Meet the makers: Behind the scenes with the artisans of interior yacht design

Within the realms of superyacht design, the magic lies in the details. It’s an intricate dance of selecting the most exquisite art, hand-picking the softest linens, and ensuring that every facet contributes to an unparalleled guest experience. For those with a keen eye and an affinity for luxury, each decorative element onboard a superyacht isn’t a mere object or material; it’s part of a larger, artistic vision that seamlessly blends with the yacht’s interior and exterior aesthetics, often sparking meaningful dialogue. Yacht interiors are a testament to craftsmanship and a diverse range of skills—from walls adorned with delicate porcelain flowers to eco-conscious, hand-carved leather derived from pineapples—each detail underlines the meticulous effort and artistry required to create such distinguished settings.Ginori 1735

Step onboard any superyacht, and you’ll likely encounter a display cabinet exhibiting Ginori 1735’s china, the hallmark of luxury dining at sea. Now, enhancing this grandeur, Ginori 1735 unveils its Oriente Italiano Gold Collection. This new line of hand-decorated porcelain marries traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, showcasing two new patterns: Aurum in pristine white and Rubrum in rich red, both finished with pure gold. These patterns join the ten existing iconic shades of the Oriente Italiano range.The collection extends beyond tableware like plates and mugs to include home décor—vases, containers, change trays—and a series of scented gift items: candles, room diffusers, and natural scented stones, emanating fragrances of bergamot, green mandarin, or red grape, among others. Every piece in the Oriente Italiano Gold collection speaks of opulence, blending seamlessly into the superyacht milieu or standing as a bold statement piece.

Actor Jake Gyllenhaal is the face of the campaign, promoting a line that represents Ginori 1735’s three-century legacy in heritage lifestyle products and symbolises a modern Renaissance in everyday elegance.

 FurnitureRenowned for its extraordinary craftsmanship in yachting furniture, , established over 35 years ago by Mark Boddington, continues to surpass expectations for bespoke furnishings. Their expertise combines meticulous detailing with innovative material use, landing them collaborations with prestigious brands. Iconic pieces include their marble Main Saloon Cabinet in partnership with and the iconic Dom Pérignon champagne table in collaboration with Kravitz Design.Their Sea + Shore collection, unveiled at the , marks ‘s foray into customisable outdoor essentials. Featuring designs inspired by marine life, the collection, especially the Teak Maze Marquetry Rise & Fall Table, highlights their commitment to innovation and bespoke artisanship. Similarly, their collaboration with Katharine Pooley for the Table Tennis Table underscores their mastery in producing not just furniture but timeless pieces for discerning clients worldwide. With over seventy specialists based in North Wales, transcends traditional craftsmanship, with each creation depicting the journey from vision to reality, embodying what calls “making magic.”Nature Squared

Nature Squared, co-founded in 2000 by Paul Hoeve and Lay Koon Tan, epitomises sustainable luxury by transforming natural materials into exquisite surfaces for design and living. With a mantra of “Nature’s Waste, Our Value,” they upcycle materials like grass, seeds, and eggshells into innovative artworks without sacrificing beauty or luxury. Over two decades, their work has graced superyachts, including Azzam and Nirvana. Their commitment to sustainability is foundational. They practice environmental and social responsibility, employing and training 200 personnel in the Philippines, a country vulnerable to climate change. This approach combines heritage artisan skills with advanced European technology, creating groundbreaking products.From her time at the London School of Economics to consulting for FTSE 100 companies, Lay Koon’s expertise has been pivotal in Nature Squared’s evolution. Their collaborations extend to luxury brands like and Montblanc, and their work is featured in prestigious venues like Milan Design Week.John Lee Furnishing

Irish craftsman John Lee is known for his natural forms and timeless pieces. He has become a prominent name in the superyacht furnishing realm, particularly in collaboration with . Lee’s work is renowned internationally, including exhibitions at SOFA Chicago and Design Basel. His pieces, such as the Carrigeen Tallboy and Core Low Table, are exhibited in the National Museum of Ireland, and his works are found onboard various yachts.

Lee’s current designs showcase a unique twist in the furniture plane, combining tactile textures with fluid functionality. His detailed techniques – from the effortless movement of drawers to the subtle integration of leather linings – make each piece a testament to his skill, with his works seamlessly integrating into a yacht’s interior design. 1921   

Since 1921, Italy’s has been crafting high-quality, customised leather products. Esteemed for exclusive designs, is a fixture in yachting, aviation, automotive, and private residences. 

The brand’s craftsmanship shines on distinguished superyachts, such as the 56-metre sailing yacht by , 63.5-metre yacht Chocolat (now ), 49.9-metre and the 53.8-metre Sea Force One (now ). ‘s innovative full custom service allows designers to personalise products, evident in the ’s opulent interiors thanks to the classical leather accents. Their product range, highlighted by the refined Classic Lord and the innovative Evo Leather, showcases an unmatched commitment to quality, sustainability, and artisan skill. Evo Leather, in particular, symbolises a leap in eco-friendly production, using olive leaf extracts for tanning, reducing water use, and avoiding evading chemicals. A family business rooted in Italian tradition, offers products that include leather trays, paper bins, picture frames, and bookends available in hues of cognac, black, and water blue.Aiveen Daly

Aiveen Daly, an Irish artist based in London, is a textile designer for superyachts. Since establishing her studio in 2006, Daly’s signature comprises impeccable embroidery, beadwork, and innovative leather techniques. Trained in traditional upholstery, her artistry showcases complex fabric manipulation, especially with luxurious materials like eco-leathers, wool, and silk. Notably, her textile art has been sought after by renowned interior designers, with select commissions featured on esteemed superyachts such as the 49-metre yacht Candyscape (now ).

Prioritising function and form, Aiveen tailors her work for different occasions, from casual family gatherings to sophisticated cocktail evenings. Growing up inspired by textiles, from a sewing machine gift at fourteen to professional courses in London, Daly’s global travels further fuel her passion, cementing her status as a leading artisan in weaving yachting textiles.Photo: Alun CallenderCox London

Cox London, founded in 2005 by Chris and Nicola Cox, is a remarkable London atelier renowned for transforming natural forms into sculptural furniture and lighting. Their work, characterised by a deep understanding of natural aesthetics translated through form and finish to patina and palette, reflects a commitment to crafting elemental and heirloom pieces. These creations span from awe-inspiring lighting to art installations, all imbued with ancient and modern artisan techniques.Photo: Alun CallenderOperating from their Tottenham studios and a boutique showroom in Belgravia, London, Cox London caters to a diverse and global clientele, including bespoke pieces onboard superyachts.

A highlight of their collection is the Voyager Chair, an artwork practicality born from the fusion of oceanic inspirations and “Gaudiesque” reflections. Sculpted by artists and cast in a London foundry, this bronze chair, with its highly polished ripples, symbolises movement and the passage of time. Its upholstery, inspired by 19th-century “navigation charts” and the ingenious “stick charts” of the Marshall Islands, represents not just seating but a voyage through history and nature’s labyrinth.

This article is featured in  of the SuperYacht Times newspaper.  to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.