Lush Green Island

Imagine as you read this that sugar sand is cradling your feet, cool and fine like sifted flour. You are outside and the air is just the right temperature of warm, and everything is washed in golden light. Palm fronds catch the breeze and sway with a soft rhythm ever changing like the wind. In the distance, the soft hissssss of waves as they break against the shore brings peace that unfolds and invites you to linger for a little while or stay longer than you planned. For many, island life is a way of living that favors serenity over speed, and presence over productivity. In the world of decorating, island life isn’t just a destination it is a feeling that you can invite inside no matter where you are located. Let’s peek into the master bedroom of courtyard villa model to see how island life is expressed in lush greens somewhere in the heart of The Villages.

  •  Bed
The bedroom began with a grand king-size bed; its headboard and footboard carry a woven palm frond impression that feels both tropical and timeless. The rich brown wood has a regal glow, like something that might have once belonged to Hawaiian royalty, or at least someone with excellent taste in naps. From the moment we saw it, we knew the room would revolve around this bed. Its coastal charm set the tone, and we leaned in, playing up the palm tree motif and letting the space unfold like a gentle island breeze.

  •  Side tables
The original side tables, inherited along with the bed, were beautiful, but too large to use as a pair in the space. The homeowners, who value balance and symmetry, agreed to seek out new options that would honor the bed’s character without overwhelming the room. They chose two smaller side tables that coordinated perfectly. Crafted from rattan and stained in a rich tortoise shell patina, they echo the elegance of furniture from exotic faraway places. Their scale was just right, allowing for symmetry, breathing room, and a sense of ease that suits the island inspired retreat.

  •  Mirrors over side tables
We knew from the start that there would be no art above the bed, it was the showpiece, commanding attention with its carved palm fronds and regal presence. But the wall still needed a little something to balance the space without competing. We chose a pair of mirrors that were the same width as the side tables. Hung one inch above the side tables, they reflect the soft glow of the lamps and bounce light gently across the room.

  •  Two large green pineapple lamps
Gone are the days of colorless, forgettable lighting. In this master bedroom, we chose bold, handmade glazed pineapple lamps that bring personality and punch. Their rich green glaze adds depth, while their playful shape nods to tropical charm. Lamps are the jewelry in the room, and they should be fabulous and make a statement!

  •  Rug
The rug is a vibrant burst of blue and green palm fronds, woven into thick, luxurious wool. Its pattern echoes the palm motif carved into the bed complementing it with a softer, more playful energy. We positioned the rug to ensure that with every step in and out of bed the homeowners’ feet will land on its plush surface. It’s not just a visual anchor, it’s a tactile welcome, a little island beneath your feet.

  •  Bedding
The bedding is a new mix of textures and tones that feels both fresh and serene. We started with a white coverlet that drapes the entire bed. Light and slightly gauzy, it’s breathable enough for all seasons and easy to wash, making it as practical as it is elegant. To add depth and color, we placed three green Euro pillows along the back of the bed, all from the Thandie collection at Ballard Designs. In front of those, a single lumbar pillow from the John Robshaw collection adds a touch of pattern and personality. For the finishing touch, we created a custom bed scarf using the Thandie duvet cover that we left flat and folded to the perfect size. It anchors the bed with a tailored look and ties the whole ensemble together with quiet sophistication.

  •  Artwork
The artwork in the room is a celebration of island life and each piece was chosen to evoke the spirit of the sea and the serenity of nature.
One image captures a tender moment: baby turtles making their way toward the surf, their tiny bodies silhouetted against the shimmer of the shore. It’s a quiet tribute to resilience, instinct, and the pull of the ocean. The second piece is a breathtaking beach scene by Elizabeth Kershaw. The view is framed by lush palm trees, their canopies arching like guardians of the sand. Look closely, and you’ll see something magical, there are spirits nestled among the leaves. Kershaw believed that you cannot look at nature without having your spirits uplifted. Her work invites you to pause, breathe, and see the unseen.

  •  Palm tree lamp
There was one final palm tree lamp we simply had to have. Crafted from metal, its stem is shaped like bamboo. The shade is double layered with a traditional inner drum shade wrapped in a decorative metal outer shade, pierced with cutout palm fronds. When the lamp is lit, those fronds come to life casting soft, leafy shadows that dance across the walls. It’s not just a source of light; it’s a quiet performance, a nod to tropical evenings and the magic of moonlight through palms.
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Before and After Pics Below