Anna Campbell Jones is a name that has become synonymous with style, personality, and fearless creativity in the world of British interior design. Best known as the vibrant and stylish judge on BBC Scotland’s Scotland’s Home of the Year, she has built a career that blends artistic expression with thoughtful sustainability. From her early education at the prestigious Glasgow School of Art to founding her own successful studio and launching a micro-brand, Anna has demonstrated an inspiring blend of flair, resilience, and authenticity. This article delves into her background, design philosophy, television presence, and the lasting impact she is making in the creative industry.
Early Life and Influences
Born and raised in Hammersmith, London, Anna Campbell Jones grew up in a home brimming with creative energy. Her father was an architect and her mother had a strong artistic flair, surrounding her from an early age with an appreciation for aesthetics, form, and texture. It was no surprise when she chose to study interior design at Glasgow School of Art, where she graduated in 1991.
During her time in Glasgow, Anna embraced both the city and its culture. The contrast between her London upbringing and Scottish education enriched her design approach, giving her a unique perspective that continues to influence her work today.
Career Beginnings in London
After completing her studies, Anna returned to London during the height of an economic recession. It was a challenging period, but she quickly found her footing by working for prestigious design firms. Her early projects were largely corporate, designing offices and commercial spaces for clients that demanded precision, professionalism, and clarity.
These formative years taught her the importance of detail, timelines, and budgets—less glamorous perhaps, but essential skills for any designer. More importantly, they also showed her the limitations of impersonal design, fuelling a desire to return to projects that had more personal resonance and creative freedom.
Return to Scotland and Founding Habitus
In 2000, Anna made the decision to return north, this time for good. Settling in Glasgow with her young family, she established her own interior design business: Habitus. Her goal was to create a practice that championed individuality, personal storytelling, and sustainable sourcing.
Habitus quickly became a go-to studio for clients seeking bold, emotionally resonant interiors. Anna’s work is immediately recognisable for its eclectic charm—vintage finds, contemporary flair, and layered textures all coalesce into homes that feel both lived-in and curated.
Rather than adhere to fleeting trends, she encourages clients to reflect on their own values and identities, curating spaces that echo their personal narratives.
A Passion for Teaching
Alongside running her business, Anna also lectured part-time at Glasgow School of Art for nearly two decades. Her passion for nurturing new talent and giving back to the design community shone through her role as an educator. She mentored young designers, encouraging them to take risks, develop their voice, and trust their instincts.
Her dedication to the profession’s future is just another reason why she is so widely respected, not just for her work, but for the way she uplifts others.
Breakthrough with Scotland’s Home of the Year
In 2018, a major fire at the Glasgow School of Art disrupted Anna’s teaching role, but it also opened a surprising new chapter in her life. That same year, she was invited to join the judging panel for BBC Scotland’s Scotland’s Home of the Year.
The show was an instant hit. Viewers loved the diverse range of homes featured, and Anna’s colourful outfits, warm commentary, and insightful critiques quickly made her a fan favourite. Her presence brought depth to the show—not only in her ability to identify good design but also in articulating why something worked and how it could inspire viewers at home.
Anna’s transition to television introduced her to a wider audience, but she never strayed from her core values. Her assessments on the show are rooted in emotion, character, and a belief that a home should be a true reflection of the people who live there.
A Colourful Personal Style
One of the most talked-about aspects of Anna Campbell Jones is her unmistakable personal style. Whether she’s appearing on television or posting on social media, she’s never shy of bold prints, bright colours, or statement accessories.
This visual exuberance is not just for show—it reflects her belief that design should be joyful and unrestrained. Her own home, which has been featured in numerous publications, is a true testament to her philosophy: a riot of colour, vintage treasures, and contemporary art. It’s a place where everything has a story, and every room invites curiosity.
Anna’s approach encourages others to embrace maximalism in a meaningful way. It’s not about clutter; it’s about telling your story through your space.
Embracing Mid-Life Reinvention
Anna speaks candidly about entering her 50s and finding new purpose and confidence. After losing her mother just before her TV debut, she reflected deeply on what she wanted from her life and career. Rather than retreat, she leaned in—with vibrant lipstick, new ventures, and an open heart.
Her journey is a reminder that success doesn’t have an expiry date. Reinvention is possible at any stage of life, and sometimes, the best opportunities arrive when you least expect them.
Launching a Sustainable Scottish Brand
In 2023, Anna launched her own product line under the Habitus umbrella, rooted in ethical production and bold aesthetics. The range includes cushions, throws, candles, stationery, and more—all designed in Glasgow and manufactured in Scotland.
Inspired in part by naval camouflage patterns and the textures of coastal landscapes, these pieces reflect her continued interest in storytelling and heritage. Sustainability is central to the brand: local production, small batches, and mindful sourcing underpin every item.
Her micro-brand is not only an extension of her personal taste but also a commitment to a better, more responsible design future.
Life at the Bothy
One of Anna’s most beloved personal projects is her coastal bothy—a small, remote retreat by the sea. Renovated with as much thought and care as any of her larger projects, the bothy is a haven of calm, creativity, and personality.
Painted with dazzle camouflage on the outside and filled with heirlooms and upcycled finds inside, it’s a sanctuary where she escapes the demands of modern life and reconnects with her surroundings.
The bothy also embodies her belief in simplicity and sustainability: thoughtful design, beautiful materials, and a deep respect for place.
Mental Health Advocacy and Public Presence
Beyond her design work, Anna Campbell Jones is also known for her openness around mental health. She has shared her own struggles and the importance of therapy, boundaries, and self-awareness in interviews and podcasts.
Her willingness to speak honestly about the pressures of life, work, and personal change has resonated with many. In an industry often preoccupied with appearances, her authenticity is both refreshing and empowering.
Whether on screen or on stage at design events, she presents herself as both confident and vulnerable—a reminder that real strength lies in embracing the full spectrum of human experience.
The Legacy of Anna Campbell Jones
Anna’s impact on Scottish design—and British design more broadly—is significant. She has brought a renewed sense of fun, personality, and storytelling to interiors. Through her studio, television presence, products, and public engagement, she champions a holistic, human-centred approach to creating beautiful spaces.
Her story is one of perseverance, reinvention, and creative integrity. From London beginnings to Scottish design icon, Anna Campbell Jones continues to inspire others not only to decorate more boldly but also to live more bravely.
Conclusion
Anna Campbell Jones is more than just a designer; she is a force for authenticity, creativity, and positive change. Her career illustrates that true design goes beyond surface appeal—it tells a story, reflects values, and celebrates individuality.
Whether you’re a fan of Scotland’s Home of the Year, a budding designer, or someone seeking the courage to embrace a bolder life, there’s much to learn from Anna’s journey. Her vibrant style and grounded perspective remind us that a well-designed life is colourful, meaningful, and always evolving.
