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Clubhouse interiors are often tired and dated and look more like residential care homes than  contemporary hospitality destinations.

But how do you create interiors that appeal to a range of customers? Check out my top five  Clubhouse interior tips.

1. Neutral backdrop

Create a neutral backdrop to which you can add your features, such as chairs, tables and memorabilia.  Competition boards and trophies will also sit better with neutral walls and ceilings. Clubhouse walls  are often quite busy with boards and plaques, so they shouldn’t fight a fussy wallpaper or bright busy  fabrics.

The Royal Birkdale uses a neutral backdrop allowing emphasis on the bespoke carpet, trophies and leader boards.

2. Less is more

Less is definitely more. Less pattern means less visual conflict, which is for the better. Keep things as  simple as possible. If you have a busy carpet, keep everything else plain; perhaps some patterned  cushions and an accent colour. But, essentially, simple is best. This will make the space look more  sophisticated.

At The Royal Birkdale the bar has clean lines, is in one finish, oak, a material used throughout. Lighting is simple and non fussy and the walls keep to the same neutral backdrop.

3. Add character

Add in some course character. Whether you have banks of heather, a famous hole or certain standout  trees, try and incorporate something which relates to the course in the interior.

At The Royal Birkdale the golf course itself was used to create the design for the carpet, totally unique to the club and bringing the fantastic course into the clubhouse.

4. Highlight history

The history of your club is so important. Find and highlight old photos, historic clubs and putters; the  changes and development of the clubhouse over the years. It’s all part of your club story, so try and  include these details throughout.

At the Edgbaston Priory Club the photographic mural in the entrance is of a painting ‘ The Rally “ by John Lavery from 1875 depicting early lawn tennis and the foundations of lawn tennis in Edgbaston from where the club began.

5. Classic contemporary

A classically contemporary look is a good compromise between keeping the historical features of the  building that have been important over the years while allowing some more modern elements to  update the interior, such as more contemporary colour and furniture with more modern styled chairs  and tables. This is a good way to appeal to both existing and new, younger members. It is the careful  combination of new and old which is the key.

At both The Royal Birkdale and Edgbaston Priory classically contemporary furniture was used to give a timeless feel appealing across age groups.

Clubs typically look to their own members to ‘have a go’ at clubhouse interiors. But as a business, as  well as a club, advice from an experienced professional who understands the hospitality business is the  correct approach to ensure you make a sound investment, focused on a commercial return.

Interior designers will help you make the most out of your space and will give you many creative ideas  on how to achieve a clubhouse experience your members and guests will enjoy and be proud off. It  also addresses the needs of members and customers both now and in the future.