Rooted in craftsmanship, integrity, and a profound respect for traditional making, Niki has cultivated a brand that quietly champions beauty with purpose. From her Glasgow studio and store on Great Western Road, she curates a space that celebrates hand-crafted skills, textiles, ethical production, and timeless design. In this interview, Niki reflects on her journey, her philosophy of home, and the vital role of independent design in shaping both spaces and communities.
“The level of craftsmanship and skill I witnessed was inspirational.”
“The level of craftsmanship and skill I witnessed was inspirational.”
Niki, can you share a little about your journey and what inspired you to create the Niki Jones brand?
I studied textiles at the Scottish College of Textiles and the Royal College of Art, and after graduating, I joined Habitat as a textile designer and style coordinator. Those six years were transformative. I travelled extensively to visit manufacturers, and what struck me most was discovering how much was still made by hand. The level of craftsmanship and skill I witnessed was inspirational. These were not industrial processes; they were generations of knowledge and expertise being applied to every piece.
New mechanical manufacturing was gradually replacing these traditional crafts. I realised that if we were not careful, we would lose not just the skills themselves, but the knowledge and heritage behind them. That became the catalyst for my brand, creating a collection that celebrated and championed these crafts and helped preserve them for future generations. I began with cushions, quilts, and rugs, pieces where the hand of the maker could really be felt, where traditional techniques could shine. It was about more than just creating beautiful homeware; it was about keeping these craft traditions alive and relevant in the contemporary world.
When you think about a home, what does it mean to you personally, and how do you see that reflected in the pieces you design and curate?
For me, home is about creating spaces that feel authentic and nurturing, not styled or contrived. A home should evolve over time, reflecting your journey through life. I love mixing contemporary pieces with antiques, modern art with found objects that speak to me. When you establish some common threads, a palette, texture, or feeling, they create a backdrop that allows an eclectic mix to work together beautifully.
I design and curate pieces with stories, warmth, texture, and longevity. I want people to choose things they will love for years, not just a season. The textiles and objects we surround ourselves with should bring joy and comfort every day. That is what transforms a house into a home.
Glasgow has a vibrant creative community. How has the city and its people influenced your work and the atmosphere of your store on Great Western Road?
The city has this incredible creative energy. There is a real appreciation for craft, art, and design here, but also an honesty and lack of pretension that I love. The creative family here is incredibly supportive. I live in the same area as my shop, which makes me feel rooted in my community.
There are also many independent retailers that support one another, each with their own specialism and uniqueness. Our local customers are discerning. They genuinely value our commitment to craft, sustainability, originality, and quality.
“It’s not about a slick retail experience; it’s more intimate than that.”
“It’s not about a slick retail experience; it’s more intimate than that.”
Your shop on Great Western Road has become a destination for design lovers. What experience or feeling do you hope visitors take away when they step inside?
I want people to feel inspired and at ease when they visit. It’s not about a slick retail experience; it’s more intimate than that. I hope visitors feel they’ve discovered something special, a place where they can take their time, touch the fabrics, and see how things are made. There’s a calmness and coherence to the space. Everything is carefully chosen; each item carries that same commitment to quality and design.
I want people to leave feeling excited about creating beautiful spaces in their own homes, and understanding that by supporting small independent retailers, they’re making a real impact.
What inspires you most in your work, whether it’s textures, patterns, landscapes, or stories, and how does that inspiration shape the collections you sell?
I’m endlessly inspired by vintage textiles and have a library of samples I’ve collected for years. I love natural materials, the irregularities and variations that come with handmade processes. The Scottish landscape definitely influences me; those muted colours and the quality of light. I’m also drawn to modernist design and architecture, that marriage of form and function.
Traditional craft techniques fascinate me; understanding how things have been made for generations, then finding ways to make them feel contemporary.
Niki Jones is known for blending craftsmanship with contemporary design. How do you ensure each piece tells a story, and why is that storytelling important to your brand?
Every piece should have integrity. You should be able to see and feel the quality, the thought that’s gone into it. Whether it’s how something’s woven, the weight of the linen, or the finishing details, those things tell you about the maker’s care and skill.
Storytelling matters because it connects us to the objects we live with. When you know a rug is hand-woven by makers that have been operating for generations, or that a ceramic piece is hand-thrown by a particular maker, it transforms that object from just a thing into something with meaning and value. It’s the antithesis of disposable, mass-produced goods.