City guide: Vancouver

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When Ross MacMillan opened Industrial Artifacts (49 Powell St., 604-874-7797; 877-578-4329; industrialartifacts.com), the idea wasn't just to earn a living. It was to design and build practical, environmentally friendly items by mining the remnants of Vancouver's rich industrial past. Ross's one-of-a-kind furniture and accessories -- coffee and dining tables, chandeliers, candleholders and more -- are made from recycled industrial wood castings and moulds and attract buyers who shop with their conscience, as well as a discerning eye.

Whether you're looking to update a single faucet or planning a whole new bathroom, Cantu Bathrooms and Hardware (196 Kingsway, 604-688-1252; 800-910-1252) is your destination for luxury. A favourite with designers, architects and DIYers alike, this 10,000-square-foot loft-style space features everything from a free-standing tub carved from a single piece of granite to European-style wall-mounted toilets and oil-rubbed bronze hardware. The vast selection includes home spa items such as steam rooms, saunas and hydrotherapy tubs. Can't decide? Visit the in-store spa, where you can sample the goods in private.

British Columbia gets a fresh shot of exotica with Blue Terra Home (1146 Commercial Dr., 604-253-1711). Owner Garth Fleming visits Indonesia a few times a year to hand-pick every item in the store. The cosy location is bursting with free-trade, international home furnishings, gifts and housewares, such as recycled-teak furniture, sconces from Java, stunning Asian textiles and one-of-a-kind lamps created by Indonesian artists. They also feature hand-carved masks and a great selection of Buddha statues.

The Natural Textile Company (2571 West Broadway, 604-736-2101; naturaltextiles.com) is a one-stop shop for fabric, custom sewing and upholstering. Damian and Pippa Cassidy opened the store nine years ago and offer high-end fabrics and sewing services for slipcovers, bed linens, Roman blinds and more. Some ready-made items are also available. Choose from bolts of cotton, linen, hemp and chenille, as well as some hand-loomed textiles. The fabrics are grouped by colour, which makes mixing and matching a breeze.

Stepping inside Bernstein & Gold (100-1168 Hamilton St., 604-687-1535; bernstein-gold.com) is like walking into a European dream home. The store carries world-famous Fortuny lamps, lovely tapestries, traditional damask tablecloths, and Libeco Belgian linens. Owner Marco Biron customizes wood furniture to clients' tastes and imports most of the store's stock from Italy. Looking for a small housewarming or hostess gift? Consider leather-bound photo albums lined with elegant moiré taffeta or journals crafted with aged leather and hand-stained with pure plant oils.

For furniture and home accents that are stylish and practical, visit Industrial Revolution (2306 Granville St., 604-734-4395; 800-822-2516; industrialrevolution.net). Just some of the multifunctional delights include sofas with removable armrests and adjustable headrests, coffee tables with plenty of storage, and chrome shelving that can be configured to fit any closet or home office. You'll also find eye-catching dinnerware in wonderfully bright bold colours, tea light candle stands and funky mirrors.

Planning on venturing farther afield? Check out ELLE Canada's top 10 travel destinations!