Interior design: este’r partners
Furnishings: custom made on design by este’r partners
Tiles: Emilceramica
Mosaics: Appiani
Fabrics: Flukso
Bathrooms: Ceramica Cielo
Wallpaper: Wall&Deco
Acoustic ceilings: Slalom
Chain curtains: Kriska Decor
Photo credits: Csaba Villányi
Its former red leather, mirrors, and flashy, psychedelic lights have given way to soft curves, organic forms, and evocative water and earth tones. Indeed, the boat’s dated 90s aesthetic has been meticulously replaced by este’r partners’ thoughtful restyling, deepening its connection to its aquatic surroundings.
Acquired by Rubin Group, the River Diva now gracefully glides along the river, from one end of the city to the other, offering guests a unique setting for drinks or dining. Structural modifications include expanded glass surfaces, enhancing the visual experience and creating a pervasive feeling of being truly at water level.
With solid vertical surfaces at a minimum, the ceiling and floor become dominant design elements, each meticulously crafted. The ceiling – subtly lowered for greater depth – features polished bronze undulating patterns that mirror the river’s ripples, alongside an acoustic slatted system upholstered in deep blue velvet, subtly swaying with the boat’s motion. The floor, meanwhile, boasts impactful coverings, from striking checkerboard patterns to intricate mosaics. Color, in general, plays a pivotal role in enveloping guests within the perception of the water’s movement and the shifting light.
Applied to materials, they form a blend the design studio affectionately terms “funky chic.” Beyond traditional nautical hues of blue, teak, and reddish-yellow, the palette expands to include warm pinks and terracotta carpets, peach-toned three-dimensional fabric panels, and clear grey glass.
Upholstery introduces touches of lilac, light blue, and silver, complemented by all the subtle variations of metallic decorative finishes and marble surfaces. Even River Diva’s main structure is adorned with large LED panels and gold leaf. However, it’s in the bathrooms that creativity truly takes flight, with exceptional attention to detail.
As Eszter Radnoczy, the studio’s founder, explains: «In the boat’s hull, below the waterline, guests shouldn’t feel confined; quite the opposite, it should be an enjoyable experience». Here, hues transition from pinks and peaches for women’s facilities to greens for men’s, with wallpaper-clad panels and doors complementing vibrant sinks. Yet, the true star, especially during warmer months, is the open-air terrace/deck. A brown and cream houndstooth-like pattern, combined with metallic furniture, subtly evokes the Danube’s incessant flow.
