Luxury Insights with Hill House Interiors

We are excited to make our way to the UAE for the Dubai International Boat Show from 19th - 23rd February hosted by our members, Hill House Interiors.

Hill House Interiors is offering our members an exclusive experience at the Dubai International Boat Show, the largest marine and luxury lifestyle show in the region. This globally renowned event has been a cornerstone of the marine industry for over three decades, showcasing the finest luxury yachts, cutting-edge marine technology, and exhilarating water sports. This prestigious show continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Helen Bygraves, Creative Director & Managing Director at Hill House Interiors, shares her insights into the brand and what our members can expect at the Dubai International Boat Show.

Q1: Could you tell us about Hill House Interiors and what’s on offer in the Middle East?

Hill House Interiors is the result of my 25-year partnership with Jenny Weiss, built on our shared belief that beautifully designed spaces can transform the way people live. Over the years, our client-focused approach has earned multiple awards and allowed us to grow into one of Britain’s leading interior design practices. Today, with a 30-strong team of designers and architects, we operate from our creative studio and lifestyle showroom in the UK, alongside our luxurious new office near the DIFC in Dubai.

Our Dubai-based team, supported by our UK studio, offers a full spectrum of services, including interior design, interior architecture, procurement, and turnkey dressing. As with our London operations, early involvement in a project allows us to bring the most value, whether it’s a luxury residence, a hotel, a yacht, or a commercial space. We are currently designing some of the most prestigious residences in the Middle East, with projects at Atlantis The Royal Residences, Bvlgari Residences, The Address Downtown, and the interior styling of an 88-foot yacht. Additionally, we recently completed the interior design for Sunseeker Gulf’s flagship showroom at the exclusive Marsa Al Arab Marina, reinforcing our expertise in high-end yacht interiors.

Q2: You're exhibiting at the Dubai International Boat Show. What are some key differences between designing yacht interiors and residential spaces?

Designing yacht interiors is a unique discipline, blending creativity with technical expertise. Unlike homes, yachts require highly efficient space planning, seamless storage, and multifunctional design to balance luxury with practicality. Motion and weight distribution are key challenges - every element must be secured to withstand movement, and material choices impact overall stability. We collaborate with naval engineers to ensure equilibrium.

Durability is just as vital as aesthetics, with materials needing to withstand salt, humidity, and temperature shifts. We adapt traditional luxury finishes, using lightweight alternatives without compromising opulence. Lighting must be both functional and atmospheric, avoiding glare, while marine safety regulations dictate fire-resistant fabrics and non-slip surfaces. It’s a specialised field that demands meticulous attention to detail.

Q3: Could you tell us about the partners you're collaborating with at the show and what their contributions are?

This year, we are thrilled to be collaborating with three esteemed partners to create a truly immersive design experience: Sylka, Glancy Fawcett, and Parkway England. Under the concept of ‘The Best of British Luxury,’ each brand brings its distinctive expertise, allowing us to present a world-class showcase of yachting interiors.

Sylka, with showrooms in London and Dubai, is renowned for handcrafted luxury carpets. At the show, they’ll unveil the Oceana Collection - a sustainable yet luxurious range made from upcycled ocean waste and EcoSylk yarns, ideal for superyachts and high-end interiors.

Glancy Fawcett, the go-to name for curated luxury tableware, linens, and accessories, will be presenting a stunning selection of essentials for superyachts, residences, and private aircraft. With their newly opened showroom in Abu Dhabi, they continue to set the benchmark for refined living.

Parkway England, celebrated for their fine British craftsmanship, will showcase their bespoke furniture featuring exquisite finishes and artisanal techniques. Their dedication to precision and artistry ensures that each piece reflects the highest standards of luxury.

Together, we’re offering a truly comprehensive insight into the best of British design within the yachting world.

Q4: Could you tell us about a recent yacht project that showcases your design approach and some of the highlights you're most pleased with?

One standout project was a motor yacht designed for a client who loved sailing while his wife sought a serene, elegant retreat. Our challenge was to blend both visions into a luxurious yet functional space.

A highlight was transforming the sun deck into a sunken oasis with a soothing turquoise palette, perfect for relaxation. Every detail was considered - even the crew uniforms subtly matched the yacht’s colour scheme for a cohesive look. Collaborating closely with the boat builder, we ensured the kitchens and bathrooms seamlessly combined form and function. The result? A bespoke vessel that balanced high-performance design with the effortless luxury of a floating sanctuary.

Q5: Finally, thank you for offering our members tickets to the Dubai International Boat Show - what can our members expect to see there?

The Dubai International Boat Show is a true celebration of luxury, bringing together an elite selection of superyachts, cutting-edge marine innovations, and world-class craftsmanship. This will be our third consecutive year exhibiting, and I am delighted to say we'll be unveiling new pieces from our "Elegance" furniture collection to the Middle Eastern market.

When I devised the collaborative concept of The Best of British Luxury Brands, I was keen to create a partnership designed to highlight the exceptional craftsmanship and reliability of British design in the yachting industry. Visitors can expect an extraordinary showcase of bespoke interiors, handcrafted furnishings, and the very best in luxury design - all brought together with the refined expertise that Hill House Interiors is known for.

It promises to be an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

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