Top 10 Best Interior Design Firms in Shetland Islands

Interior Design in an Island Setting

Designing a home in the Shetland Islands is a unique creative challenge. Interiors must offer warmth and comfort through long, dark winters, make the most of extraordinary summer light and stand up to a demanding maritime climate. Shetland's cultural ties with Scandinavia, its world-famous textile traditions and its dramatic landscapes all inspire a distinctive local style rooted in natural materials, craftsmanship and practicality.

Because the islands are remote, many homeowners combine local makers and retailers with national design services that work remotely. The following ten firms and services are among the best choices for anyone renovating, building or refreshing a home in Shetland.

The Top 10 Interior Design Firms and Services

1. John Lewis Home Design Service

John Lewis offers a professional home design service with consultations available virtually. Designers create room plans, mood boards and shopping lists, making it a convenient option for Shetland homeowners who want expert guidance without travelling south.

2. IKEA Interior Design Service

IKEA's design consultations cover kitchens, bedrooms, living spaces and storage. Remote planning combined with delivery to the islands makes it a practical, budget-friendly route for new builds and renovations.

3. Magnet Kitchens

Magnet provides kitchen design consultations and a wide range of styles. Kitchens are the heart of Shetland homes, and a well-planned layout with durable finishes is one of the most valuable investments in any renovation.

4. Howdens

Howdens is widely used by local joiners and builders for kitchens and joinery. Working through a trusted island tradesperson who uses Howdens products is a common and effective approach to fitted kitchens in Shetland.

5. Jamieson's of Shetland

Jamieson's of Shetland produces authentic Shetland wool textiles, from blankets to upholstery-weight fabrics. Their natural colours and patterns bring heritage, texture and warmth to interiors in a way few other materials can match.

6. Global Yell

Global Yell is a weaving and textile centre on the island of Yell known for handwoven fabrics and creative workshops. Its work demonstrates how traditional skills can create contemporary, distinctive soft furnishings.

7. The Peerie Shop

The Peerie Shop in Lerwick curates design-led homeware, gifts and textiles, many inspired by Shetland and Nordic design. It is a go-to destination for finishing touches that give a home individual character.

8. Harry's Department Store

Harry's Department Store has served Lerwick for generations with furniture, homeware, kitchen goods and household essentials. It is an invaluable local resource for practical and decorative items without the wait for mainland deliveries.

9. Mati Ventrillon Design

Mati Ventrillon is a Fair Isle-based designer celebrated for contemporary interpretations of Fair Isle knitwear. Her work reflects the artistry of island textiles and inspires interiors that celebrate local craft heritage.

10. Local Architects and Joiners

Shetland has skilled architects, timber-frame specialists and joiners who understand island building requirements. Integrating interior design early in a build, with input from these professionals, ensures layouts make the most of views, light and energy efficiency.

Defining the Shetland Interior Style

A typical Shetland-inspired interior balances calm minimalism with cosy texture. Pale timber, natural stone, wool and linen create a soothing backdrop, while colour often comes from the landscape: sea blues, heather purples, peat browns and the soft greens of island pasture. Large windows frame the scenery, and window seats or reading nooks invite residents to enjoy changing skies.

Practicality is essential. Generous boot rooms and porches handle wet weather gear, durable flooring withstands sand and mud, and efficient heating, from heat pumps to wood-burning stoves, keeps homes comfortable. Good lighting design, with layered warm lighting, makes a big difference during winter when daylight hours are short.

Working With Designers Remotely

Remote design consultations have transformed how islanders access expertise. Provide designers with accurate measurements, photographs and videos of each room, and explain the climate and light conditions clearly. Ask about delivery costs and lead times to Shetland at the outset, as these can significantly affect budgets and timelines. Where possible, order samples of fabrics and finishes to see how they look in island light.

Trends in Shetland Interiors

Sustainability is driving interest in reclaimed materials, locally made furniture and long-lasting textiles. Home offices have become a priority as remote working grows. Energy-efficient renovations, including improved insulation and modern heating, are increasingly integrated with design decisions rather than treated separately. There is also renewed appreciation for heritage, with homeowners restoring original croft house features while adding contemporary extensions with glass and timber.

Budgeting for an Island Interior Project

Island projects benefit from a realistic budget that includes freight, longer lead times and a contingency for weather-related delays. Furniture, flooring and kitchen units often travel by road and ferry from Aberdeen, so grouping orders into a single consignment can reduce costs significantly. Booking local joiners, electricians and decorators early is wise, as skilled trades are in high demand across Shetland. Investing in fewer, better-quality pieces usually pays off, because durable materials and timeless designs cope better with the maritime climate and avoid the expense of frequent replacement.

Final Thoughts

The best Shetland interiors feel deeply connected to place. By blending national design services with island makers, retailers and builders, homeowners can create spaces that are beautiful, comfortable and resilient. Celebrate local textiles, embrace natural light and plan carefully for practical island living, and your home will be a true reflection of Shetland's unique character.