There’s something quietly powerful about a home that feels just right. A space whose interior design seems to breathe alongside you—functional, calm, and effortlessly elegant. At Nielsen House, this kind of beauty is never accidental. It’s the result of a design journey led with purpose and sensitivity by founder and design director, Sarah Jane Nielsen.
Having been raised in rural Scotland and the English Lake District, Sarah’s approach is grounded in her connection to nature and heritage. Her Danish family roots introduced her to the beauty of craftsmanship, while her rural upbringing taught her to appreciate texture, tactility, and tone. These early influences continue to shape her studio’s refined, understated style today.
Her experience spans more than 30 years and projects across London, Paris, Dubai, and Moscow. From royal residences in the Middle East to family homes in Mallorca, Sarah’s design philosophy remains the same: consider each element carefully, and always honour the character of the space.
A step-by-step process, tailored to you
Clients often arrive with a dream but not always the words to express it, and that’s where Nielsen House steps in. Through an initial design interview, Sarah and her team help clients articulate their vision, however unclear it may seem at first. From there, the process flows naturally, offering everything from concept-only guidance to a full turnkey service complete with visual plans, sketches, and optional CAD or 3D visuals to bring the design to life.
What defines a Nielsen House project isn’t the style—it’s the intention. Muted palettes, natural materials and balanced proportions allow each space to speak quietly, drawing inspiration from its surroundings. Collaborating closely with architects, artisans, and trades, the studio ensures the integrity of the concept is honoured from paper to completion.
With craftsmanship at the core and collaboration woven throughout, Nielsen House transforms the design process into a journey of meaning and connection. Their designs are intended to support real life by creating calm, acoustically comfortable spaces that are in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Sarah Jane Nielsen and her team don’t simply design interiors; they help shape spaces that feel truly lived in and deeply loved.
How Nielsen House can help you
Initial one-on-one meeting
Every design story at Nielsen House begins with a personal interview, a chance to pause, reflect, and share aspirations. In this one-to-one introductory meeting, clients are guided through the early stages of the process, helping to establish clarity and build confidence. It is a space where ideas are explored without pressure and where concerns are met with experience and understanding. This first step ensures that the journey ahead is grounded in trust and a shared vision.
Conceptual presentation of the design vision
Once the brief is established, the Nielsen House team presents a visual concept that begins to shape the feel and function of the project (assuming CAD accurate architectural survey plans are provided). Through carefully curated interior imagery, spatial planning, and hand-drawn layouts, clients are invited to explore what their future space might look and feel like. Conceptual elevations, furniture/lighting placements, and proposed interior finishes help to create a tactile sense of what lies ahead. It is a moment of clarity and excitement, where the dream becomes visible.
Design development and presentation
With the concept approved, the design moves into a more detailed and technical phase. Nielsen House develops furniture and lighting plans, elevations, and refined material palettes using both CAD and indicative SketchUp visuals. Each element is chosen with purpose—balancing aesthetic intent with practical needs. On client approval, a full Project Schedule is provided, a guide through the next steps of purchasing all FF&E items, soft finishing, and internal finishes.
Full design realisation
As the project progresses on-site, Nielsen House offers a full design realisation service to ensure every detail is delivered as intended. The studio works alongside, or introduces, trusted professionals, including contractors, consultants, and trades. Their involvement ensures smooth communication, accurate detailing, and consistent quality throughout the build. All services are managed transparently with pre-agreed rates and visible time logs.
FF&E procurement and delivery
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment specified in the Project Schedule can be sourced and managed directly by Nielsen House. Clients may also choose to handle procurement themselves, using the provided schedule as a guide. Where possible, Nielsen House offers trade discounts, ensuring value as well as quality. A scheduled delivery plan is arranged, with storage options discussed as needed.
FF&E installation and dressing
At the final stage, Nielsen House offers a full installation and interior dressing service. This ensures the original design is executed with precision, integrity, and sensitivity to the space. Every piece is placed with intention, bringing cohesion and atmosphere to the finished interior. This final layer transforms a completed build into a truly lived-in, harmonious home. This can be managed, scheduled, and costed once the final completion of the property is handed over for finishing.
Qualifications and awards
Sarah Jane Nielsen BA (Hons) Fine Art & Design is the Design Director, owner and founder of Nielsen House, with over 30 years of international project experience. Her work has earned multiple accolades, including the UK Northern Design Award (2016), NDA Living etc Residential Design Award (2018), International Design Awards winner (2021), and Hospitality Designer of the Decade Finalist (2021). She is also a 2021 SBID finalist, a winner of the Design & Build UK Awards (2021–2023), and was shortlisted for the 2025 IDA Residential Restoration Project – UK Luxury Residence.
What Nielsen House's clients say...
- “Fantastic working with the Nielsen House team – led by Sarah. An excellent service, with incredible vision and stunning design. We have been gifted and supported throughout.” – Maria
- “Sarah’s design services offer exceptional value for money, transforming our home into a haven of luxurious calm. Her creativity enhances our overall experience of the space.” – Paul
- “Sarah has given the wow factor to every house I’ve ever renovated, and her inspiration and ideas are constantly evolving so that every time it just gets better and better!” – Annabel
- “I’ve worked with Sarah for over twenty years on the interiors of all three of our hotels. Her creativity and flair for design have enabled us to create our unique atmosphere.” – David
- “I recently had an excellent client experience with Nielsen House. I invested a substantial amount of money in my project. The interior design service was exceptional.” – Vivienne
- “Thank you, you’ve transformed our rather dull and serious apartment in the Edinburgh New Town into a warm, inviting, and friendly environment where we can entertain and relax.” – Gail
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nielsen House provide a turnkey service?
Nielsen House offers a fully turnkey interior design service, dedicated to inspiring and guiding clients from the earliest concept to final completion. By approaching each project uniquely, every detail is overseen with precision, particularly for clients living off the island who rely on a trusted, experienced team to manage the process.
Does Nielsen House provide interior design concepts only?
Nielsen House is happy to offer direction and design concepts without full project management. For clients who wish to stay hands-on, the studio can provide the creative direction and clarity needed to complete the journey independently with professional reassurance.
Are illustrative CAD renderings provided?
Nielsen House likes to provide clients with as much tactile and illustrative vision of how their project will unfold through sampling, sketch drawings, and imagery. This usually includes SketchUp layouts and visuals; however, they can provide a more detailed presentation in the form of specialist CAD renderings or V-Ray visuals if requested.
On considering an existing remodelling project, can the team come out and view the property without any further commitment?
Yes, Nielsen House welcomes the opportunity to visit a potential project for an initial consultation. For a fixed call-out fee, clients receive an experienced perspective on how the interior could evolve to suit lifestyle, family, or investment goals.
What should we expect from the level of fees for the services?
Owner and Design Director Sarah Jane Nielsen takes enormous pride in the experience she offers her clients. To be familiar with and able to anticipate the potential pitfalls that come with every bespoke property enhancement or new build is to be forearmed. The benefit of this experience is invaluable, and her involvement will add considerable worth.
We want this project to become our ultimate home away from home. How can Nielsen House help?
Each project begins with active listening and understanding the client’s lifestyle, needs, and deeply personal design aspirations. Nielsen House believes that asking the right questions early on leads to interiors that feel lived-in, heartfelt, and entirely one of a kind.
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