Local Interior Designer Celebrates National Award Shortlisting
Jill Simpson Interiors is delighted to be shortlisted for the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) Interior Design Awards 2026, one of the UK’s most prestigious honours for professional interior designers.
Jill Simpson Interiors is delighted to be shortlisted for the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) Interior Design Awards 2026, one of the UK’s most prestigious honours for professional interior designers.
The shortlisted project is a sensitively extended and modernised Arts and Crafts home in Northumberland shortlisted as 1 of 4 in the North and North West region. Drawing inspiration from the character and craftsmanship of the original house, the design celebrates the values at the heart of the Arts and Crafts movement – honest materials, skilled making and a strong connection to nature – while creating spaces that support contemporary family living.
A key part of the project was working with talented craftspeople and makers from across the North East, showcasing the exceptional skills and heritage of the region. From bespoke joinery to carefully considered detailing, the project demonstrates how traditional craftsmanship can be reinterpreted for modern life while preserving the spirit of the original home.
The shortlisting marks a significant milestone for Jill Simpson Interiors, a new design practice established earlier this year. The studio specialises in creating thoughtful, characterful interiors that balance beauty, functionality and a strong sense of place.
“To be shortlisted for a BIID Interior Design Award in our first year is incredibly exciting,” says Jill. “This project has been a true collaboration between clients, craftspeople and specialists who shared a vision for creating a home that feels both timeless and personal. The Arts and Crafts movement championed craftsmanship, individuality and quality, and those principles remain as relevant today as ever.”
The next stage of the awards process involves a visit from the BIID assessors, who will review the project in person before the final winners are announced at Drapers Hall, London, later this year.
For Jill Simpson Interiors, the recognition is an encouraging start for a young North East practice committed to creating meaningful interiors rooted in craftsmanship, heritage and contemporary living.