JO LOVE:
OMIKA NOIR Q&A
Can you introduce yourself and tell us how you started your career in interior design?
My passion for interior design came to me organically at a very early age, from my love of being creative and just following what I enjoyed doing. I have always felt sensitive to spaces and buildings and how they make us feel along with my love of all thing’s art, my career path has been able to indulge in all things I love.
I after my A levels, I studied art and design at De Montfort university followed by a degree in interior architecture at Kingston university along with business studies in the evenings. I then went on to work at an architecture business in commercial design, I did a lot of retail design which was so interesting to think about the psychological element of interiors; how they can manipulate movement and emotions. I knew my work must have some link to improving peoples experience of spaces practically and aesthetically. So with a opportunity I decided to take, I set up my own business. My first project was to design large office block and interior for forward thinking tv creatives. From the success of the office collaboration, I started designing for the owners of the building on various projects for them which then led to other clients, and my journey and obsession with homes began.
When designing a bathroom, what is the most important element for you?
Designing bathrooms is a key part of my work, which I love. I enjoy coming up with new ideas and working with the challenges that come with the nature of creating a bathroom.
The bathroom is a place in a home where we go every day, a place which has the potential to make you feel good. We are all so short on time and always have somewhere else to be, that we forget to take the time to relax, and become in the moment. My focus is to create a functional environment where we can all slow down, gain some perspective and allow ourselves to re group momentarily.
Another important aspect of the bathroom for me is to make it work for all our age varied requirements without compromising on design.
What does Omika mean to you?
Omika was born through my way of working though spiritual intuition which is combined into everything I do. The name Omika is unique, ‘Om’ relates to powerful and positive vibrations, and ‘Ika’ represented the shape of the geometric pattern and the sound in which I associated with the design.
I have a personal connection with this product, as I do with all my designs, but my relationship with the VADO team, along with the care and attention we all contributed this project created an exceptional design and collection.
What was your inspiration behind the Omika design?
I have worked with VADO over many years, being trusted to specify many product ranges as well having VADO products in my own home; I felt that I was in a very good position to design a product that reflected what the brand meant to me. I also wanted to create something which felt very ‘VADO’ that I would use in my own projects too.
I wanted to create a minimalistic, sleek product which wasn’t design intrusive yet packed with fine, delicate details in the geometric pattern. There is also a real functional element for the use of geometric as it creates a grip on the handle whilst looking beautiful. I love the contradiction between the sleek shape and the detail, as well as how we achieved the body of the brassware to emphasize the simplicity.
What is your favourite piece from the Omika Noir collection?
There are elements of all pieces that I adore, as I nurtured each one! However, if I must choose it has to be the deck mounted basin mixers. I wanted a design which no longer felt secondary to the specification of a wall mounted tap, and the Omika design makes it look just as amazing side on as well as traditional positioning giving ultimate flexibility for the user. The deck mounted taps are also very compact making them perfect for many size basins, cloakrooms, or awkward spaces.
I do also love the controls wanted them to be the size of a switch. The geometric design is so subtle yet creates a statement aesthetic. The Polished Black finish adds another level of elegancy to the design; it is an understated nod to an updated design finish and presents a soft yet contemporary look without being too harsh. Black also provides contrast to the bathroom and works with a wide variety of design schemes and styles.
How would you style Omika Noir in your bathroom?
When styling a bathroom, you want brassware which elevates the entire room as well as the quality of the product, and for me Omika Noir does just that. Its subtly sculptural and provides a lovely contrast against most tile colours including light and darker tones.
We are seeing modern creams coming back into style, and Omika Noir looks stunning against very pale off whites and sophisticated against taupes. The flexibility of the finish also allows a contemporary finish against darks colours and provides the ability to create lots of different unique aesthetics whether that be industrial, minimalistic, or classic.
Polished Black creates difference without being too radical, creating a softer contrast. I see it as a long lasting, forward-thinking design statement.
