Bold steps from design-store hero Habitat
Ok, they never fully disappeared. But I suspect, if you’re anything like me, you’ve maybe been wondering what has been happening with Habitat?
After being launched in 1964 by Sir terence Conran, and gaining a reputation for offering high end-style and design at affordable prices, in 2016 it was announced that this high street favourite was to be bought over by the Sainsburys chain. Likewise Argos and Homebase, who are part of the Home Group, were swallowed up by the famous grocer. As a result Habitat almost all but disappeared from our high street - bar a few small concessions housed in Homebase stores.
Image: Deco Pink Velvet Bed, £550
However these concession stores don’t exactly cater for the design-keen consumers. They offer a handy selection of Habitat ‘basics’, but not much more. Hence why Habitat’s withdrawal from high street presence has been such a miss for die-hard Habitat fans.
Image: Habitat Westfield Stratford
But, with an expansive release of new product and two brand new stores opening in both West and East London Habitat appear to be creeping back, we hope to regain it’s position as one of the nations biggest homeware stores.
Image: Deco Pink Velvet Bed, £550
Continuing to take inspiration from trend, but always with a distinct touch of ‘Habitat style’, the new product collection for AW19 offers an enviable selection of curvaceous furniture pieces and glazed pottery. The Deco Pink Velvet Bed, from £550, somewhat steals the spotlight.
Image: Richmond Console Table, £895
There are other pieces too, like the Richmond Console Table, priced at £895, that would make a stylish addition to home for AW19. And the Tokki Marbled Coffee Table, priced at £550, brings a 1970s glam-factor at a snip of the price compared to designer equivalents. AW19 product will be available to shop both online and in-store soon.
Image: Tokki Marbled Coffee Table, £550
When it comes to textiles and fabrics, there’s an eclectic selection of brights, pastels and monochrome to choose from, and if you’re a fashion-follower you need to get up-to-speed with the latest collaboration with Quentin Jones.
Image: The Quentin Jones collaboration
Jones has brought her love of bold pattern and a Bauhaus-inspired colour palette to a range of homeware, including: carpet, cushions and wall art. Explore the Quentin Jones collection at Habitat.
Image: The Quentin Jones collaboration
It’s exciting to see the extensive new product and hear that new stores are opening, and we can’t wait to see what the brand will do next. After a quiet retreat to the sidelines, does 2019 mark the start of a new exciting era for much-loved Habitat?
Shop the AW19 collections in-store at Tottenham Court Road, Westfield Shepherds Bush or Westfield Stratford. You can also order online at habitat.co.uk.
Feature: Rory Robertson
Images: Habitat