THIS JUST IN: Modern Tropical Trending : Interior Design Blog

There are all kinds of ways to go coastal. In the world of interior design, that is. Just as our Southwest Florida climate is rife with rich variances and nuances, so too, there are many approaches to coastal design. One of Robb & Stucky’s favorites – trend alert time! – is a new sand, surf and sun-inspired approach we call Modern Tropical.



It’s unexpected. It’s unpredictable. It defies stereotypes. Yet, Modern Tropical decorating style is easy to spot, and bring to life in your own home. Here’s what to look for.

Modern Tropical design always celebrates the natural world. The approach is simultaneously unfiltered and very refined. Look for tactile driftwood finishes and the use of raw materials that oftentimes feel like “found objects.”

The pedestal base of the Stick dining table from Palecek, for example, is a bouquet of driftwood limbs set on a square iron base. Modern. Organic. Tropical. It ticks all the boxes.



Let’s add versatile to the list too. This dining table is available with glass tops in various sizes to suit just about any decorating plan. Best yet, the glass top gives you a full view of the glorious base below. Enjoy!

Malachite is a tiny table that might be a trophy for Modern Tropical design. The table base is an homage to the Midcentury modernists: a metal network of hairpin twists and turns. The table top is a charmingly irregular slab of malachite stone. Be forewarned – no two will be exactly alike. It’s a good thing!




As you would probably guess, the Modern Tropical color wheel spins toward neutrals: grays, sandy beiges, khaki and brown. Texture is an important component. Woods and fabrics are selected for “hand” and hue.

Modern Tropical is all about juxtaposition. Neutral base cloths, for example, are the ultimate palette for daring bursts of color.

Before you take a seat on Taylor-King’s Ambergris settee, take a closer 360-degree look. The sides and back of the loveseat are wrapped in white painted cane. The bench cushion continues the monochromatic theme. But, lo and behold, the settee is finished with a trio of scatter-back pillows in a flora of turquoise, moss, gold and sky blue.



There’s not one season in Florida, as all natives and newcomers know. We revel in the rich, subtle variances of our climate. So too with design trends in our corner of the universe. Modern Tropical is trending, but there’s more on the cusp! Stay tuned for Robb & Stucky’s next trend alert!




ABOUT MARK STUART: Robb & Stucky Creative Director Mark Stuart is responsible for the floor plan and visual display of all Robb & Stucky stores. In his spare time, he also shops the world for accessories and engages with our amazing buying team to ensure Robb & Stucky stores enchant as a unified, beautiful experience.