The refit of the 130′ Westport Rule No. 1 transformed a dark and dated interior into a California Casual design style retreat.
I knew after spending only a short period of time with these particular clients that I needed to create a vibe, a state of mind, and that a California Casual design style was the way to go. They had just purchased their first large yacht: a beautiful 130’ Westport. Built in 2011, the yacht was in great condition but had a dark and dated interior featuring heavy materials, gold accents and deep Sapele wood tones.
MAIN SALON
MASTER STATEROOM
We decided at the onset of this quick turnaround project that the yacht’s original Sapele wood was in great condition and, although darker than they would like, we would lighten up the interior in other ways. Our first step would be to change the wall material throughout – which was dark and heavy – to a white material with a very light texture. Then we would bring in light-toned wood and various materials and furniture to create the much lighter feel necessary for a California Casual design style, such as the bleached oak and cane chairs and creamy neutral-toned clam shell tables in the main salon.
We replaced the dark, yellow, heavy materials and furniture with all new furniture, custom furnishings, artwork and accessories. White and off-white fabrics with black accents throughout create a sophisticated vibe that is still casual - a very California chic feel.
A SLEEK LOOK
We brought in a variety of other textures and tactile pieces and added a bit more sophistication with the Turnstyle Designs black leather and polished chrome hardware with black leather accents throughout.
One of the most important updates required changing all of the fittings and hardware throughout the yacht from gold to chrome. This was no small task and extended well beyond cabinet hardware and doorknobs to door hinges, stair rail clamps, the fittings for the glass panels on the stair wall, shower door clamps, switchplates, ceiling light bezels, doorstops, courtesy lights… you name it! Everywhere we turned there was a gold fitting or fixture that had to be switched out, but the result was well worth it. Out with the gold and in with the new!
A LITTLE POP
A more neutral color palette drives home the “light and airy California” vibe, but we incorporated vibrant colors through the photography taken by the owner and his friend, which we framed and hung throughout the interior. In true California Casual design style fashion, each photo is specific to areas the yacht will be cruising and offered for charter, from South Baja, Cabo and Baja Sur to San Juanico and Scorpion Bay
LOWER DECK
The work continued on the lower deck where we incorporated all new wall coverings, wall papers and wall fabrics. Each stateroom received new bedding, bed base upholstery, headboards and beautiful new custom linens from Italy.
EXTERIOR DECKS
Rule No. 1 is planned for charter, so this project included all of the outfitting necessary for charter, from china to dinnerware to towels, bedding and accessories. The exterior areas received all new durable canvas and soft goods that not only look beautiful but will be very easy for the crew to maintain.
California casual
In the end, we created a California Casual design style that feels relaxed, airy, and effortless with lots of white, layered with neutral tones and texture – a style that has an “it factor” and is undeniably cool. Just like the owners of Rule No. 1.
