It’s been raining for what seems like ages in New York, and I’m desperately trying to put myself—and my home—in a sunny summery mood. The easiest way to do that? I’m donning my brightest, cheeriest outfits and adding a few breezy objects in my apartment.

I was totally inspired by my friend and designer John Loecke’s (jloeckeinc.com) home. Every room in his Brooklyn townhouse feels like an escape. I love the bold tropical pattern on this rattan chair. It’s actually what motivated me to start looking for inexpensive items I could incorporate into my decor that would give my abode a little island flavor. And tropical glamour is everywhere this summer.

Here, a few of the affordable castaway-inspired finds I’m in search of:

• A jute or sea-grass rug
• A vase filled with real (or lookalike fake) leafy shoots or palm fronds
• Leftover pieces of grasscloth wallpaper (ask a local wallpaper distributor for samples) to frame and hang on the wall
• A picture frame that looks like it’s made of bamboo
• A cane side table