In an industry where extravagance often overshadows elegance, designer Natalie Rodriguez has crafted something remarkable with Solrise, her latest interior concept for the Boeing Business Jet 787-8. This isn’t merely another luxurious aircraft interior; it’s a meditation on what travel could become when every surface tells a story and every space invites contemplation.
The moment passengers step aboard, they enter a world where the circular motif becomes a unifying language of design. These luminous circles appear throughout the aircraft, from ceiling installations to architectural accents, creating visual continuity that grounds the space in calm sophistication. Rodriguez describes this approach as creating presence rather than spectacle, and the distinction becomes immediately apparent in the main lounge’s harmonious symmetry.
Four divan seats anchor the central seating arrangement, complemented by fully articulating residential-inspired accent chairs that challenge the typical aviation seating paradigm. The color palette speaks in whispers rather than shouts: contemporary neutrals dance with deep olive-juniper accents, while dark Emperador marble and antiqued metalwork provide textural depth. The effect resembles an exclusive private club during those golden afternoon hours when conversation flows naturally and time seems suspended.
Perhaps the most inspired element is the full-service coffee bar positioned at the aircraft’s aft section. This sculptural centerpiece transforms the mundane ritual of morning refreshment into something approaching ceremony. During evening hours, the space seamlessly transitions into a sophisticated cocktail lounge, demonstrating Rodriguez’s understanding that the best luxury spaces adapt to their occupants’ rhythms rather than dictating them.
The master bedroom sanctuary showcases Rodriguez’s mastery of intimate space design. A king-size bed anchors the suite beneath a ribbed panel headboard, while vertical lighting creates dramatic shadows that shift with the aircraft’s movement.
Ten strategically placed windows flood the space with natural light, controlled by Alcantara valances that allow occupants to choreograph their relationship with the sky outside. Hidden within the aft pressure dome, a private cinema lounge offers the ultimate retreat from the world below.
Forward of the main cabin, a convertible conference and dining space demonstrates the aircraft’s versatility. This modular approach acknowledges that heads of state and ultra-high-net-worth individuals need spaces that can pivot between strategic discussions and intimate gatherings. Two additional guest bedrooms and a mid-galley complete the thoughtful spatial arrangement.
Every material choice reinforces the design philosophy: custom merino wool and silk carpeting underfoot, textured metals that catch and reflect light subtly, and ribbed marbles that add tactile interest without overwhelming the senses. Even the anti-glare screens serve double duty as digital art displays when not in use.
With a base price of $239 million, the BBJ 787-8 represents the pinnacle of private aviation luxury. In Rodriguez’s hands, Solrise transforms this flying palace into something more profound: a sanctuary that happens to soar through clouds, where the journey becomes as meaningful as the destination.
