The Harmony of the Whole In this project Giuseppina Arena has developed the interiors of the Sunreef 80 catamaran with an emphasis on luxury, and every detail embodies her creative, elegant and refined style by Samuela Urbini
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This photo, the saloon of the Sunreef 80, whose style is based on one material, leather, in all its various forms, as well as the diagonal lines in the ceilings, floors, wooden table and carpets. Opposite page, the designer Giuseppina Arena
Y
acht interiors designed by Giuseppina Arena feature a range
client wanted something intensely customised, using luxury brands.
of styles, personalised on the basis of what can sometimes be
I selected Fendi Home as the right brand to integrate all the fixed fur-
the rather extravagant specifications of clients whose tastes
nishings with the furniture elements and make them unique. In this
are interpreted with an extraordinary creative ability by the
case I already had an idea of the freestanding elements and I wanted
Sicilian-born architect. They share two common elements – harmony
these elements and the fixed pieces to share a language in terms of both
and a sense of well-being that embraces guests when they step aboard,
materials and shapes, integrating all the furnishings to create a single
the result of a careful study of every detail that only an expert in mate-
language. In my projects I always try to achieve a cohesion and fluidity
rials, finishes and furnishings like Arena can pull off successfully. She
between the various parts”. Her inspiration was based on two elements
is backed by solid design experience in the cruise sector with Princess
– leather, specified by the client and present in a variety of forms like
Cruises at the Giacomo Mortola studio and at large yacht-building yards
nubuck, leather panels and leather rope, and the 45-degree lines in the
like Intermarine-Rodriquez, Cantieri Admiral and Ferretti, work which
ceilings, floors and some furniture elements, which provided the original
has led her to move to Miami to supervise customisation of yachts for
inspiration. While most catamarans rely on basic styling and level of
American clients. “My training means that my creative approach also
comfort, the Sunreef 80 unlocks a new potential for living at sea. The
involves a close focus on production and delivering within budget”, says
yacht’s interiors are refined and luxurious. The yacht offers generous
Giuseppina Arena, who launched her Miami studio in 2016. As well as
space tailored for comfortable living over extended navigation periods
designing yacht interiors, she also handles luxury residential projects,
as well as an elegant environment to host business meetings. “I’ve cre-
retail stores and resorts. The yacht’s interiors are intensely personalised
ated an important union of interiors and exteriors in terms of style and
design jewels where no detail is left to chance, which helps generate
colours, and although I’ve used right angles the corners are never sharp,
the harmony embodied by the project as a whole. “Details make all the
giving clients a feeling of relaxation. They may not know why they’re
difference. It may sound banal but it isn’t. Living in the US has made me
experiencing this sensation, but I’ve made a great effort to create this
realise the importance of the details that we Italians pay more attention
harmony. In future I’d like to extend my creativity to larger craft that
to. This skill is recognised throughout the world”. It’s clear to see in the
would give me more room to express myself”.
Sunreef 80-foot project, envisioning a catamaran as a luxury object. “The
https://giuseppinaarena.com
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