A general rule of interior design is that a neutral palette is the safest bet. This is especially true if a yacht owner intends to advertise for charter. Tans and beiges are considered the least offensive to the most people, which is why variations of them appear on so many yachts. Add pops of color, sure—go crazy with reds or purples in the easily replaceable pillows—but keep the base basic.
The owner of the Numarine 37XP Oculus had much different ideas. “The owner requested something contemporary and quite masculine, with bold colors and contrasts,” says Enrico Lumini, co-founder and design director of Hot Lab. “That’s why we immediately opted for the most classic contrast—black and white—playing with smoked mirrors, wood paneling and significant glossy surfaces to create reflections and shadow effects.”
As an example, the bar in the upper salon has three backlit onyx panels that are cream, gold and black. The stools are stitched leather, and the bar includes metallic mesh. All of it feels like what might be inside a modern men’s club.
Note the dark-stained sole in the photo at left of the main deck. The wool carpeting swirls with an organic pattern of grays. Squid-ink black is in the marble, and cushions in the main seating area are about as far as possible from pinks or greens on the color spectrum.
“Our collaboration with Hot Lab has always been about pushing boundaries and creating interiors that redefine luxury and functionality,” says Ömer Malaz, chairman of Numarine. “With each project, from the 32XP to the new 45XP flagship, we’ve raised the bar for what is possible in yacht design.”
Practice Makes Perfect
Hot Lab handled interiors on other Numarine builds before taking on Oculus. The experience gave designers the advantage of knowing how every inch of the model could be maximized with various materials and finishes.
