Hey yall! If you’ve been daydreaming about waking up somewhere calm, colorful, and full of life, but your passport says “Not today friend!” A Tropical Bedroom Makeover is exactly what you need. I turned my perfectly ordinary bedroom into a full-blown island escape: think affordable silk mural, juicy fresh colors, thrifted DIY magic, and enough lush plants to make you question if you accidentally booked an all-inclusive.
Every single morning I’m waking up feeling like I’m at an all inclusive tropical resort. I can’t help but feel blessed and immediately give gratitude before getting out of bed. I want you to feel this way to friend, so welcome to How a Tropical Mural Transformed My Bedroom Into a Luxury Oasis, complete with juicy Before & After, easy DIYs, and all my styling secrets. Let’s get you to paradise, no passport required.
My Bedroom BEFORE – 50 Shades of Beige
My bedroom was quite boring. I’m telling you it was pretty and boring at the same time in all it’s 50 shades of beige. It really needed a pop of color, but even when adding in pops of color (see photo below), it was something about this back wall that felt eerie to me. I thought I should paint it, but it was already painted a different color (a boring eerie color) than the rest of the room, so I then thought of doing a wallpaper accent wall, but I despise doing wallpaper.
I despise doing wallpaper so much, that I still have PTSD and a twitch since the last time I did wallpaper in my laundry room and never finished. You can’t tell from first glance that it’s only half complete, but that’s just how OVER IT I was!
After speaking with a friend about her wallpaper project, she explained how there is a huge difference between Peel and Stick Wallpaper VS Traditional or Unpasted Wallpaper. She explained it’s actually better than Peel and Stick Wallpaper because it’s more FORGIVING or Adjustable, thus leaving room for error and sanity. It’s also a way better quality and the adhesive works great on semi-textured walls, which is what I have.
Shopping For Wallpaper
After several weeks of entertaining the idea of my actually doing wallpaper again in this lifetime, I’ve begin shopping online for some, and reading reviews. I thought, how I would love to enter a bedroom that feels tropical, luxe and inviting. I would also love to wake up feeling like I’m in a bedroom at a chic Tahitian bungalow, which is also at an all inclusive resort. That feeling of nothing, but good can happen today or come my way is beautiful way to start my day.
I’ve also narrowed down my search to gold with amber tropical wallpaper (not peel and stick). Just fyi, know your color palette or theme before buying wallpaper. I found this beautiful wallpaper on Etsy (see photo above), it was like a tropical rain forest, however it was peel and stick….so I did a reverse search using the photo and found it in traditional wallpaper style on Amazon! I was really surprised because it didn’t come up on Amazon when I looked there first using the same search terms as I found it on Google and Etsy.
Buying And Preparing For My Wallpaper Mural
After measuring my wall, I purchased 2 rolls of the 3D Gold line Texture Leaf Wallpaper Plant Landscape Bedroom Decorative Mural. This was because I couldn’t find 1 roll to be enough. I couldn’t reach the sellers direct of course and couldn’t find the answer to this question on Amazon, so I called Amazon. They stated, I would need to purchase 2 rolls because the patterns are repeating. I thought it was odd I would have almost an entire roll left of wallpaper, just to finish one wall, but I went ahead and got it anyway because it was a way better price than most wallpaper found locally and online.
I also ordered a wallpaper kit on Amazon which included almost everything I needed. I found the adhesive at amy local Ace Hardware. This heavy duty and clear Zinsser adhesive has really good reviews and it was cheaper at my local Ace Hardware than on Amazon, but I included the link just in case.
Wallpaper Supply List
- Wallpaper
- Wide Rolling Foam Roller Brush
- Wallpaper Kit
- Zinssers’s Clear Heavy Duty Adhesive
- A damp towel for clean up
- A mist spray bottle with water
- A Ladder
- Protection for Flooring (newspaper, rags)
Now that we have everything we need, let’s break down each element so you can bring this breezy, blessed feeling into your own space too!
Wallpaper VS Mural
(Things to know before you decide on a mural)
Murals are not wallpaper, okay? And I learned everything the dramatic way, so here’s what you need to know before you glue anything to your wall.
1. Murals don’t repeat. If you mess up the placement, the design is DONE.
2. Even walls matter. Mine wasn’t, and yes, you’ll see the drama.
3. Measure twice, but add a few inches
4. Some texture will work. Test first.
5. Check the material. Waterproof is best.
6. This ain’t peel-and-stick, I used wallpaper adheseive and a foam roller.
7. Uneven ceilings? Crown moulding will save your life.
8. Lay out your panels first, or cry later.
9. Most people would ask for help here… I asked my tripod.
10. Clean your wall like it’s company coming over. Trust me.
Mural Mural On The Wall
I’ve learned that wallpaper or a mural can instantly transform a plain room into an immersive escape, even if it’s just one wall, in my case a tropical wallpaper mural accent wall. I chose a large-scale 3D, textured silk mural with gold, amber and mustard monstera leaves and ferns, so much more dimension than paint alone. Look for tropical patterns with oversized leaves, soft metallics, or organic textures to create a luxe island vibe.
Side Note: By the way, I will be doing a video on this project, and will add it to this blog post. So if you’re reading this now, and there is no video link HERE, check back in 5 days, please yall!
This wallpaper mural came numbered in strips. Meaning they came rolled up in order, numbered 1 – 9 printed at the very bottom. I was able to move my bed away from the wall where I still had room for my ladder. I layed all the strips across my queen bed. This helped with straightening out the tight roll shape it arrives in which would make it easier to adhere flat to the glue quicker.
I used a high reach duster to clean the walls and removed the electric outlet covers from the wall. You want to sand or remove anything uneven or lumpy from the wall including any nails.
I poured out the adhesive into a plastic bag lined box and used an 8 inch foam roller to apply the adhesive on the walls, which was the easy part. However, I did notice the glue dried pretty quick so I made a spray bottle of water that mist sprayed out the water so it wouldn’t get to messy. This was something I already had on hand that I used for my own hair.
I started from the top left side of the wall with the adhesive and used the roller foam brush to apply a nice thin layer of adhesive to about the same width of the mural strips. At first I thought to cover the entire space/length for 1 just one strip, but because it was drying so fast, I decided on covering half the length of the wall for one strip and once half the strip was secure, I rolled on adhesive on for the other half and then positioning the wallpaper and then cutting after each one. With traditional wallpaper with a repeating pattern you don’t do this and you also leave a few inches on both the top and the bottom before cutting, just in case the wall is uneven.
Some people will actually draw out pencil lines on the walls to determine where the glue should end. I didn’t do that and honestly don’t think it’s necessry. The glue is clear and will all be covered eventually.
Be sure to use some old newspaper or rags to protect your floors. This wallpaper adhesive is very easy to clean up, but you definitely wanna focus on applying wallpaper versus cleaning up. I’m telling you from experience, applying wallpaper is not for the weak. That’s why the best wallpaper installation experts charge $500 plus per wall.
The actual applying the wallpaper wasn’t as complicated as I thought it would be. It’s really more of the physical part of it. Even having a child just hand you things while on the ladder would help a lot. My ladder only allows so much shelving space for things I needed.
Once the adhesive was up, it was all about making sure the pattern was perfectly aligned with the mural design strip to the left of it while smoothing it out with my hands and a little clean up. I made sure the wallpaper smoother tool was always nearby, along with a damp rag. As long as the adhesive doesn’t dry too fast, you can easily slide around and adjust each strip to perfectly match so that your pattern isn’t uneven or crooked. If it does adhere quickly, it’s still adjustable and you can just mist the dried space with the water spray bottle, reattach, smooth out using pressure from your hands, make sure there is no bubbles and then smooth out again with the wallpaper smoothing tool, making sure it’s laying completely flat before moving to the next strip.
The nice thing about this particular wallpaper, is it’s waterproof and not cheaply made at all. It’s definitely durable and a really good quality. It has some weight on it, some texture and also a subtle sheen. It’s almost feels like a satin thin vinyl. Even if it did get glue on it or anything else, it could be easily cleaned off with a damp microfiber rag which is exactly how the seller describes the material: A combination of high-end silk cloth with high-definition patterns, fine machine printing, high and clear picture quality, durable, waterproof and moisture-proof, wipeable.
As far as the subtle sheen, you can see it better in the photo below. You can also see some of the woven threads where it was cut. This is a strong and durable fiber for sure.
In the photo below, I’m more that half-way through. By this time, I’m fatigue and my body feels like it’s been doing lunges all day and my back feels like I got kicked by a dinosaur so I’m probably moving much slower than I even realize. However, I couldn’t wait to finish to see the ending results! I’m exhausted, but the anticipation and end results are my motivation. I absolutely GOTTA KEEP GOING! STILL, I can’t believe it’s taken almost 4 hours already!! That’s just crazy to me! I thought I could do the entire wall in 4 hours. Well maybe you can do better with some help. Like I said earlier, I didn’t ask for help.
As I’m getting closer to the end, I noticed there is now a gap of coverage from the ceiling. It’s like the gap is growing in size, even though my pattern is perfectly aligned. I’m like, either my house or the walls are not even. Of course the walls aren’t even in TEXAS! I think we are sinking slow motion even further than below sea level out here. Either way, I can’t go back now. I don’t think it would solve anything anyway, but I’ll figure it all out, AS USUAL! Now I’m just thinking of a masterplan, cause ain’t nothing, but sweat inside my hands as I finish this mural. I just gotta see it through.
By the way, the wallpaper toolkit really did come in handy. I thought cutting around the electrical outlets was going to complicated, however it was not. Using the skinny blade tool included in the kit, it didn’t even take a minute for each one. I placed the wallpaper right over as if it wasn’t there, then I cut around it as close to the two outlets as possible. Once it was cut out, I just brushed on a little more adhesive around the outlet with the included brush and it was ALL GOOD! I cut the bottom of the remaining strip well after the strip is perfectly flat. Some people wait until the entire wall is finished before cutting.
Finally, I’ve reached the end. It’s been 6 hours. In the photo below, I have less than 8 inches remaining before opening up the second roll. I’m thinking, well at least it’s a repeating pattern so I can always use the rest as back up, or use it to do a wall in the master bathroom, or my walk-in closet.
I open the second roll thinking that the first numbered strip will be the strip I’m needing, but it was. After checking through all of the strips, I realize that none of them are a match for the final strip! I can’t believe it! I can’t even finish. What a disaster!! I’m in complete disbelief, it’s late and I’m exhausted. I just don’t get it and thought, why would Amazon tell me to order a second roll of wallpaper? I decided to just go to bed and call Amazon in the morning.
After reading the Amazon description of the wallpaper mural again, I decided to tried reaching out to the seller the next day. I didn’t hear back, so I reached out to Amazon again. I explained what happened and how the second roll I received was not a repeating pattern, so it was pretty much useless and a waste of my time.
Days later, the seller reached out and explained that I was misinformed. The seller stated there is no repeating pattern and it’s just like “one big sticker”. The only solution was to wait for the correct size for my wall to become available and start over. I am completely distraught! I even thought maybe I should just remove the wallpaper, or better yet add the final mix match strip, then just paint over it. However, I was not physically capable of doing anything else, because I woke up feeling super stiff and sore. I could barely walk. I was walking like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz, but without any oil. I literally had zero bending knees! I sadly just keep wondering why is this happening to me!
I did call Amazon back and explained what happened. They stated that the description of the item is why the recommendation was made and it should soon be updated. They offered an exchange and didn’t require for me to send the used wallpaper back. I was credited back for the two rolls previously purchased being I was misinformed, this project couldn’t be completed and was a complete waste of time. Now I have to keep looking at this disaster every day until it’s fixed – SMH!
I looked for other wallpaper, but I couldn’t find one that I loved as much as this one, or I could only find in peel or stick which was not gonna happen.
The correct size wallpaper mural arrived in stock maybe a week later and the seller confirmed it would work and I would have only a little left over. It cost me less money to get just 1 roll of the correct size mural. I am not excited about starting over at all!
I called around to get quotes on having an expert install it and was quoted between $500 – $800. I ended up speaking with someone who’s been doing this for years and has fantastic reviews. He asked me about the fabric and if it was waterproof. He even recommended just applying the new wallpaper mural, right over the old one versus removing and possibly needing to sand the wall. I tested this out myself by cutting out two small pieces of left over wallpaper and pasting one piece over another over and letting it bond overnight. It was a success! I will absoultely be gluing the new wallpaper right over the old wall paper.
Take II: My Tropical Wallpaper Mural Aftermath and What’s Next
What was supposed to be a dreamy silk mural oasis turned into a measuring mishap and a lot of staring at a gap that refused to disappear. But hey, DIY is never perfect, right? Now, I’m taking a second shot and already decided I will absolutely be pasting a new mural right over the old one, giving this wall (and my patience) a fresh start. Once again, I did not ask for help, but I’m determined to get this done myself. Here’s how I’m tackling Take Two of my wallpaper mural, so you don’t repeat my tropical plot twist!
I have the new roll of my tropical wallpaper mural. The correct length and width will cover my entire wall. My wall measures 93 x 160 inches. So I ordered the size 195 x 120 inches which was not available when I originally ordered.
I picked up another tub of adhesive from Ace Hardware, and I’ll be using the same tools, and foam roller as before. I think I’ll be able to move more quicker, because I’m kind of an expert now plus, the wall is clean, ready, and no prepping needed.
So that I don’t physically suffer again this time, I plan to do some stretching prior to installation, taking a 5 minute break between every few strips installed and having a Red Bull or 5 Hour Energy prior to starting (I’m not kidding). Now that I know how sticky and a little messy the glue can get, I will also wear the same clothes I wore last time. Plan to get some glue on your hands and clothes for sure,
This time, I’m using old newspapers to protect the floor and I have my water spray bottle available just in case the adhesive begans to dry too fast.
In the photo below you can see my applying the first strip of my wallpaper mural right over the existing mural. It actually is sticking better than it did when applying directly over the wall. It’s also easier to adjust or slide around when matching the pattern.
Below is a close up of what the mural will look like glued over an existing mural. The mural has some transparency, but I’m actually loving how this long awaited fiasco has somehow created a tropical forest with both depth and drama.
The wallpaper mural is going on smoothly and just as I thought, my newfound expertise and the can of Red Bull was going to pull me through this much quicker. I think the hardest part this time around was cutting the bottom. The skinny blade that came in the kit got dull after the first round of wallpaper. I later saw that it came with a few refill blades. Either way, I made it work. It’s been almost 3 hours and I’m determined to get this done in 4 hours.
I cut the last strip in half and placed it in the final empy space. I had to use the red smoothing tool to wedge the wallpaper in the corner so that there would be a bending seam for me to cut with the larger razor. I thought this last strip would be complicated, but it turned out to be the easiest strip of all. I couldn’t wait to be done with this beautiful, yet diaphoretic, tropical wallpaper mural project.
I made it to the end and I didn’t die! Most importantly, I’m not nearly as sore as the last time so I have a feeling I won’t be waking up sore tomorrow. I’m still hopeful for a better day tomorrow than last time.
Now that the wallpaper is finally up in almost 5 hours. I have thought of a solution for the gap on top. I could’ve cleverly spent hours using cut strips of similar patterns from the left over wallpaper, but I figured it wouldn’t look as nice and I would notice every day and get that eerie feeling again.
No More Gaps! How I Finished My Mural with Crown Molding & Corbels
Apparently the walls or ceilings in older homes aren’t perfectly straight, so when you are hanging a wallpaper mural, you might end up with a visible gap, just like mine. Instead of tearing it down or stressing out, I’m going to use a lightweight foam crown moulding and an elegant corner corbels to hide the gap and make the mural look custom and finished. Both are peel and stick. The peel and stick crown molding comes in multiple designs and colors.
I wanted to find something inexpensive and easy to remove just in case I didn’t like it. So I looked for peel and stick crown molding on Amazon and found it is plastic, rubber and foam. I wanted 3 inched width (from top to bottom) because anything else less than that just wouldn’t look right with the tropical rain forest pattern. In other words, a wider crown balances out large-scale patterns or busy murals. On a wall with big tropical leaves and bold lines, a thin trim can look out of place or easily “get lost” visually. A 3-inch crown creates a clean, elegant transition between ceiling and wall, framing your art properly.
I couldn’t find the plastic or rubber crown molding in the wide 3 inches I wanted so I went with getting the 2 pack of the peel and stick foam crown molding due of the length of my walls. The reviews aren’t that good on this foam crown moulding, but it was very inexpensive and would only take a few minutes to apply.
I also found 2 really light weight and elegant corbels on Amazon that matched my bedroom mirror so perfectly. These can also be painted to match the trim or wallpaper mural. These come in many design styles by Ekena Millwork on Amazon and can easily be applied with glue. Check out other corbel styles here.
The corbels arrive in a matte white color and are exactly as described. I love them and can’t wait to install them. This along with the tropical wallpaper mural is gonna look unique and elegant.
I had several versions of white spray paint left over, so I’m painting these corbels with Rust-Oleum’s Pearl Mist spray paint. It’s more of a metallic off white or ivory white.
So for this project, I have ready the peel and stick crown molding, the corbel’s, clear Gorilla gel glue just for the corbels, a cutting blade for the crown molding, a ladder and painters tape for the corbels.
I’m going to place both corbels on the wall prior to the crown molding. I’m adding the gel glue to the top and the back of each one. I’m placing the corbels as far in the corners as possible, and while firmly pressing the corbel against the wall and the ceiling, I’m adding painters tape to hold it securely while it dries. Gorilla Gel glue is thick and dries fast, but I’m going to still let it sit over night to securely bond with the support of painters tape (the blue tape).
I’m adding the peel and stick crown molding in between the corbels, but I will cut it with the blade so that it lays fleshly next to the corbel.
This peel and stick does have a really good adhesive and will probably last for years, but my concern is it yellowing so only time will tell. In the meantime, I’ll be on the lookout for something similar, however built to last.
I’m using 2 of the crown moulding strips. They’re easily to apply and I see no issues with it at all, so maybe they’ve improved it since the negative reviews.
This is a close up of the corbel and crown molding installed below.
And just like that, my mural is Gap-Free and I no longer have that eerie feeling about this wall when walking into my bedroom. Pairing this bold tropical wallpaper mural with elegant foam crown moulding and decorative corbels instantly transformed my bedroom from ordinary to unforgettable.
The lush, oversized leaves create a calming escape, while the 3-inch crown molding frames the wall like custom millwork, hiding any uneven edges and adding that high-end polish you’d expect in a boutique hotel. I’m applauding myself because yaay! I love it! Topping it off with ornate corner corbels makes the whole feature feel architectural and unique, not just another painted wall. The best part? This luxurious glow-up didn’t break the bank. With affordable foam moulding and a bit of DIY magic, my once-basic bedroom now feels like a tropical suite you’d happily wake up in every morning, without ever leaving home.
Tips When Deciding On Crown Molding Or Corbels
When considering the relationship between corbels and crown molding, particularly in terms of measurement ratios, the goal is often harmony and proportion in the design.
1. Traditional Architectural Context:
- In traditional architecture, the design and proportion of elements, including crown molding (which corresponds to part of the cornice), are based on established orders and rules.
- For example, the Golden Ratio (1:1.6) was used as a basis for architectural proportion, and the parts of a classical order relate to the column’s diameter.
2. Corbel and Crown Molding Size:
- Crown molding size: The size of crown molding is typically chosen based on ceiling height and room size.
- For 8-foot ceilings, recommended crown sizes range from 2-1/2″ to 6″ tall.
- Taller ceilings (9 feet or more) can handle larger crown molding profiles.
- Corbel Size and Placement:
- Corbels intended for support (like for a countertop) should be at least half the depth of the overhang. A depth of 2/3 or even 3/4 of the overhang is often preferred for better support and visual appeal.
- For decorative corbels or those supporting shelving, the 2/3 rule is often applied, meaning the corbel should be at least 2/3 the depth of the shelf.
- If corbels are placed beneath a structural beam, their width should match or be slightly less than the beam’s width.
3. Achieving Visual Balance:
- While no rigid measurement ratios apply universally, the key is to ensure the corbels and crown molding are visually balanced and in proportion with each other and the overall room.
- Consider the scale of the room and the style of the crown molding and corbels when making selections.
- Crown molding should complement, not overpower, the corbels or other architectural elements.
In summary, there is no single fixed ratio for corbels to crown molding. The best approach involves considering the intended function of the corbels, the scale of the room, and the overall style of your decorative elements to achieve visual harmony and proportion.
Design Elements for a Relaxed Tropical Bedroom
Color Palette Paradise
I started with a focal piece which was an armoire I painted in Teal, Gold and Ivory. You can read more about it here. This stunning armoire piece was the deciding factor to my color palette. I chose teal because it evokes feelings of serenity and tranquility. The paint color is actually called Tahitian Treat which is the perfect name for my new bedroom. Once my armoire was all set up in my bedroom, I shopped for other pieces in tropical colors which complimented the Teal, Gold and Ivory which became Mustard and Amber. Both mustard and amber bring energy and a luxurious vibe. I also bought two tropical floral chairs, a set of wall art paintings and faux florals that added in small fun pops of green, berry and fuchsia for extra energy. When planning your palette, balance bold tropical hues with soothing neutrals to avoid visual overwhelm.
Bedding Bliss
Our bedding sets the tone for comfort and style. I layered mustard and white bedding with a statement tropical pillow that echoes the wallpaper, plus extra pillows for texture. For your own retreat, mix crisp neutrals with vibrant accent pillows or throws inspired by tropical florals. This bedding is actually a duvet cover set with matching shams. If you like more pops of color on your bed, you can do this by adding smaller accent pillows in other colors.
I also love these pillow case covers that match the wallpaper. The quality of them are superb! I got a pack of two of them on Amazon and for less than $20.
Windows To The Tropics
Don’t overlook your windows when creating a tropical sanctuary. I got these elegant ivory curtains decorated with metallic gold tropical leaves and ferns for a touch of shimmer and nature. Consider light, flowy fabrics that move gently and highlight dreamy natural light and views. Blinds alone felt bare, but sheer, flowy curtains turned my tropical bedroom into a private island retreat, elegance in every breeze! And now, I can choose to close the curtains at night before bed, whenever I want to sleep in longer. There’s absolutely a difference adding curtains to this space
Lighting Luau
Warm, layered lighting is key to a cozy island atmosphere. Beside my bed, matching lamps softly illuminate the nightstands, and a unique floor lamp adds extra glow in the corner. Look for warm-toned bulbs and fixtures that feel organic or subtly glam.
I also have a floor lamp near my large wall mirror and perfume console. I have warm bulbs in this fixture as well. I went with a DIY perfume console for this space, but you could go with a desk, a chaise lounge, a bench or more seating and have the lighting you need in the evenings.
Also, all lighting is controlled via a remote, because this is a luxury tropical resort after all! Thou shall not lift more than 1 finger during our retreat.
Ceiling Fan Siesta
What’s the point of building a breezy tropical paradise if you’re going to wake up sweating at 3:33 AM? A ceiling fan keeps my island vibes cool, the air fresh, and my silk mural safe from sneaky humidity, all while gently whispering me to sleep like ocean waves (minus the flight ticket).
Plus, it’s basically a free white noise machine and a stylish finishing touch that compliments the dark finish wood flooring. Trust me, in a tropical bedroom makeover, the fan is your undercover hero. No wobbly basics allowed!
Seating
Adding seating near a window or floor lamp invites relaxation and reading. I already had these 2 floral accent chairs that complements my new tropical palette and brings more nature indoors. Consider a rattan bench, a patterned armchair, or a woven pouf to expand your tropical lounge area.
If space is an issue for seating, consider multi-use or storage stools. Add an accent pillow on top to make them look more appealing.
Accessories For Tropical Bedroom Decor
Floral Wall Art
Floral wall art brings in bursts of color and ties the room’s garden feel together. I hung a vibrant painting that echoes my bedding and pillows. Choose art with bright botanicals or abstract blooms to elevate blank walls. I love these floral large art pieces in my bedroom. I got them from Home Goods and they were both under $25 each.
I purchased a new floral sculpture to go on the wall above my bed. I originally had this ivory scroll from Hobby Lobby (shown below). Having it alone would be washed out by the new wallper. I put it on Marketplace for sale, along with all the other decor that no longer coordinated with the vision of my Tropical Bedroom Oasis.
I found this floral sculpture at Ross and I thought it was pretty at the time. Once I put it against the wallpaper it seemed so small and irrelevant! The wallpaper was like, you’re gonna have do better than that with all my drama I bring!
My iron ivory scroll didn’t sell, so I thought, how I about I use both the sculpture and the this flower sculpture…But FIRST, I bling the center of the flowers out!
So I added leftover craft supply of old flowers, glitter, pearls, gold leaf and rhinestones (see my DIY Skeleton Skull post to see the previous blinged out project) to the center of every flower and gold leaf on the soft gold petals on the sculpture. Let it dry overnight. The next day, I zip-tied the back of the flower sculpture on to my old iron scroll. Wow! It was not meant for this iron scroll to sell so I deleted the Marketplace ad – Their LOST! 😀
I absolutely love how it turned out and it looks stunning above my bed and not washed out by the wall paper. The goldleaf is more pronounce versus the previous sheen of gold and the pearls and metallics definitely makes this sculpture stand out. This piece is one of a kind for sure!
Mirrors
Mirrors brighten and expand your space, reflecting natural light. Look for carved frames or sunburst shapes for a breezy tropical flair.
You’ve probably notice there is quite a few mirrors in this room. I have the two mirrored large dresser chests on both sides of the bed (instead of nightstands, and from At Home Store), there’s also 2 quatrefoil shaped mirrors (from Hobby Lobby) right above those, then the large extravagant baroque style mirror (from Wayfair) on the wall and the jewerly console is also mirrored. Most of them serve as decor or technique only so while it may seem like it’s too many, it actually isn’t.
Florals And Plants
Flowers, real or sculpted, keep the tropical mood alive. I scattered gold floral sculptures on the wall, nightstands and vases with bold stems throughout the room. Also, indulge in faux or silk blooms, metallic accents, or botanical sculptures for a lush look.
No tropical oasis is complete without greenery. I included a mix of monstera and fig plants in stylish containers to boost their height and presence. Use big-leaf real or faux plants, palm varieties, or tall potted trees to breathe life into your space.
Focal Points Adventure
A tropical bedroom feels anchored when it has a few standout moments. My teal, gold, and ivory armoire is the star, but my large wall mirror and silk mural accent wall play strong supporting roles. Combining main and secondary focal points guides the eye and keeps the room feeling curated, not cluttered.
My Thrifted DIY Statement Pieces
DIY projects make a tropical makeover more affordable and personal. This room features four of my DIY’s: my painted Tahitian Treat armoire, a thrifted gold perfume console, a custom sculpture above my bed, and a repurposed table near my floral chair. Get creative with paint, upcycled furniture, or handmade wall art to bring your dream retreat to life without overspending.
This armoire was thrifted for $30 and painted it using chalk paint in two different colors. I also added gold leaf for more glam and swapped out the hardware for crystal and gold hardware. The teal paint color is called Tahitian Treat and the white is called Baja color. It definitely screams Tahitian Treat in my new tropical bedroom makeover. This one piece was my inspirsation to everything else in my bedroom. Read more about this DIY here.
This console table was also thrifted for $35 (4 piece set). I replaced the wooden top with a mirror shelf and made it a perfume console. My replacement custom mirror was ordered on Amazon and arrived in less than a weeks time. I was able to add in beveled edge cutting for a more sleek and elegant design. It was definitely affordable if I paid for it!
I found this table at Goodwill for $5. I didn’t blog about this project and actually don’t have a photo of it before painting the top in the same Baja color paint that is on the armoire and then I applied Metallic Gold Peel and Stick Wallpaper to just the center of the table. I just knew it was a fine piece at first sight at the local Goodwill store. It’s solid wood and the bottom is an heavy iron patina with brass globe style footing. I love the design and it looks perfect in this space.
All three of these pieces were budget friendly and only took a little bit of glue with gold leaf and paint with new hardware. You can save money doing your bedroom makeover by going for thrifted pieces and keeping them as they are or adding your own special touch.
Tropical Scents And Sounds for Ambiance
Bring the Tropics to Your Senses
Scents to transport you straight to a luxury cabana true tropical escape should smell as relaxing as it looks. I love using silk plants infused with fragrance, but you can also add essential oil diffusers, sachets, coconut or citrus candles, and linen sprays with hints of pineapple or jasmine. Layer scents that feel fresh, floral, and slightly fruity for an instant mental getaway.
Bring the sounds of a tropical paradise home without splurging, just stream free ocean waves, birdsong, or steel drum tunes on YouTube or Spotify and play them through a small Bluetooth speaker tucked in a corner. I personally listen to the White Noise app that is free and comes with every nature sound you can think of. Pink noise is my favorite. This app is also a alarm, and a dimmable clock, so it plays on my phone all night.
If you can’t tie up your phone, there are an abundance of White Noise Machines for under $20 that plays a variety of nature sounds and white noise.
Want an extra splash of zen? Add a budget-friendly tabletop fountain or DIY one with a bowl, pebbles, and a tiny pump for that gentle waterfall vibe. Pair it with your ceiling fan’s soft hum, and you’ll feel like you’re on a breezy island retreat, all from your own bedroom!
How I Did It | My Tropical Bedroom Makeover Checklist
Plan Your Tropical Escape
☐ Chose a bold tropical silk mural with oversized leaves and gold tones
☐ Picked a calming yet vibrant color palette, teal, mustard, gold, ivory, pops of green, amber and fuchsia
Upgrade the Basics
☐ Swapped bedding for crisp white and mustard linens
☐ Added tropical print accent pillows that echo the mural
Layer in Island Details
☐ Hung airy curtains with gold monstera leaf details
☐ Placed cozy floral accent chairs by the window for a reading nook
Set the Mood
☐ Added warm lighting, bedside lamps, a chic floor lamp
☐ Installed a ceiling fan for that gentle island breeze
Elevate with Decor & DIYs
☐ Highlighted focal points, hand-painted teal armoire, large baroque wall mirror, mural accent wall
☐ Styled floral wall art, gold flower sculptures, lush faux tropical plants
☐ Hid a tricky mural gap with foam crown moulding and elegant corbels
Stay Budget-Smart
☐ Thrifted furniture pieces and gave them luxe DIY makeovers
☐ Used existing home decor to create a extravagant above bed floral sculpture
Finish with a Vacation Vibe
☐ Layered in tropical scents, silk plant fragrance
☐ Sat back, relaxed, and wake with authentic delulu that I’m at an all-inclusive resort, minus the plane ticket
Thank You For Reading Until The End
That’s all yall! So if this peek into my tropical oasis has you mentally packing your bags, good! I hope you feel inspired to turn your own bedroom into the peaceful, color-soaked escape you deserve. Thank you for spending a little piece of your day with me, it means the world!
Ready to make paradise your new normal? Tag me on social media and show off your own dreamy makeover, share this with a friend who’s craving a getaway without leaving home, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @lanidoesit, YouTube and Pinterest for more DIY glow-ups and styling secrets. When you’re ready to level up your space even more, browse my hand-picked faves at Curated By Lani.
Stay dreamy my friends, and may your mornings feel like a vacation too.
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