Jamaican Art & Decor

Colors

• A Jamaican-inspired room should contain cool colors with a Caribbean feel. Avoid white walls and instead choose a color such as a light green, turquoise, light yellow or orange. Accent the walls with trim and woodwork stained in darker shades such as mahogany or cherry, although some medium stains, such as medium oak or walnut, will also look darker against the light walls. Keep furniture fabrics neutral in color and accent with one brightly colored piece or with pops of bright colors from pillows, throws, rugs and artwork.

Fabrics

• Choose breezy fabrics to invoke the Caribbean feel. Cover windows with sheer curtains in white or ivory. Accessorize the room by covering lampshades and pillows with fabrics made in Jamaica or cut from Jamaican clothing items. Keep in mind that many Jamaican fabrics contain busy prints that may easily overwhelm a room if used in large amounts, so use them sparingly as simple accents. Add other accents with solid-colored blue, turquoise or sand-colored fabrics to mimic the sands and seas in Jamaica.

Furniture

• Choose wood furniture in a soft mahogany or cherry or incorporate Jamaican bamboo furniture in the room. Stick with pieces without a lot of ornate details but are still somewhat traditional in style. Add sofas with the wooden frame exposed that have cushions in neutral tans, grays or whites to allow the colors and patterns of accent pieces to steal the show in the room. Add color in the furniture with a uniquely patterned or brightly colored chair or a tiled coffee table.

Artwork

• Hang artwork from authentic Jamaican artists on the wall. Jamaican artwork comes in a variety of styles, from paintings that showcase the turquoise seas to those that feature the people of Jamaica and their simplistic lifestyle. Accent the room with wood or bronze sculptures and masks created by local Jamaican artists. A visit to Jamaica will give you the opportunity to purchase a wide variety of artwork and other decorations from authentic Jamaican artists and designers, usually at a low price.