Omer Arbel is a Canadian designer architect.  Graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Architecture in 2000, and apprenticed with notable architects like Enric Miralles, John & Patricia Patkau, and Peter Busby.  In 2003, he began working as a freelance designer, focusing on conceptually motivated & materially explorative furniture and objects.  Eventually, he opened two companies.  The first,  Omer Arbel Office (OAO), a small, experimental, Vancouver-based design practice that blends the traditionally defined fields of architecture, industrial design, and materials research.  It is known for its commitment to the creative potential of intuition and this is one the reasons I am a fan.   Design that transcends time often relies on intuition and taking a risk on something different; something you have not been taught in school.

Bocci, a contemporary design & manufacturing house, also located in Vancouver, carries an eclectic collection that includes custom chandeliers, furniture & cutting edge electrical components.  These works of art can been found in showrooms around the globe (in fact you may have already seen some of them).

I am truly inspired by Arbel’s works of art & hope that you too are inspired to explore the more cutting edge & risky side of interior design.

Linkasink offers your traditional, funtional sinks the beauty makeover it desperately needs.  For those clients who are looking for something a bit more special, Linkasink provides a bedazzling update to the everyday sink.  From onyx to bronze to mosaics, the possibilities are endless!  These artistic pieces make me rethink the way I design and inspire new designs.  Here’s a sampling of some of my favourites:

Stainless steel mosaic kitchen sink

Porcelain Swarovski Pearl Stripes (Cantu has one in their Vancouver showroom)

Tumbled Onyx Farm House Kitchen Sink

Mother of Pearl Mosaics (in dusk)

If you ever get a chance to visit New York,  I highly recommend visiting the Metropolitan.  But make sure you leave plenty of time for it as you will not be able to see everything it has to offer in one, two, even three days!  We visited the museum three times and still haven’t seen everything.

Hope you enjoy & learn something new with this article.

As for fixtures, consider HOW the room will be used. Will your guests require the full storage that a regular bathroom calls for?  Is it just one of those rooms, you pop in and out of or will you be occupying it for extended periods at a time?  This will help a lot in the selection of sinks/vanities/seating/toilets.  No need to provide tons of storage if you don’t require them.  Spend your money where it’s needed & keep the rest for accessories & accents as they will pull the room together.  Have fun with tiles & wall treatment.  You can splurge a bit here because the space is small enough!  There are so many different patterns & finishes that you can really get lost in the selection so be warned!  If you are usually an undecided, don’t ask for too many “opinions” from friends or family members; they will just end up pulling you back & forth from one idea to another.  Select your fixtures and if you really need help with design then seek a professional to help you pull everything together.  It’s a small enough project that you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for professional services.

Consider art (even the written print).  It makes for a more interesting room & you give your guests something to look at.  Fresh flowers are always a nice touch.  Wouldn’t you want to feel like you’re at a hotel when you’re a guest a friend’s house?  Perhaps they would too!  Clean accessible linens are a nice touch for that added hotel atmosphere.

Some great examples of powder rooms done well:

Sarah Richardson

Ms. Barry is well-known in the design community…she’s a bit of a celebrity actually.  Her collaboration with Tufenkian began in the mid-1990s.  Inspired by the distinct textures & striated colours of their handmade carpets, she created a collection that is muted, geometric, and classic modern.  If you are in the market, visit the Salari showroom.

Dots

Quilted

Waltz

Galaxy - Client chose this one

Aside from their green characteristics they are stunning (especially against light) and a unique option for kitchen or bathroom countertops.  Combining function & art, they are practically maintenance free and extremely durable.  They are non-porous, which means they are perfect for Kosher kitchens.

All images courtesy of ThinkGlass.com

They are the most hygienic countertop on the market.  You don’t have to worry about cross-contamination and they are pretty much impossible to stain as well.  And the kicker, if you hate the way fingerprints are left on glass, a textured finish underneath will mask just about any fingerprint as well as common wear & scratches.  You can place hot cookware directly on them but it is recommended that you use hotplates whenever possible.

They average about $200-$300 US per square foot, including cutouts.  And like anything else, custom cuts are extra.

Many items listed would be considered “pricey” but there are also great bargains for contemporary and mid-century modern furniture.   And if you are already in the market for great furniture, you already know that you should spend a bit more for quality pieces.

Secondhand is not for everyone.  But for some of you, I know this will be a treasure trove so enjoy!

For an extra dose of exploration, also visit Fullhouse Consigments for some great finds!

Finn Juhl Danish Teak Sideboard

Eames lounge wood chairs

Vintage Rocking Chair

1940s French Moderne Inspired Cocktail table