Style Secret: Exotic WoodsIpe, wenge, teak and other tropical woods go with this style like quartersawn oak in a Craftsman bungalow. Because tropical style is all about not trying too hard, you can mix and match as many species and tones as you like. Dark woods and exquisitely detailed pieces can take the look in a British Colonial or Balinese direction, while lighter, rustic finishes and furnishings feel more Caribbean and Central American. Easy does it: The beauty of many tropical woods lies in their natural pattern — burled, striped, streaked or mottled — so simple applications allow them to shine. The kitchen cabinetry shown here is made from koa, a Hawaiian wood with natural variations that give it a stunning visual rhythm.
