Tucked into Glasgow’s vibrant Southside, This Must Be The Place is a celebration of colour, creativity, and curated living. Founded by photographer, artist, and product stylist Clare Nicolson, the shop brings together a joyful mix of homeware and design-led pieces sourced from across the UK and beyond.
We caught up with Clare to talk inspiration, community, and the shift toward more expressive interiors.
By
Halliday Hemmings
“It’s been described as a “real-life Pinterest board,” which I think is lovely.”
“It’s been described as a “real-life Pinterest board,” which I think is lovely.”
What inspired you to start This Must Be The Place?
I really wanted to create a space full of good things, a home for all the products I love and use myself. My years working as a photographer and product stylist introduced me to so many incredible brands and artists from around the world. Being able to bring those discoveries together and share them with customers is a dream.
How would you describe the personality of the shop?
It’s been described as a “real-life Pinterest board,” which I think is lovely. I like to imagine the shop as your fun, colourful, creative aunt, the one who loves to cook, travels to faraway places, and always comes back with the most thoughtful gifts.
Your shop sits in the heart of Glasgow’s Southside. How would you describe the character of the community today?
“Thriving” might not be the first word people associate with retail and hospitality right now, but it genuinely feels like the Southside is full of energy, creativity, and opportunity. There’s a real buzz about the place.
“I really wanted to create a space full of good things, a home for all the products I love and use myself.”
“I really wanted to create a space full of good things, a home for all the products I love and use myself.”
What makes the Southside such a special place to run an independent shop?
Without a doubt, it’s the people. I’m lucky to have such a wonderful community of customers, lots of regulars who are passionate about supporting local businesses. At the same time, we welcome visitors from across Scotland and all over the world who come to explore everything the Southside has to offer.
Do you think people are moving away from minimalist interiors towards something more expressive?
Definitely. The rise of “dopamine décor” over the past few years has encouraged people to be braver with their spaces, embracing colour, personality and individuality. Minimalism is appealing in theory, but when you live somewhere the sky is often grey, your home should feel like an expression of you, full of warmth, colour and life, and always evolving.