The start of a new year often sparks thoughts of fresh beginnings. With brighter days and kinder weather on the horizon, many people turn their attention to DIY projects and interior refreshes. Before picking up a paintbrush, however, it’s worth looking at what’s happening in the ever-evolving world of narrowboat interiors.
Narrowboats carry a quiet romance. They drift past towpaths and reed beds, chimneys gently puffing in winter, window boxes overflowing with colour in summer. Step inside and you’ll find interiors as varied as the people who live aboard them. As more individuals explore alternative ways of living, narrowboats offer not only freedom, but a powerful creative outlet. When space is measured in inches rather than square metres, thoughtful design becomes essential — and beautiful living entirely achievable.
This diversity of style is one of the great attractions of narrowboat interiors. Limited space does not restrict imagination; instead, it amplifies it. Few understand this better than Zoe Farry, whose passion for life on the water led her to create one of the UK’s most influential online boating communities.
In August 2018, Zoe founded Narrowboat Interiors UK, a Facebook forum dedicated solely to interior design aboard narrowboats. While she expected interest, the scale of its growth surprised even her. Today, the group is approaching 50,000 members, bringing together liveaboards, weekend boat owners, renovators and enthusiasts from around the world. Many members don’t yet own a boat but are captivated by the ingenuity and character of canal living.
The group functions as a living gallery of ideas: fold-down desks that double as dining tables, hidden storage solutions, plant-filled window wells and kitchens reimagined to fit corridor-width hulls. Before-and-after transformations are shared daily, often inspired by advice from fellow members. Professional boat fitters contribute technical expertise, while newcomers frequently credit the community with giving them the confidence to pursue life afloat.
Zoe’s own boating journey began in 2013, when she and her family of five moved onto a 47-foot narrowboat. Originally intended as a summer adventure, it quickly became a permanent lifestyle choice. Later that year, they bought their current boat, Blue Belle, and began a process of continual improvement. With a background in property and new-build show homes, Zoe naturally gravitated towards refining the interior — a process that, she admits, never truly ends.
Over time, the community has evolved. While early members were already active within the boating world, newer arrivals are often aspirational, inspired by social media, vlogging and the shift towards home working that accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic. The group also attracts international interest, driven by the global popularity of tiny homes, van life and alternative living.
Traditional narrowboat interiors — heavy wood, lace and painted plates — are now in the minority. Instead, many boats favour open-plan layouts, lighter colour palettes and modern styling. Comfort and practicality remain essential, but individual design choices, bold colours, fabrics and carefully chosen furniture give each floating home its own identity.
Making the most of limited space requires innovation, and this is where bespoke solutions come into their own. Ship Shape World specialises in made-to-measure interiors for boats, producing custom bedding, carpets and curtains using marine-grade materials designed to withstand cold, damp conditions and irregular shapes. By tailoring products to the space available, refits can maximise storage and comfort without compromise.
Interiors, however, are only part of the story. Exterior details also play a role in expressing personality on the water. Tiller Pin, run by Nick Tait, creates handcrafted, often deeply personal tiller pins using sourced brass figurines and custom commissions. From sentimental pieces honouring lost pets to practical designs incorporating cup holders and phone mounts, these small details add individuality and meaning to life afloat.
For those new to boating — or considering the move — Zoe offers simple but powerful advice: minimise belongings ruthlessly, then maximise onboard storage. Organisation and thoughtful curation allow boaters to surround themselves with what truly matters. Her message is clear: there will never be a perfect time to begin. Step aboard, adapt, learn — and enjoy the journey.
