When you live in a beautifully furnished property with a stunning interior design, why should your superyacht be any less impressive? We consult two specialist companies for advice on creative interiors below deck.
Founded by David Linley, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, in 1985, Linley is a company renowned across the world for fusing innovative design with superlative cabinet-making. As well as creating exceptional furniture for homes, the company also undertakes commissions for superyachts. In 2010, Cunard commissioned Linley to design and make a 5.6 metre-high marquetry panel for the Grand Lobby of the new Queen Elizabeth. The result was a magnificent artwork depicting the port bow of the original Queen Elizabeth viewed from sea level. It was intricately made using the technique of marquetry inlay using no less than nine different types of wood veneers.
The client’s vision of how they would like their home on the water to look is the most important starting point when designing furniture for a superyacht. Wendy Tytherleigh, Linley’s senior bespoke designer, explains, “We have to consider many different factors. We design with the client’s desires in mind and explore many different ideas to achieve the most anticipated outcome. Designing items that have secret compartments and beautifully considered compartmentalised drawers is something that we are very good at, and this skill aids us when designing if space is at a premium.
“On a more practical note, our knowledge of suitable materials that achieve strength and rigidity helps us to design with consideration helping to achieve the client’s desire whilst also fulfilling more stringent specifications. If the yacht has to be MCA (Maritime & Coastguard Agency) compliant, veneers, adhesives, lacquers and fabrics have to be fire treated. Today’s yacht interiors are using a far greater variety of specialist finishes, metal resin effects, bleached and dyed veneers.”
Motor Yacht Jupiter is one of Linley’s most outstanding projects to date. “It included bulkhead marquetry application, marquetry art panels, fitted furniture with integrated mechanised systems and owner’s supply items such as dining chairs,” says Wendy. “All designed with IMO PYC 4 (International Maritime Organisation Passenger Yacht Code) regulations in mind.” By following all these recommendations for placing comfort, style and safety to the fore, it would seem that a well-furnished superyacht can help to ensure that every voyage is a truly memorable experience.
