Tropical textiles and motifs usually bring to mind the lobbies of giant chain hotels, situated on crowded beaches next to other giant chain hotels. But British designer Suzy Hoodless, whose wallpaper collection includes some striking tropical prints, succeeds in turning tropicals chic in this Barbados beach house...

By mixing tropical prints and forms with sleek, modern furniture and accessories, Hoodless creates a super-stylish retreat that retains its island aesthetic. A vintage-looking brass lamp in the shape of some kind of waterfowl lends a mid-century moment to a hallway vignette. Patio chairs have a shape that recalls the Arne Jacobsen Egg chair, but they're made of bamboo wicker.

Given that it's Escapes Month, we also love the little travel-themed touches, like a vintage suitcase serving as a bedside table, or a series of shadowbox frames displaying an extensive seashell collection.

More photos of the Barbados beach house are available online, along with pics of Hoodless' other work, including a Scottish hunting lodge, where she applies her magic touch to woodsy décor (another potential minefield of cheesiness).

(Images: Suzy Hoodless Design Consultancy)