In the interior design world, there are a number of occasions throughout the year that set out to identify the styles towards which people are leaning. As we find ourselves in the midst of major design events, such as Focus/19 at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, and Decorex, which is just around the corner, I want to share why I have found this period of design particularly interesting, in a way which is entirely relevant to the trends that we are seeing in the superyacht industry.

For Focus/19, the famous domes of Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour were transformed into a sea of green, in a nod to the phenomenon that is Biophilia. “We are, it would seem, going back to simpler times,” says Becky Metcalfe of Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, outlining this season’s trends. “We’re seeing many natural fibres - linen and textured fabrics as well as luxurious ethical fabrics.”

Trends, of course, come and go, and within a design destination of such scale many of the brands within the domes may seemingly take up the Biophilia baton, or choose to go a different direction entirely. But during Focus/19, I’ve never seen a more unanimous uptake of a trend or such fervour around a design concept.

During Focus/19, I’ve never seen a more unanimous uptake of a trend or such fervour around a design concept.

Sustainability is becoming a global focus that is growing exponentially in every industry, the superyacht industry of course being one of them, with initiatives such as the Water Revolution Foundation being devised to reduce the footprint of the yachting industry in order to preserve our oceans. Now, with a united and prominent turn towards natural, ethical materials in the design world, I believe our collective message becomes even more profound.

To clarify the entirety of this trend would take more than these pages would allow, but I have outlined below, a succinct selection of those that have captured my imagination.

Now, with a united and prominent turn towards natural, ethical materials in the design world, I believe our collective message becomes even more profound.

Turnstyle Designs unveiled its first ever collaboration with Winch Design, producing a collection of handles that were inspired by coral reefs, while Colefax and Fowler showcased its ‘Callista’ fabric, featuring a mixed floral design with exotic elements, with delicate fern fronds. Natural references have come into force this season, as have heavy textured fabrics, as the Hodsoll McKenzie ‘Bridge’ collection demonstrates, which is said to ‘bridge the gap between tradition and innovation’.

Conscious consumption is becoming more prominent in the world of design as new arrivals such as Mark Alexander’s new collections confirm, including ‘Sierra’, an outdoor performance natural linen. Arteriors’ new ‘Wilde’ pendant also echoes this sustainable approach, having been constructed using rattan peel.

More natural interiors are said to have positive effects on the mind, such as restoration and relaxation, features which are synonymous with the superyacht industry. Alongside conscious efforts, it would seem that a shift towards more natural finishes and textured fibres is occurring subliminally within our design sphere.

During the Monaco Yacht Show, sustainable efforts were at the top of the agenda, and on the tips of everyone’s tongues. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that a number of new superyachts making their international debut at the show featured a more stripped back, textured and raw appearance, which again I feel is a reference to a sustainable and ethical approach to superyacht design, and superyachting in general.

The aforementioned lean towards biophilic design in the wider interior design industry, and I believe it is a clear message that the approach to design is changing, where sustainability is not just paramount, but desirable.

The subject of sustainability will play a major role at The Superyacht Forum 2019, where we will follow the theme, ‘Building For The Next Generation’. The subject matter aims to provide an understanding of young owners, to build an industry for the next generation and introduce next-generation technology, energy efficiency and innovations from future thinkers. To register for the 2019 edition of The Superyacht Forum, please click here.

Image: Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour

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Design Centre Chelsea Harbour

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