5 TIPS: Quick Tricks For Summer Charter Updates
February 26, 2026
Design Tips
- Tags: Interior Design, Refit, Yacht Charter
The spring and summer charter seasons are just around the corner, but there is still time for a thoughtful yacht refresh that feels as light and inviting as the months ahead. Lauren and Cindy share their top five tips & tricks for quick interior and exterior design updates that capture the essence of the season.
TIP #1:
Let Light and Color Define the Mood
“Spring and summer begin with light,” says Cindy. “Whether you’re refreshing interiors or outdoor lounges, prioritize color and materials that uplift and energize.”
One of the best examples of this philosophy in action is aboard True North, a classic Feadship. Built in 1987 by Feadship Van Lent, the 143' Dutch build is the epitome of classic yachting style. Bonville Associates oversaw the vessel’s most recent refit, where interior spaces evoke the spirit of New England yachting. The bright, nautical palette feels both timeless and welcoming — reminiscent of lazy afternoons in harbor towns where crisp whites, hints of navy, and natural woods celebrate the coastal setting.
Using lighter fabrics, breezy linens, and accents that reflect seaside hues can instantly shift a space from winter cocoon to summer sanctuary. Coordinating interior tones with exterior decks lets guests feel a seamless flow between spaces, day and night.
TIP #2:
Blend Interior Comfort with Exterior Vibrancy
Exterior dining and lounge areas should feel as considered as the main salon. Layered textiles and an emphasis on comfort invite guests to linger — whether it’s morning coffee on the aft deck or sunset cocktails under the stars. Summer charters thrive on these shared moments.
Take the 180' Feadship Cynthia, for instance. On her deck areas we incorporated a palette and textures that feel relaxed yet refined, creating areas that elevate social gatherings while still reading as laid-back and approachable. These spaces aren’t just functional; they become destinations in their own right.
TIP #3:
Use Florals and Seasonal Elements to Animate Dining Spaces
Nothing says spring like flowers. On each of our yacht projects, we lean into seasonal blooms as a design element in the dining spaces. Fresh arrangements shaped with intention — whether placed alongside textiles and tableware or used to echo color schemes — help connect the indoors with the world outside.
Flowers bring not just color, but a sense of fleeting magic that changes with each voyage. They remind guests that time aboard is both special and passing, making every meal feel like part of the charter story.
"Designing for the season is not about applying a single look but thinking about how spaces invite behavior, blend with the environment, and create layers of experience."
LAUREN BONVILLE
TIP #4:
Ground Interiors in a Relaxed Beach House Narrative
Organic materials and textures bring warmth and a lived-in ease that feels right for summer. We often look to beach house design cues — driftwood finishes, bleached woods, woven accents, and natural fibers — to anchor this vibe.
A great point of inspiration is Driftwood, the 180' Amels with interiors styled to reflect a relaxed, beach-house-on-the-water theme. Here we incorporated light furnishings, organic textures, accessories and artwork that accentuate the interior's neutral sand tones and bleached teak to create a serene, welcoming environment that feels connected to the sea and sun.
TIP #5:
Design with Purpose for Family and Long Days Afloat
“Summer invites relaxed lounging and cruising,” Lauren says. “Whether it is planning seating areas for extended conversation or arranging textiles that both wear well and elevate a moment, every design choice should support how people use the space during this season.”
That approach was central to the recent refit of the 146' Trinity Summerdance. Purposefully redesigned to accommodate family summer getaways, the yacht balances durable, comfortable materials with an inviting palette that encourages gathering. Interior living spaces flow into exterior decks with furnishings that feel equally at home under sun or stars. The result is a yacht that feels cohesive from salon to sundeck, anticipating how guests truly live aboard.
With a few simple updates like fresh soft goods, thoughtful color, and intentional materials, spring and summer charters can feel unforgettable. Contact Lauren and Cindy today for a consultation!
