another touch of greenery, enhancing that key sense of calm.

It’s this mix of crisp whites, lush greenery and subtle pops of colour that creates a mood that feels both tranquil and energising. The whites keep the space feeling fresh and light, while greenery adds vibrancy. Bold fuchsia cushions are a great addition for a tropicalism-inspired deck area. The carefully chosen accent colours provide just the right amount of contrast, ensuring that the space feels dynamic without being overwhelming.

If you’re thinking about creating your own alfresco dining space, here’s a summary of our top tips to keep in mind:

1. Start with a neutral base: Begin by choosing a crisp neutral for your walls and larger surfaces like a trellis. Whites, beiges and light greys like Resene Blanc, Resene Eighth Spanish White, Resene Half Pearl Lusta work well as they create a sense of space and allow other elements to stand out.

2. Layer your whites: Don’t be afraid to use multiple shades of white in the same space. This keeps the space from feeling flat or monotonous. See the Resene Whites & Neutrals palettes to choose from up to six strength variations of each colour.

3. Incorporate natural materials: Use natural materials like wood and stone to add texture and warmth. These elements are essential in a tropical-inspired space, as they help to ground the design and connect it to the natural world.

4. Add pops of colour generously: Introduce bolder colours through smaller accessories like pots, cushion and vases.

5. Use greenery generously: Don’t forget plants! Plants are a key element in tropical design, so don’t hold back. Choose a mix of large, leafy plants and smaller delicate varieties to create a lush, layered look.

Fresh, relaxed and effortlessly stylish, tropicalism is a fantastic look to lean into for summer.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Styling by Annick Larkin. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2024