Although it has only had a presence in Cyprus for two years, Habitat is a truly international brand, driven by a man with vision. ELENI ANTONIOU finds out more
FORTY years after first coming on the market, with a nod towards its increasingly global presence, Habitat has launched a ‘World Habitat’ range.
Despite having opened stores all around the world, this is not the main reason for the new “World Habitat” concept. Make one stop at the Nicosia store and it is plain to see the truth of the new range’s title: cultures from all over the planet are clearly on display.
Furniture has been gathered together from India, Morocco, Africa, Arabia and tropical islands. Pieces have also been given exotic sounding names such as Palawan and Souk. Solid oiled beech bathroom furniture, steel bases for desks that could also work as a fancy bathroom decoration and cork made rugs for the bathroom are just a drop in the ocean.
HABITAT was created in 1964 by the now legendary design guru, Sir Terence Conran on the basis that its products would change according to latest fashions and ideas. He was keen for the store to make trends rather than follow fashions. So, although over the past four decades the style of furniture has changed, it has always combined simplicity with style.
In the ’70s, the natural look dominated most Habitat products, while during the ’80s the hi-tech style mirrored industrial designs. By the ’90s more simplistic and easy-going furniture was introduced.
When the first store opened in London in 1964 its selection of modern, urban and simple furniture designed very differently to anything London was quite revolutionary. Conran has already founded the Conran Design Group, which dealt with the marketing and making of furniture for commercial and domestic use. But, his vision was to design, manufacture and sell simple furniture and home goods in a stylish, open-plan store, at reasonable prices; a concept that was enthusiastically received.
Conran was fascinated by the cultures of other countries, so it is understandable why so many styles have been stacked into one space. And, Europe, Asia and Africa are still present in everything, from plates to curtains.
With the founding of Habitat, Conran dared to mingle modern and urban furniture by international designers with the more traditional, French cookware sat side by side with rugs from Afghanistan rugs and paper lanterns from Japan. Although the unusual assortment of goods undoubtedly participated in Habitat’s success, it was also because of the eye-catching design of the stores, for which Conran took inspiration from some of London’s finest fashion boutiques, such as Quand and Biba.
In 1998, Habitat took a change of direction with the involvement of Tom Dixon. He added top-drawer designers to the catalogue such as Robin Day, the Japanese couple Shin and Tamoko Azumi, Georg Baldele and the Swedish furniture designer Lisa Norinder.
“Tom Dixon is one of the greatest designers, so you can understand how unique every piece he designs is,” said home manager at the Nicosia store, Andreas Terlas, “He is the representative of a team that has the collective responsibility for the promotion of Habitat and to preserve Conran’s vision to keep upgrading our everyday life through furniture designs”.
ENTER any Habitat and it is clear that you could style and furnish your entire home in one go; the choice is endless.
Cool minimalism, rustic baroque, urban ethnic and retro modern are among the current styles Habitat has to offer. “The different styles serve all ages, from teenagers to 60-year-olds. There is definitely something for everyone,” Terlas said.
Interior designers who are currently working with the chain, which now has 80 stores worldwide, include Mark Guard who swears by comfort in the home, designing as if he was sitting in a particular chair. Eric Lopez leans towards different ingredients such as furs, plastics and pearls sewn into textiles.
Although no specific promotion is taking place in Cyprus to mark the anniversary, every month there is a 20 per cent discount on goods for a particular area of the home. “We pay attention to what people want, so if it’s January, the month’s offer will be duvets or warm winter rugs,” said Terlas.
Habitat opened two years ago in Nicosia and has attracted many home, restaurant and bar owners since. As I walked by the long shop window, it was clear that I would probably be spending quite some time inside. “We have displayed all furniture and home accessories to give a feeling that you are in a warm home,” said Terlas, “People walk in and find it so easy to look around without getting frustrated by so many things.”
N Habitat, Grivas Digenis and 25th March streets, Nicosia. Tel: 22 590000. www.habitat.net
