I am contacted when a luxury yacht needs to be dressed for a promotion like a sales photoshoot or boat show. It’s my job to dress up the boat so it presents beautifully with products that make onboard feel warm, welcoming and enticing to potential clients.

I’ve always had a keen eye and ability to make a space a luxurious place you want to be in. With 15 plus years as a chief stewardess on superyachts I know how to bring a luxury yachts interior to life by adding the finishing touches without overwhelming the yachts design features.

It’s a job I really love so let me share some insights into what’s involved when dressing a luxury yacht.

The initial contact

I’m usually asked to style a luxury yacht for a promotion when there is no interior crew. It’s not necessary for me to physically go on the yacht before quoting and preparing for a photoshoot. I can get an impression of the job with a general understanding of the yachts size, layout, condition and some photos or a film walk through. With this information I offer 3 packages from a basic to full service option depending on the products to be provided and the level of luxury they wish to portray. This means a client has options.

What products are needed for dressing a yacht

The basic products to dress a yacht are:

  • Bedding & bedlinen
  • towelling
  • home accessories
  • fresh flowers, fruit and cookies
  • table service items, and
  • decorative items

Different yachts have none, some or everything except the fresh products and vases onboard. The items provided by the stylist, the quality of the decorative objects, the better the setup like dressing a table for a lunch, more flower arrangements etc the more expensive the package.

The cheapest and quickest way to bring a used yacht up-to-date is with current home accessories and decoration. Careful styling can hide minor flaws and gives the impression of a well maintained and loved yacht. I’d advise you to invest in bedlinen so the beds can remain made up if you are having client visits after the shoot or show. I can organise new, if needed, at very reasonable prices or hire depending on your wishes.

The better the setup the better the result

The aim is not to clutter the interior, after all clients are buying the design as much as the experience. So knowing the right products and where to place them so the design looks its best is key. Like adding decorative items to add interest to empty corners and inject some personality, flowers and fruit add a feeling of life and colour, cushions and throws add cosiness and finesse, dressing a table sets a scene so clients can envisage the experience of dining onboard, folded towels and perfectly made up beds are inviting like a top hotel and being waited on.

Finding products and unique decorative pieces

I have a collection of decorative pieces which is ever expanding and being renewed for styling jobs. When I’m out and about I am always keeping my eye out, picking up bits and pieces. I also have a great network of suppliers and addresses to fall back on because I outfit yacht interiors. So if you need new items to stay onboard after the shoot I can get them quickly and I have a great eye for colour and design.

What needs doing before a stylist arrives

Clean, clean, clean… declutter and tidy up!! There should be nothing on surfaces, no personal items on show and I can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure it’s spotless. If you don’t do it yourself then hire someone in. I’ll detail with steam cleaners and the works for an hourly fee (but not on setup day).  Print out my yacht interior cleaning checklist and my cleaning tips are useful.

The setup day and taking away

I gather everything needed to bring to the yacht over the days coming up to the photoshoot.  With fresh flowers and products it’s wise to come no earlier than the day before the shoot. On arrival I may need to take off dust overs and put out cushions, however it must be clean. I’ll work my way around the interior placing items carefully where I think they’ll give the best impression. I may need to make up flower arrangements into vases. Then the beds and towelling. This takes time to get perfect as they are ironed to have minimal crinkles – it’s my talent. Towels are also ironed folded and hung. Then onto setting up a scene with a table setting or a coffee and tea with fruit and cookies, wine buckets and glasses  – let me bring the yacht to life so clients can imagine themselves living the dream.

A photo shoot may only need items onboard for a few days but a show may need a week.

Once everything is over I’ll come back and take everything away and replace the covers etc. Beds will be left made-up and towelling out if that’s wanted. Then I’m off and look forward to seeing the photos.

Do you need more than styling? A photographer, a drone operator, a 3d scan or a cleaner?

I know photographers, film makers with drone licences, 3d scans, and detail interior cleaners. Please let me know if you need these services and I’ll put together a quote.

More information

Please contact me if you need advice or would like to discuss your project needs. I love to build good relationships with brokers, yards, owners, and industry professionals.

Check out my other helpful resources, tips and tricks to get the most out of dressing your yacht.