modern small yacht interiors

84 Luxury Yacht Interiors: Bedroom, Galley and Salon Pictures

Posted on Published: April 13, 2022  - Last updated: June 13, 2022

A yacht is really just a luxury floating home . When you’re talking 70 feet and larger, they’re a lot nicer than my house. As you’ll see in the luxury yacht interiors below, the quality and aesthetics are simply gorgeous. And we merely feature a small handful of such boats. There are thousands and thousands of these worldwide.

Our epic yacht interiors article is split into 5 galleries:  staterooms, guest bedrooms , salons and dinettes, kitchens and bathrooms. The point of this article is to merely give you a glimpse inside these ultra expensive boats… expensive to buy, run and maintain. Be sure to also check out our yacht decks galleries .

Related: Kayak Storage Ideas | Catamaran Apartment | Craftsman Floating Home | Large Floating Home

Yacht Primary Bedrooms (Staterooms)

We kick off our yacht interiors gallery with the stateroom. When it comes to the primary bedroom on these boats, no expense is spared. They are large, comfortable and stunning in design. These bedrooms are bigger than our primary bedroom.

[su_divider]

Yacht Guest Bedrooms (2 Beds)

Many guest bedrooms on a yacht have two beds so that it can accommodate more people. However, they are, as you’ll see below, still very, very luxurious. These are certainly cozy sleeping quarters.

Salon and Dinette Photos

My favorite room on the boat is the salon and/or dinette area. In many cases, the dinette doubles as the living room. Mega yachts have dedicated salons and dining areas. I love these superb lounge designs below in the cabin as well as the upper lounge areas.

I must admit that kitchens on these super yachts are fairly small. I guess the cooking is done by the staff and yacht owners prefer to have more space for bedrooms, deck space and lounge space. That makes sense given there really is limited space. Nevertheless, these kitchens are gorgeous and the yacht designers certainly didn’t skimp with respect to quality.

Most boats dedicate very little space to bathrooms. Not these. The primary bathrooms below are incredible. The smaller bathrooms are guest bathrooms. These luxury yachts are so large and spacious that even the bathrooms are both beautiful and comfortable to use.

Related: Yacht Decks | Gorgeous Mega Yacht Interior Design by Mojo Stumer Associates  | Houseboats

THE LATEST TRENDS IN MODERN HOUSE DESIGN AND DECORATING

• Modern Interiors

Best Modern Yacht Interior Designs

Yacht interior designs aren’t featured on sources that aren’t dedicated to yachts very often. And that’s a shame, really. One look at these amazing designs will make you want to renovate your home. While the yacht exterior design is something for boat enthusiasts to discern, interior aficionados will definitely swoon over these wood-clad living rooms, industrial chic kitchens, and hotel-like bedrooms.

Best Yacht Interior Designs

Yachts may differ in size but their interiors are as luxurious as they get. Crystal chandeliers, ultra chic furnishings, and lacquered wood will make any boat look and feel lavish. Just like most resplendent residences these yacht interior designs boast marble bathrooms and sprawling dining rooms, tiered ceilings and hardwood floors along with amenities of boutique hotels.

Superyacht Logica 147

Superyacht Logica 147 is a stylish black and white boat designed by Brenta Yacht Design . Its interior, however, is a whole other world telling a story of luxury living with sprawling dining areas, outdoor decks, and light-filled bedrooms.

Decorated by  Martin Kemp Design  the luxurious yacht has a neutral color scheme, sophisticated furnishings, and statement lighting fixtures in the dining area that create an overpowering luxurious feel in the entire room.

Compagnie Du Ponant

Jean Philippe Nuel  has made Compagnie Du Ponant yacht into an epitome of elegance. An ultra light color scheme is accented with aqua blue accents and creative nautical details. Sophisticated smart furnishings further promote the elegant aesthetic that masterfully mixes luxury and minimalist design solutions.

From the first or even second look Compagnie Du Ponant doesn’t seem like a yacht but rather appears as a very expensive boutique hotel or apartment.

CRN 43 MY Lady Trudy

CRN 43 M/Y Lady Trudy is a gorgeous mix of traditional and modern styles. Its white interiors are finished and accented with dark wooden floors and furnishings. White cabinetry allows to visually enhance the space in rooms like the main seating room and kitchen.

It’s the latter that brings a bit of industrial aesthetic with its modern stoves, though. A farmhouse sink makes for a very rustic accent that helps to amplify the contrast between the old and new.

CRN 130 M/Y Darlings Danama

CRN  is known for its gorgeous mega and superyachts. Darlings Danama presents a mix of modern and high-tech design, but more in aesthetic than functionality, though. Its minimalist furnishings show interesting curvilinear shapes and ambient lighting accents certain lines reflecting in a glossy ceiling.

Designed in a light color scheme the interiors that feature rare darker accents look light and bright even with the window curtains closed.

CRN 125 M/Y J’Ade

Another yacht in the  CRN ‘s fleet is a 125 M/Y J’Ade that has an incredibly luxurious interior design. Besides the lavish living areas and sophisticated bedrooms, though, there is a green mosaic tiled sauna outfitted with fiber optic lighting bringing a different feel than the rest of the interiors.

A stainless steel chef’s kitchen is another amenity that looks different to the wood-clad hallways, captain’s deck, and even an exercise room.

Far Away Canados 36

Francesco Paszkowski Design ‘s award-winning Far Away Canados yacht interior is full of sophisticated elegance. Glossy rounded surfaces give it an ultra modern look while the neutral color scheme and sophisticated furnishings make for a fresh bright look.

Built-in lighting that has not only a functional purpose but also adds a color accent to the decor prevails over lighting fixtures. And while it’s a very boutique style interior there are plenty of practical design solutions in all of its rooms.

Galactica Super Nova Yacht

Conceived by a Dutch shipyard  Heesen Yachts  Galactica Super Nova Yacht is a design that represents luxury in every inch. Wherever you look there are different wooden accents, layers of walls and ceilings, and lots of inbuilt lights.

The neutral color scheme is accented with statement pieces like a sculptured wall partition and a small-scale ship model used as a display object echoed in a painting decorating the dining area.

Suerte Tankoa Yachts 69

With retro futurism being largely out favor it was surprising to see Suerte Tankoa Yachts 69 interior by Francesco Paszkowski Design . Looking quite retro with its wooden paneling and grey black details this bedroom works in so many ways.

In other rooms of the yacht the retro-futuristic aesthetic persists coupled with modern luxury design solutions and materials.

Sunseeker’s Flagship 155 Yacht

Unveiled at the 2014 London International Boat Show  Sunseeker’s Flagship 155 yacht  features an interior design that would easily fit into a boutique hotel. The concept is focused on a classic combination of dark wooden accents and a neutral color scheme.

Luxurious materials and an ultra sleek design, though, take it from traditional to ultra modern. Built-in lighting, modern furniture and lots of glass and other reflective surfaces make the interior look very glamorous.

Twizzle S/Y by Todhunter Earle Interiors

Twizzle S/Y , a concept designed by Todhunter Earle Interiors, features a kitchen that could rival that of a land residence. Shiny countertops and state-of-the-art technology coupled together make for an inviting cooking area albeit a bit tight in space.

The kitchen might not be the most important part of a luxury yacht but if love of cooking or long sailing trips aren’t good reasons for a clever yacht kitchen design then we don’t know what is.

Twizzly M/Y by Todhunter Earle Interiors

Todhunter Earle Interiors’s Twizzle M/Y is another example of an elegant yacht interior design. Bearing a hint of mid-century modern style the yacht looks like a boutique hotel with a formal dining area and luxe bathroom design.

Using artworks and live flowers the designers give the yacht a lively feel. And mixing minimalist and statement pieces they keep it inviting but luxurious.

Cantiere Delle Marche Darwin 107

Cantiere Delle Marche Darwin 107  called Storm  may be a luxurious boat but on the inside there is a toned down inviting interior design. Finished with wood and neutral grey carpets the yacht makes a perfect family retreat.

Boasting a few outdoor seating areas Storm is a great example of traditional decor complemented with designing accents and prints to make it less boring.

Abeking & Rasmussen Yacht Romea

With an interior fit for a luxurious 5-star hotel  Abeking Rasmussen Yacht Romea is a 81-meter boat that also attracts attention in the sea. Terence Disdale ensured the insides matched the status of the luxurious vessel creating the interior design that deserves its own magazine spread.

Designed in a neutral color scheme it has modeled ceilings, built-in lighting, and even columns that give the interiors a more dramatic feel. The yacht’s spacious bedroom with a soft platform bed has an interesting textured ceiling design that diffuses the built-in lights into a gentle glowing halo.

Baraka Turquoise Yacht

Many yacht interior designs feature neutral color schemes that call for bright accents. Incongruous with the name Baraka Turquoise this yacht by Francesco Paszkowski Design  features violet throw pillows in the bedroom and red accents in the living area that jazz up the neutral decor.

Besides the throw pillows the yacht has a bright artwork in the hallway that ties the color scheme all together with its white, black, red, and violet colors.

Khalilah First All-Carbon  49 Superyacht

Khalilah is a world’s first superyacht made entirely out of a carbon composite. The golden boat may look like a sports car of yachts from the outside but on the inside you’ll find it is designed with a surprising boho chic aesthetic and a hint of retro.

White walls and tiered ceiling have a warm contrast in hardwood flooring and mostly white furnishings are accented with bright throw pillows and hot pink curtains. And in the middle of it all is a metallic octopus-shaped chandelier.

CRN 55m Atlante Luxury Yacht

It’s hard to stay away from CRN yachts for long. They are luxurious from inside out. 55m M/Y Atlante  luxury yacht is the proof that yacht facilities such as bathrooms can be as glamorous (if not more) as the rest of the interior.

Dressed in black and white veiny marble the wood-clad ceiling bath has a metal-framed glass shower stall and an amazing built-in sink. Atlante definitely has one of the most luxurious yacht interior designs out there.

CRN 129 M/Y Chopi Chopi

CRN ‘s Chopi Chopi is a another amazing yacht. It’s not only impressive from the outside but has incredible interiors. Decked out in wood the spacious seating areas are furnished with soft couches and plush carpets.

Indoor/outdoor rooms include a dining area and a home office. Yes, a home office. On a yacht. Why not? Many of these are as good for the living as they are for writing emails and answering phone calls.

Palmer Johnson’s Dragon Yacht Interior Design

Palmer Johnson’s Dragon yacht has one of the best yacht interior designs by  Nuvolari-Lenard . Taking cues from the boat’s name the designer cleverly organized space into divided zones and used dark wooden accents to accentuate the reds in the color scheme.

Using ceiling details and wall paneling the designer plays with red, white, and black creating layers and layers of color.

Sinnex Yachts My Nirvana

Among the most mind-boggling yacht interior designs is My Nirvana by Sinnex Yachts  that is a real treat when it comes to luxury. Just its spacious formal dining room could compete with a half of one of these yachts. The backlit columns with realistic-looking patterns and amazing printed floors set a green color scheme balanced with black and white walls and ceiling.

Among other amazing features there is a cinema and an atrium that turn this boat into an ultimate sailing resort.

MYSORAH by Patrick Knowles Design

When it comes to traditional boat interiors Patrick Knowles Design might be the designer for it.  MYSORAH  is how we imagine traditional luxury yacht interior designs. There are neutral colors enhanced with light and dark wood. Blue accents that remind of the interior’s nautical origins.

Classy, reserved, and sophisticated this boat manages to look interesting and eye catchy even with all the conservative design solutions in place.

ISA63M by Patrick Knowles Design

Now Knowles’s ISA 63 yacht design is something different. There are incredible prints, colorful accents, and whimsical furniture pieces decorating the white and light wood interior.

Numerous details constantly attract the eye and make for an incredible general look that manages to stay functional and at times even traditional.

Riva 88 Florida Yacht

Riva 88 Florida  by Officina Italiana Design may look modest in comparison to many of these other yacht interior designs but its stylish design is as clear as its lines. Dressed in wood and featuring lots of built-in lighting the yacht is filled with nautical blue accents that still don’t take it into the territory of traditional design.

Thanks to numerous sleek metallic accents the interiors look somehow smart and modern. In the bedroom the lack of space is leveled with a big mirror and a reflective ceiling.

Solandge Superyacht

If you are truly into luxury a $1 million/week Solandge Superyacht  is a way to go. 93 meter (280 ft) boat is designed with such extravagant luxury it’s ridiculous. And it’s probably the most expensive one of all charters. Aside from the marble-topped nightstands there is a swimming pool, a formal dining room, a gym, and a sauna.

Furnished with the most luxurious materials the boat is definitely made for exuberant millionaire vacations and parties with a bar, a hot tub deck, and all the water activities.

Yacht interior designs can surely be unique. Some of these yacht interior designs would look right at home with the  modern mansions or luxury penthouses. But it’s not enough to just have a yacht today. Its interiors must have personality and character apart from style and luxury.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LET'S CONNECT

Trendir is the ultimate destination for the modern design enthusiast and connoisseur. Our platform offers a vast array of resources and inspiration for those seeking to elevate their home design and decoration to the next level.

Whether you’re looking for the latest trends in modern house design, interior and exterior decorating ideas, or architectural inspiration, we’ve got you covered.

• Editorial Guidelines
• Media Highlights
• Privacy Policy

LET’S CONNECT

Don’t miss these.

Trendir.com is operated by TechFlow SRL, a registered company in Romania (Company No. 40004028), Bucuresti-Ploiesti 19-21, Floor 6, Office R23, Sector 1, București, România © 2024 trendir.com - All Rights Reserved

Find anything, super fast.

• Destinations
• Documentaries

Superyacht.com's Top Interiors of 2021

By Danny Wiser

As the old adage goes 'it doesn't matter what you look like on the outside, it's what's on the inside that counts. Whilst at Superyachts.com we of course value exterior design, 2021 has seen a series of new creations kiss the waters packed out with magnificent interiors. Here are some of our favourites...

Cloud 9 The Italian city of Milan has long been with synonymous with good taste. Host to labels such as Versace, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana, the city is packed out with beautifully dressed individuals who spend their days roaming around the intricate architecture of the Piazza del Duomo and admiring the beauty of the displays in the high-end stores that make up the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It therefore comes as no surprise that Milan was the birthplace and childhood inspiration of Francesco Paszkowski who designed the interiors for this 61.5m enchantress. Her matt grey colour scheme makes for a deeply relaxing and classy feel that is brought to life by the light of the outdoor living areas. 

Moskito Dubbed the 'father of modern yacht design', Jon Bannenberg's involvement on any project is always likely to elicit excitement from yacht enthusiasts. Bannenberg & Rowell Design's involvement on this project of course did not fail to deliver as her contemporary interior creates a wonderful ambience. Her white Thassos marble flooring in the owner’s suite bathroom is a particular highlight, making the Dutch vessel a perfect getaway yacht for interior connoisseurs.

Triumph Just like Cloud 9, Triumph is another Italian creation, this time out of Benetti's shipyard who were also responsible for her magnificent interior. Owned by Sarah and Chris Dawson, executive chairman of the British retail chain The Range, Triumph includes not only includes a wild range of features for those who want to unwind and relax but so too a style that sets her apart from the rest thanks to some additional help from Green & Mingarelli Design. Plant life can be found across in most rooms bringing a sense of connection back to the land even when cruising across the high seas.

Victorious British based design studio, H2 Yacht Design designed the interior of Victorious who features accommodation for 24 guests in 12 cabins, including a private deck for the owner’s personal usage. Packed with amenities for family cruising, her interior is mindful of a child friendly design. This however, did not get in the way of luxury and risks were taking including the installation of glorious walnut flooring balancing together both functionality and aestethic. This delicate balance between style and function was perfected by the studio and after a 14 year long wait for her delivery, most would look at her and agree that the patience was worthwhile. 

"TRIUMPH [is] unquestionably the most ground breaking Benetti yacht on the water today." Manuele Thiella, CEO Royal Yacht International

"TRIUMPH [is] unquestionably the most ground breaking Benetti yacht on the water today."

More news About…

Companies linked to this story, yachts in this story, more news from ..., interior design.

Superyacht Interior Design Trends: 2021 and Beyond

Written By: Naomi Chadderton

Design trends in the superyacht world are dictated less by the latest colours or gadgets and more by lifestyle choices, with interior designers constantly on the lookout for ways to take the user experience to the next level.

While most of the world may have slowed down during the pandemic, the superyacht interior design industry seems to be booming, with British studio Winch Design seeing a rise in yacht refurbishments over the last year. “Just as everyone saw 2020 as the year to knuckle down and target those home projects that had been pushed to the side, it was the same for superyachts,” says Jim Dixon, director of yachts and aviation.

“Many owners took the time to take care of the maintenance, ensuring their yachts are in the best condition possible for when restrictions are lifted. There has also been an increase in the time spent on yachts, with many owners seeing them as the perfect places to quarantine or set up a bubble. This, in turn, has also provided an increase in refurbishments with the clients’ needs shifting to accommodate these longer stays.”

Mark Berryman, founder of Mark Berryman Design agrees, explaining that: “As new builds can take between three and a half to five years from start to finish, clients are hoping that Covid-19 will be gone by this point and are therefore planning for the future.”

Key Superyacht Interior Trends for 2021

From advancements in green design trends to the new and exciting ways that glass is being used on board, we explore the key yacht interior trends to look out for in 2021 and beyond.

Sustainability and Carbon Reduction

As superyacht owners get younger and more in tune with the climate change around us, shipbuilders have been making waves in the industry with developments that lessen the damage on our marine environment, with regard to propulsion, reducing carbon footprints and creating more energy-efficient vessels. As to be expected, a growing eco-conscience in the superyacht industry is leading the way for sustainable interior design too, as studios cite sustainable alternatives to damaging onboard materials.

Black Pearl is one of the greenest superyachts on the water

At the forefront of the movement is Winch Design, where interior teams have been working hard to incorporate an extensive selection of sustainable materials into its sample library, allowing them to offer environmentally friendly solutions for every design. “Organisations such as the Water Revolution Foundation are developing tools that enable the industry to assess its environmental impact – not just in terms of CO2 emissions from a yacht, but a full life-cycle assessment based on the most important indicators of environmental impact,” says Dixon.

“The tools don’t only assess the entire yacht, the build process or the operation, but can also assess a subsystem or focus only on the hull construction or machinery on board. It’s important to take the life-cycle assessment approach to know what real sustainable choices are – not just for the operation or the build,” he adds. As such, they have had plenty of success substituting traditional finishes such as shagreen and horn with faux versions including olive-tanned and plant-based leathers, as well as fabrics such as organic cotton and bamboo which are much kinder to our planet.

Mark Berryman is known for his use of sustainable materials

Berryman is also passionate about incorporating sustainable materials into his designs, something that fits perfectly with his signature style. “Thanks to our relaxed contemporary in house style with accents of Asian influence, the issue of sustainability often isn’t a problem for us,” he explains. “We use natural materials that are plentiful and easily replaceable, such as bamboos, rattans and wood veneers of non-rare species. We no longer find our clients asking for rare or non-sustainable finishes.”

Lighting Technology

As lighting technology rapidly evolves, it presents an incredible array of opportunities both on board superyachts and beyond and, as something that used to run as an afterthought, things have been improving rapidly as of late, with lighting now being considered as an integral part of the interior and being detailed into joinery.

“Lighting is one of the most important aspects of all interiors, not only yachts,” Pavel May, head of the Maritime Program at Preciosa Lighting tells Superyacht Stories. “When you enter a room, the first thing you notice is the mood and feeling the space presents. This is what lighting does: creates the desired mood and feel. Installations are becoming more minimalistic and focused on the details – these days, light fixtures are basically a work of art.”

Preciosa Lighting

A recurring trend that we expect to continue is the use of lighting within natural elements such as natural stone – “these lights illuminate the surroundings without being too harsh on the eyes,” explains Dixon. Elsewhere, LED lighting placed behind a gas-filled panel that replicates the earth’s air make-up is also picking up speed. “It means that when you turn the LED light on, the panel feels like a skylight with real sunlight behind it,” explains Berryman. 

“This is great for spaces such as beach clubs which work so well during good conditions with shell doors that fold down, but when the weather is not permitting they can feel quite dark with smaller windows set into the doors. This new LED panel technology creates a fantastic effect and brings the feeling of natural sunlight into a dark space, and it’s very difficult to tell the difference between that and a real skylight.”

Innovations in Glass

Shipyards have been investing heavily in the research of glass over recent years, leading to more innovative, flexible use of the material for superyacht exteriors. As such, it’s having a positive domino effect on boat interiors too, and as something that both connects and separates at the same time, it’s no surprise that requests for innovative new uses of glass are coming in thick and fast.

In 2020, for example, we saw privacy glass replacing curtains and shades, and in some cases, it even replaced walls. This can be seen in the glass-box owner’s lounge found on the Riva Race ,  or the distorted glass walls that separate the bedroom from the rest of the master on board Hakvoort’s Scout.

Winch Design is known for its innovative use of glass

“Designs have become more radical, and we are incorporating more engineering challenges into our designs, for example, the curved double-height glass panels on Excellence, each precision-engineered and weighing over a tonne,” says James Russell, associate and exterior yacht designer at Winch Design. “It’s becoming increasingly important to find ways to make the structural assets of a design merge seamlessly with the design aesthetic.”

A desire for more contemporary spaces is also coming to the fore, often open plan with huge expanses of glass allowing light to flood in and the guests to feel close to nature. As such, it allows the landscape to become a backdrop for the interior itself.

“Glass in the use of the exterior is really helping the interior spaces,” agrees Berryman. “We found on MY Life Saga, which we completed in 2019, that the size of the windows had a fantastic effect on the interior spaces. Again with a neutral palette of warm wood tones and calming natural fabrics, the sunlight filtering into these spaces was amazing. Not only did the interior benefit from being flooded with light, but also the guests benefitted from uninterrupted views of the ocean.”

Relaxed, Calming Design Aesthetic

Fashioning a place you want to relax in that also remains a symbol of status is a quandary most superyacht owners will face at least once in their lifetimes. While owners would once upon a time have expressed a degree of majestic power through lavish colour schemes, today’s narrative places far more importance on relaxation and calm. Here, natural earthy tones take pride of place. “These shades connect back to nature and create a feeling of stability,” says Dixon. “The world is becoming more at one with nature and there has been an increase in demand for matching the designs to the natural landscape.”

An natural colour palette on board MY Amels 60 (Winch Design)

Think sky blues, sage greys, classic whites and blush tones; 2021 is all about less show and more sand, with a bare-foot luxury beach club vibe increasingly popular. Coaxing a laid-back palette with plenty of natural materials, these calming colours work to warm up any space. “We tend to use oak as a backdrop to our interiors as this means you can highlight areas with dark furniture punctuations that contrast beautifully,” adds Berryman. “Bamboos and leathers are a firm favourite for us to create a warmth to our interiors. We always try to create a space that feels like a home from home.”

Mark Berryman Design

Gadgets and Onboard Audiovisual Technology

Millennial superyacht owners aren't only more in touch with sustainability issues, but technological advancements too, with the yachting mindset slowly shifting from simply buying a product to having experiences. And when it comes to technology on board, we’ve never had it so good. From simple gadgets and gizmos to connectivity advancements, what the owner wants the owner can most definitely get.

“We’ve designed yachts with speaker systems situated on the sundeck which pump out enough volume in such a way that the owner could ride around on their jet ski and still listen to music if they wanted to,” says Dixon. “We’ve also designed helipads which can be converted into an outdoor cinema through the use of hidden speakers and screens.”

Technological capabilities in movie screenings are becoming even more advanced (Mark Berryman Design)

In fact, requests for technological advancements in cinemas and movie screenings are increasing exponentially. Mark Berryman says he’s finding cinemas with interactive seating that convey movement that relates to the film being watched, to be very popular. “Clients always want larger screen sizes for their TVs, and new large interior and exterior models are now available for all weather conditions," he says. "We put a dance floor on a boat recently that was made up of individual monitor panels where anything could be broadcast onto them which was very exciting, if not a strange experience trying to send emails from my phone whilst having them streamed to the dance floor beneath my feet!” 

Onboard Spas

Health and wellness is a growing trend and that’s reflected in superyacht spas as well. Onboard spas are now routinely fully-equipped gyms, saunas, steam rooms, treatment rooms, beauty salons and the works. The spa is no longer a simple extension of the beach club. “Technological capabilities on board superyacht spas are second to none,” agrees Dixon. “We use companies who create holistic life-spa experiences which combine traditional spa methods with new technology and hurtle spa experiences into the future. We’ve also designed one aviation concept which has an aromatherapy shower on a jet!”

The pandemic has slowed much of the world down, but the superyacht industry has boomed and it has taken the yachting interior design sector along for the ride. Key trends emerging in yacht interior design this year include a focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness, major advances in the use of lighting, innovations in glass, design aesthetics that focus on creating calming environments, large onboard spas, and a major adoption of gadgets and AV technology.

Featured image credit: Winch Design

Read Next: 

Art for seas' sake: a collaboration between rossinavi and parley, zaniz jakubowski: evoking emotion through interior design, the world's best underwater restaurants.

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Baja Bay Club
• Costa Palmas
• Fairmont Doha
• Four Seasons Private Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• Scott Dunn Travel
• Wilson Audio
• 672 Wine Club
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

8 Interior Design Firms Making a Splash in the Yacht World

From patricia urquiola to ken fulk, these high-profile designers are nixing traditional yacht interiors for free flowing designs with luxe furnishings., by andrew sessa.

• Share This Article

Celebrated architects and decorators known for shore-side projects are increasingly taking to the water, where they’re proving they’re anything but “at sea.” Armed with high-profile yacht commissions, these designers are throwing the cookie-cutter layouts and tired aesthetic tropes of typical marine interiors overboard. Instead, they’re employing floorplans that flow more gracefully, luxe furnishings and blue-chip art that would feel at home in the most sophisticated urban pied-à-terre.

Related Stories

• Airliners Are Trying Radical New Wing Designs to Improve Fuel-Efficiency
• Taking a Bow: How Yacht Makers Are Rethinking the Rear End
• Home of the Week: A Grand 1930s Estate Lists for $23 Million on Long Island's Gold Coast

The force of this shift could be felt at September’s Monaco Boat Show, where new designers brought an outsider’s eye to the industry. One especially envelope-pushing case in point: Oceanco recently began an initiative to reimagine the super yacht from top to bottom, tapping forward-thinking Dutch interiors studio Tank as well as former Rolls-Royce design lead Giles Taylor to make it happen. While we wait to see, and sail on, what they’ll create, we’ve gathered an elite crew of star decorators, many brand-new to the life aquatic, whose genre-changing work is on the water right now.

Bergman Design House

A rendering of the saloon aboard Bergman Design House’s Eden yacht.  Courtesy of Bergman Design House

This studio launched its superyacht arm, Njord , in 2020 to meet the needs of residential clients spending more time on the water during the pandemic. “They loved their yachts for a week or two, but the boats didn’t feel like home when you lived on them for months,” says cofounder and creative director Marie Soliman-Berglund, whose team set out to give the vessels that special ambience. Apart from adding decadent details such as decks from French flooring purveyor Oscar Ono and cutting-edge air-filtration technology, Njord created taller rooms, or the illusion thereof. The main saloon on the 249-foot Eden features a metallic fabric overhead and an opening to the floor above. Combined, the interventions give the space a “sense of height and elegance” that’s tricky to achieve in a ship’s tight quarters.

Patricia Urquiola

The deck on SD96, designed by Patricia Urquiola.  Courtesy of Patricia Urquiola

Italian yard Sanlorenzo recently built upon its award-winning aesthetic credentials by enlisting Spanish-born Urquiola for an ongoing collaboration. Featuring a travertine-encased central staircase of bronzed steel and oak and pieces from Urquiola’s own furniture collections, SD96 puts a refreshing focus on flowing spaces and open views. “I like working on projects where the client asks you to do something you’ve never done before,” says Urquiola, who notes that being “a beginner in the industry helped me propose my personal way of experiencing the boat, making sure that the usual comfort of a home is replicated in a smaller space.”

Bryan O’Sullivan Studio

The living room aboard Icon , designed by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio.  Courtesy of Bryan O’Sullivan

Lauded for his recent work with Maybourne Hotels —including London’s Connaught , Berkeley and Claridge’s —the Irish-born O’Sullivan crafts superyacht interiors that incorporate his signature mix of custom pieces, midcentury furniture, curated artworks, rich textures and colorful accents. His 164-foot Mosaique and 221-foot Icon impress with such atypical nautical furnishings as a one-ton serpeggiante -marble soaking tub, a Vladimir Kagan glass-topped coffee table and curving sofa, Pierre Chareau lighting and custom pieces from Apparatus. Currently he’s at work on the full refit of a 230-foot yacht and annual updates to Icon .

Peter Mikic

Mikic , a former fashion designer, actually made his interiors debut at sea, crafting elements for London property developers the Candy brothers’ yacht in 2006, which led Elisabeth Murdoch to commission Mikic to decorate her entire 159-foot Elisabeth F. two years later. “I designed it in a way that was like an apartment,” he recalls of the vessel, which won awards at both the Monaco and Antigua boat shows. “I had almost no built-in furniture, which is crazy.” Today he continues to buck marine norms. Combining classic elegance with playful colors, patterns and textures, he gave a 109.5-foot yacht a bachelor-pad feel, and he’s now putting sheepskin-clad Fritz Hansen chairs and tufted boucle sofas on a 195-foot sailing yacht alongside contemporary British artworks by the likes of Bridget Riley.

A recent refit by 212box of Monte Carlo Yachts ’ 105-foot MCY 105 that includes custom furniture in the owner’s suite.  Nick Rochowski Photography

Yale School of Architecture grads Eric Clough and Eun Sun Chun—whose projects include a 6,000-square-foot Houston penthouse and more than 150 Christian Louboutin boutiques— recently completed their first marine commission, a refit of Monte Carlo Yachts’ 105-foot MCY 105 for a client in Hong Kong. Chun and Clough selected surprisingly seaworthy fabrics from Loro Piana and Hermès , furniture by Blackman Cruz and Carl Hansen and lighting from the Urban Electric Co. One particularly homelike vignette finds classic Hans Wegner Wishbone chairs surrounding a French-walnut dining table under an abstract painting by Laurent Hours.

Foley & Cox

The deck aboard a vessel by Foley & Cox.  Xavier Lamadrid

Founding principal Michael Cox and design director Zunilda Madera bring an acute appreciation of luxe details to yacht interiors (thanks in no small part to the decade Cox spent with Ralph Lauren ’s home brands). For the 152.5-foot vessel of a client whose homes in Monaco and Austria they decorated, the duo combined custom furniture from DeAngelis —including plush upholstered sofas with a depth and a softness that defy at-sea expectations—with finds from the Paris Flea Market . These idiosyncratic pieces, they say, bring a collected, eclectic patina to the yacht, reflecting the client’s personality.

The deck aboard Halekai by Ken Fulk.  Courtesy of Ken Fulk

A consummate showman, Fulk just completed his first yacht interior, a wooden sailing vessel for longtime clients. It combines historic inspiration with whimsical contemporary twists. The ship’s name, Halekai, means “home on the sea” in Hawaiian, which points to the state of mind of both clients and design team. With Honolulu’s Iolani Palace as a jumping-off point, Fulk combined the European and the indigenous, creating such evocative details as carved teak doors and custom marquetry in teak and koa wood and embroidered headboards based on a royal Hawaiian wedding quilt.

Tara Bernerd

Known for designing hotels and restaurants from Chicago to Osaka, Bernerd first brought her signature industrial élan and masculine edge to the sea nearly a decade ago. “Yacht interiors so often veer towards the traditional,” she says. “We’ve sought to bring a fresh, contemporary, sporty feel with pale washed woods and beautiful linens mixed with textured fabrics.” On a just-completed 102-foot Sanlorenzo yacht, marble insets adorn built-in cupboards while panels of green onyx clad a bathroom’s walls and the front of the glam below-deck bar.

Read More On:

• Monte Carlo Yachts
• Ralph Lauren
• Rolls-Royce
• Sanlorenzo Yachts

More Marine

Architects and Fashion Designers Are Penning Yachts, and It’s Changing How They’re Made

This New 262-Foot Superyacht Lets You Mix and Match 3 Interior and Exterior Designs

Rossinavi Just Launched a Custom, Full-Aluminum 164-Foot Superyacht

Meet Spear, an Epic 460-Foot Trimaran Concept That Looks Like It’s From the Year 3000

More from our brands, first lady jill biden sparkles in sequined sergio hudson top and wide-leg pants at human rights campaign dinner, arizona’s sweet 16 run a bright spot amid $30m budget shortfall, ‘ghostbusters: frozen empire’ leads box office with $45 million debut, joan jonas, a performance art pioneer, gets the super-size moma retrospective she deserves, the best yoga blocks to support any practice, according to instructors.

• Frank Magazine
• Denison History
• Virtual Tours
• Alaskan Yachts
• Azimut Yachts
• Back Cove Yachts
• Beneteau Yachts
• Benetti Superyachts
• Bertram Yachts
• Boston Whaler
• Broward Yachts
• Buddy Davis Sportfish
• Burger Yachts
• Cabo Yachts
• Carver Motoryachts
• Center Console
• Chris-Craft Yachts
• Cruisers Yachts
• DeFever Trawlers
• Dufour Sailboats
• Fairline Yachts
• Feadship Yachts
• Ferretti Yachts
• Formula Yachts
• Fountaine Pajot Cats
• Grady-White
• Grand Banks Trawlers
• Hargrave Yachts
• Hatteras Yachts
• Hinckley Picnic Boats
• Horizon Yachts
• Hydra-Sports
• Intrepid Boats
• Jarrett Bay Sportfish
• Jeanneau Yachts
• Kadey-Krogen Trawlers
• Lazzara Yachts
• Luhrs Sportfish
• Marlow Yachts
• Maritimo Yachts
• Marquis Yachts
• McKinna Motoryachts
• Meridian Yachts
• Midnight Express
• Mochi Craft
• Neptunus Motoryachts
• Nordhavn Trawlers
• Nordic Tugs
• Ocean Alexander Yachts
• Offshore Yachts
• Oyster Sailing Yachts
• Pacific Mariner Yachts
• Palmer Johnson Yachts
• Pershing Yachts
• Prestige Yachts
• Princess Yachts
• Pursuit Yachts
• Riva Yachts
• Riviera Yachts
• Sabre Downeast
• San Lorenzo Yachts
• Sea Ray Boats
• SeaVee Central Consoles
• Selene Trawlers
• Scout Yachts
• Sunseeker Yachts
• Tiara Yachts
• Trinity Superyachts
• Viking Yachts
• Westport Yachts

5 Yacht Interior Designers To Consider For Your Next Refit Or New Build

The best yacht interior specialists..

The world of superyacht interior design deserves its own Netflix series. Seriously. It’s a high-class, ultra-luxury, competitive business that turns a small idea into a masterpiece. A superyacht interior should have equal parts wow-factor and functionality to elevate the boat. It takes a particular eye for art, detail, layout, and innovation to be a top name in (any type of) design industry.

For most firms, designing a superyacht is a personal experience. They’re masters at balancing a thousand different elements to create a single, elegant outcome. Elite design studios have the skills, talent, and intuition to create a layout, design, and decoration that wins awards. We already highlighted impressive yacht interiors , but who are the teams behind scenes? Here are 5 yacht interior designers to consider for your next refit or new build.

Italians have an eye for art and design, and award-winning design firm Hot Lab seamlessly integrates sophisticated detail into their work. Their interior designs are sharp, stylish, and modern. Over the years, Hot Lab has received several international awards, including World Superyacht Awards and Showboats Design , World Yachts Trophies, and Finest Interior Awards . The studio has solid relationships with both Italian and foreign shipyards and works together on both custom and series-produced yachts.

A great example of interior design by Hot Lab is on Hull #5 of the Numarine 32XP (available for a Summer 2022 delivery). The studio incorporates clever lighting throughout the yacht to give it a bright atmosphere that highlights materials from Armani Casa and custom marbles in greens and blues.

Contact Denison yacht broker Alex G. Clarke to inquire about the Numarine 32XP.

2. Giorgio Cassetta  

Italian superyacht designer Giorgio Cassetta is the dark night of yacht design. He flys under the radar yet he’s worked on some of the biggest and most stunning yachts in the world. His designs have personality, with a flare of timelessness and functionality that instantly makes you appreciate the setting. Past clients include Bennetti and Cigarette Racing, but he’s currently working with Alpha Yachts to design custom new build yachts.

Boutique shipyard Alpha Custom Yachts worked with Giorgio Cassetta to create an elegant interior for the Spritz 102 . According to Cassetta, the yacht has the feel of a Miami villa combined with great functionality. When inside the yacht, guests are never disconnected from the environment. The installation of the windows ensures constant visibility of the water and sky, even from the bed. The effect is particularly stunning in the full-beam owner’s cabin where the windows are oversized and less than half a meter above the water.

Contact Denison yacht broker David Johnson to inquire about the Spritz 102.

3. Gregory C. Marshall  

Gregory C. Marshall, Naval Architect Ltd. is a Canadian-based yacht design firm that has built a reputation as one of the top naval architecture firms in the world. For more than 35 years, founder Greg Marshall and his business partner, Gordon Galbraith, designed megayachts and commercial craft for a variety of clients Their designs gain attention as they push the limits of traditional expectations.

The interior of CRESCENT LADY , a 117’ Crescent 2020, is a Gregory C. Marchall design. Natural light floods into the interior space from expansive windows throughout the yacht. Inside, you’ll find clean, contemporary styling, which is complemented by high-quality joinery and modern fabrics and soft goods. Gregory C. Marchall created an interior that will stand the test of time onboard this Crescent 117, whose owner is accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin for the purchase of the yacht.

Contact Denison yacht broker Ari Sherr to inquire about CRESCENT LADY.

4. Patrick Knowles Design

Patrick Knowles Designs is one of America’s top yacht design firms specializing in custom megayachts, superyachts, and aircraft interiors. Patrick Knowles and his team apply their skills to ensure innovative creativity, attention to detail, and commitment to on-time delivery. Their ability to listen, understand, interpret, and transform ideas into results exceeds client expectations.

You may recognize a Patrick Knowles Design onboard REVIVE, a 150’ Richmond that was sold by Will Noftsinger and Chris Daves in March 2021. It’s one of the last (and some may say, the best) Richmond yachts ever built. In 2019, the second owner spent roughly $2 million making REVIVE perfect, and that included a completely new interior decor package by Patrick Knowles Designs.

5. Reymond Langton

You’ll know a Reymond Langton design when you see it; the British design studio applies innovation, inspiration, and functionality to their work. Most notably, ARKADIA (formerly known as Project TRITON) a 50-meter new construction Heesen , boasts an elegant interior designed by Reymond Langton.

The sophisticated layout accommodates 10 guests and 9 crew with a full-beam owner’s stateroom, 3 double guest suites, and an additional 1 twin guest suite. She promises the best of the yachting lifestyle. ARKADIA was sold by David Johnson and delivered to her owners in April 2021.

The creative world of yacht design is impressive. It takes patience, teamwork, and passion to become a top player in the industry. Whether you visualize a modern, dark, traditional, or quirky yacht interior, consider one of these interior design firms for your next refit or new build project. They’ll turn your idea into a masterpiece. Contact a Denison yacht broker to find a featured yacht for sale or yacht for charter with an impressive interior.

Speak With A Superyacht Specialist:

Latest news.

NEWS | March 21, 2024

Extra yachts makes north american debut at the 2024 palm beach boat show.

EXTRA Yachts Makes North American Debut at the 2024 Palm Beach Boat Show EXTRA Yachts will be making its North American debut with Denison with its X99 Fast yacht, MINI K2. Denison Yachting is pleased to announce that its partner EXTRA Yachts will be making its North American debut with Denison at the

NEWS | March 20, 2024

The italian art of shipbuilding.

The Italian Art of Shipbuilding The Denison sales team tours 15 shipyards in Italy. This article was written by Sarah Nadler. The birthplace of all things beautiful, Italy has long been known worldwide as one of the superpowers of building boats. With a long history

How to Qualify a Yacht Broker

How to Qualify a Yacht Broker A good broker can be hard to find when looking to buy or sell your boat. Denison yacht brokers weigh in on what makes a broker a good one. Brokers come in all shapes and sizes. Some yacht brokers have

OUR PARTNERS

Yacht Interior Design Concepts. Part 1

• October 3rd, 2016
• Cruise Report

As you may have read in one or two of my articles on the refit project of my own King´s Cruiser 33 sailing yacht a lot of effort goes into the refurbishment of the boat´s interior. That´s because my 40 year old ship hasn´t lost any of her undeniable sailing qualities, but therefore a lot of her appeal and appearance. Though most of the works done is cosmetic, I often wonder which way is the best, how to do this and that the right way in order to keep the King´s Cruiser´s character on the one hand and to achieve a modern approach with a yet classic appeal in re-designing her internal fitting. Strolling around the various boat shows is a welcome inspiration. Such as the Interboot Friedirchshafen, where I was able to spend two days.

This article is dedicated to showing some interior design concepts of a handful of boats I visited on the Interboot. Maybe I can draw some inspiration from the solutions done by the big brands like Beneteau, Jeanneau, Dragonfly, Hallberg-Rassy, Dufour or Dehler. Some 90.000 people have been attending Interboot fair this year, situated at the Lake Konstanz, a huge inshore water marking partially the border between Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Though the emphasis of the Interboot is on smaller vessels, mostly Daysailers, there have been quite a handful of bigger ships meant for serious offshore sailing: The charter sailing areas of the Adriatic aren´t that far away. Here´s what I´ve noticed: I´ve visited nine different boats, 4 of them in this first article, another 5 in the upcoming Part 2.

The big bold Cruiser: Beneteau Oceanis 45

I was very much interested in seeing this boat as Beneteau is undeniably the market leader and the yard with the highest output of production sailing yachts worldwide. So I bite the bullet and put myself in the queue to get a glimpse of her interior design. The Beneteau Oceanis 45 is some 14 meters in length over all, has a maximum beam of 4.50 meters and a displacement of some 10.5 tons. That´s quite a punch.

By waiting in line I could inspect her outward appearance. Well, she is a big lady. Not very distinctive lines, nothing really exciting for one´s eyes to get a grip on. The huge portholes seem a bit oversized to me, the cabin´s superstructure is round shaped in a convex line which appears unnatural. Lots of plastic and no teak decking whatsoever. All in all her appearance was … well, not very glamorous. Worst about her outward design was the targa bar, hosting the mainsheet traveller as it is costumary on all Oceanis variants right now. It may be perfect for Bimini fixing, but believe me – especially in combination with the huge sprayhood – it looks overdesigned and really awkward. Well, let´s go inside.

Since this 45 feet yacht is a big fellow and no matter if owned by an individual or used by a larger group of people on a charter cruise, 45 feet should be more than spacious. But upon entering her saloon I was instantly disappointed, because I really couldn’t develop a sense of spaciousness at all. I really don´t know if that´s due to the color-scheme of that particular boat (50 shades of coffee-brown) or due to the layout of the whole interior, I couldn´t get a feeling of coziness here.

Entering the saloon from the companionway there´s a galley to port side and a saloon. A U-settee on starboard side with a folding dining table and a 2-person settee to starboard side, of which I´d like to talk later. The L-shaped galley offers more than enough space for cooking and working the plates, a large fridge and a 2-flame stove should be more than enough. Stowage is plenty of available, so that´s a plus for the Beneteau 45. Vis-à-vis a large head with shower can be used by the crew. But let´s go back to the saloon concept as it is the most remarkable – and awkward – detail on that boat.

By taking a closer look to the starboard U-settee I couldn´t help but shake my head: For my taste there´s absolutely nothing at least trying to appeal my eyes: The portholes are far too big, the veneer providing cover for the porthole has an even bigger porthole-outlet creating a feeling of being unfinished. The walls offer no structure at all and I felt battered by the sheer vastness of dull brown and grey colors. I know, well – I hope – that owners could choose other fabrics, colors and hopefully wooden veneers too, but this particular configuration and design didn´t appeal to me at all. Which is a pity. Learning for the design of my own boat: A ship´s internal fittings should at least partially be of wooden materials. In this sense, the new Beneteau 45 is just too modern for me.

But that wasn´t the only awkward thing about the boat. Spending lots of time to think about the perfect navigation station on my own boat and in designing and building the perfect chart table I am always particularly interested in the solutions of contemporary yachts in these terms. The Beneteau 45 was in this case a real runaway: Why would a ship´s designer put the chart table to the farthest place away from the companionway? Why would the same designer put the main electric control panel on a totally different position? As it was done on the Beneteau 45.

I think it´s crazy: Upon taking a look onto the charts, the skipper must reach through all of the length of the saloon to get to his chart table, mounted on the bulkhead to the fore peak, reach back all the way to the companionway. To check for electric status, the panel is mounted farther back in the saloon, so he has to get up again from his navigation station. I just couldn´t grasp it. The only reason why one would design such a thing is – skipper´s chart work isn´t considered important anymore.

Besides, standing in the fore cabin door looking aft I again couldn´t get a sense of being inside a 45 feet ship: The saloon really does not mediate a roomy spacious sensation: More to the contrary, I had a feeling of being somewhat constricted.

The aft cabins of the Beneteau 45 are huge. The berths, or should I say beds, offering more than enough space to find a good night´s sleep. Again, huge portholes allow a wide view to the sides of the freeboard though I would have gone for more (yet apparently smaller) portholes which could be therefore opened for fresh air. Again, some of the practical solutions appeared cheaply done, such as the sheathing of the hull which is simply a thin bent board screwed to the boat. Some of the other fittings such as stowage and cupboards did seem to be made with good quality joinery as well.

At last I found the owner´s cabin in the fore peak emptied of other guests and took my chance. What I really like is the huge, partially foldable forward bulkhead which will open up more than just a narrow door to the fore cabin but a wide passage – thus creating a roomier feeling. This was seen also on the Dufour Grand Large 310 I´ve visited some weeks ago, where this effect can be seen in a very spectacular way . In the Beneteau 45 the fore cabin is really more than appropriate: The master bed is huge, as well as the portholes again. Enough stowage available in two big cabinets as well. All in all, I must rather say, this boats didn´t appeal to me at all. I just couldn´t get warm with her internal layout, the floor plan seemed sometimes crazy (see navigation station), color scheme and some of the practical solution created a cheap sensation.

Cruiser-Racer with Kitchen-Feeling: Elan S4

Elan yachts are known for their sailing characteristics, renowned for speed and synonymous for cruiser-racer with style. Upon entering the stand of the S4 I took some time to admire the lines of her hull: Sleek, aggressive with distinctive chines, a racy bulb keel and twin rudders create a sensation of speed and power. That boat really lives up to the brand value and I was excited to be allowed to inspect her interior. How is an Elan S4 sailing yacht appearing from the inside? Racer-cruising with style – let´s check it out.

Again, I must admit, I was partially disappointed. I instantly got the feeling of being in a kitchen. There are cupboards installed all over the saloon circumferentially, white colored with a decorative band of reflecting mirror-like metal. That created a mixture of kitchen, medical practice and furniture store. I am sorry, but the choice for the saloon´s fabrics, colors and styling elements was a clear overshoot in my eyes: Too much of everything, too much of a medley of too many decorative things competing for the beholder´s eyes. Which is a pity, because the floor plan is a classic. I hope owners can configure their Elan S4 boats in way that the saloon could mediate a cleaner, homogenous and more relaxing atmosphere!

On the other hand, a definite plus on the Elan S4 is the huge galley. Rounded edges, a nice arrangement of different materials and the joinery did satisfy my demand instantly, more so, it made up partially for the jumbo-mumbo of designs of the saloon. The galley offers more than enough space. Compared to the Beneteau 51 I did had the feeling that although being some 10 feet shorter and therefore having less space available, Elan´s designers managed to get out a lot more spaciousness than their French counterparts.

The rear cabin was a bit of a disappointment on the other side. Though wooden veneers have been installed plenty of and made a nice impression, I was puzzled of the Elan S4 offering so much ordinary shelves instead of proper cabinets. I would assume this boat going at a high speed with quite some heeling: Open shelves, especially these really big ones, won´t hold to their contents. It´s frustrating to find one´s stuff spread over the whole cabin after a day of rocky sailing. On the other hand, size of the berths seemed adequate, same as to her opening hatches for fresh air.

All in all I must admit, the interior design solutions seen on the Elan S4 couldn´t really win my enthusiasm. Though the floor plan and overall layout did really appeal to my eyes, there have been too much decorative elements competing with each other, too many lines running through one´s sight creating an unsteady feeling. I don´t think I could calm down and really relax in an Elan saloon. A big minus are the huge useless shelves, I hope that there is an extra package to order proper cabinets.

Nevertheless, I´d love to sail one of these. Standing in the cockpit I suddenly realized that these boats are primarily made for sailing and that was the feeling I instantly got by placing myself at the helm. There is no decking or teak applications to be seen anyhow (though it certainly is part of the extra packages offered), multiple stands for safe and sound foothold whilst sailing and the large mainsheet traveller right across the cockpit floor talks business.

A real Highlight: The new Dehler 34

That was a real hype in all those print magazines and high glossy boating gazettes when Dehler launched its latest model: “A Legend is reborn”, as it was said. And right they are, expectations are high since the old Dehler 34 has been one of the most successful and trend-setting yachts for the your Dehler company back in the good old days. Looking at her from the outside I instantly liked her clean sleek lines. I was very keen on inspecting her interiors.

The same tension I did have upon getting to see the new Dehler 42 cruiser-racer some weeks ago (read that particular article here ): Dehler is part of the large Hanse Group but wants to retain a certain stand-alone character. And the big company is good advised to let them have – Dehler has a reputation of making very well sailing fast yachts with an emphasis on good quality when it comes to internal fittings.

Looking at her stern it seems a bit odd: When all the others, even Beneteau, are springing for “modern” chines and twin rudders, the racy Dehler does not feature any of them. There´s a huge single rudder, a somewhat ordinary keel – though a bit deeper than normal cruising keels – and that´s it. I wonder what sailing this boat might be like. So I climbed the stand and asked for admission to enter the boat, which was granted.

Classy. That´s what came into my mind when I set foot on her deck. Noble teak decking in the cockpit, a huge mainsheet traveller on the floor right before the notorious double wheel helming station. All seemed right and made by people who know what they are doing. Nice job. This was the first cockpit I really liked on this fair and suddenly a smile shooed over my face. Let´s go inside …

Wow, classy again! Her saloon is just wonderful. There´s lot of wooden fittings, nicely done and I really liked the fabric of the cushion. Colors are in harmony with each other, there´s no frills around and everything is done with an emphasis on creating a real ship-like atmosphere. No time to think back of the overdressed Elan or the wannabe Jeanneau. This is real good interior design!

The saloon is classic: Two settees on either side, a large foldable dining table in the middle. That´s it. The Dehler 34 has a maximum beam of just 3.60 meters. A slim boat. We remember: She was built to sail fast. And that’s why there´s no U-settee or other gadgets in the saloon. I can vividly envision a crew taking a pause down below deck from an exhausting sailing day out offshore.

Upon entering by coming down the companionway the sailor will find a small L-galley to the starboard side, vis-à-vis a head with a separated shower. The saloon features a small navigation station facing aft which I guess is a concession to modern sailing yacht interior design. I took a seat and tried to imagine myself doing chartwork at this chart table, which is possible, but could be a bit tricky since the worktop is rather small for my taste. Again, big enough navigation stations are a thing of the past, I guess, after most of the sailors will stick to their huge multicolored digital displays. What I really liked at the Dehler 34 navigation station was the rounded cover for VHF and electric switch panel. By the way, all the rounded headrests, reminding me of a private jet or something, are folding offering a lot of stowage here.

Aft cabin was huge for a 34 feet boat. I even felt kind of bigger than that of the Beneteau some 10 feet larger, but that might be a fallacy. What is fact is that – also contrary to the Beneteau – the quality of craftsmanship seemed a lot higher in the Dehler. Veneers made of nice material, and a real cabinet with closing doors did appeal to me very much.

Somewhat cheap, I must admit, the owner´s cabin. Not so much due to her size – the fore peak is slim – bit due to the fact that white plastic surfaces dominate this cabin. I would have gone for a wooden panel or kind of veneer for covering the collision bulkhead, maybe added a mirror or something to optically widen the feeling of space in this cabin.

Nevertheless, I loved the Dehler 34. She might be quite a stormy sailing yacht, I just don´t know, but as her bigger sister, the Dehler 42, was already announcing, Dehler´s interior designers have made a wonderful job in creating a very likable saloon, minor drawbacks in the fore cabin put aside.

Space. Ship. The Dufour Grand Large 460

Since I got the chance to inspect the Grand Large 310 (read the article here ) in Germany I got more and more interested in this French brand. Dufour is a widely known name in Germany, but few are to be seen at the jetties and it seems that most sailors I know don´t really have a clue what a Dufour is all about. And yet, Dufour is building sailing yachts since more than 52 years and the boats bear an image of being good responding, fast boats with an emphasis on luxurious travel. Here we go – the Grand Large 460.

Her hull is indeed one of the biggest boats to be presented at the Interboot and as I roamed her rudder below the waterline I noticed her flat bottom and sleek lines. Made for speed? I climbed the stairs and had to wait some minutes to be let inside since Dufour´s stand was funnily enough crowded with people. But when I was granted entry and I once got down below deck, I must admit, I couldn´t barely find words. This is just w-o-w.

First of all, the saloon was that spacious, that I was climbing out of the boat instantly and checked for the boat´s size. Just to be sure: This was a 46 feet yacht, having nearly exactly the size of the Beneteau 45 and yet the feeling of space inside the cabin was so much greater. Is it? The Grand Large has a max beam of 4.50 meters. So that´s exactly the same available space, yet they can squeeze out so much more room. The Dufour greeted me with a dancehall-like space upon arriving in her majestic main saloon. But despite the roomy feeling, it offered a lot more.

Floor plan of the saloon just seems to be classic – a large L-settee on the starboard site faced by a 2-person settee vis-à-vis. But let´s look at the details: The large dining table isn´t foldable. Why? There´s so much space available. A stool that could accommodate 2 people in front of the table. I don´t know if I would like the stool to have a back rest, since without it one could use it for both sitting at the table and just taking a seat “by the way” facing the other settee in a short pause. What really sets the Dufour Grand Large 460 apart from all the other boats I´ve seen so far is the galley. It´s just awesome.

The galley is divided from the “living room” and divided in itself. To the port side all of the main working stuff is situated: Sink, Stove with oven, Worktop and lots of stowage as well as cupboards mounted at eye-level for best reach. By the way: That reminded me of the Elan S4´s cupboards and showed yet how to make it a lot better. The cupboards are perfectly blending in the overall design concept of the boat just neatly. Right in the corner of the galley a large fridge is mounted. But that´s not enough …

… because right on the other side of the galley, starboard, there´s another part of it, featuring no less than two more fridges for beverages, another large worktop and stowage as well. This secondary galley is again separated from the “living area” by a stand, I suppose this is where a retractable TFT could be mounted (which was not in the boat I visited). Okay, that´s a lot of galley stuff here, and one could argue that a retractable TFT as well as all the integrated LED-lighting is a lot of bells and whistles. Well – it is indeed. But you know what? That was the first boat that was living up to its promise of travelling “in style”. Lots of it. Lots of it I was seeking to no avail in the Beneteau.

But the Grand Large appears to be a real sailing ship too. Dufour yachts have the reputation of not just being nice for the mooring party at the Saint Tropez jetty but of being quite capable sailing boats. An indication is the first real practical solution for the navigator: The chart table and navigation station has been done with care. Again, the chart table didn´t had the size I would wish it has, but it is adjustable to heeling, which can be a great plus offshore. Main switch panel and VHF are – of course – within reach. Best thing: If the sailor has no need for the navigation station, it can be moved away completely. The table can be moved aft as it rests on kind of rails, as well as the small navigator´s stool, that will go forward. This way, the settee becomes even longer.

All cabins of the Grand Large 460 offer more than enough space as well as stowage – both cupboards, shelves and cabinets. The bathrooms (and I´d like to call it bathroom, not head) are again huge and seem to be made with great care for craftsmanship and choice of material. The berths, or let´s name it: Beds, are long and wide enough even for tall people, I particularly liked the owner´s cabin of the Dufour. Everything is covered with wooden panels, there are shelves all around for the small stuff, cupboards and cabinets overhead and to both sides of the entry door. A mirror at the collision bulkhead creates visual space. Bravo!

I´d like to see that boat move under sails. Maybe that´s something I am going to do next season, as this boat is really an interesting one. Concerning maneuverability, Dufour seems to be putting forward a new technique called Jet Thruster which basically works by pumping water through a throttle to create thrust for maneuvering. Smaller system, no water intake (and all that stuff floating with it) like with the old thruster systems and a steady stream of water to create constant thrust. Interesting.

All in all, the Grand Large 460 was a very interesting boat and one of the most beautiful in terms of design. I personally would let away all those bling bling LED and other “luxurious” parts but floor plan and the outcome of designing that boat and making the most of the available space is just awesome. Designers have made a marvelous job in designing this sailing yacht, indeed.

More Boats and Interior Designs in the upcoming article

That´s it for now as a single text would be too much for you to read through. Within the next week, Part 2 of my Interboot impressions will feature Jeannaeu, Hallberg-Rassy, Dragonfly and Schöchl Sunbeam. As well as a small boat made by a virtually unknown yard.

Klick here for Part 2.

Interested in sailboat interior design? Here´s a visit on the Hallberg-Rassy 412 and 43 .

Another dream yacht – the Pogo 12.50 : Fast as hell and quite something different.

Design and seaworthiness? Read more about this one here .

• Popular Professionals
• Design & Planning
• Construction & Renovation
• Finishes & Fixtures
• Landscaping & Outdoor
• Systems & Appliances
• Interior Designers & Decorators
• Architects & Building Designers
• Design-Build Firms
• Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
• General Contractors
• Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers
• Home Builders
• Roofing & Gutters
• Cabinets & Cabinetry
• Tile & Stone
• Hardwood Flooring Dealers
• Landscape Contractors
• Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
• Home Stagers
• Swimming Pool Builders
• Lighting Designers and Suppliers
• 3D Rendering
• Sustainable Design
• Basement Design
• Architectural Design
• Universal Design
• Energy-Efficient Homes
• Multigenerational Homes
• House Plans
• Home Remodeling
• Home Additions
• Green Building
• Garage Building
• New Home Construction
• Basement Remodeling
• Stair & Railing Contractors
• Cabinetry & Cabinet Makers
• Roofing & Gutter Contractors
• Window Contractors
• Exterior & Siding Contractors
• Carpet Contractors
• Carpet Installation
• Flooring Contractors
• Wood Floor Refinishing
• Tile Installation
• Custom Countertops
• Quartz Countertops
• Cabinet Refinishing
• Custom Bathroom Vanities
• Finish Carpentry
• Cabinet Repair
• Custom Windows
• Window Treatment Services
• Window Repair
• Fireplace Contractors
• Paint & Wall Covering Dealers
• Door Contractors
• Glass & Shower Door Contractors
• Landscape Construction
• Land Clearing
• Garden & Landscape Supplies
• Deck & Patio Builders
• Deck Repair
• Patio Design
• Stone, Pavers, & Concrete
• Paver Installation
• Driveway & Paving Contractors
• Driveway Repair
• Asphalt Paving
• Garage Door Repair
• Fence Contractors
• Fence Installation
• Gate Repair
• Pergola Construction
• Spa & Pool Maintenance
• Swimming Pool Contractors
• Hot Tub Installation
• HVAC Contractors
• Electricians
• Appliance Services
• Solar Energy Contractors
• Outdoor Lighting Installation
• Landscape Lighting Installation
• Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists
• Home Theater & Home Automation Services
• Handyman Services
• Closet Designers
• Professional Organizers
• Furniture & Accessories Retailers
• Furniture Repair & Upholstery Services
• Specialty Contractors
• Color Consulting
• Wine Cellar Designers & Builders
• Home Inspection
• Custom Artists
• Columbus, OH Painters
• New York City, NY Landscapers
• San Diego, CA Bathroom Remodelers
• Minneapolis, MN Architects
• Portland, OR Tile Installers
• Kansas City, MO Flooring Contractors
• Denver, CO Countertop Installers
• San Francisco, CA New Home Builders
• Rugs & Decor
• Home Improvement
• Kitchen & Tabletop
• Bathroom Vanities
• Bathroom Vanity Lighting
• Bathroom Mirrors
• Bathroom Fixtures
• Nightstands & Bedside Tables
• Kitchen & Dining
• Bar Stools & Counter Stools
• Dining Chairs
• Dining Tables
• Buffets and Sideboards
• Kitchen Fixtures
• Wall Mirrors
• Living Room
• Armchairs & Accent Chairs
• Coffee & Accent Tables
• Sofas & Sectionals
• Media Storage
• Patio & Outdoor Furniture
• Outdoor Lighting
• Ceiling Lighting
• Chandeliers
• Pendant Lighting
• Wall Sconces
• Desks & Hutches
• Office Chairs
• View All Products
• Side & End Tables
• Console Tables
• Living Room Sets
• Chaise Lounges
• Ottomans & Poufs
• Bedroom Furniture
• Nightstands
• Bedroom Sets
• Dining Room Sets
• Sideboards & Buffets
• File Cabinets
• Room Dividers
• Furniture Sale
• Trending in Furniture
• View All Furniture
• Bath Vanities
• Single Vanities
• Double Vanities
• Small Vanities
• Transitional Vanities
• Modern Vanities
• Houzz Curated Vanities
• Best Selling Vanities
• Bathroom Vanity Mirrors
• Medicine Cabinets
• Bathroom Faucets
• Bathroom Sinks
• Shower Doors
• Showerheads & Body Sprays
• Bathroom Accessories
• Bathroom Storage
• Trending in Bath
• View All Bath
• Designer Picks
• Houzz x Jennifer Kizzee
• Houzz x Motivo Homes
• How to Choose a Bathroom Vanity

• Patio Furniture
• Outdoor Dining Furniture
• Outdoor Lounge Furniture
• Outdoor Chairs
• Adirondack Chairs
• Outdoor Bar Furniture
• Outdoor Benches
• Wall Lights & Sconces
• Outdoor Flush-Mounts
• Landscape Lighting
• Outdoor Flood & Spot Lights
• Outdoor Decor
• Outdoor Rugs
• Outdoor Cushions & Pillows
• Patio Umbrellas
• Lawn & Garden
• Garden Statues & Yard Art
• Planters & Pots
• Outdoor Sale
• Trending in Outdoor
• View All Outdoor
• 8 x 10 Rugs
• 9 x 12 Rugs
• Hall & Stair Runners
• Home Decor & Accents
• Pillows & Throws
• Decorative Storage
• Faux Florals
• Wall Panels
• Window Treatments
• Curtain Rods
• Blackout Curtains
• Blinds & Shades
• Rugs & Decor Sale
• Trending in Rugs & Decor
• View All Rugs & Decor
• Pendant Lights
• Flush-Mounts
• Ceiling Fans
• Track Lighting
• Wall Lighting
• Swing Arm Wall Lights
• Display Lighting
• Table Lamps
• Floor Lamps
• Lamp Shades
• Lighting Sale
• Trending in Lighting
• View All Lighting
• Bathroom Remodel
• Kitchen Remodel
• Kitchen Faucets
• Kitchen Sinks
• Major Kitchen Appliances
• Cabinet Hardware
• Backsplash Tile
• Mosaic Tile
• Wall & Floor Tile
• Accent, Trim & Border Tile
• Whole House Remodel
• Heating & Cooling
• Building Materials
• Front Doors
• Interior Doors
• Home Improvement Sale
• Trending in Home Improvement
• View All Home Improvement
• Cups & Glassware
• Kitchen & Table Linens
• Kitchen Storage and Org
• Kitchen Islands & Carts
• Food Containers & Canisters
• Pantry & Cabinet Organizers
• Kitchen Appliances
• Gas & Electric Ranges
• Range Hoods & Vents
• Beer & Wine Refrigerators
• Small Kitchen Appliances
• Cookware & Bakeware
• Tools & Gadgets
• Kitchen & Tabletop Sale
• Trending in Kitchen & Tabletop
• View All Kitchen & Tabletop
• Storage & Organization
• Baby & Kids

• View all photos
• Dining Room
• Breakfast Nook
• Family Room
• Bed & Bath
• Powder Room
• Storage & Closet
• Outdoor Kitchen
• Bar & Wine
• Wine Cellar
• Home Office
• Popular Design Ideas
• Kitchen Backsplash
• Deck Railing
• Privacy Fence
• Small Closet
• Stories and Guides
• Popular Stories
• Renovation Cost Guides
• Fence Installation Cost Guide
• Window Installation Cost Guide
• Discussions
• Design Dilemmas
• Before & After
• Houzz Research
• View all pros
• View all services
• View all products
• View all sales
• Living Room Chairs
• Dining Room Furniture
• Coffee Tables
• Home Office Furniture
• Join as a Pro
• Interior Design Software
• Project Management
• Custom Website
• Lead Generation
• Invoicing & Billing
• Landscape Contractor Software
• General Contractor Software
• Remodeler Software
• Builder Software
• Roofer Software
• Architect Software
• Takeoff Software
• Lumber & Framing Takeoffs
• Steel Takeoffs
• Concrete Takeoffs
• Drywall Takeoffs
• Insulation Takeoffs
• Stories & Guides
• LATEST FROM HOUZZ
• HOUZZ DISCUSSIONS
• SHOP KITCHEN & DINING
• Kitchen & Dining Furniture
• Sinks & Faucets
• Kitchen Cabinets & Storage
• Knobs & Pulls
• Kitchen Knives
• KITCHEN PHOTOS
• FIND KITCHEN PROS
• Bath Accessories
• Bath Linens
• BATH PHOTOS
• FIND BATH PROS
• SHOP BEDROOM
• Beds & Headboards
• Bedroom Decor
• Closet Storage
• Bedroom Vanities
• BEDROOM PHOTOS
• Kids' Room
• FIND DESIGN PROS
• SHOP LIVING
• Fireplaces & Accessories
• LIVING PHOTOS
• SHOP OUTDOOR
• Pool & Spa
• Backyard Play
• OUTDOOR PHOTOS
• FIND LANDSCAPING PROS
• SHOP LIGHTING
• Bathroom & Vanity
• Flush Mounts
• Kitchen & Cabinet
• Outdoor Wall Lights
• Outdoor Hanging Lights
• Kids' Lighting
• Decorative Accents
• Artificial Flowers & Plants
• Decorative Objects
• Screens & Room Dividers
• Wall Shelves
• About Houzz
• Houzz Credit Cards
• Privacy & Notice
• Cookie Policy
• Your Privacy Choices
• Mobile Apps
• Copyright & Trademark
• For Professionals
• Houzz vs. Houzz Pro
• Houzz Pro vs. Ivy
• Houzz Pro Advertising Reviews
• Houzz Pro 3D Floor Planner Reviews
• Trade Program
• Buttons & Badges
• Your Orders
• Shipping & Delivery
• Return Policy
• Houzz Canada
• Review Professionals
• Suggested Professionals
• Accessibility
• Houzz Support
• COUNTRY COUNTRY
• Contemporary
• Traditional
• Mid-Century Modern
• Transitional
• Scandinavian
• Southwestern
• Mediterranean
• French Country
• Shabby-Chic Style
• Compact (40976)
• Medium (179176)
• Large (138097)
• Expansive (21201)
• Red (6,574)
• Orange (9,385)
• Wood Tones (7,947)
• Yellow (6,179)
• Green (41,695)
• Turquoise (12,216)
• Blue (44,177)
• Violet (2,127)
• Pink (1,598)
• Black & White (3)
• Black (65,259)
• Gray (106,639)
• White (249,247)
• Beige (92,738)
• Brown (214,015)
• $$$ (140023)
• $$$$ (54166)
• Newly Featured
• All Time Popular
• Latest Activity

Reload the page to not see this specific ad anymore

Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• What to do in Moscow City, if you’re not mega-rich
• Moscow after dusk: 10 places to drink, dance, and groove
• 5 things you must do in Moscow in 2018 between football matches (or without them)
• Sandwiched between Moscow and St. Petersburg: How to spend a perfect weekend in Tver 
• 24 or 48 hours in Moscow: Where to go and what to do in 2019

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.