A successful interior needs a clear narrative, by that we don’t mean a ‘theme’, but rather a story. Without it, it’s challenging to define a style that the user can relate to and is harmonious to its interior environment.
Interior styling should be an authentic extension of the design vision. A simple thread can complete the storytelling and create ‘the end’ point to the experience, thus making it feel effortless and natural in its environment.
Approaching a styling project starts with defining the narrative that threads the brand to run through the space. It might mean creating quiet moments that compliment an interior or it might be about loud, bold moments, showcasing statement pieces and adding additional focal points.
Ultimately, it’s about finding the right mix of pieces that strengthen the story, enrich the colour palette and add the perfect balance of personality.
How we styled Scarlet Lady
October last year, we were commissioned by Virgin Voyages to style their first ship, Scarlet Lady.
After four years working closely with the Virgin Voyages team, we knew Scarlet Lady inside and out. Adding these final touches to the spaces was an opportunity we relished!
We worked closely with their internal teams to define the budget, the strategy, the logistics and the narrative. And we introduced carefully curated styling to the public spaces to compliment the plethora of differing spaces on the ship. Part of our strategy was to source a combination of found objects that would work alongside, one-off pieces and bespoke handcrafted objects.
Styling objects also populate the 78 suites on board with a mix of quirky sea-faring pieces at the suite’s bar as well as design classics and fashion, music and travel orientated books.
Our approach was to mix both modern and eclectic pieces that complemented the interiors. There were areas that had a very strong nautical narrative, so it was a case of balancing nautical with modern and classic pieces. The spaces we styled were all different and that made it exciting because we could hit playful and nostalgic tones in some instances and quirky and cool in others.
March 2020
Recommended Listening: I Like Your Style by Tony Wilson
