Toronto-based interior design firm Burdifilek is hitting the high seas on a new endeavor: yacht design. Their first foray into the specialty is an over-200-foot-long vessel Entourage, built by Damen Yachting. Much like the serene ocean waves, the project’s interiors offer a quiet sanctuary.
“We wanted the exterior surrounding to start the visual dialogue with the interior environment, so embracing the language of marine design was the beginning of the narrative in the studio,” explains Diego Burdi, Creative Director and Founding Partner at Burdifilek. “The initial impression is rather understated, and creating understated luxury was key during the design process.”
Stepping onto the main deck, the interior almost dissolves into a merger of sky and sea, with expansive windows that stretch from ceiling to floor creating a tableau of grandeur. The meticulously chosen fumed oak wall finishes complete the frame, casting a warm undertone throughout. Restrained curves add a touch of gentleness, complemented by thoughtfully curated furnishings. The custom-designed furniture, with a hint of blush and sand-colored carpets, infuses a tapestry of colors and rich textures to elevate the overall coherence of the contemporary classic masterpiece.
A staircase, visible through the passage, captures one’s gaze with its fluid undulations conjuring an artistic expression in motion. Enveloped by walls upholstered in soft leather, the bold metal core strikes an elegant equilibrium. Indirect ceiling lights gently cleanse the space, while the organic opening on the wall introduces a splash of color, infusing elements of surprise and playfulness.
Ascending the staircase, the shifting landscape is revealed as a wooden ceiling ushers in a cozier sensation. The layered ceiling planes infuse a sense of depth, while the interplay of lighting orchestrates a soft luminosity. The curation of furniture shifts harmoniously with the space’s essence, guiding it towards an unbuttoned and welcoming milieu.
“A considered environment can’t be underestimated,” states Burdi. “At every state of the process, there was a commitment to a perfect level of execution from everyone involved.”
The stateroom evokes further curiosity with its clean and bright ceiling, combined with headboard-on-tone leather-paneled walls and headboard to introduce comfortable softness to the room. The azure sea beyond the window serves as a backdrop to the pastel, blue-toned furnishings, resulting in an interplay of diverse textures, transparency, and varying degrees of sheen. This interaction fills the primary bedroom with elegance and sophistication.
Stepping out into the outdoor space to savor a cocktail reveals a welcoming lounge that serves as a perfect complement to the moment. Custom-designed outdoor lounge furniture adorns the bridge and sun deck, seamlessly integrating into the form of the space. The soft curves of the ergonomically designed pieces, draped in neutral-toned fabrics, strikes a harmonious balance with the classic touch of brown wood finishes. This exquisite and inviting scene immerses you in the gentle embrace of the breeze.
“The importance of a dry finish pallet was paramount in order to not compete with the reflectivity of the surrounding waters,” adds Burdi.
The initial understated impression gradually comes to life as one traverses the spaces, imparting a fresh realm of luxury. Subdued, yet distinctly resonating with its own voice, the spaces strike a delicate equilibrium where the quintessential act of repose takes precedence. A voyage to unearth the unique voice of this exceptional yacht posed a fresh challenge for Burdifilek, and the outcome suggests a concept of luxury seen through a new lens.
Entourage won the prestigious international World Superyacht Awards 2024 in the Displacement Motor Yachts 500GT to 999GT category; and The Boat Innovation & Design Awards 2024 in the Best Interior Design – Motor Yachts, 500GT category. Suffice to say, Burdifilek’s first foray into yacht design may well not be their last.
Photography by Guillaume Plisson.
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