S T YLE BIBLE

CHERYL SMITH DIGENNARO FOUNDER/DESIGNER NEWPORT YACHT INTERIORS

Cheryl attended Massachusetts College of Art in Boston and holds a BFA in Design, which allowed her to turn her creativity into a successful career. Her Yacht Interior Design career began in 2004, after a number of residential clients requested that she update their yacht interiors and she instantly fell in love with designing yacht interiors.

What sectors does your company work in?

Luxury Yacht Interior Design.

Please tell us about your company, how it was founded, its aims and ethos?

Newport Yacht Interiors was founded when I realised it was time to follow my dreams. In 2013, my dream of creating a business combining my expertise in interior design with my passion for coastal living and luxury yachts was born. I left my career of 8 years with a local yacht interior design and fabrication company to create Newport Yacht Interiors and became an entrepreneur with a drive to carve my path to success. Newport Yacht Interiors is the only full service yacht interior design firm in the region. We design for Superyachts and luxury brands from 40’+, such as Hinckley Yachts and Sirena Yachts. NYI’s ethos foundation lies in balancing luxurious living spaces onboard with the energy, spirit and beauty of the ocean. A synergistic marriage of specifically designed elements to enhance the feeling of bliss for life at sea.

How do you feel your products are different from others in the market?

NYI stands out as a premier Yacht interior design firm, as we are Yacht interior specialists. Our focus and expertise lie in our commitment and skill set of creating bespoke and exceptionally well-crafted marine appointments with a flair for the unexpected detail. Our in-house Designer Fabric and Furnishings Showroom is exclusive to the high-end yachting clientele.

How has 2022 been for you and how are you looking to move forward in 2023?

The past few years have been exceptionally successful and Newport Yacht Interiors has expanded to include additional lines of OEM clients. We are engaged in restructuring to offer a few off the shelf, readymade soft good items, as we have many requests for this.

Please tell us a little about your current collections/new ranges?

Our in house Designer Fabric Showroom houses thousands of fabric options, from high end outdoor collections (Perennials, Jab, Link, Schumacher) to the most elegant embroidered linens and silks. We offer custom designed Italian hide and leather goods, from cushions to carpets and any product in between. Outdoor luxury furniture, commissioned art collections, and silk and linen bed sheets have become popular products to our realm of offerings.

What is your vision for the future director of the business?

My vision is to expand our visibility, as of now, we are by appointment only for yacht owners and the OEM sector.

Sustainable materials and fabrics are finally becoming more abundant, and NYI will be a forerunner in folding these options into our showroom and new builds and refits.

How has this year changed us as consumers/designers/ business leaders?

Fortunately, the rising inflation and lack of chain supply products has not impacted my business, our HNW clientele have been purchasing record number of yachts, new build as well as refits.

Tell us about your work/life balance and how you achieve this. Work hard, play hard. My new husband and I love to travel to oceanside countries all around the world, exploring different cultures and finding design inspiration wherever we travel. We are very fortunate to be able to balance our travels with work commitments. As the owner of Newport Yacht Interiors, I am fortunate that I have a flexible schedule and can create my work/ life balance as I like. For the past 2 years, I have taken five week vacations in the summer months so I can enjoy all Newport and our beaches have to offer. Of course, this does take much planning in advance and entails many late nights and weekends in the studio before taking this break. I am so refreshed and reenergized when I return for the very busy late summer/ early fall schedule that demands my full attention.

What direction do you feel design is moving in?

No question, we have been and continue to move in a more environmentally friendly direction. Sustainability is a hot topic for a number of years in the superyacht industry.

Your favourite restaurant

By far, Chateau Eza - Cote d’Azur

Favourite city/holiday destination

The Mediterranean regions; coastal France and Italy

Your favourite hotel

The Balinese Beach House, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Australia

Your thoughts on life?

Life is short, focus on kindness and compassion while creating a life that you can be proud of. Love those close to you with all your heart, it does not get any better than that.

Final thoughts or inspiration: is there anything you would like to add?

My favourite quote; “On a day when the wind is perfect, the sail just needs to open and the world is full of Beauty.” Rumi