Designing the interior of a yacht presents a unique set of challenges, as acclaimed AD100 designer Markham Roberts discovered during his inaugural maritime project. The dynamic environment of a boat, with its constant motion, demands inventive solutions to ensure stability and comfort. Roberts's journey involved outfitting a classic 1950s vessel for a Manhattan couple, intending it for leisurely trips to destinations like Maine, the Bahamas, and Florida. His approach transformed the yacht into a refined yet intimate living space, carefully balancing aesthetic appeal with the practicalities of life at sea.
Roberts faced the intricate task of creating a luxurious and welcoming interior that could withstand the rigors of ocean travel. This required innovative methods for securing decor and furnishings, along with selecting resilient materials suitable for a marine climate. His design philosophy centered on making the yacht feel like a sophisticated home, capable of accommodating guests and crew while offering all the comforts of a land-based dwelling. The result is a testament to thoughtful design, where every detail, from custom fabrics to carefully placed artwork, contributes to an atmosphere of understated elegance and practical functionality.
Designing for Stability and Style on the High Seas
Embarking on his first yacht interior design, Markham Roberts quickly learned the intricacies of creating a stable and stylish environment on a moving vessel. He recounts early experiences where the boat's motion posed significant challenges, necessitating creative solutions to keep items from shifting or breaking. His clients, a couple for whom he had previously designed a city apartment, sought to extend their refined taste to their vintage 1950s yacht, built by the renowned John Trumpy. The goal was to fashion a space that felt like a comfortable home, rather than a typical, often vast, seafaring vessel. This vision led to a design emphasizing coziness and practicality, making it suitable for intimate voyages to various coastal destinations.
Roberts's design philosophy for the yacht focused on marrying aesthetic appeal with maritime functionality. He carefully selected durable fabrics and wall coverings, such as Soane Britain yardage and William Morris prints, ensuring they could withstand salty breezes. Furniture, including painted wicker armchairs and various antiques, was chosen for its resilience and then meticulously secured. Artwork, like framed watercolors and an American schooner painting, was fixed firmly in place, often coordinating with bed quilts. The salon's polished wood walls were adorned with Palissy ware, showcasing an appreciation for unique details. Every element was considered to create an inviting atmosphere while prioritizing stability, down to implementing silicone glue for model cases and noise-silencing felt to mitigate engine sounds.
Practical Elegance and Leisure on Deck and Below
The outdoor areas of the yacht were designed with paramount attention to durability and functionality, ensuring that all deck furnishings could endure exposure to the elements. Roberts emphasized that every item on deck was specifically chosen for outdoor use, maintaining both aesthetic integrity and resilience. Despite the practical demands, no detail was overlooked in enhancing the charm and comfort of these spaces. This included custom-designed chaise longues with cleverly stitched cushions that, while appearing effortlessly stylish, were engineered with genius welting to maintain their form and position against movement. The filling for all cushioned elements was also moisture-resistant, a crucial consideration for a marine environment.
Below deck, the emphasis shifted slightly to comfort and leisure, albeit with the same meticulous attention to detail. While outdoor cushions featured specialized fillings, the staterooms boasted proper bed linens, offering a touch of traditional home comfort. Roberts himself noted the pleasure of napping in a stateroom while the yacht cruised past scenic Maine landscapes. The interior spaces were conceived as havens for relaxation and entertainment, perfect for activities like jigsaw puzzles and games. However, a playful rule was enforced: martinis were strictly reserved for when the yacht was safely docked, highlighting a balance between sophisticated enjoyment and practical safety.