If you're in the area and haven't been by the Seattle Art Museum to check out their new exhibit, Gauguin and Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise, I highly recommend it. Rich color stories and tropical motifs are just the beginning of the inspirational elements in the showcase.

"The show [displays] about 60 works by Gauguin (paintings, sculpture, works on paper) that fully reveal the extent of the influence of Polynesian art and culture on his work." -SAM. The exhibit got me thinking about all elements of Polynesian decor and brightness in design. It also made me long for a warmer climate! As Gauguin was inspired by French Polynesian sensibilities, it seems as if interior and product designers have been as well.

Simple bamboo poles from Crate and Barrel offer a Polynesian detail, $79.95.

Or make it a bigger statement with a fully-papered accent wall: Aqua Palm Leaves Paper from Walnut Wallpaper, $178 per roll.

See the Gauguin and Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum, open now through April 29, 2012.

Images: Gauguin via Seattle Art Museum. Others as cited above.