Nantucket is unlike anywhere else on the East Coast. The island's strict architectural guidelines, historic shingle-style homes, and deeply rooted sense of place create a design environment that demands both sensitivity and sophistication. The best interior designers working on Nantucket understand that great island design is not simply coastal decoration. It requires balancing the warmth and character of historic New England architecture with the expectations of clients who maintain homes in some of the most discerning markets in the country.
Here's a look at the top interior designers working in Nantucket today.
Elms Interior Design
Specialty: Full-Service Interior Design | Renovations | New Construction | Historic Properties
Website: elmsid.com
Elms Interior Design is a full-service, award-winning firm based in Boston, led by founder and principal Dee Elms. The firm brings over two decades of experience to residential projects across Boston, Cambridge, Wellesley, Nantucket, and Miami, with a transitional aesthetic that blends contemporary and classical elements in spaces that feel timeless, richly detailed, and elegant yet unpretentious.
Elms has been named Best of Boston Home: Interior Designer, General Excellence by Boston Magazine in both 2025 and 2026, and Best of Boston: Interior Designer, General Excellence in 2025. The firm has also earned Best of Boston recognition for Best Transitional Interior Designer in 2023 and 2019, a Prism Award Gold for Excellence in New Construction, and has been named Houzz Best of Design for 14 consecutive years. The firm's work has been featured in leading regional and national design publications.
Elms's expertise in historic properties and full-scope renovations makes the firm a natural fit for Nantucket, where projects often involve working within the island's architectural guidelines while creating interiors that feel both authentic and effortlessly current. The firm's philosophy of "Timeless Design for Inspired Living" aligns closely with the island's character, prioritizing the home's story, the client's personal style, and a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Carolyn Thayer Interiors
Specialty: Full-Service Design | Residential & Boutique Commercial
Website: carolynthayerinteriors.com
Carolyn Thayer Interiors is a full-service design firm with offices in both Boston and Nantucket, combining practical classics with modern function. The firm has been voted "Best Nantucket Interior Designer" by readers of the Inquirer and Mirror and is known for creating interiors of endurance and beauty, working closely with clients to transform homes and house plans into refined, individualized spaces.
Kathleen Hay Designs
Specialty: High-End Residential & Commercial | Coastal Luxury
Website: kathleenhaydesigns.com
Kathleen Hay Designs is a Nantucket-based studio with over 25 years of experience in high-end residential and commercial interiors. The firm is known for its chic coastal elegance, creating spaces that range from bold and layered to serene and restrained. Hay's work extends beyond the island, but Nantucket remains the firm's creative home and the foundation of its design identity.
Audrey Sterk Design
Specialty: Residential & Commercial Interiors | Space Planning
Website: audreysterk.com
Audrey Sterk Design is a Nantucket-based firm creating interiors for both residential and commercial spaces on the island and beyond. The studio, located on Broad Street in the heart of Nantucket, brings a curiosity-driven approach to each project. The firm received the Hotel & Property Award in 2020 for its work on the Treehouse London, earning recognition for best hotel under 200 rooms globally.
Nantucket Interiors
Specialty: Full-Service Residential Design
Nantucket Interiors has been serving the island's homeowners for years, specializing in classically understated interiors that feel both current and rooted in the island's heritage. The firm brings deep local knowledge and long-standing relationships with Nantucket's building community, which is an important asset on an island where logistics and vendor relationships significantly impact project outcomes.
How to Choose the Right Interior Designer in Nantucket
Designing on Nantucket involves considerations you won't find on the mainland. The island's Historic District Commission guidelines, seasonal construction schedules, and the logistics of sourcing and delivering materials all require a designer who either works on the island regularly or has a strong network of local tradespeople and project partners. Beyond logistics, the most important question is aesthetic alignment. Nantucket homes have a specific character, and the best designers respect that character while bringing something fresh and personal to each project.
Whether you're renovating a historic cottage in town, building in Sconset, or creating a year-round family home, the designers listed here represent the strongest options available, combining proven expertise with the kind of island fluency that makes a Nantucket project successful.
