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SHOP | Betterhomes Magazine<br />

Complimentary copy<br />

<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2019</strong><br />

KITCHEN<br />

SPECIAL<br />

The season's<br />

knockout<br />

designs<br />

10<br />

HOME<br />

HACKS<br />

FOR<br />

RENTERS<br />

The magazine of Betterhomes<br />

HOT PROPERTY<br />

RESORT<br />

STYLE<br />

HOMES TO<br />

COVET<br />

PROJECT INSPO<br />

Smart<br />

bathrooms<br />

to splash<br />

out on<br />

Life’s a<br />

HOLIDAY<br />

How this villa in The Lakes was<br />

transformed into a bright and breezy pad<br />

2 | bhomes.com


Welcome to the issue<br />

Staying in is the new going out – and that’s exactly what<br />

we’ll be doing this summer, as we dream up new ways to<br />

revamp our homes. We’ve plenty to fuel your adventures<br />

in interior design inside this issue, including tips on<br />

transforming a tired pad into a tropical paradise (p19). From<br />

adding a bold wash of colour to the walls to ramping up the<br />

foliage, this look is sure to bring the sunshine in. For our<br />

kitchen special, we shine a light on the season’s knockout<br />

designs (p24). But if you aren’t in a position to renovate your<br />

entire kitchen, don’t fret, as we’ve compiled 10 top ways for<br />

renters to put their stamp on a place, without spending a<br />

fortune (p28). Plus, as always, we take you on tour of some<br />

of the UAE’s most stylish homes.<br />

Enjoy the summer!<br />

The Better Living team, @bliving.me<br />

Debenhams<br />

6 | bhomes.com


welcome letter | CONTENTS<br />

Managing Director<br />

Victoria Thatcher<br />

Editorial Director<br />

John Thatcher<br />

Managing Editor<br />

Faye Bartle<br />

faye@hotmedia.me<br />

Content Writer<br />

Sophia Dyer<br />

Art Director<br />

Kerri Bennett<br />

Senior Designer<br />

Hiral Kapadia<br />

CONTENTS<br />

SHOP<br />

08-17<br />

Bronzed buys on our radar; news you can use;<br />

what’s in store at Wood & Steel; our pick of allstar<br />

washing machines<br />

INSPIRE<br />

19-52<br />

How to transform your home into a tropical<br />

paradise; knockout kitchen designs to covet;<br />

John Lewis & Partners cushions, johnlewis.com<br />

10 handy home hacks for renters; interior designer<br />

Kym Jackson Shen shows us around her project<br />

in The Lakes; a lush green garden in The Springs;<br />

streamline your bathroom with smart technology;<br />

a dramatic bedroom makeover in Downtown Dubai<br />

MOVE<br />

54-60<br />

Resort style homes on the market; our guide to living<br />

in Al Raha Beach<br />

Production Manager<br />

Muthu Kumar<br />

Advertising Group Manager<br />

Sukaina Hussein<br />

+971 50 515 9691<br />

To contact any of the<br />

above people, email<br />

firstname@hotmedia.me<br />

Reproduction in whole or in part<br />

without written permission from<br />

HOT Media Publishing is strictly<br />

prohibited. HOT Media Publishing<br />

does not accept liability for omissions<br />

or errors in Better Living magazine.<br />

Tel: +971 4 364 2876<br />

Fax: +971 4 369 7494<br />

bhomes.com<br />

facebook.com/betterhomesuae<br />

@betterhomesuae<br />

@betterhomesuae<br />

linkedin.com/company/better-homes-llc<br />

bhomes.com | 7


UPDATES | wish list<br />

MOST COVETED<br />

Top<br />

picks<br />

Five finds on our radar…<br />

1 Burn baby burn... We’ve found the perfect<br />

centrepiece for any alfresco seating area come<br />

winter. Vitale Solid Copper Firepit, Dhs3,215,<br />

Crate and Barrel, crateandbarrelme.com<br />

2 Shine bright with this dazzling rose gold hued<br />

cushion. Sequinned Cushion Cover, Dhs149,<br />

Zara Home, zarahome.com/ae<br />

3 Add an Art Deco influence to your home<br />

with this reflection of beauty. Quartiers Mirror,<br />

price upon request, The Invisible Collection by<br />

Humbert & Poyet, theinvisiblecollection.com<br />

4 This stand-out piece is an easy yet elegant<br />

way to add a focal point to a room. Interiors<br />

Uttermost Ellianna, Dhs1,000, uttermost.com<br />

5 Create a warm aesthetic with this eyecatching<br />

industrial style corner table. Changkir<br />

Corner Table, Dhs1,678, Chattels & More,<br />

chattelsandmore.com<br />

Quartiers Mirror photo © Francis Amiand<br />

8 | bhomes.com


This issue’s<br />

Pinboard<br />

Our round-up of the latest in<br />

homewares, news and interiors trends<br />

PLAY<br />

MATES<br />

WHETHER YOU’RE A<br />

PARENT OF BOY/GIRL<br />

TWINS, OR SIMPLY WANT<br />

A DEN DESIGN THAT’LL<br />

STAND THE TEST<br />

OF TIME, A GENDER<br />

NEUTRAL SPACE IS JUST<br />

THE TICKET. INTERIOR<br />

STYLIST LEANNE MOSS<br />

ADVISES OPTING FOR<br />

CRISP WHITE WALLS,<br />

LIGHT-WOOD FLOORS,<br />

SOME ARTIFICIAL<br />

GREENERY FOR A<br />

SPLASH OF NATURE,<br />

AND SIMPLE ACCENTS<br />

MADE FROM NATURAL<br />

RATTAN TO ADD<br />

TEXTURE AND WARMTH.<br />

White Moss Photo: Natelee Cocks Photography<br />

Secret Garden<br />

Mouse Tea<br />

Cup, Dhs175<br />

Secret Garden<br />

Mouse Bowl,<br />

Dhs105<br />

Secret Garden Mouse<br />

Jar, Dhs105<br />

Secret Garden Bird<br />

Tea Cup, Dhs125<br />

TIME FOR TEA<br />

Seeking the perfect<br />

accompaniments for your<br />

cucumber sandwiches and<br />

scones? Quirky British brand<br />

House of Disaster has joined<br />

the Jashanmal Home collection,<br />

serving up a whimsical range<br />

of tableware that includes<br />

teacups and dishes inspired by<br />

woodland creatures. Venture<br />

down the rabbit hole and pick<br />

your favourite of these kitsch<br />

designs that are sure to bring a<br />

touch of Alice in Wonderland to<br />

the table. jashanmalhome.com<br />

10 | bhomes.com


trending | UPDATES<br />

The UAE’s real<br />

estate sector has<br />

been given a<br />

boost thanks to<br />

the introduction<br />

of the Gold<br />

Card visa, which<br />

offers selected<br />

individuals a<br />

renewable, 10-<br />

year residency<br />

visa. It’s thought<br />

the move will give<br />

long-termers the<br />

confidence needed<br />

to put down roots.<br />

Felice Cup and Saucer (set of 4), 2XL, Dhs47<br />

Mad about monochrome<br />

A quiet, monochromatic palette for the bedroom is just the ticket for lazy<br />

Saturday mornings. The good news is, bringing it into your home just got a<br />

little easier due to the new wave of buys from the likes of BoConcept and 2XL.<br />

BoConcept Osaka bed<br />

bhomes.com | 11


YOUR GUIDE TO DUBAI’S<br />

MUST-HAVE VISITOR EXPERIENCES<br />

www.dxbcityexpert.com<br />

5


trending | UPDATES<br />

Photo: Kristin Nystrom<br />

THE DREAM TEAM<br />

If you love an IKEA hack, you’ll be all<br />

over the new collaboration between<br />

interior stylists Kathryn Hawkes of<br />

House of Hawkes (left) and Linda Dekkers<br />

of Live Loud Girl (right). The talented<br />

duo has teamed up to launch Fronteriors,<br />

offering bespoke fronts and accessories<br />

especially for upgrading IKEA pieces,<br />

with a focus on providing unique finishes<br />

for clients in the Middle East.<br />

How did the idea come about?<br />

Kathryn: Linda and I met at an<br />

industry event a few years ago and have<br />

maintained a great working relationship<br />

and valuable friendship ever since. We<br />

often talked about upgrading and/<br />

or hacking IKEA furniture for clients,<br />

which required some level of custom<br />

carpentry as, frustratingly, there were no<br />

such ready-made products on the market.<br />

We decided, pretty much on the spur of<br />

the moment, to fill that gap ourselves.<br />

And just like that, Fronteriors was born.<br />

What can we expect to find?<br />

Linda: We’ve designed a range of custom<br />

doors and tops to fit a selection of IKEA<br />

furniture frames. The cane door we<br />

created for the Billy bookcase (pictured)<br />

has had a fantastic response. The other<br />

surfaces we’ve selected for our fronts,<br />

sides and tops are also sure to wow, such<br />

as the speckled stone top and simple gold<br />

handle that provide a chic upgrade to the<br />

popular Besta frame.<br />

What has been the response?<br />

Kathryn: We were inundated with<br />

requests for pre-orders, which resulted<br />

in a growing wait list. Needless to say,<br />

the pressure is on, but we get a real buzz<br />

when delivering our products to their<br />

new homes.<br />

To find out more, visit fronteriors.co and<br />

follow them on Instagram @fronteriors<br />

On our radar Cool new buys we can’t keep our hands off…<br />

GATHER AROUND THE TABLE Brushed gold<br />

paired with marble is always a good idea.<br />

Razor Dining Table, Dhs5,250, Chattels & More,<br />

chattelsandmore.com<br />

SITTING PRETTY This luxurious velvet seat<br />

by KARE will bring the luxe factor to any<br />

sitting room. Armchair My Desire Velvet Grey,<br />

Dhs8,827, KARE, kareuae.ae<br />

FUN FOR BOOKWORMS This handmade<br />

zoo-inspired bookend makes a study area<br />

more fun. Züny Bookend Beaver, Dhs385,<br />

The Lighthouse, thelighthouse.ae<br />

bhomes.com | 13


UPDATES | trending<br />

IF YOU’VE A PASSION FOR<br />

HANDMADE HOMEWARES AND<br />

ALL THINGS MEDITERRANEAN,<br />

MAIOLICA IS YOUR GO-TO. FOUNDED<br />

BY ITALIAN ENTREPRENEURS<br />

MARIANNA PICCOLO AND ARIANNA<br />

POSENATO, THE NEWLY LAUNCHED<br />

E-SHOP IS BRIMMING WITH<br />

HANDPICKED CONTEMPORARY<br />

DÉCOR FROM BOUTIQUE BRANDS<br />

IN ITALY, PORTUGAL AND BEYOND.<br />

PLUS, THEY’RE BASED IN DUBAI.<br />

MAIOLICA.AE<br />

Knot to miss<br />

One of our fave designers,<br />

Nisrine El Lababidi<br />

Moghraby of Harf Noon<br />

Design Studio, has teamed<br />

up with knothome.com<br />

to launch an exclusive<br />

collection of accessories,<br />

cushions and lighting. We’re<br />

loving the modern designs<br />

and tonal colours.<br />

Ways with metallics<br />

These top tips from Aura (@auraliving_ae)<br />

make it easy to incorporate the metallic<br />

trend into your home...<br />

Be bold. Set your living room apart with a<br />

gold metallic coffee table stand beneath<br />

a glass table top. Arrange sofas adorned<br />

with metallic studs to incorporate the<br />

design throughout the room.<br />

Mix and match. Update neutrals, such<br />

as wood and marble, by pairing with<br />

metallics to create a sophisticated point of<br />

difference between materials.<br />

Table sense. Team embellished dishes with<br />

gold or bronze cutlery. Enhance the look<br />

with candle holders and vases filled with<br />

pale blooms to create a soft contrast.<br />

14 | bhomes.com


Better Living x GROHE<br />

GROHE Blue<br />

JUST ADD WATER<br />

Say “hello” to a sleeker kitchen, and drinking<br />

water on tap, with GROHE’s built-in filters<br />

GROHE Pure<br />

It’s time to ditch those unsightly water coolers, and the hassle<br />

of lugging heavy bottles of drinking water around, thanks to<br />

GROHE’s clever water filter technology that delivers chilled still<br />

and sparkling drinking water straight from your kitchen tap. Not<br />

only do the taps offer the luxury of convenience, but installing one in<br />

your home means you can do your bit for the environment by cutting<br />

down on plastic bottles. Choose from three specifically designed<br />

faucets to suit your needs.<br />

The GROHE Blue Home, is functionality at its best, filtered through<br />

a stylish tap and equipped with a cooler, you can pour a glass of still,<br />

medium-fizzy or sparkling water straight from the faucet. Perfect<br />

for even the smallest of kitchens, the water system fits easily into<br />

compact kitchen cabinets (it measures just 40cm wide). If simplicity is<br />

key, swap your tap for a GROHE Blue Pure, an all-in-one system that<br />

offers clean filtered still water through a stylish tap available in three<br />

designs. And if you want to take the technology to work, be sure to<br />

check out the GROHE Blue Professional, which is a great investment<br />

for office kitchens, allowing team members to choose their desired<br />

H20 style via a sleek touch panel.<br />

To find out more visit, grohe-middleeast.com<br />

bhomes.com | 15


SHOP | must-shop<br />

WHAT’S IN<br />

STORE<br />

WOOD &<br />

STEEL<br />

THE STORY SO FAR: In 2005, Jordanborn<br />

Hadi Jehad set up a small<br />

workshop in Dubai for himself and<br />

two others to repurpose salvaged<br />

wood into one-of-a-kind furniture<br />

pieces. Fast forward to today, and the<br />

workshop has evolved into a fullyfledged<br />

factory, with 25 craftsman<br />

keeping the artisanal approach alive,<br />

and a showroom in Al Quoz displaying<br />

their distinctive collection of furniture<br />

and accessories.<br />

THE LOOK: Traditionally well-made<br />

pieces with an industrial aesthetic<br />

teamed with timeless accessories that<br />

have a modern twist.<br />

SIGNATURE BUYS: The industrial style<br />

shelving units are particularly sought<br />

after, adding a focal point to any living<br />

space. In addition, the beautiful pine<br />

wood dining room tables are a solid<br />

choice. Whatever you choose, you’ll<br />

be taking home a sustainable product<br />

with a story behind it.<br />

WHAT’S NEW? New pieces hit the<br />

showroom floor each week. Follow the<br />

company on social media for updates<br />

on new collections and one-off pieces.<br />

GOOD TO KNOW: No two pieces are<br />

the same, so your buys will be unique<br />

to you. Plus, if you have something<br />

particular in mind, or are seeking a<br />

solution for a room with awkward<br />

proportions, the team can happily<br />

customise sizes and colours for a piece<br />

that perfectly complements your space.<br />

DELIVERY DETAILS: Free delivery<br />

within Dubai for those spending a<br />

minimum for Dhs1,500.<br />

Wood & Steel is located in the DIB<br />

Warehouses in Al Quoz. Call 04 343<br />

8849, follow @wood.and.steel<br />

WHY WE RATE IT<br />

Handcrafted in the UAE,<br />

these timeless, high-quality<br />

pieces will be a talking<br />

point among guests.<br />

FAVOURITE FINDS<br />

Terano Rex, Dhs40<br />

Roman<br />

column<br />

limestone,<br />

Dhs350<br />

Divan brass<br />

mirror, Dhs570<br />

16 | bhomes.com


etter buys | SHOP<br />

WASHING<br />

MACHINES<br />

There’s nothing wishy washy about<br />

these all-star machines<br />

CLOTHES<br />

HAPPY<br />

Give your garments<br />

some TLC with the<br />

TEKA Ultimate SPA<br />

Laundry range.<br />

Designed to keep<br />

your clothes in tip<br />

top condition, the<br />

machine has a range<br />

of settings that are<br />

perfect for delicates,<br />

including wool. A<br />

stackable dryer is also<br />

available in this range.<br />

Price upon request,<br />

from your local dealer,<br />

at teka.com/en-ae<br />

ECO WARRIOR<br />

Boasting a five star energy<br />

efficiency rating, this machine<br />

teams eco-friendly credentials<br />

with impressive performance.<br />

ActiveWater technology<br />

automatically adjusts the amount<br />

of water needed depending on the<br />

load. For quicker loads, choose the<br />

varioPerfect setting to optimise<br />

both time and energy. Bosch Serie<br />

6 Front Loader, Dhs4,514.<br />

Find your local dealer at<br />

bosch-home.com/ae<br />

SPACE SAVER<br />

If space is key, this Miele WT1<br />

Washer-Dryer combo is perfect<br />

for the daily load. The honeycomb<br />

drum design means it’s gentle on<br />

clothes, while the QuickPower<br />

function gets them clean and dry<br />

in no time. The TwinDos system<br />

means you can preload specialist<br />

detergent into the machine for<br />

it to distribute evenly, saving<br />

you money and time. Dhs10,900,<br />

available from miele.ae<br />

THE QUIET ONE<br />

Shh! Let this Whirlpool Supreme Care<br />

washing machine give you the silent<br />

treatment with its ZEN Technology<br />

that minimises noise and vibrations<br />

to a mere 48 dBA. Dhs3,199, find your<br />

local dealer at whirlpool.ae<br />

BEFORE YOU BUY...<br />

The average life expectancy of a washing machine is about 11 years, so you’ll want to consider your options<br />

carefully before committing. Assess the different functions of each machine and decide which would be the<br />

best fit for your lifestyle. For big families, you’ll want a large loader with fast cycles that will guarantee a quick<br />

turnaround on those dirt-stained PE kits. Fashionistas may want to pay attention to how delicates are handled,<br />

and opt for a machine with programmes that have been especially designed to protect your garments. Be sure to<br />

pick a model that’ll stand the test of time – a stainless steel drum is more durable than a plastic one, for instance.<br />

bhomes.com | 17


worldtravellermagazine.com<br />

Your passport to the Middle East's first fully<br />

bookable travel inspiration website<br />

Extend your journey with World Traveller magazine<br />

by heading online to read more inspirational and<br />

exclusive travel content and take advantage of upto-the-minute<br />

hotel and holiday features<br />

Dream Read Click Book


trend | INSPIRATION<br />

Tropical takeover<br />

Transform your home from a tired pad to a tropical paradise,<br />

with a little help from our interiors experts<br />

Eager to create a sense of the tropics, but don’t want<br />

your home to look too themed? “You can successfully<br />

pull off a tropical oasis vibe without going OTT,”<br />

says interior stylist Lilly Engelbrecht (@escape_<br />

home). “First and foremost when creating this look,<br />

introducing colour to the space is key. Whether you<br />

have a neutral palette and simply add pops of colour<br />

with artwork, scatter cushions, decorative pieces or<br />

foliage, adding some vibrancy in the form of bright<br />

shades, will no doubt give off happy, tropical vibes.”<br />

Read on for more expert tips on making it work…<br />

Sainsbury’s Home, sainsburys.co.uk<br />

bhomes.com | 19


INSPIRATION | trend<br />

Primark, primark.com<br />

TIP<br />

“Light is key to creating a bright<br />

and airy feel,” says Lilly. “Opt for<br />

white sheer curtains, bamboo blinds, or<br />

wooden Venetian blinds to allow the light<br />

to flow in and bathe the room in sunshine.”<br />

20 | bhomes.com


TEXTILE RULES<br />

“When you’re introducing the tropical print<br />

in a textile, try to keep any surrounding<br />

textiles solid in colour,” advises interior<br />

designer Tanya Karam (@interiortakeover).<br />

“So whether you’re styling a sofa, chair,<br />

pouf, or curtains, simply avoid adding more<br />

prints to this already bold statement. My<br />

favourite colour palette for this look would<br />

be a white backdrop, to let the palm print be<br />

the statement. I would suggest a gorgeous<br />

tropical cushion on a white armchair or sofa<br />

with a big potted palm in the corner and<br />

touches of brushed gold accessories.”<br />

Keeping it subtle means you’ll be on trend<br />

without overdoing it. “Unless of course<br />

you’re going for a Versace-inspired look,<br />

when only more is more, you should always<br />

be mindful of reining it in.”<br />

bhomes.com | 21


INSPIRATION | trend<br />

TO THE WALL<br />

“Paint is an effective, inexpensive<br />

way to transform a space,” says<br />

Lilly. “Whether you opt for a bold<br />

bright green, blue or fuschia, or<br />

prefer more muted tones, putting<br />

colour on the walls, or just an<br />

accent wall, will immediately<br />

form the backdrop for your<br />

perfect paradise.” There are some<br />

beautiful tropical wallpapers<br />

available too – try The Urban Nest<br />

(theurbannest.ae) for starters.<br />

“Weaving in natural textures<br />

and materials is also vital to the<br />

look,” she adds. “Think luscious<br />

linens, bamboo, rattan and wicker<br />

for an instant island feel.” Both<br />

Haute Bohéme (hauteboheme.ae)<br />

and Tribe (tribedubai.com) stock a<br />

wide range of beautiful furniture<br />

and décor pieces that are sure to<br />

inspire you.<br />

MINDTHEGAP, mindtheg.com<br />

22 | bhomes.com


Better Living x MAS PAINTS<br />

SHADES OF SUMMER<br />

MAS Paints has teamed up with leading creatives in the UAE to shine<br />

a light on the hues that are inspiring them this season<br />

Ask MAS Paints to<br />

mix up NCS shade<br />

S 1070-R10B<br />

Kerri Bennett, art director,<br />

Better Living<br />

From being an expression of your<br />

personality to influencing your<br />

emotions, the colours you choose<br />

for your home speak volumes about<br />

your individual sense of style and set the<br />

tone for how you feel in the space. Getting<br />

it right, however, is both a science and an<br />

art – something interior designers and<br />

creatives work hard to master. Take a<br />

short cut to finding your perfect match<br />

thanks to MAS Paints’ Colour for the<br />

People campaign, which calls upon leading<br />

creatives in the emirates to share the<br />

colours they’re coveting. Included in the<br />

line-up is interior designer Paul Bishop,<br />

artist Khalid Shafar, and art consultant<br />

Donna Tzelepis, as well as Kerri Bennett,<br />

art director of Better Living, who is<br />

encouraging us all to embrace fuchsia.<br />

“This vivid pink-purple shade is ideal<br />

for adding a splash of colour to your home<br />

this summer – it’s the Better Living team’s<br />

pick of the season,” she says. “Personally,<br />

I love it because it’s a daring shade that<br />

screams femininity and is great for adding<br />

instant glamour to a space. Plus, we see<br />

the colour in nature here, with beautiful<br />

bougainvillea and desert rose bringing<br />

gardens to life.”<br />

If, like us, you’re a fan of fuchsia, the<br />

good news is that it’s easy to introduce<br />

into your home. “This eye-catching colour<br />

makes a bold statement,” says Kerri.<br />

“While it can be considered girly, it can<br />

also work really well in a family home too.<br />

Team it with white, grey, navy and gold<br />

for a whimsical look.”<br />

You can introduce it gently or, if you’re<br />

feeling brave, you can opt for a more<br />

dramatic refresh.<br />

“For a subtle makeover, a fuchsia sofa<br />

can make a monochromatic colour palette<br />

pop,” says Kerri. “For maximum impact,<br />

concentrate the colour in an entryway<br />

to bring the outdoors in and think about<br />

adding a wash of fuchsia to the ceiling to<br />

elevate the look of a white kitchen.”<br />

To find out more, visit mas-paints.com<br />

and be sure to follow the company on<br />

Instagram @maspaints to discover the<br />

colours that are inspiring more leading<br />

creatives in the UAE this summer.<br />

bhomes.com | 23


Knockout<br />

kitchens<br />

Dreaming of a kitchen makeover? We’ve<br />

done the legwork for you by selecting three<br />

of the hottest looks this season...<br />

24 | bhomes.com


kitchen special | INSPIRATION<br />

STATE-OF-THE-ART<br />

Nail the contemporary look by<br />

designing a sleek space with builtin<br />

appliances. Practical and elegant,<br />

this look is ideal for those who<br />

favour a seamless aesthetic. TEKA is<br />

your go-to for ideas and inspiration,<br />

from hi-tech induction hobs to ovens<br />

pre-set with recipes and island<br />

hoods that make a statement –<br />

you can build your dream kitchen<br />

around your top picks.<br />

TEKA, teka.com<br />

bhomes.com | 25


Scavolini, scavolini.design.com<br />

TOP CHEF<br />

For serious home cooks, this<br />

professional styled domestic<br />

kitchen by Scavolini boasts a steel<br />

monobloc island with in-built<br />

cooking and washing areas. The<br />

Mia kitchen by Carloe Cracco’s<br />

suspended storage offers easy<br />

access to all your proudlydisplayed<br />

kitchenware.<br />

26 | bhomes.com


kitchen special | INSPIRATION<br />

RUSTIC CHARM<br />

Exuding warmth, a<br />

country style kitchen<br />

offers an escape from<br />

city life. We rate the<br />

Durham Collection by<br />

LochAnna Kitchens,<br />

which draws inspiration<br />

from the British<br />

countryside. Make your<br />

design pop with a wash<br />

of bold colour – the<br />

sapphire blue seen here<br />

has bags of personality.<br />

LochAnna Kitchens, lochannakitchens.co.uk<br />

bhomes.com | 27


10 home<br />

hacks for<br />

renters<br />

Want to upgrade your home<br />

without spending a fortune?<br />

These easy fixes for renters are<br />

small on price but big on style<br />

Bay Blue rug, by Farrow & Ball for The Rug Company<br />

If you want to hide ugly tiles but haven’t the budget for an<br />

entirely new floor, the easiest, quickest way to do so is with a<br />

beautiful rug. The Rug Company carries a variety of designs<br />

and sizes – check out the showroom at Unit 65, Alserkal<br />

Avenue – and you can even commission your own piece. Simply<br />

enlarge a rug featuring your favourite pattern to cover your<br />

space, or start from scratch by picking colours, shapes and<br />

sizes for a bespoke design. therugcompany.com<br />

28 | bhomes.com


home hacks for renters | INSPIRATION<br />

GIVE BUILT-IN CABINETS<br />

AND DRAWERS A MINI<br />

MAKEOVER BY SWITCHING<br />

UP THE HARDWARE.<br />

OPT FOR EYE-CATCHING<br />

COLOURS AND DESIGNS<br />

FOR PLENTY OF<br />

PERSONALITY.<br />

If you don’t want to go through<br />

the hassle of painting walls and<br />

then having to return them to<br />

their original state when you leave,<br />

removable wallpaper may be the<br />

answer. Chasing Paper (chasingpaper.<br />

com) offers a variety of great designs<br />

that’ll stick to almost any surface.<br />

Chasing Paper, chasingpaper.com<br />

Round enamel<br />

drawer knob<br />

Dhs45, Namshi<br />

2<br />

3<br />

Knotted cord<br />

door knob, Dhs45<br />

(pack of 2),<br />

Zara Home<br />

Bombay<br />

Duck mixed<br />

media door<br />

knob, Dhs35,<br />

Namshi<br />

Before<br />

Totally Wrapped, totallywrapped.ae<br />

Dark and dingy wood cabinets spoiling your kitchen?<br />

If you don’t like it, wrap it. The rise of affordable<br />

vinyl wrapping from the likes of Totally Wrapped<br />

allows you to temporarily cover cabinets, worktops,<br />

backsplash and more with matte or glossy shades and<br />

patterns. Plus, it can easily be removed if needed.<br />

4<br />

bhomes.com | 29


INSPIRATION | home hacks for renters<br />

Floorworld, floorworld.com<br />

5<br />

Get wood floors in a flash with luxury vinyl planks that<br />

simply click into place over your existing tiles. Floorworld’s<br />

Gerber luxury vinyl click collection comes in a variety of<br />

finishes and slot together in an interlocking fashion without<br />

the need for any adhesive. They’re quick and simple to<br />

install. Plus, you can take them with you when you move.<br />

If the curtains aren’t to your taste,<br />

take them down and replace them<br />

with something you love. It’s a<br />

quick fix for shaking up the look<br />

of a room, and you can spend as<br />

much or as little as you like. Our<br />

6go-tos include Laura Ashley for<br />

florals and, of course, IKEA for<br />

its trusty readymade range and<br />

creative textile designs for madeto-measure<br />

creations.<br />

John Lewis & Partners Expression<br />

Daniel Bamboo 3-Tier<br />

Storage Tower, Dhs99,<br />

Home Centre<br />

7<br />

FORGET THE HASSLE OF<br />

DRILLING SHELVES INTO<br />

THE WALLS AND OPT<br />

FOR CLEVER MOBILE<br />

STORAGE SOLUTIONS<br />

INSTEAD. A ROLLAWAY<br />

KITCHEN CART IS<br />

IDEAL FOR STASHING<br />

AWAY ESSENTIALS IF<br />

YOU HAVEN’T ENOUGH<br />

CUPBOARD SPACE, FOR<br />

INSTANCE.<br />

Auden 3-Tier Kitchen Cart with<br />

1-Drawer, Dhs449, Home Centre<br />

30 | bhomes.com


Printed leaf wall décor,<br />

Dhs10, Pan Emirates<br />

Abstract<br />

canvas<br />

picture,<br />

Dhs33, Pan<br />

Emirates<br />

COVER UNSIGHTLY<br />

ELECTRICAL<br />

BOXES WITH SOME<br />

AFFORDABLE ART. PAN<br />

EMIRATES HAS A GREAT<br />

SELECTION OF FRAMES,<br />

PRINTS, SIGNS, WALL<br />

HANGINGS AND OTHER<br />

DÉCOR THAT CAN BE<br />

PERFECTLY POSITIONED<br />

TO HIDE ANYTHING YOU<br />

CAN’T LIVE WITH.<br />

8<br />

Beach wooden wall décor, Dhs15, Pan Emirates<br />

9<br />

IKEA<br />

If your rental hasn’t got the<br />

walk-in closet of your dreams,<br />

why not create a trendy open<br />

wardrobe instead? IK EA’s open<br />

wardrobe solutions are a style<br />

maven’s favourite.<br />

10<br />

IF YOUR BATHROOM<br />

IS BUGGING YOU, BUT<br />

A FULL RENOVATION<br />

ISN’T AN OPTION,<br />

SIMPLY UPGRADE YOUR<br />

SHOWERHEAD FOR<br />

SOMETHING MORE<br />

LUXURIOUS. IT’LL<br />

MAKE THE BIGGEST<br />

DIFFERENCE TO YOUR<br />

EVERYDAY SHOWERING<br />

EXPERIENCE. CHECK<br />

OUT GROHE (GROHE-<br />

MIDDLEEAST.COM) AND<br />

IDEAL STANDARD GULF<br />

(IDEALSTANDARDGULF.<br />

COM) FOR SOME GREAT,<br />

SPA-INSPIRED OPTIONS.<br />

GROHE Euphoria SmartControl shower system<br />

bhomes.com | 31


32 | bhomes.com


expert advice | INSPIRATION<br />

Ask the<br />

DESIGNER<br />

Kushaan’s Kate Keenan shares her top tips for<br />

introducing artisan designs into your home<br />

To furnish your home in a<br />

meaningful way, preserving and<br />

supporting artisan skills is vital.<br />

Supporting these communities helps<br />

create job security and increased<br />

standards of living in often isolated and<br />

economically challenged areas. Whole<br />

families and communities depend on<br />

the incredible skills handed down the<br />

generations for survival. Due to their<br />

smaller scale, artisan products are<br />

also more likely to be sustainable –<br />

something that’s incredibly important<br />

at a time when an increasing number<br />

of people are rejecting the ‘throw away’<br />

nature of mass consumerism and want<br />

to ensure they’re helping to look after<br />

the planet.<br />

Don’t assume artisan homewares<br />

are more expensive. They’re often<br />

priced very reasonably – especially<br />

when you consider the skill and<br />

handwork that goes into every piece.<br />

There are some fabulous places<br />

to shop for artisan products in<br />

Dubai. From Jaipur With Love (@<br />

fromjaipurwithlove) supports the<br />

weaving villages of Rajasthan at a<br />

grassroots level, while producing<br />

exquisite rugs. Tribe Dubai (@<br />

tribedubai) has a strong history of fair<br />

trade and sustainable artisan products<br />

and Georges of Dubai (@ georges_<br />

of_dubai) stocks the most gorgeous<br />

handwoven planters and handmade<br />

ceramics from MUD Australia. All<br />

of Kushaan’s ikats are handwoven in<br />

Uzbekistan by master weavers.<br />

If a product is truly artisan,<br />

there should be complete supply<br />

chain transparency and the<br />

store will be able to tell you its<br />

provenance. A true artisan product<br />

may contain flaws that add to their<br />

beauty – it’s the imperfections that<br />

make them perfect. The elusive quality<br />

and skill of the handwork is impossible<br />

to truly replicate.<br />

Wondering where to start? So<br />

many of us in Dubai can’t invest in<br />

the bones of our house, but we can<br />

still create a beautiful home we love<br />

spending time in. Our ikats and suzani<br />

panels make wonderful cushions that<br />

lift any space. Simply add a couple of<br />

cushions to brighten up your room.<br />

They’re a great investment for expats,<br />

as they are so easy to transport to your<br />

next home or destination. For a bespoke<br />

touch, consider using our textiles to<br />

make stunning ottomans, headboards,<br />

footstools and occasional chairs.<br />

To find out more, visit kushaan.co<br />

and follow @kushaantextiles<br />

Photograhy: Abbi Kemp, @visualsbyabbi<br />

Ethnic and artisan pieces mix beautifully<br />

with a modern theme. Alternatively, you<br />

can completely go to town using furniture,<br />

upholstery and accessories to develop a<br />

layered ethnic or tribal look.<br />

TIP<br />

bhomes.com | 33


Feel breeze<br />

the<br />

Kick off your heels and soak up the<br />

holiday vibes of Kym Jackson Shen’s<br />

boho luxe villa in The Lakes<br />

34 | bhomes.com


at home with… | INSPIRATION<br />

bhomes.com | 35


INSPIRATION | at home with…<br />

“ I set off solo to<br />

Indonesia in search of<br />

artisans who could<br />

supply the furniture<br />

for the house”<br />

“Being in The Lakes feels like you’re<br />

on holiday,” says Kym Jackson Shen,<br />

who bought a four-bedroom property<br />

here with her husband Tom in 2017.<br />

“I’d always wanted to buy a house in<br />

the community and to upgrade it in my<br />

signature bohemian style, so when this<br />

one came onto the market we snapped<br />

it up.”<br />

Originally from Australia, the<br />

couple started renovating homes as<br />

a hobby, working around their day<br />

jobs in the superyacht industry. When<br />

their children Cleo and Bella were<br />

born, however, Kym decided to turn<br />

her talent into a business, launching<br />

a boutique e-store, Haute Bohéme<br />

(hauteboheme.ae), alongside. “I set off<br />

solo to Indonesia in search of artisans<br />

who could supply the furniture for the<br />

house and my business,” says Kym. “I<br />

asked around until I found a brilliant<br />

studio capable of producing everything<br />

from leather chairs to beaded<br />

chandeliers and solid teak dining tables,<br />

all of which I now ship back to Dubai.<br />

“My main aim was to really open<br />

up the space by knocking down any<br />

interior partition walls that weren’t<br />

essential to the structure of the house.<br />

I even widened the patio door leading<br />

from the lounge to the garden to give<br />

the room an airy ambience. The place<br />

took around five months to renovate,<br />

with everything from the floor tiles<br />

to the AC ducts being removed and<br />

replaced with streamlined versions<br />

that fit the aesthetic. All the walls were<br />

painted in Jotun’s Jazz White – one of<br />

my favourite shades – and I used lots of<br />

natural, tactile materials, such as sea<br />

grass rugs and hand-stitched cushion<br />

covers to bring home the boho vibe.”<br />

36 | bhomes.com


At home with | INSPIRATION<br />

THE WASHED TEAK<br />

FOUR-POSTED BED<br />

IN THE MASTER<br />

BEDROOM IS THE<br />

EPITOME OF BOHO<br />

CHIC, WHILE THE HOT<br />

PINK ORCHID ADDS A<br />

POP OF COLOUR<br />

bhomes.com | 37


INSPIRATION | At home with<br />

A FEAST FOR THE SENSES<br />

The solid teak table is the focal point<br />

of the dining room, enhanced by black<br />

leather chairs and a dramatic wooden<br />

ceiling light. A recess was built into the<br />

ceiling to allow for a lighting solution that<br />

would bathe the area in a warm glow.<br />

38 | bhomes.com


at home with… | INSPIRATION<br />

THE GLASS STAIR<br />

BANNISTER KEEPS THE<br />

SPACE LOOKING PURE<br />

AND SIMPLE<br />

THE CHALKBOARD PAINT<br />

ON THE KITCHEN WALL IS<br />

A FUN ADDITION<br />

A WHITE HOT KITCHEN<br />

A brand new glossy white kitchen from<br />

Hacker was installed, with a handleless<br />

design creating a clean and timeless<br />

look. The breakfast bar with tall stools<br />

encourages it to be a social space. “The<br />

chalkboard wall used to be a door that<br />

opened from the hallway, but we decided<br />

to block it up in order to better define<br />

the space,” explains Kym. “Doing so also<br />

meant we were able to add a console on<br />

the other side for a welcoming entrance.”<br />

bhomes.com | 39


“THE WHITE<br />

WOODEN PERGOLA<br />

CREATES A SHADY<br />

SPOT FOR FAMILY<br />

BARBECUES IN<br />

THE GARDEN”<br />

NATURAL CHARM<br />

Dining alfresco doesn’t get more appealing<br />

than at this bespoke teak table, which<br />

enjoys the perfect amount of shade and<br />

sunshine from the large pergola that has<br />

been custom-built to suit the space. “We<br />

only planted the bougainvillea about a<br />

year ago, but it is already winding up the<br />

pergola and will soon stretch over the top,<br />

which will give it a lovely lived-in look,”<br />

says Kym. The wood-look tiles were a steal<br />

from Dragonmart while the egg chair, like<br />

the rest of the furniture, was custom made<br />

in Indonesia.<br />

TAKE THE PLUNGE<br />

The plunge pool, by Pools By Design, is<br />

small but perfectly formed, with clever<br />

underwater lighting allowing for a<br />

refreshing nighttime dip. “We added wide<br />

steps in the shallow end to make the pool<br />

especially family-friendly – it’s great for<br />

kids who simply want to sit and splash<br />

around,” says Kym. “We expect the ficus<br />

trees will bush out in time to afford a bit<br />

more privacy.”<br />

“ We added wide steps in the shallow end to make<br />

the pool especially family–friendly”<br />

The Lake House in The Lakes, thelakehousevilla.com<br />

40 | bhomes.com


at home with… | INSPIRATION<br />

CHOOSE AN<br />

OVERSIZED<br />

ROUND<br />

MIRROR FOR A<br />

CAPTIVATING<br />

ENTRYWAY<br />

Trunk Frame, from<br />

Dhs119, Zara Home<br />

La Bella<br />

Mama<br />

Pendant,<br />

Dhs2,225,<br />

Haute<br />

Bohéme<br />

Cuttlebone<br />

Decorative<br />

Necklace,<br />

Dhs445,<br />

Haute<br />

Bohéme<br />

GET<br />

THE<br />

LOOK<br />

Basket, Dhs49,<br />

Home Centre<br />

Large orchid in ceramic<br />

vase/purple, Dhs678,<br />

Chattels & More<br />

TEAMING NATURAL<br />

MATERIALS IS<br />

KEY TO THE BOHO<br />

LUXE LOOK<br />

Cabana Chair by Marina Home x Timothy<br />

Oulton Dhs 8,250, Marina Home<br />

bhomes.com | 41


INSPIRATION | home outdoor renovation space<br />

ROOM TO GROW<br />

Interior designer Karen Pissarra on greening over her garden in The Springs<br />

Photographs by: Muthu Kumar and Hiral Kapadia<br />

42 | bhomes.com


homes.com | 43


Snails slithering across the garden<br />

path are a relatively rare sight<br />

in Dubai, unless you have a<br />

lush, European style garden like<br />

Karen Pissarra, whose yard is a calm<br />

and nurturing space for little creatures<br />

and humans alike. From South Africa,<br />

Karen, of Dubai-based interior design<br />

studio Design K (@designk___), bought<br />

her home in The Springs in April 2017<br />

and renovated it from the inside out.<br />

“We searched for two years before<br />

finding the right property,” she says.<br />

“We really wanted a north facing<br />

garden so that we’d have dappled<br />

sunlight in the garden and streaming<br />

into the house for most of the day.”<br />

A woman who prefers to stay in the<br />

shade, one of Karen’s top priorities was<br />

choosing a mixture of plants and trees<br />

that would offer ample coverage.<br />

“I designed the garden with a fresh<br />

and minimalistic look in mind but<br />

turned to Heather Drake of Gardening<br />

Angels for advice on selecting the<br />

plants in terms of sun direction,” she<br />

says. Sticking with green was the MO,<br />

with not a colourful flower in sight. “I<br />

played with lots of different shades.”<br />

Fully irrigated, the garden is<br />

brimming with plants that offer plenty<br />

of ground coverage, and surrounding<br />

hedges that are yet to reach their<br />

full height – all bought from Warsan<br />

plant nursery. The matte light grey<br />

tiles, from RAK Ceramics, are placed<br />

in a staggered layout for a more<br />

contemporary feel while the deck has<br />

been raised to provide an elevated<br />

lounge area complete with designer<br />

outdoor furniture and accessories<br />

from Purity Dubai (@puritydxb) “It’s<br />

my go-to for outdoor furniture in the<br />

emirate,” she says. The sunloungers are<br />

by Ethimo while the rest is by Paola<br />

Lenti. “We love spending time here<br />

with friends,” says Karen. “It’s a place<br />

in which we feel we can fully unwind.”<br />

A MIXTURE OF<br />

ALTERNANTHERA<br />

GROUND COVER,<br />

DORANTA, JED, OLIVE<br />

TREES AND FICUS HEDGES<br />

SHOWCASE DIFFERENT<br />

TONES OF GREEN<br />

KAREN’S TOP TIPS FOR CREATING A LUSH GARDEN IN THE UAE…<br />

Consult an expert on the plants that will grow and thrive in your garden, so you know that what you’re spending won’t<br />

go to waste. Bear in mind that what works well in one garden may not work in another, so take into account the amount<br />

of light and shade you get and whether the garden will be irrigated before making your choice. The little touches can<br />

make a big difference. The lighter garden sand that is commonly used in gardens in Dubai can appear dry, so I sourced<br />

darker sand for the bedding as it looks moister and helps the garden to look healthier. It’s also important to consider<br />

lighting, so you can get the maximum enjoyment out of your space once the sun goes down. The uplights below the tree<br />

trunks are always a good look and there are many styles of string lights that you can use to add a touch of whimsy.<br />

44 | bhomes.com


INSPIRATION outdoor space | home | INSPIRATION renovation<br />

THIS MODERN CONTEMPORARY<br />

TABLE FROM WEST ELM BLENDS<br />

IN PERFECTLY WITH THE<br />

SURROUNDINGS<br />

bhomes.com | 45


BEAUTY<br />

AND BRAINS<br />

Futureproof your bathroom by investing in clever technology that’ll help<br />

streamline your experience and keep your energy bills in check<br />

46 | bhomes.com


smart bathrooms | INSPIRATION<br />

Form and function<br />

From saving water to creating a more hygienic environment by<br />

waving goodbye to touch points, installing a hi-tech bathroom will<br />

future-proof your space, and ensure you’re doing your bit for the<br />

planet. What’s more, the new wave of designs mean you don’t have<br />

to compromise on style. Turn the page for our top suggestions for a<br />

smart and sleek bathroom…<br />

GROHE<br />

bhomes.com | 47


Super<br />

savers<br />

Striving to cut down on paper<br />

waste in the home? The futuristic<br />

GROHE Sensia Arena Shower<br />

Toilet teams hygeine and comfort,<br />

with two separate shower arms<br />

for targeted cleaning action and a<br />

powerful flush that requires very<br />

little water.<br />

For energy-efficient lighting<br />

solutions, we rate the Veil Lighted<br />

Collection by Kohler. Utilising<br />

motion-activated technology, the<br />

built-in lights are activated just<br />

when you need them, intuitively<br />

selecting a nature-inspired colour<br />

temperature to take you on a<br />

sensory journey and aid a restful<br />

night’s sleep. They’ll turn off<br />

automatically when you leave.<br />

Tip<br />

THE WARM GLOW<br />

OF AMBIENT AND<br />

WAYFINDING LIGHTING<br />

FEATURED IN THE<br />

KOHLER VEIL LIGHTED<br />

INTELLIGENT TOILET<br />

MEANS THOSE MIDDLE<br />

OF THE NIGHT LOO TRIPS<br />

WON’T MESS WITH YOUR<br />

SLEEP PATTERNS<br />

Kohler Veil Lighted Collection<br />

GROHE Sensia Arena Shower Toilet<br />

48 | bhomes.com


smart bathrooms | INSPIRATION<br />

TRACK YOUR USAGE<br />

“OUR INTELLIGENT<br />

WATER SECURITY SYSTEM,<br />

THE GROHE SENSE AND<br />

SENSE GUARD, ALLOWS<br />

THE WATER CONSUMPTION<br />

OF A HOUSE OR APARTMENT TO<br />

BE EXACTLY TRACKABLE. YOU’LL<br />

RECEIVE A PRECISE STATEMENT OF<br />

YOUR BILL AND CAN AIM TO CUT<br />

DOWN, IF NEEDED.” Thomas Fuhr,<br />

executive director operations, GROHE<br />

HI-TECH<br />

ADDITIONS<br />

BAGNODESIGN Axent.One C Premium Toilet<br />

BAGNODESIGN Aquaeco Infrared Mixer<br />

Ideal Standard IDEALRAIN<br />

SMART IDEAS<br />

Opt for efficiency. The Ideal Standard IDEALRAIN shower range features a builtin<br />

flow restrictor that reduces water consumption, passing the cost savings on to<br />

you. It also features ‘cool body’ technology, which prevents the handspray from<br />

becoming too hot to handle.<br />

Hot seat. The Bagnodesign Axent.One C Premium intelligent toilet features an<br />

advanced functionality for washing. Plus, it dries, has a seat cover that opens and<br />

closes automatically, a night light and patented flushing technology – all operated<br />

via remote control or the Axent app.<br />

Go hands-free. Sanipex Group’s Aquaeco collection of infrared mixers helps you<br />

avoid germs, and the taps come in a variety of styles, sizes, heights and shapes.<br />

From top: 1 GROHE two-handle square<br />

thermostat, POA, visit the showroom,<br />

grohe-middleeast.com 2 Ideal Standard<br />

IDEALRAIN Evo handspray, POA,<br />

idealstandardgulf.com 3 Sanipex Group’s<br />

Aquaeco infrared taps, from Dhs770,<br />

sanipexgroup.com<br />

bhomes.com | 49


BOHEMIAN<br />

DREAM<br />

How a bland bedroom and balcony in<br />

Downtown Dubai was transformed into<br />

a boho chic haven in the sky<br />

50 | bhomes.com


home makeover | INSPIRATION<br />

Before<br />

When Sahar Fikree, founder and creative<br />

director at OCD Spaces (ocdspaces.com)<br />

was asked to transform this two bed,<br />

two bath apartment in Claren Tower,<br />

Downtown Dubai, by her high-flying Emirati<br />

businesswoman client, marrying the principles<br />

of Feng Shui with boho chic designs provided a<br />

blueprint for the way forward.<br />

“The client had spent over a year and a half<br />

repeatedly redesigning the guest bedroom,<br />

which very quickly became her alternative<br />

master bedroom in lieu of the Feng Shui<br />

preferred orientation,” says Sahar. “Exhausted<br />

with all the unsuccessful redesigns, she reached<br />

out to me as a last resort, hoping I’d be able<br />

to achieve her vision for making the exterior<br />

balcony an extension of the interior.”<br />

The project had the added complexity of<br />

needing to blur the interior/exterior boundaries<br />

without amending any of the existing floor and<br />

wall finishes. This was to avoid the added time<br />

and expense of any work that would involve<br />

applying for an NOC from the developer.<br />

“Although it felt impractical at times, and in<br />

contrast to the zen interior style that we wanted<br />

to achieve, I was able to work around the design<br />

restrictions, in particular adhering to very<br />

structured Feng Shui colour palettes, materials<br />

and shapes,” says Sahar. For instance, instead<br />

of having a mirror in the bedroom (mirrors are<br />

thought to bounce energy around, which may<br />

result in restlessness and amplify worries), a<br />

herringbone-patterned storage cabinet and<br />

clothes stand provide a focal point. The entire<br />

project took two weeks. As Sahar says: “When<br />

my client returned from holiday in Thailand she<br />

was surprised yet very pleased with the resortinspired<br />

home I had created.”<br />

Turn the page to read our tops tips on<br />

planning a similar makeover in your home ➤<br />

bhomes.com | 51


INSPIRATION | home makeover<br />

Make it happen<br />

Want your own resort<br />

style bedroom?<br />

Sahar Fikree shares<br />

her top tips<br />

1 Want your bedroom to feel like a luxury<br />

hotel room? There’s a reason why hotels only<br />

use white linen – it keeps a room really fresh<br />

and crisp. Plus, you’re spoilt for choice when it<br />

comes to buying a new set.<br />

2 Make sure that your duvet extends over your<br />

mattress until it’s almost touching the floor on<br />

both sides. You shouldn’t actually be able to<br />

see the bed frame – it looks more plush and<br />

luxurious this way. It’s also a great solution if<br />

you have a spouse who hogs the duvet.<br />

3 A high pile rug brings a sense of luxury to<br />

the room and feels great under foot when you<br />

wake. It should cover at least half the length of<br />

the bed and protrude outwards from the base.<br />

4 We tend to keep a lot of stuff on our side<br />

table, so always try to select a table lamp that<br />

has a base with a small diameter. This way,<br />

you won’t clutter it up. The height should<br />

be as close to the bed frame as possible so<br />

things are within easy reach.<br />

5 Some people like shelves above their<br />

bed, but you should always avoid hanging<br />

anything heavy over your head. If you want<br />

to display objects, get a headboard with<br />

built-in shelves.<br />

PLACE A THROW AT THE<br />

BASE OF THE BED SO<br />

YOU CAN EASILY UNROLL<br />

IT AND DRAW IT OVER<br />

YOU DURING THE NIGHT<br />

Photos by Antoine Fadel, antoinefadel.com<br />

THE VERDICT<br />

“I am in love with the<br />

redesign, and my visitors<br />

have also enjoyed the<br />

space tremendously. I can’t<br />

wait to renovate the other<br />

rooms.” the client<br />

Before<br />

52 | bhomes.com


Al Sufouh Suites<br />

By Radisson Blu<br />

Fully furnished serviced<br />

apartments for rent<br />

• Studio and 1-bedroom units<br />

• All appliances included<br />

• Male and female spa<br />

• Fully equipped gym<br />

• Swimming pool with jacuzzi<br />

• Full Sea View<br />

Studio from AED 55,000/year<br />

1 bedroom from AED 72,000/year<br />

Enquire today. Call 04 409 0998 or email<br />

customercare@bhomes.com to book a viewing.<br />

Rera Permit No. 1793486279


RESORT<br />

STYLE LIVING<br />

Six<br />

of the<br />

best<br />

These resort style<br />

dwellings make everyday<br />

living feel like a holiday<br />

FOR SALE<br />

AED5,995,000<br />

1THE ALDEA, THE VILLA<br />

This Spanish style villa keeps the Mediterranean resort ambiance<br />

alive with a reimagined alfresco courtyard at the centre of the house.<br />

Surrounding the courtyard are two large family living areas, a dining room<br />

and newly refurbished kitchen complete with breakfast nook. The huge 8,559<br />

sq. ft plot includes a large manicured garden, which comes kitted out with<br />

wooden furniture, an outdoor kitchen and swimming pool. Upstairs, each of<br />

the six bedrooms have fitted wardrobes and ensuite bathrooms.<br />

For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: BHM-S-169806,<br />

RERA Permit No. 1815530979. Nearby school and nursery: The Aquila School,<br />

Kids Zone Nursery.<br />

Bed: 6<br />

Bath: 7<br />

Parking: 6<br />

FOR SALE<br />

AED9,990,000<br />

2MIRADOR LA COLECCIÓN 1, ARABIAN RANCHES<br />

A one of a kind property, everything in this villa has been upgraded,<br />

from the modern German kitchen with top-of-the-range finishing to<br />

the large extension – no detail has been left untouched. This fully furnished<br />

property has five bedrooms, the master boasting a his and hers walk-in<br />

wardrobe and large master bathroom. The 6,547 sq. ft plot also features<br />

outdoor dining facilities and a large swimming pool, making it easy to lap up<br />

the luxury lifestyle.<br />

For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: BHM-S-169574,<br />

RERA Permit No. 2052807967. Nearby school and nursery: Jumeirah English<br />

Speaking School, Step Up Academy.<br />

Bed: 5<br />

Bath: 5<br />

Parking: 4<br />

54 | bhomes.com


View more listings at bhomes.com<br />

Bed: 5<br />

Bath: 6<br />

Parking: 2<br />

FOR RENT<br />

From AED600,000 per year<br />

3GARDEN HOMES FROND N, PALM JUMEIRAH<br />

Situated on Palm Jumeirah, island living is the feel of this custombuilt<br />

villa, which boasts an infinity pool overlooking Dubai Marina<br />

and its very own private stretch of beach. The spectacular sights continue,<br />

with the master bathroom’s tub boasting direct sea views.<br />

For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: BHM-R-171078,<br />

RERA Permit No. 0409488766 Nearby school and nursery: iCademy Middle<br />

East, Asya’s Nursery.<br />

bhomes.com | 55


SHOP | Betterhomes Magazine<br />

FOR SHORT TERM RENT<br />

From AED28,000 per month<br />

4APARTMENT BUILDING 4,<br />

BLUEWATERS ISLAND<br />

This sleek, short-term rental<br />

apartment is situated on the vibrant<br />

Bluewaters island, just off JBR. Floor-toceiling<br />

windows offer stunning sea views<br />

and bring plenty of light into the open<br />

plan living space, with its big modern<br />

kitchen and fitted appliances. The world’s<br />

largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai,<br />

and a variety of dining venues await<br />

discovery on the doorstep.<br />

For further details, call 04 409 0998 and<br />

quote REF: BHM-R-171375 Nearby school<br />

and nursery: Dubai British School,<br />

Kidville JBR.<br />

Beds: 2<br />

Bath: 2<br />

56 | bhomes.com


View more listings at bhomes.com<br />

FOR SALE<br />

AED3,250,000<br />

5REGIONAL SMALL, JUMEIRAH PARK<br />

Situated in Jumeirah Park, just eight minutes from Dubai Marina and JBR, this<br />

stunning three-bedroom, five-bathroom villa is sure to put you in the holiday<br />

mood. In addition to its large garden and sparkling swimming pool, the property is<br />

great for entertaining thanks to the open plan living and dining area complete with<br />

fully-equipped kitchen.<br />

For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: BHM-S-169659, RERA Permit No.<br />

1827607900. Nearby school and nursery: Dubai British School; Four2Four Nursery.<br />

Beds: 3<br />

Bath: 5<br />

Parking: 2<br />

FOR SALE<br />

PRICE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST<br />

6AAAT VILLA, UMM AL SHEIF<br />

Take this window of opportunity to soak up the the all-year-round sunshine<br />

at this huge, window adorned six-bedroom villa in Umm Al Sheif, Jumeirah.<br />

This brand-new build has a large landscaped garden featuring an outdoor<br />

swimming pool. Inside, a marble topped, open-plan kitchen leads onto a huge living<br />

area and separate dining room. On the upper floors, a spacious family room and<br />

rooftop patio boast stunning views of Burj Al Arab.<br />

Beds: 5<br />

Bath: 7<br />

Parking: 7<br />

For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF:VI362330, RERA Permit No. 1861512431.<br />

Nearby school and nursery: Emirates International School, Kids Palace Nursery.<br />

bhomes.com | 57


THE PLACE TO MOVE TO<br />

Al Raha Beach<br />

A slice of serenity in the bustling<br />

UAE capital, Al Raha is a shoreline<br />

residential neighbourhood in a<br />

prime location. Offering a variety of<br />

contemporary living options for a<br />

range of budgets, these waterfront<br />

properties have something for<br />

everyone. With residents waking up<br />

to views of the Arabian Gulf, it’s easy<br />

to understand why this picturesque<br />

beach community is one of Abu<br />

Dhabi’s most desirable places to live.<br />

WHY MOVE THERE?<br />

Aside from sparkling views, there’s<br />

plenty to keep you busy, with an array<br />

of restaurants, hotels and top-notch<br />

facilities on the doorstep. Those who<br />

love to be in the sea at the weekends<br />

will find plenty of watersports action<br />

along the beach. If you prefer to relax<br />

on dry land, you can unwind in the<br />

quaint beachside eateries or catch a<br />

movie at Al Raha Mall’s Oscar Cinema,<br />

which screens the latest blockbusters.<br />

THE COMMUNITY<br />

Situated along the Al Raha waterfront<br />

are three main sub-communities,<br />

each with their own USP. If a lively<br />

atmosphere floats your boat, Al<br />

Bandar has a large marina surrounded<br />

with restaurants and bars. Al Muneera<br />

is known for its luxurious sea view<br />

properties while Al Zeina is a collection<br />

of apartments and townhouse villas.<br />

TRANSPORT<br />

Conveniently situated on the E10, Al<br />

Raha is an easy drive from central<br />

Abu Dhabi, and is also popular among<br />

commuters to Dubai. A number of<br />

bus routes run from the community<br />

into the city centre and other top<br />

destinations, such as Yas Island.<br />

SCHOOLS<br />

There are a number of schools in<br />

the surrounding area, including<br />

Raha International School and GEMS<br />

American Academy. Yellow Submarine<br />

Nursery accepts children from four<br />

months to four years.<br />

SHOPPING<br />

There are a number of supermarkets<br />

along Al Raha Boulevard while Al<br />

Raha Mall is home to over 65 shops,<br />

with family-friendly entertainment<br />

and a large food court to boot.<br />

Meet the neighbours<br />

Harry Cook has lived in Al Raha Beach for five years<br />

Having lived across the UAE, in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the community feel and<br />

facilities at Al Raha make it stand out as a firm favourite. It has a great location, just outside<br />

the bustle of the city and with quick access to neighbouring emirates. Plus, it’s a place for<br />

families and individiuals seeking to balance work life with an active and social home life.<br />

58 | bhomes.com


area guide | PROPERTY<br />

Ask the Agent<br />

Wissam Al Hamoud is the<br />

Al Raha beach expert at<br />

Betterhomes. If you would<br />

like to contact him to arrange<br />

a viewing, or to learn of any<br />

open house dates in the area,<br />

simply call 02 556 4122<br />

Al Raha’s waterfront community is a highly coveted<br />

residential area in the capital and it’s clear to see<br />

why. The self-contained area offers a variety of<br />

luxury facilities and a social lifestyle with restaurants,<br />

bars and the beach on your doorstep. Getting into<br />

central Abu Dhabi is easy as the community is<br />

well connected by public buses. It’s also just a short<br />

drive away from many popular attractions.<br />

There is a variety of living options to suit<br />

every lifestyle, from plush penthouses to family<br />

villas. Stunning sea views paired with a vibrant<br />

atmosphere has attracted a mixed community from<br />

all over the world, from young professionals who<br />

enjoy the marina lifestyle of Al Bandar to expat<br />

families who settle in the quieter villa communities<br />

of Al Zeina and Al Muneera. The popular Al Raha<br />

Gardens is especially well-liked by larger families<br />

due to its green landscaped environment.<br />

Currently prices are falling, so now is a great<br />

time to rent or buy. Rental prices for a onebedroom<br />

apartment with sea views start at around<br />

AED120k per year whereas three- to four-bedroom<br />

town houses start from AED220k up to AED265k.<br />

For those wanting to invest, the entry point for<br />

a one-bedroom sea view apartment is around<br />

AED1.25m. Villas and townhouses have an average<br />

price of AED4.5m, although the more luxuriously<br />

styled properties can fetch up to AED8m.<br />

PROPERTIES IN AL RAHA BEACH<br />

For Sale<br />

AED950,000. Al Sana 1, Al Raha Beach.<br />

1 bed, 1 bath, 1 parking, 858 sq.ft.<br />

1.25m<br />

could buy you a<br />

one bedroom sea<br />

view apartment<br />

For Rent<br />

AED65k per year. Al Hadeel, Al Raha<br />

Beach. Studio, 1 parking, 576sq.ft.<br />

OFF-PLAN<br />

PROPERTY FOCUS<br />

EXPO Golf Villas 4,<br />

Emaar South<br />

WHAT IS IT?<br />

An enclave of modern townhouses<br />

alongside an 18-hole championship<br />

golf course, adjacent to the EXPO<br />

2020 site, and the up and coming Al<br />

Maktoum International airport.<br />

WHERE IS IT LOCATED? Along the E611<br />

and just 10 minutes away from the<br />

EXPO 2020 site.<br />

WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES?<br />

In addition to being situated alongside<br />

a golf course, this gated community<br />

boasts a number of facilities including<br />

a clubhouse, outdoor pool, children’s<br />

play area and park. It is conveniently<br />

located next to the EXPO grounds,<br />

which is set to be a hub of activity<br />

from 2020. The nearby Al Maktoum<br />

International Airport is within eight<br />

hours flight time for two-thirds of the<br />

world’s population.<br />

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?<br />

Three-bedroom or four-bedroom villas<br />

in two styles: modern for a simplistic<br />

timeless look and contemporary for<br />

sleek, distinctive design.<br />

WHAT IS THE EXPECTED<br />

COMPLETION DATE?<br />

April 2022.<br />

IS THERE A PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE?<br />

There is a 5% down payment upon<br />

booking; 5% within 30 days from<br />

booking; 2nd to 58th monthly<br />

payments of 1.50% from July <strong>2019</strong>;<br />

finally the 59th installment is 4.50%<br />

(April 2024).<br />

For further information, call<br />

Betterhomes on 04 409 0998<br />

bhomes.com | 59


BACK PAGE | UAE homes<br />

Calling all homebodies<br />

Upgraded your home with magazine-worthy results? We want to hear from you…<br />

Laura Ashley<br />

If you’re looking to turn a dated<br />

villa into a modern masterpiece,<br />

or simply want to make some easy<br />

upgrades to elevate your space,<br />

we’ve got the skinny on how to go<br />

about it. From selecting a design<br />

that will stand the test of time, to<br />

finding the best contractor for the<br />

job and knowing where to shop<br />

for those all-important fixtures…<br />

we’ve done the leg-work for<br />

you. Indeed, Better Living will be<br />

bringing you lots of ideas in future<br />

issues, so if you have completed<br />

a home renovation that you’re<br />

particularly proud of, we’d like<br />

to know about it. Simply send an<br />

email to faye@hotmedia.me with<br />

a short description of your project<br />

along with a couple of images and<br />

we’ll be in touch. Thanks!<br />

GET SOCIAL<br />

Follow us on<br />

Instagram and<br />

Facebook for more<br />

home inspiration at<br />

your fingertips<br />

@bliving.me<br />

60 | bhomes.com


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