During this mornings interview we will discuss a Hatteras 61-Custom Modified yacht – extended in 1993 to 81′ by a previous owner and later – purchased by the new owner in 2020. The remodel was accomplished during the height of Covid. There are 4 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms! Let’s listen to the insider story with Sondra!
SIGNIFICANT DESIGN FEATURES
Aft Salon: 18’ Long Custom Built-In Channel Tufted Banquette in Prussian Blue Velvet, Vintage Mid Century Burlwood Butterfly Table, Tiger Feroz Rug, 3-D Printed Lamp by Gantri
Main Salon: Vintage Nicos Zographos Italian Green Marble Dining Table with Gold Foil Maritime Chandelier Above, Capiz Shell wall Cladding, Bonnie & Clyde Sofa by Blu Dot w/ various custom pillows, Hand Knotted Moroccan Rug, Arteriors Hexagonal Marble Coffee Table. Ombre chrome-gold powder-coated vintage barstools.
Primary Stateroom: Intricately custom upholstered vinyl headboard. Sculptural bronze “Surface” wall sconces by Studio Henry Wilson. Built in black leather storage sofa with custom baseball stitching, leather belting, and bronze button hook detailing.
We layered in lavish but durable textiles from high end industry brands such Brentano, Nomi, Perennials, Romo, Weitzner, Omexico, Sferra and more.
Key vendors: Daltile, Weitzner, Kane Carpet, The Romo Group, Brentano, Koroseal, SilverState Fabrics, DesignTex, Perennials
A UNIQUE DESIGN NARRATIVE
As the owners are adventurous entrepreneurs, they asked us to create a design which reflected their authentic selves while allowing them to work onboard and host colorful parties for a wide variety of guests and personalities. We thought, how can we approach this yacht interior like we would a boutique hotel?
Tired of “boring” yacht interiors, the owners swayed more maximalist, seeking to incorporate bold colors, nods to European design sensibility and Art Deco patterns. We aimed to disrupt typical yachting design trends which often sway sleek and minimalist, or traditional and neutral.
We considered durability in all areas for aggressive entertainment purposes by incorporating fade and stain resistant materials from bespoke upholstery brands, interesting stitching details, strategic textures, and resilient color palettes like the greek key carpet. Implementing elements of hospitality throughout the design, Studio Ganz designed custom Oasis-branded drink coasters, signage, hand towels, and even custom tonic water and gin cocktail concoctions for guests.
POINTS OF INSPIRATION
The Austrian owner/ Captain’s European background is referenced in many of the design choices of Oasis. The greek key pattern of the carpet reminded him of a hotel lobby in Vienna. The high gloss marble flooring was a special request, since the old-world yachts he grew up on in the Mediterranean often had natural stone flooring in lieu of a more typical teak.
We utilized a high level of color saturation and jewel tones in order to balance California cool with references to international opulence. In the primary, they wanted something unexpected and sexy. By combining tone-on-tone shades of fuschia, black leather, bronze, and a glimmering “enigma aquatic” wallpaper, the mood is seductive, tactile, and glamorous.
CHALLENGES TO OVERCOME
A majority of the renovation had to be completed within only two months, and during the height of COVID. Sourcing readily-available materials and furnishings was challenging, however even more so was the logistics of bringing them onboard. A mahogany-laden interior with new custom upholstery and tile work throughout required special relationships and careful coordination with local artisans to pull the aggressive timeline off in time for a holiday departure with VIP guests. Many of the subcontractors we approached were afraid to touch a yacht. A majority of the renovation took place while the yacht was docked in San Rafael, California.
ABOUT STUDIO GANZ
Studio Ganz is a San Francisco based interior design studio, led by Principal Designer, Sondra Ganz.
A notable Gensler and EDG alumnae, Sondra has led high profile projects around the world- including landmark projects for Virgin and Four Seasons Hotels, el Palacio de Hierro (Mexico City), and the Golden State Warriors. She now specializes in bringing her hospitality-focused approach to boutique interior projects, ranging from residences to yachts, bespoke retail, fitness and hotel interiors. Her team loves to mix and match various styles, challenging new perspectives on casual luxury and American glamour that incorporates a concept-driven approach to design.
