Interiors inspiration: Inside the new Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Grand Suites

Any superyacht interior designer will tell you that one of the biggest challenges they face is creating an ultra-luxurious environment in cabins and saloons that are often far smaller than the bedrooms and homes their clients have on land. This issue was also one face by design firm Wimberly Interiors when it was tasked with outfitting the new high-end grand Suites on board the Venice Simplon-Orient Express.

Named Venice, Paris and Istanbul, after the classic European cities visited during the golden age of train travel, each offers a variation on an 1920s-inspired code of timeless elegance. Rachel Johnson, vice president and studio director at Wimberly Interiors, take us inside the iconic train...

The Paris Suite

The design for the three suites draws inspiration from the romance, adventure, and style of each of the destinations the train weaves through; Paris, the train’s home; Venice, one of the train’s most popular overnight trips; and Istanbul, the destination of the extravagant annual three-night trip.

Taking inspiration from Paris’ historic love affair with the Art Deco movement, our team at Wimberly Interiors adorned the suite with exquisite decorative touches and a light and crisp colour palette. The city is renowned as a capital for food and fashion, which is channeled through elegant furnishings, delicate fabrics, and crystal detailing.

Every piece of furniture was designed bespoke and scaled down to fit the space, preserving the luxury design. The lounge chair ottomans sit neatly underneath to provide a footstool, and we adapted the space under the sofas to create large storage areas for luggage.

Similarly, we sought to emulate the grandeur of Venice in the second suite using damask silks, blue and silver hues and bespoke Murano Glass Chandeliers which reflect the city’s baroque and Renaissance heritage. We found it important to celebrate local craftsmanship through decorative elements, including traditional Venetian mirrors and an antique tapestry sourced from Venice.

Each space has the same architectural design, creating a familiar feel throughout the three suites. Bespoke detailing and key furnishings, such as the feature headboard walls, glass chandeliers, and intricate timber marquetry wall panels, have been influenced and designed specifically to evoke an authentic sense of each city.

The Istanbul suite was influenced by the rich patterning of the Topkapi Palace, traditional Ottoman design, and the city’s famous Grand Bazaar. Hand carved timber, marquetry panel borders accented with mother of pearl and amber crystal ware reference Istanbul’s trading heritage.

Just as with the ever-changing coastline seen from a superyacht, the tapestry of changing landscapes and sense of place you experience on this train enhances the experience. The route connects three of Europe’s most exciting and culturally rich cities, reviving the golden era of rail travel through contemporary luxury. The unique heritage of the train combined with impeccable service and the sheer amount of space makes the experience incredibly indulgent.