After Lara Evans and Kristin Nevins bonded over tennis at Merion Cricket Club in Haverford, they launched modern sport brand Club & Court. Focused on vintage-inspired designs, the line draws on ’70s and ’80s tennis icons for inspiration. With Wimbledon in full swing, we chatted up Lara to talk tennis, fashion, and her Chairish favorites.
SHOP LARA EVANS’ CHAIRISH FAVORITES >>>
Could you talk a little bit about Club and Court, why you founded it, and how you’ve used vintage inspiration to create modern collections?
My earliest fashion inspiration actually comes from a white Lacoste polo dress I wore constantly in second grade. That classic, crisp style stayed with me throughout my life. Years later, when I was tasked with selecting uniforms for my ladies’ tennis team, I couldn’t find anything that captured that timeless elegance. I kept envisioning those iconic white outfits worn by legends like Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, and Billie Jean King—how they looked so striking against Wimbledon’s green grass courts. With my interior design background, I realized I could create these uniforms myself, which ultimately led to the birth of Club & Court.
In 2019, I immersed myself in researching vintage sportswear and began designing a collection featuring performance pieces for competitive players alongside luxurious piqué, terry cloth, and velour items for social players and spectators alike.
Blues have always been my color palette foundation—from navy to royal to periwinkle. Throughout my design career, I discovered complementary colors that worked beautifully with these blues, particularly various greens. This affinity runs deep—even my bridesmaids wore periwinkle and baby blue dresses! My home design also features these signature blues accented with vibrant pinks and reds.
My aesthetic philosophy is straightforward yet distinctive: I pair my carefully curated color palette with beautiful vintage-inspired pieces. If I had to define it, I’d call it ‘clean-modern preppy.’ This identity forms the core of my brand: timeless colors combined with contemporary, comfortable fabrics that draw inspiration from vintage silhouettes and styles.
The late 1970s and early 1980s provided rich inspiration—those white turtlenecks with mini hearts (I had ones with both red and blue accents), white and red leather Tretorns with strawberry shoelaces, puffy pastel ski jackets, duck shoes, clogs, and velour V-neck pullovers. These nostalgic elements continue to influence my designs today, creating pieces that feel both familiar and fresh.
Part of building the brand involved creating an office space, which you furnished with Chairish pieces. Could you tell that story, and speak a little bit about the yellow floral sofas you purchased?
Our 1940s garage—with its prohibitively low ceiling that couldn’t accommodate our cars—presented the perfect opportunity for a redesign. Years ago, I’d serendipitously discovered two thrifted, timeless Sherrill sofas on Chairish that had been waiting for their moment. During a visit to discuss an upcoming photoshoot, my friend Rachel—the talented photographer behind Club & Court—spotted these hidden gems in my shed. The sofas immediately became not only signature props for her photography work, but defining elements of our reimagined space.
The renovation evolved organically around these centerpieces. I layered in a neutral sisal carpet for texture, painted accent walls a vibrant Kelly Green, and incorporated touches of Dorothy Draper wallpaper for classic sophistication. The workspace came together with a crisp white Parsons desk paired with a bamboo chair—both repurposed from my daughter’s room after upgrading her space with an elegant Chairish chaise. Simple yet refined shelving completed the functional aspects of the design.
My husband, relieved that I was finally displaying my collections in one dedicated area rather than throughout our home, surprised me with an inspired find—a golf tee coat rack he’d somehow convinced our club’s pro shop to relinquish. This conversation piece now stands proudly in the corner. I’ve woven in tennis elements that reflect my passion: colorful tennis balls, a curated collection of sports literature, and a few cherished trophies from my competitive days—subtle personal touches that make this converted garage uniquely mine. Among the layered decor, I’ve also included pieces of silver passed down from my parents—treasured heirlooms that now sit on shelves and surfaces throughout my office and home, adding a sense of history and personal legacy to the space.
What other vintage finds have you used in the space, and how did you take inspiration from particular eras? Could you talk a little about the Dorothy Draper wallpaper and the touches of tennis decor?
This office truly embodies the aesthetic soul of the brand, drawing inspiration from the distinctive design elements of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. The Dorothy Draper wallpaper was a deliberate choice—her bold, theatrical patterns with those signature contrasts between light and dark perfectly complement our brand’s celebration of classic sportswear with a modern twist.
The tennis elements are thoughtfully integrated rather than overpowering. Each vintage element connects purposefully to our brand identity—classic, timeless pieces reimagined for contemporary use, exactly like our apparel philosophy.
Do you prefer tennis or pickleball? Or a little bit of both? And what are you most looking forward to with Wimbledon on the way?
Tennis has become a true passion of mine, despite not growing up with the sport. Learning as a young adult gave me a unique appreciation for the game—it’s this perfect blend of outdoor enjoyment, physical activity, and meaningful social connection with friends and family. While I thoroughly enjoy pickleball as well, I tend to approach it more as a social activity than competitive sport.
My pickleball journey actually began in March 2020 when my family ordered a set from Amazon and transformed our driveway into an impromptu court for nightly games. It really is remarkably accessible across generations. I’ve also recently ventured into Padel!
As for Wimbledon, I’m endlessly captivated by its timeless traditions—the strictly enforced all-white dress code and those immaculately maintained grass courts create such a stunning visual experience. There’s simply nothing like witnessing it in person; the atmosphere is electric and unlike any other tournament. What makes it particularly fascinating is the fun contrast with modern players like Daniil Medvedev, Tommy Paul, Taylor Fritz, Aryna Sabalenka, and Emma Navarro. It makes the tournament even more compelling to watch!
Name 3 trends / products / or styles you LOVE and 3 you HATE.
Love:
- Bright, cheerful rooms with pretty florals and chintzes that feel collected over time rather than purchased all at once for styling purposes.
- Needlepoint accessories—from vintage finds to custom-framed pieces I design myself, which mix beautifully with silver frames, antiques, and bamboo elements.
- Modern, transitional art that provides unexpected graphic pops of color alongside traditional paintings and photographs.
Hate:
- Over-decorated or predictably matchy spaces—I would never select coordinating fabrics and wallpapers from the same brand’s collection.
- Overly dark rooms, especially navy (despite my youthful phase with navy paint and wallpaper).
- Rooms that look instantly assembled rather than thoughtfully curated over time.
I’m passionately drawn to collecting English and French antiques with character—butter dishes, wood biscuit barrels, Wedgwood Jasperware (especially those beautiful blue hues that captivated me since living in London in my 20s), and lately, anything vintage with strawberry motifs.
ON CHAIRISH & VINTAGE PIECES
What do you find most compelling about Chairish?
Sometimes you need to travel far to find pieces that feel like home. What draws me to Chairish is their thoughtfully curated selection that transforms the often overwhelming vintage hunting process into something accessible and inspiring. Before I even step foot in a physical antique store, I browse my saved Chairish favorites to establish a vision and design direction—it’s become an essential part of my creative process.
How does sustainability factor into your design choices and love of vintage?
Sustainability naturally intertwines with my passion for vintage pieces, each carrying its own unique history and craftsmanship. These items tell stories that contemporary mass-produced furniture simply cannot match. I find immense satisfaction in breathing new life into well-made vintage finds by recovering them with fresh fabrics or reimagining their purpose in unexpected ways. The superior construction quality of these pieces—with solid wood frames, hand-tied springs, and meticulous handiwork—means they’re built to last generations, unlike much of today’s furniture. This durability represents the ultimate form of sustainability: creating spaces with character using pieces that have already stood the test of time and will continue to do so for decades to come.
A FEW DESIGN FAVORITES
Favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room?
Thoughtfully curated vignettes are one of my favorite ways to infuse character and visual interest into any space. They create these intimate, conversational moments that tell a story about your style and interests. For holiday gatherings or cocktail parties, I love assembling collections that mix unexpected elements—beautiful liquor bottles displayed on a vintage bar cart, elegant trays layered with interesting vessels, and even everyday items elevated through thoughtful placement—yes, even something as simple as classic Coke cans can become charming when artfully incorporated! These small, intentional vignettes throughout a room create focal points that invite engagement and conversation while reflecting your personal aesthetic.
Favorite paint color?
My favorite paint color is Lily White from Benjamin Moore (number 21 28–70.) It is the most beautiful shade of soft blue.
Favorite piece of decor in your home?
My vintage needlepoint mirror in the powder room holds a special place in my heart—a Chairish find featuring the most exquisite shade of green in a Greek key pattern. It pairs perfectly with my Schumacher strawberry print wallpaper, which is reminiscent of the iconic Wimbledon strawberries and our Club & Court prints.
I recently acquired some stunning floral slipper chairs with a matching ottoman that have quickly become essential backdrops for our photo shoots. What makes these pieces particularly valuable is their versatility—they look equally at home in every room, adapting effortlessly to different contexts while maintaining the overall design language of the house. This philosophy of versatile coordination directly mirrors my approach to designing the Club & Court line. While we certainly offer coordinating sets, every piece is thoughtfully conceived to mix and match seamlessly with others in the collection.
Favorite style icon?
Ruthie Somers. She was one of the first people that I admired who mastered the art of mixing somewhat modern transitional pieces with some traditional pieces and antiques. She has a great eye for color. I still remember her blue kitchen and pink bedroom!
Design destination every creative should visit at least once?
Portobello Road in Notting Hill, London. The magic happens early Saturday morning, when the market truly comes alive—I recommend dedicating an entire day to wandering the stalls, and then stopping at the Churchill Arms for a pint, accompanied by an order of the number 2 from their Thai restaurant tucked away in the back.
The last time I visited, I ended up spending three hours in a tiny jewelry shop. There was only one person working, and we bonded over the incredible jewels. Before long, I was even helping her with customers! It was one of those unexpected, unforgettable days.
Shop Lara Evans' Chairish Favorites
A FEW LIFESTYLE FAVORITES
Favorite historic place to visit?
I’m spoiled living in Philadelphia—there are so many beautiful options here. Independence Hall is a great place to start.
Favorite host (or thank you) gift?
I love sharing fresh flowers from my garden or selecting a piece from Club & Court. Coqui Coqui room diffusers are another favorite gift of mine—they make exquisite scents. In a pinch, I’ll grab a nice bottle of wine and wrap it with grosgrain ribbon—that small detail makes all the difference!
Favorite vacation destination?
I always joke that I’ll be retiring in the medieval town of Gordes, France in the Luberon. It is so charming and historical, and has a great weekend market, as well as beautiful views and incredible restaurants. I can’t wait to go back.
Favorite flower?
I refuse to choose between hydrangeas and peonies—I have both in my yard and love bringing them inside after rinsing out the insects! But if I had to pick a close second, lily of the valley would definitely be it. The scent alone is irresistible!
Favorite entertaining essential?
A beautiful ice bucket is my entertaining essential, along with my lemon squeezer. I can’t live without it!
Lead Image: Courtesy of Club & Court.