John Amabile: the renowned TV personality talks to Robert Blair

Interior designer John Amabile has always followed his own path. In an exclusive interview with Mill, he talks about Paisley origins, his TV career, future ambitions and much more…

John Amabile has come a long way from his early days in Paisley. Having grown up on Newtyle Road, the famed designer recalls his childhood fondly, including attending Paisley Grammar and going to see Grease five times in as many days when it first came out at a cinema which once stood in the estate his parents now live in. 

However, what’s lesser known about the renowned TV personality is that all of this almost didn’t happen. 

“I was given ten hours to live,” John revealed of his birth. “I was born with a condition called exomphalos, which means that my guts were outside of my body. Thankfully, they scooped me back together again and it worked. 

“I was always very keen on art,” he said of finding his direction in life long after such a terrifying welcome to the world. “It was initially my hobby, then it became my job in a way. I went to Glasgow College of Building and Printing to do a four-year course in interior design, but at that time, interior design was basically just for people living in London who had a lot of money. Otherwise, you went to Arnotts with your mammy and just got a load of matching stuff. Funnily enough, I go to Pendulum [restaurant] quite a lot now where that shop once was.”

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Although he’s best known for his TV appearances at the helm of popular design shows, John’s route to that fame was a winding one to say the least. 

“I wanted to design the inside of beautiful airports, museums and public places. Eventually, I got to do that virtually with Abu Dhabi International, alongside a lot of work out in Cyprus and Europe. 

“As a student, I’d gone to Scottish Television as a placement and thought that I’d really love to get into TV. So, when I was back in Glasgow visiting while doing the Ideal Home Show, I bumped into one of the department heads at STV who told me they were looking for new designers. I had to start at the bottom but within two years, I was designing Taggart. But, it wasn’t murder (laughs). Although, I had to do a lot of forensic research and I kept fainting.” 

It was while he was working in STV that he met up again with 1980s modelling and disco friend, Carol Smillie, who felt he’d be a perfect fit for an onscreen role. As a result, he was offered a spot on Changing Rooms, but turned it down in favour of Better Homes with Carol Vordemann instead. 

“It was more of what I do as opposed to doing quick fixes. Who knew I would end up doing quick fixes anyway (laughs). That show then became a 60 Minute Makeover with Claire Sweeney, Terry Dwyer and the lovely Peter Andre. Out of everyone I’ve ever worked with, he was just a genuine guy.”

 After being a fixture on television for many years, this notoriety led to the creation of John Amabile Design, which has facilitated jobs all over the world and the undertaking of major projects on a domestic level. 

“People were asking how they could get ‘me’ and that’s what sparked it,” he recounted. “Nowadays, it feels like design is for everyone. People try it themselves, but often make expensive mistakes. So now, hopefully my one-to-one services help with that. The funny thing about 60 Minute Makeover is that once it’s transmitted, it then gets syndicated all over the world. So, I had a woman from Brazil who’d watched a show from like three years ago asking how she could get me. 

“People think ‘John Amabile, he’s been on TV, he’s definitely really expensive’. But, it’s for everyone and if someone can’t afford £150 a metre for a fabric, I can show them how to get the look somewhere else on the high street. It’s just about how you put it all together. Half of my job is like psychology, once you gain someone’s trust then it’s plain sailing. But, that’s the important part.” 

Away from the cameras, John has been persistently busy, ranging from commercial work such as Ingliston Country Club & Hotel, to leaving a permanent stamp on Glasgow in the form of Park Quadrant, a development in the west end which he oversaw from plans through to completing people’s newly acquired abodes.

However, it’s not all about the bottom line, with John also undertaking third sector endeavours such as helping to design Callum’s Cabin, a holiday home for kids affected by cancer and their families. Now over 15 properties assisting those in need of being close to hospitals or a much needed break!

Alongside Amabile Design, he’s also expanding his online presence with his blossoming YouTube channel and Instagram accounts. Meanwhile, the recent launch of ‘Gift of a Lifestyle’ at the Braehead Wedding Fair provides a new avenue for couples to make the most of the inevitable deluge of presents they’ll receive upon walking down the aisle by getting that patented Amabile touch in their home. 

Photo by Kat Sloan

“It’s a better use of your wedding lists. People want to give you something and wind up getting you everything you don’t need, whereas I genuinely believe they’d be much happier this way. I’ve been thinking about it for the last five years, but I had to find a way to make it affordable and accessible. So, it’s been fine-tuned now and it’s a great package to use your money wisely. That’s what I’m here to do when you pick me as a designer. 

“I turned 60 last year and while I’ve certainly worked hard, I’ve had a great time and got to a lot of places that I never expected to as a wee chap from Paisley,” John said of his career and plans for the future. “Now, I just want to make my next five, 10 or 15 years move at a different pace. Much like I’m trying to do for my clients, I’m looking for longevity.” 

While he has a less intensive schedule in mind, John insists he hasn’t ruled out a return to TV either. 

“There are some great Scottish production companies and I’ve been talking with a few, but it just has to be the right project,” he declared. “Everyone’s nosy, so there’s always an appeal for a show that feels like flicking through a glossy magazine. We’re never going to reinvent the wheel, but there’s space for something that’s engaging and informative. Without blowing my own trumpet, I feel like I’d be doing that in a way which would help people.”

While he may live on the outskirts of Glasgow today, John also has high hopes for the future of the place that made him too, crediting a new bond he’d formed in recent years with showing him what’s possible in the years to come.

“When I was growing up, Paisley High Street used to look like Oxford Street. Then, Braehead stopped all that. But, it’s good to see a lot of new vibrancy and I’d love to get my hands on it. I’ve made a great new friend in Provost Lorraine Cameron and she’s what Paisley needs. It’s great to see it happening again,” John mused, “it’s about time people realise that it is a lovely, lovely town. And like Paisley Abbey – alive with history.”

Tips for aspiring interior designers by John Amabile: 

“You cannot beat experience. Whether that’s unpaid, an internship or otherwise. Run a project in your mind and see how it’d play out. It’s just about having the passion to get out there and the confidence. Don’t rely on waiting to hear from an email, pick up the phone, get one to one, let AI assist but always be you!” 

Find John on Insta @johnamabile or visit his website.