INTERIOR DESIGN

Luca Dini Design & Architecture Silvia Margutti

In a speculative build, you are designing for someone you haven't met yet. How do you do that?

It’s a challenge! A design commission is a blend of personal taste, new ideas, and a feel for trends, but mainly it’s about creating an appealing atmosphere - the promise of a liveable and special interior. We need to aim at a wide target and still, somehow, hit the ‘one’ who is ready to choose this yacht and give her a special character of his own..

What first impression are you trying to create with Apollo's interior?

Apollo is solid, sculptural, wisely masculine, and elegant. When we started work it was more a scent than an image: salt water and vanilla, tobacco, with a sudden crisp hint of mandarin. If touched it would be a brushed peach, velvety but fresh. In a way these ideas reflect the name – the god Apollo was beautiful, powerful and full of light. The mix of textures, the light and warm tones of the materials, and some unique details definitely underscore these impressions.

How much of interior design is about creating a mood for a space to complement the activity that happens there?

In my way of handling the creative process, this is the great part of it. In this case, being part of the restyling of this iconic Heesen line, I was aware of the aims of the shipyard and started to imagine who the ideal owner might be for this new-born vessel. We conjure up pictures of how life could be on board - a selection of moments with different lighting and weather, family or friends, informal and formal occasions - and this creates the spark that leads us to the main idea.

Tones and textures in an interior must both complement and contrast with each other. Can you give some examples of this in Apollo?

On Apollo we selected warm tones. Both the dark and light elements have this common feel. You will find both glossy and porous surfaces of the same material, along with brushed bronze, soft carpet and comfortable parquet. All the views will be framed by a beautiful smoked oak that will make each one of them like a living piece of art. Accents are necessary, but harmony is as well.

Interior design Main saloon

“Wallpapers belong to an amazing world, full of different designs and tastes,” says interior designer Silvia Margutti. “Customisable items strongly define the atmosphere. Glass and mirrors can be found throughout Apollo’s interior - we never get tired of them.”

Apollo’s interior is rich with expensive surfaces and materials - marbles, zebrano hardwood, bronze. “But what gives these things their real value is not their price, but their individuality, and the way they lend themselves to unique applications.”

Main saloon

Dining