I’ve always loved the aesthetic of Tulum! The general vibe evokes being outdoors, sitting among lush tropical greenery, surrounded by twinkly string lights and basket weave pendants. The furniture feels solid and organic, typically made from asymmetrical wood that’s perfectly imperfect, with small flaws that make each piece unique.
Now that my husband and I are moving back into a house we rented for a year while nomadding, I want to bring some of that jungle magic into our L.A. home. The goal is to create a balance between Tulum’s relaxed, bohemian vibe and a more modern city feel. I’ll be adding structure with clean lines, black accents, and thoughtful details that reflect a laid-back yet stylish aesthetic.
Design Decisions: Tulum Meets Modern L.A.
Right now, I’m focusing on the kitchen, and I’m inspired by the idea of incorporating lush greenery through wallpaper. There are two directions to consider:
Tropical Leaves: For a more literal representation of the jungle.
Geometric Sage Print: A subtle, modern take on the tropical theme.
Right now I’m focusing on the indoor kitchen, so I thought I could bring the tropical feel of the lush plants by adding wallpaper that has green hues. There are two ways you could do this, go more literal with a tropical leaves or a more subtle geometric print in sage hues.
Both options bring green tones into the space without overpowering it.
For the flooring, I’m considering a jute-style rug. It’s both affordable and durable, perfect for a high-traffic area like the kitchen. Alternatively, a Moroccan-style rug in soft gray or beige would add a refined touch without losing warmth.
Key Accents and Furnishings
To keep the Tulum-inspired textures, I’m incorporating the basket weave feeling in subtle ways. For example, black cane chairs add texture without overwhelming the space. A large basket weave pendant light would also make a fantastic centerpiece above the dining table, adding warmth and visual interest.
Speaking of the dining table, I’ve chosen a hearty solid wood piece with smooth, rounded edges. Rather than an asymmetrical, organic look, this table has a modern shape, maintaining the natural feel without going too boho.
Fun Finishing Touches
Kitchenware is where I’m letting loose and having fun with color! Our Place is my go-to for beautiful, functional pieces. I’m obsessed with their Always Pan, which comes in so many gorgeous colors. For my kitchen, I’m going with a combo of sage green and oatmeal to tie everything together. Their cookware adds a playful pop while remaining cohesive with the overall design.
I can’t wait to bring this Tulum-inspired oasis to life in the heart of the city. Stay tuned for more updates on the space as it comes together!