Not many of us can afford the lifestyle of the Caribbean island owner, but a little sand and surf in our own private island, is much more attainable. If you can't make your home in the tropics make the tropics in your luxury styled living room. This actually all begins with your needs. If you just want a taste of the islands, you can begin with the smallest of changes. A small Zen garden with the tray painted to a bright primary color and a few shells replacing the rocks would become a small beach, with many of the same calming effects. Pull your favorite chair by the window, your private beach beside you and a good book, and your transport could be complete.

For more adventure, you could reach out in to the rich world of Caribbean art. This branch of mainly outsider art is filled with bright colors, and a wonderful blending of the native African with a Spanish influence. Again, there are many fantastic levels to choose from. Beginning with calming prints that bring the soul of the sea and sand right into your home, and ranging to the more bold statements of native artists, where the lithe forms of African art meet the bold primaries of the Spanish influence in every media from paint to steel. Just get out and find the one that clings to your heart.

Then there is complete immersion. This is for the truly bold. For this level, the islands offer a rich resource to surround you in the materials, sights and sounds of islands. The design code begins with natural and recycled materials, and the bold primaries of the color chart. Bold would be many people's operative word at this point. Look to your seating, your sofa might lend itself well to a slipcover made in a fun Hawaiian print, from the sofa, it is an easy step to one of the surfboard shaped rugs to match, or for a touch of the natural, get a grass mat to define the seating area. A bamboo garden bench makes an ideal coffee table, and can serve as overflow seating when entertaining from a bamboo tiki bar in the corner. The heart of any good Caribbean design for your luxury living room is the fun, relaxed atmosphere associated with it. So make your private island home to your own comfort. That is what it is all a luxury island living room is all about.