Backyard Bliss – 6 Ways to Turn Your Yard into a Rainforest Themed Sanctuary

People love traveling to exotic places like the Caribbean and Central America because the serenity of a tropical paradise is priceless. Its magic draws you in, and the appeal of rainforest adventures leaves you feeling magnificently breathless and rejuvenated. It’s no wonder then, why so many homeowners are bringing some of that same ambience into their own backyards – and you can too.

From colourful décor to decking, bold colours to healthy greenery, you can re-create a dreamlike tropical hideaway – your own paradise – just a step away. We check out the essentials you’ll need to turn your space into a backyard bliss.

1. Incorporate all the Elements

Combining the four elements – earth, air, fire and water will support your tranquil space and add its own touch of magic into the environment. Stone foundations, water features and a fire pit table create the feeling of relaxation, whilst still providing warmth and cosiness.

Build a bird bath or a pond with a stone waterfall and incorporate some tropical looking plants into your landscaping. Think bright and vibrant colours, like Frangipani flowers, orchids or Cordylines to make a tropical statement.

2. Create a Tropical Deck

The key component for your Caribbean paradise is well-built deck. Design it around your desires to help cultivate the perfect backyard sanctuary either as a stand-alone style situated in your tropical garden or adjacent to the house. Consider your lifestyle – do you crave stillness or do you want something more comforting, like a meeting place for chatting with friends and entertaining?

A well-designed deck will maximise the outdoor living area of your landscape and be the perfect area for relaxing or dining in. The wood you use in your deck will offer a natural textural contrast with the rest of your tropical paradise and transform the space into a beautiful retreat. If you like playful designs, consider curving your space by creating different designs in the deck flooring. This will add a little character to your backyard too.

3. Teak Furniture with Bright Colours

Spruce up your deck and garden area by adding teak or rattan patio furniture with bright coloured upholstery. These will make ideal additions for around the pool too if you have one, and provide a relaxing space to enjoy the scenery of dazzling colours. Bamboo, cane and rattan furniture add earthy tones that are renowned throughout those tropical rainforests. Merging these characters with warm bursts of colour will truly capture the Caribbean essence and complement your backyard.

Invest in some large, floor-style cushions for guests to enjoy and add a sisal rug to the deck to create that homey vibe. A colourful Mayan hammock can be the perfect addition to your personal paradise too and complete that tropical theme look.

4. Add a Tiki Bar

Paradise cannot be complete without your very own Tiki bar – one of the most recognisable trademarks of the Caribbean islands. Most tropical style yards will feature one, even if it’s only little. When you design a Tiki bar in your backyard, it lends itself to exciting times with family and friends and creates a festive area that’ll make every day feel like a holiday.

Be sure your Tiki bar includes a thatched roof to provide shade in the warmer months and serve as an entertainment space. Make sure you have some tropical liquor mixes behind the bar to be enjoyed too! Consider how much seating you’ll need and keep with the theme by finding some bamboo bar stools to accompany this.

Adding some Tiki statues and torches dotted around the garden, deck and bar area will help set the exotic mood. If you really want to go the whole way, accessorise the bar area with Tiki masks sprinkled around, a wooden ‘Tiki Bar’ sign and some islander mugs to top it off.

5. Bamboo Fencing and Palm Trees

Your backyard won’t feel like your own private paradise if you have prying neighbours peering in. Thus, adequate fencing and tall greenery will ensure the space really feels hidden away. Perfect for these privacy considerations, bamboo fencing will add a tropical charm to your yard.

If you’re not prepared to revamp the fencing though, planting palm trees against the existing fencing will add instant colour and block any views in – plus, they’re a crucial ingredient for your backyard to be tropical. Landscape your garden with them and vary the sizes so the garden has different levels.

6. Lighting and Shade 

Candles, colourful lanterns and torchers are all ideal for adding that tropical character and jungle feel to your outdoor space. Use simple tea light candles in jars to line a pathway or string garden lights around trees and low plants. Citronella or gas powered Tiki torchers will light the way whilst keeping the bugs and mosquitoes at bay too.

In addition to your Tiki bar’s thatched roof, umbrellas will serve as shade during the day. Stick with the bright colourful theme and make sure they complement the rest of your décor. At night, these umbrellas can be decorated with fairy lights to add a magical perk to those deck parties.

Author Bio

This article is written by Jayde Ferguson who writes for WA Timber Decking – a Perth based company who supply timber and decking for the handyman, DIYer and builder. WA Timber Decking can assist with timber deck designs, installations and maintenance to get your deck ready for the winter months.