I reside in a warm, sunny climate and most days are filled with sunshine, palm trees, beautiful ocean waters and colorful flowers. For many folks, myself included, there is something about the warm, sunny tropical environment that lifts our spirits. And, decorating our homes in tropical, or Florida style is quite simple, as many retail establishments have a large selection of related home decor items to select.

So what do you do if you don't live in my area of the world and want to bring some of that tropical sunshine into your home decor? Or, you may reside in a warm climate, but want to do something more creative than palm tree pictures and place mats. Whatever the situation, you can create a beautiful tropical home decor that uniquely expresses your lifestyle.

First, determine what room or area of your home is going to be part of this decorating project, and then decide what your budget is going to be. It is critical that you address these two important points before doing anything else. If you are decorating on a budget, which most of us are, that will dictate your approach to this tropical transformation.

Tropical colors can be bold and beautiful, in shades of blue, green, coral, turquoise, purple and yellow, so if you love color, this is a great decorating style for you. Conversely, you can create a beautiful tropical decor with soft colors as well, so there is no definite 'right' and 'wrong' path for you to take when it comes to color choices. I have used the following combination in the past and it doesn't fit either color palette mentioned above, but it worked well. The walls of the guest bedroom were painted a medium shade of bronze-brown, floors were bamboo wood, window treatment was a simple off-white sheer tied back with a delicate silk leaf greenery, ceiling fan with faux bamboo paddles, simple palm tree sketches with brown frames on the walls, slim silk palm tree in the corner and a taupe iron bed with bedspread in cream, green and brown with a muted palm tree pattern. The understated theme of this room did not shout 'tropical style', but the color and accessory combinations worked very well in my Florida style home.

You may decide to bring the tropical atmosphere into the room in a big way by using a bright, bold color on the walls of your room. Or, you may opt for a muted shade on your walls and use the bright colors for accents in the room. Remember that the tropics includes naturals, including trees, trees and more trees, so a beautiful, realistic looking silk (or real if your green thumb and location will allow) palm tree or something similar will always look great. Bear in mind that you really do get what you pay for with silks, so choose the best that your budget will afford.

Accessorize thoughtfully and creatively, trying to avoid the types of commercial and over-used pieces that you probably see elsewhere. Look for a unique lamp that has a tropical feel. Shop for an area rug with tropical colors and style, remembering that you can shop online and find many great sources for themed rugs. Your area or entry rug could potentially become the focal point of your tropical theme, so take your time as you look, because there are some fantastic choices. Or, you might find artwork with a standard tropical theme, but the framing or artistry makes it stand out as unique and unduplicated.

Window treatments can include plantation shutters, wood blinds, lightweight fabrics and fun print valances, depending upon your style preferences. Avoid heavy, dark draping styles, as they are contrary to a tropical decor.

The same thought is applicable to the overall feel and look of the room. The upholstered furniture does not have to be wicker and white, but it should have a light overall 'feel' and appearance. For example, if you are striving for a tropical look to your room's decor, a navy blue and hunter green plaid sofa will probably not create the feel you are seeking. A sea foam green sofa with a combination of cream and coral accent pillows will take you in the tropical, or Florida style, direction.

Determine your tropical color scheme and how you will apply it to your room, shop for unique and notabl (not necessarily expensive!) pieces, include natural textures, refrain from over-accessorizing, and you will be on your way to creating a beautiful Florida style decor, no matter where you live.