fbpx
Sophie Robinson
  • Home
  • Workshops
    • Marrakech Retreat
    • Ban the beige
    • Masterclasses
  • Online Courses
  • Collaboration
  • Podcasts
  • Blog
  • About
    • About me
    • Work with me
    • Press
  • FAQs
  • Contact
  • Business
  • Interior Design
  • Interiors
  • Lifestyle
12 Nov 18

Habitat launch flag ship store in Brighton with local artist collaboration

Interior designer Sophie Robinson attends Habitat opening in Brighton, 3 local artists design exclusive rugs, Sophie Abbot, Becky Blair and Lauri Hopkins

Last week I was thrilled to be invited to the opening party of a new flagship Habitat store in my home town in Brighton. Now to let you into a secret, I’ve known about the opening for a while but am now thrilled to see my favourite high street retailer back in my hood. I was mildly devastated to see Habitat leave after it went into administration in 2011, which saw it close nearly all of it stores across the UK. But the brand is back and going from strength to strength, and with Kate Butler at the head of design there is plenty in store to delight in. Habitat believe in investing in the high street as people still need to touch and feel the products, something I couldn’t agree more with, so lets salute them for taking it on while other big giant retailers are falling to the wayside.

Interior designer Sophie Robinson attends Habitat opening in Brighton

The brand New Habitat store Brighton is set over two spacious floors with plenty of furniture displays and accessories ready to take away.

To celebrate the launch, Adam Crudgington, head of PR at Habitat, who is completely marvellous and comes up with fantastic clever campaigns, got in touch with me to give me the inside track that the brand would be moving back to it’s South Coast heartland. Habitat are currently set to open just two new stores, one in Westfield in London and the second in Brighton. So it’s a pretty big deal! In order to celebrate the launch they wanted to collaborate with three local artists to design three iconic rugs that would be sold in limited edition through Habitat. Habitat have a long standing tradition of making lots of amazing products mostly due to their in house team which means they don’t just rely on buying. But one area thats always been strong for them is their collection of terrific rugs, I’ve invested in many myself over the years,  and Kate Butler wanted to draw on the expertise of her Indian manufactures to produce three very different designs that celebrated the different craftsmanship techniques.

Habitat launches a new store in Brighton with artists collaboration Sophie Abbott, Becky Blair, Lauri Hopkins, here photogrpahed with Kate Butler from Habitat

The launch party was a star studded affair, hosted by Habitat MD Claire Askem and head of design Kate Butler

Habitat in Brighton collaborate with three local artists Sophie Abbott, Becky Blair and Lauri Hopkins

The Brighton instore display shows the original artworks alongside the Artists rugs. All artwork displayed is available to buy along with the rugs.

As a designer based in Brighton, Adam asked me if I could recommend my favourite local colour loving artists and having given him my shortlist Habitat chose three, namely Sophie Abbott, Becky Blair and Lauri Hopkins. All three artists are based in central Brighton and their work very much encapsulates the vibrancy of this unique city. I think the results are simply mouth watering and the trouble I have is which one to choose!

Interior designer Sophie Robinson attends Habitat opening in Brighton, 3 local artists design exclusive rugs, Sophie Abbot, Becky Blair and Lauri Hopkins

The Artists and me!

I’m a massive fan of feature rugs and think they can really make a scheme. You can use the colours within the rug to pull a scheme together and all three of these designs create a really strong colour theme. The size of rug you go for is crucial and I always say to go as big as you can afford as that way they really anchor the room.

Interior designer Sophie Robinson attends Habitat opening in Brighton and new rug collection, Becky Blair Undercliff design

Artist Becky Blair sketches in watercolour and pastel. It was one of her sketches that she produces in preparation for her large and multi layered canvases that Habitat chose to make into a rug.

“The artwork for this project came from a collection of pastel drawings I sketched on the beaches along the under cliffs between Brighton and Saltdean. It’s a great area where locals get to escape the hustle and bustle of Brighton’s busier beaches. I used the pastels very playfully, enjoying the vibrancy of colour and softness of line to abstractly draw the shapes of people, rock pools and flora. This series of drawings has informed my latest paintings that recently exhibited as part of the Brighton Festival and will go on to be seen at my solo show this October in Perth, Australia.” Becky Blair

Artist Becky Blair collaborates with habitat to produve this hand carved rug, Undercliff 170 x 240 available at Habitat

Undercliff hand carved rug by Becky Blair, £400, 170x240cm, Habitat.

Artist Sophie Abbott uses plenty of colour soaked paintings are inspired by the south coast. From large seascapes to small rock pools her colour love is second to none.

“I spend a lot of time by the sea and seashore – swimming in it, photographing & sketching it, and really love the rock pools under the cliffs in Ovingdean (just past Brighton marina). This artwork is derived from sketches I produced in situ on the beach there. The inspiration for this painting is predominantly of rock pool formations, looking at the way they fit together like a jigsaw and the shapes in-between. I’m trying to convey the feeling of walking over them in bare feet, peering down into them, lost in the beauty of natural world. This rug will reflects all that I love about the seaside and living in Brighton.” Sophie Abbott

Interior designer Sophie Robinson attends Habitat opening in Brighton, local artist design exclusive rug, Sophie Abbot

Blue rocks rug by  Sophie Abbott, pure wool and screen printed, £400, 170 x 240cm , Habitat.

Artist Lauri Hopkins collabortaes with Habitat to design this rug called Nightswim, available from Habitat

Lauri works on collage and her abstract shapes work particularly well in this deep textured hand tufted rug.

“The original collage translated for this project is called Night Swim, and it was inspired by my memories of being a teenager in Brighton. The carefully chosen collection of colours and shapes floating on a dark background remind me of lots of Brighton teenage experiences; swimming in the sea in the dead of night. Dancing under the fractured disco lights in nightclubs. Shopping for eighties print t-shirts in the lanes. My best mates’ orange Fiat Panda. Dreaming of becoming artists as we walked home with the seagulls. It’s pure, joyful nostalgia.” Lauri Hopkins

Night Swim Hand knotted 100% wool rug by Lauri Hopkins, 170x240cm, £500, Habitat

Habitat will be continuing this project in Brighton each year, asking new Artists to work with Habitat’s own Design Studio on products that hero local talent and their creativity.  Meanwhile no new store opening are planned as yet. Brighton and Westfeild are trial stores so they’re waiting to see how these perform. They’re looking at which store formats are working best for Habitat alongside the digital channel at www.habitat.co.uk which will most probably be Mini Habitat stores and a selection of larger standalone stores in key cities. So stay tuned folks!

 

You can find out more about the artists here:

Sophie Abbott: website: sophieabbott.net Instagram: @sophieabbottartist Buy the rug here

Becky Blair: website: beckyblairartist.co.uk Instagram: @beckyblairartist Buy the rug here

Lauri Hopkins: website: laurihopkins.com Instagram: @lauri_hopkins Buy the rug here

NOTE: As the rugs are limited edition they are selling fast but you can email Habitat for a note of when the rug you’ve chosen is back in stock.

  • Business
  • Interior Design
  • Interiors
  • Lifestyle
Staying in is the new going out Colour crush: Mustard

Leave a Comment

Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

  • Interiors
    • colour crush
    • DIY
    • Home Tours
    • Interior Design
    • Interior Styling
    • podcast
    • trends
  • Lifestyle
    • Business
    • Fashion/Beauty
    • Life
    • My House
    • Nosh
    • Travel
  • Rooms
    • Bathrooms
    • Bedrooms
    • Kids rooms
    • Kitchens
    • Living rooms
    • Outside
  • Videos

mailing
list

Videos

Listen

Listen Here

Bedlinen range

Shop

Colour Psychology for professionals

book your place!

Catch Sophie In All Her Colourful Glory On Instagram

I absolutely adored visiting @annalysejacobs in he I absolutely adored visiting @annalysejacobs in her beautiful rental apartment. Her love of colour and creativity just over flows and is positively infectious ! I spent a morning in her gorgeous company filming another fabulous house tour for my new inline course and Anna generously shared all the insights, tricks and hacks she’s used to turn her rental  flat from its previous mushroom incarnation into the splendid expression of colour joy that it is now. As an artist Anna is a master of colour and conjures up some mouthwatering palettes that feel fresh, new and playful. And because she rents she’s used paint to make the biggest transformation. From walls, ceilings, kitchen units, furniture to her fabulous murals she has quickly and affordably made this apartment her own. Because the thing is beige makes Anna feel low and depressed but because she knows what her happy colours are, she’s rolled them out in all her walls, and she is thriving. 😁 Anna is a complete creative whirlwind and I found it a real tonic being in her home. It’s lovely, she’s definitely one worth a follow! 

My new course, Confident Colour scheming launches on the 17th May, but you can enrol now with a juicy £100 discount with the pre-launch offer. Just follow the link in my profile. Trust me, colour makes you happy and I’ll show you how!

Lots of questions about my dress on stories yesterday, it’s new from @phaseeight and is the most amazing colour for spring! 

#colourpalette #colourlover #banthebiege #springdecor #colourconfident #confidentcolourscheme #bbbinteriors #ihavethisthingwithcolour #colourcolorlovers #springiscoming #interiordesign #colourmehappy #housebeautiful
Happy Friday! The end to a marvellous week visitin Happy Friday! The end to a marvellous week visiting some of my favourite colour filled homes. This is a peek into the wonderful world of @interiorcurve which is a maximalist masterclass. I interviewed Siobhan for my new online course, which is called Confident colour scheming. I love Siobhan’s passion for Art Deco and fifties Hollywood glam and she fuses it using her own fearless  approach to decorating. She pulls together pattern and colour and designs from the heart. She feels it abs when it feels good she goes for it. And as a result you feel it too. Being inside her home infuses you with a real feeling of joy and fabulousness. What a tonic! Siobhan’s house will be one of many inspiring house tours that are inside the new course. Enrolment opens today with a juicy £100 discount if you sign up before the course launches on the 17th May. ( link in bio) I think we could all do with being a litltle more Siobhan. #bemoresiobhan 

#colourlover #banthebeige #maximalistinteriors #eclecticdecor #interiordesign #artdeco #artdecostyle #colourmyhome
Hip hip hooray it’s PODCAST DAY and @mad_about_ Hip hip hooray it’s PODCAST DAY  and @mad_about_the_house and I are back with a fresh new series, and thrilled to have @harlequinfw  supporting the show. 
During lockdown sales of scented candles have gone through the roof so we tackle the topic of whether a smelly candle really can transport you somewhere else. Whether it’s fig and pomegranate , gingerbread, sea salt or ‘scent of freshly signed divorce papers’ there is a scent to suit every mood it would appear. One of my favourite smells is ‘Love is the drug” by @rockettstgeorge.co.uk  and I use it to help me unwind as I soak in the tub. Would love to know what your favourite home scents are so drop me a comment as @mad_about_the_house needs some inspiration in this department! 
We also round up the latest design books all launching this spring . New out this month Is ‘Resourceful living’ by our favourite style savvy insta influencer @_lisa_dawson_ . We drool over the colourful world created by @beataheuman as she shows us how ‘every room must sing’. And I couldn’t put down this little gem of a book, ‘the mindful home’ by @joannathornhillstylist is set to inspire and inform you in equal measure to create a home you can thrive in. 
You can find us as always in your podcast app by looking for ‘The Great Indoors’ so make sure you subscribe. A huge thanks to @katetaylorldn for producing the show, and to you for listening. 😍
. #thegreatindoors #greatindoors #thegreatindoorspodcast #scentedcandles #smellycandles #bathroom #howivintage #colourlover #banthebeige #patternlover
Just completed a fabulous trip to Leeds to do some Just completed a fabulous trip to Leeds to do some filming inside some of my favourite colour fuelled homes. 
Meeting Sandra from @the_idle_hands and getting to experience the fabulous interiors she has created (that Ive drooled over for years here on Instagram), was a huge treat for the eyes and food for the soul. This past year more than any other has got us deeply connected with how much our homes mean to us and I love to learn how they have also become a creative outlet for so many. We have this wonderful platform to share our designs and indeed egg each other on to ignore the sensible advice and instead make bolder and more audacious design choices. Following your true heart always pays off!  I’ve got connected to the passion, joy, and uplift that can be gained by doing it your own way and owning your style 100% .  It involves plenty of graft but ultimately if you get connected to the colours and patterns that chime with you,  and dare to make some bold moves along the way, you are rewarded with a home that just feels awesome to be in. My little trip away has left me inspired and invigorated itching to get some fresh new colour rolled out on the walls! And possibly to get a puppy! Nel totally stole my heart 🐶
These little films I’ve made will be part of my exciting new course, coming out in May all about how to create confident colour schemes because a little know how goes a long way to creating your dream colour filled interior. Cannot WAIT to share all this mouthwatering content with you 😍

#colourlover #banthebeige #colourscheme #interiordesign #ihavethisthingwithcolour #styleithappy #myhomevibe #victorianhouse #interioraddict #eclectichome #eclecticdecor #crashbangcolour #colourcourse #bbbinteriors #houseofhackney #puppylove
How’s your Monday? Did you get to the shops? Dri How’s your Monday? Did you get to the shops? Drink a beer in a pub garden?! I’ve attempted train travel today  and three cancelled trains later I’m wishing I stayed at home! Anyone else not ready for this new normal yet! I’ve grown very attached to my sofa and cosy clothes this past few months! 

CREDITS Cardigan @jumper_1_2_3_4  Trousers @me_andem Trainers @nike Sofa @sofaworkshop (discontinued) in magnolia @gpjbaker  Tiger print cushion @trashvelvetuk pink cushion @grahamandgreen Flowers @sageandco.floraldesign Curtains @habitatuk (discontinued) 

#nonewnormal #banthebeige #colourlover #myhomevibe #noplacelikehome #pink #ihavethisthingwitpink 

📷 @aluncallenderphoto
I do love some HEAVY PETAL action. Florals are eve I do love some HEAVY PETAL action. Florals are everywhere in my home and it gives me full on joy to see them layered up on walls, on furnishings and my latest edition this hollyhock cushion. But they don’t  love me. As the blossom is bursting out this spring my hay fever is in full flow. 🤧sending love and tissues to my fellow sufferers! 

CREDITS Wallpaper is Artemis @houseofhackney . Painting by @beckyblairartist . Side board is vintage from @vinestreetvintage . Vases and chair are @grahamandgreen . Hollyhocks heavy petal cushion @houseofhackney . Flowers by @sageandco.floraldesign . Wall light @pookylights . Floor is intenso parquet @quickstepfloors 

#heavypetal #floralwallpaper #floraldesign #flowerpower #colourlover #banthebeige #bbbinteriors #mycolourfulinterior #mycolourfulhome #howivintage #sodomino #interiors123 #interiordesign #countryinteriors .
Had a very busy day filming today and I got my mak Had a very busy day filming today and I got my makeup done all fancy and put on some pretty clothes. I’m exhausted because it was hard work but I also feel like I’ve had a real boost to play with some all the pretty things in all the pretty colours. Like these new pumps from @roguematilda which are giving me life! And they are flat so my feet are happy to. 😍

Thanks @swainy2021 for the style inspiration and @jadefarmiloemua for the eye bag hack! (See my stories)
It’s podcast day! And on today’s show @mad_abo It’s podcast day! And on today’s show @mad_about_the_house and I discuss the pitfalls of shopping online, because admit it, we’ve all fallen down one! Whether it’s find out your forest green sofa is shiny teal (mentioning no names Callum) to discovering the dining room chandelier is no bigger than one of pat butchers earrings. 
Swiftly moving on we interview the fabulous @_paintgirl , creative director of paint brand @littlegreenepaintcompany who explains why there is a thirst for neutrals right now and how to pick the perfect shade. I’m currently giving my living room a refresh and for one nano second considered a neutral for the walls. 😳 But then I had a chat with myself and remembered that leopard is a neutral. There, I feel so much better! I hope you love the show, it’s the last in the current series. Kate and I will be having a short lie down and then back with a bang on 15th of April. I can promise you an awesome series we have planned with some know guests! So make sure you subscribe and why not leave us a little review if you get a moment. We read them all you know! Thanks to @katetaylorldn for producing the show. 

#leopardisaneutral #banthebeige #thegreatindoors #thegreatindoorspodcast #livingroom #interiorrefresh #colourlover #maximalistinteriors #maximalistinteriors
Load More… Follow on Instagram
Sophie Robinson
  • © 2017 Sophie Robinson

    /
  • Contact/
  • About/
  • Design by MW

Don't forget to join!