This year, many of us are preparing for a different kind of 4th of July celebration! Usually this holiday marks peak summer beach season and is a favorite time to gather with friends. However, with beaches closing in California for the holiday weekend, and many people looking for fun, creative ways to enjoy the day while maintaining a healthy distance from others. If you have access to any kind of private outdoor space this weekend, you’re probably planning to enjoy a safe sunny Saturday at home. But we can’t help thinking, what better time than this to set off at sea for a long weekend?!

Obviously owning a yacht is a luxury few can afford, but we’re taking a minute to dream! We have a few designer friends giving us a glimpse into the world of designing these exclusive vessels! Hopefully you enjoy the nautical design inspo, and take away some tips to incorporate in your own outdoor design projects. After this Q&A with Bonesteel Trout Hall and Merritt Woodwork, I think we can all use a little yacht inspo in our lives!

Q: What are some of the most interesting features you’ve designed on yachts?

“Some of the most interesting features that we’ve designed on yachts are the hidden storage spaces. Every bed has a latch that allows for the bed to hinge and lift up to provide storage for luggage.”

“Another one of the most luxurious things we designed for the yacht was a white leather wrapped staircase. The crew told us that it is no problem to install white leather wrapped stair treads because they wash them constantly!”

Heidi Bonesteel, Michele Trout

BONESTEEL TROUT HALL

Q: What features do your clients ask for when designing a custom yacht?

“They want all the same comforts they have at home — gyms, theaters, wine rooms. Beach clubs are also hot. This is harder to do in land based homes, and much easier when the water is next to you.”

Michael Merritt

MERRITT WOODWORK

Q: What are some of the unique challenges of designing a yacht?

“One of the biggest challenges when working on a yacht project is that every piece of furniture and light fixture being considered for the project has to be able to be ‘sea-fastened’ so that when the yacht is underway nothing flies across the room!”

Heidi Bonesteel, Michele Trout

BONESTEEL TROUT HALL

Q: Can you share any details of the closets or other luxurious spaces you’ve built for your clients aboard their boats?

“It is often the case that the yacht is more opulent than the home. The closets are often remarkably as large as in the home! But often more opulent.”

Michael Merritt

MERRITT WOODWORK

Q: What are some of your favorite sources for outdoor furniture and accessories?

“We love Summit Furniture, Dedon, and all of the European brands like Paolo Lenti and Kattal.”

Heidi Bonesteel, Michele Trout

BONESTEEL TROUT HALL

Q: What should we look for when designing our outdoor spaces, whether it be a yacht, patio, or beach house? What materials wear well?

“Whether designing a yacht, an exterior space in the city, or a beach house we always use a mixture of different furniture lines. Like we would design the interior of a project, we like the eclectic feeling of mixing things up!”

“Teak wood is the most durable for outdoor use. And, a lot of the higher end companies like Dedon have perfected the use of recycled plastic woven materials. The selection of outdoor materials is endless and so pretty.”

Heidi Bonesteel, Michele Trout

BONESTEEL TROUT HALL