Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Complimentary copy<br />
Sep/Oct <strong>2019</strong><br />
The magazine of Betterhomes<br />
HOT PROPERTY<br />
HOMES<br />
WITH<br />
ROOM<br />
TO GROW<br />
FAMILY<br />
SPECIAL<br />
30 pages of top<br />
tips & buys<br />
HOW TO<br />
CREATE A<br />
STYLISH<br />
LIBRARY<br />
WALL<br />
ECO-FRIENDLY<br />
IDEAS TO<br />
TRY NOW<br />
Playful<br />
touches<br />
for kids’<br />
rooms<br />
Go on, dive in!<br />
A Palm Jumeirah villa that’s perfect for bringing up water babies<br />
2 | bhomes.com
Welcome to the issue<br />
Feathering a family nest in the UAE, when you’re far from<br />
home, can take time, money, and a whole lot of creativity.<br />
The good news is that, whether you’re renting for just a<br />
while or putting down roots for the long haul, there are lots<br />
of ways to make your own mark on a place. In this issue,<br />
we have devoted a whopping 30 pages to happy family<br />
living. From brood-friendly bathroom designs that tick all<br />
the boxes (page 22) to easy ways to bring the cute factor to<br />
kids’ bedrooms (page 28), and our guide to creating a library<br />
wall that bookworms of all ages will adore (page 54) – our<br />
tip-packed features have you covered. One family that has<br />
it sussed is the Viel clan, who are making the most of their<br />
Palm Jumeirah address with lots of quality time outdoors<br />
– turn to page 48 for a sneak peek at their stunning abode.<br />
Feeling inspired? On page 62 you’ll find six fabulous family<br />
homes on the market that offer plenty of room to grow.<br />
Happy nesting!<br />
The Better Living team, @bliving.me<br />
Kids Teepee Bookcase from<br />
Woood, around Dhs891 (GBP199),<br />
Cuckooland.com<br />
4 | bhomes.com
welcome letter | CONTENTS<br />
48<br />
Managing Director<br />
Victoria Thatcher<br />
Chief Creative Officer<br />
John Thatcher<br />
Managing Editor<br />
Faye Bartle<br />
faye@hotmedia.me<br />
Content Writers<br />
Sophia Dyer<br />
Habiba Azab<br />
Editorial Assistant<br />
Ronak Sagar<br />
Art Director<br />
Kerri Bennett<br />
Senior Designer<br />
Hiral Kapadia<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 />
CONTENTS<br />
Reproduction in whole or in part<br />
without written permission from<br />
HOT Media is strictly prohibited.<br />
HOT Media does not accept liability<br />
for omissions or errors in Better<br />
Living magazine.<br />
SHOP<br />
06-16<br />
Animal accents to go wild over; all the latest news;<br />
what’s in store at Kulture House; slow cookers<br />
designed to get dinner on the table, pronto<br />
INSPIRE<br />
17-60<br />
How to welcome beautifully bold shades into your<br />
home; family bathroom designs that tick all the<br />
boxes; playful touches for kids’ bedrooms; C’est Ici<br />
founders Monica and Tatiana share how to let your<br />
style DNA shine; easy ways to run a more eco-friendly<br />
house; at home with Comptoir 102’s Emma Sawko;<br />
Edwina Viel invites us to experience beachside living<br />
MOVE<br />
62-67<br />
Family homes with room to grow; our guide to<br />
living in Motor City<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 | 5
UPDATES | wish list<br />
MOST COVETED<br />
Top<br />
picks<br />
Animal accents on our radar…<br />
1 Hold your horses... this noble steed statue<br />
will take pride of place in your living room.<br />
Horse Head, Dhs107, 2XL Furniture &<br />
Home Décor, 2xlme.com<br />
2 Cute as a button, there’s nothing cheesy<br />
about these cheese board knives. Three Mouse<br />
Knives with Cheese Board, Dhs135, Kikkerland,<br />
available at Namshi, en-ae.namshi.com<br />
3 This eye-catching tiger wall hanging is the<br />
perfect addition to your little cub’s room.<br />
Fiona Walker Large Tiger Head, Dhs450, Tribe,<br />
tribedubai.com<br />
4 Bring a touch of the wild into your bathroom<br />
with this leopard-print set. Home Centre,<br />
Dhs29, homecentre.com<br />
5 Practical yet with a friendly face, this giraffe<br />
stool will brighten up a kids’ room or study<br />
nook. Funny Giraffe Stool, Dhs298,<br />
KARE, kareuae.ae<br />
6 | bhomes.com
This issue’s<br />
Pinboard<br />
Our round-up of the latest in<br />
homewares, news and interiors trends<br />
LIGHT<br />
WORK<br />
Recently launched in<br />
the UAE, these Tobias<br />
string bulb lights by<br />
Sirius are a dreamy<br />
way to illuminate your<br />
outdoor space. Pick<br />
yours up just in time for<br />
winter entertaining at<br />
tablelights.me<br />
Baguette Mirror, Dhs15,967.40 (US$4,347),<br />
Pheasant for Baker, bakerfurniture.com<br />
The midas touch<br />
GOLD TONES COMMAND ATTENTION,<br />
AND WE’RE LOVING THESE GORGEOUSLY<br />
GILDED PIECES IN STORE NOW. THE<br />
STRIKING PHEASANT FOR BAKER MIRROR<br />
IS PART OF A NEW COLLECTION INSPIRED<br />
BY GEOMETRY WHILE THE COFFEE TABLE<br />
FROM THE NEW JONATHAN CHARLES<br />
COLLECTION AT INTERIORS PUTS HIGH-<br />
QUALITY WORKMANSHIP IN THE SPOTLIGHT.<br />
Curved Edge Antique Satin Gold Brass & White<br />
Calcutta Marble Coffee Table, price upon request,<br />
from Interiors, interiorsfurniture.com<br />
Good scents.<br />
73% of people<br />
in the UAE<br />
prefer fresh<br />
aromas to<br />
warm, woody<br />
or spicy scents,<br />
says a survey<br />
by IKEA. View<br />
the 2020<br />
catalogue,<br />
in store and<br />
online now,<br />
ikea.com<br />
8 | bhomes.com
trending | UPDATES<br />
DESIGNER DREAMS<br />
Inspired by the hues of the ocean and the beach, the<br />
aptly-named Pacific bed linen by Hugo Boss brings<br />
the allure of the shimmering coast into your bedroom.<br />
Part of the fashion brand’s first ever home collection,<br />
the high-quality cotton sheets feature blue-green tones<br />
sitting pretty alongside golden hues, with a soft ribbon<br />
detail running through the design. From Dhs1,395,<br />
available at Robinsons, robinsons.me<br />
Feel the power<br />
WHY NOT TACKLE<br />
THOSE MINOR HOME<br />
IMPROVEMENTS<br />
YOURSELF? ALL<br />
YOU NEED IS SOME<br />
FANCY NEW HAND<br />
TOOLS, LIKE THESE<br />
SLEEK DIY HEROES<br />
FROM BOSCH.<br />
Bosch Zamo digital<br />
laser measure, Dhs399;<br />
Bosch IXO cordless<br />
screwdriver, Dhs199,<br />
bosch.com<br />
bhomes.com | 9
Hacker Kitchens Studio<br />
Dubai, Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road<br />
+971 (0) 4 3990425<br />
hacker.ae<br />
innerspaceME.com<br />
info@innerspaceME.com
trending | UPDATES<br />
By Caprice Home Freya Duvet<br />
AT HOME WITH CAPRICE<br />
If you want to turn your bedroom into an<br />
ultra-feminine boudoir, look no further<br />
than the glamorous By Caprice Home<br />
collection, which is now available at Dwell<br />
stores in Dubai. The dazzling range,<br />
which includes bedding, cushions, throws<br />
and home accessories, is the brainchild<br />
of supermodel turned entrepreneur<br />
Caprice Bourret, who decided to put her<br />
modelling days behind her in order to<br />
reinvent her career at the age of 35.<br />
“My mum is a successful interior<br />
designer based in LA and I learned a<br />
great deal from her growing up,” says<br />
Caprice. “She helped inspire my passion<br />
for interiors and property. Your home<br />
is where you spend the majority of your<br />
time and it’s important you feel happy,<br />
relaxed and comfortable there.”<br />
The London-based star, who has<br />
appeared on the cover of Vogue, found<br />
this season’s inspiration in decadence<br />
and sparkles. The result is a new drop<br />
of matching bedding sets, duvets,<br />
pillowcases, cushions, runners and<br />
curtains that really shine.<br />
“Everyone needs a little glamour in<br />
their life and By Caprice Home doesn’t<br />
disappoint. One of my personal favourite<br />
bedding sets this season is the By Caprice<br />
Loretta set – it is very sophisticated and<br />
combines fresh simplicity with pretty<br />
sparkle,” she says. “The material is super<br />
soft and features a silver bow as the<br />
perfect finishing touch.”<br />
Available at Dwell stores in Dubai.<br />
To find out more, visit bycapricehome.<br />
com and follow @bycapricehome<br />
On our radar<br />
Cool new buys we can’t keep our hands off…<br />
TIME FOR TEA Throw a fashionable tea party<br />
and sip on brews made using the loose leaves<br />
from these pretty caddies designed by Matthew<br />
Williamson. Dhs310, Newby London, newbyteas.ae<br />
BIRD SONG This special edition Alexander<br />
McQueen cushion features iridescent<br />
hummingbirds hand woven in silk. Dhs3,900,<br />
The Rug Company, therugcompany.com<br />
STELLAR ADDITION This rattan mirror in<br />
jet black will be the star of any living space<br />
or bedroom. Dhs523.95, Versmissen at<br />
chattelsandmore.com<br />
bhomes.com | 11
UPDATES | trending<br />
A BISHOP DESIGN FEAT<br />
WE’RE COVETING THIS WOW<br />
FAMILY HOME IN PEARL<br />
JUMEIRAH DESIGNED BY THE<br />
INNOVATIVE BISHOP DESIGN<br />
BY PAUL BISHOP. LUXURY<br />
WAS THE BRIEF, WITH A<br />
TOUCH OF KARDASHIAN<br />
GLAMOUR SETTING THE<br />
TONE FOR GRAND PARTIES.<br />
A DESIGN ELEMENT<br />
THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE<br />
IS THE UP-LIT ELEVATED<br />
PLATFORM IN THE LOUNGE<br />
AREA, WHICH PROVIDES<br />
AN INSTANT FOCAL POINT.<br />
WEAREBISHOPDESIGN.COM<br />
REVIEWED FOR YOU<br />
THE WHISPER MATTRESS<br />
When Italian mattress brand Whisper asked us to trial a mattress,<br />
we were delighted. We felt a little less special, however, when<br />
we learned that every Whisper customer gets to trial their new<br />
mattress for 100 days, with a full refund if they aren’t happy.<br />
Backed by 30 years of sleep research, the mattresses have<br />
space-age features, including a silver yarn stitching to keep dust<br />
mites at bay and a plug-in grounding technology called silver<br />
shield, which blocks EMF waves from mobiles and other gadgets.<br />
With a promise that we’d wake feeling happier and healthier,<br />
we were keen to hit the sack. After adjusting the foam to our<br />
desired firmness, we are sleeping a little better and our bad back<br />
has improved so we won’t be sending it back any time soon.<br />
Now, if only Whisper could invent a ‘child shield’ to prevent our<br />
kids jumping in at 2am. From 2,999 for a 90x200cm mattress.<br />
Exclusively available to buy online in the UAE, whisper-sleep.ae<br />
We’re loving this<br />
eye-catching wall<br />
décor by KARE.<br />
The statement<br />
pieces are ideal for<br />
walls that require<br />
more than just<br />
a lick of paint.<br />
kareuae.ae<br />
Wall Light Vintage<br />
NY, Dhs2,099<br />
12 | bhomes.com
GROHE x Better Living<br />
BATHROOM<br />
SYNC<br />
Say “hello” to the toilet of tomorrow<br />
GROHE Manual Bidet Seat<br />
As technology evolves all<br />
aspects of our life, the humble<br />
toilet is not forgotten. Experts<br />
in innovation, GROHE’s smart<br />
toilet solutions take personal hygiene to<br />
the next level. The range consists of two<br />
hi-tech devices that fit harmoniously<br />
in your bathroom, so whether you are a<br />
homeowner or tenant, you can bring your<br />
standard toilet into the 21st century.<br />
The GROHE Sensia Arena is a smart<br />
toilet with a sleek, high-end finish.<br />
Combining the functions of a toilet and a<br />
bidet, you can expect a new standard of<br />
personal hygiene at the touch of a button.<br />
Use either your smartphone or the<br />
control panel to customise your perfect<br />
settings. The broad range of intelligent<br />
features include two adjustable selfcleaning<br />
spray heads, odour extraction<br />
and a powerful triple vortex flush, while<br />
the HyperClean ceramic finish means<br />
bacteria is kept at bay.<br />
There’s no need to remodel your<br />
bathroom with GROHE’s Manual Bidet<br />
Seat, which requires no electricity.<br />
Designed to fit seamlessly on to your<br />
current toilet, you can wave goodbye<br />
to the handheld shattaf, thanks to the<br />
hygienic built-in bidet system. Two<br />
dedicated spray arms, with adjustable<br />
intensity, are designed to keep you feeling<br />
fresh with the turn of a handle.<br />
To find out more visit,<br />
grohe-middleeast.com<br />
GROHE Manual Bidet Seat<br />
14 | bhomes.com
etter buys | SHOP<br />
SLOW<br />
COOKERS<br />
Bring out the flavour in your food<br />
and free-up precious time with these<br />
all -singing, all-dancing kitchen aids<br />
THE CREATIVE GENIUS<br />
Consider the Thermomix TM 5 your full-time sous-chef.<br />
Its impressive prep and knife skills mean your time spent in<br />
the kitchen is dramatically reduced. Plus, you can still take<br />
all the credit for the cooking. What’s more, you can access<br />
a recipe book by Cuckidoo via the touchscreen, so you’ll<br />
never be without inspiration. Price upon request,<br />
uae.thermomix.com<br />
CULT CLASSIC<br />
There’s no faffing around with this simple<br />
yet reliable slow cooker. The Kenwood<br />
Multicooker 350W has a simple oval<br />
shape with a no frills dial so you can select<br />
your perfect setting and simply leave it<br />
to do the rest. Its 6.5-litre capacity means<br />
second helpings are always on the cards.<br />
Dhs219, available from Jashanmal Home,<br />
jashanmalhome.com<br />
THE GRAIN<br />
SLAYER<br />
Versatile and easy to use, the<br />
Breville Multi Chef (BRC600) is a<br />
3.7-litre searing slow cooker, 10-<br />
cup rice cooker, risotto maker and<br />
steamer in one. As such, it’s a dab<br />
hand at making creamy risottos,<br />
fluffy rice and even quinoa. You<br />
can remove the cord and serve the<br />
food directly at the table. Dhs549<br />
including VAT, breville.ae<br />
THE HARD WORKER<br />
Keep your kitchen free from clutter with this handy<br />
nine-in-one cooking device. Along with being an<br />
excellent slow cooker, the Nutricook Smart Pot by<br />
Nutribullet also has dedicated functions to cook rice,<br />
eggs and soup, as well as to make yoghurt, sauté<br />
vegetables and more. Use the 14 Easy Touch Cooking<br />
Programmes to dream up quick yet nutritious<br />
homemade meals in super-fast time. Dhs559, available<br />
from Danube Home, uae.danubehome.com<br />
BEFORE YOU BUY...<br />
Useful and economical, the humble slow cooker makes it a cinch to prepare healthy meals from scratch. Simply load<br />
up your ingredients, choose your setting and leave the clever device to do it all for you. Before you buy, consider how<br />
many mouths you need to feed and if your favourite meals are a good fit for your prospective model’s shape and size.<br />
Batch cookers and families seeking hearty meals, such as whole cooked chicken, should look for larger, oval-shaped<br />
designs, for instance. If you won’t be there to switch it on and off, opt for one with a digital timer that can be preprogrammed.<br />
Lastly, if you’re not a fan of washing up, make sure the lid and cooking pot is dishwasher safe.<br />
bhomes.com | 15
SHOP | must-shop<br />
WHAT’S IN<br />
STORE<br />
KULTURE<br />
HOUSE<br />
THE STORY SO FAR: Located in<br />
the heart of Jumeirah, occupying a<br />
renovated villa, Kulture House is a<br />
vibrant café cum boutique that’s sure<br />
to catch your eye. The owners of the<br />
inviting space have curated a curious<br />
collection of travel-inspired pieces<br />
from around the world, born from their<br />
love of exploration. On top of serving<br />
up delicious eats that draw a crowd,<br />
the venue hosts several pop-up shops<br />
throughout the year, creating a lively<br />
community feel.<br />
THE LOOK: An eclectic mix of brightly<br />
coloured artistic designs that’ll add a<br />
uniquely bohemian look to your home.<br />
SIGNATURE BUYS: Pick up a rare find<br />
from the tribal-inspired homeware<br />
range that’s sourced from Africa<br />
and Portugal. The funky collection,<br />
available in store all-year-round, will<br />
provide a talking point for alfresco<br />
dinner parties, while the woven tribal<br />
vases are a tasteful addition to any<br />
living space.<br />
WHAT’S NEW? The most recent<br />
pop-up, running until 30 <strong>September</strong><br />
is TropiKulture, a fashion-based<br />
collection of pieces from local and<br />
global brands.<br />
GOOD TO KNOW: Most items are<br />
sourced ethically and abide by fair<br />
trade regulations. So not only will you<br />
be nabbing a stunning piece that’s not<br />
available to the masses, but you’ll also<br />
be supporting independent artisans<br />
with every purchase.<br />
Find Kulture House at 106 Jumeirah<br />
Beach Road, opposite Beach Centre.<br />
Call 04 399 1790, and follow<br />
@kulturehousedubai<br />
WHY WE RATE IT<br />
Frequent pop-up shops mean<br />
there’s always something<br />
new. Plus, most of the items<br />
support fair trade.<br />
FAVOURITE FINDS<br />
Wooden bowl with<br />
African beading,<br />
Dhs185 each<br />
Yellow African<br />
bowl, Dhs189<br />
16 | bhomes.com
trend | INSPIRATION<br />
Colour<br />
WA S H<br />
Stand out from the<br />
crowd by welcoming<br />
beautifully bold<br />
shades into your home<br />
Photo credit: Furniture Village<br />
GREEN LIGHT Soothing<br />
shades of green are commonly<br />
used to help bring the outdoors<br />
in, and now the hue has made its<br />
way to the dinner table. “Start<br />
small with teal linens topped by<br />
a green dinnerware set accented<br />
with deeper green charger plates,<br />
emerald accessories and tinted<br />
glasses,” says Rabia. “You can<br />
enhance the look by placing<br />
plants around your home – be<br />
sure to go with oversized pots to<br />
master the outdoors-in effect.”<br />
DO IT YOURSELF In the mood<br />
for a little DIY? “Pick up some<br />
mismatched vintage candlesticks<br />
and sponge-paint them in a<br />
translucent shade of aquamarine.<br />
You can then proudly display your<br />
workmanship,” suggests Rabia.<br />
bhomes.com | 17
TIP “If your room is mostly neutral, add<br />
interest with red accents. If you’re<br />
feeling bold, paint a wall red, but use<br />
a dark or unsaturated shade – the sombre<br />
hue gives an elegant feel,” says Anam.<br />
Photo credit: Furniture Village<br />
18 | bhomes.com
trend | INSPIRATION<br />
SINGING THE BLUES “Paint your hallway a daring<br />
shade of deep blue for a surprisingly regal feel, or use a blue<br />
backdrop for a photo wall for a contrast that really pops,”<br />
says Rabia Sarfaraz, principal interior designer at In House<br />
Interiors (inhouseinteriors.me). “For larger rooms, keep the<br />
walls white and hang oversized metallic frames featuring<br />
blue toned patterned wallpaper.”<br />
SOFT FURNISHINGS If you don’t want to commit to<br />
paint, “you could introduce bright blue armchairs or a wing<br />
chair into your lounge to complement a light-coloured sofa<br />
adorned with cushions in a variety of shades of blue,” says<br />
Rabia. Check out KARE’s range of blue sofas and armchairs.<br />
We rate the Sofa Black Gianna Velvet Bluegreen 3-Seater<br />
(Dh6,654, available at kareuae.ae).<br />
Photo credit: Furniture Village<br />
bhomes.com | 19
INSPIRATION | trend<br />
Using colour to make a statement in your home is an easy<br />
and cost effective way to switch up your surroundings.<br />
“Don’t be afraid to use bright colours,” says Anam<br />
Siddiqui of The Home Boutique (@thehomeboutiqueuae).<br />
“The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a<br />
vibrant yet stylish home. If you’re feeling apprehensive,<br />
however, simply start by introducing some choice accents.<br />
Yellow and red tones add warmth to a room, which means<br />
they’re the perfect pick for comfort pieces, such as sofas.”<br />
Blues are considered calming while greens hues are<br />
known to be grounding. Read on for some expert tips on<br />
introducing washes of wonderful colour into your abode<br />
Photo credit: Furniture Village<br />
20 | bhomes.com
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
One for all<br />
Make bathtime fun with these family-friendly<br />
bathroom designs that tick all the boxes<br />
Hansgrohe, hansgrohe.com<br />
22 | bhomes.com
family bathrooms | INSPIRATION<br />
SPLASH<br />
AROUND<br />
Take the stress out<br />
of shower time by<br />
choosing a design<br />
with safety features<br />
for little hands. The<br />
Croma E shower<br />
design by Hansgrohe<br />
uses CoolContact<br />
technology, meaning<br />
the theromstat mixer<br />
is cool to touch at all<br />
times. The height of<br />
the hand shower can<br />
easily be adjusted.<br />
bhomes.com | 23
family bathrooms | INSPIRATION<br />
TIDY TOTS<br />
Keep a shared bathroom clean and<br />
well organised with lots of extra open<br />
storage. These Brookline shelves from<br />
Home Centre are affordable, practical<br />
and stylish. Plus, they’ll help keep<br />
sibling squabbles at bay.<br />
Home Centre, homecentre.com<br />
bhomes.com | 25
INSPIRATION | family bathrooms<br />
Duravit, duravit.com<br />
SOFTLY<br />
DOES IT<br />
Got a baby on the<br />
way? Steer clear of<br />
sharp edges. Duravit<br />
has teamed up with<br />
Sieger to design this<br />
sleek, rounded edge<br />
bathroom that’ll<br />
stand the test of<br />
time. Handleless<br />
cabinets add to<br />
the streamlined<br />
aesthetic, and<br />
will help keep<br />
little fingers out of<br />
those drawers.<br />
26 | bhomes.com
DuraSquare: Now with the new bathroom furniture series XSquare.<br />
The exact and precise edges of the DuraSquare bathroom series blends perfectly with the latest furniture collection<br />
XSquare designed by Kurt Merki Jr. Handle-free fronts, striking chrome profiles and 28 furniture finishes enable an<br />
individual bathroom design. Co-ordinating mirrors feature a touch-free control panel for demisting and light or<br />
dimming functions. Duravit Middle East SAL (Off-Shore), info@lb.duravit.com, Duravit Middle East SAL Off Shore -<br />
UAE Rep Office info@ae.duravit.com, Duravit Saudi Arabia LLC, info@sa.duravit.com. www.duravit.com
LET’S<br />
P L A Y<br />
Design a bedroom your<br />
little one will adore<br />
Havhusene loft bed by JYSK<br />
Help the bedtime routine flow a little easier by choosing a fun bed that your<br />
child can’t wait to climb into each night (some form of ladder is usually a<br />
good incentive). This cabin bed from JYSK (so popular it’s sold out until<br />
2020), not only looks cute but maximises the space beneath it, creating extra<br />
room to play. Havhusene Loft Bed, Dhs1,950, JYSK<br />
28 | bhomes.com
2kids’ rooms | INSPIRATION<br />
KEEP MONSTERS AWAY WITH A<br />
FEARSOME NIGHTLIGHT. OPT FOR<br />
A DESIGN THAT’S EASY FOR LITTLE<br />
FINGERS TO SWITCH ON AND OFF,<br />
AND WHICH IS IN KEEPING WITH<br />
THE ROOM’S THEME. WE LOVE<br />
THIS ANIMAL LED WALL LAMP<br />
FROM IKEA. DH125, IKEA.COM/AE<br />
Place shelves at a<br />
child-friendly height,<br />
so toys can be easily<br />
reached, and then<br />
collected and stashed<br />
away again when it’s<br />
time to tidy up.3<br />
bhomes.com | 29
DISCOVER MAGIC<br />
Presenting you with our unique floating dessert at Masala Library<br />
by Jiggs Kalra. Enjoy this delicious 70% dark chocolate treat as<br />
part of the restaurant’s signature 12-course Tasting Menu.<br />
Available daily from 6pm until 12am<br />
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai<br />
Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE<br />
T +971.4.414.3000 | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com | masalalibrarydxb
A Montessori-style floor bed not only looks magical, but it can<br />
help to support your child’s independence and spacial awareness<br />
by giving them the freedom to explore.<br />
kids’ rooms | INSPIRATION<br />
4<br />
Home styled by<br />
C’est Ici. Photos by<br />
Natelee Cocks<br />
A DESK IS A<br />
USEFUL ADDITION<br />
FOR KIDS OF ALL<br />
AGES WHO’LL<br />
BENEFIT FROM A<br />
DEDICATED SPACE<br />
FOR EVERYTHING<br />
FROM COLOURING<br />
TO CRACKING<br />
THROUGH THEIR<br />
HOMEWORK.<br />
ANNA STUDY<br />
DESK, DHS560,<br />
HOMECENTRE.COM<br />
5<br />
6<br />
They’re only little once, so be<br />
open to being guided by their<br />
interests and desires for their<br />
room. Kids’ bedroom furniture<br />
and accessories have come a<br />
long way, so you’re sure to find<br />
lots of fun yet stylish ways to<br />
run with a theme. Elephant<br />
Lamp, Dhs149, Zara Home.<br />
zarahome.com<br />
bhomes.com | 31
INSPIRATION | kids’ rooms<br />
7<br />
Make sure there’s at least one<br />
playful element in the room,<br />
whether it’s a hammock-style<br />
swing or a ball pit. Flex your<br />
creative muscles! Ball Pit<br />
Round M Jungle Balls, Dhs799,<br />
Misioo, fivelittleducksme.com<br />
WITH<br />
Photo: Five Little Ducks<br />
Tribe Dubai Zara Sofa styled by Escape Home<br />
8<br />
A TWO-TONED WALL IS AN<br />
EASY WAY TO ADD SOME<br />
INTEREST. THE MOST COMMON<br />
WAY TO DO SO IS BY DIVIDING<br />
THE WALL HORIZONTALLY<br />
– JUST BE SURE TO APPLY<br />
YOUR DARKER SHADE ON THE<br />
LOWER PART. YOU CAN USE<br />
THE LINE AS A GUIDE FOR<br />
PLACING SHELVES ADORNED<br />
VIBRANT PRINTS.<br />
Stay organised with cheap<br />
and cheerful storage<br />
solutions. Savvy parents<br />
swear by the Trofast unit<br />
from Ikea, which adds a<br />
pop of colour to the room.<br />
Dhs205, ikea.com/me<br />
9<br />
10<br />
A simple way to jazz up a plain white chest<br />
of drawers is by switching up the knobs –<br />
there are loads of cute designs in the shops.<br />
Animal-shaped kids’ door knobs. Dhs49<br />
(pack of two), Zara Home, zarahome.com<br />
32 | bhomes.com
34 | bhomes.com
expert advice | INSPIRATION<br />
Ask the<br />
DESIGNER<br />
C’est Ici founders Monica Durou and Tatiana Jaramillio<br />
explain how to let your style DNA shine<br />
Your style DNA is a reflection of<br />
who you are, and therefore a key<br />
component when approaching<br />
interior design. One of the reasons<br />
we co-founded C’est Ici was because<br />
we wanted to help people define their<br />
authentic interior style. We live in a<br />
world full of trends, so we say focus on<br />
what makes you happy, not what is in<br />
fashion. The most important part of<br />
building a home is to feel comfortable in<br />
it, so make it personal by adding your<br />
own unique touch.<br />
Get to know what you love by<br />
seeking lots of inspiration. Mood<br />
boards are the best place to start when<br />
approaching a space. We recommend<br />
creating one for each room you want<br />
to design. Your physical or digital<br />
board can include just about anything,<br />
including photography, designs,<br />
illustrations, colour palettes, textures<br />
and descriptive words. Anything that<br />
inspires you will help you to define the<br />
direction you want your project to go in.<br />
A home’s design and personality<br />
should reflect the lives lived<br />
within it. We believe your home should<br />
be a reflection of who you are and a<br />
collection of what you love. Showcasing<br />
your personality in your space is all<br />
about imperfection, it is a combination<br />
of your life, encompassing the past,<br />
present and future.<br />
It’s not what you have but how you<br />
style it. More often than not, we hear<br />
our clients say, “I love this, but it doesn’t<br />
really go with the style of the room”.<br />
We think that pieces you love can look<br />
great in any space, so we always use our<br />
clients’ most beloved belongings in our<br />
designs. Don’t put a heavy emphasis on<br />
style. Simply display your oldest, most<br />
treasured objects and adorn the walls<br />
with memories from your travels.<br />
Start with your favourite colour,<br />
or the one you have in mind for the<br />
room. The first step is deciding what<br />
you want the vibe to be. Next, choose<br />
colours that feel like the mood you want<br />
to evoke. In general, pick dark shades<br />
if you want to ramp up the drama. Or,<br />
if you’re going for a serene feel, opt for<br />
lighter hues. Follow the 60-30-10 rule:<br />
60% should be the dominant colour on<br />
the walls and rugs, while 30% is the<br />
secondary tone, supporting the main<br />
colour with soft furnishings. The final<br />
10%, which is the most fun, is the accent<br />
colour designed to add a vibrant pop<br />
with accessories.<br />
To find out, more visit<br />
cesticidecor.com and follow<br />
@cestici_ on Instagram<br />
Monica and Tatiana, founders of C’est Ici<br />
Window shop some of your favourite<br />
interior brands and make a list of all the<br />
things you like. Adding them to your mood<br />
board will give you a good visualisation of<br />
your style and guide you budget wise.<br />
TIP<br />
bhomes.com | 35
Photo: Tribe Dubai,<br />
tribedubai.com<br />
FOOTPRINTS<br />
IN THE SAND<br />
Concerned about the impact your home life is having on the environment?<br />
Follow these easy tips for leading a more sustainable lifestyle<br />
36 | bhomes.com
eco living | INSPIRATION<br />
MATERIAL GIRL<br />
There’s a growing collection of local<br />
businesses flying the flag for ecofriendly<br />
furniture and accessories.<br />
Tribe Dubai (tribedubai.com), located<br />
in The Courtyard in Al Quoz, only uses<br />
biodegradable materials and avoids those<br />
obtained through deforestation. Plus, its<br />
products only feature all-natural dyes.<br />
Its founder Jo England lists bamboo<br />
and rattan as top sustainable choices.<br />
“Bamboo is one of the eco-friendliest<br />
products out there as it grows quickly<br />
and is ideal for furniture, bowls, plates<br />
and storage. Look for handcrafted pieces<br />
that stand the test of time while also<br />
hugely benefiting the communities in<br />
which they were made.”<br />
Similarly, Home and Soul<br />
(homeandsouldubai.com), located in<br />
Al Wasl, is incorporating sustainable<br />
materials into each new collection to add<br />
to its existing line-up of pieces made<br />
from ethically-sourced materials.<br />
“We source globally and work with<br />
enterprises that are committed to using<br />
sustainable materials, and not producing<br />
in sweatshops,” says founder, Carol<br />
Sukkar. “We need to take collective<br />
responsibility to save our planet and<br />
purchasing sustainable pieces is a small<br />
but impactful stride you can make in<br />
your home.”<br />
Clockwise from top left: The Odger<br />
Chair, Dhs295 from IKEA, is a woodplastic<br />
composite containing wood<br />
fibre waste; Halle Vase, Dhs175 and<br />
Cirebon Basket, Dhs250, both from<br />
Home & Soul<br />
The Blueair JOY S,<br />
Dhs699, is ideal for<br />
compact living spaces,<br />
blueair.com<br />
CLEARING<br />
THE AIR<br />
Keeping your indoor air quality in<br />
check will help to create a healthier<br />
environment. A major cause of indoor air<br />
pollution is volatile organic compounds<br />
(VOCs), which are emitted as gases from<br />
a variety of household products, such as<br />
paint, carpeting and laminated furniture.<br />
Keep a lid on it by getting an air purifier<br />
that’ll help to trap airborne pollutants<br />
and remove allergens from the air. Next,<br />
consider swapping chemical cleaning<br />
agents for eco-friendly alternatives. Local<br />
maid service Eco Clean (ecoclean.ae) will<br />
make your home sparkle using all-natural<br />
products. “Our main priority is to improve<br />
the air quality and hygiene in our clients’<br />
homes while protecting the environment,”<br />
says operations manager Sevda Garaeva.<br />
“We use only non-toxic, environmentally<br />
certified products.”<br />
bhomes.com | 37
KITCHEN<br />
SMARTS<br />
While you may already be a dab hand<br />
at recycling, and have made the switch<br />
to energy-efficient lighting, there are<br />
lots more ways to run an eco-friendly<br />
kitchen. Waving goodbye to singleuse<br />
plastics is a hot topic, and there<br />
are plenty of alternatives to hand.<br />
Simply swap out plastic straws and<br />
containers in favour of metal, glass, and<br />
bamboo versions, or washable fabric<br />
pouches. They are widely available,<br />
including at The Goodness Company<br />
(the-goodnesscompany.com), which has<br />
recently launched in Dubai, offering<br />
everything from glass straws, to pure<br />
copper tumblers and more.<br />
Cookware may also deserve a rethink,<br />
with non-stick pans under the spotlight.<br />
If you’re concerned, consider opting for<br />
a more traditional option, such as cast<br />
iron or stainless steel.<br />
Once mealtimes are over, throw<br />
any food leftovers into an organic<br />
composting bin, for an easy way to turn<br />
kitchen waste into a nourishing treat<br />
for your garden. You won’t need to<br />
worry about the smell, as most modern<br />
designs will lock away any odour. Check<br />
out the Bokashi Bin, Dhs294, from<br />
mygreenchapter.com.<br />
The Goodness Company,<br />
the-goodnesscompany.com<br />
“Swap out single-use<br />
plastics for metal or<br />
glass containers when<br />
storing food”<br />
4 My Earth Sandwich Wrap,<br />
Dhs45, Eggs & Soldiers,<br />
eggsnsoldiers.com<br />
Eco Lunchbox Tri Bento Stainless Steel<br />
Stacking Lunchbox, Dhs103, Eggs & Soldiers,<br />
eggsnsoldiers.com<br />
38 | bhomes.com
eco living | INSPIRATION<br />
BE A WATER<br />
WARRIOR<br />
An effective way to save water is to fit a water<br />
flow reducer to shower heads and taps. This<br />
can help to cut down your consumption by<br />
upwards of 50 percent, and that’s going to have<br />
a significant knock-on effect on your DEWA<br />
bill. We recommend The Power Shower by Pure<br />
Blue, as its patented technology maintains a<br />
high pressure feel, so you can do your bit for<br />
planet Earth without sacrificing on luxury. If<br />
you’re in the market for a totally new shower,<br />
consider the GROHE SmartControl shower,<br />
which has a handy ‘Eco’ setting.<br />
When shopping for appliances, look for<br />
a UAE Energy Efficiency Standardization<br />
and Labelling rated (EESL) model. The most<br />
efficient washing machines and dishwashers<br />
use around 30 percent less water and consume<br />
roughly 40 percent less energy than standard<br />
models so are well worth the investment.<br />
GROHE Smart Control shower<br />
bhomes.com | 39
INSPIRATION | At home with<br />
40 | bhomes.com
at home with | INSPIRATION<br />
A HOUSE<br />
LESS<br />
ORDINARY<br />
Rock chic with a dash of funky charm, Parisian<br />
entrepreneur Emma Sawko, owner of Comptoir<br />
102, shares the secrets of her eclectic abode<br />
bhomes.com | 41
INSPIRATION | at home with<br />
verybody said ‘you’re crazy if you<br />
“Etake it; it’s an absolute mess’. But<br />
there was a certain kind of energy that<br />
lured me to this Jumeirah villa, and I<br />
haven’t looked back.”<br />
A true Parisian, Emma Sawko is<br />
a connoisseur of all things design,<br />
fashion and food. Always choosing<br />
instinct over logic, the interiors<br />
aficionado followed her design vision<br />
through, despite the scepticism. “I<br />
always go with what I feel; I go with<br />
passion. The place always inspires how<br />
it’s going to end up. At first glance, I<br />
liked the volume of the house and the<br />
natural lighting cascading in. It had a<br />
vibe that piqued my interest”.<br />
Her move to the Middle East in 2010<br />
was the driving force that launched<br />
her cool concept store Comptoir 102.<br />
The boutique-meets-organic-café is a<br />
treasure trove of curiosities, with its<br />
curated collection of fashion, jewellery,<br />
furniture and home accessories from<br />
around the globe, something that is<br />
strikingly reflected in the décor of<br />
Emma’s own home. “I don’t know<br />
what inspired what. My aesthetic is<br />
in the way I dress, decorate, eat and<br />
work. Be it New York, Paris or Dubai,<br />
all my houses have the same feel.<br />
Interior decoration has always been<br />
something that I love and take with<br />
me everywhere I go. Especially when I<br />
moved to Dubai, it was extremely hard<br />
to find anything in the market that<br />
matched my taste. I wanted to create<br />
something different that mirrored who<br />
I am and that would enable me to add<br />
my own touch to the community.”<br />
THE NEUTRAL HUES OF THE LIVING ROOM WALLS PUT THE<br />
BEAUTIFUL WORK OF ARTIST REZA DERAKSHANI INTO FOCUS<br />
EDGY FINDS<br />
The contemporary design of Franck<br />
Dorat’s wire sculptures add a distinctive<br />
touch that stands out.<br />
42 | bhomes.com
at home with | INSPIRATION<br />
bhomes.com | 43
INSPIRATION | at home with<br />
MIX AND MATCH<br />
The curved staircase catches the eye with<br />
its sleek shape and elegant finish. The<br />
striking artworks and accessories allow<br />
Emma’s personality to shine through.<br />
SET THE TONE<br />
Earthy tones exude tranquillity and create<br />
an inviting haven for sleep.<br />
Just a few minutes away from her<br />
store, the property’s convenient location<br />
was a key factor that sealed the deal<br />
for Emma. “I knew I was going to<br />
work a lot, so the proximity was very<br />
important to me. I wanted to be near<br />
my kids and involve them in my project<br />
as much as possible. Every day after<br />
school they would pass by the shop,<br />
have a snack and then walk back home.<br />
I love the neighbourhood, everything is<br />
so accessible and you can simply walk or<br />
cycle – there’s no need for a car”.<br />
Currently living between Paris and<br />
Dubai, Emma attributes her French<br />
roots to her boho-chic-meets-rockchick<br />
aesthetic. “I don’t know how<br />
or why, but anyone who sees me<br />
instantly knows I’m French. As far as<br />
I remember I’ve always had a taste<br />
for decorations, it’s something that’s<br />
very important to me. Even when I<br />
was studying with no money in a small<br />
studio, I still wanted to feel really good<br />
in my space and create a creative vibe<br />
with the small details”.<br />
44 | bhomes.com
“I wanted to feel good<br />
in my space and foster<br />
a creative vibe with the<br />
small details”<br />
bhomes.com | 45
With travel an integral part of her<br />
everyday life, it follows that many<br />
of the pieces adorning every nook<br />
are sourced from abroad. “I collected<br />
most of my art pieces from travelling.<br />
In New York, I spent a lot of time in<br />
galleries and at art exhibitions but<br />
when I arrived here I started to get<br />
interested in the art of the region –<br />
the scene is very rich. Currently, my<br />
absolute favourite is Rokni Haerizadeh,<br />
an Iranian artist represented in<br />
galleries such as Gallery Issabelle Van<br />
Den Eynde in Alserkal Avenue.”<br />
With a thriving business,<br />
adventurous spirit and creative<br />
ventures, everyday is a whirlwind in<br />
the Sawko household, something that<br />
makes time spent with family extra<br />
special. “My favourite space in the<br />
house is the kitchen. My husband and<br />
I work a lot, but here we exchange<br />
stories over good food and talk with<br />
the kids about their day. It’s a moment<br />
that’s warm and precious, and I look<br />
forward to it every day. I also love<br />
to cook so, to me, the kitchen is the<br />
beating heart of our home”.<br />
“I always go with what I feel; I go<br />
with passion. The place always inspires<br />
how it’s going to end up like”<br />
46 | bhomes.com
at home with | INSPIRATION<br />
Sass & Belle Tribal<br />
Skull Wire Jewelry<br />
Holder, Dhs55,<br />
Namshi, en-ae.<br />
namshi.com<br />
Willow Easy Fit<br />
Pendant, Very,<br />
around Dhs310<br />
(GBP69.99),<br />
very.co.uk<br />
Ballet Flower Canvas Painting, Dhs399,<br />
Home Centre, homecentre.com<br />
GET<br />
THE<br />
LOOK<br />
Flower-shaped Bowl, Dhs39,<br />
Zara Home, zarahome.com<br />
Bishop stool by<br />
India Mahdavi,<br />
Dhs6,550,<br />
available at<br />
Comptoir 102,<br />
comptoir102.com<br />
Short Vesuvius Vase, Jonathan<br />
Adler, around Dhs746 (GBP168)<br />
uk.jonathanadler.com<br />
bhomes.com | 47
INSPIRATION | outdoor space<br />
BEACH<br />
BABIES<br />
Lazy days on the sand and plenty of pool-time fun... Edwina Viel and<br />
family are embracing life on the shore at their Palm Jumeirah villa<br />
Photographs by: Muthu Kumar<br />
48 | bhomes.com
homes.com | 49
Suncream slathered on and<br />
inflatables at the ready. The<br />
Viel clan – Luca, 10, Sofia, 8,<br />
Lorenzo, 7 and Leonardo, 5 – are<br />
excitedly getting ready for a dip in the<br />
sea, a simple joy they have the pleasure<br />
of experiencing every day due to their<br />
coveted address on Palm Jumeirah.<br />
Indeed, their gorgeous villa comes<br />
complete with its own private stretch<br />
of beach, fulfilling Edwina’s dream to<br />
swap city life for a more outdoorsy<br />
lifestyle. “The kids are dedicated water<br />
babies,” she laughs, as the family’s<br />
West Highland terrier Whiskey<br />
scampers around her feet. “Each of my<br />
children could swim from the age of<br />
around 20 months, and we definitely<br />
aim to make the most of our location<br />
by the water.”<br />
Edwina (a Singaporean raised in the<br />
UK) and her Italian husband Maurizio,<br />
a plastic surgeon, moved to Dubai from<br />
London in 2009 to set-up a branch of<br />
his business here. They immediately<br />
started looking for a home by the<br />
sea as an antidote to the built-up<br />
environment they’d experienced in<br />
the UK capital. “Although it was only<br />
available to rent at the time, this villa<br />
appealed to us as it was jointly owned<br />
by two Australian families so we knew<br />
they would be likely to want to sell<br />
at some point in the future,” explains<br />
Edwina. Two years later, her prediction<br />
came true and the Viel’s seized the<br />
opportunity to snap up the property.<br />
Ever since, as the brood has grown,<br />
the villa’s dreamy outdoor space has<br />
provided an idyllic playground. “Walks<br />
along the beach have become a family<br />
ritual,” says Edwina. “We often cycle<br />
down to the edge of the frond for a<br />
picnic on the sand. As the beach is<br />
THE VIEL FAMILY’S GORGEOUS<br />
PALM JUMEIRAH VILLA COMES<br />
COMPLETE WITH ITS OWN<br />
PRIVATE STRETCH OF<br />
BEACH, PROVIDING AN<br />
IDYLLIC NATURAL PLAYGROUND<br />
FOR THE CHILDREN<br />
50 | bhomes.com
outdoor space | INSPIRATION<br />
“Each of my children could swim from the<br />
age of around 20 months”<br />
bhomes.com | 51
private, there’s never many people<br />
around, which is nice, and at the<br />
weekend we can throw open the patio<br />
doors without feeling overlooked.<br />
“Luca is the keen fisherman of the<br />
family,” she says. “Maurizio taught<br />
him how to fish and, depending on the<br />
season, he can often catch hammour<br />
and crab. He has the patience to wait<br />
for two to three hours for a bite, which<br />
is great for a boy of his age. Plus, he<br />
knows how to prepare them so we can<br />
eat them for supper.”<br />
An accomplished sailor (a skill he<br />
learnt at Dubai Offshore Sailing Club),<br />
Luca is clearly confident on the water,<br />
and naturally takes on the role of<br />
sibling herder, helping his mum ensure<br />
all the younger ones are towing the<br />
line when it comes to paddling across<br />
the waterway.<br />
“Sofia has had a passion for<br />
watersports from a young age while<br />
Lorenzo excels at kayaking, although<br />
he’s currently much more obsessed<br />
with Formula One. Leonardo is a<br />
strong swimmer in his own right,”<br />
she summarises.<br />
Over the years, the outdoor space,<br />
which has a sparkling swimming pool<br />
and elevated garden area, has played<br />
host to numerous kids’ birthday parties<br />
complete with bouncy castles and<br />
Shetland ponies. Edwina has made<br />
some stylish upgrades to the space<br />
by laying new tiles, buying some cosy<br />
seating from Al-Futtaim ACE and<br />
planting banana trees for a tropical<br />
vibe – “we use the leaves to wrap<br />
around the fish Luca has caught for<br />
cooking”. Currently, she’s devoting<br />
all her attention to establishing a<br />
herb garden, with lemongrass from<br />
Sri Lanka and coriander already<br />
taking hold. In the future, Edwina<br />
is considering moving the site of the<br />
swimming pool so it’s directly in front<br />
of the house, creating an infinity-style<br />
edge overlooking the beach. “It’s a big<br />
job as it involves extending the garden,<br />
but I think it’ll be worth it, so watch<br />
this space.”<br />
“Luca is the keen fisherman of the family<br />
– he often catches hammour and crab”<br />
A former investment manager,<br />
Edwina runs a popular parenting<br />
and lifestyle blog, Seashells<br />
On The Palm. Check it out at<br />
seashellsonthepalm.com and<br />
@seashellsonthepalm<br />
52 | bhomes.com
outdoor space | INSPIRATION<br />
THE SPACE HAS PLAYED HOST<br />
TO NUMEROUS KIDS’ BIRTHDAY<br />
PARTIES OVER THE YEARS<br />
bhomes.com | 53
Neville Johnson<br />
54 | bhomes.com
library wall | INSPIRATION<br />
Wel l<br />
read<br />
Whether you’re a selfconfessed<br />
bookworm,<br />
or want to encourage<br />
your kids to read, an<br />
at-home library wall is<br />
a stylish solution that<br />
gives back<br />
You don’t need a grand estate in<br />
order to have a library at home.<br />
The rise of bespoke fitted furniture<br />
solutions, and the luxury of having<br />
a large number of skilled carpenters<br />
to call upon in the emirates, means<br />
that the stylishly high-brow library<br />
wall concept is now open to everyone.<br />
“Even the most awkward of angles,<br />
corners and alcoves can become a<br />
useful and integral part of your<br />
home’s design,” says Simon Tcherniak,<br />
senior designer at Neville Johnson<br />
(nevillejohnson.co.uk). “By using these<br />
typically wasted areas, new spaces<br />
for bookshelves, storage and display<br />
shelving can become a stylish and<br />
feasible option. If you have the space,<br />
you can consider incorporating an<br />
bhomes.com | 55
elegant sliding ladder that’ll add<br />
an interesting element, with the<br />
additional benefit of allowing you<br />
to reach books in the tallest part of<br />
the room.”<br />
It’s a good idea to seek the opinion<br />
of a contractor for peace of mind<br />
that it’s built on solid foundations.<br />
“To ensure your shelving will have<br />
longevity and strength enough to<br />
hold all your books and trinkets, it is<br />
essential to consider if there is a solid<br />
wall to fix the units to,” says Simon.<br />
“Bespoke fitted furniture companies<br />
will individually fix back panels to<br />
the wall to further strengthen the<br />
design, but a solid base is a must.”<br />
An expert will be able to help you<br />
decide upon the best fit solution<br />
for your space. “When planning the<br />
design, to reinforce that strength of<br />
the shelving, the lower tall cabinets<br />
can act as supporting units,”<br />
suggests Simon. “This combines both<br />
practicality with an individual and<br />
striking design.”<br />
BRILLIANT BOOKENDS<br />
Neville Johnson<br />
From left: 1 Ferm Living Luru Bookends (set of two), around Dhs529 (GPB118), available<br />
from Amara, amara.com 2 Peacock Book Ends, around Dhs152 (GBP34), Oliver Bonas,<br />
oliverbonas.com 3 Debenhams Star by Julien Macdonald white agate bookend, around<br />
Dhs89 (GBP20) per piece, available from Debenhams, debenhams.com<br />
CARPENTERS WE RATE<br />
MLIDS Technical Services in Al Quoz<br />
(give Khalid a ring on 050 420 4182);<br />
Handy Scandy (Bjorn and his team<br />
do a stellar job, call 800 722639,<br />
handyscandy.com); Jumeirah Carpenter<br />
(+971 4 338 3231, jumeirahcarpenter.<br />
com) is a popular choice.<br />
Cuckooland.com<br />
Tip<br />
STOCK YOUR<br />
LIBRARY WITHOUT<br />
SPENDING A FORTUNE<br />
THANKS TO DUBAI’S<br />
SECONDHAND BOOK<br />
SHOPS, SUCH AS<br />
HOUSE OF PROSE<br />
(HOUSEOFPROSE.<br />
COM)<br />
56 | bhomes.com
library wall | INSPIRATION<br />
DO IT<br />
YOUR SHELF<br />
From top: 1 Vita Wooden Bookshelf<br />
in Black and Acacia, around Dhs6,479<br />
(GPB1,445), cuckooland.com 2 Dorothea<br />
Metal Book Case in solid mango wood<br />
and brass, around Dhs1,789 (GBP399),<br />
Cult Furniture, cultfurniture.com 3 The<br />
Frama Shelf Library, around Dhs10,109<br />
(GBP2,254), nest.co.uk<br />
Novel accents<br />
Neville Johnson<br />
When building your own library, think about how you would prefer to organise it. “You<br />
could sort your books by colour, author, series or genre,” suggests Stephany Hanna,<br />
interior architect and designer at Step into Detail (@stepintodetail). “Also, don’t be too<br />
formal. Add a twist with some candles, frames, small plants, and stylish book ends.”<br />
Relaxing furniture placed around the shelves will help create a welcoming space. “It’s<br />
a must for enjoying your reading time,” says Stephany. “Even if the library is located in<br />
your office, it would be nice to add a comfy furniture piece in one corner, such as a sofa<br />
bed, rocking chair or a lounge armchair. Lastly, choose some ambient lighting fixtures,<br />
like wall lamps or LED strips inside the shelves to give the space a cosy feel.” All that’s<br />
left to do is add some accent lights to your reading nook, and get stuck into a good book.<br />
bhomes.com | 57
A TWIST ON<br />
TRADITION<br />
How a starter home in Mirdif was<br />
transformed by marrying tradition<br />
with contemporary flair<br />
58 | bhomes.com
home makeover | INSPIRATION<br />
Before<br />
When Dubai-based newlyweds Yara and<br />
Eddy contacted Nisrine Moghraby<br />
of Harf Noon Design Studios to help<br />
create their Mirdif love nest, they<br />
were certain of one thing – that it be built<br />
around their collection of vintage carpets.<br />
Given to the couple as wedding gifts, their<br />
ensemble of richly bold rugs were a sure place<br />
to start for Nisrine. “I instantly knew that<br />
the colour scheme had to complement them<br />
without being overpowering,” she says. The<br />
young couple wanted to focus on makingover<br />
the entertaining spaces, including the<br />
l i v i n g/d i n i n g s p a c e a n d t h e T V r o o m u p s t a i r s .<br />
Since the carpets were naturally colourful,<br />
they became the focal point for each of the<br />
rooms. Nisrine selected shades from them, and<br />
chose funky accessories to match. Meanwhile,<br />
the walls were kept simple, with a lick of<br />
white paint and a large black and white<br />
p h o t o g r a p h fo r “ s o m e a r c h i t e c t u r a l i n t e r e s t ”.<br />
Moving upstairs to the TV room, Nisrine<br />
removed all of the couple’s existing furniture,<br />
leaving just the sofa. The multipurpose room<br />
was made-over with a slender desk, TV cabinet<br />
and storage units for the couple’s books and<br />
trinkets. “We wanted to nod to the Star Wars<br />
theme that was afoot in the room previously, as<br />
this was a part of the husband’s bachelor days,”<br />
says Nisrine. “We kept the youthful spirit alive<br />
by framing some fun posters and adding a bean<br />
bag for hours of comfortable gaming.”<br />
Upon completion, the once blank slate<br />
had taken a starting point from the antique<br />
carpets and run with a quirky yet trendy feel.<br />
In Nisrine’s words, “the house has a consistent<br />
charm and unique character that mirrors its<br />
owner’s optimism and new life as a couple.”<br />
Turn the page to read our tops tips on<br />
planning a similar makeover in your home ➤<br />
bhomes.com | 59
INSPIRATION | home makeover<br />
Make it happen<br />
Want your own funky<br />
yet original space?<br />
Nisrine Moghraby<br />
shares her top tips<br />
1 Use one main element as your focal point,<br />
as we did with the rugs here. Complement it<br />
with a statement artwork in muted tones that<br />
doesn’t distract.<br />
2 Start with simple white walls so that<br />
everything pops against them. You can always<br />
add wallpaper or bright posters to bring some<br />
colour in.<br />
3 Keep the rest of the furniture colours neutral<br />
– we opted for light grey, which stands out<br />
against the walls without overpowering the<br />
brightness in the carpets. We used throw<br />
cushions to tie in the neutral colours and the<br />
bright carpets.<br />
4 Opt for a glass coffee table, which will<br />
allow a statement carpet or flooring to show<br />
through. A dark metal hardware table works<br />
well, as the industrial feel complements<br />
traditional elements for a modern spin.<br />
5 Accessorise with minimalistic yet statement<br />
pieces that are fun and young. This will add a<br />
quirky vibe without it feeling cluttered.<br />
THE VERDICT<br />
“We love our home’s new<br />
look. The creative, super<br />
sleek finish is better than<br />
anything we could have<br />
imagined for our home.”<br />
Yara and Eddy<br />
Photos by Harf Noon Studios, harfnoondesignstudio.com<br />
Before<br />
60 | bhomes.com
FAMILY<br />
ABODES<br />
Six<br />
of the<br />
best<br />
Fab family homes, with<br />
plenty of room to grow<br />
FOR SALE<br />
AED3,550,000<br />
1TOWNHOUSE, MOTOR CITY<br />
Located in the highly sought-after Green Community, this three-bed<br />
townhouse is ideal for family get-togethers with its spacious extended<br />
kitchen, large lounge, separate dining room and roomy reception areas.<br />
Being a corner unit, alfresco entertainment is also on the cards as the<br />
property has ample garden space with a barbecue area and pergola.<br />
For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: TH355049,<br />
RERA Permit No. 1475723839. Nearby school and nursery: Jumeirah English<br />
Speaking School, Building Blocks Nursery.<br />
Bed: 3<br />
Bath: 4<br />
Parking: 2<br />
FOR SALE<br />
AED15,900,000<br />
2AL BARSHA 3, AL BARSHA<br />
If you have a taste for the finer things in life, you’ll appreciate this<br />
fully-furnished villa where a theme of contemporary luxury reigns<br />
supreme. Perfect for large families, each of the five bedrooms have an ensuite<br />
bathroom and fitted wardrobes. The showstopper abode is decked out<br />
with high-end furniture from the likes of Fendi and Roberto Cavalli, while the<br />
landscaped garden and swimming pool has the wow factor.<br />
For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: BHM-S-170347,<br />
RERA Permit No. 0574909058. Nearby school and nursery: American School<br />
of Dubai, The Children’s Garden.<br />
Bed: 5<br />
Bath: 6<br />
Parking: 2<br />
62 | bhomes.com
View more listings at bhomes.com<br />
Bed: 4<br />
Bath: 5<br />
Parking: 2<br />
FOR SALE<br />
AED3,800,000<br />
3SADAF 2, JUMEIRAH BEACH RESIDENCE<br />
This fully upgraded, duplex apartment situated in the popular JBR<br />
is the modern answer to family living. Natural light floods the space<br />
through the large windows and provide dreamy Dubai Marina views. The<br />
sleek kitchen is another highlight, along with the wooden floors upstairs.<br />
For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: AP300281,<br />
RERA Permit No. 1685276749. Nearby school and nursery: Regent<br />
International School, Kidville JBR.<br />
bhomes.com | 63
SHOP | Betterhomes Magazine<br />
FOR SALE<br />
AED5,000,000<br />
4ORANGE LAKE, JUMEIRAH<br />
GOLF ESTATES<br />
Get acquainted with this brand<br />
new lake view property in the familyfriendly<br />
development of Orange Lake.<br />
The Spanish-style villa benefits from<br />
smart home technology and highquality<br />
finishings, including parquet<br />
flooring and marble countertops. The<br />
European vibe continues outside with a<br />
private pool and dining area.<br />
For further details, call 04 409 0998<br />
and quote REF: VI364315, RERA Permit<br />
No. 0642861431. Nearby school and<br />
nursery: Dubai British School, Building<br />
Blocks Nursery.<br />
Beds: 4<br />
Bath: 5<br />
Parking: 2<br />
64 | bhomes.com
View more listings at bhomes.com<br />
FOR SALE<br />
AED6,300,000<br />
5SAADIYAT BEACH VILLAS, SAADIYAT ISLAND<br />
This distinctive four-bedroom villa is situated on the family-friendly Saadiyat<br />
Island in Abu Dhabi. A stone’s throw from the beach and close to Louvre Abu<br />
Dhabi, among other attractions, there’s plenty to keep the brood entertained here.<br />
Come home to this spacious, arabesque designed home (think arched doorways<br />
and gleaming mosaics) complete with lush garden.<br />
For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: VI349995. Nearby school and<br />
nursery: Repton School Abu Dhabi, Redwood Montessori Nursery.<br />
Beds: 4<br />
Bath: 5<br />
Parking: 3<br />
FOR RENT<br />
AED230,000 per year<br />
6LEGACY, JUMEIRAH PARK<br />
Having been upgraded with family living in mind, there’s living space aplenty<br />
here. The large lounge and dining area has been extended to provide a<br />
garden facing, sun room while the granite-topped kitchen is fully-equipped with<br />
appliances and comes complete with a breakfast bar. Sitting pretty within the villaonly<br />
community of Jumeirah Park, this is suburban living at its finest.<br />
For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: VI339612, RERA Permit No. 1633676627.<br />
Nearby school and nursery: Dubai British School, Marina Village Nursery.<br />
Beds: 4<br />
Bath: 5<br />
Parking: 2<br />
bhomes.com | 65
THE PLACE TO MOVE TO<br />
MOTOR CITY<br />
Located beside Dubai Autodrome,<br />
Motor City is a popular residential<br />
area and self-contained<br />
neighbourhood in Dubailand with a<br />
variety of amenities on the doorstep.<br />
Home to apartments and villas,<br />
this popular area nurtures a strong<br />
community feel with its mix of<br />
convenience, activity and fun.<br />
WHY MOVE THERE?<br />
On top of being, as its name suggest,<br />
a thrilling hub for motorsports, Motor<br />
City is a coveted residential community<br />
with an impressive roster of shops,<br />
attractions and entertainment. Those<br />
with an active lifestyle will feel right at<br />
home here, with the landscaped parks<br />
attracting dedicated joggers and the<br />
fully-equipped gym at Fitness First<br />
drawing a motivated crowd. If you<br />
prefer to relax over a cup of coffee<br />
with friends, there’s plenty of places to<br />
do so here.<br />
THE COMMUNITY<br />
The spacious plots and green areas<br />
draw families and professionals<br />
alike who value the relaxed feel of<br />
the neighbourhood, which is largely<br />
pedestrianised. Green Community<br />
Motor City comprises a number of<br />
villas, while Uptown Motor City offers<br />
townhouses, apartments and studios.<br />
TRANSPORT<br />
With easy access to Sheikh<br />
Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and<br />
Al Khail Road, you’ll reach Dubai<br />
Marina in around 15-minutes by car<br />
and Downtown Dubai in around 25<br />
minutes. There are several bus routes<br />
that connect the community to the<br />
wider city.<br />
SCHOOLS<br />
GEMS Metropole School is situated<br />
in Uptown Motor City, while Victory<br />
Heights Primary School is a short<br />
drive away. For tots, Emirates British<br />
Nursery and Jebel Ali Village Nursery<br />
are located within the community.<br />
SHOPPING<br />
The large Spinneys supermarket is<br />
ideal for the weekly shop, while First<br />
Avenue Mall has over 50 shops and<br />
15 places to eat and drink, including<br />
Bath & Body Works, Al-Futtaim ACE,<br />
Chili’s, Burgerfuel and Starbucks.<br />
Meet the neighbours<br />
Anna Wallentén (@anna.wallenten) has lived in Motor City for 12 years<br />
“My parents were two of the first residents to move into Motor City in 2007. Twelve years down<br />
the line, and three apartments later, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I love it here due to<br />
the community atmosphere and the close proximity to pools and shops. I work from home as a<br />
Peak Performance Expert, and I love welcoming my clients to this homely neighbourhood.”<br />
66 | bhomes.com
area guide | PROPERTY<br />
Ask the agent<br />
Robert Villalobos is the<br />
Branch Manager at Motor City<br />
Betterhomes. If you would like<br />
to contact him for property<br />
consultations, or to learn of<br />
any open house dates in the<br />
area, simply call 04 408 1000.<br />
OFF-PLAN<br />
PROPERTY FOCUS<br />
Arabian Ranches III,<br />
Spring<br />
Motor City is suitable for a variety of people.<br />
Professionals and couples will enjoy the apartment<br />
style living and array of amenities on the doorstep<br />
in Uptown Motor City. Families who require a<br />
larger living and outdoor space, however, will feel<br />
right at home in Green Community, Motor City.<br />
There is a lively community feel that is very<br />
family orientated, especially during the cooler<br />
months when the residents spend more time<br />
outside. The weekends are bustling due to the<br />
fantastic high-street, which has restaurants, a<br />
variety of shops, and soft play areas. Of course,<br />
Dubai Autodrome creates a buzz in the community,<br />
especially on race days. Various events throughout<br />
the year attract a steady crowd of motorsport<br />
enthusiasts and make for great family days out.<br />
Currently, prices are falling, so now is a great<br />
time to rent or buy. In Uptown Motor City the studio<br />
apartments start from Dhs500,000 to buy and from<br />
Dhs40,000 per annum to rent. In Motor City’s Green<br />
Community, townhouses, villas and bungalows start<br />
from around Dhs3.2m to buy and Dhs180,000 to rent.<br />
If you’re interested in living here, you’ll need to be<br />
quick, as the properties in the Green Community<br />
go quickly, so there is often low availability.<br />
Visit the new Betterhomes branch at Office 2101,<br />
Control Tower, Motor City, 04 885 1848<br />
PROPERTIES IN MOTOR CITY<br />
For Sale<br />
AED975,000. Sherlock House 2, Motor City.<br />
2 bed, 3 bath, 2 parking, 1,471 sq.ft.<br />
3.2m<br />
could buy you a<br />
bungalow in the<br />
coveted Green<br />
Community<br />
Motor City<br />
For Rent<br />
AED43k per year. Weston Court 1, Motor<br />
City, Studio, 2 bath, 1 parking, 641 sq.ft.<br />
WHAT IS IT?<br />
Spring is one of three neighbourhoods<br />
in Arabian Ranches III – a premium<br />
family-centric gated community that<br />
follows the blueprint of the existing<br />
Ranches developments in Dubailand.<br />
It offers a blend of indoor and outdoor<br />
attractions for residents of all ages.<br />
WHERE IS IT LOCATED? Along Sheikh<br />
Mohammed bin Zayed Road,<br />
20-minutes from Downtown Dubai<br />
and just five-minutes away from the<br />
popular Global Village.<br />
WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES?<br />
Encouraging outdoor living with a<br />
community clubhouse, tree house<br />
play area, kids’ pool, trampoline park<br />
and barbecue area, the community is<br />
pegged as a family-friendly haven in<br />
which to escape the buzz of the city.<br />
Its modern townhouses each feature<br />
landscaped plots.<br />
WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?<br />
Three- or four-bedroom townhouses,<br />
with plenty of natural light. there are<br />
two design options: the elegant Cream<br />
facade design or the deeper-hued<br />
Chestnut aesthetic.<br />
EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE?<br />
<strong>October</strong> 2022.<br />
IS THERE A PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE?<br />
There is a 5% down payment upon<br />
booking; 5% is to be paid within<br />
30 days of booking; the 2 nd to 10 th<br />
payments of 5% every four months;<br />
15% upon completion; and the 12 th -17 th<br />
instalments of 5% paid post completion.<br />
For further information, call<br />
Betterhomes on 04 409 0998<br />
bhomes.com | 67
BACK PAGE | UAE homes<br />
Calling all homebodies<br />
Upgraded your home with magazine-worthy results? We want to hear from you…<br />
Matalan Homeware AW19<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 to<br />
know about it.<br />
Simply send an email to faye@<br />
hotmedia.me with a short<br />
description of your project along<br />
with a couple of images and we’ll<br />
be in touch. Thank you.<br />
WE’RE ENJOYING GETTING TO KNOW<br />
YOU ALL ON SOCIAL MEDIA – AND<br />
WE’RE EAGER TO LEARN EVEN MORE<br />
ABOUT YOUR HOME STYLE. SO IF<br />
YOU’VE RECENTLY COMPLETED A HOME<br />
RENOVATION, OR STYLED A CORNER<br />
OF YOUR HOME THAT LOOKS AMAZING,<br />
WHY NOT SHARE IT? SIMPLY POST<br />
YOUR BEST SNAPS TO INSTAGRAM,<br />
TAG US @BLIVING.ME AND USE THE<br />
HASHTAG #BLIVINGHOMES – THE VERY<br />
BEST SHOTS WILL BE FEATURED ON<br />
OUR WALL. SEE YOU ON SOCIAL!<br />
JOIN THE<br />
CONVERSATION<br />
Follow us on<br />
Instagram and<br />
Facebook for more<br />
home inspiration at<br />
your fingertips<br />
@bliving.me<br />
68 | bhomes.com