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SHOP | Betterhomes Magazine<br />

Complimentary copy<br />

<strong>March</strong> <strong>2019</strong><br />

The magazine of Betterhomes<br />

HOME RENO<br />

Brightening up an<br />

Emirates Hills villa<br />

REAL<br />

HOMES<br />

INTERIORS<br />

INSPO<br />

TOP TIPS<br />

Streamline<br />

your next<br />

home move<br />

10<br />

WAYS TO<br />

CURATE A<br />

GALLERY<br />

WALL<br />

How to design a swimming pool that wows<br />

2 | bhomes.com


Welcome to the<br />

<strong>March</strong> issue<br />

We’ve been making the most of the great outdoors this month,<br />

heading to Sejal Nagjee’s Jumeirah Park garden (page 42),<br />

which is a hugely imaginative showcase of her landscaping<br />

and interiors expertise, and checking out interior designer<br />

Rhian Clarke’s newly completed swimming pool (page 32) -<br />

the only black one in the UAE. It really wows - during our<br />

chat, golfers peered over the garden wall to oggle at it.<br />

Interior designer Masoomeh Hilal sees her garden as an<br />

extension of her home (page 34), and she doesn’t just use it<br />

during the cooler months - she’ll take an A/C unit outside<br />

during the summer.<br />

Masoomeh viewed 20 properties before finding her dream<br />

home in Al Barsha, the focus of this month’s area guide (page<br />

66). Plus, we bring you our pick of gorgeous properties, with<br />

amazing kitchens on the market (page 62).<br />

Lucy Land, Editor<br />

lucy@hotmediapublishing.com<br />

Thank you to Dubai<br />

Garden Centre, Home<br />

& Soul and Amara for<br />

supplying the pretty<br />

gardening goodies for<br />

these pages<br />

8 | bhomes.com


Editor’s letter | CONTENTS<br />

SHOP<br />

10-19<br />

New finds, homeware news,<br />

a must-shop store focus and<br />

steam machines we rate<br />

Managing Director<br />

Victoria Thatcher<br />

Editorial Director<br />

John Thatcher<br />

Managing Editor<br />

Faye Bartle<br />

Editor<br />

Lucy Land<br />

INSPIRE<br />

21-58<br />

A stunning Emirates Hills living<br />

room transformation, home and<br />

garden tours with stylish residents,<br />

and how to incorporate the latest<br />

trends into your home<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@hotmediapublishing.com<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 />

MOVE<br />

60-68<br />

How to streamline your exit strategy,<br />

a guide to Al Barsha with advice from<br />

the agent and the local’s view of the<br />

area, plus must-see properties with<br />

amazing kitchens<br />

bhomes.com<br />

facebook.com/betterhomesuae<br />

@betterhomesuae<br />

@betterhomesuae<br />

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

bhomes.com | 9


UPDATES | <strong>March</strong> wish list<br />

Lucy Land, Editor<br />

Editor’s<br />

picks<br />

Five finds on my radar…<br />

1 Looking for some Mother’s Day gift ideas that last a<br />

little longer than fresh flowers? Pick some pretty floral<br />

patterned homewares. Poppy print print plate, Dhs26,<br />

H&M Home, ae.hm.com<br />

2 The latest accessories at concept store Home & Soul<br />

Dubai have been sourced from Bali. Beautifully handmade<br />

from natural materials, they eschew a lovely bohemian<br />

vibe. Apple décor in gold, Dhs45 for size medium, Home<br />

& Soul Dubai, homeandsouldubai.com<br />

3 The go-to for keeping our homes bang up-to-date, Zara<br />

Home’s latest colourful collection is no exception.<br />

Multi-coloured wool and cotton blanket, Dhs699,<br />

Zara Home, zarahome.com<br />

4 With its beautiful ’60s-inspired design, this seat brings<br />

a classic look to your living or bedroom. It’s available in<br />

different fabrics and colours – we’re coveting the bold red<br />

leather option. Osaka footstool, Dhs3,040,<br />

BoConcept, boconcept.com<br />

5 Add a feminine touch to your living space with this<br />

glamorous light pink and gold number. Ella bar stool,<br />

Dhs3,300, Chattels & More, chattelsandmore.com<br />

10 | bhomes.com


UPDATES | Trending<br />

This month’s<br />

Pinboard<br />

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

homewares, news and interiors trends<br />

TAKE A SEAT<br />

We love the flexibility and<br />

simplicity of the recently<br />

released London bench<br />

by Danish designer Morten<br />

Georgsen for BoConcept.<br />

Available in two sizes and<br />

with a choice of 100-plus<br />

fabrics and leathers, it can<br />

be used in a variety of ways<br />

around the home, such as<br />

at the foot of the bed, in<br />

the entrance hall or at the<br />

dining table.<br />

On our radar<br />

Kitchen upgrades we rate<br />

Beautiful blooms<br />

Looking for a gorgeous floral<br />

arrangement for Mother’s Day?<br />

Let Mandy McMechan and her<br />

team at Plaisir Cadeaux et Fleurs<br />

(plaisircadeaux.com) fill a plush<br />

velvet box with fragrant blooms<br />

or create a pretty floral cone.<br />

They also offer rare roses, which<br />

last for up to a year.<br />

ENSURE PERFECT TIMING AND<br />

THE EXACT TEMPERATURE,<br />

with the latest stylish induction<br />

hob by Teka. It offers easy-to-use,<br />

absolute precision control, while<br />

an independent programmer and<br />

display for each cooking zone allows<br />

you to control their individual time<br />

and temperature. IKNOB induction<br />

hob by Teka, teka.com<br />

DESIGNED TO FIT EVERY TYPE<br />

OF KITCHEN, Grohe’s sinks can be<br />

installed in minutes. We like their<br />

smart features, such as noise-reducing<br />

insulation and automatic waste, which<br />

means never plunging one’s hand<br />

into dirty water again. There are eight<br />

different designs to choose from.<br />

Shown here is the kitchen mixer K7<br />

Pro. Grohe, grohe.com<br />

12 | bhomes.com


SLEEK AND CHIC<br />

Minimalist fans will love SieMatic’s latest<br />

collection, which includes a 2cm frame that<br />

surrounds integrated elements of the kitchen,<br />

creating clear boundaries while simultaneously<br />

opening up new spaces for additional<br />

configuration and design options, from shelves<br />

to cabinet ensembles. PURE collection by<br />

SieMatic, siematic-uae.com<br />

TAKE TWO<br />

BRIGHT CUSHIONS<br />

Save<br />

SAVE<br />

Lilac cushion, Dhs119,<br />

Zara Home<br />

SPLURGE<br />

Peking Greek key<br />

cushion, Dhs422<br />

(GBP88),<br />

Jonathan Adler<br />

Splurge<br />

bhomes.com | 13


SHOP | Must-shop<br />

WHAT’S IN<br />

STORE<br />

ICONIC<br />

HOME<br />

THE STORY SO FAR: Having successfully<br />

run luxury kitchen and bathroom<br />

showroom Kohler Kitchen & Bath Gallery<br />

for 30-plus years, the owners cast their<br />

discerning eye on high-end heritage<br />

brand, Baker Furniture, opening Iconic<br />

Home, the largest mono-brand showroom<br />

in the region at the end of 2017.<br />

THE LOOK: Timeless, handcrafted and<br />

elegant designs. Baker’s style is more<br />

traditional than its sister brands Milling<br />

Road and McGuire (also available at<br />

Iconic Home).<br />

WHAT TO CHECK OUT NOW: Iconic<br />

pieces include Jean-Louis Deniot’s<br />

Carnelian curved sofa; Laura Kirar’s<br />

Guernica lounge chair, which requires<br />

3,500 carefully-made holes in the<br />

honeycomb caning to thread through<br />

the leather lace fringing; and Bill Sofield’s<br />

Kiosk Butlers cabinet, which is lacquered<br />

in a gilded, rice-textured finish. Also, look<br />

out for the elaborately decorated limitededition<br />

commode from the Stately Homes<br />

collection. Hand-gilded with 24-karat gold,<br />

it was originally designed by Sir Humphy<br />

Wakefield in the 17th century.<br />

GOOD TO KNOW: The d3 showroom<br />

aims to be different to any other Baker<br />

showroom in the world, with its emphasis<br />

on unexpected finishes. Jean-Louis<br />

Deniot’s Helidor decorative chest, for<br />

example, usually comes in an ivory gloss<br />

finish but at Iconic Home, you can find it<br />

with an ebony gloss and antique bronze<br />

gilded finish for a super glamorous look.<br />

DELIVERY DETAILS: If you fall in love<br />

with a piece you see on the showroom<br />

floor, delivery can be organised<br />

immediately. Otherwise, all pieces are<br />

made to order, with an average lead time<br />

of six to eight weeks’ production time,<br />

plus delivery.<br />

Building 8, Dubai Design District (d3),<br />

04 55 22 920, iconichomeuae.com<br />

WHY WE RATE IT<br />

It’s the go-to store for furnishing the region’s stately<br />

homes and palaces. If it’s good enough for the royals…<br />

FAVOURITE FINDS<br />

Tensley small jar,<br />

Dhs2,480, by<br />

Daryll Carter for<br />

Milling Road<br />

Golden Pod,<br />

Dhs1,735, by<br />

Barbara Barry<br />

for Baker<br />

Viridine round<br />

accent table,<br />

price on<br />

request,<br />

by Jean-Louis<br />

Deniot<br />

for Baker<br />

14 | bhomes.com


SHOP | Cushions Cutlery<br />

CUTTING EDGE<br />

Elevate your table setting with some fashionable flatware<br />

Clockwise from top: Goa salad set in black and gold, Dhs322, Cutipol at Amara;<br />

Merdi Swirl 16-piece cutlery set, Dhs205, Home Centre; Aurora 16-piece cutlery<br />

set, Dhs120, Namshi; Icon stainless steel mirror 68-piece cutlery, Dhs2,895,<br />

Cutipol at Jashanmal Home; Serving fork, Dhs129, knife (below), Dhs39, Zara Home;<br />

Dune all gold 78-piece cutlery, Dhs3,695, Herdmar at Jashanmal Home Duna copper<br />

mirror 68-piece cutlery, Dhs5,495, Cutipol at Jashanmal Home<br />

16 | bhomes.com


To advertise in the UAE’s highest-circulating homes magazine,<br />

contact Sukaina Hussein on 050 515 9691


Better buys | SHOP<br />

STEAMERS<br />

Ensure your clothes look their best<br />

with our guide to steam machines<br />

THE EVERYDAY HERO<br />

This heavy duty design, with its ergonomically-designed handle<br />

makes for an easy glide. Plus, the large soleplate helps cover<br />

a wider area. It also has a 30 g/min power shot steam system,<br />

allowing large quantities of concentrated steam to penetrate<br />

deeply into the fabric so that it doesn’t lose its texture.<br />

Panasonic Steam Iron, Dhs315. Available from Al-Futtaim ACE,<br />

aceuae.com<br />

THE NO-MESS ONE<br />

Forget watermarks: this one’s designed<br />

for optimum steam distribution, with its<br />

integrated anti-drip function that ensures the<br />

water flow is controlled in accordance with<br />

the temperature. Siemens Steam Iron, Dhs125.<br />

Available from Better Life, betterlifeuae.com<br />

THE SPACE<br />

SAVER<br />

Fed up of setting up an<br />

iron and ironing board?<br />

Ready in 45 seconds<br />

and compact in design,<br />

this handheld steamer<br />

saves time and space.<br />

It has an adjustable<br />

tank and steam, plus<br />

its bottle connector<br />

optimises the space<br />

in your cupboard or<br />

suitcase. S-Nomad<br />

Handheld Steamer<br />

1600W, Dhs399, Steam<br />

One. Available from<br />

Jashanmal Home,<br />

jashanmalhome.com<br />

THE<br />

POWERFUL<br />

ONE<br />

With its 1900 watts, this is<br />

the most powerful home<br />

steamer on the market. It<br />

has an ergonomic steam<br />

head and it automatically<br />

switches off when the<br />

water tank is empty. Unilys<br />

Garment Home Steamer,<br />

Dhs1,499, Steam One.<br />

Available from Jashanmal<br />

Home, jashanmalhome.com<br />

BEST FOR<br />

TRAVELLERS<br />

This is the first steam iron that you can<br />

use everywhere, from the ironing board<br />

to the clothes hanger. Its powerful<br />

steam destroys bacteria that resist<br />

warm wash cycles (40°C). Laurastar<br />

Lift Plus Pinky Pop Steam Generator,<br />

Dhs2,624. Available from Better Life,<br />

betterlifeuae.com<br />

BEFORE YOU BUY...<br />

“To make ironing less of a chore, go for a higher wattage steam iron to tackle the toughest wrinkles. Make sure, however,<br />

that heat can be adjusted to safely smooth out delicate fabrics. As one of the most important parts of the steam iron,<br />

the soleplate should deliver an even and smooth performance. Choose one with a wider width as it works wonders on<br />

stubborn creases in fewer strokes. A soleplate with a pointed tip is handy too, as precision tips are great for reaching the<br />

the trickiest spaces. Key consideration should be placed on the number of steam holes – more steam vents mean more<br />

steam and easier ironing. Well-distributed vents around the soleplate matter so make sure to check on this as well. Finally,<br />

always consider the comfort of the handle,” advises Tomoyuki Yokota, Panasonic product manager.<br />

bhomes.com | 19


Trends | INSPIRATION<br />

GET IN SHAPE<br />

Add some playful geometrics to give your space another dimension<br />

Jonathan Adler<br />

bhomes.com | 21


Shine on<br />

Create a sophisticated sparkle by<br />

combining brilliant jewel and gem<br />

tones, such as amethyst, citrine and<br />

turquoise with simple patterned prints<br />

and bold accessories. Among the pieces<br />

below is the Nizwa cabinet designed<br />

by British designer Bethan Gray –<br />

it is inspired by the architectural<br />

patterning of a fort in Oman.<br />

22 | bhomes.com


Trends | INSPIRATION<br />

Fabrics by Harlequin and Zoffany. Available from Style Library<br />

TIP<br />

“Use clean lines<br />

and geometry to<br />

enhance features<br />

and break up<br />

focal points in a<br />

busy, colourful<br />

room,” says<br />

interior designer<br />

Gabby Garvey.<br />

bhomes.com | 23


INSPIRATION | Trends<br />

Cool walls<br />

If you’re looking to make your home<br />

interiors pop, look to the walls as a place<br />

to be daring. Optically illusive designs<br />

create depth and movement.<br />

Mr Perswall at D.Tales<br />

TIP “Allow geometric wallpaper to make<br />

the statement in the room and keep the<br />

rest of the furnishings and accessories<br />

subtle,” says interior designer Rhian Clarke.<br />

24 | bhomes.com


All Hard<br />

Floors<br />

UAE’S CHOICE<br />

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

Water Saving<br />

Clean Process<br />

WASH AND REVITALIZE YOUR<br />

FLOOR, THE EASY WAY!<br />

THE NEW KARCHER FLOOR CLEANER FC5:<br />

A REVOLUTION IN CLEANING<br />

The FC5 hard floor cleaner is the easy way to<br />

vacuum up light debris and wash your floors<br />

simultaneously & efficiently. Direct contact of the<br />

microfibre rolls spinning at optimum speed gives<br />

you results never seen before.<br />

For more Information: www.karcher.ae | 800-5272437 | customercare@ae.kaercher.com


PICTURE<br />

PERFECT<br />

Show off your<br />

curated collection<br />

with our gallery<br />

wall ideas<br />

IDdesign<br />

“LOOK AT WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE, CHOOSE A COLOUR<br />

SCHEME AND STICK TO A THEME WHILE SEARCHING FOR<br />

ADDITIONAL PIECES TO ADD TO YOUR PICTURE WALL<br />

GALLERY,” ADVISES INTERIOR STYLIST ASH YOUNG, WHO<br />

LIKES TO BROWSE DRAWDECK, ROCKET ST GEORGE, ETSY<br />

AND SOCIETY6 FOR INEXPENSIVE, CONTEMPORARY PRINTS.<br />

26 | 26 bhomes.com |


Gallery walls | INSPIRATION<br />

2<br />

Get creative by stringing<br />

up your pics and securing<br />

them with a clipboard<br />

clip for a pretty<br />

garland-style gallery.<br />

Add fairy lights for a<br />

magical effect.<br />

Use display boxes,<br />

wall decorations and<br />

sculptural lights, as<br />

well as mirrors<br />

in different shapes<br />

and sizes to add<br />

another dimension.3<br />

bhomes.com | 27


4Personalise<br />

your kid’s<br />

bedroom, with some framed<br />

artworks made by them. And<br />

forget the hanging between<br />

57and 60 inches from the<br />

floor rule. Get the little ones<br />

involved in hanging up their<br />

masterpieces, too.<br />

THINK BEYOND<br />

A SAFE-BET<br />

BLACK AND<br />

WHITE FRAMED<br />

GALLERY. MIX UP<br />

THE ARTWORKS,<br />

FRAMES AND<br />

MEDIUMS TO LET<br />

5YOUR PERSONALITY<br />

SHINE.<br />

Urban Nest wall hanging in a Kaiser kitchen<br />

IKEA<br />

HK Living at Urban Nest<br />

6WALL HANGINGS ARE HAVING<br />

A MOMENT RIGHT NOW. PLUS,<br />

THEY’RE GREAT FOR COVERING<br />

UNSIGHTLY LIGHT SWITCHES<br />

AND A/C CONTROL PANELS.<br />

28 | bhomes.com


Gallery walls | INSPIRATION<br />

IDdesign<br />

7<br />

Pinterest also has<br />

plenty of ideas for<br />

themes, from a stair<br />

incline arrangement to<br />

a jigsaw-style setup<br />

(left) that’s a<br />

foolproof DI Y option.<br />

10<br />

If you’d like to make a<br />

statement with one large<br />

piece of art without breaking<br />

the bank, get creative. Frame<br />

some pretty wallpaper, a<br />

textile with a beautiful motif,<br />

or hang a rug on the wall.<br />

8<br />

AND<br />

MAKE THE MOST OF<br />

A WALL RECESS BY<br />

CREATING YOUR OWN<br />

CURATED CORNER OF<br />

ARTISTIC ACCESSORIES,<br />

SUCH AS BEAUTIFUL<br />

VASES, POTTED PLANTS<br />

SCULPTURES.<br />

IKEA<br />

9<br />

HEAD TO IKEA FOR SOME<br />

NARROW FLOATING<br />

SHELVES – THEY’RE<br />

SLEEK AND CHIC, PLUS<br />

THEY ALLOW YOU TO<br />

INSTANTLY CHANGE AND<br />

REARRANGE PHOTOS<br />

AND ARTWORKS.<br />

bhomes.com | 29


MARINA HOME<br />

launches<br />

TIMOTHY OULTON<br />

in Abu Dhabi<br />

Looking for a bold, modern take on<br />

British heritage? Head to the new<br />

2,200 sq. ft. Timothy Oulton Gallery in<br />

luxury contemporary home furniture<br />

destination Marina Home<br />

Defined by its modern<br />

approach to meticulous<br />

handcraftsmanship, the<br />

Timothy Oulton Gallery within<br />

Marina Home is a feast for the senses,<br />

showcasing the company’s signature<br />

relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic.<br />

The storied collections of furniture,<br />

lighting and home accessories includes<br />

a selection of antiques from Rare by<br />

Oulton, procured and curated by Tim,<br />

which speaks of his early days and<br />

ongoing involvement in the antiques<br />

trade, and includes a range of rare<br />

and irreverent pieces. The collection<br />

also includes the pioneering use of<br />

rock crystal. Almost supernatural<br />

in appearance, rock crystal is the<br />

colourless, purest and rarest form of<br />

quartz, sourced from the earth’s crust.<br />

Every piece of rock crystal in the<br />

collection has been selected, cut and<br />

polished using simple tools and the<br />

touch of the craftsmen hand.<br />

Commenting on the launch, Oulton<br />

says, “Abu Dhabi has been on our radar<br />

for a while so we’re really looking<br />

forward to bringing our most iconic<br />

pieces to the capital of the UAE. What<br />

we offer is very unique and Marina<br />

Home is the perfect place to showcase<br />

our collections; we both see furniture<br />

as more than just great design, but<br />

as a way to create an experience that<br />

touches people.”<br />

The Timothy Oulton Gallery is<br />

located inside the Marina Home<br />

showroom at The Abu Dhabi Mall<br />

and Barsha, Dubai.<br />

30 | bhomes.com


Marina Home | PROMOTION<br />

Night rod, Dhs7,950, Timothy<br />

Oulton for Marina Home<br />

Bio Hazard,<br />

Dhs9,350,<br />

Timothy<br />

Oulton for<br />

Marina Home<br />

Pixel chair, Dhs8,950,<br />

Timothy Oulton for<br />

Marina Home<br />

Aces Hearts Cards<br />

art, Dhs2,550,<br />

Timothy Oulton<br />

for Marina Home<br />

Painted Celing Mimi<br />

chair, Dhs2,100,<br />

Timothy Oulton for<br />

Marina Home<br />

Globetrekker trunk, Dhs4,725,<br />

Timothy Oulton for Marina Home<br />

bhomes.com | 31


INSPIRATION | Ask the designer<br />

Ask the<br />

DESIGNER<br />

Interior designer and stylist Rhian Clarke on<br />

designing a swimming pool that wows<br />

The starting point needs to be<br />

deciding how you want to use the<br />

pool. Consider how you live, how<br />

you want to live, how you entertain<br />

and how you want to entertain.<br />

I wanted to create a multi-functional<br />

space so I chose an off-rectangular<br />

shape to accommodate its different<br />

functions. You can swim laps in it and<br />

there is also a sunbathing ledge in the<br />

shallow end, plus a wet bar located in<br />

the section just off the lap area. The wet<br />

bar is close to the dry bar and both are<br />

situated under the half-covered part of<br />

the L-shaped gazebo, which offers some<br />

shade while also providing a view of the<br />

sky. I’ve discovered that generally men<br />

prefer to sit in the pool to enjoy a drink,<br />

while the women mostly enjoy sitting<br />

in the bar area outside the pool when<br />

they’re beautifully dressed and made up.<br />

There has been a big trend<br />

towards white tiled swimming<br />

pools. I wanted to do something<br />

different so spoke to the<br />

contractor about creating a black<br />

tiled swimming pool – it’s a really<br />

dramatic tone. I adore a monochrome<br />

palette and I’m strongly drawn to<br />

anything with a geometric pattern. The<br />

black swimming pool became the focal<br />

point for the garden and the design of<br />

the rest of the outdoor space, with its<br />

different zones, plus its monochrome<br />

and geometric touches came together<br />

afterwards.<br />

Imagine the view. When I was<br />

working on the home’s interior, we<br />

swapped the patio doors for large<br />

arched windows, with the idea that the<br />

view beyond needed to be quite special<br />

and the windows would act as frames. I<br />

would sit on the sofa and imagine what<br />

I wanted to look at. An infinity-edged<br />

pool usually flows away towards the<br />

back of the garden over a back wall but<br />

I opted for water flowing towards me,<br />

so I could see and hear it.<br />

Check the direction of your<br />

house. We almost bought the property<br />

opposite. It was a carbon copy of this<br />

villa, including being unmodified<br />

(which I was looking for), and it was on<br />

offer for the same price. However, we<br />

chose this property because it has a<br />

north-facing garden. This means that<br />

the sun falls on the front of the house<br />

in the afternoons so when the children<br />

come home from school they can swim<br />

in the pool – it’s warm but they won’t<br />

suffer from sunburn, whereas we would<br />

have had a different situation if we’d<br />

bought the other house.<br />

@rhianclarkehome<br />

Don’t just opt for a rectangular shape TIP<br />

on one level of the ground. Be brave,<br />

be ambitious and create interest through<br />

the colour and/or shape of the pool, plus key<br />

design features like the infinity edge.<br />

Rhian Clarke at her home in Victory Heights<br />

32 | bhomes.com


homes.com | 33


34 | bhomes.com


At home with | INSPIRATION<br />

This bright Al Barsha villa is<br />

styled for a balanced and calm feel<br />

“As soon as my husband, Badru, and<br />

I walked through the gate, we knew this<br />

was the one,” enthuses interior designer<br />

Masoomeh Hilal, referring to the lightfilled,<br />

spacious single-storey villa that<br />

the couple share with their two children,<br />

13-year-old Laila and 10-year-old Saif,<br />

plus their cat Jinx and Maltese dog Trixi.<br />

Having previously lived in Dubai for<br />

seven years before moving to Beijing for<br />

three years with her family, Masoomeh<br />

was looking for a different experience<br />

to their initial Dubai life based in<br />

Arabian Ranches. “As the children were<br />

bhomes.com | 35


THIS PERSIAN<br />

WOOL AND SILK<br />

RUG IS FROM<br />

MASOOMEH’S<br />

CARPET DEALER IN<br />

PAKISTAN. “I FELL<br />

IN LOVE WITH THIS<br />

IMMEDIATELY – IT’S<br />

QUITE UNIQUE,<br />

WITH ITS ANIMAL,<br />

AS WELL AS<br />

FLORAL, MOTIFS.”<br />

36 | bhomes.com


At home with | INSPIRATION<br />

““I love the light in this<br />

home – no matter which<br />

window I look out of, I can<br />

see the garden”<br />

bhomes.com | 37


INSPIRATION | At home with<br />

“The table lamps, which<br />

I had bought from China,<br />

provided the starting point<br />

for my bedroom”<br />

38 | bhomes.com


At home with | INSPIRATION<br />

older, we thought we could live in an<br />

independent villa that isn’t located in a<br />

gated community on our return – and<br />

I liked the idea of not being part of a<br />

cookie-cutter neighbourhood.” The<br />

villa ticked a lot of boxes: it’s located<br />

close enough to Badru’s workplace in<br />

Downtown Dubai; it’s near to Mall of<br />

the Emirates; and its spacious layout,<br />

with its wraparound garden, offering<br />

privacy, reminds her of houses from<br />

her home country, Pakistan.<br />

Masoomeh started collecting<br />

contemporary artworks when she<br />

married 15 years ago, so these are often<br />

the starting point for styling each room.<br />

“I choose art that I fall in love with,<br />

and never with a particular space or<br />

style in mind.” Much of her modern art<br />

“THIS IS THE ONLY PIECE<br />

OF ARTWORK THAT MY<br />

HUSBAND HAS CHOSEN, PLUS<br />

HE GAVE IT TO ME FOR MY<br />

BIRTHDAY SO IT HOLDS A<br />

SPECIAL MEANING”<br />

bhomes.com | 39


““The garden is an<br />

extension of our<br />

home. When we entertain,<br />

we set up shisha , and we<br />

bring an A/C unit outside<br />

in the summer”<br />

collection is colourful so she keeps<br />

her sofas and much of her furniture<br />

neutral to allow the art, rugs and<br />

accessories, which she picks up during<br />

travels, to stand out. “I love playing<br />

with soft colours, and it’s always more<br />

fun using them in plenty of space.”<br />

With her soft colour scheme, artful<br />

mix of clean, modern lines and vintage<br />

pieces, plus her use of symmetry,<br />

Masoomeh has created a strong sense<br />

of flow between the living spaces,<br />

dining area and TV room. “I like<br />

having two sofas and two armchairs<br />

to complete a seating arrangement,”<br />

she says. “You can play around with<br />

other pieces in a room that don’t have<br />

a balanced look, but I like symmetry<br />

for a calm effect.”<br />

40 | bhomes.com


At home with | INSPIRATION<br />

Paris art on paper,<br />

Dhs999, BoConcept<br />

Epime cushion,<br />

Dhs230, Indigo Living<br />

GET<br />

THE<br />

LOOK<br />

Edel vase,<br />

Dhs299, BoConcept<br />

Jacques<br />

table lamp,<br />

Dhs3,771<br />

(GBP795),<br />

Jonathan<br />

Adler<br />

Versailles<br />

Cubes urn,<br />

Dh2,125<br />

(GBP448),<br />

Jonathan<br />

Adler<br />

Caracas ottoman, Dhs4,638<br />

(GBP978), Jonathan Adler<br />

bhomes.com | 41


INSPIRATION | home renovation<br />

A GARDEN FOR ALL REASONS<br />

Sejal Nagjee turned a blank canvas into a<br />

showcase for her design talent, and a dream space to entertain<br />

Photographs by: Kerri Bennett and Hiral Kapadia<br />

42 | bhomes.com


INSPIRATION | home | outdoor renovation space<br />

bhomes.com | 43


INSPIRATION | home outdoor renovation space<br />

EVERY PIECE OF FURNITURE<br />

WITHIN SEJAL’S GARDEN HAS<br />

BEEN DESIGNED AND MADE<br />

BY HER IN-HOUSE TEAM<br />

44 | bhomes.com


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

MADE FROM<br />

NO-MAINTENANCE<br />

COMPOSITE WOOD,<br />

THE DURABLE<br />

“ Every day, I sit outside for<br />

my morning coffee”<br />

When Sejal Nagjee of Milestone<br />

Landscaping LLC moved into<br />

her Jumeirah Park villa with<br />

her husband Rajesh and son<br />

Jay four years ago, the garden consisted<br />

of sand, interlock bricks and manholes.<br />

However, its barren beginnings suited<br />

Sejal, who was looking for a blank canvas<br />

on which to display her work. “Before I<br />

could showcase my own home and garden,<br />

I would have to call up clients to arrange<br />

viewings, which could be annoying for my<br />

clients, plus they had often made changes<br />

to my designs so I may not necessarily be<br />

showing an accurate representation of my<br />

work,” Sejal reveals.<br />

With its large kitchen and dining area,<br />

pergola-covered patio, a bar, barbecue<br />

counters and multiple seating areas<br />

for up to 50 people, Sejal’s garden is<br />

an entertainer’s dream. Functionality<br />

is key throughout its design, from the<br />

layout that creates a sense of flow to<br />

the concrete seating to maximise space<br />

and low-maintenance artificial lawn.<br />

Interest is created through the artful<br />

use of materials; clever lighting; varying<br />

levels (including vertical gardens and<br />

sculptural artworks); and dramatic fire<br />

and water features.<br />

With its own filtration and chiller system,<br />

a small fishpond is surrounded by plants,<br />

such as bamboo, which cast shade. There<br />

are also herb, vegetable and fruit gardens<br />

that Sejal enjoys tending to during her spare<br />

time, while the borders are planted with a<br />

variety of flowering and fruit trees.<br />

Indeed, Sejal’s garden beautifully<br />

illustrates how to make the most of<br />

your outdoor space. “Every day, I sit<br />

outside for my morning coffee, with a<br />

newspaper, surrounded by greenery<br />

and with the sound of running water,”<br />

she enthuses. “We cook a lot; we love<br />

to entertain, and I use the lawn for my<br />

exercise routine.”<br />

landscapingdubai.com<br />

SEJAL’S GARDEN DESIGN TIPS<br />

Consider how you want to use<br />

your space, whether it’s for<br />

dining, meeting with friends,<br />

sitting with a coffee, working or<br />

entertaining the kids.<br />

Keep maintenance costs down<br />

by bearing the UAE climate<br />

in mind, with your choice of<br />

planting and materials.<br />

bhomes.com | 45


46 | bhomes.com


Doors | INSPIRATION<br />

KNOCK KNOCK<br />

Whether you want to reveal or conceal<br />

a space, choosing the right internal door is key<br />

Mosaico<br />

If you’re looking to make an impact<br />

with your entryways, save space, or<br />

maximise the light in your home,<br />

choosing the right style of door<br />

can help you achieve your goal. A<br />

doorway should introduce each<br />

space as you move from room to<br />

room, while being functional and<br />

stylish at the same time. Here are<br />

some options we rate…<br />

Pocket<br />

How it works: Using a wheel-andtrack<br />

system, the door slides out<br />

of sight into a hollow cavity in the<br />

adjacent wall.<br />

Perfect for: Cramped rooms or<br />

anywhere a hinged door won’t<br />

fit. Unlike swinging doors, which<br />

encroach on a room when opening<br />

and closing, pocket (also known<br />

as cavity) doors don’t obstruct<br />

furniture or impede on the floor<br />

or space. Go for a full steel<br />

construction, which eliminates<br />

issues with humidity.<br />

bhomes.com | 47


Be different<br />

“We had this barn door made from scratch,”<br />

says interior stylist Ash Young, referring to the<br />

stunning entrance to her Kaiser kitchen in her<br />

Damac Hills family villa. Its rustic look introduces<br />

the cosy space and makes a lovely divide between<br />

the living room and kitchen.<br />

BARN<br />

How it works: Barn<br />

doors are usually<br />

made from one or<br />

two large wooden<br />

panels, hung from a<br />

heavy bar mounted<br />

above the floor,<br />

either by inches or<br />

by a foot or more,<br />

depending on where<br />

they are used.<br />

Perfect for: Just like<br />

a pocket door, a barn<br />

door slides out of<br />

the way instead of<br />

being swung open,<br />

meaning no usable<br />

space is lost. What’s<br />

more, these doors<br />

are virtually noiseless,<br />

as long as their<br />

rollers and track are<br />

kept well lubricated.<br />

Kaiser Kitchens<br />

Tip<br />

THE ONLY LIMITING<br />

FACTORS ARE<br />

WEIGHT AND WHAT<br />

YOUR WALL WILL<br />

SUPPORT FOR<br />

HARDWARE BEFORE<br />

BUCKLING SO MAKE<br />

SURE YOU CALL IN A<br />

PROFESSIONAL<br />

48 | bhomes.com


Doors | INSPIRATION<br />

Tip<br />

CHOOSE AN<br />

INTERNAL DOOR<br />

THAT WILL ENHANCE<br />

THE SENSE OF FLOW<br />

IN YOUR HOME<br />

Bi-fold<br />

How it works: Comprising a series of individual<br />

folding door panels, which can open inwards or outwards,<br />

bi-fold doors can be pushed to one, or both sides.<br />

Perfect for: Choose these doors when you want to<br />

reduce noise, hide the contents of pantries and<br />

closets or separate rooms. Glass bi-folds are great<br />

for the back of the house.<br />

Dubai real home solution<br />

Brief: To create a stylish kitchen, with an extension<br />

into the garden that creates a huge space for the<br />

family to enjoy.<br />

Location: Victory Heights<br />

Company: Hacker Kitchens and Origin Doors<br />

and Windows<br />

The details: In order to meet the brief, it was<br />

important to create a sense of flow between the<br />

kitchen and the garden. The Origin bi-fold doors<br />

ensure the space is light and airy, beautifully<br />

bringing the outside in. Hacker Kitchens used<br />

gloss white handless cabinets, while the central<br />

island, with its Silestone worktop in Black ‘Volcano’,<br />

add contrast. Lighting is used to pull the design<br />

together, making the island a focal point.<br />

bhomes.com | 49


THE X<br />

FACTOR<br />

Interior designer<br />

Ellen Søhoel brightened up<br />

a dull Emirates Hills villa<br />

with a stunning makeover<br />

50 | bhomes.com


Home renovation | INSPIRATION<br />

THE LEATHER WALL<br />

CLADDING GIVES<br />

THE SPACE AN<br />

ELEGANT FEEL<br />

Previously dark, with lots of wooden<br />

features, black-painted doors and heavy<br />

curtains that blocked out a lot of the<br />

light, Ellen Søhoel and the team at<br />

interior design and architecture consultants<br />

XBD Collective were tasked with transforming<br />

this 1,208 sq. m. Emirates Hills villa into a light,<br />

open and luxuriously glamorous space.<br />

With painstaking attention to detail, Ellen<br />

and the team ensured the entrance flowed<br />

into the connecting living space, with a design<br />

that included demolishing the original ceiling,<br />

replacing the bulky doors with pocket doors,<br />

relocating the A/C grill, and putting a lighting<br />

plan in place that incorporated a stunning<br />

crystal glass chandelier, and highlighted the<br />

room’s beautiful features.<br />

The dark wood wall paneling on the main<br />

living space wall was replaced with tactile<br />

leather cladding, plus metal dividing lines<br />

to create a softer effect and enhance the<br />

luxuriousness of the overall design in the<br />

room. Similarly, the pocket doors were covered<br />

in mirrors and backlit to elevate the overall<br />

effect. The Fendi piano, which also serves as a<br />

champagne bar, is a statement piece, with its<br />

glossy ivory lacquered wood interspersed with<br />

crocodile leather. The wall surrounding it,<br />

with its backlit angled dark grey mirror, clear<br />

glass mirror, satin mirror and backlit crushed<br />

glass creates a magical illusion. What’s more,<br />

the linear elements of all the walls align the<br />

space with perfect symmetry, framing the soft<br />

furnishings and accessories in the space. The<br />

existing elegant furniture was swapped around<br />

and added to, ensuring it didn’t block the view<br />

of the swimming pool outside and to create a<br />

sense of symmetry and balance.<br />

Before<br />

TIME<br />

TAKEN:<br />

6 months<br />

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

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

bhomes.com | 51


INSPIRATION | Home renovation<br />

THE MIRRORED<br />

POCKET DOORS<br />

ADD TO THE<br />

STREAMLINED,<br />

LUXE LOOK<br />

All of the lights<br />

Want your own bright<br />

living space? Follow<br />

Ellen Søhoel’s top<br />

lighting tips<br />

1 When designing your interior lighting<br />

scheme, always remember the three main<br />

layers: ambient for overall room illumination;<br />

task, which is targeted light for specific<br />

function; and accent to highlight and draw<br />

attention to a single object. Each layer has<br />

its own individual function but all three work<br />

together, creating the perfect lighting solution.<br />

2 When choosing your architectural lighting<br />

(spotlights and LED contour strips) for any<br />

space, make sure you choose the correct<br />

colour temperature in order to achieve a warm<br />

yet natural ambiance.<br />

3 Use wall washers (which should normally be<br />

placed half a metre from the wall) to highlight<br />

various objects, artwork and/or feature walls.<br />

4 Flip it! Don’t limit yourself to downlighting;<br />

consider uplight techniques to create a soft<br />

and creative vibe.<br />

5 Always make sure that the interior designer/<br />

lighting consultant you are working with<br />

keeps all technical specs in mind.<br />

6 Always consider the size of room, height of<br />

ceiling, scale of fixture and fixing detail of the<br />

ceiling when choosing a chandelier.<br />

THE VERDICT<br />

“This is truly a one-ofa-kind<br />

design - we were<br />

handed over a stunning<br />

residence that exceeded<br />

our expectations”<br />

the homeowner<br />

THE ANGLED<br />

WALL WAS<br />

MANUFACTURED<br />

OFF SITE<br />

52 | bhomes.com


INSPIRATION | home renovation<br />

54 | bhomes.com


Family life | INSPIRATION<br />

Garden<br />

Gathering<br />

Maximise your time in the great outdoors<br />

with these top tips for a stand out yard<br />

bhomes.com | 55


Family life | INSPIRATION<br />

Whether you’re throwing a<br />

party for a large group of<br />

friends or want to create<br />

an intimate coffee corner<br />

for two, we’ve caught up with the<br />

landscaping experts and interior<br />

designers to get the lowdown on how<br />

best to transform your garden into a<br />

welcoming space…<br />

ZONING OUT YOUR GARDEN<br />

Your outdoor eating area is a good<br />

starting point for mapping out your<br />

outdoor space. “Consider where your<br />

indoor kitchen is and see if you can<br />

have your outdoor dining and/or<br />

barbecue area located close by to keep<br />

the walk, carrying hot dishes and<br />

tableware, to a minimum,” advises<br />

interior designer Rhian Clarke. “You<br />

will also want to offer shade over the<br />

eating area, whether that’s with a<br />

pergola or an umbrella.” If you plan<br />

to grow your own herbs or have your<br />

own vegetable patch, it also makes<br />

sense to choose a location close to the<br />

kitchen. “However, you’ll also need<br />

to plant according to where the sun<br />

“If you’re on a budget, consider<br />

creating your garden in<br />

stages,” says Heather Drake<br />

and shade falls in your garden,” advises<br />

Meadows 7 resident Heather Drake.<br />

If space and funds allow, you will<br />

want to consider the location for a<br />

swimming pool, whether it’s a focal<br />

point in the garden or hidden at<br />

the side of your villa. “If you’re on a<br />

budget, consider creating your garden<br />

in stages,” says Heather. “We put in a<br />

lawn to begin with, while we saved up<br />

for our swimming pool.” Meanwhile,<br />

your borders will be the perfect spot<br />

for growing trees, bushes and plants to<br />

hide unsightly walls, create privacy and<br />

make a beautiful backdrop. It’s also the<br />

perfect location to add lighting.<br />

LET THERE BE LIGHT<br />

“If your garden is dark at night, it<br />

won’t get used once the sun goes<br />

down simply because it’s not pleasant<br />

to sit in the dark,” cautions Rhian.<br />

To that end, consider illuminating<br />

your garden as you would your<br />

home interior. That perfectly<br />

positioned pergola, which casts<br />

shade over your dining area during<br />

the day, is also the perfect spot for<br />

hanging a pendant. Add a dimmer<br />

switch for mood lighting. The pillars<br />

of your pergola and boundary walls<br />

are good places for spotlights, too.<br />

You can light up trees with<br />

spotlights or fairy lights, as well<br />

– consider using solar-powered<br />

lighting, which is low-maintenance,<br />

eco-friendly and will come<br />

on automatically.<br />

bhomes.com | 57


INSPIRATION | Family life<br />

TAKE A PEW<br />

When it comes to your seating<br />

area, arrangement is key to ensure<br />

ease of movement around it and<br />

in between different zones of your<br />

garden, inspire conversation and<br />

aid hosting. Plus, there are plenty<br />

of creative options. A rustic daybed<br />

repurposed as a chaise longue,<br />

a built-in bench, a banquette<br />

strewn with colourful cushions, a<br />

suspended lounger or a hammock<br />

hung between two trees create<br />

intimacy, make clever use of space<br />

and are conversation starters in<br />

their own right.<br />

It’s worth investing in durable<br />

materials for your bigger pieces of<br />

furniture so that they withstand<br />

the harsh UAE climate, while<br />

accessories can be the budget<br />

items that can be updated, as<br />

trends, seasons and your personal<br />

preferences change.<br />

FIRE AND WATER<br />

You can’t beat the sound of<br />

moving water for creating a serene<br />

ambiance and a water feature<br />

will add a pleasant contrast to<br />

our desert locale. Meanwhile,<br />

a fireplace will give guests<br />

something warm and cosy to<br />

gather around during the cooler<br />

months of the year. “I love to play<br />

card games, and enjoy drinks and<br />

nibbles around the fireplace with<br />

my husband and friends,” says<br />

interior designer Lilly Engelbrecht.<br />

Light it up<br />

Stylish pieces to illuminate your outdoor space…<br />

From left to right:<br />

Solar Stargazer border light,<br />

Dhs49, Dubai Garden Centre;<br />

Home zone electronic round<br />

rattan basket in medium,<br />

Dhs40, Steinel L15 outdoor<br />

sensor light, Dhs179, Solar<br />

pendant lamp, Dhs159,<br />

all Al-Futtaim Ace; Tacma<br />

solar light, Dhs75, Dubai<br />

Garden Centre.<br />

58 | bhomes.com


Should I stay<br />

or should I go?<br />

Moving out or selling up? Streamline your exit strategy<br />

ADVICE FOR<br />

RENTERS<br />

So your tenancy contract is coming<br />

to an end and it’s time to decide<br />

whether to stay or go. Most landlords<br />

or management companies will send<br />

out a renewal notice (with updated<br />

terms) well ahead of time, but tenants<br />

are required to give notice or confirm<br />

renewal 90 days out. If you’re on<br />

your way out, here’s how it goes…<br />

DONE AND DUSTED<br />

Normal wear and tear aside,<br />

you’re legally required to hand<br />

over your apartment or villa in<br />

pristine condition. That means the<br />

walls need to be restored to their<br />

original colour and condition (by<br />

patching up holes created by drilling<br />

to hang pictures, for instance), and<br />

that everything generally is in good<br />

working order. Unfortunately, failure<br />

to do so could see you lose a chunk of<br />

your security deposit.<br />

READY FOR INSPECTION<br />

The landlord, management company<br />

or appointed agent will inspect the<br />

60 | bhomes.com


Home security | PROPERTY<br />

property to make sure all is in order.<br />

The final step is to hand back the keys,<br />

at which point your deposit should<br />

be returned.<br />

CUT THE CONNECTION<br />

On the day your tenancy expires you<br />

need to either call or put in an online<br />

request to DEWA to let them know<br />

you’re moving out and to prepare the<br />

final bill. This usually takes 24 hours.<br />

There’s a Dhs120-320 disconnection<br />

charge (excluding VAT) plus final bill<br />

amount. Any DEWA deposit will be<br />

refunded to a specified bank account or<br />

by cheque. If you already have a new<br />

pad, you can transfer your account<br />

through the online ‘Move To’ service.<br />

With Empower, it’s a similar process<br />

but you’ll also need to visit their offices<br />

in person to make the final payment<br />

and get clearance.<br />

PLEASE HANG UP<br />

For Du, call their customer care line<br />

(800 155) at least three days prior<br />

to moving out to request a 72-hour<br />

callback to explain the process,<br />

then pop into one of the customer<br />

care centres to pay your final bill<br />

(and collect any monies owed). It’s<br />

a similar story with Etisalat (800<br />

101). If you have an eLife package,<br />

don’t forget to read the small print,<br />

as you’ll probably be locked into a<br />

contracted period with penalties<br />

for early cancellation, plus there’s<br />

also a standard 30-day cancellation<br />

notice period.<br />

MOVING WITHIN DUBAI?<br />

Accounts can be transferred fairly<br />

easily, call the helpline at least four<br />

working days before you relocate<br />

to set the wheels in motion and<br />

schedule a technician visit to your<br />

new place (fees apply). Same as<br />

moving in, some communities will<br />

require you to obtain a moving-out<br />

permit. Some buildings may also<br />

request a landlord no objection<br />

certificate/letter (NOC).<br />

NOTICE OF EVICTION<br />

An unexpected eviction notice can be a shock to the system, so<br />

be aware of your rights. If your landlord wants to move into the property<br />

himself or sell it, a written 12-month notice period is required. Eviction<br />

(upon expiration of current contract) is only possible if the landlord<br />

plans to demolish the property or if it needs serious maintenance/<br />

renovation (Dubai Municipality technical report required).<br />

DUE TO RENEW<br />

Before you sign on the dotted line,<br />

make sure you check:<br />

1 What’s going on in the ’hood?<br />

Any major construction projects<br />

coming up that could drive you<br />

crazy noise wise or potentially<br />

affect your home, such as blocking<br />

out natural light.<br />

2 The RERA Rental Index to make<br />

sure that you’re paying a fair<br />

rate for the area. Find it online at<br />

dubailand.gov.ae.<br />

3 If you think you’re paying over<br />

the odds, negotiate! If the situation<br />

isn’t resolved and the RERA Rental<br />

Index is in your favour, you can<br />

consider filing a complaint with the<br />

Dubai Land Department’s Rental<br />

Dispute Settlement Centre. A 3.5%<br />

fee (based on total annual rent)<br />

is payable, but if you win the case<br />

this is refunded. Other fees may<br />

also apply.<br />

4 It’s also worth negotiating terms<br />

and conditions if you are looking<br />

for a better deal, such as paying<br />

in four rather than two cheques or<br />

asking for an extra parking space.<br />

Words: Claire Malcolm<br />

BREAKING YOUR CONTRACT<br />

Need to cut short your tenancy contract? Check the small print for early exit penalty<br />

clauses. Also, don’t forget that your current Ejari contract remains live until all issues are<br />

resolved. If you have issued post-dated cheques, ask for them to be returned or written<br />

confirmation of non-encashment.<br />

bhomes.com | 61


HOMES<br />

WITH<br />

AMAZING<br />

KITCHENS<br />

Six<br />

of the<br />

best<br />

Bring out your inner<br />

MasterChef skills with these<br />

sleek cooking spaces<br />

FOR SALE<br />

AED12 million<br />

1WILDFLOWER, JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES<br />

Forget his ‘n’ hers sinks: this luxurious five en-suite-bedroom villa features<br />

two designer kitchens, with appliances. It’s the largest front plot in the<br />

community, with a high-end finish throughout. Located on a raised, 9,301 sq.<br />

ft. plot in the heart of Wildflower, this family home boasts open-plan living<br />

areas, vaulted ceilings, an internal skylight in each room, an internal pond,<br />

a private infinity pool and golf course views.<br />

For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: VI357075, RERA Permit No.<br />

0257037144. Nearby school and nursery: Victory Heights Primary School;<br />

The Wonder Years Nursery<br />

Beds: 5<br />

Bath: 6<br />

Parking: 2<br />

FOR SALE<br />

AED5.5 million<br />

2THE VILLA<br />

This custom-built, five-bedroom villa is beautifully laid out, with large<br />

rooms and living areas. The kitchen area has been totally upgraded<br />

with a built-in bottle cooler, fridge and water filtration systems, two<br />

convection ovens, a microwave and quartz counter tops. The 11,524 sq. ft. plot<br />

also includes a temperature-controlled swimming pool, barbecue facilities<br />

and subtle outdoor lighting.<br />

For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: VI314866, RERA Permit<br />

No. 1575459277. Nearby school and nursery: Repton School Dubai; Chubby<br />

Cheeks Nursery<br />

Beds: 5<br />

Bath: 5.5<br />

Parking: 2<br />

62 | bhomes.com


View more listings at bhomes.com<br />

Beds: 4<br />

Bath: 4.5<br />

Parking: 2<br />

FOR SALE<br />

AED7 million<br />

3AL MANARA, AL RAHA BEACH<br />

The expansive, open-plan living room, with floor to ceiling windows,<br />

leads onto the kitchen and dining room, which is spacious enough<br />

for an additional family room. The apartment, taking the full 12 th floor, allows<br />

plenty of natural light into all of the rooms, with sunset views over Al Bandar<br />

Marina. In addition, all residents have access to all three of the community<br />

swimming pools, tennis courts, saunas and the gym.<br />

For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: AP318748. Nearby school<br />

and nursery: Raha International School; Yellow Submarine Nursery<br />

bhomes.com | 63


SHOP | Betterhomes Magazine<br />

FOR SALE<br />

AED27 million<br />

4AA VILLAS, AL WASL<br />

Located in one of Dubai’s oldest<br />

communities, this brand new fivebedroom<br />

villa has a main living room,<br />

dining area, entrance hall, family living<br />

space, breakfast room, office and family<br />

kitchen located on the ground floor. On<br />

the first floor are the master bedroom<br />

and four bedrooms (all en-suite), service<br />

block, the maid’s room, laundry, outdoor<br />

kitchen, store room, swimming pool,<br />

pantry, multipurpose room, driver’s room<br />

and garage for four cars.<br />

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

and quote REF: VI336745, RERA Permit<br />

No. 0443656625. Nearby school and<br />

nursery: Emirates International School;<br />

Tiny Home Nursery<br />

Beds: 5<br />

Bath: 5.5<br />

Parking: 4<br />

64 | bhomes.com


View more listings at bhomes.com<br />

FOR SALE<br />

AED11.5 million<br />

5MARINA RESIDENCES 3, PALM JUMEIRAH<br />

An airy, fully equipped closed kitchen with marble tops, Miele cooking<br />

range and all other white goods, such as an oven, double door refrigerator,<br />

dishwasher, washing machine and dryer are included in this stunning four-bedroom<br />

duplex penthouse. Boasting wonderful views, parquet flooring throughout, except for<br />

the marble flooring in the bathrooms, plus walk-in closets in every room, this property<br />

has a fantastic floor plan, with three different areas for a living room, dining room<br />

and entertainment room.<br />

For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: AP325300, RERA Permit No.<br />

1476641084. Nearby school and nursery: GEMS Wellington; Asya’s Nursery<br />

Beds: 4<br />

Bath: 4.5<br />

Parking: 3<br />

FOR SALE<br />

AED25 million<br />

6PGTL VILLA, AL SAFA<br />

The kitchen is a stand-out feature of this charming villa, with its built-in<br />

appliances and Spanish wood design. The villa is situated in a family friendly<br />

community next to Al Safa Park, overlooking Burj Khalifa, and also has an outdoor<br />

swimming pool and large basement offering access to a gym and a bedroom with<br />

a large sitting area.<br />

For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: VI363257, RERA Permit No. 2117211029.<br />

Nearby school and nursery: Kangaroo Kids Nursery, Little Scholars Academy<br />

Beds: 5<br />

Bath: 7<br />

Parking: 5<br />

bhomes.com | 65


THE PLACE TO MOVE TO<br />

Al Barsha<br />

Affordable and convenient sums up<br />

Al Barsha in a nutshell. From high-rise<br />

apartment living with all you need<br />

on the doorstep in Al Barsha 1 to Al<br />

Barsha South’s mixed bag community<br />

of spacious villas and townhouses<br />

delivering more bang for your buck<br />

than other pricier Dubai communities,<br />

the area has something for everyone.<br />

WHY MOVE THERE?<br />

A huge area bordered by Sheikh Zayed<br />

Road and Sheikh Mohammad Bin<br />

Zayed Road, access to the city’s major<br />

highways is a plus, as is the handy trio<br />

of local malls, anchored by Mall of the<br />

Emirates. Value for money rental rates<br />

seal the deal, with location-price cost<br />

benefits winning out against other indemand<br />

residential communities.<br />

THE COMMUNITY<br />

Al Barsha 1 is defined by its profusion<br />

of apartment buildings popular with<br />

singles, couples and small families<br />

while Al Barsha 2 & 3 is largely<br />

independent villas. Emerging Al Barsha<br />

South is a mix of low-rise compound<br />

living, townhouses and the odd highrise.<br />

The need for community green<br />

spaces is satisfied by two parks with<br />

Dubai Miracle Garden also nearby.<br />

TRANSPORT<br />

Nestled between the E11 and E311 with<br />

Al Khail Road splitting it straight down<br />

the middle, Al Barsha’s road links are<br />

second to none. The metro stations<br />

at Mall of the Emirates and Sharaf DG<br />

are also within walking distance for Al<br />

Barsha 1 residents.<br />

SCHOOLS<br />

Al Barsha is well served by<br />

educational facilities. A sampling<br />

includes Kings’ School Al Barsha<br />

and Foremarke located in Al Barsha<br />

South, GEMS World Academy on<br />

Al Khail Road and American School<br />

Dubai in Al Barsha 1. Nurseries include<br />

Little GEMS International, Dewdrops<br />

Nursery and The Children’s Garden.<br />

SHOPPING Mall of the Emirates,<br />

Al Barsha Mall and My City<br />

Centre Al Barsha deliver on<br />

everyday essentials and lifestyle<br />

whims across the different subcommunities<br />

while soon-to-open<br />

Galleria Al Barsha will house the<br />

American Hospital Dubai community<br />

clinic and 40+ retail stores.<br />

Meet the neighbours<br />

Claire Malcolm has lived in her rented Al Barsha 1 one-bedroom apartment for 10 years<br />

I’ve thought about moving for a change of scenery but I have a good rental deal and great sized<br />

apartment. I love that Al Barsha Pond Park, with its jogging track and exercise spaces, is on the<br />

doorstep and I’m on cheery “hello” terms with other morning parkgoers and the cat-bird-duck<br />

community. Having Mall of the Emirates within walking distance is also super handy.<br />

66 | bhomes.com


Area guide | PROPERTY<br />

Ask the Agent<br />

Lauren Hutton is the Al Barsha<br />

expert at Betterhomes. If you<br />

would like to contact her to<br />

arrange a showing or to learn<br />

of any ‘open house’ dates in<br />

the area, call 04 408 1000<br />

OFF-PLAN<br />

PROPERTY FOCUS<br />

Arabian Ranches III<br />

Established in 2000, Al Barsha is a collection of four<br />

sub-communities (Al Barsha 1, 2 & 3) with Al Barsha<br />

South the latest addition to the area. Al Barsha 1 is<br />

where you’ll find most of the apartment buildings, shops<br />

and restaurants. Al Barsha 2, 3 and Al Barsha South<br />

are predominantly villa communities. The area has<br />

expanded significantly over the last 10 years and with<br />

plenty of schools and hospitals within easy reach, ample<br />

shopping destinations and the popular Al Barsha Pond<br />

Park, it’s easy to see why growing families flock here.<br />

It’s also popular among young professionals<br />

looking for value for money rental properties,<br />

with studios starting from AED40,000 and a<br />

good selection of standalone and compound villas<br />

starting from around AED150,000 per annum. In<br />

terms of property sales, transaction numbers are<br />

moderate compared to other developments due to<br />

the large resident community of Gulf nationals.<br />

The streets in Al Barsha 2, 3 and Al Barsha South<br />

are wide and villas often come with their own private<br />

pools and barbecue areas for entertaining. Residents<br />

opting to live here enjoy easy access to everything<br />

they need while benefiting from the peace and quiet<br />

of being away from the city’s hustle and bustle.<br />

There’s a good selection of public transportation<br />

options too, including two metro stations close by,<br />

as well as buses, official taxi stands and plenty<br />

of opportunity to hail a cab on the street.<br />

PROPERTIES IN AL BARSHA<br />

For Sale<br />

Price on request. Al Barsha South,<br />

4-bed villa<br />

4<br />

different<br />

communities<br />

collectively<br />

make up the<br />

Al Barsha<br />

area<br />

For Rent<br />

AED86,999 annually. Zee Zee Tower,<br />

2-bed apartment, unfurnished<br />

WHAT IS IT?<br />

A gated community consisting of<br />

three- and four-bedroom townhouses<br />

set around a 7.5-acre central park and<br />

lifestyle hub, this is the third iteration<br />

of Emaar’s hugely successful Arabian<br />

Ranches residential development.<br />

WHERE IS IT LOCATED?<br />

Situated in Dubailand between Sheikh<br />

Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street<br />

and Emirates Road, Downtown Dubai<br />

and Dubai International Airport are<br />

just 20 minutes’ drive away with the<br />

under-development Expo 2020 Dubai<br />

site, Global Village, Al Qudra Cycling<br />

Track and Arabian Ranches II only five<br />

minutes away.<br />

WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES?<br />

In addition to its green centrepiece, the<br />

community will boast a four-kilometrelong<br />

boulevard, lazy river, clubhouse<br />

parkour and skate park, botanical<br />

garden, barbecue area, cricket pitch<br />

jogging track and gym plus ample<br />

retail and dining facilities and mosque.<br />

WHAT IS THE STARTING PRICE?<br />

From AED1.2 million for a three-bed<br />

townhouse and upwards of AED1.6<br />

million for a four-bed property.<br />

WHAT IS THE EXPECTED<br />

COMPLETION DATE?<br />

April 2022.<br />

IS THERE A PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE?<br />

The 5% booking down payment is<br />

followed by scheduled 5% instalments<br />

spread across six years with the final<br />

10% due in 2025.<br />

For further information, call<br />

Betterhomes on 04 409 0998<br />

bhomes.com | 67


BACK PAGE | Search for a home<br />

Home reno<br />

heroes<br />

If you’ve upgraded your home, with magazineworthy<br />

results, we want to hear from you<br />

Before<br />

FIXER UPPER<br />

Have you recently redesigned your entire<br />

home or radically improved one room within<br />

it? Whether you’ve knocked down walls to<br />

upgrade your living space, created a new<br />

room in a previously unlivable space or<br />

changed an awkward, dark bathroom or<br />

kitchen into a sleek, light-filled room that’s<br />

the envy of your neighbours, then drop us<br />

a line and tell us about it. Or perhaps you’re<br />

a contractor, who has worked on a roster of<br />

home makeovers that you think could inspire<br />

others to transform their own homes.<br />

If we choose your project, our professional<br />

team will photograph your home to appear<br />

in an issue of Better Living in <strong>2019</strong>.<br />

GET IN<br />

TOUCH<br />

To be in with a chance of<br />

being featured, send us one<br />

or two ‘before’ images of the<br />

renovation space within your<br />

home, along with a selection of<br />

photos showing the completed<br />

look. Send the photos to<br />

faye@hotmediapublishing.<br />

com and include ‘Reno’ in the<br />

subject line. We look forward<br />

to hearing from you!<br />

68 | bhomes.com


LAMB ANTRIKOT<br />

Doors Freestyle Grill is an exceptional<br />

steakhouse restaurant located at Al<br />

Seef alongside the historic Dubai<br />

Creek. With a welcoming and open<br />

front entrance terrace overlooking the<br />

waterside, the blend of urban sensuality<br />

and luxurious, traditional classic food<br />

and drinks provide an exquisite dining<br />

experience for residents and visitors<br />

to Dubai alike. Inspired by the world’s<br />

finest gastronomies, our internationally<br />

acclaimed Chef Kemal Ceylan has<br />

created a Turkish fusion menu offering:<br />

handcrafted mocktails; globally sourced<br />

finest quality beef; seafood; and the<br />

widest selection of lamb cuts.<br />

Our hospitality is second to none with<br />

dishes prepared and served at your table<br />

in a truly magnificent theatrical style,<br />

just at the right pace between courses.<br />

Offering Versace and Bentley inspired<br />

designer style dining and breathtaking al<br />

fresco on the ground floor and rooftop<br />

where shisha is also enjoyed for after<br />

dinner relaxation with the finest coffee<br />

and fresh fruit fermented tea.<br />

STEAMED SEABASS<br />

Welcome to Dubai’s Finest<br />

Culinary Theatre!<br />

For reservations,<br />

CALL +971 50 700 0375<br />

@doors.dubai<br />

@doors.dubai<br />

www.doorsdubai.com<br />

@doors.dubai<br />

@doors_dubai

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