Interior Design Styling
Article by Dianne Katra
- KEEP IT LIGHT
Light and bright in any boat is key if you consider future resale value important. Use soft neutral colours for the items that need to last, such as lounges, seats, covers, curtains and bedspreads. Many boats have quite a lot of timber in the interior so consider using light taupes and greys to tone down the yellows. You can then use bright colours and patterns for your cushions, blankets, throws and other decorations.
The only exception to this is perhaps carpets – these can be darker, which means they will not show the dirt. It really depends on how much light comes into the room from windows, hatches and portholes.
- BE PRACTICAL
Many boat owners utilise the ever-growing range of outdoor furniture fabrics for refurbishing interior seating. These have the dual purpose of being waterproof or water resistant, and are super easy to clean. The pricing of these fabrics ranges substantially, but starting at around $50 per metre they can also be an economical option. Additionally, there are lots of colours and coordinates so you can create a seamless look between the interior and exterior of your boat, including using these outdoor fabrics to make stunning cushions.
- MAKE SURE YOU ADD VALUE
This is not always an issue for boat owners as many just want exactly what they want no matter the cost. However, if you are one of those who like to keep an eye on how much you spend in relation to the saleability of your boat, then this is for you. Foam – You do not always have to replace foam when you are refurbishing lounges and seating.
Very often, some parts of the lounge would have more wear, and as such some sections may need replacing but not others. Backrest foam, for instance, gets much less use than seating foam and can generally be stripped and recovered.
Curtains – Tracks can often be reused. Otherwise, you can consider exterior mesh screens that allow the breeze to come through when the windows are open, but block out up to 95% of the heat and light. Having this on the outside has the added benefit of keeping the heat on the outside, not allowing it to penetrate through the window.
- COVER IT UP
Consider utilising covers to keep your new investment looking fresh and clean. Light-weight covers can be made to protect outdoor upholstery from the sun and rain and will prolong the life of your fabric, no matter what you use. Covers to block the sun from penetrating the interior is also really important – so windscreen covers, window covers, blockout blinds and curtains will all help. The sun, particularly in Australia, is very damaging to timber and materials.
For any further information please contact Dianne Katra on 0421 064 408 or di****@cl***********.au
