In less than two decades, Frey has grown into a yacht interior design studio offering far more than your average decorator, creating custom products for every taste
Vanja Pedisić-Švraka and Nermin Švraka, the power duo behind Biograd-based studio Frey, have the magic touch. Advertising themselves as Personal Yacht Stylists, they have been in the business since 2006, creating unique interiors for the most discerning tastes. These two passionate lovers of the sea and sailing have built an authentic brand dedicated to personalized yacht interior furnishing and decoration, ready to tackle every taste and create the perfect environment for every client.
‘I’ve been interested in design and color since childhood and have always found inspiration in the marine environment. I’ve lived by the sea all my life and every time I’d visit a marina, I’d daydream about working around yachts someday. As it often is the case, the industry has chosen me, not the other way around. The synergy of love for design and all things sea sparked Frey, our design studio offering custom solutions for fashionable, stylish cruising,’ says Vanja Pedisić-Švraka, who joined her husband’s business in 2009.
WHAT TYPE OF SERVICE DOES STUDIO FREY SPECIALIZE IN?
Frey studio specializes in interior and exterior yacht design, focusing on the creation of custom-made textile products that perfectly fit into the new or existing interior design. Through our services, clients can achieve a personal style of decoration, and we can offer them the production of a sustainable product that fits stylistically into the given yacht design. We approach each project holistically, which is especially important in the case of a refit project. Almost every project requires visual and technical solutions to ensure that new textile products, such as sofas, sunbeds or the increasingly sought-after bean bags, harmoniously correspond with the existing space of the yacht and are sustainable with the characteristics of easy handling and smart storage. The execution can differ from the conceptual solutions. Here, our many years of expertise and knowledge of the behavior of certain materials in aggressive conditions play a key role.
WHAT DOES YOUR COOPERATION WITH THE CLIENT LOOK LIKE?
In our studio, a personalized approach is key to everything we do. When we start working with a client, the first step is to arrange a personal meeting, either on the yacht or in our studio. Here, we discuss the client’s visions and needs, and for refit projects, a meeting on the yacht is essential. It is extremely important that we communicate either directly with the client or the person who manages the project for the client and is well acquainted with the industry and the owner’s wishes. If we are working on a new build, it is crucial to gather all the necessary information, including renders and blueprints. Our goal is to clearly convey ideas into the future product.
Throughout the entire process, the client has the support of two teams: one creative and one production. This approach ensures that all aspects of the project are aligned and that any problems are resolved quickly and efficiently. We often design and test prototypes, which allows clients to better visualize the final product. When we arrive at the final design, we dedicate ourselves to implementation, carefully taking care of all the details to meet the client’s expectations. Finally, we organize a final meeting to verify that everything is in accordance with the client’s wishes. Our personalized approach allows us to provide a superior service through close collaboration with clients throughout the entire process.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROJECTS YOU ARE ESPECIALLY PROUD OF?
One of the most exciting projects we worked on was the megayacht Al Mirqab, which stands out with its impressive length of 133 meters and is among the 20 largest megayachts in the world. The project was extremely challenging due to the short deadlines and precise requirements. Executing numerous refits within a single project was complex, but teamwork was key. When the owner, captain, and crew finally expressed their satisfaction, it was a huge reward for us and confirmation of the success of our work.
Another special project was on the Sunseeker 34 superyacht, now known as Arago. On this project we worked on the refit of the complete exterior, and I remember it most for the excellent cooperation with the owner, who was extremely open to modern ideas and very communicative. The project proved that you should not be afraid of change and showed how important details and quality refits are for superyachts, especially those in charter, in order to differentiate themselves in the market.
I would also like to highlight the project of making awnings for the luxury sailing yacht Burrasca – a 56-meter Perini Navi. This project was demanding as it had to combine high functionality with aesthetics. Finally, I would like to mention another interesting project – the creation of bean bags for an agency that organized a private picnic for Victoria’s Secret models in Croatia. Although it seems like a smaller project at first glance, it was extremely interesting to work for such a recognizable agency and their renowned clients. Each of these projects brought different challenges and lessons, but also confirmation of success through client satisfaction.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE AESTHETICS AND FUNCTIONALITY?
The previously mentioned Perini Navi is a perfect example of a project that demanded top-notch coordination of aesthetics and functionality. We needed to create a textile solution for protection from the sun and waves during challenging navigations. The awning had to be resistant to harsh conditions at sea, yet elegant and harmonious with the lines of the luxury sailboat. It needed to be in a stylistically appropriate color, easily adaptable to the construction, and transformable as needed. When making cushions, this balance of functionality and aesthetics is easier to achieve. For example, with cushions, we pay special attention to ensuring that the fabrics are durable, resistant to fading, and easy to maintain, while also offering maximum comfort. It is important to determine the thickness of specialized cushion sponges that will provide long-lasting comfort, while aesthetically following the lines of the yacht. Ideas often differ greatly from what is best feasible for everyday use in practice, and there we always strive to achieve the best aesthetic balance.
WHAT ARE THE LOUDEST TRENDS IN THE WORLD OF YACHT DESIGN AT THE MOMENT?
Superyacht design today follows several key trends that combine luxury, sustainability, and personalization. An increasing emphasis is placed on environmentally friendly materials, a minimalist style, and the creation of open spaces that connect the interior of the yacht with the sea. Natural materials and shapes are in vogue, and one of the most popular materials in recent times is bouclé, which is used for upholstery and furniture. Decorative pillows in vibrant colors and interesting textures bring freshness to the design, which is a special treat for color lovers. Owners are increasingly choosing bold and unique designs that reflect their personal style, with the integration of the latest technology for greater comfort and sustainability.
CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT FREY CASA?
Frey Casa is a sub-brand that emerged during the pandemic in 2022, a time when we all became acutely aware of the importance of comfortable outdoor spaces. Our product line encompasses custom-made cushions for pools, lounge chairs, bean bag loungers, and decorative pillows from our Frey Luxury Pillows collection. Our bean bags have proven particularly popular, increasingly finding their place on superyachts. We are also developing a webshop that will showcase finished products from Frey Casa in 2025.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE AND WHERE WILL FREY GO NEXT?
At Frey, we dream of expanding globally while preserving our commitment to traditional craftsmanship. By integrating new technologies, we aim to meet high aesthetic standards and enhance the quality of life for our clients. In a fast-paced digital world, we strive to remain a brand that prioritizes people as much as luxury yachts. Through our commitment to innovation, we ensure that each of our products not only meets aesthetic standards but also enhances the quality of life for our users.
Photos Frey