When stepping aboard a superyacht, awe and intrigue often envelop guests and owners in a world where artistic mastery intertwines seamlessly with functional, luxurious living. Behind the scenes of these floating wonders, a select group of exceptionally skilled artisans weaves their magic, evoking and echoing artistry often found within the walls of historical homes, city-scape penthouses, and palatial real estate. From meticulously crafted gilded detailing conceived from centuries-old archeology to hand-painted glass staircases that appear to float in mid-air and decorative displays of bespoke Murano glasswares hand-blown in Venice, every element is a testament to the unyielding pursuit of perfection, poised to conceptualise a designer or owners wishes.Discover the coveted talents onboard as SuperYacht Times Digital Editor Emma Becque spotlights these exceptional artisanal craftsmen breaking the boundaries for what is possible in yachting interior design. DKT Artworks

DKT Artworks pushes the creative boundaries in bespoke artworks for some of the world’s most iconic superyachts. Founded in 1979, the London-based company is comprised of a talented team of multi-skilled artists hailing from all corners of the globe. With a rich history, this year marks their 25th anniversary of working within the superyacht industry with their inaugural project being the 1998 Feadship Solemates (now Ostar), in collaboration with the esteemed Winch Design. Since then, DKT Artworks is rapidly approaching the impressive milestone of 100 yacht projects, many of which have garnered prestigious awards. Among their creations, several have ascended to iconic status, including the Art Deco jazz room onboard the 90-metre Lürssen superyacht Phoenix 2 featuring their six-panelled gold bas-relief. Other esteemed projects include the ethereal mural adorning the 74-metre CRN’s Cloud 9 (now Andrea) with its dreamlike clouds, and their recent contributions to the 115-metre Lürssen superyacht Ahpo in partnership with Nuvolari Lenard. Unlike conventional suppliers, their collaboration with interior designers transcends mere provision, as they are authentic partners from the outset of the project, ensuring precision and meticulous attention to detail. With extensive experience in the yachting industry DKT Artworks possess the expertise and specialisation in bespoke artworks and decorative elements, encompassing a wide range of skills such as glassworks, carving, murals, gilding, bas-relief sculpture, Trompe l'Oeil, furniture finishings, Verre Églomisé and much more. DKT Artworks unrivaled craftsmanship extends beyond the realm of yachts, as they also lend their artistic prowess to high-end residential projects, as well as luxury retail such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany’s and Mulberry to name a few. With their innovative approach, DKT Artworks continuously creates and refines samples, building an impressive archive of artistic possibilities for future endeavors. Whether working in traditional, abstract, Art Deco, or modern styles, there are no creative boundaries they cannot transcend.“For DKT a superyacht is the perfect playground to push creative boundaries, it is the right environment for our company to excel. We are assured that we are working with the best therefor we never cut corners. With extensive experience we understand materials and environmental conditions at sea and varying climates,” says Guglielmo Carrozzo - Head of Marketing at DKT Artworks.

Micheluzzi Glass was founded by Italian sister act Elena and Margherita Micheluzzi, who paved the way for contemporary Murano glass through innovative techniques and an inherited right of passage in the world of Murano glassware. Each captivating piece from Micheluzzi Glass is a testament to the unrivaled craftsmanship nurtured in Murano, the illustrious birthplace of glass artistry in Venice. Employing ancient techniques preserved by the revered Maestri Vetrai (glass masters), the glass undergoes a transformative journey. Guided by the skilled touch of the Maestro, the molten glass takes shape through the art of mouth-blowing within the furnace. By merging the ancient traditions of Murano with their distinctive modern vision, the Micheluzzi sisters breathe new life into their creations. Their objective being to pay homage to their family's glass-making heritage, having grown up with one of the most prestigious artisans in Murano glass, their father, Massimo Micheluzzi.Elena and Margherita's profound connection to glass shapes their approach to the material, inspiring them to create not just glasswares but a comprehensive range of usable objects. For instance, their vases can serve as enchanting lanterns, casting a magical glow, or as a vase for floral displays. The sisters' creations seamlessly blend sculpture and functionality, serving as magnetic interior design elements having graced the confinements of several superyachts, their work illuminates onboard spaces with unparalleled artistry and contemporary allure.

Luxury Carpet It

Sterling Studios

The dynamic duo of François Lavenir and Fiona Sutcliffe embarked on a journey when establishing the renowned Sterling Studios in 2003. Their collective experience in antique restoration, design, and painting provided the perfect foundation for their artistic endeavors. Nestled in a bustling corner of West London, their studio serves as a haven where technical curiosity, deep-rooted familiarity, and a profound love for classical design converge.As specialists in applied arts, Sterling Studios offers an extensive collection of bespoke finishes that captivate the imaginations of discerning designers. Their work extends to high-end residential spaces, commercial projects, and yacht interiors. Their roster of clients includes Claridge's, Waldorf Astoria, The Ritz, 5 Hertford Street, Oswald's Club, Loulou's, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Tiffany's, Graff Diamonds, Harrods as well as several discreet superyacht projects.When working on superyachts, Sterling Studios often work closely with designers to create glass and gesso, with these materials meeting the stringent fire requirements for such projects. The team at Sterling Studios takes immense pride in their bespoke approach, tailoring each project to perfection, whether in terms of aesthetics or engineering and safety prerequisites.Their commitment to progress, investments in cutting-edge technology, and large teams ensure the realisation of ambitious designs. Highlights of their artisanal work include the intricate practice of Verre églomisé of, which provides for gilding, painting, carving, glue-chipping, hand-chipping, sandblasting onto the glass as well as bespoke techniques of embossing, stamping, and painting upon leather for decorative displays and upholstery. Other artisanal practices by Sterling encompass Gesso, paint finishes, handpainted wallpaper such as Trompe-l'œil, lacquer, resin, cast glass, and more.Amy Somerville

Founded in 2006, Amy Somerville's journey into furniture design was ignited during the renovation of her London flat in 2003. Her creative arts background had already instilled in her a deep appreciation for finely crafted objects. Inspired by this realisation, she partnered with a local cabinetmaker to launch her own brand. Amy's design style responds to the growing demand for bespoke "new antiques" — pieces intended to become heirlooms. Her signature aesthetic elegantly redefines classic designs by combining clean lines, intricate inlaid woods, and influences from the Art Deco era, with gold and metal finishes adding a contemporary allure. Upholstered in sumptuous, vivacious velvets ornamented with exquisite stud details and supported by sleek metal bases showcased in her iconic desk and chair models championed within the yachting industry. With the everpresent needs and wants for yacht owner’s and guests to engage in business endeavours onboard, the Amy Somerville durable Marlow desks and Felidae, Mebsuta and Casino chairs provide upmost comfort and durable through the elements when travelling at sea across different climates.On describing her creative process Founder Amy Somerville explains, “Our creative design studio is in Marylebone; it’s full of light and clever, inspired people. We have a workshop that’s filled with the same. We draw and draw and draw, then we prototype many times until we produce pieces that combine functionality with elegance – modern classics that will survive changing trends. We approach design through commission, through “eureka” moments, and through redefining and reinventing classic ideas.” Holmes Bespoke

Founder Laylah Holmes set out to create bespoke handcrafted rugs, carpets and tapestries with a focus on liveable luxury. With a worldwide clientele Holmes Bespoke pieces have adorned opulent residences, hotels, and superyachts around the globe. Laylah founded the company with a steadfast commitment to carve out original designs for her clients having worked with renowned superyacht interior designers such as Winch and H2 Yacht Design. Holmes Bespoke has long been hailed as a well-kept secret among discerning designers.Holmes Bespoke offers a tailored service that encompasses the entire journey, from concept development to white-glove installation. Collaborating with renowned firms, Holmes Bespoke is currently engaged in a multitude of exciting projects. Notably, they have recently completed the installation of their exquisitely designed carpets on a newly built 52-metre secret superyacht project. These luxurious custom creations grace various areas of the vessel, including the main deck saloon, sky lounge, owner and guest suites. Meticulously crafted to ensure a seamless flow, the carpets feature a harmonious blend of natural tones, oceanic blue hues, and vivacious silks,, with added textural interest through loop pile and carving. Similarly, another 75-metre superyacht project will also feature Holmes Bespoke next year, promising the inclusion of Holmes Bespoke carpets throughout, including pieces from the iconic Elements collection, such as the signature Storm design.Holmes Bespoke will be in attendance at the Monaco Yacht Show 2023, travelling from their headquarters in West London. Founder Laylah Holmes leads her team in building authentic, enduring relationships with clients. Their commitment extends beyond the mere completion of projects, fostering a creative and enjoyable design experience while consistently delivering exceptional quality. Clémentine Brandibas of Arterlier

Clémentine Brandibas is a French textile artist based in Bordeaux. She reimagines the art of needlepoint embroidery, transforming it into a captivating and lyrical medium.Through her mastery of delicate techniques, she seamlessly navigates from the painterly realm of dyeing fabrics to the intricate world of creative needlework.Drawing inspiration from the wonders of the natural world, Brandibas embarks on a journey of replicating glacial pools, tidal estuaries, coral reefs, and submerged atolls. Each meticulously crafted piece reveals a textured surface that unveils oceanic parallel worlds. Having earned a DMA in textiles, specialising in embroidery, from the prestigious Duperré School of Applied Arts in 2011, Brandibas has rapidly gained international recognition for her exceptional talent. She has been honored with esteemed national awards, including the Young Creation Métiers d'Art (2018) and the Concours des Ateliers d'Art de France (2018). Brandibas's captivating creations have graced numerous exhibitions across France, showcasing at renowned venues such as the Grand Palais, Sotheby's Paris, and the Louvre. Her artistic influence extends to the yachting industry where she is represented by the renowned Arterlier. Brandibas works extensively with yacht designers, creating bespoke artworks inline with the interior vision and owner’s preferences. Her most acclaimed work to date, is showcased onboard the Lunar-themed 60.4-metre Heesen yacht Lusine with many more projects on the horizon.This article is featured in the 46h edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. Subscribe now to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.