handmade tray is ideal for serving food outdoors.

The Swavelle Millcreek Outdoor Fabric, available at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store for $10 a yard, sports a wave pattern in neutral tones that’s similar to the iconic wave pattern found on Rio’s Copacabana Beach sidewalks. Manufactured for outdoor upholstery and throw pillows, this fabric is also useful for indoor applications where extra durability would be a plus.

To add a Brazilian influence through wall covering, look for patterns that emphasize the natural beauty, colors and abundant resources found throughout this lush country. York Wallcoverings’ Rainforest, Banana Leaf and Malachite patterns — priced from $47.99 to $59.99 per roll — can help dramatically transform a room through patterns inspired by natural elements that are closely associated with Brazil.

Natural materials

Much of Brazil feels ripe, lush and brimming with natural wonders. Even in heavily populated Rio, gorgeous green mountains and beautiful blue water are plentiful and easy to spot.

Consider layering your interiors the way many Brazilians do. Woven palm baskets, wooden bowls, natural clay accessories and items embellished with coconut shells all reference Brazilian resourcefulness and make great summer styling additions that are easy to change out seasonally.

Handcrafted out of solid Acacia wood, the sculptural Morela Centerpiece bowl at Crate & Barrel is finished with natural oils to showcase the beauty of the wood. Embrace of natural materials is something found throughout Brazilian design, making this an easy way to inject some Brazilian flavor during the upcoming Summer Olympics. The bowl is priced at $129.

Incorporating a few decorative items that emphasize the beauty of natural materials is key to Brazilian design. Crafted by Brazilian artisans, the Ita Large Tray from Frontgate, priced at $129.50, has an expressive free-form edge and is made from agate found inside volcanic tunnels. No two trays will be alike.

Artwork

Although many may immediately associate Brazilian art with their native Indian cultures, the nation also has a well-regarded contemporary art scene, producing some of the art world’s biggest stars, especially in the photography genre. Vik Muniz, Sebastiao Salgado and Mona Kuhn may not be household names but they are immediately recognized by photography aficionados and widely collected by major museums.

Art can be a tone-setting statement in any space. For instance, photo images from Kuhn’s Evidence series, priced from $7,500 to $14,000 at the Jackson Fine Art gallery in Atlanta, showcase the abundant natural beauty found in the Brazilian jungle and take you there whenever you look at them.

If your walls are looking bare, work from any of these artists will not only adorn them with Brazilian talent (often more affordably than you might think), but also help build an art collection worthy of passing down.

So this summer, as you’re watching Michael Phelps attempt to further cement his most-decorated-Olympian-of-all-time status, allow a few bowls, a new piece of art and perhaps some side tables to visually transport you to the Rio Games without ever leaving the comforts of your couch. Although you might not be winning Olympic medals anytime soon, why not live like you’re worthy of one.

• Vern Yip is an HGTV interior designer and host and author of the upcoming book “Vern Yip’s Design Wise: Your Smart Guide to a Beautiful Home.” Originally from McLean, Va., Yip is based in Atlanta and New York.