There’s more to Wimbledon than the prestigious tennis tournaments. In 1910, the Wimbledon School of Art opened, and it began the city’s love affair with the arts. It is home to two of the well-loved theatres in the UK called the Polka, for children, and the Edwardian New Wimbledon.
If you’re a local business trying to impress tourists, you can incorporate art into your design. The question is how. Here are some strategies you can consider:
1. Pay Attention to the Flooring
The flooring is often one of the first things people see when they enter a space, so consider investing in artful designs or patterns for your Wimbledon flooring.
It doesn’t mean you have to go with something too outlandish. A few well-placed rugs can make a significant impact. Opting for a solid hardwood is often an excellent decision if you have the cash to burn. Nothing says “old” and “rustic” than hickory or oak flooring.
When money is tight, but you want some natural materials on the floor, consider engineered hardwood, a product of several wood layers. The top layer is natural hardwood, and the others are of different materials. It gives you the look and feel of a solid hardwood floor but at a fraction of the price.
2. Display Art on the Walls
Murals are a great way to inject some life into your walls. They can also be a great way to commemorate Wimbledon’s history. You don’t have to go for anything too serious, but something that pays homage to the city is always a good idea.
Another excellent idea to add local flavor to your establishment is hanging paintings of key Wimbledon landmarks like the All England Club or the New Wimbledon Theatre. You can also display photographs of famous people born or used to live in Wimbledon, such as the tennis player Virginia Wade.
Lastly, you can either commission local artists to create pieces for you or use prints or other decorative items. Just be sure that whatever you choose is complementary to the overall design of your business.
3. Tap Local Artists
If you’re looking for something more permanent, consider commissioning local artists to create pieces for you. Wimbledon is full of talented artists, and they would love a chance to show off their work.
Not only will this give your business a unique look, but it will also help support the local arts community. It can be a great way to foster relationships with local businesses and organizations.
4. Use Local Artisan Furniture
Another way to inject some art into your business is by using furniture made by local artisans. It will help promote talented artists in your community and give your customers a unique experience they can’t find anywhere else.
When choosing furniture, make sure to keep the style and theme of your space in mind. You want to choose decorations that will complement the overall look, feel, and ambiance of your business. For example, you probably wouldn’t want to put a plastic chair outside an upscale restaurant! It might work inside a candy store, though.
5. Use Lighting to Your Advantage
Lighting is often an overlooked design aspect, but it can be a powerful tool. You can use light to set the mood, highlight certain features, or create an overall aesthetic.
In Wimbledon, there are many beautiful old buildings with intricate designs. Consider using light to create shadow effects if you want to show these off. It will give your business a Victorian-inspired look, perfect for local establishments like pubs or restaurants. If you’re going for something more modern, consider using LED lights.
Mirrors are yet another way you can reflect the light around your establishment and highlight the features of your space. Also, mirrors can add a lot of depth to any given area. Consider hanging large decorative mirrors on your walls if you have the budget.
6. Go Vintage with Some Decorations
Consider using vintage decorations if you’re looking for a more classic look. Wimbledon is home to many antique shops like Traders, and you can find some fantastic deals on authentic vintage pieces.
You can use these pieces to add some character to your space. For example, you could put an old telephone booth in your foyer or a gramophone in your restaurant. You can even scour for a pair of tennis racquets to hang on your wall.
Antique shops are also a great place to find decorative pieces that fit your theme and design philosophy. You can find old paintings, posters, or even old liquor bottles to use as decorations around your business.
There are many ways to add art to your business. You can use paintings, sculptures, furniture, or light to create a unique effect specific to Wimbledon. Whatever you choose, though, be sure to select pieces that fit the style and theme of your space. It will help create a cohesive look and feel for your customers.
