Tropical Decorating for a Pool Area

Plants

• Bring plants to the pool and patio area that transform the feeling from suburban backyard to tropical island hideaway. Use containers for palms that may need to be moved inside during the winter. Include a raised planting bed bordered by a rock retaining wall to create a transition from the yard to the tropical pool landscape. Design and gardening experts at Sunset magazine recommend including plants like the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), tree aloe (Aloe barberae) and ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata). Include winter-hardy hibiscus in the planting, which bloom with large, tropical-like flowers. Luna Bush hibsicus (Hibiscus moscheutos, ''Luna Blush'') is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture planting zones 5 through 9.

Furniture

• Ditch the basic white, plastic patio furniture for pieces that feel more at home in a tropical oasis. Shop for pieces with wicker and rattan finishes. Look for pieces with oil-rubbed bronze finishes. Choose comfortable lounge chairs to surround the pool area and a sofa, dining table and outdoor chairs for the patio area. This helps transform the space into an outdoor living oasis, making people comfortable whether they are taking a dip or just enjoying the space. Tie all the pieces together with solid-colored cushions and tropical printed throw pillows, tablecloths and accessories.

Color Scheme

• Choose colors for the space inspired by nature that will tie the pool deck into the landscape and give the space the feeling of being on a tropical island. Sunset magazine recommends painting the pergola or covered porch in a combination of dark chocolate brown and a deep yellow-green. For couch and lounge chair cushions, choose a brighter color like a sunset orange or bright ocean blue. Tie all the colors together in a printed fabric for throw pillows, such as nautical striped print or palm-tree print. Consider staining the concrete surrounding the pool in a warm brown or light tan color to brighten the space.

Amenities

• Finish off the space by including some of the amenities commonly found in resort pools. Include a pool side bar, complete with ice boxes and juice drinks for the kids. A series of comfortable chairs and a patio-sized fire pit allow the space to transition from summer pool parties to quiet, cool nights outdoors. Replace builder-grade patio lights with something more tropical in nature or suspend paper lanterns from the patio's overhang. Include a barbeque or outdoor kitchen to make the space a true outdoor living area. Fill large chests with extra pool towels, toys and pool sandals.