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”.
This quote, to me, perfectly sums up how I see each and every one of my projects. A yacht is intended to be a complete work of art, a deliberate combination of every detail beginning with the space planning and ending with art and accessories to complete the design, resulting in a feeling of harmony in style throughout. The process is an inspirational journey that culminates in a space that is functional, refined and unique. One that appeals to all five senses and is an expression of how the owner desires to feel.
A yacht is both an exquisitely-engineered machine and a luxurious living space that requires balance and organization. The journey to creating the interior for such a vessel begins with space planning in which function, spatial efficiency, and aesthetics must all be taken into consideration
Each architectural detail is a small part of the whole, whether it be the relationship between a wall and ceiling, a change in the direction of veneer grain, a unique finish or combination of finishes, polished metal accent, a specially designed handrail, bespoke hardware or a plumbing fixture.
Custom furniture acts as an object of art while being functional and providing ultimate comfort and high-quality fabrics in various colors and textures stimulate the senses.
Art is like a window to your deepest desires and impressive and refined accessories embellish evocative interiors. On a yacht, art and accessories must be considered in the early stages of design and cannot be left as an afterthought. There are many details to take into consideration right at the beginning such as lighting and mounting. Will a piece of wall art have an art light or be lit by a ceiling light? If it is an art light, will it be mounted to the wall above the art or to the frame? If it is a ceiling light, will it be an “eyeball” light that swivels? How far from the wall must the light be placed? Lighting also must be taken into consideration for sculptural pieces. If a large piece of wall art, sculpture or accessory is being used, how will it be brought on board? How wall art, sculpture, and accessories are secured must also be taken into consideration. Although I may not immediately begin selecting specific art and accessories pieces at the very beginning of a project, as I am working on the layout, creating designs and preparing elevations and details, I am, simultaneously, determining the locations where wall art will be hung and sculptures and accessories will be placed.
Exclusive pieces of wall art, unique framed mirrors, distinctive sculptures, luxe decorative vases, other refined objects, and fresh florals add the special finishing touch personalizing the design and further heighten the material senses.
Various owners select art and accessories for different reasons. On the 142’ Christensen Lady Bee, as an homage to Mardi Gras, specially-commissioned artwork by Peter O’Neill appears throughout the yacht interiors, portraying Greek gods and goddesses arrayed with Mardi Gras accoutrement.
On the 100’ Nordhavn Serenity, we incorporated special sentimental pieces of art from the owner’s personal collection. Many owners wish for their yacht interiors to reflect their personality, ambitions and achievements and to emulate their desires.
For both the 120’ Nordhavn Aurora and the 96’ Nordhavn VivieRae II, we commissioned art from various emerging artist. The owner’s of the 120’ Nordhavn Aurora desired art that spoke to them and that would add depth and color throughout. The owners of the 96’ Nordhavn VivieRae II desired art that would bring in color and a playfulness that reflected their personality and how they like to use their yacht.
We just completed our accessory selections and are in the process of commissioning art for the new 125’ Westport. In this particular project the owner is the builder. When designing the yacht interiors for speculative market it must appeal to anyone in the market for a new yacht. For this particular design, we chose to put a modern twist on romantic style.
While we don’t subscribe to every trend, we do enjoy implementing some. Lately, classic design rules are being disregarded in order to achieve individuality and creativity. Mixing metal finishes was once unacceptable in both wardrobe and decor, but there is a growing trend toward doing this that is now being sought after and embraced! Mixing metals creates contrast and a subtle blend of tones and accents that is a stylish way to add impact, depth and dimension to a space and a contemporary and glamorous feeling.
Because the 125’ Westport is being built on spec, we decided to keep the permanent fixtures such as plumbing, door and cabinet hardware polished chrome and bring gold accents in with accessories and artwork. Although silver and gold are timeless materials, if a buyer comes along who is opposed to gold, it can be easily replaced.
While the majority of the metal finishes throughout are chrome, the touches of gold throughout will be delightfully unexpected and make a sophisticated statement.
Crystals and agate are being seen more and more in interiors. They are said to promote healing, relaxation and romance and create an organic and serene ambiance. Since we decided to design the 125’ Westport in a modern romantic style, we of course had to incorporate a few crystal and agate pieces throughout adding a bit of spiritual and luxurious glamour while other bold and contrasting elements help to retain modern and masculine sensibilities and balance.
Senses play an integral role in emotions. I want my clients to look around their yacht interiors and see expressions of the things they want to feel. It’s all about appealing to the senses and creating a space that’s as unique as it’s owner.
