Image Credit: Tile Mountain
All set for a Sports Girl Summer? 7 ways it translates to interiors
It’s a sporty summer.
Summer 2024 was all about demure interiors, in 2025 we embraced Tutti Frutti décor – and now, according to Pinterest, 2026 is officially shaping up to be a Sports Girl Summer.
Before you picture football shirts encased in picture frames or rugby balls displayed proudly on the walls, this look isn’t really about sport at all.
It’s about the lifestyle surrounding it – think Wimbledon whites, poolside glamour and country club sophistication.
Drawing on search trends from Pinterest’s 600 million-plus users, the platform says sport has evolved from a pastime into a whole aesthetic, influencing everything from fashion and beauty to entertaining and design.
Fortunately, it’s an easy look to borrow for your home too.
“With a summer packed full of major sporting moments, from Wimbledon to international football (let’s not mention the World Cup eh?), it’s no surprise we’re seeing the sports girl summer aesthetic gaining momentum,” explains Victoria Robinson, trend expert at Hillarys.
“The trend taps into the lifestyle and visual identity that surrounds sport rather than the sport itself. It’s less about displaying memorabilia and more about embracing the polished, aspirational environments associated with country clubs, wellness retreats, tennis pavilions and luxury resorts.
Victoria says the trend taps into two things people are craving right now: effortless elegance and wellbeing.
“These sporting spaces are designed to feel both refined and relaxing, which naturally translates well into interiors,” she explains.
“The result feels fresh and sophisticated rather than novelty-led, making it a trend that’s easy to incorporate into the home and one that will likely outlast the summer itself.”
From the crisp green and white palette of tennis, to the heritage woods of the country club and the poolside stripes of the post-match dip, here’s how to incorporate a little sports aesthetic into your decor this summer.
Serve up timeless tennis style
The tennis influence is one of the easiest to translate into interiors because it’s rooted in a palette that never dates.
“Fresh whites layered with rich forest greens instantly create a sense of freshness and sophistication,” explains Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors.
He suggests pairing linen upholstery with dark stained wood, introducing subtle striped cushions or piping, and adding woven textures that quietly reference tennis nets.
“It’s refined, elegant and feels equally at home in both traditional and contemporary interiors.”
Textural details such as subtle stripes, lattice patterns and woven materials can also nod to the sport without feeling too literal.
“Wimbledon style has always carried a certain quiet luxury,” explains Victoria.
“A scheme built around clean lines, tailored fabrics and fresh green accents creates that same sense of refinement and calm associated with exclusive clubhouses.”
Create your own pool club retreat
You don’t need a swimming pool to embrace poolside glamour.
Classic cabana stripes, scalloped parasols, woven loungers, oversized planters and plenty of soft blue and white tones instantly recreate that relaxed holiday atmosphere.
“Even a small patio or balcony can feel like a private members’ club when it’s layered with beautiful outdoor textiles and ambient lighting,” Kunal eplains.
Poolside influences bring a playful element to the sports girl aesthetic.
“Striped fabrics are a key feature and work beautifully on cushions, upholstery and outdoor accessories,” Victoria explains.
“I also think scalloped edges, curved silhouettes and touches of rattan help recreate that boutique hotel feel that people associate with glamorous pool clubs.”
Blue and white combinations feel particularly effective here because they evoke sunshine, holidays and relaxation.
“Even if you don’t have an outdoor pool, you can create the same laid-back atmosphere through colour, texture and styling choices,” Victoria adds.
Bring in Ivy League refinement
According to Kunal one of the strongest influences within the trend is collegiate style.
“Rich walnut furniture, leather armchairs, tailored pinstripes, brass reading lamps and heritage-inspired checks all add depth and character without feeling overly formal,” he explains.
“It’s about creating a home that feels intelligent, collected and timeless rather than overly decorated.”
Victoria says the Ivy League interpretation of the trend leans into heritage style.
“Rich chocolate browns, warm creams, dark woods and brass accents create an environment that feels intelligent, collected and timeless,” she explains.
“It’s a look that works especially well in studies, reading nooks and living rooms.”
Tailored details are also important.
“Pinstripes, plaids and quality natural fabrics bring structure and character to a space in much the same way they do to classic collegiate fashion,” Victoria continues.
“The overall effect is polished and comforting rather than overly formal.”
Borrow from luxury wellness spaces
Kunal says the wellness aspect of the sports girl summer trend reflects how we’re increasingly designing homes that help us slow down.
“Soft neutral palettes, natural oak, linen curtains, textured rugs and uncluttered styling create an environment that instantly lowers stress levels,” he explains.
“Add sculptural ceramics, calming lighting and natural stone, and your home begins to feel more like a boutique spa than simply somewhere to live.”
Victoria agrees that the wellness aspect of the sports girl aesthetic is more about how a space makes you feel.
“Soft, flowing fabrics, muted colours and natural materials can make a room feel calmer and more restorative,” she explains.
“Window dressings play an important role here.
“Light-filtering blinds or sheer fabrics can help create a softer atmosphere by diffusing harsh sunlight, while layered window treatments add warmth and comfort.
“The goal is to create spaces that support rest, relaxation and everyday wellbeing.”
Another important step in creating a calm space is to remove clutter.
“Prolonged exposure to untidy environments can make us anxious and overwhelmed, which are the opposite feelings we want to create,” explains Melissa Denham, interior design expert at Hammonds Furniture.
“This is because clutter represents unfinished tasks, and being surrounded by situations that the mind deems incomplete can trigger a stress response.
“Make sure to invest in clever storage solutions to take up less space and make the room feel less cluttered.”
To complete yoga studio inspired look, Melissa suggests introducing a few carefully chosen natural touches, such as houseplants, woven accessories or light wood furniture.
“These simple additions help strengthen the connection to nature and create the tranquil, wellness-inspired atmosphere that sits at the heart of the sports girl summer trend,” she adds.
Channel the country club, not a sports hall
The biggest mistake people can make is taking the trend too literally.
“The most successful interiors don’t showcase sporting equipment; they capture the atmosphere that surrounds it,” Kunal explains.
“Antique trophies displayed as decorative objects, vintage tennis books, framed architectural photography of iconic sporting venues or beautifully crafted wooden games all add subtle personality while keeping the space feeling sophisticated.
“The inspiration should feel curated rather than themed.”
What ties every interpretation of the sports girl summer together is an appreciation for quality materials.
“Cotton, linen, cane, oak, leather and brushed brass all contribute to that country club aesthetic,” Kunal continues.
“By focusing on texture instead of novelty, you create a home that feels luxurious long after seasonal trends have moved on.”
Introduce sporting stripes
Stripes are becoming one of the defining patterns of the season because they feel both playful and classic.
“Whether it’s a striped headboard, outdoor cushions, upholstery or even painted wall panelling, they introduce rhythm and movement without overwhelming a space,” Kunal explains.
“Stick to refined colour combinations such as green and white, navy and cream or chocolate with ivory for a more elevated look.”
Adopt some yacht club chic
Yacht clubs blend leisure, sport and sophistication, also aligning perfectly with the luxurious athletic mood.
“To capture the feel of a coastal hub at home, focus on crisp blue and white contrasts, refined materials and subtle nautical cues,” suggests Rachal Hutcheson, Interiors Expert, Sharps.
“Think tailored fitted furniture, polished metal accents and considered detailing that nods to seaside living without being too literal.
“The result is a space that feels composed and offers a timeless sense of luxury.”
Want more inspiration? Read: How often should you REALLY wash your bedding during summer? and 8 interior collaborations that need to be on your radar this summer. And check out Gelato interiors: 8 ways to introduce the sweetest decorating trend of the summer
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