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“TENNISCORE,” THE LATEST INTERIOR DESIGN TREND

August 8, 2024

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Sport and style have always coexisted. Games like soccer and basketball have long influenced design trends, especially in fashion. And we’re now living in a moment where athletes possess more cultural sway than ever. Of all the athletic disciplines, the beloved game of tennis has had the most continuous influence over design, possessing a cultural and visual language that speaks to many—whether they’re fans of the game or not. And that influence is stronger than ever, thanks to the #Tenniscore trend.


An Impressionist painting of a woman in a long dress and hat playing tennis on a grass court with trees in the background.
Tennis at Hertingfordbury by Spencer Frederick Gore

Tennis: A Legacy of Elegance and Prestige

Tennis, like many institutions that capture the zeitgeist, is deeply rooted in money and the upper echelons of society. Originating as a game played by French monks in the 12th century, it quickly became a favored sport of French and English monarchs. In the 20th and 21st centuries, tennis has maintained its reputation as a "rich person's" extracurricular activity.

Tennis is more than just a sport; it has woven itself into the fabric of high society, influencing various aspects of culture and lifestyle. The aesthetics have long influenced both high fashion and casualwear. In cinema, films like The Royal Tenenbaums, Wimbledon, Match Point, and Challengers showcase tennis as a timeless source of entertainment. In interior design, the work of American photographer Slim Aarons, known for his images of the 20th-century jet set, beautifully captures tennis culture in his 1950s and 1960s photography, as seen in the image below. Additionally, British artist David Hockney’s artworks and photographs from the 1970s and 1980s feature iconic scenes at tennis courts and clubs.

Six people dressed in 1950s-60s tennis garb chatting at a tennis club in the Bahamas.
Slim Aarons “Tennis in the Bahamas” courtesy of Jonathan Adler

What is Tenniscore?

It all started as a fashion trend inspired by traditional tennis attire. The look emphasizes sporty, preppy, and often vintage styles, characterized by athletic wear and clean white sneakers. Think pleated skirts, polo shirts, tennis dresses, and visors, incorporating classic tennis colors like white, navy, and green. The influence has gained so much popularity today that it has expanded its reach into the world of interior design.

To create the look, Santa Barbara homeowners should consider creating a luxurious, preppy style without being overly fussy. Avoid over-accessorizing—aim for an understated elegance with a sporty vibe. Although fresh and modern, you can incorporate heritage touches with vintage-style prints and tartan fabrics.

A birds eye view of a luxury home surrounded by green trees with a bright blue tennis court in the foreground surrounded by lush greenery.

Ace The Design Aesthetics of Tennis

Study the image above of a private tennis court on the grounds of my Hacienda-style Spanish Colonial Estate listing and imagine translating its essence into your home’s interior design. Tenniscore incorporates some of the simplest of aesthetics: the lines of a court, the mesh of a net, the grid of a racquet, and the curves of a ball. Straight lines. Curvy lines. It’s basically the recipe for most modernist design. In reality, the sport is sweaty, brainy, and cutthroat, but in design, Tenniscore comes with stiff-lipped decorum—old money, Ivy League, and ironed whites. This dichotomy has inspired homeowners to interpret its aesthetics for themselves. The most important thing is to have fun when creating the look inside your Santa Barbara home.

A luxury living room with a showcase kitchen in the background and french doors that lead to the backyard.

How to Serve Tenniscore in Your Santa Barbara Home

Incorporating this trend into your home can be both subtle and striking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  1. Color Palette
    The classic tennis whites, combined with the subtle tones of a court's green and the yellow of a tennis ball, create a fresh, clean palette perfect for any room. The image above from my magnificent 1930 Spanish Colonial residence listing is a prime example, with its yellow couch and rug and a touch of green on the comfy-looking chairs, all surrounded by stark white walls.
  2. Patterns and Textures
    Think about the grid patterns of a tennis racquet or the mesh of a net, illustrated by the throw pillow on the chair above. The look can be translated into wallpaper, upholstery fabrics, or even area rugs to add a touch of Tenniscore to any space.
  3. Furniture and Décor
    Look for pieces with sleek, modern lines that echo the simplicity and elegance of a tennis court. As decorative items, incorporate vintage tennis memorabilia, such as old racquets or tennis ball tubes.
  4. Art and Photography
    Consider adding artworks or photographs that capture the essence of tennis culture. Prints of Slim Aarons’ iconic tennis images, like the one at the top of this blog post, make a bold statement.
  5. Outdoor Spaces
    Create a space inspired by a tennis club in your garden or patio. Classic outdoor furniture, a well-manicured lawn, and a tennis court can bring Tenniscore to your outdoor living space.

Tenniscore's elegant influence is a perfect fit for those seeking sophistication in their Santa Barbara living spaces. I invite you to explore the exceptional listings on my website. Call me at (805) 886-9378, or email me at Cristal@Montecito-Estate to discuss how I can help you ace your real estate goals for a quick win.

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“A little something about “our” realtor, Cristal Clarke. My wife and I came to Santa Barbara about fifteen years ago looking for a seasonal home from which to enjoy the weather and amenities of the central coast. Being in the real estate business myself I was familiar with agents and brokers so entered the market with open eyes. We “flipped” a few houses in the early years, dealing with various agents and finally ended up in Montecito. That’s when good fortune put us together with Cristal. To say we were impressed is to put it mildly. Cristal really knows the market. She is familiar with the area, its history and trends. When we have questions about a particular property she either has the answers immediately or gets back to us by phone or email. There is no waiting or wondering with Cristal. She is an agent who is “on top of it.” Her recommendations as to price points, contractors, inspectors and title agents have proven to be exceptional, showing great insight and the highest professional standards. We consider ourselves exceedingly fortunate to say that Cristal Clarke is our realtor and would recommend her services to any serious buyer or seller.”

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