Marine & Yacht Interior Design in Melbourne & Victoria

by Jane Gorman

Beautifully Designed Interiors for Life on the Water

A yacht interior should offer the same sense of comfort, character and refinement as a beautifully designed home while responding intelligently to the unique demands of life on the water.

Jane Gorman Decorators & Designers provides bespoke yacht & marine interior design in Melbourne, creating sophisticated, practical and highly personalised interiors for yachts, motor yachts and private vessels.

From a complete interior transformation to the selection of furnishings, fabrics, finishes and accessories, we bring together colour, texture, comfort and functionality to create marine interiors that feel considered, inviting and distinctly yours.

Whether your yacht is used for relaxed weekends on Port Phillip Bay, extended cruising or entertaining family and friends, we can help create an interior that makes every moment aboard more enjoyable.

Yacht Interior Design Tailored to You

No two yacht owners use their vessels in quite the same way.

Some want an elegant space for entertaining. Others prioritise relaxed family cruising, overnight accommodation or long days on the water. The best yacht interiors begin by understanding how the vessel will actually be used.

My approach to yacht interior design considers both aesthetics and everyday practicality. I look at how people move through the space, where storage is required, how different areas need to function and how colours, materials, lighting and furnishings work together throughout the vessel.

The result is an interior that feels cohesive and luxurious without sacrificing usability.

Designed for the Marine Environment

Designing for a yacht requires a different mindset from designing a conventional residential interior.

Space is precious. Furnishings need to be appropriately proportioned. Storage needs to be incorporated wherever possible, and materials must be selected with the marine environment in mind.

At the same time, practicality should never mean compromising on style.

We carefully balance durability and functionality with colour, texture and visual warmth. Performance fabrics, practical finishes and thoughtful furniture selections can sit comfortably alongside beautiful detailing and sophisticated styling.

Every element should earn its place aboard.

Make More of Limited Space

One of the most rewarding aspects of marine interior design is transforming relatively compact spaces.

Thoughtful design can make cabins feel more generous, salons more welcoming and entertaining areas considerably more functional.

Scale, proportion, colour and furniture placement all influence how spacious a yacht interior feels. Clever storage and multifunctional pieces can further improve usability without making the interior appear crowded.

Our objective is not simply to fill the available space, but to make the entire interior work harder while feeling effortless.

From Coastal Relaxation to Contemporary Luxury

A yacht interior does not have to follow a predictable nautical theme.

While some owners love fresh coastal interiors, others prefer understated contemporary spaces, classic luxury, bold colour or an interior that reflects the style of their home.

Rather than imposing a particular aesthetic, we develop an interior around your preferences, your vessel and the atmosphere you want to create.

The result might be light and relaxed, rich and sophisticated, colourful and energetic, or beautifully restrained. What matters is that it feels right for you.

Yacht Interior Refurbishment

You don’t necessarily need a new yacht to enjoy an entirely new onboard experience.

Updating upholstery, flooring, window furnishings, bedding, lighting, furniture, colour schemes and decorative finishes can dramatically change an existing vessel.

A carefully planned yacht interior refurbishment can modernise a dated interior, improve comfort and functionality, and give the vessel a more cohesive identity without unnecessarily replacing elements that still work well.

We can help identify what should remain, what would benefit from updating and where investment will make the greatest visual and practical difference.

Seamless Indoor and Outdoor Living

Some of the best moments aboard happen where the interior meets the outdoors.

Marine design therefore needs to consider the relationship between enclosed cabins, salons, decks and entertaining spaces.

Colours and materials can create visual continuity between these areas, while appropriate outdoor fabrics and furnishings allow exterior spaces to feel every bit as considered as those inside.

The objective is a yacht that feels cohesive from bow to stern rather than a collection of unrelated spaces.

Melbourne Marine Interior Designer

Based in Melbourne, Jane Gorman Decorators & Designers works with clients who appreciate interiors that are highly personal, beautifully resolved and designed around the way they live.

Our experience across residential interior design, decoration, colour, furnishings and bespoke interiors brings a fresh perspective to marine spaces.

We can collaborate with yacht owners and, where required, work alongside builders, marine trades, upholsterers, joiners and other specialists responsible for the technical aspects of a vessel.

Create an Interior You'll Love Coming Aboard To

Whether you’re refreshing a much-loved boat or planning a substantial yacht interior transformation, the right design can completely change the experience of being on the water.

Talk to Jane Gorman Decorators & Designers about creating a beautiful, comfortable and practical marine interior designed specifically for you and your vessel.

Enquire about your yacht or marine interior design project today.

Sydney Homes Designed by Jane

Upstairs Kids Play Area in Malvern

Luxurious Edwardian Home in Malvern

Main Bedroom Curtains in Balwyn

Luxury French Provincial Main Bedroom Curtains in Balwyn

Family Room Image 2 in Kew

A Luxury Modern Contemporary Residence in Kew

Linen Press Complete in Hawthorn

Renovation Of European Laundry/Linen Press/Main Bathroom in Hawthorn

Outdoor Alfresco Area in Brighton

A Luxury Hamptons Home in Brighton

Upstairs Family Room in Caulfield

A Modern Luxury Apartment in Caulfield

After Shot Of Kitchen, Meals & Family Room in Sorrento

Renovation Of Beach House Kitchen, Meals & Family Room in Sorrento

Music Room in Balwyn

A Luxury European Residence Music Room in Balwyn

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Consultation’s on homes, commercial and marine.
  • Interior & exterior colour schemes
  • Finishes, fittings & fixtures selection
  • Furniture & Soft Furnishings
  • Window Furnishings
  • Fabric selection & coordination
  • Lighting plans & selection
  • Supply and install lighting
  • Custom furniture design, supply & installation
  • Flooring, rugs & custom rugs
  • Artwork & Mirrors
  • Accessory items & tableware
  • Exclusive Karsten Towels, supply & install
  • Kitchen & Bathroom design & fit out
  • Cabinetry design & fit out
  • Floor plans & Spatial planning
  • Design drawings & documentation
  • Project Management of Trades
  • Liasing with trades people
It varies by the complexity of your project. The furnishing of one room can be quicker than a redesign of an entire home where trades and furnishings are involved. I give details on time frames during our initial consultation.
Absolutely. When I visit for your in home consult, we’ll figure out what your dream interior design style is and we can determine if any of the pieces you want to keep work with that dream style. If we can keep some items, we do.
 
I certainly do, especially given the technology that we have on offer today. A virtual meeting is very easy to arrange and schedule whether you are in Melbourne, located in another state in Australia or overseas.

Yes I do as I have worked on a variety of commercial projects over the years. They include dental and medical practices, restaurants, cocktail bars, complete office floors, commercial building lobbies and hotels.

As each project is unique we will discuss the costs and your requirements and the complexity of the project during our chat on the phone
This is the 20 minute initial call to discuss your project. Following the call I advise you if moving to an Initial Consultation is recommended. If required I also follow up with an email regarding my costs and process and services.
 
This is a 60 minute consultation in your home or office or regarding your marine project to discover your needs, offer design advice, conduct a style analysis and discuss and plan the steps moving forward.
The design fee for your project is charged on an hourly basis.

As a very experienced designer across homes, commercial and marine projects I have a wide range of design styles that I can offer. However listening to the clients vision is always very important and we become co designers when working on there project which is always very exciting.

Marine interior design focuses on the interior spaces of yachts, motor yachts and other vessels. It combines traditional interior design principles such as colour, furniture, lighting, fabrics and space planning with the particular practical requirements of a marine environment.
Yes. Jane Gorman Decorators & Designers is based in Melbourne and can provide interior design and decoration services for yachts and private vessels. The exact scope will depend on the vessel, its location and the requirements of the project.
Yes. An existing yacht can often be transformed without completely rebuilding the interior. New upholstery, fabrics, flooring, lighting, furnishings, bedding, colours and accessories can make a significant difference, while larger projects may also incorporate new furniture, storage and joinery.
Often, yes. Colour, furniture scale, lighting, storage and layout can significantly affect the perception and usability of a compact interior. Selecting appropriately proportioned pieces and reducing unnecessary visual clutter can make relatively small spaces feel considerably more comfortable.
Material selection depends on where and how each material will be used. Durability, moisture, sunlight, maintenance and movement may all need to be considered. Performance fabrics and practical finishes can be combined with more luxurious materials to achieve an interior that is both attractive and appropriate for life aboard.
Not at all. Your yacht can have a contemporary, classic, coastal, colourful, minimalist or highly luxurious interior. We prefer to develop a design around the owner’s individual taste rather than relying on predictable marine themes.
Yes. Upholstery and fabric selection can form an important part of a marine interior design project. We consider appearance and comfort alongside practical considerations such as the intended location, exposure to sunlight and moisture, and how frequently the area will be used.
We can develop a coordinated aesthetic for interior and exterior living areas, including furniture, fabrics, cushions, colour palettes and decorative elements appropriate to their intended use. This helps create continuity between cabins, entertaining areas and decks.
Yes. Efficient storage is particularly important aboard a yacht. Where the project requires it, we can consider storage as part of furniture layouts and interior concepts, including opportunities to make better use of otherwise underutilised space.
Yes. Interior design often forms one part of a wider refurbishment or fitout. Where specialist marine construction, electrical, engineering or installation work is required, the interior design can be coordinated with the appropriate builders, suppliers and marine trades.
The cost varies considerably according to the size of the vessel and the scope of the project. A decorative refresh involving fabrics, upholstery and styling is very different from a comprehensive interior refurbishment. Following an initial discussion, we can establish the required scope and the appropriate level of design involvement.
Ideally, an interior designer should be involved before major aesthetic decisions or purchases are made. Establishing the overall design direction early helps ensure that colours, finishes, furniture, lighting, fabrics and other elements work together rather than being selected independently.
Absolutely. In many cases, retaining good-quality existing elements and selectively changing the areas with the greatest impact produces an excellent result. We can help determine which features are worth keeping and where changes will make the biggest difference.
Think about how you actually use the vessel: how many people are normally aboard, whether you entertain, how often guests stay overnight, where you spend most of your time and what currently frustrates you about the interior. These practical insights are extremely useful when developing the new design.

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Jo K
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We had Jane and her wonderful team bring our townhouse up to date over a period of five years. The ground floor was the first area to be done and then the first floor was completed a few years later. Jane was a pleasure to work with, she offered a wealth of knowledge, ideas and experience. Being time poor at the time we were consulted with any aspects of any situations that arose during the day to day process. We have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Jane. Joanne & Geoff Kelly
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Maria Klioumis
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I am absolutely thrilled with the incredible work my interior designer, Jane, has done in furnishing my new small apartment. From the very beginning, she was an absolute pleasure to work with, easygoing, approachable, and genuinely attentive to my needs and preferences. She took the time to truly understand my vision, lifestyle, and the practical requirements of a smaller space, and transformed it into something far beyond what I had imagined. Her professionalism was evident throughout the entire process, from communication and planning to execution and final styling. Her eye for detail and ability to make the space feel both spacious and beautifully cohesive truly exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t be happier with the result and would highly recommend her services to anyone looking for a talented, understanding, and highly professional interior designer.
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Jonathan Bray
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Working with Jane to design and furnish my apartment was a genuinely excellent experience. Right from the start, she brought a practical, hands-on approach that went far beyond simply picking out nice pieces from a catalog. What impressed me most was her focus on spatial planning and getting the scale and proportion exactly right. She took the time to carefully assess the apartment's footprint, ensuring we maximised the space and utility of every room while maintaining a cohesive style. Her eye for custom furnishings and careful fabric selection really brought it all together aesthetically. One of the main reasons I purchased the apartment was the large balcony that runs the length of the property. Jane helped me really maximise and integrate this space - her ability to visualise and execute a seamless inside/outside flow worked wonders. This large exterior space now feels like a natural extension of the main living areas, rather than just an add-on. Ultimately, Jane manages to perfectly balance practical, structural thinking with a highly refined eye for design. The result is a home that feels expertly curated, highly functional, and completely tailored to how I live. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome and would recommend her services to anyone.
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Vardhini K
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Working with Jane Gorman was an absolute pleasure. Your creativity, attention to detail, and ability to truly understand our vision transformed my space into something beautiful and functional. Thank you for bringing such elegance and warmth into my home.” I woud highly recommend Jane and her team to family and friends.
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Julie Cattach
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Jane Gorman was involved in the design and construction of our new home..Jane’s colour ideas internally and externally seamlessly pulled everything together.. Jane is extremely personable and she helped and advised us every step of the way… My husband and I would be very happy to recommend Jane Gorman Decorators & Developers for anyone considering building a or renovating…..
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Bronwyn Richardson
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Jane Gorman must be the best developer/ decorator in Melbourne. I do not say this lightly. We asked Jane to convert an office in an historic building into a home for us. She did this on budget and within the time lines and with no hassle for us! Everything is beautiful and designed down to the last detail. Be it curtains, blinds, sofa , French style chairs, luxurious bathrooms with underfloor heating or a Euro kitchen with appliances tucked into spaces noone else would ever find, Jane managed it. The end result is an apartment which we love to live in every day and feel happy having friends around. Not only is it luxurious and beautiful, it is very practical for our children visitors with carefully chosen fabrics which are so elegant you would never know they are washable as well. Jane will show you photos to vouch for what I am saying!
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Sue Johnston
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I hired Jane Gorman and her talented team to enhance my living space. From the beginning, the team impressed me with their punctuality and professionalism. Jane was onsite daily to keep the project in track, and it was completed on time and within budget. Their creativity and resourcefulness shone through every aspect of the project. Their creativity result is a beautiful, inviting atmosphere that I really love, and I often get compliments from friends on how stylish and how spacious it now looks. I highly recommend Jane Gorman and will definitely consider JGDD for my next project Susan Johnston
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Matt Smither
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I first saw the exceptional work of Jane Gorman Decorators in Dubai and were immediately impressed by the elegance, attention to detail, and style. When we later moved to Sydney, she helped us craft our new home. The soft furnishings in particular are outstanding and beautifully curated.
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James Phillips
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Jane did an amazing job with our bathroom renovations. She listened to what we wanted and needed and contributed her expertise. She also organised for our floorboards to be polished and curtains and an awning installed to help transform our house inside and out. We appreciated that she managed the project from start to finish so that we didn't have to stress.
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Susan Houlihan
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Jane is a professional on every level and delivers what she promises with the highest level of quality. We are delighted with our renovations.
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