157 if you are a Boomer or from Gen Z. Making a timeless design is more about balancing wow factors with investments in longevity than including any one element. Each designer will have their own signature way to balance these elements, and that is what makes a design unique.” Cunard looked back to the line’s own history as it looked to create a timeless appeal on its newest ship Queen Anne, says Lee Powell, the cruise line’s vice president of brand and product. “We started at the beginning with our archives, the story and past of Cunard,” he says. “I wanted to bring a Cunard experience to life for 2024, but in a way that celebrated and told that story through design. For example, the Golden Lion, our onboard pub, has taken the quintessential British pub experience and elevated it. There are the brass finishes, green leather banquettes and stained-glass details, but then also elements such as a collection of contemporary artwork that demonstrates the eccentricity of Britishness too.” Ship staterooms, however, should always be timeless, says Nguyen, not least because the design may need to be finalised up to four years before delivery. “Since cabins are built as modular units and take up a large percentage of the ship real estate, cabin units are one of the first designs to be produced,” she explains. “The design also needs to last at least seven years in operation before the renovation cycle takes place. Therefore, the design vision for the staterooms of Holland America Line’s Rotterdam was to mix texture and pattern while keeping the colour palette light and natural. We combined graphics with floral patterns, since those are timeless elements that you see in nature. Our goal was to have a guest’s first impression be that their accommodation is comfortable, sophisticated and timeless regardless of whether they came onboard during the inaugural voyage or five years from now.” Aros Marine In spring 2023, Aros Marine refurbished Hurtigruten’s Trollfjord, with the Rost restaurant being one of the main spaces the team worked on. The month-long project involved around 150 workers and embraced a design ethos that balances heritage with modernity. Rost’s interior, crafted by YSA Design, features timeless Nordic aesthetics with clean lines, natural materials and subtle colour palettes inspired by Norwegian landscapes. The use of wood, stone and sustainable materials ensures durability, while reupholstering existing furniture honoured the ship’s 130-year legacy. This design creates a warm, elegant atmosphere that is both contemporary and enduring, reflecting Hurtigruten’s commitment to cultural and environmental sustainability. The suites on Holland America Line’s Rotterdam feature neutral colour palettes, as well as furnishings with a mixture of textures and patterns to ensure they are timeless Photo: Holland America Line
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