Once your trip ends and you trade the lush, tropical paradise of Cozumel or mornings on your cruise ship balcony for a snowy city or a messy home, things can feel a little bit depressing. You're back to the grind, you have a pile of dishes to do, and you're craving that feeling of relaxation and calm, and sunshine in the Caribbean.
Though you can't fully replicate the relaxation, and slowed-down pace of a cruise, you can bring some of that Caribbean goodness home. It's amazing how much our surroundings can impact our mood, so why not spend a few hours bringing some of that tropical wonder back home. With just a few quick adjustments, you'll be back on island time right in your very own home.
I firmly believe that you can never have too many plants in your home, and most people definitely don't have enough! In the winter time, plants and greenery bring so much life to my 700 square foot apartment, and in the summer, they really bring the outside in. I loved seeing all of the beautiful, tropical plants at the ports I visited in the Caribbean, and made it a point to set up my own after coming back home to a dreary, wintery city. More than anything else, they can really help your space feel lush, and more like a vacation spot.
Though certain tropical plants don't thrive indoors or without proper sunlight, there are plenty of low maintenance plants that give you a tropical vibe without needing a tropical climate. Most palms are a great pick along with Snake Plants and Bromeliads. I have a few set up in each room, and alternate on sizes and heights to give them more depth. Think about spots like the bathroom or kitchen where you wouldn't think of adding in plants, and tuck a few in there too! It's nice to pick up an extra arrangement of tropical flowers from the grocery store here and there too for added Caribbean vibes.
Remember when we talked about creatively displaying your vacation photos? Having a beautiful image from your cruise up will really help bring the tropics back home. Remember, you don't have to be a photographer or an artist to take and display a beautiful, meaningful image. Other great options are larger scale palm or leaf prints that you can get for relatively cheap.
This doesn't just limit you to your walls though! I love storing desk supplies like paperclips or thumbtacks in the sea shells I found while on my cruise. I try to find a vintage market or two while on trips, and always make it a point to bring back a little trinket I can display in my home. An old, refinished jewelry box from St. John or a some vintage plates snagged on a trip to the Dominican Republic will give your home a global look, and remind you of your time on your trip.
You'll notice that in hotels or on cruise ships, there's often a surprising, quirky statement piece in each room. It could be an interesting vase or a chandelier made of sea glass, but it's that little touch that makes the area feel special and different. So often with busy lives, we make our homes functional above anything else, but adding in something a bit different and bold can really give your home that extra touch. To give your home more of a Caribbean, tropical vibe, aim towards getting pieces that contain natural elements (shells, agate, driftwood, stone, etc.), and remember, just one accessory or fixture can really change up a space. The details don't have to be large or expensive either. A new woven tray on your coffee table that was woven in the Caribbean or a jute rug in your bedroom can go a long way.
I found this flamingo sculpture (it doubles as a jewelry holder!) a few months after my cruise, and it reminded me of my travels right away. Sure, it's a bit silly, but it's a fun touch that people always love and comment on. It was under $30, and though it's a small detail, it goes such a long way.
Though the most obvious thing you think of when trying to bring a touch of the Caribbean to your own home is changing up what you see, remember your other senses, and the factor they can play in how you feel in your home.
For example, I always loved waking up on the ship, opening my balcony door, and immediately getting that scent of salty ocean air. To bring that feeling back home, I added in a few ocean-scented candles to my home. I also got an oil diffuser that really helps transform my apartment into a tropical oasis. There's something pretty amazing about smelling grapefruit and tropical scents after walking into your place after a long day. Pour yourself a cold drink, and you'll be feeling like you're right back on a ship!
Another option is to pick up some of the music you heard while on your trip, and play it around your house while you're cooking or reading. I find I tie certain music to specific trip memories so it's always a good way to relax and reflect.