Flowing floor plans, sleek stowage, and onshore comforts brought aboard: Pulling from their experience as owners of their own boutique firms and from an impressive body of work for such esteemed brands as Westport, Nordlund, Ocean Alexander, and Lurssen Yachts, two of the Northwest’s top designers share their insights on the latest trends within the department of the interior.
Interviews by Kate Calamusa
MARY FLORES
Owner & Head Designer
Yacht Interiors
253.921.7689; yachtinteriors1@gmail.com
How did you get your start in design and how has your career evolved to where it is today?
I grew up boating in the Pacific Northwest. I was fortunate to work alongside my dad who owned his own business painting and refinishing yachts in Tacoma for private clients as well as Nordlund and Jones Goodell. In college, over the summers I was a crew member on a few new Nordlund yachts. After graduating from Western Washington University with a degree in Interior Design, I worked in the commercial design field for five years then stayed home for ten years to raise my kids. With my boating background it had always been a dream to design yachts. I worked under a local yacht designer, Jon Pokela, part-time as I transitioned back into the workforce. Once he retired, I started my own company and have continued to stay busy, mostly from word-of-mouth recommendations by past clients. It’s truly a dream for me to work in this industry!
How would you say interiors are being designed differently than they were 5 or 10 years ago?
I’d say with the use of steel beams we are able to make spaces with an open concept as you see in homes. Larger windows are becoming more common, and the galley is no longer hidden down below but more central to the main salon. Also, as wood is at a premium, another trend is more fabric paneled walls and engineered wood is becoming a trend.
What color palettes and textures are you most drawn to as a designer? Being born and raised here, I am personally drawn to warm colors and lots of textures that make a space cozy and inviting. I always love to add a lamp in yachts to give that warmth to a space. But that being said, my own boat is bright and colorful. I wanted it to be a space where people would want to have fun and kick their shoes off!
What would you say are the key differences in designing for life aboard a vessel versus household living back on land? I think the difference is that everything has a purpose and sometimes more than one! For instance, a coffee table may need to double as a dining table or a game table. Designs have to be practical and functional.
Speaking of, how do you go about creating stylish interiors that are also packed with savvy storage? Storage is always a big concern for owners. We can be creative with custom sofas that include storage. I like to purchase end tables that have drawers or a door for storage. We make custom leather ottomans that open to hold games and blankets. In the staterooms I always suggest owners use a pillow sham to hold their sleeping pillow, not just a decorative one that eats up space.
What do you think are a few of the top trends in yacht interior design right now? We are using a lot of exterior grade fabrics for the interior. Solution-dyed acrylic and polyester have come a long way. These materials are durable, don’t fade in the sun, and are easily cleaned.
And, what do you find seems to be most important to Northwest boaters when it comes to their interior spaces and how they function? Boaters here are practical, knowledgeable, and hands-on owners. They use their boats. They need it to function and perform in many different situations. They want carpet that’s durable, sofas that are easily cleanable, warm lighting for those dark winter days. They want to be able to dig clams, pull a crab pot, fish, and come back with their bounty on board and have a place to clean, cook, and entertain with ease.
AMY HALFFMAN
Owner & Head Designer
Halffman Designs, LLC
206.412.2366; amy@halffmandesigns.com
How did you get your start in design and how has your career evolved to where it is today?
I graduated from the University of Washington, then went on to receive an additional degree in Interior Design at the Art Institute of Seattle. I have been in the yacht design business for over 25 years. I ran the interior design department at Westport Yachts and left in 2016 to go out on my own. Now, as Halffman Designs, I have worked on several yacht projects including refits and new builds. The most recent delivery was a new-build 76.5M Feadship in 2021. Currently, I am working on another larger new build with Lurssen Yachts.
How are interiors being designed differently than they were, say 5 or even 10 years ago?
I would say AV/IT and LED lighting have come a long way over the years. Everything is smaller, and more efficient and, in turn, saves space and power in the interiors. For example, take outlets with USB charging stations; you can never have too many, as every guest comes with phones, tablets and computers that need to be charged. There are also way more beautiful options for indoor/outdoor fabrics available now then 5-10 years ago.
What would you say are the key differences in designing for life aboard a vessel versus household living back on land? First is boats move, homes do not. Being thoughtful with storage, appropriate material selections, and securing objects in place. For example, in a home you may place a lamp on any side table you wish. On a yacht, that lamp better be fixed in place so it does not fly off an end table. You also need to consider materials that will withstand all types of weather conditions including sun, rain, snow, saltwater and freshwater, both indoors and outdoors.
How do you go about creating stylish interiors that are also packed with savvy storage? Every item should be thoughtfully purchased, placed, and have a purpose. I do my best to use every inch of storage possible: creating sofas and settees that are made with built-in storage for extra provisions when the galley is full; end tables and ottomans with storage and outlets for charging and storing books, remotes and blankets; custom dishware holders; or, hooks inside and outside to hang anything that needs a place to dry or store.
And, what do you find seems to be most important to Northwest boaters when it comes to their interior spaces and how they function? I have found a lot of boaters in the Northwest have a strong desire to include family. Having space onboard to accommodate adults and children is very important. Boating and being on the water is a gift in the Northwest, a gift that grandparents and parents may pass along to younger generations, and in turn keep this industry alive. Teach them how to fish, drop a crab pot then eat fresh crab for dinner. Take in the beautiful landscapes and nature from the water that you can’t see from the shore. Go in search of whales, seals, and bald eagles. It’s the experience and memories made that mean the most. And at the end of the day if you can find a spot inside or outside and curl up on a comfortable sofa or settee with a warm blanket and a delicious beverage in hand, then you have created a beautiful interior inside and out.
