Betterliving March 2019
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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 />
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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