CREATE A NATURAL HABITAT
HABITAT’S TOP DESIGNERS SHARE HOW THE STORIES BEHIND EACH PRODUCT HELP THEM PICK THE ONES THAT FIT IN STRAIGHT AWAY
SAMANTHA BARROWS
Habitat’s senior designer for trend, print and pattern, on the crafts and colours you can take into your home
How do you find inspiration for your colour palettes?
For me at the moment, it’s all about positive escapism – fun, happy, expressive colours. I find that nature is such a wonderful source of expression to turn to, but I also think vintage shops are a great place to find unusual posters, art and architectural drawings. I love adding unexpected colours too, a flash of something bold – like Habitat’s emerald and lilac combinations.
How do you bring different tones and textures together?
I have a very eclectic taste, I love those Icelandic, deeper, darker tones and luxe tones like marble and gold. But it’s all about having a wellbalanced mix. For example, Habitat’s mango wood range is beautiful and versatile because it has a lovely warm, rich grain to it.
How do you bring crafts into the finished piece?
We often play with different techniques, but one idea was to use a woodblock printing process in our dinner set. It leaves behind a lovely raised texture on the surface – and while the pieces are great for dining and entertaining, they work well as decorative items, too. It also inspired the pattern for our tufted cushion, with its mix of textures and an oblong shape that works well on any bed or sofa.
What’s the attraction of mixing old and new together?
It really appeals to me when a vintage product has had more life experience than I have. I like to think about who picked it up and held it, who treasured it? Being a designer is a bit like playing detective. When you bring these magpie pieces into your home they can make a statement. It’s important to mix the best of the old and new – and people trust Habitat to evolve and play with new ideas.
How do you carry your own style into your work?
I would describe myself as a country creative, and I love bringing the outside in. I’ve become a pressed flower lady at the moment, and I love foraging for new ideas. We either scan or sketch botanicals and use them for new patterns and prints. I love the idea of hand drawing and hand crafting.
TOM SULLIVAN
Habitat’s senior lighting designer creates timeless pieces and loves finding the perfect light for the space
What makes lighting such an important part of a space?
The great thing about lighting is that it is highly functional – we literally need it to see – and so it will always be a statement piece. Your eye is drawn to it in a room. The diffusion of light can transform a whole space too.
Which lighting styles have most inspired your work?
I was lucky enough to go to Williamsburg and Brooklyn in New York and these are amazing places aesthetically. But it’s great for learning about small space solutions too. I also love the ’60s and ’70s, as they were playful with materials – from fibreglass to wood and ceramics. They covered the whole spectrum.
What kinds of trends are you seeing in lighting right now?
I’ve noticed a few classic designs that have come back into fashion – they seem to have longevity to them. For example, the Conical lamp we designed for Habitat has classic architectural lines, and a matte conical body that contrasts with the linen shade. Timeless styles like this are popular at the moment.
Do you have a favourite lighting style at the moment?
I like to bring the old together with the new to add dimension to a room, using products that have familiar, mass appeal without being trite. Our Hashi lamp is a great example of this, as it harks back to an older style and can fit into many design schemes. It is a nice big table lamp with a subtly textured base – great for adding dimension.