The Interior Design Trend That Started in Florida: Modern Tropical : Interior Design Blog

I’m a design junkie. As Creative Director for Robb & Stucky, I read every design magazine under the sun. I collect ideas online. I record makeover TV shows I can’t watch in real time. It’s an occupational hazard – and one I love. It’s always interesting to watch the rise and fall of trends and to see what design pundits crown as the next great thing.



Today I’d like to share an alarming trend that’s simmering here in Southwest Florida. And, I mean “alarming” in a very good way. I call it Modern Tropical. Getting to a definition of Modern Tropical is a little tricky. There are a number of defining hallmarks of this emerging style. First, the fundamental design tends to be simple and unadorned with classic good lines. Secondly, nature always plays a starring role. And, thirdly, glamour and drama are always present. Pictures speak louder than words so let’s look at two rich examples.

Robb & Stucky designers love the Somerset bed from Chaddock. While the scale is high drama, the actual silhouette is classic: a simple, elegant channel-tufted headboard. It’s shown here in a natural, organic fabric – but there are literally hundreds to choose from (P.S. It’s Robb & Stucky – customize is our middle name). The simple Somerset frame is then “outlined” in a band of silver-finished raffia with a nickel nailhead trim. It’s shown here with jewel-tone and leopard print pillows. I would have finished it with textiles in the citrus family – orange or lime perhaps – but that’s one designer’s personal preference. Somerset is a great example of Modern Tropical: classic + natural + a punch of glamour.

This next beautiful poster child for Modern Tropical is a Robb & Stucky shopper favorite. I challenge anyone to walk by the Sonoma credenza and not do a double take. It’s made by Marge Carson. Again, the essential shape is so simple, so classic. But there’s an ulterior motive. It offers center stage to the fabulous credenza door fronts: a mosaic of perfectly placed capiz shells in radiating formation. This is both organic and over-the-top glamorous. A beautiful incarnation of Modern Tropical. Actually, I find only one flaw with the Sonoma Credenza. Sonoma?? Really? At Robb & Stucky, we’re thinking of rechristening it as the Captiva Credenza. Much improved.

I’ve heard that trends in the United States move from the coasts inland. Proximity to the ocean just breeds creativity, don’t you think? But, Modern Tropical is not SoHo or Brooklyn. It’s not Malibu or Bel Air. It’s really a Florida phenom. So look out Atlanta and Chicago: Modern Tropical may be the next Florida force of nature (or fashion) headed your way.

ABOUT MARK STUART: People impressed and inspired by the Robb & Stucky showroom often wonder where we get our ideas. Meet our creative mastermind, Mark Stuart. As Robb & Stucky creative director, Mark 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 on wood and upholstery selections so our stores enchant as a unified, beautiful experience.