Tropi-Core Fantasy: 3 Homes That Are Practically on Island Time

The salty air brushing against lofty palms, and the sound of crashing waves are rare luxuries in today’s tumultuous world. Regardless their timeless allure reigns supreme, with admirers keen to evoke this serene tableau, within their Elysian arbours. While there’s nothing like the serenity of a beach—sand between your toes, salt in the air— wallpapers can evoke a similar tropical vibe indoors. Draped across austere walls, they emulate an ethereal vibe reminiscent of the exotic islands. As a transient décor accessory, wallpapers possess an uncanny proficiency ability to morph a space, adapting to seasonal alterations. From vibrant tropical scenery mirroring Kerala’s coast in Anu Joseph Residence’s bedroom to dainty pen-and-ink illustrations in Taupe & Teak’s dining room, these three homes serve as an ode to the sultry setting.

1.     Taupe & Teak’s Monochrome Tropi-Core Scenes

Balancing equal portions of functionality and minimalism in Whitefield, Bangalore, a cosy 1,450 sq. ft. minimalist abode takes shape, doused in the city’s serene ethos. Aptly christened ‘Taupe & Teak’ this home features a “minimalist decor and streamlined design that echoes the couple’s preference for a clutter-free environment,” states Sachid Umesh, Principal Architect of Space Agency. From soft, pallid hues to vibrant splashes of colours reminiscent of the sea, this oasis, with its warm material palette, is drenched in natural light courtesy of expansive openings.

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Offering a slice of paradise amidst Bangalore’s bustling routine, a dining room wallpaper adorned with intricate yet delicate illustrations materialises, in keeping with the home’s minimalist allure. Basking in the airy environment, paired with rustic accents, the wallpaper’s graphite art—depicting dainty flora—pays homage to Karnataka’s coastal towns. The dining area’s placement reveals glimpses of the bedroom, where scenes from the lush, golden beaches unfold. “Its lively patterns and natural tones create a refreshing contrast to the otherwise minimalistic décor,” notes Umesh. The floor-to-ceiling tropical-themed wallpaper, showcasing monochromatic landscapes of flora and fauna, whispers tales of an oasis by the sea. 

2.     Tropical State of Mind At The Anu Joseph Residence

Taking cues from tropical modernism, a contemporary abode in Thrissur, Kerala dubbed ‘Anu Joseph Residence’ sprawls an expanse of across 4,500 sq. ft. Designed by Temple Town, this rustic home “embraced open, airy spaces filled with light while remaining a warm, family-oriented home,” states Meera Pyarelal, Founder and Creative Director of Temple Town. The residents coveted a sanctuary drenched in natural light, inviting the saline breezes, yet cosy enough to mirror their personalities. As a result, a blend of contemporary accents, pristine white, neutral hues, and tropical elements emerged as a “commitment to sustainability and longevity,” Pyarelal reveals.

This tropi-core ambience is reinforced in the younger daughter’s bedroom where wallpaper “creates an intimate atmosphere that mirrors the natural beauty of Kerala,” notes Pyarelal. In this pristine room dotted with wooden and rattan accents, a tropical-inspired wallpaper behind the headboard becomes the pièce de résistance, exhibiting verdant flora, lofty palms, graceful cranes, and indigenous flora and fauna. The wallpaper evokes a sense of nostalgia, humming tunes of warmth and tranquillity that enhance the tropical spirit throughout the home.

3.     Step Into A Lush Forest Fantasy At The Green Oasis

Embodying the austere essence of ‘less is more’ in a sanctuary monikered ‘The Green Oasis’ by its designers, Bare-ism Design Studio, this 1,000 sq. ft. home is far removed from the the city. Situated in the quaint town of Vasai, it mirrors the lush character of its surroundings. In keeping with Vasai’s verdant fields and pristine beaches, the studio’s principal architects Deepshikha Apte and Saloni Chheda, reveal, “the layout was reworked to achieve an open plan with large window to gush in maximum sunlight.” 

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Right from the entrance, the space manifests tranquil minimalism with bespoke wood and wicker furniture paired with wallpapers. For instance, the wallpaper in the dining area from Mockingbird Studio showcases a lush depiction of verdant banana trees, the master bedroom bursts with tropical hues that infiltrate the senses. A flamboyant verdant wallpaper dotted with pink hues from Life & Colours, framed by wood. Flanking the master bedroom is the son’s bedroom, suffused in Persian blue hues that evoke the town’s majestic blue beaches. While the wood and wicker accents embed neutral tones, the monochrome wallpaper from Kalakari Hathi illustrates silhouettes of flora, subtly blending into the neutral palette. This oasis blends tropical elements with minimalist design, using nature-inspired wallpapers and natural materials to create a vibrant, and serene sanctuary.

The architects explain, “The wallpaper was sourced to act like an oversized artwork.” 

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As the allure of tropical landscapes drapes these walls, each home unfurls like a cherished narrative, basking in the lush sultry settings. These spaces envelop one in lush tapestries that evoke the tender brush of ocean breezes and the vivid rhythms of distant shores, breathing life into the mundane. In these tropic-core spaces, embracing nature and nurture, one discovers an oasis of peace that beckons the inhabitants to unwind and contemplate.