Everyday basics are deluxe in Habitat

Part OF Habitat's success has to be its ability to change its look every season - and to display all the goodies in store in such a way that several pieces become must-haves for the design conscious. This year Tom Dixon, Habitat's head of design, has created the concept of basic deluxe. He says it is a concept which "injects deluxe to the everyday basics that make your life more pleasureable and functional - more luxurious". As a way of thinking it's very much in line with Habitat's founder Terence Conran who believes everyday objects can be both functional and beautiful.

For the past couple of years Habitat has been reintroducing classic 20th century designs and this year its retro designs come from Robin Day as well as Marc Newson and Kenneth Grange, who designed London taxicabs in the 1960s.

Favourites from this season's catalogue include bathroom furniture designed by Simon Pengelly. It's a collection of wooden benches, towel rails and bathroom accessories that include a smart-looking freestanding sink as well as a wall-mounted sink unit that would look good in an en suite.

The pity, from an Irish point of view, is just how long it takes from order to delivery. The delay, which can be as much as 12 weeks, applies to just about any purchase made in any furniture shop as so much is made abroad and shops stock so little.