Serve a decor ace
WIMBLEDON is such a visual treat, with its iconic vista of velvety green courts and white-clad competitors – and this month the world’s best have been battling it out for tennis’ greatest crown.
Regardless of the action on court, you could triumph at home and serve a style winner by making Wimbledon the inspiration for the coming summer’s decor scheme.
Fresh greens and crisp whites make a chic doubles team – and if you’re a real fan, complement the colour combo with a few beautifully designed tennis-inspired accessories, from cushions to mugs. Result: a style ace.
“Green – reflecting the colour palette of fields, forests and, of course, the pristine grass courts of Wimbledon – is right at the centre of the visual spectrum,” says Dulux creative director Marianne Shillingford.
“It’s also a colour which works with everything, and reminds us there’s a great outdoors beyond the great indoors. Add white to whichever green you choose for a classic combination you’ll never tire of.” COURT THE LOOK
“Green and white’s always on trend in interiors; it’s just the shades of green which change with tastes and seasons. Summer 2016/17 sees a palette of predominantly fresh, cool greens, which have a bit of bite to them, like Grecian Spa, Peppermint Candy and Paper Mint,” says Shillingford.
“Give a scheme real depth by painting walls in shades of green and then use houseplants, real or faux – both of which are making a huge comeback, in groups, as displays and to decorate surfaces.”
For a room which is playful, vibrant and uplifting, choose a warmer green and team with Chalky White 1, to capture the essence of summer sunshine on Centre Court perfectly.
GAME PLAN: You might never reach Centre Court, but replicate a court in your living room with a fun mural, and you’ll feel like an interiors champion. Add a dramatic block of green to a white room with some striking green louvered shutters. WILD CARD
Conjure a small slice of Wimbledon at home with furniture and accessories that evoke the green richness of its manicured turf and ivy-clad walls...
“Designers are embracing foliage in patterns and designs for textiles and wall coverings, and also recreating the effect with items such as Mini Foresti Pendant Lamp, which could have been plucked from a forest, with its frame intertwined with fine branches and leaves,” says Freddie Oke, a creative director.
“While the trend does reflect our passion for nature and ‘bringing the outdoors in’, it’s also moving towards a more magical, enchanting setting reminiscent of fairy tales. It’s charming but also up-to-the-minute stylish, and has a lovely softening effect on a contem-
porary environment.”
GAME PLAN: Umpires have to perch courtside, but for an appropriate and far more comfortable seat, try a Grass Armchair, upholstered in artificial grass with daisy button detailing. Add a bit of topspin with a chair which could have been inspired by a tennis ball!
Follow the theme with storage, and have everything beautifully organised with an upmarket locker-style Door Cabinet.
GAME SET & MATCH
Complement your Wimbledon scheme (and score style points aplenty) with tennis-inspired details. There’s plenty to inspire, including Wimbledon Tennis Coasters, Wimbledon Design Mugs, and Framed Prints.
GAME PLAN: Strawberries and cream teas are a traditional treat of the day. Alternatively, opt for a Strawberry Table Decoration.