Scandinavia & Minimalism in Atlanta

Habachy Designs + Atelier (HD+A) delivers on a straight-forward approach to design

Our exclusive interview with Atlanta designer Michael Habachy, principal at Habachy Designs + Atelier (HD+A), on Scandinavian design‘s contribution to thoughtful living that is inspired by nature, craftsmanship, and analog traditions in a digital world. Here are excerpts from that interview.

Bernard McCoy —Over the years your passion for good design has evolved into a successful practice creating demand for your design services. It comes as no surprise that Scandinavian/Nordic design, with its lasting beauty and craftsmanship by human hands, would become part of your creative portfolio. Attending the Stockholm Design Fair for the first time, I got to witness firsthand some really awesome brands not so openly available in Atlanta. Can you explain how all this came about and the motivation?

Michael Habachy — Thank you Bernard. You and I have known each other for a long time and we definitely share the same passion for design! Over the years, you’ve seen my tastes change and evolve, following some trends and ignoring others. I feel the Scandinavian style represents a rich history, but it’s also an innovative and thought provoking aesthetic. Even with the classic heritage, the latest brands are producing fresh, inspiring products. I got my start in the industry as a furniture designer and still cherish those roots.  It’s important to have lines that continue to inspire that creativity.  

BM — Some of the most sought-after Scandinavian brands including Fredericia, Mater, Friends and Founders, Overgaard & Dyrman, — just to name a few, are proudly represented at Habachy Designs + Atelier. How did you curate your final selection of brands you wanted to work with? Were you after a certain feel and aesthetic?  

MH — My goal is to bring great designer pieces (some mid-century classics and some new editions) that are lesser known and have been harder to acquire in the Southeast. Larger furniture dealers are hard to compete with, but they tend to just secure the best sellers and  or most popular pieces. Meanwhile, some of those same manufacturers whom they buy from, such as Fredericia (which has been around since 1911), produce so many more iconic pieces that a lot of Americans are not familiar with.  For example, for decades, Fredericia has been producing several licensed re-editions of modern classic furnishings created by an acclaimed mid-century modern Danish designer, Borge Mogensen, probably one of the most acclaimed mid-century furniture designers in Denmark. I also try to keep an eye out for younger up-and-coming designers whom I feel will eventually also be regarded as the masters.

BM — Is there demand and awareness for Scandinavian/Nordic design in the Southeast, or are you advocating for a new experience that excites the contemporary commercial and residential markets?

MH — My interior design firm has been working with many discerning clients who are building some absolutely stunning and luxurious modern homes with great art collections, and they look to us to steer them towards pieces that will enhance their homes and set them apart. Unfortunately, many people tend to associate the Nordic influence only with mass-produced designs from companies like IKEA. There are so many other Nordic brands which provide the highest level of design that combines the perfect aesthetics, sustainable materials and hand-made craftsmanship. I recently used the Danish concept for comfort and coziness, hygge, as the theme for the room we designed in last year’s Holiday Showhouse for Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles. It seemed to be a hit, so my hope is that people will come to really appreciate this Nordic genre.

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