Retro Decorating Ideas: Tiki Design Revival

The Tiki Design Revival

Tiki décor is experiencing yet another revival. Its popularity has been renewed throughout the U.S. as people discover retro decorating. This year Hawaii is celebrating their 50th anniversary of becoming the U.S.’s 59th state. Perhaps that has had some effect on the Tiki culture’s popularity as well. Whatever the reason, Tiki has returned as a favored design scheme, as it seems to do every decade or so.

The Tiki design trend, as it has become known in the U.S., is a romanticized version of the Polynesian island culture. Travel by servicemen during WWII resulted in many exotic items being brought back to the U.S. Some of these were used in restaurants and bars (many of them located at the beaches, but also many were not). It is in these locations where the notion of Tiki design was developed. It also explains the Tiki association with restaurants, bars and the beach. Popular culture, including music and movies, only served to increase the popularity of the Tiki trend.

If you are thinking about decorating with a Tiki theme, we have some suggestions for you. In our Decorating Gallery, we’ve added a large array of photos to help you visualize what you can do in your own home.

For starters, we purchased an inexpensive bamboo bar set at a local retailer, The Christmas Tree Shops. Sets like these are also available online and at seasonal retailers. Once you have your bar established, you can have a great time decorating it with anything that you feel gives it that exotic Polynesian look.

Chief among the Tiki items we used, is of course, the Tiki god himself. These carvings were the inspiration behind the Tiki design movement and make a striking addition to your Tiki bar setting, with their mythical, yet whimsical appearance. A beautifully carved wooden palm tree lamp, like this one, gives off a soft ambient light that enhances the exotic mood.

The signs we decorated with are exclusive Retroplanet designs that add a funky Tiki look and designate your bar as THE place to have fun. Just add some colorful Tiki drinkware, a Pu Pu platter stacked with tasty food and some awesome music. Bring in your friends and you’ve got a luau atmosphere in which to entertain. And it doesn’t matter what the weather is like outside when you decorate your den, basement or gameroom with a Tiki theme.