24/3/2010 1 photo

My Ming vase isn't quite what it used to be. Neither are some of my other period pieces and deluxe home furnishings so it's off to work we go. Like one of the Seven Dwarves (only without the height problem), it's time to take myself to Habitat.

Now who doesn't love Habitat? It's a great store. Young, funky, fresh, vibrant and affordable. I especially love this store though because it's easy to get to off the motorway and it's big. I know the size issue rears its ugly head once again.

First up, there is more parking than you can swing a cat at. No worrying about finding a space and also no cost either. Hoorah to that. Secondly, you can combine it with a trip to IKEA as well for a full on housing assault.

Inside, it's wall to wall ace ness. I'm not even sure ace ness is a word but it should be and it is now in Mel's Urban Dictionary. Whether you want vases, sofas, tables or light fittings, it is all here. It may not be quite as cheap as IKEA but it offers a different kind of option and one that I love. The added bonus of coming here is the stores opening times. Better than city centre shopping hours and perfect to nip to after work.

This is a must stop shop for inspiration and design led furniture.

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28/2/2010

The older I get the more tighter I get with my money, in budget conscious climates I think it's become more a necessity than a frugal attempt to save the pennies for hoarding value. Ok I'm talking rubbish now, but every so often I do like to splash out, and I am a bit of a sucker for Habitat. 9 times out of 10 there will be something in here that catches my eye, no matter how ridiculous the price is.

I miss the Habitat in Leeds, and thus I am forced to go further afield, which sucks because this Habitat is so much bigger than my old haunt, and it means there's more stuff to gawp at which also means I am lusting after a solid oak chest of drawers that I fell hard and fast for.

This stuff lasts for years and years, and yes is expensive for furniture and home decor, but where neighbours Ikea go for immediate style and stump themselves on quality, Habitat has never failed me yet. It's classically stylish stuff, covering all the basics, lounge room furniture, dining room tables and chairs, bedroom sets, wardrobes, chests of drawers, bathroom accessories, mirrors, desks, textiles, bedding, lighting, outdoor furniture, pretty much anything you want to style your home with you can do.

Staff are always cheery and helfpul and don't require much telling when you want them to go away and leave you be.

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