Featured Designers

In the words of The Dude, a major character from the movie The Big Lebowski, “That rug really tied the room together!” An area rug is one of those things that truly unify a space. With today’s creative techniques and modern and technology, there are a wide variety of styles, textures, sizes and shapes to choose from. Finding an area rug to fit your special space should be enjoyable and effortless.

Imagine having a beautifully designed space in which you can sail around the world! For 99% of us, it is but a dream! However, we can always live vicariously through the ostentatious yacht interiors featured in publications and blogs worldwide. Some yachts feature in-ground swimming pools, hot tubs, extravagant coffered ceilings, cinema rooms with giant plasma screens, and jaw-dropping exterior dining spaces.

A yacht is a luxurious oasis for its passengers. When designing a yacht, the designer must work closely with the owner of the yacht, a Naval Architect, a Boat Builder, and a Yacht Brokerage firm. Yacht interior design is a very exclusive market. It is a delicate balance to find materials not just attractive and suitable for marine use, but those of the highest quality to fit the refined tastes of wealthy yacht clientele.

A common yacht is classified as being between 40 and 100 feet, a mega yacht is between 100 and 200 feet, and a super yacht is over 200 feet! One of the challenges a Designer faces when taking on a yacht interior project is to work harmoniously with the boat’s architecture. There are copious amounts of curves, which are less prevalent in a landlocked residence. To be both seaworthy and elegant, yacht design must accentuate these curves, as well as show off the breathtaking ocean views.

Typically, the most abundant materials found in yacht interior design are finished woods and veneers. Since the yacht is not stationary, built-ins are common, and range from traditional to contemporary, some having ornate carving and well-appointed hardware, in finishes such as rich walnut and deep cherry. Many built-ins have granite countertops. Some are designed to accent an upholstered wall. All are custom fitted to provide optimal storage without sacrificing good design.

Space planning is much different on a yacht then in a landlocked residence. Elegance and functionality must co-exist artfully. The yacht is composed of the main deck, which normally houses the entrance amidships (midway between the bow and the stern), main salon, dining room, the galley (kitchen), and a day head (restroom). The lower deck typically houses the guest cabins, guest heads, engine room amidships, and forward-facing crew’s quarters.

Mega and super yachts may also have a study and/or cinema room, and the forward-facing owner’s suite, where the owners can lie in bed and watch the gentle waves roll before them from the giant windows (fitted with remote controlled blackout shades, of course!). If they are lucky enough to have an upper deck, this is where the outdoor dining, sky lounge/bar, and captain’s cabin would be. Even luckier, is those whose yacht possesses a sun deck, found on the roof of the upper deck, where the swimming pool and/or hot tub is found!

Light sources are another distinctive feature of yacht interior design, for both functional and aesthetic purposes. Nothing highlights the ocean better at that last moment of sunset than drifting along in a romantic, softly lit floating piece of heaven!

I guess a yacht is a dream for most of us…and a necessary luxury for others! Bon voyage!