DIY: Tropical and Surf Home Decor Ideas and Tips

Anyone who loves to surf knows that surfing is more then just a hobby, it is a lifestyle. Surfers spend countless hours waiting for the perfect wave. To be a surfer you must have passion, patience, and a unconditional love for the ocean. What time your not surfing, your dreaming about surfing, and planing your next trip to the ocean that’s calling you. They say home is where the heart is, and with this being said your home should remind you of what you love the most…surfing. Surf home decor is easy to do, as long as you keep an open mind, and use a little bit of imagination. Tropical decor is easy to come by, and it can be used along with your surf decor. By using small elements such as fish, palm trees, beach balls, and so on you can create a beach feel to any room. Just keep in mind that the main focus is surfing, and too much tropical decor can cause a room to look cluttered, and lose the feel in which you desire.

Walls:

There are several things that you can do to the walls to give it a surfers Paradise touch. If your good at painting, you can use shade of blue, and white to create waves that rush up the walls. You can even let a few of these waves fold over on the ceiling for a dramatic effect. However, if your not a good painter, then you might want to stick with something simple. You can paint the walls a light ocean blue, or you can paint them a natural sand beige. The sand beige will give the walls more of a sandy beach feel, while the blue will give the room an underwater feel.

Floors:

Most of us have to work with what we have. However, if you have the option hardwood floors with a gloss looks awesome.

Decor:

If you choose to paint the walls solid blue, you can add a few fish to the walls. You can find plastic 3D fish at lots of places, but if all else fails, check your local party supply store. If your into art, you can also find handmade metal 3D fish, and other fish made of different materials at most flea markets, or small art decor stores.

As for your chairs, you can use what you have, unless you can afford to buy new. Bean bag chairs give the room a “crash pad” look, which is great for the young, or single. You can also use large beach towels to reupholster small chairs.

Shells, and sandy walk hand and hand with surfing. You can make a nice little display using a medium sized flat container with a small lip, such as a 9 X 9 baking pan. If you choose to use a baking pan, paint it a tropical color first. Then fill it with beach sand, and add a few shells. You’ll find that just raking your fingers through it is relaxing, and it makes a good conversation piece.

How many times have you seen beach balls on the beach? You can use a medium sized beach ball on a shelf or in the corner of the room to an added touch of color, and a splash of creativity. Just don’t go overboard. One beach ball is enough for any room. If you place the beach ball on a shelf you can use a small piece of tape to keep it from rolling off.

Now that we have the room started and ideas as piling up in your head, lets focus on the surf board. What would a surf theme room be without a surf board? There is many ways you can use a surf board in a room. If you have high ceilings, and low windows, you can mount the boards above the window like a valance. However, you will need to do this with all the windows in the room, and not just one. You can also mount your surf board to the wall with brackets. This will allow you to remove your surf board for use. It is also a great way to store your board it you have little space. Another idea is to turn your old board into a new table. To do so you will need to visit your home improvement store for table legs. Most home improvement stores will cut the lumber for you. They also sell bracket kits that make adding legs a breeze. Surf boards make great coffee tables, and boogie boards make neat little end tables. You can also mount an old surf board on the wall to use as a shelf. To do this just pick up some shelving brackets at your home improvement store. If your board it to wide, just cut it down the center, and now you have two shelves. And finally, you can use an old board to mount above a fireplace, in place of a fireplace mantle. Use the same shelving brackets to do so.

As you can see there is plenty of ways to bring the ocean home with you. It doesn’t replace the ocean, but at least your home will be your second favorite place to be. Just remember to keep your imagination in play, and you’ll love the results.