Sonia Harris interiors
Relaxed, stylish living is the theme behind the distinctive products, from the local area and beyond, sold in this inviting shop in Fife
Tell us a bit about your
background. I’ve always had a passion for interiors and my career in the industry began about 28 years ago. I worked for Colefax and Fowler, then Andrew Martin in Walton Street.
What made you want to open a shop?
It was a natural progression, after having a family and moving out of London. I started my first shop in 2004 in Dunfermline but, in 2008, I moved to Perthshire and began working from home. I missed having a shop, so I opened in Aberdour in January 2015.
What do you enjoy most about it? I’m passionate about creating an environment that shows a relaxed lifestyle. I take great pleasure from helping customers, seeing their reactions to the items in the shop and hearing feedback about how great a piece looks when it arrives at its new home.
How do you source your stock? Some of the products come from trade shows but I look for inspiration everywhere.
How often do you update with new collections? I’m always on the lookout for products that fit into the shop and offer something a bit different. Among the
exciting new additions is a range of rugs, blankets and bags by Weaver Green. They make items from recycled plastic bottles and it’s fantastic to offer something that is stylish and ethically produced. Hume Sweet Hume in Orkney is another company whose items I stock. They create beautiful knitted cushions and clothing in wool and silk featuring colours drawn from the landscape around them.
Do you watch out for interior trends?
I keep up to date with interior design news but I don’t really follow trends. I know what I like – items inspired by nature, be it shapes, colour or material – and I tend to stick to it.
What is your local community like? My shop is located in a really pretty coastal village in Fife. Although small, it has independent retailers, an art gallery, cafés, restaurants, hotels and a castle, while Edinburgh is just 30 minutes away by rail. The village holds a festival every year for a week in summer; it includes an art exhibition on the first night with many venues involved.
Do you support local craft and design?
I do stock local suppliers: handmade soaps by Willow & Plum in Fife and wool cushions and throws from one of the oldest mills in Scotland, which is just further along the coast.