After more than three years in development, we’re so proud to finally bring a new vision into reality: a brand new collection of canvas wall tents like you’ve never seen before.
With 140 years of experience craft tentmaking, we saw an opportunity to elevate the industry by designing tents using our time-tested and trusted designs but with a contemporary spin to harmonize with the natural environment and speak to our evolving customer base.
In this post we’ll give a look into the creative journey behind our latest glamping tent designs, from initial inspiration to final production. We can’t wait for our customers to experience these dwellings in person!
The Spark of Inspiration
This product journey began in the same way all of our others have: with a deep appreciation for nature and outdoors.
Glamping, or “glamorous camping”, has emerged as one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the country. This style of nature-based hospitality, complete with luxury amenities and services, offers a unique experience that allows adventurers of all types to connect with the outdoors without sacrificing comfort or modern conveniences.
We believe that glamping is more than a passing trend—it’s an activity here to stay. This is because it gets to the heart of what we’re deeply craving as humans: a connection to nature, supported by the comforts of home.
A Cohesive Design
After recognizing the opportunity presented by a rapidly expanding glamping market, we wanted to create a product that would not only serve the needs of outdoor hospitality providers, but also reflect the refined tastes of our customers. This meant moving beyond traditional tent designs and incorporating elements of modern architecture, interior design and sustainable materials.
We drew inspiration for this collection from a variety of sources:
- Architectural Innovations: Modern minimalist designs that emphasize clean lines, open spaces, and natural light informed our approach. We wanted our tents to feel more like chic, temporary retreats rather than conventional shelters.
- Interior Design Trends: We looked at high-end home décor trends, focusing on luxury textures, color palettes, and materials that evoke a sense of relaxation and refinement.
- Sustainability Practices: We know our customer cares about the environment like we do, so wanted to make sure our product aligned with their values. This wasn’t hard to do, as we already have an innovative and sustainable Triple Bottom Line approach to business.
- Vintage Heritage: Diamond Brand’s own history and heritage played a part in our design inspiration. For over 100 years our legendary canvas wall tents have been a part of building core memories in the outdoors. Our roots in scouting and summer camp harkens back to a simpler time, with retro designs, colors and motifs.
The Process: FROM INSPIRATION TO INNOVATION
Crafting this new collection of glamping tents was a collaborative effort involving our team of talented product designers, skilled craftspeople and brand experts.
CUSTOMER NEEDS
Understanding our target customer is vital to product development and strategic marketing. We took time to consider the the unique needs, preferences and pain points that aspiring “glampreneurs” (glampsite operators, glampground hosts) eco-tourism property managers, and upscale landowners experience. We also considered our current customer base of scouting and summer camps.
- COMFORT
- DURABILITY
- RELIABILITY
- FUNCTIONALITY
These were at the forefront of our minds throughout the design process, ensuring that each tent was not only beautiful but also practical.
Design THEMES
We started with moodboards and sketching out our ideas, clarifying design language and themes to ensure brand consistency, align our team efforts and effectively communicate the product’s vision and value.
- SIMPLE: Clean aesthetic giving way to the imagination
Simplifying is not just a theme for this collection, it’s our entire brand ethos and at the foundation for everything we do, from design to customer engagement. Diamond Brand tents always consider need and function over superfluous “fluff” or techy bells and whistles. We strive to solve the underlying complexity of the outdoor experience so the customer can just enjoy the the present moment. - THOUGHTFUL: Joyful touches & handmade details
From the circular doors to the slanted rooflines, these thoughtful touches bring unexpected cheer to a space and differentiate Diamond Brand from all the other tentmakers out there. - REASSURING: Providing comfort and safety in the great outdoors
Like all Diamond Brand products, these tents are made to last. Constructed with high quality and sustainable materials through responsible and equitable methods, these sturdy tents provide protection from the elements and allow the customer to immerse themselves in nature while preserving a feeling of safety and security. - NOSTALIC: Harkening back to simple times
As an American pastime, camping itself is a nostalgic act. We have an ancestral connection to the outdoors, so it’s only natural we want to leave the hustle and bustle of the city to cook on an open fire and live amidst the sights, smells and sounds of nature. It’s about creating lifelong memories where everyone, of all ages and backgrounds, can play, learn and grow in the outdoors.
COLOR & SHAPE
Imagine the colors of a vintage tent glowing at night. Classic reds, navys, and greens paired with sepia overlays and warm tones are front of mind. The pallet can be supported by secondary muted tones, like mint, or warm murky colors, like ochre or terra cotta.
Our goal in design was to give the customer a unique EXPERIENCE. Each tent is visibly different but unified in a cohesive collection. Selling clearly differentiated tent shapes helps Diamond Brand tents stand out from competitors and allows customers to use their own design aesthetic.
Material Selection
Choosing the right materials was a significant part of the production process. To keep the customer dry and comfortable we opted for durable, weather-resistant performance fabrics that could withstand the elements while still feeling luxurious.
We explored sustainable materials, like natural and recycled fabrics, to reduce our carbon footprint without compromising on quality or durability. Learn more about our new eco-friendly fabric options here.
Prototyping
Once the initial designs were finalized, we began testing the structural integrity, spatial layout, and overall aesthetic of the tents. We constructed several iterations, tweaking details each time to perfect the balance between form and function.
Customization
Understanding that glampers and property managers have varying needs, tastes and preferences, we designed these new tents with customization in mind. We wanted our customers to have ability to tailor the products to their liking, choosing their own color, frame and fabric combinations.
Eventually we hope to offer additional customizations on window or door shape, as well as optional add-ons such as vestibule/porch, platforms, insulation, stove jacks, HVAC compatibility, electrical access, built-in interior pockets or hooks, and more!
Final Production
Once the designs and prototypes were approved, we moved into final production and finishing touches. Our skilled craftspeople brought the tents to life – paying attention to every detail, from the stitching of the seams to the finishing touches on hardware. Quality control was (and will continue to be) rigorous in order to ensure that each tent meets our sky-high standards before being shipped out.
NAMING & BRANDING
We wanted to name the tents after something in nature, and an avian theme stood out as the most resonant for our target audience. Each of the three tent models has a bird name, and together they became the “Three Little Birds.”
Wren, Lark and Starling represent all of the values that Diamond Brand, and our customers, hold dear:
- Freedom
- Beauty
- Adaptability
- Peace
- Adventure
- Exploration
It was icing on the cake to already have such a well-known and loved theme song!
–Three Little Birds, Bob Marley
The END Result: Luxury in the Wild
They’re almost here! We can’t wait to unveil this collection of contemporary glamping tents that elevate the outdoor experience by offering the perfect blend of luxury and durability, marrying contemporary style with essential comfort.
Each tent is designed to provide a unique outdoor experience, whether you’re nestled in a forest, perched on a mountainside, or enjoying a serene lakeside view. With our new collection, we invite you to experience the great outdoors in style, and stewardship.
Wrapping It Up
Creating this collection was a labor of love, fueled by our passion for innovation and our dedication to making high-quality, hand-sewn outdoor gear.
Like a beloved tree house (or bird house) in your backyard, these tents are a refuge for safety from the elements, and a sacred sanctuary to disconnect from our busy, complicated lives.
Thank you for joining us on this journey! We can’t wait to see how our customers will make these tents their own and create unforgettable outdoor memories for generations to come.
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