147 materials,” she says. “Our goal is to create inviting, timelessly beautiful interiors that are also functional and practical.” Other practical considerations include modularity and weight. Given the operational realities of ships, space-saving and lightweight products are always going to be favoured. “Space is at a premium on ships, and every kilogram matters for fuel efficiency and stability,” says Gullikstad. Daniela Herget, founder and principal consultant at Cruise Quality Consult, agrees. “My preference is for lightweight composites, aluminium honeycomb panels, or thin but durable innovative materials,” she says. “Prefabricated or modular solutions save drydock time. Meanwhile, products that allow for easy access to hidden systems or are easily replaceable help minimise downtime.” While safety and practicality are key, environmental responsibility is increasingly becoming a make-orbreak criteria. “I actively seek out products with recycled or sustainable components, especially when I have control over material selection,” says Willie Traeger, a design manager at Holland America Line. “Prioritising the health of people and the environment just makes sense. While there’s still progress to be made, it’s exciting to see the strides in sustainable innovation. Finding inventive products that align with these values brings extra satisfaction to the design process.” My Nguyen, Holland America and Seabourn’s director of interior design, agrees: “Companies that have sustainability in their core values go to the top of our list when selecting a product,” she says. “For example, “ The tactility of a fabric, the depth of colouration, or the richness of a woven texture can all influence the atmosphere of a space” Liz Richardson SMC Design Design Studio Berg has customised vinyl leather stools made partly from recycled coffee beans
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