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As the tennis season unfolds, especially during the Grand Slam tournaments, a distinctive design trend is gaining traction: tennis-core. This style, which emerged in, combines nostalgia with a modern flair, drawing parallels with other trends like cottage-core and fisherman-core. It stands out for its timeless appeal, blending understated luxury with a preppy aesthetic, allowing homeowners to celebrate the spirit of the sport within their interiors.
Imagine a living space adorned with crisp whites, vintage tennis rackets, and subtle hints of neon—elements that together evoke a refined clubhouse atmosphere. According to interior designer Cece Bowman of Cece Bowman Interiors, this trend reflects a broader cultural shift towards health, wellness, and outdoor social activities, with tennis emerging as a welcoming alternative to traditional golf courses. “Tennis has become the new ‘golf course’ that welcomes everyone,” she states.
Understanding the essence of tennis-core
At its core, tennis-core merges East Coast preppiness with retro athletic nostalgia while maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Designer Greeley describes this trend as a modern interpretation rooted in traditional country club decor. The influence of tennis is unmistakable: envision green courts, net-like textures, and crisp pleats, all transformed into sophisticated interior elements. Greeley highlights features such as “green and white awnings, white benches, grid patterns reminiscent of nets, and the integration of vintage racquets.” This style transcends mere decoration—it’s about embracing a lifestyle.
Incorporating tennis-core into your home
To incorporate the tennis-core aesthetic into your living spaces, creativity is essential. Striking a balance between homage and subtlety is key. For example, a bedroom designed by E&A Interiors showcases a pristine white palette accented with vibrant green, nodding to classic tennis themes without overt displays of tennis paraphernalia.
The visual cues associated with tennis create a distinct color scheme: think bright whites, lush green grass, azure skies, and the rich browns of clay courts, alongside the iconic yellow tennis balls. This trend emphasizes a refined approach, avoiding excessive colors or clashing patterns. “Stay within the lines, much like how a tennis court is designed,” advises Greeley. “Embrace greens and whites, or explore other court-inspired color combinations.” However, this doesn’t mean sacrificing fun; bold yellows, Kelly greens, or warm clay tones can add a lively touch to your decor.
Curating vintage elements for authenticity
No design trend is complete without the charm of vintage accents, and tennis-core is no exception. The sport’s clubhouse heritage shines through when incorporating antique pieces. This approach introduces texture, natural materials, and deeper tones into your decor.
Consider sourcing vintage tennis rackets to create a gallery wall or an artistic installation that captures attention. To enhance the aesthetic, mix in rattan accents like trays, side tables, or bar carts, and incorporate darker wooden elements such as trunks or campaign chests for contrast. Retro tennis photography adds another layer to this trend—frame a favorite image to serve as a striking focal point in your home.
Maintaining balance in your decor
While it may be tempting to embrace every tennis-themed element available, restraint is crucial for achieving a sophisticated look. Bowman suggests incorporating a few playful pieces, such as a classic needlepoint pillow featuring a witty tennis joke or a quirky bathroom accessory that hints at the sport. “Just be careful not to overdo it,” she warns. “Too many overt references can lead to a theme that feels forced.”
It’s essential to know when to draw the line. Bowman recalls a client who proposed painting a tennis court design directly onto a room’s floor instead of using a rug; while it would have been a fun statement, it might have overwhelmed the space.
Whether embarking on a complete redesign or simply updating your space with a few tennis-inspired elements, tennis-core offers a stylish way to refresh your home. Approach this trend with an eye for elegance and whimsy, creating a design that is both inviting and chic.