Luxury private jet and yacht expand Ben Huckerby's portfolio
Award winning interior designer Ben Huckerby has successfully expanded his services and portfolio into the luxury transport sector with the recent completion of a re-design of a private jet and beginning a new venture - working on a yacht to create the ultimate opulent interior.
Ben Huckerby, winner of Channel 5's Britain's Best Home 2008 and Best Interior Designer at the Northern Design Awards 2010, was commissioned for a complete exterior and interior re-design of an out-dated, tired 8-seater jet, that was bought from India and now resides at Leeds Bradford Airport.
Ben advised on the complete overhaul of the project, consulting on everything from the exterior colour for re-spray, re-carpeting the interior and re-upholstering luxury leather seats, to choice of seat belts, the veneering and accessorising.
The jet, which has a 3.5 hour fuel capacity and is available for private charter, was taken to Farnborough Aircraft Interiors so Ben's visions could be made into reality with the help of their experienced team.
Ben has worked on a range of luxury houses, apartments, offices, bars, restaurants and gardens, but this is his first venture into transport interiors. He said: "This is a really exciting project for me and the rest of the team at Ben Huckerby Design, as it gives our creativity a new lease of life."
"The jet was in desperate need of restoration with an out-dated, shabby blue interior. I knew we needed to strip everything back bare to begin the transformation.
"The owners of the jet travel regularly for business and wanted it to allow them to do this in luxurious comfort in a relaxing environment. Having worked with the client on previous projects I knew rich sumptuous fabrics would accessorise the jet perfectly.
"I kept the carpet and upholstery colour schemes simple yet classic with creams and browns and this is also reflected in the rich mahogany tables and veneering. Rich cashmere cushions and throws add sumptuous finishing touches and create a homely feel.
"Because the plane is also available to charter I needed to ensure the design choices were made with other passenger's perceptions of comfort and luxury in mind also. Classic lines, colours and fabrics ensure this is the case. I focused on balancing style and quality with practicality."
In the coming weeks Ben will also begin work on a luxury yacht docked in Southampton and is being asked for his expertise in ensuring it is the ultimate luxury sailing vessel.
"It's still in the very early planning stages so I can't say too much, however I will be drawing on my influences taken from working on different projects worldwide to create a very opulent interior that will provide passengers with a sailing experience like no other," Ben said.
