Habitat RIP

And there it was, gone, quicker than you could say Chicken Brick. Before Habitat disappears from the high street forever (?), here’s a salute to the days when Habitat was still owned by El Tel, and was genuinely revolutionizing British interiors style.

Check out this contents list on a 70s catalogue for a glimpse into the buying preoccupations of our forefathers. H is for herbs, hammock and hessian. Japanese lanterns and rush matting were a must. You definitely needed a fish kettle as well as a fish smoker. But what in heaven’s name is a Sagbag? Actually don’t answer that.

Jazzy! I remember Habitat opening in the grotty city where I was at university as a joyous occasion – I went and bought a bright orange cushion and a bright blue throw plus loads of coloured shot glasses. But recently Habitat seemed to loose its way, becoming less affordable and a bit stale, with the same furniture designs on sale for years on end.

…and yet, they did always have something I wanted. I haven’t honestly been in one for a couple of years, but I’ll miss having the choice.



A gripe

Yes, it feels like gripe-week round here (what an idea) and maybe it’s because I had a ropey day – or maybe it’s simply that the Guardian told me I should be working it – but I’m finding a certain look I once loved a bit irksome now… Yup, the whole mismatched dining chair thing. I […]