Following her shortlist success in the MY over 30 metre category, Imperial Princess has been shortlisted for yet another award: Yacht Interior Design.
Here, we find out what makes the project so unique…
In response to the owner’s brief, the main deck is designed as a sophisticated and relatively formal area whilst the sleeping areas are calm and inviting. The Sky Lounge is then more avant garde, light hearted and fun. There are several highly unique features throughout the yacht including an exquisite etched and polished bulkhead detail forward of the dining table, produced from the highest quality stainless steel to a design chosen by the owner from one of three designs and made by Christofle of Paris. Another screen that separates the aft lobby and the living area on the main deck is created with an intricate mix of woven copper, anthracite and silver wire, made especially for the yacht by French designer Luc Druez, and which we encapsulated between glass. As you enter the yacht, this feature creates an impression of the space beyond but also creates privacy for the owner and his guests. Add to this the intricate cabinetry designed and made in-house in Macassar Ebony with Sycamore lining and polished stainless detail and the hand stitched leather laid into cabinet fronts, bookcases and dressing tables; the overall impression is one of luxurious living with just enough design to impress but not too much to assault the senses – a space which is truly relaxing and where the owner will want to spend time.
The Sky Lounge is a more contemporary place in comparison, with embossed metallic leathers, dark ebony woods and silver and grey finishes. The TV is mounted against a unique piece of art by London based Robert O’Dea which covers the forward bulkhead of the Sky Lounge. The windows have been fitted with black out blinds so that this area can also be used as a cinema room. This area connects seamlessly to the outside and aft deck, which has an enormous teak dining table for twelve guests with chevron detailing to the timber and polished stainless inlays. The rest of the furniture here includes dining chairs from Barcelona based Kettal and two luxuriously comfortable Summit armchairs and footstools, located at the aft most end. All of these elements combine to make this deck an extremely flexible and sociable area for relaxing, entertaining and dining.
The Sundeck is dedicated to outdoor living with two magnificent teak and polished stainless exterior sofas, built to an in-house design, surrounding a large coffee table. This area is served by a beautiful, one-off design latticed teak fronted bar which can be shaded by the retractable section within the hardtop above. To complete this expansive area, four sun loungers and a large spa bath are located aft.
The functionality of the yacht was a very important aspect for the owner and as such a significant part of the design process was dedicated to this. The galley was designed and specified to a professional-standard by our in-house design team in collaboration with an experienced chef. Much attention was also given to movement around the yacht and a magnificent central staircase links the lower accommodation through to the sundeck creating both an easy flow from deck to deck and a spectacular focal point, an unusual feature for a vessel of her size. There is also a second separate staircase for the crew, allowing efficient operation of the yacht without disturbing the guests.
A final layer of materials: cushions; throws and accessories, are all carefully selected with the owner and sourced from the most famous fabric houses in the world, such as Rubelli, Zimmer & Rohde, Missoni and Hermes complete the look.