Minnesota boasts an impressive number of boats for a landlocked state—one recreational boat for every six people. With more than 10,000 lakes to choose from, it’s no surprise that many locals treat their beloved watercraft as a second home. For our lakefaring readers, we’ve asked lake-area interior designers Laura Ramsey Engler, ASID, CID and design principal of Ramsey Engler, LTD. and Kate Regan of The Sitting Room for insights and tips on outfitting your boat with great design and functionality.
When working on boat designs, Ramsey Engler always begins with a set of questions to determine the client’s needs, desires and style. First, is it a motor yacht or a sailing vessel? The two have very different uses and practicalities. Next, is this a new build or a refit? With a new build, the hull is finished to the owner’s specifications. A refit is more like a remodel or redecorating project and can range from simply updating the interior finishes to reconfiguring the cabin. The last question Ramsey Engler considers is the one that will determine much of the design: How does the owner use the boat? “Do you overnight or have extended stays on your boat or is a day cruiser?” says Ramsey Engler. “There would be some different criteria pertaining to each of those uses.”
Before her clients begin a design project, Ramsey Engler encourages them to think about their long-term plans. Do you want to redesign everything every two years or would you rather do it once with a timeless design? “That should guide your selections,” she says. “Don’t do trends if you don’t want to change in 15 years.”
Refresh with New Fabric
Fabric is the number one way to refresh and update a boat’s look. It’s easy, affordable and comes in thousands of varieties, making it a favorite for both Ramsey Engler and Regan.
But boat owners who want the look and feel of custom fabric still need the performance qualities of marine fabrics: easy to clean, inhibits mold and mildew growth and resistant to UV rays and water damage. Expressing one’s individual style has never been easier though, as new colors, textures and patterns in high-performance fabric have become more available. “This area of upholstery fabrics has just exploded,” says Ramsey Engler.
A new item in outdoor fabrics is textured fabrics, says Regan. One of her favorites is a cushy fabric that feels almost like velvet. “I think that bringing those plush, luxurious fabrics for outdoor living or boating adds that element of coziness,” she says. “You’re not limited to the scratchy outdoor fabrics that they used to have. There are so many great, soft textures that can be introduced.”
When Regan updated her family’s boat last year, she used a collection of outdoor fabrics from Ralph Lauren to give the space new life. “We did a combination of some great stripes—navy, grey and white. One of the fabrics has embroidered anchors. We did this whole combination of colors and patterns to create a unified look for the boat.”
Using this fabric collection, Regan recovered all of the cushions on the boat and added some throw pillows. “Just by adding the throw pillows and accents, it completely transformed the inside,” she says. “It makes it feel more custom and like a finished space you want to hang out in.”
Ramsey Engler prefers more timeless, enduring fabrics and finishes. She begins by thinking about the environment that will surround the design. “If someone is doing their outdoor cushions, they’re going to be amid sky and water. They’re going to be surrounded by blue and blue-green.”
Rather than to try to match those colors, she likes to find colors that are complementary, such as corals or yellows, and avoids heavy, earthy colors.
Accessorize and Personalize
To Regan, boats are just as personal as someone’s home. “People want to make it unique and comfortable. You want it to feel like an extension of your personal style,” she says.
One of Regan’s favorite accessories is a cube that’s made of waterproof foam and upholstered in outdoor fabric. “It’s a great way to add a pop of color,” says Regan. “If you need extra seating on your boat or need someplace to rest your feet, it’s another cool element to bring in.”
Another item you’ll find on Regan’s boat is her tote made from recycled sails, which she uses as a beach bag. “It looks good and works with the décor of the boat,” she says.
Customize Storage
Anyone who has lived aboard a boat knows that finding space for everyday items can be an issue. When launching a new design, Ramsey Engler begins with maximizing useable stowage and removing any unneeded items. “We typically follow the rule that any item brought onto the boat, we know we need to have secure storage for,” she says. “That way you don’t have piles of things sitting out, rolling around and making a mess.”
Ramsey Engler recommends maximizing space by adding storage under seats and other hollow areas. Another way to save space is to use bed coverings that one can sleep under, rather than a stiff cover that will take up extra space when it’s not in use.
Quick Spiff
Only have a weekend to refresh your space? Ramsey Engler recommends giving cushions a deep cleaning and adding a few decorative pillows made of a weather-resistant fabric to freshen up your color palette. Replacing worn carpeting is another easy to bring new life to a boat’s design. If you don’t want to change your upholstery but don’t like the look, consider adding a neutral canvas or terrycloth throw to cover shabby seat cushions.
Accessorize your boat with nautical themed items from local, lake-area shops and stores.
Want your boat to rival the beautiful scenery of a day spent on Lake Minnetonka? Check out these shops for fabrics, accessories and gear to boost your boat appeal.
The Sitting Room
380 2nd St.
Excelsior
952.473.4440
Ramsey Engler LTD
1201 Currie Ave.
Minneapolis
612.339.9494
International Market Square
275 Market St.
Minneapolis
612.338.6250
Lussuria Lini
850 E. Lake St.
Wayzata
952.746.5826
Arts & Flowers
6011 Excelsior Blvd.
Minneapolis
952.920.8415
Weinstein Gallery
908 W. 46th St.
Minneapolis
612.822.1722
Lappin Lighting
222 N. 2nd St. #1
Minneapolis
612.339.5555
Bed Bath & Beyond
11240 Wayzata Blvd.
Minnetonka
952.546.1280
Laura and Kate’s Favorite Items
Marble Bath Accessories
“Heavy marble accessories won’t slide around.” —LRE
India Ink Cabo Marble Bath Ensemble
$19.99-$59.99
Leather Accessories
“Leather accessories are a good choice on a boat. They have soft edges and won’t scratch surfaces.” —LRE
Roosevelt Faux Leather Serving Valet Tray
$23.99
Faux Leather Storage Basket
$14.99
