Paikea II main salon

The Family That Travels Together….

Despite challenges, I couldn’t be more thankful for my parents “dragging” me on family trips and for the times I’ve had to force my own children to look up from their devices to take in the scenery. The memories I have of both are priceless and we have never been more of a family than

Read More »
CONVERTING A WESTPORT 112 YACHT FROM TRADITIONAL TO NANTUCKET CHIC

Converting A Westport 112 Yacht From Traditional to Nantucket Chic

Savvy owners know the value of a pedigreed build. With a little TLC, the necessary mechanical upgrades, and an interior refresh, a well-built yacht will continue to hold her value for a long time.  The owners of a well-maintained Westport 112 knew they were purchasing a yacht that would retain its value and turned to

Read More »
Montrachet Sundeck Lounge Chairs

The Future of Yacht Interior Design

Millennials & Gen Z: The next generation yacht design The incoming wave of younger owners is stirring things up in yacht interior design. As designers, we are being challenged to re-assess traditional design concepts and respond to the changing desires and lifestyles of a younger clientele. So, how do we design – or refit –

Read More »
Yacht Interior

Your Design Style – Converting a Yacht When Styles Collide

You know what your design style is. But the yacht you’ve just purchased is far from it. What do you do when your yacht’s interior does not reflect your design style? Sure, it’s easy to say, let’s gut the whole boat to achieve your design style. With an unlimited budget it’s certainly an easy solution.

Read More »
Guest Stateroom

How to Design a Small Space – Five Tips From a Yacht Designer

Let’s face it. Boats – yes, even yachts – have limited space. Maximizing storage, pre-planning access to hidden areas for maintenance and selecting the right furniture and decor are major aspects of any yacht design project. When faced with a small space, how do you avoid creating a dark, cluttered and unwelcome look? Let’s start

Read More »
Elegant Table Setting

2021 Fall Color Schemes and Textures

While the crisper air and bluebird skies of Fall inspire residential decor that answers in concert, there is no hard and fast rule concerning seasonal decor aboard yachts. In fact, yachts tend to operate outside of the exciting buzz over the latest fall color schemes and textures. There are many reasons for this, the most

Read More »
Conversation on the aft deck

What You Must Know Before Buying Your Yacht

Buying A Boat? Meet With Your Designer Now! That’s it, we’re buying the boat! This exciting statement is quickly followed by countless decisions to be made, including how you plan to use your yacht, what changes you want to make, and what is needed to transform the acquisition into your new home on the water.

Read More »

Top Tile (And Wallcovering) Tips For Yacht Interiors

Tile and wallcoverings are inherent elements of a yacht’s decor and the range of options is seemingly endless. In the past, implementing luxurious natural stones such as marbles and onyx were installed after undergoing a painstaking – and expensive – process called “honeycombing,” which essentially affixed a thin sliver of the stone to a lightweight

Read More »
Main Salon seating area on yacht

Five Yacht Interior Design Trends for 2021

Design and creativity is an ever-evolving process, and each year we seek those best elements that will enhance not only the style and emotion of a space, but the sensible characteristics as well. Perhaps there has never before been such focus on sustainability and environmental consciousness as today. Emphasis on sustainable and recycled products has

Read More »
Candles and Flowers

Interior Design Advice from a Professional Yacht Designer: A Date With Destry

Prior to founding her Fort Lauderdale-based interior design firm in 2004, Destry Darr refined her skills as an interior designer for several world-class, well-known yacht interior design firms. Since then, Destry has overseen nearly 300 yacht design projects – both new construction and refit – and has honed her expertise to rank among the world’s

Read More »
Secluded Island

Inspired Travel: Yachts Provide a Safe Space to Work, Play and Live

Gentle waves lapping on a sugar-sand beach, a sip of prosecco within a centuries-old piazza, local delicacies served overlooking an azure sea… The blur of sound, color and taste that permeates every inspired travel experience has eluded us en masse this year. Sure, we’ve managed to tick off a few road trips, maybe even a

Read More »
Exterior Profile of M/Y Hannah

A Diamond In The Rough: A Westport Yacht Transformation

“This is a complete Westport yacht transformation; it’s an absolute WOW,” says Westport Yacht’s Director of Marketing Ron Nugent of the 2003 Westport 112 Hannah, aboard which we recently completed an extensive nine-month refit. Our client had always wanted a Westport, and had been watching the resale market for the last decade. When this boat

Read More »
bananas on blue background

Boat Superstitions and Symbolism in Yacht Design

© Adobe Stock On October 31st, 2020, a Blue Moon – the second full moon to fall within the calendar month – will illuminate the night sky, providing the perfect eerie effect for that intentionally spooky, candy-filled festivity we call Halloween. The rarity of a Blue Moon – as well as a full moon on Halloween

Read More »
Superyacht Lifestyle Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

The Super Yacht Life – Why Yacht? Why Not?!

What draws people to the super yacht life? © Felix Mizioznikov / Adobe Stock According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), recreational boat sales in 2019 were the highest they’ve been since 2007, and 2020 sales are up roughly 5% per month in comparison. What draws people to the super yacht life? The short answer is,

Read More »
Nautical Yacht Interior

Nautical Chic Yacht Interior – Without the Kitsch

A nautical chic yacht interior… A nautical chic yacht interior is one of the most beloved design looks, one that can capture the magic of the sea, the allure of the ocean, the emotion of a sun-kissed day, and bring it all into our interior space. Timeless in its popularity, coastal style has spanned generations

Read More »
Make Your Yacht Charter Ready

Designed To Charter – Five Rules to Make Your Yacht Charter Ready

You bought the boat and now you want to offset the cost and make your yacht charter ready. Great news! However, while she might be perfectly fit for you and your family’s lifestyle, does she have what it takes to stand out on the competitive charter market?  When designing your yacht  for charter, keep these

Read More »

Ti Punch – The Segway Between Traditional Design & Contemporary Design For A Classic Trawler Yacht

There is possibly no more common transition between design themes in yacht interior styles than that between Traditional design and Contemporary design. In its broadest definition and earliest implementation, Traditional styling aboard yachts illustrated “luxury” – a look reminiscent of the ocean-liner of yesteryear where velvet couches, sumptuous carpeting and gold tassels underscored opulence and

Read More »
Yacht Galley Design

Yacht Galley Design: A Challenge of Form and Functionality

Much like the kitchen in a home, which so often operates as the central hub, facilitating entertainment, homework, life chats, baking and cooking, the design of the galley aboard a yacht demands similar consideration. How many appliances and what type, prep areas, service areas for the crew, considerations for guest interaction… In my large Italian

Read More »
Destry Darr Yacht Interior Designer

Hiring a Yacht Designer: The Benefits

Considering Hiring a Yacht Designer Instead of An Interior Designer? This is a touchy question, but a common one that many owners will face: “I’m considering hiring a yacht designer, but I have a great designer for my home or homes, why can’t I use him/her to design my yacht?” Unfortunately, many owners have paid

Read More »
Yacht Interior Refit

Yacht Refit – Restoring Luster to a Pedigree Sportfish

Whether a yacht design project involves conceptualizing the layout of a new superyacht or bringing an older vessel up to today’s standards with a yacht refit, each yacht has a story to tell. As a designer, refitting a forgotten gem can be the most rewarding experience, particularly when the boat carries a strong pedigree or

Read More »
Yacht Design

Yacht Design Under the Influence

It has been said in jest by many of us in the yachting industry that if it wasn’t for the owners, we could build our yachts on time and on budget. The truth is, of course, if it wasn’t for the owners, we’d all have to get real jobs! As Friedrich Schiller once said, “Grace

Read More »
Yacht Interior Design

From A Yacht Interior Designer: The Nature of Yacht Interiors

Traditionally, not unlike homes, yachts have been thought of as having two distinct spaces – the interior and the exterior. However, because of our inherent relationship to the outdoors and natural elements, there is a prevailing movement for yacht interior designers to capture that outdoor essence, creating yacht interiors that are in harmony with nature,

Read More »

Yacht Interior Designers Guide: To Refit Or Not To Refit

Having spent quite a bit of time at various shipyards this first couple months of 2019, I am noticing that the yards are buzzing with refits and showing no signs of slowing down. Why the refits? We are continuing to see yacht buyers who are interested in customizing a yacht but are unwilling to wait

Read More »
112' Ocean Alexander Georgia

Staging Yacht Interiors

Yes, yes, yes, length, beam, draft, engines, cruising speed, range, fuel consumption, operational costs, maintenance costs, systems, etc. are all very important when it comes to a yacht. But… As we prepare for upcoming boat shows, it’s important to remember  that first impressions sell. You don’t need a complete refit before you put your (or

Read More »
Yacht Interiors Blog: Art Sense

Yacht Interiors: A Work of Art

2019 already has us off and running!  As we close out projects we’ve been working on and begin new projects for yacht interiors. I think about a quote that is said to have been stated by the famous French artist Edgar Degas:  “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see”.  Edgar

Read More »
Norhavn Serenity

Serenity: The Peace of Home

We were given the project of designing the interior of the 100’ Nordhavn Serenity at the onset of the yacht’s conceptualization, when the builder referred the owner to our firm.  As designers we were pleased to have the confidence of the builder, meet such an endearing owner, and design the interior for this brand-new yacht.

Read More »
Yacht Tablescapes

TABLESCAPES AND YACHTS

Table top design and decor can be easy to neglect. But as the famous designer Charles Eames says, “The details are not the details. They make the design.” Table top design and decor is not to be overlooked. It has to tie into the overall design, functionality and needs of the owner. You can’t think

Read More »
Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

Trend Spotting at the
2018 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

With over 1,500 yachts, 1,200 exhibitors and 52 countries being represented, the world’s biggest in-water boat show displaying the most extravagant dreams and aspirations, was very busy and successful this year. The days were hot and the docks were busy! We had scheduled as well as impromptu meetings with both current and prospective clients, which

Read More »
gold horizontal
Scroll to Top