Heritage

Since 1964, Habitat has been challenging the way we think about our living space.

Thanks to Terence Conran, a young furniture designer and restaurateur with a vision, it was out with the dark, heavy furniture of his parents' generation and in with something altogether cooler and as groovy as Mary Quant's new bob.

He had created a revolutionary concept, offering to the 'young moderns' a democratic ideal of contemporary design at affordable prices. Shopping as entertainment, furniture and home accessories from all over the world, mixing the love of ones home with the joy of colour, food, art and all the good things in life - Habitat had invented the thing we now call Lifestyle.

Habitat as a brand has grown and flourished by evolution with collections that mirror the changing fashions and lifestyles of its customers. This is particularly true today – with customers who are more discerning and knowledgeable; Habitat has become increasingly nimble, creative and smart to stay ahead in the 21st century.

So what is the secret of Habitat’s exciting, young, adventurous spirit in what is the beginning of its fifth decade? Tom Dixon, Non-Executive Creative Director, believes a series of different ingredients are involved. First is Habitat’s heritage, which confirms its status as one of the most recognised and best loved brands on the high street, with a great concept and deeply rooted values which are as strong today as they were in 1964. Plus, a unique diaspora of global sources that Habitat has built up over decades which give it a head start in finding new materials, world cultures and fresh ideas. All this is topped up with an unparalleled network of designers – both up and coming and famous, in house and independent - nourishing the collections with innovative ideas that always keeps Habitat one step ahead.

And so, over forty years on, the current Habitat management team, led by Jens Nordahl, remain as committed as ever to keeping the joyful Habitat spirit we all love, invigorated and alive. He believes in the adage ‘you are only as old as you feel’ and Habitat certainly has a way of always staying in tune with the trend of each decade,offering new designs to keep it as young and vibrant as it did some forty years ago.

Terence Conran got it right in 1964 and, as Habitat has proved, if something is good it will endure, decade after decade.