At Shackletons, our mission has always been to support care homes in creating welcoming, functional, and dignified spaces for residents, even as economic pressures and operational challenges mount. With that in mind, we’ve launched our newest collection, the Derwent, a streamlined bedroom furniture range that delivers trusted Shackletons’ quality at a more accessible price point.
We sat down with Joseph Ullmann, our Commercial Director, and Elisabet Esteva, Head of Product Design, to talk about why this range was developed, how it meets the current needs of care providers, and what makes it stand out.
Q: Joseph, what prompted the creation of the Derwent range?
Joseph:
We’ve been speaking regularly with care operators and interior designers who are under increasing pressure to manage budgets while maintaining the quality of care environments. The cost of everything from staffing to utilities is rising, and that has a knock-on effect on investment in interiors.
We understand that refreshing resident bedrooms is still essential, especially when welcoming new residents or upgrading older rooms. The Derwent range was created as a direct response, it’s our way of supporting care homes with high-quality, stylish furniture that’s both cost-effective and available quickly.
Q: How does the Derwent Collection help care homes refurbish bedrooms more easily?
Joseph:
This range is all about making things simpler and faster. Everything is designed for quick turnaround — the key bedroom pieces are in stock and ready to go, and our delivery and installation service means it’s hassle-free from start to finish.
Because the range is available in one classic oak finish, it’s easy to coordinate with existing interiors. This helps reduce planning time and makes it ideal for busy care teams who need to refresh rooms quickly between residents.
Q: Elisabet, what was your design brief for the Derwent Collection?
Elisabet:
The brief was clear: design a streamlined bedroom range that didn’t compromise on the quality we’re known for while also making it incredibly easy to specify and install. The result is a collection that feels timeless and refined.
We chose a neutral oak woodgrain finish with soft brushed nickel handles to ensure it complements virtually any interior scheme. That means care homes don’t have to worry about coordinating colours or styles.
The range includes the core bedroom pieces, a double wardrobe, bedside cabinet, a chest of drawers, and a dressing table. Everything needed to fully furnish a resident’s bedroom with a warm, homely feel.
Q: How does the Derwent Collection sit alongside other Shackletons bedroom collections?
Elisabet:
We wanted the Derwent range to meet the needs of homes looking for value and quality, but we also recognise that some homes or design-led projects require more choice. That’s where our other ranges, like Durham and Lincoln, come in.
Durham offers a more contemporary look with multiple finish options, while Lincoln leans into soft, classic styling with a choice of colours and design details. Both are ideal for projects which require a more refined aesthetic and premium feel.
So whether you need a quick and stylish room refresh or a custom-designed scheme with more flexibility, we’ve got something to suit.
Q: Finally, how would you summarise what the Derwent range brings to the care sector right now?
Joseph:
It’s about making quality accessible. We know care homes want to create spaces that feel special for every resident, and we believe the Derwent bedroom range helps them do just that — simply, quickly, and affordably, without sacrificing quality or comfort.
We’re proud to stand beside care providers as a partner — not just a supplier — and this new range is a reflection of that partnership.
Explore our new value-led bedroom collection built with care, quality, and everyday practicality in mind:
Discover the Derwent Collection.
