Ocean Liners: Inspiring Interiors

I’ve been wrapping up my design for the Owner’s Suite of Oceania’s newest ship, the Riviera, which is weeks away from its Christening and maiden voyage from Monte Carlo.  For inspiration, I looked to the gorgeous interiors of some iconic ocean liners of the last century.  These ships were the luxury brands of their time, setting the bar for chic travel and a lifestyle known only to a privileged few.

The S.S. Normandie was a landmark in deco style:

The Normandie‘s gracious interiors also served as inspiration for my design of the Riviera’s sister ship, the Marina - notably in the graphic symmetry and ornamental motifs.

 S.S. Normandie as it looked in 1935

The original Queen Mary, one of the great Cunard Ocean Liners, remains an art deco masterpiece; its recent restoration highlighted the beauty of her original design.  You can see the crisp lines of Queen Mary’s interiors reflected in the furnishings on my Oceania deck.

Queen Mary’s smoking lounge

Vanity from one of Queen Mary’s first class staterooms

This month marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s only voyage.  While her decor was not a direct influence on my design, it stands as a stellar example of Edwardian-era opulence.  I found these photos from the original, but won’t be passing up the chance to see Peter Lamont’s Oscar-winning re-creation in 3-D.

The famous first class grand staircase

Titanic’s smoke room – note the ornate hand-carved millwork 

The Verandah Cafe

Next month I’ll debut my Riviera Owner’s Suite design, so be sure to check back soon!

Images: 1-2 via Decodence; 3-4 via Photoship; 5-7 vis SSMaritime.com;  8-9 Maritime Quest; 10-11 via Abratis

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