Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!
Leverage SEO-optimized Flipbooks, powerful backlinks, and multimedia content to professionally showcase your products and significantly increase your reach.
SHOP | Betterhomes Magazine<br />
Complimentary copy<br />
<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2019</strong><br />
KITCHEN<br />
SPECIAL<br />
The season's<br />
knockout<br />
designs<br />
10<br />
HOME<br />
HACKS<br />
FOR<br />
RENTERS<br />
The magazine of Betterhomes<br />
HOT PROPERTY<br />
RESORT<br />
STYLE<br />
HOMES TO<br />
COVET<br />
PROJECT INSPO<br />
Smart<br />
bathrooms<br />
to splash<br />
out on<br />
Life’s a<br />
HOLIDAY<br />
How this villa in The Lakes was<br />
transformed into a bright and breezy pad<br />
2 | bhomes.com
Welcome to the issue<br />
Staying in is the new going out – and that’s exactly what<br />
we’ll be doing this summer, as we dream up new ways to<br />
revamp our homes. We’ve plenty to fuel your adventures<br />
in interior design inside this issue, including tips on<br />
transforming a tired pad into a tropical paradise (p19). From<br />
adding a bold wash of colour to the walls to ramping up the<br />
foliage, this look is sure to bring the sunshine in. For our<br />
kitchen special, we shine a light on the season’s knockout<br />
designs (p24). But if you aren’t in a position to renovate your<br />
entire kitchen, don’t fret, as we’ve compiled 10 top ways for<br />
renters to put their stamp on a place, without spending a<br />
fortune (p28). Plus, as always, we take you on tour of some<br />
of the UAE’s most stylish homes.<br />
Enjoy the summer!<br />
The Better Living team, @bliving.me<br />
Debenhams<br />
6 | bhomes.com
welcome letter | CONTENTS<br />
Managing Director<br />
Victoria Thatcher<br />
Editorial Director<br />
John Thatcher<br />
Managing Editor<br />
Faye Bartle<br />
faye@hotmedia.me<br />
Content Writer<br />
Sophia Dyer<br />
Art Director<br />
Kerri Bennett<br />
Senior Designer<br />
Hiral Kapadia<br />
CONTENTS<br />
SHOP<br />
08-17<br />
Bronzed buys on our radar; news you can use;<br />
what’s in store at Wood & Steel; our pick of allstar<br />
washing machines<br />
INSPIRE<br />
19-52<br />
How to transform your home into a tropical<br />
paradise; knockout kitchen designs to covet;<br />
John Lewis & Partners cushions, johnlewis.com<br />
10 handy home hacks for renters; interior designer<br />
Kym Jackson Shen shows us around her project<br />
in The Lakes; a lush green garden in The Springs;<br />
streamline your bathroom with smart technology;<br />
a dramatic bedroom makeover in Downtown Dubai<br />
MOVE<br />
54-60<br />
Resort style homes on the market; our guide to living<br />
in Al Raha Beach<br />
Production Manager<br />
Muthu Kumar<br />
Advertising Group Manager<br />
Sukaina Hussein<br />
+971 50 515 9691<br />
To contact any of the<br />
above people, email<br />
firstname@hotmedia.me<br />
Reproduction in whole or in part<br />
without written permission from<br />
HOT Media Publishing is strictly<br />
prohibited. HOT Media Publishing<br />
does not accept liability for omissions<br />
or errors in Better Living magazine.<br />
Tel: +971 4 364 2876<br />
Fax: +971 4 369 7494<br />
bhomes.com<br />
facebook.com/betterhomesuae<br />
@betterhomesuae<br />
@betterhomesuae<br />
linkedin.com/company/better-homes-llc<br />
bhomes.com | 7
UPDATES | wish list<br />
MOST COVETED<br />
Top<br />
picks<br />
Five finds on our radar…<br />
1 Burn baby burn... We’ve found the perfect<br />
centrepiece for any alfresco seating area come<br />
winter. Vitale Solid Copper Firepit, Dhs3,215,<br />
Crate and Barrel, crateandbarrelme.com<br />
2 Shine bright with this dazzling rose gold hued<br />
cushion. Sequinned Cushion Cover, Dhs149,<br />
Zara Home, zarahome.com/ae<br />
3 Add an Art Deco influence to your home<br />
with this reflection of beauty. Quartiers Mirror,<br />
price upon request, The Invisible Collection by<br />
Humbert & Poyet, theinvisiblecollection.com<br />
4 This stand-out piece is an easy yet elegant<br />
way to add a focal point to a room. Interiors<br />
Uttermost Ellianna, Dhs1,000, uttermost.com<br />
5 Create a warm aesthetic with this eyecatching<br />
industrial style corner table. Changkir<br />
Corner Table, Dhs1,678, Chattels & More,<br />
chattelsandmore.com<br />
Quartiers Mirror photo © Francis Amiand<br />
8 | bhomes.com
This issue’s<br />
Pinboard<br />
Our round-up of the latest in<br />
homewares, news and interiors trends<br />
PLAY<br />
MATES<br />
WHETHER YOU’RE A<br />
PARENT OF BOY/GIRL<br />
TWINS, OR SIMPLY WANT<br />
A DEN DESIGN THAT’LL<br />
STAND THE TEST<br />
OF TIME, A GENDER<br />
NEUTRAL SPACE IS JUST<br />
THE TICKET. INTERIOR<br />
STYLIST LEANNE MOSS<br />
ADVISES OPTING FOR<br />
CRISP WHITE WALLS,<br />
LIGHT-WOOD FLOORS,<br />
SOME ARTIFICIAL<br />
GREENERY FOR A<br />
SPLASH OF NATURE,<br />
AND SIMPLE ACCENTS<br />
MADE FROM NATURAL<br />
RATTAN TO ADD<br />
TEXTURE AND WARMTH.<br />
White Moss Photo: Natelee Cocks Photography<br />
Secret Garden<br />
Mouse Tea<br />
Cup, Dhs175<br />
Secret Garden<br />
Mouse Bowl,<br />
Dhs105<br />
Secret Garden Mouse<br />
Jar, Dhs105<br />
Secret Garden Bird<br />
Tea Cup, Dhs125<br />
TIME FOR TEA<br />
Seeking the perfect<br />
accompaniments for your<br />
cucumber sandwiches and<br />
scones? Quirky British brand<br />
House of Disaster has joined<br />
the Jashanmal Home collection,<br />
serving up a whimsical range<br />
of tableware that includes<br />
teacups and dishes inspired by<br />
woodland creatures. Venture<br />
down the rabbit hole and pick<br />
your favourite of these kitsch<br />
designs that are sure to bring a<br />
touch of Alice in Wonderland to<br />
the table. jashanmalhome.com<br />
10 | bhomes.com
trending | UPDATES<br />
The UAE’s real<br />
estate sector has<br />
been given a<br />
boost thanks to<br />
the introduction<br />
of the Gold<br />
Card visa, which<br />
offers selected<br />
individuals a<br />
renewable, 10-<br />
year residency<br />
visa. It’s thought<br />
the move will give<br />
long-termers the<br />
confidence needed<br />
to put down roots.<br />
Felice Cup and Saucer (set of 4), 2XL, Dhs47<br />
Mad about monochrome<br />
A quiet, monochromatic palette for the bedroom is just the ticket for lazy<br />
Saturday mornings. The good news is, bringing it into your home just got a<br />
little easier due to the new wave of buys from the likes of BoConcept and 2XL.<br />
BoConcept Osaka bed<br />
bhomes.com | 11
YOUR GUIDE TO DUBAI’S<br />
MUST-HAVE VISITOR EXPERIENCES<br />
www.dxbcityexpert.com<br />
5
trending | UPDATES<br />
Photo: Kristin Nystrom<br />
THE DREAM TEAM<br />
If you love an IKEA hack, you’ll be all<br />
over the new collaboration between<br />
interior stylists Kathryn Hawkes of<br />
House of Hawkes (left) and Linda Dekkers<br />
of Live Loud Girl (right). The talented<br />
duo has teamed up to launch Fronteriors,<br />
offering bespoke fronts and accessories<br />
especially for upgrading IKEA pieces,<br />
with a focus on providing unique finishes<br />
for clients in the Middle East.<br />
How did the idea come about?<br />
Kathryn: Linda and I met at an<br />
industry event a few years ago and have<br />
maintained a great working relationship<br />
and valuable friendship ever since. We<br />
often talked about upgrading and/<br />
or hacking IKEA furniture for clients,<br />
which required some level of custom<br />
carpentry as, frustratingly, there were no<br />
such ready-made products on the market.<br />
We decided, pretty much on the spur of<br />
the moment, to fill that gap ourselves.<br />
And just like that, Fronteriors was born.<br />
What can we expect to find?<br />
Linda: We’ve designed a range of custom<br />
doors and tops to fit a selection of IKEA<br />
furniture frames. The cane door we<br />
created for the Billy bookcase (pictured)<br />
has had a fantastic response. The other<br />
surfaces we’ve selected for our fronts,<br />
sides and tops are also sure to wow, such<br />
as the speckled stone top and simple gold<br />
handle that provide a chic upgrade to the<br />
popular Besta frame.<br />
What has been the response?<br />
Kathryn: We were inundated with<br />
requests for pre-orders, which resulted<br />
in a growing wait list. Needless to say,<br />
the pressure is on, but we get a real buzz<br />
when delivering our products to their<br />
new homes.<br />
To find out more, visit fronteriors.co and<br />
follow them on Instagram @fronteriors<br />
On our radar Cool new buys we can’t keep our hands off…<br />
GATHER AROUND THE TABLE Brushed gold<br />
paired with marble is always a good idea.<br />
Razor Dining Table, Dhs5,250, Chattels & More,<br />
chattelsandmore.com<br />
SITTING PRETTY This luxurious velvet seat<br />
by KARE will bring the luxe factor to any<br />
sitting room. Armchair My Desire Velvet Grey,<br />
Dhs8,827, KARE, kareuae.ae<br />
FUN FOR BOOKWORMS This handmade<br />
zoo-inspired bookend makes a study area<br />
more fun. Züny Bookend Beaver, Dhs385,<br />
The Lighthouse, thelighthouse.ae<br />
bhomes.com | 13
UPDATES | trending<br />
IF YOU’VE A PASSION FOR<br />
HANDMADE HOMEWARES AND<br />
ALL THINGS MEDITERRANEAN,<br />
MAIOLICA IS YOUR GO-TO. FOUNDED<br />
BY ITALIAN ENTREPRENEURS<br />
MARIANNA PICCOLO AND ARIANNA<br />
POSENATO, THE NEWLY LAUNCHED<br />
E-SHOP IS BRIMMING WITH<br />
HANDPICKED CONTEMPORARY<br />
DÉCOR FROM BOUTIQUE BRANDS<br />
IN ITALY, PORTUGAL AND BEYOND.<br />
PLUS, THEY’RE BASED IN DUBAI.<br />
MAIOLICA.AE<br />
Knot to miss<br />
One of our fave designers,<br />
Nisrine El Lababidi<br />
Moghraby of Harf Noon<br />
Design Studio, has teamed<br />
up with knothome.com<br />
to launch an exclusive<br />
collection of accessories,<br />
cushions and lighting. We’re<br />
loving the modern designs<br />
and tonal colours.<br />
Ways with metallics<br />
These top tips from Aura (@auraliving_ae)<br />
make it easy to incorporate the metallic<br />
trend into your home...<br />
Be bold. Set your living room apart with a<br />
gold metallic coffee table stand beneath<br />
a glass table top. Arrange sofas adorned<br />
with metallic studs to incorporate the<br />
design throughout the room.<br />
Mix and match. Update neutrals, such<br />
as wood and marble, by pairing with<br />
metallics to create a sophisticated point of<br />
difference between materials.<br />
Table sense. Team embellished dishes with<br />
gold or bronze cutlery. Enhance the look<br />
with candle holders and vases filled with<br />
pale blooms to create a soft contrast.<br />
14 | bhomes.com
Better Living x GROHE<br />
GROHE Blue<br />
JUST ADD WATER<br />
Say “hello” to a sleeker kitchen, and drinking<br />
water on tap, with GROHE’s built-in filters<br />
GROHE Pure<br />
It’s time to ditch those unsightly water coolers, and the hassle<br />
of lugging heavy bottles of drinking water around, thanks to<br />
GROHE’s clever water filter technology that delivers chilled still<br />
and sparkling drinking water straight from your kitchen tap. Not<br />
only do the taps offer the luxury of convenience, but installing one in<br />
your home means you can do your bit for the environment by cutting<br />
down on plastic bottles. Choose from three specifically designed<br />
faucets to suit your needs.<br />
The GROHE Blue Home, is functionality at its best, filtered through<br />
a stylish tap and equipped with a cooler, you can pour a glass of still,<br />
medium-fizzy or sparkling water straight from the faucet. Perfect<br />
for even the smallest of kitchens, the water system fits easily into<br />
compact kitchen cabinets (it measures just 40cm wide). If simplicity is<br />
key, swap your tap for a GROHE Blue Pure, an all-in-one system that<br />
offers clean filtered still water through a stylish tap available in three<br />
designs. And if you want to take the technology to work, be sure to<br />
check out the GROHE Blue Professional, which is a great investment<br />
for office kitchens, allowing team members to choose their desired<br />
H20 style via a sleek touch panel.<br />
To find out more visit, grohe-middleeast.com<br />
bhomes.com | 15
SHOP | must-shop<br />
WHAT’S IN<br />
STORE<br />
WOOD &<br />
STEEL<br />
THE STORY SO FAR: In 2005, Jordanborn<br />
Hadi Jehad set up a small<br />
workshop in Dubai for himself and<br />
two others to repurpose salvaged<br />
wood into one-of-a-kind furniture<br />
pieces. Fast forward to today, and the<br />
workshop has evolved into a fullyfledged<br />
factory, with 25 craftsman<br />
keeping the artisanal approach alive,<br />
and a showroom in Al Quoz displaying<br />
their distinctive collection of furniture<br />
and accessories.<br />
THE LOOK: Traditionally well-made<br />
pieces with an industrial aesthetic<br />
teamed with timeless accessories that<br />
have a modern twist.<br />
SIGNATURE BUYS: The industrial style<br />
shelving units are particularly sought<br />
after, adding a focal point to any living<br />
space. In addition, the beautiful pine<br />
wood dining room tables are a solid<br />
choice. Whatever you choose, you’ll<br />
be taking home a sustainable product<br />
with a story behind it.<br />
WHAT’S NEW? New pieces hit the<br />
showroom floor each week. Follow the<br />
company on social media for updates<br />
on new collections and one-off pieces.<br />
GOOD TO KNOW: No two pieces are<br />
the same, so your buys will be unique<br />
to you. Plus, if you have something<br />
particular in mind, or are seeking a<br />
solution for a room with awkward<br />
proportions, the team can happily<br />
customise sizes and colours for a piece<br />
that perfectly complements your space.<br />
DELIVERY DETAILS: Free delivery<br />
within Dubai for those spending a<br />
minimum for Dhs1,500.<br />
Wood & Steel is located in the DIB<br />
Warehouses in Al Quoz. Call 04 343<br />
8849, follow @wood.and.steel<br />
WHY WE RATE IT<br />
Handcrafted in the UAE,<br />
these timeless, high-quality<br />
pieces will be a talking<br />
point among guests.<br />
FAVOURITE FINDS<br />
Terano Rex, Dhs40<br />
Roman<br />
column<br />
limestone,<br />
Dhs350<br />
Divan brass<br />
mirror, Dhs570<br />
16 | bhomes.com
etter buys | SHOP<br />
WASHING<br />
MACHINES<br />
There’s nothing wishy washy about<br />
these all-star machines<br />
CLOTHES<br />
HAPPY<br />
Give your garments<br />
some TLC with the<br />
TEKA Ultimate SPA<br />
Laundry range.<br />
Designed to keep<br />
your clothes in tip<br />
top condition, the<br />
machine has a range<br />
of settings that are<br />
perfect for delicates,<br />
including wool. A<br />
stackable dryer is also<br />
available in this range.<br />
Price upon request,<br />
from your local dealer,<br />
at teka.com/en-ae<br />
ECO WARRIOR<br />
Boasting a five star energy<br />
efficiency rating, this machine<br />
teams eco-friendly credentials<br />
with impressive performance.<br />
ActiveWater technology<br />
automatically adjusts the amount<br />
of water needed depending on the<br />
load. For quicker loads, choose the<br />
varioPerfect setting to optimise<br />
both time and energy. Bosch Serie<br />
6 Front Loader, Dhs4,514.<br />
Find your local dealer at<br />
bosch-home.com/ae<br />
SPACE SAVER<br />
If space is key, this Miele WT1<br />
Washer-Dryer combo is perfect<br />
for the daily load. The honeycomb<br />
drum design means it’s gentle on<br />
clothes, while the QuickPower<br />
function gets them clean and dry<br />
in no time. The TwinDos system<br />
means you can preload specialist<br />
detergent into the machine for<br />
it to distribute evenly, saving<br />
you money and time. Dhs10,900,<br />
available from miele.ae<br />
THE QUIET ONE<br />
Shh! Let this Whirlpool Supreme Care<br />
washing machine give you the silent<br />
treatment with its ZEN Technology<br />
that minimises noise and vibrations<br />
to a mere 48 dBA. Dhs3,199, find your<br />
local dealer at whirlpool.ae<br />
BEFORE YOU BUY...<br />
The average life expectancy of a washing machine is about 11 years, so you’ll want to consider your options<br />
carefully before committing. Assess the different functions of each machine and decide which would be the<br />
best fit for your lifestyle. For big families, you’ll want a large loader with fast cycles that will guarantee a quick<br />
turnaround on those dirt-stained PE kits. Fashionistas may want to pay attention to how delicates are handled,<br />
and opt for a machine with programmes that have been especially designed to protect your garments. Be sure to<br />
pick a model that’ll stand the test of time – a stainless steel drum is more durable than a plastic one, for instance.<br />
bhomes.com | 17
worldtravellermagazine.com<br />
Your passport to the Middle East's first fully<br />
bookable travel inspiration website<br />
Extend your journey with World Traveller magazine<br />
by heading online to read more inspirational and<br />
exclusive travel content and take advantage of upto-the-minute<br />
hotel and holiday features<br />
Dream Read Click Book
trend | INSPIRATION<br />
Tropical takeover<br />
Transform your home from a tired pad to a tropical paradise,<br />
with a little help from our interiors experts<br />
Eager to create a sense of the tropics, but don’t want<br />
your home to look too themed? “You can successfully<br />
pull off a tropical oasis vibe without going OTT,”<br />
says interior stylist Lilly Engelbrecht (@escape_<br />
home). “First and foremost when creating this look,<br />
introducing colour to the space is key. Whether you<br />
have a neutral palette and simply add pops of colour<br />
with artwork, scatter cushions, decorative pieces or<br />
foliage, adding some vibrancy in the form of bright<br />
shades, will no doubt give off happy, tropical vibes.”<br />
Read on for more expert tips on making it work…<br />
Sainsbury’s Home, sainsburys.co.uk<br />
bhomes.com | 19
INSPIRATION | trend<br />
Primark, primark.com<br />
TIP<br />
“Light is key to creating a bright<br />
and airy feel,” says Lilly. “Opt for<br />
white sheer curtains, bamboo blinds, or<br />
wooden Venetian blinds to allow the light<br />
to flow in and bathe the room in sunshine.”<br />
20 | bhomes.com
TEXTILE RULES<br />
“When you’re introducing the tropical print<br />
in a textile, try to keep any surrounding<br />
textiles solid in colour,” advises interior<br />
designer Tanya Karam (@interiortakeover).<br />
“So whether you’re styling a sofa, chair,<br />
pouf, or curtains, simply avoid adding more<br />
prints to this already bold statement. My<br />
favourite colour palette for this look would<br />
be a white backdrop, to let the palm print be<br />
the statement. I would suggest a gorgeous<br />
tropical cushion on a white armchair or sofa<br />
with a big potted palm in the corner and<br />
touches of brushed gold accessories.”<br />
Keeping it subtle means you’ll be on trend<br />
without overdoing it. “Unless of course<br />
you’re going for a Versace-inspired look,<br />
when only more is more, you should always<br />
be mindful of reining it in.”<br />
bhomes.com | 21
INSPIRATION | trend<br />
TO THE WALL<br />
“Paint is an effective, inexpensive<br />
way to transform a space,” says<br />
Lilly. “Whether you opt for a bold<br />
bright green, blue or fuschia, or<br />
prefer more muted tones, putting<br />
colour on the walls, or just an<br />
accent wall, will immediately<br />
form the backdrop for your<br />
perfect paradise.” There are some<br />
beautiful tropical wallpapers<br />
available too – try The Urban Nest<br />
(theurbannest.ae) for starters.<br />
“Weaving in natural textures<br />
and materials is also vital to the<br />
look,” she adds. “Think luscious<br />
linens, bamboo, rattan and wicker<br />
for an instant island feel.” Both<br />
Haute Bohéme (hauteboheme.ae)<br />
and Tribe (tribedubai.com) stock a<br />
wide range of beautiful furniture<br />
and décor pieces that are sure to<br />
inspire you.<br />
MINDTHEGAP, mindtheg.com<br />
22 | bhomes.com
Better Living x MAS PAINTS<br />
SHADES OF SUMMER<br />
MAS Paints has teamed up with leading creatives in the UAE to shine<br />
a light on the hues that are inspiring them this season<br />
Ask MAS Paints to<br />
mix up NCS shade<br />
S 1070-R10B<br />
Kerri Bennett, art director,<br />
Better Living<br />
From being an expression of your<br />
personality to influencing your<br />
emotions, the colours you choose<br />
for your home speak volumes about<br />
your individual sense of style and set the<br />
tone for how you feel in the space. Getting<br />
it right, however, is both a science and an<br />
art – something interior designers and<br />
creatives work hard to master. Take a<br />
short cut to finding your perfect match<br />
thanks to MAS Paints’ Colour for the<br />
People campaign, which calls upon leading<br />
creatives in the emirates to share the<br />
colours they’re coveting. Included in the<br />
line-up is interior designer Paul Bishop,<br />
artist Khalid Shafar, and art consultant<br />
Donna Tzelepis, as well as Kerri Bennett,<br />
art director of Better Living, who is<br />
encouraging us all to embrace fuchsia.<br />
“This vivid pink-purple shade is ideal<br />
for adding a splash of colour to your home<br />
this summer – it’s the Better Living team’s<br />
pick of the season,” she says. “Personally,<br />
I love it because it’s a daring shade that<br />
screams femininity and is great for adding<br />
instant glamour to a space. Plus, we see<br />
the colour in nature here, with beautiful<br />
bougainvillea and desert rose bringing<br />
gardens to life.”<br />
If, like us, you’re a fan of fuchsia, the<br />
good news is that it’s easy to introduce<br />
into your home. “This eye-catching colour<br />
makes a bold statement,” says Kerri.<br />
“While it can be considered girly, it can<br />
also work really well in a family home too.<br />
Team it with white, grey, navy and gold<br />
for a whimsical look.”<br />
You can introduce it gently or, if you’re<br />
feeling brave, you can opt for a more<br />
dramatic refresh.<br />
“For a subtle makeover, a fuchsia sofa<br />
can make a monochromatic colour palette<br />
pop,” says Kerri. “For maximum impact,<br />
concentrate the colour in an entryway<br />
to bring the outdoors in and think about<br />
adding a wash of fuchsia to the ceiling to<br />
elevate the look of a white kitchen.”<br />
To find out more, visit mas-paints.com<br />
and be sure to follow the company on<br />
Instagram @maspaints to discover the<br />
colours that are inspiring more leading<br />
creatives in the UAE this summer.<br />
bhomes.com | 23
Knockout<br />
kitchens<br />
Dreaming of a kitchen makeover? We’ve<br />
done the legwork for you by selecting three<br />
of the hottest looks this season...<br />
24 | bhomes.com
kitchen special | INSPIRATION<br />
STATE-OF-THE-ART<br />
Nail the contemporary look by<br />
designing a sleek space with builtin<br />
appliances. Practical and elegant,<br />
this look is ideal for those who<br />
favour a seamless aesthetic. TEKA is<br />
your go-to for ideas and inspiration,<br />
from hi-tech induction hobs to ovens<br />
pre-set with recipes and island<br />
hoods that make a statement –<br />
you can build your dream kitchen<br />
around your top picks.<br />
TEKA, teka.com<br />
bhomes.com | 25
Scavolini, scavolini.design.com<br />
TOP CHEF<br />
For serious home cooks, this<br />
professional styled domestic<br />
kitchen by Scavolini boasts a steel<br />
monobloc island with in-built<br />
cooking and washing areas. The<br />
Mia kitchen by Carloe Cracco’s<br />
suspended storage offers easy<br />
access to all your proudlydisplayed<br />
kitchenware.<br />
26 | bhomes.com
kitchen special | INSPIRATION<br />
RUSTIC CHARM<br />
Exuding warmth, a<br />
country style kitchen<br />
offers an escape from<br />
city life. We rate the<br />
Durham Collection by<br />
LochAnna Kitchens,<br />
which draws inspiration<br />
from the British<br />
countryside. Make your<br />
design pop with a wash<br />
of bold colour – the<br />
sapphire blue seen here<br />
has bags of personality.<br />
LochAnna Kitchens, lochannakitchens.co.uk<br />
bhomes.com | 27
10 home<br />
hacks for<br />
renters<br />
Want to upgrade your home<br />
without spending a fortune?<br />
These easy fixes for renters are<br />
small on price but big on style<br />
Bay Blue rug, by Farrow & Ball for The Rug Company<br />
If you want to hide ugly tiles but haven’t the budget for an<br />
entirely new floor, the easiest, quickest way to do so is with a<br />
beautiful rug. The Rug Company carries a variety of designs<br />
and sizes – check out the showroom at Unit 65, Alserkal<br />
Avenue – and you can even commission your own piece. Simply<br />
enlarge a rug featuring your favourite pattern to cover your<br />
space, or start from scratch by picking colours, shapes and<br />
sizes for a bespoke design. therugcompany.com<br />
28 | bhomes.com
home hacks for renters | INSPIRATION<br />
GIVE BUILT-IN CABINETS<br />
AND DRAWERS A MINI<br />
MAKEOVER BY SWITCHING<br />
UP THE HARDWARE.<br />
OPT FOR EYE-CATCHING<br />
COLOURS AND DESIGNS<br />
FOR PLENTY OF<br />
PERSONALITY.<br />
If you don’t want to go through<br />
the hassle of painting walls and<br />
then having to return them to<br />
their original state when you leave,<br />
removable wallpaper may be the<br />
answer. Chasing Paper (chasingpaper.<br />
com) offers a variety of great designs<br />
that’ll stick to almost any surface.<br />
Chasing Paper, chasingpaper.com<br />
Round enamel<br />
drawer knob<br />
Dhs45, Namshi<br />
2<br />
3<br />
Knotted cord<br />
door knob, Dhs45<br />
(pack of 2),<br />
Zara Home<br />
Bombay<br />
Duck mixed<br />
media door<br />
knob, Dhs35,<br />
Namshi<br />
Before<br />
Totally Wrapped, totallywrapped.ae<br />
Dark and dingy wood cabinets spoiling your kitchen?<br />
If you don’t like it, wrap it. The rise of affordable<br />
vinyl wrapping from the likes of Totally Wrapped<br />
allows you to temporarily cover cabinets, worktops,<br />
backsplash and more with matte or glossy shades and<br />
patterns. Plus, it can easily be removed if needed.<br />
4<br />
bhomes.com | 29
INSPIRATION | home hacks for renters<br />
Floorworld, floorworld.com<br />
5<br />
Get wood floors in a flash with luxury vinyl planks that<br />
simply click into place over your existing tiles. Floorworld’s<br />
Gerber luxury vinyl click collection comes in a variety of<br />
finishes and slot together in an interlocking fashion without<br />
the need for any adhesive. They’re quick and simple to<br />
install. Plus, you can take them with you when you move.<br />
If the curtains aren’t to your taste,<br />
take them down and replace them<br />
with something you love. It’s a<br />
quick fix for shaking up the look<br />
of a room, and you can spend as<br />
much or as little as you like. Our<br />
6go-tos include Laura Ashley for<br />
florals and, of course, IKEA for<br />
its trusty readymade range and<br />
creative textile designs for madeto-measure<br />
creations.<br />
John Lewis & Partners Expression<br />
Daniel Bamboo 3-Tier<br />
Storage Tower, Dhs99,<br />
Home Centre<br />
7<br />
FORGET THE HASSLE OF<br />
DRILLING SHELVES INTO<br />
THE WALLS AND OPT<br />
FOR CLEVER MOBILE<br />
STORAGE SOLUTIONS<br />
INSTEAD. A ROLLAWAY<br />
KITCHEN CART IS<br />
IDEAL FOR STASHING<br />
AWAY ESSENTIALS IF<br />
YOU HAVEN’T ENOUGH<br />
CUPBOARD SPACE, FOR<br />
INSTANCE.<br />
Auden 3-Tier Kitchen Cart with<br />
1-Drawer, Dhs449, Home Centre<br />
30 | bhomes.com
Printed leaf wall décor,<br />
Dhs10, Pan Emirates<br />
Abstract<br />
canvas<br />
picture,<br />
Dhs33, Pan<br />
Emirates<br />
COVER UNSIGHTLY<br />
ELECTRICAL<br />
BOXES WITH SOME<br />
AFFORDABLE ART. PAN<br />
EMIRATES HAS A GREAT<br />
SELECTION OF FRAMES,<br />
PRINTS, SIGNS, WALL<br />
HANGINGS AND OTHER<br />
DÉCOR THAT CAN BE<br />
PERFECTLY POSITIONED<br />
TO HIDE ANYTHING YOU<br />
CAN’T LIVE WITH.<br />
8<br />
Beach wooden wall décor, Dhs15, Pan Emirates<br />
9<br />
IKEA<br />
If your rental hasn’t got the<br />
walk-in closet of your dreams,<br />
why not create a trendy open<br />
wardrobe instead? IK EA’s open<br />
wardrobe solutions are a style<br />
maven’s favourite.<br />
10<br />
IF YOUR BATHROOM<br />
IS BUGGING YOU, BUT<br />
A FULL RENOVATION<br />
ISN’T AN OPTION,<br />
SIMPLY UPGRADE YOUR<br />
SHOWERHEAD FOR<br />
SOMETHING MORE<br />
LUXURIOUS. IT’LL<br />
MAKE THE BIGGEST<br />
DIFFERENCE TO YOUR<br />
EVERYDAY SHOWERING<br />
EXPERIENCE. CHECK<br />
OUT GROHE (GROHE-<br />
MIDDLEEAST.COM) AND<br />
IDEAL STANDARD GULF<br />
(IDEALSTANDARDGULF.<br />
COM) FOR SOME GREAT,<br />
SPA-INSPIRED OPTIONS.<br />
GROHE Euphoria SmartControl shower system<br />
bhomes.com | 31
32 | bhomes.com
expert advice | INSPIRATION<br />
Ask the<br />
DESIGNER<br />
Kushaan’s Kate Keenan shares her top tips for<br />
introducing artisan designs into your home<br />
To furnish your home in a<br />
meaningful way, preserving and<br />
supporting artisan skills is vital.<br />
Supporting these communities helps<br />
create job security and increased<br />
standards of living in often isolated and<br />
economically challenged areas. Whole<br />
families and communities depend on<br />
the incredible skills handed down the<br />
generations for survival. Due to their<br />
smaller scale, artisan products are<br />
also more likely to be sustainable –<br />
something that’s incredibly important<br />
at a time when an increasing number<br />
of people are rejecting the ‘throw away’<br />
nature of mass consumerism and want<br />
to ensure they’re helping to look after<br />
the planet.<br />
Don’t assume artisan homewares<br />
are more expensive. They’re often<br />
priced very reasonably – especially<br />
when you consider the skill and<br />
handwork that goes into every piece.<br />
There are some fabulous places<br />
to shop for artisan products in<br />
Dubai. From Jaipur With Love (@<br />
fromjaipurwithlove) supports the<br />
weaving villages of Rajasthan at a<br />
grassroots level, while producing<br />
exquisite rugs. Tribe Dubai (@<br />
tribedubai) has a strong history of fair<br />
trade and sustainable artisan products<br />
and Georges of Dubai (@ georges_<br />
of_dubai) stocks the most gorgeous<br />
handwoven planters and handmade<br />
ceramics from MUD Australia. All<br />
of Kushaan’s ikats are handwoven in<br />
Uzbekistan by master weavers.<br />
If a product is truly artisan,<br />
there should be complete supply<br />
chain transparency and the<br />
store will be able to tell you its<br />
provenance. A true artisan product<br />
may contain flaws that add to their<br />
beauty – it’s the imperfections that<br />
make them perfect. The elusive quality<br />
and skill of the handwork is impossible<br />
to truly replicate.<br />
Wondering where to start? So<br />
many of us in Dubai can’t invest in<br />
the bones of our house, but we can<br />
still create a beautiful home we love<br />
spending time in. Our ikats and suzani<br />
panels make wonderful cushions that<br />
lift any space. Simply add a couple of<br />
cushions to brighten up your room.<br />
They’re a great investment for expats,<br />
as they are so easy to transport to your<br />
next home or destination. For a bespoke<br />
touch, consider using our textiles to<br />
make stunning ottomans, headboards,<br />
footstools and occasional chairs.<br />
To find out more, visit kushaan.co<br />
and follow @kushaantextiles<br />
Photograhy: Abbi Kemp, @visualsbyabbi<br />
Ethnic and artisan pieces mix beautifully<br />
with a modern theme. Alternatively, you<br />
can completely go to town using furniture,<br />
upholstery and accessories to develop a<br />
layered ethnic or tribal look.<br />
TIP<br />
bhomes.com | 33
Feel breeze<br />
the<br />
Kick off your heels and soak up the<br />
holiday vibes of Kym Jackson Shen’s<br />
boho luxe villa in The Lakes<br />
34 | bhomes.com
at home with… | INSPIRATION<br />
bhomes.com | 35
INSPIRATION | at home with…<br />
“ I set off solo to<br />
Indonesia in search of<br />
artisans who could<br />
supply the furniture<br />
for the house”<br />
“Being in The Lakes feels like you’re<br />
on holiday,” says Kym Jackson Shen,<br />
who bought a four-bedroom property<br />
here with her husband Tom in 2017.<br />
“I’d always wanted to buy a house in<br />
the community and to upgrade it in my<br />
signature bohemian style, so when this<br />
one came onto the market we snapped<br />
it up.”<br />
Originally from Australia, the<br />
couple started renovating homes as<br />
a hobby, working around their day<br />
jobs in the superyacht industry. When<br />
their children Cleo and Bella were<br />
born, however, Kym decided to turn<br />
her talent into a business, launching<br />
a boutique e-store, Haute Bohéme<br />
(hauteboheme.ae), alongside. “I set off<br />
solo to Indonesia in search of artisans<br />
who could supply the furniture for the<br />
house and my business,” says Kym. “I<br />
asked around until I found a brilliant<br />
studio capable of producing everything<br />
from leather chairs to beaded<br />
chandeliers and solid teak dining tables,<br />
all of which I now ship back to Dubai.<br />
“My main aim was to really open<br />
up the space by knocking down any<br />
interior partition walls that weren’t<br />
essential to the structure of the house.<br />
I even widened the patio door leading<br />
from the lounge to the garden to give<br />
the room an airy ambience. The place<br />
took around five months to renovate,<br />
with everything from the floor tiles<br />
to the AC ducts being removed and<br />
replaced with streamlined versions<br />
that fit the aesthetic. All the walls were<br />
painted in Jotun’s Jazz White – one of<br />
my favourite shades – and I used lots of<br />
natural, tactile materials, such as sea<br />
grass rugs and hand-stitched cushion<br />
covers to bring home the boho vibe.”<br />
36 | bhomes.com
At home with | INSPIRATION<br />
THE WASHED TEAK<br />
FOUR-POSTED BED<br />
IN THE MASTER<br />
BEDROOM IS THE<br />
EPITOME OF BOHO<br />
CHIC, WHILE THE HOT<br />
PINK ORCHID ADDS A<br />
POP OF COLOUR<br />
bhomes.com | 37
INSPIRATION | At home with<br />
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES<br />
The solid teak table is the focal point<br />
of the dining room, enhanced by black<br />
leather chairs and a dramatic wooden<br />
ceiling light. A recess was built into the<br />
ceiling to allow for a lighting solution that<br />
would bathe the area in a warm glow.<br />
38 | bhomes.com
at home with… | INSPIRATION<br />
THE GLASS STAIR<br />
BANNISTER KEEPS THE<br />
SPACE LOOKING PURE<br />
AND SIMPLE<br />
THE CHALKBOARD PAINT<br />
ON THE KITCHEN WALL IS<br />
A FUN ADDITION<br />
A WHITE HOT KITCHEN<br />
A brand new glossy white kitchen from<br />
Hacker was installed, with a handleless<br />
design creating a clean and timeless<br />
look. The breakfast bar with tall stools<br />
encourages it to be a social space. “The<br />
chalkboard wall used to be a door that<br />
opened from the hallway, but we decided<br />
to block it up in order to better define<br />
the space,” explains Kym. “Doing so also<br />
meant we were able to add a console on<br />
the other side for a welcoming entrance.”<br />
bhomes.com | 39
“THE WHITE<br />
WOODEN PERGOLA<br />
CREATES A SHADY<br />
SPOT FOR FAMILY<br />
BARBECUES IN<br />
THE GARDEN”<br />
NATURAL CHARM<br />
Dining alfresco doesn’t get more appealing<br />
than at this bespoke teak table, which<br />
enjoys the perfect amount of shade and<br />
sunshine from the large pergola that has<br />
been custom-built to suit the space. “We<br />
only planted the bougainvillea about a<br />
year ago, but it is already winding up the<br />
pergola and will soon stretch over the top,<br />
which will give it a lovely lived-in look,”<br />
says Kym. The wood-look tiles were a steal<br />
from Dragonmart while the egg chair, like<br />
the rest of the furniture, was custom made<br />
in Indonesia.<br />
TAKE THE PLUNGE<br />
The plunge pool, by Pools By Design, is<br />
small but perfectly formed, with clever<br />
underwater lighting allowing for a<br />
refreshing nighttime dip. “We added wide<br />
steps in the shallow end to make the pool<br />
especially family-friendly – it’s great for<br />
kids who simply want to sit and splash<br />
around,” says Kym. “We expect the ficus<br />
trees will bush out in time to afford a bit<br />
more privacy.”<br />
“ We added wide steps in the shallow end to make<br />
the pool especially family–friendly”<br />
The Lake House in The Lakes, thelakehousevilla.com<br />
40 | bhomes.com
at home with… | INSPIRATION<br />
CHOOSE AN<br />
OVERSIZED<br />
ROUND<br />
MIRROR FOR A<br />
CAPTIVATING<br />
ENTRYWAY<br />
Trunk Frame, from<br />
Dhs119, Zara Home<br />
La Bella<br />
Mama<br />
Pendant,<br />
Dhs2,225,<br />
Haute<br />
Bohéme<br />
Cuttlebone<br />
Decorative<br />
Necklace,<br />
Dhs445,<br />
Haute<br />
Bohéme<br />
GET<br />
THE<br />
LOOK<br />
Basket, Dhs49,<br />
Home Centre<br />
Large orchid in ceramic<br />
vase/purple, Dhs678,<br />
Chattels & More<br />
TEAMING NATURAL<br />
MATERIALS IS<br />
KEY TO THE BOHO<br />
LUXE LOOK<br />
Cabana Chair by Marina Home x Timothy<br />
Oulton Dhs 8,250, Marina Home<br />
bhomes.com | 41
INSPIRATION | home outdoor renovation space<br />
ROOM TO GROW<br />
Interior designer Karen Pissarra on greening over her garden in The Springs<br />
Photographs by: Muthu Kumar and Hiral Kapadia<br />
42 | bhomes.com
homes.com | 43
Snails slithering across the garden<br />
path are a relatively rare sight<br />
in Dubai, unless you have a<br />
lush, European style garden like<br />
Karen Pissarra, whose yard is a calm<br />
and nurturing space for little creatures<br />
and humans alike. From South Africa,<br />
Karen, of Dubai-based interior design<br />
studio Design K (@designk___), bought<br />
her home in The Springs in April 2017<br />
and renovated it from the inside out.<br />
“We searched for two years before<br />
finding the right property,” she says.<br />
“We really wanted a north facing<br />
garden so that we’d have dappled<br />
sunlight in the garden and streaming<br />
into the house for most of the day.”<br />
A woman who prefers to stay in the<br />
shade, one of Karen’s top priorities was<br />
choosing a mixture of plants and trees<br />
that would offer ample coverage.<br />
“I designed the garden with a fresh<br />
and minimalistic look in mind but<br />
turned to Heather Drake of Gardening<br />
Angels for advice on selecting the<br />
plants in terms of sun direction,” she<br />
says. Sticking with green was the MO,<br />
with not a colourful flower in sight. “I<br />
played with lots of different shades.”<br />
Fully irrigated, the garden is<br />
brimming with plants that offer plenty<br />
of ground coverage, and surrounding<br />
hedges that are yet to reach their<br />
full height – all bought from Warsan<br />
plant nursery. The matte light grey<br />
tiles, from RAK Ceramics, are placed<br />
in a staggered layout for a more<br />
contemporary feel while the deck has<br />
been raised to provide an elevated<br />
lounge area complete with designer<br />
outdoor furniture and accessories<br />
from Purity Dubai (@puritydxb) “It’s<br />
my go-to for outdoor furniture in the<br />
emirate,” she says. The sunloungers are<br />
by Ethimo while the rest is by Paola<br />
Lenti. “We love spending time here<br />
with friends,” says Karen. “It’s a place<br />
in which we feel we can fully unwind.”<br />
A MIXTURE OF<br />
ALTERNANTHERA<br />
GROUND COVER,<br />
DORANTA, JED, OLIVE<br />
TREES AND FICUS HEDGES<br />
SHOWCASE DIFFERENT<br />
TONES OF GREEN<br />
KAREN’S TOP TIPS FOR CREATING A LUSH GARDEN IN THE UAE…<br />
Consult an expert on the plants that will grow and thrive in your garden, so you know that what you’re spending won’t<br />
go to waste. Bear in mind that what works well in one garden may not work in another, so take into account the amount<br />
of light and shade you get and whether the garden will be irrigated before making your choice. The little touches can<br />
make a big difference. The lighter garden sand that is commonly used in gardens in Dubai can appear dry, so I sourced<br />
darker sand for the bedding as it looks moister and helps the garden to look healthier. It’s also important to consider<br />
lighting, so you can get the maximum enjoyment out of your space once the sun goes down. The uplights below the tree<br />
trunks are always a good look and there are many styles of string lights that you can use to add a touch of whimsy.<br />
44 | bhomes.com
INSPIRATION outdoor space | home | INSPIRATION renovation<br />
THIS MODERN CONTEMPORARY<br />
TABLE FROM WEST ELM BLENDS<br />
IN PERFECTLY WITH THE<br />
SURROUNDINGS<br />
bhomes.com | 45
BEAUTY<br />
AND BRAINS<br />
Futureproof your bathroom by investing in clever technology that’ll help<br />
streamline your experience and keep your energy bills in check<br />
46 | bhomes.com
smart bathrooms | INSPIRATION<br />
Form and function<br />
From saving water to creating a more hygienic environment by<br />
waving goodbye to touch points, installing a hi-tech bathroom will<br />
future-proof your space, and ensure you’re doing your bit for the<br />
planet. What’s more, the new wave of designs mean you don’t have<br />
to compromise on style. Turn the page for our top suggestions for a<br />
smart and sleek bathroom…<br />
GROHE<br />
bhomes.com | 47
Super<br />
savers<br />
Striving to cut down on paper<br />
waste in the home? The futuristic<br />
GROHE Sensia Arena Shower<br />
Toilet teams hygeine and comfort,<br />
with two separate shower arms<br />
for targeted cleaning action and a<br />
powerful flush that requires very<br />
little water.<br />
For energy-efficient lighting<br />
solutions, we rate the Veil Lighted<br />
Collection by Kohler. Utilising<br />
motion-activated technology, the<br />
built-in lights are activated just<br />
when you need them, intuitively<br />
selecting a nature-inspired colour<br />
temperature to take you on a<br />
sensory journey and aid a restful<br />
night’s sleep. They’ll turn off<br />
automatically when you leave.<br />
Tip<br />
THE WARM GLOW<br />
OF AMBIENT AND<br />
WAYFINDING LIGHTING<br />
FEATURED IN THE<br />
KOHLER VEIL LIGHTED<br />
INTELLIGENT TOILET<br />
MEANS THOSE MIDDLE<br />
OF THE NIGHT LOO TRIPS<br />
WON’T MESS WITH YOUR<br />
SLEEP PATTERNS<br />
Kohler Veil Lighted Collection<br />
GROHE Sensia Arena Shower Toilet<br />
48 | bhomes.com
smart bathrooms | INSPIRATION<br />
TRACK YOUR USAGE<br />
“OUR INTELLIGENT<br />
WATER SECURITY SYSTEM,<br />
THE GROHE SENSE AND<br />
SENSE GUARD, ALLOWS<br />
THE WATER CONSUMPTION<br />
OF A HOUSE OR APARTMENT TO<br />
BE EXACTLY TRACKABLE. YOU’LL<br />
RECEIVE A PRECISE STATEMENT OF<br />
YOUR BILL AND CAN AIM TO CUT<br />
DOWN, IF NEEDED.” Thomas Fuhr,<br />
executive director operations, GROHE<br />
HI-TECH<br />
ADDITIONS<br />
BAGNODESIGN Axent.One C Premium Toilet<br />
BAGNODESIGN Aquaeco Infrared Mixer<br />
Ideal Standard IDEALRAIN<br />
SMART IDEAS<br />
Opt for efficiency. The Ideal Standard IDEALRAIN shower range features a builtin<br />
flow restrictor that reduces water consumption, passing the cost savings on to<br />
you. It also features ‘cool body’ technology, which prevents the handspray from<br />
becoming too hot to handle.<br />
Hot seat. The Bagnodesign Axent.One C Premium intelligent toilet features an<br />
advanced functionality for washing. Plus, it dries, has a seat cover that opens and<br />
closes automatically, a night light and patented flushing technology – all operated<br />
via remote control or the Axent app.<br />
Go hands-free. Sanipex Group’s Aquaeco collection of infrared mixers helps you<br />
avoid germs, and the taps come in a variety of styles, sizes, heights and shapes.<br />
From top: 1 GROHE two-handle square<br />
thermostat, POA, visit the showroom,<br />
grohe-middleeast.com 2 Ideal Standard<br />
IDEALRAIN Evo handspray, POA,<br />
idealstandardgulf.com 3 Sanipex Group’s<br />
Aquaeco infrared taps, from Dhs770,<br />
sanipexgroup.com<br />
bhomes.com | 49
BOHEMIAN<br />
DREAM<br />
How a bland bedroom and balcony in<br />
Downtown Dubai was transformed into<br />
a boho chic haven in the sky<br />
50 | bhomes.com
home makeover | INSPIRATION<br />
Before<br />
When Sahar Fikree, founder and creative<br />
director at OCD Spaces (ocdspaces.com)<br />
was asked to transform this two bed,<br />
two bath apartment in Claren Tower,<br />
Downtown Dubai, by her high-flying Emirati<br />
businesswoman client, marrying the principles<br />
of Feng Shui with boho chic designs provided a<br />
blueprint for the way forward.<br />
“The client had spent over a year and a half<br />
repeatedly redesigning the guest bedroom,<br />
which very quickly became her alternative<br />
master bedroom in lieu of the Feng Shui<br />
preferred orientation,” says Sahar. “Exhausted<br />
with all the unsuccessful redesigns, she reached<br />
out to me as a last resort, hoping I’d be able<br />
to achieve her vision for making the exterior<br />
balcony an extension of the interior.”<br />
The project had the added complexity of<br />
needing to blur the interior/exterior boundaries<br />
without amending any of the existing floor and<br />
wall finishes. This was to avoid the added time<br />
and expense of any work that would involve<br />
applying for an NOC from the developer.<br />
“Although it felt impractical at times, and in<br />
contrast to the zen interior style that we wanted<br />
to achieve, I was able to work around the design<br />
restrictions, in particular adhering to very<br />
structured Feng Shui colour palettes, materials<br />
and shapes,” says Sahar. For instance, instead<br />
of having a mirror in the bedroom (mirrors are<br />
thought to bounce energy around, which may<br />
result in restlessness and amplify worries), a<br />
herringbone-patterned storage cabinet and<br />
clothes stand provide a focal point. The entire<br />
project took two weeks. As Sahar says: “When<br />
my client returned from holiday in Thailand she<br />
was surprised yet very pleased with the resortinspired<br />
home I had created.”<br />
Turn the page to read our tops tips on<br />
planning a similar makeover in your home ➤<br />
bhomes.com | 51
INSPIRATION | home makeover<br />
Make it happen<br />
Want your own resort<br />
style bedroom?<br />
Sahar Fikree shares<br />
her top tips<br />
1 Want your bedroom to feel like a luxury<br />
hotel room? There’s a reason why hotels only<br />
use white linen – it keeps a room really fresh<br />
and crisp. Plus, you’re spoilt for choice when it<br />
comes to buying a new set.<br />
2 Make sure that your duvet extends over your<br />
mattress until it’s almost touching the floor on<br />
both sides. You shouldn’t actually be able to<br />
see the bed frame – it looks more plush and<br />
luxurious this way. It’s also a great solution if<br />
you have a spouse who hogs the duvet.<br />
3 A high pile rug brings a sense of luxury to<br />
the room and feels great under foot when you<br />
wake. It should cover at least half the length of<br />
the bed and protrude outwards from the base.<br />
4 We tend to keep a lot of stuff on our side<br />
table, so always try to select a table lamp that<br />
has a base with a small diameter. This way,<br />
you won’t clutter it up. The height should<br />
be as close to the bed frame as possible so<br />
things are within easy reach.<br />
5 Some people like shelves above their<br />
bed, but you should always avoid hanging<br />
anything heavy over your head. If you want<br />
to display objects, get a headboard with<br />
built-in shelves.<br />
PLACE A THROW AT THE<br />
BASE OF THE BED SO<br />
YOU CAN EASILY UNROLL<br />
IT AND DRAW IT OVER<br />
YOU DURING THE NIGHT<br />
Photos by Antoine Fadel, antoinefadel.com<br />
THE VERDICT<br />
“I am in love with the<br />
redesign, and my visitors<br />
have also enjoyed the<br />
space tremendously. I can’t<br />
wait to renovate the other<br />
rooms.” the client<br />
Before<br />
52 | bhomes.com
Al Sufouh Suites<br />
By Radisson Blu<br />
Fully furnished serviced<br />
apartments for rent<br />
• Studio and 1-bedroom units<br />
• All appliances included<br />
• Male and female spa<br />
• Fully equipped gym<br />
• Swimming pool with jacuzzi<br />
• Full Sea View<br />
Studio from AED 55,000/year<br />
1 bedroom from AED 72,000/year<br />
Enquire today. Call 04 409 0998 or email<br />
customercare@bhomes.com to book a viewing.<br />
Rera Permit No. 1793486279
RESORT<br />
STYLE LIVING<br />
Six<br />
of the<br />
best<br />
These resort style<br />
dwellings make everyday<br />
living feel like a holiday<br />
FOR SALE<br />
AED5,995,000<br />
1THE ALDEA, THE VILLA<br />
This Spanish style villa keeps the Mediterranean resort ambiance<br />
alive with a reimagined alfresco courtyard at the centre of the house.<br />
Surrounding the courtyard are two large family living areas, a dining room<br />
and newly refurbished kitchen complete with breakfast nook. The huge 8,559<br />
sq. ft plot includes a large manicured garden, which comes kitted out with<br />
wooden furniture, an outdoor kitchen and swimming pool. Upstairs, each of<br />
the six bedrooms have fitted wardrobes and ensuite bathrooms.<br />
For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: BHM-S-169806,<br />
RERA Permit No. 1815530979. Nearby school and nursery: The Aquila School,<br />
Kids Zone Nursery.<br />
Bed: 6<br />
Bath: 7<br />
Parking: 6<br />
FOR SALE<br />
AED9,990,000<br />
2MIRADOR LA COLECCIÓN 1, ARABIAN RANCHES<br />
A one of a kind property, everything in this villa has been upgraded,<br />
from the modern German kitchen with top-of-the-range finishing to<br />
the large extension – no detail has been left untouched. This fully furnished<br />
property has five bedrooms, the master boasting a his and hers walk-in<br />
wardrobe and large master bathroom. The 6,547 sq. ft plot also features<br />
outdoor dining facilities and a large swimming pool, making it easy to lap up<br />
the luxury lifestyle.<br />
For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: BHM-S-169574,<br />
RERA Permit No. 2052807967. Nearby school and nursery: Jumeirah English<br />
Speaking School, Step Up Academy.<br />
Bed: 5<br />
Bath: 5<br />
Parking: 4<br />
54 | bhomes.com
View more listings at bhomes.com<br />
Bed: 5<br />
Bath: 6<br />
Parking: 2<br />
FOR RENT<br />
From AED600,000 per year<br />
3GARDEN HOMES FROND N, PALM JUMEIRAH<br />
Situated on Palm Jumeirah, island living is the feel of this custombuilt<br />
villa, which boasts an infinity pool overlooking Dubai Marina<br />
and its very own private stretch of beach. The spectacular sights continue,<br />
with the master bathroom’s tub boasting direct sea views.<br />
For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: BHM-R-171078,<br />
RERA Permit No. 0409488766 Nearby school and nursery: iCademy Middle<br />
East, Asya’s Nursery.<br />
bhomes.com | 55
SHOP | Betterhomes Magazine<br />
FOR SHORT TERM RENT<br />
From AED28,000 per month<br />
4APARTMENT BUILDING 4,<br />
BLUEWATERS ISLAND<br />
This sleek, short-term rental<br />
apartment is situated on the vibrant<br />
Bluewaters island, just off JBR. Floor-toceiling<br />
windows offer stunning sea views<br />
and bring plenty of light into the open<br />
plan living space, with its big modern<br />
kitchen and fitted appliances. The world’s<br />
largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai,<br />
and a variety of dining venues await<br />
discovery on the doorstep.<br />
For further details, call 04 409 0998 and<br />
quote REF: BHM-R-171375 Nearby school<br />
and nursery: Dubai British School,<br />
Kidville JBR.<br />
Beds: 2<br />
Bath: 2<br />
56 | bhomes.com
View more listings at bhomes.com<br />
FOR SALE<br />
AED3,250,000<br />
5REGIONAL SMALL, JUMEIRAH PARK<br />
Situated in Jumeirah Park, just eight minutes from Dubai Marina and JBR, this<br />
stunning three-bedroom, five-bathroom villa is sure to put you in the holiday<br />
mood. In addition to its large garden and sparkling swimming pool, the property is<br />
great for entertaining thanks to the open plan living and dining area complete with<br />
fully-equipped kitchen.<br />
For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: BHM-S-169659, RERA Permit No.<br />
1827607900. Nearby school and nursery: Dubai British School; Four2Four Nursery.<br />
Beds: 3<br />
Bath: 5<br />
Parking: 2<br />
FOR SALE<br />
PRICE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST<br />
6AAAT VILLA, UMM AL SHEIF<br />
Take this window of opportunity to soak up the the all-year-round sunshine<br />
at this huge, window adorned six-bedroom villa in Umm Al Sheif, Jumeirah.<br />
This brand-new build has a large landscaped garden featuring an outdoor<br />
swimming pool. Inside, a marble topped, open-plan kitchen leads onto a huge living<br />
area and separate dining room. On the upper floors, a spacious family room and<br />
rooftop patio boast stunning views of Burj Al Arab.<br />
Beds: 5<br />
Bath: 7<br />
Parking: 7<br />
For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF:VI362330, RERA Permit No. 1861512431.<br />
Nearby school and nursery: Emirates International School, Kids Palace Nursery.<br />
bhomes.com | 57
THE PLACE TO MOVE TO<br />
Al Raha Beach<br />
A slice of serenity in the bustling<br />
UAE capital, Al Raha is a shoreline<br />
residential neighbourhood in a<br />
prime location. Offering a variety of<br />
contemporary living options for a<br />
range of budgets, these waterfront<br />
properties have something for<br />
everyone. With residents waking up<br />
to views of the Arabian Gulf, it’s easy<br />
to understand why this picturesque<br />
beach community is one of Abu<br />
Dhabi’s most desirable places to live.<br />
WHY MOVE THERE?<br />
Aside from sparkling views, there’s<br />
plenty to keep you busy, with an array<br />
of restaurants, hotels and top-notch<br />
facilities on the doorstep. Those who<br />
love to be in the sea at the weekends<br />
will find plenty of watersports action<br />
along the beach. If you prefer to relax<br />
on dry land, you can unwind in the<br />
quaint beachside eateries or catch a<br />
movie at Al Raha Mall’s Oscar Cinema,<br />
which screens the latest blockbusters.<br />
THE COMMUNITY<br />
Situated along the Al Raha waterfront<br />
are three main sub-communities,<br />
each with their own USP. If a lively<br />
atmosphere floats your boat, Al<br />
Bandar has a large marina surrounded<br />
with restaurants and bars. Al Muneera<br />
is known for its luxurious sea view<br />
properties while Al Zeina is a collection<br />
of apartments and townhouse villas.<br />
TRANSPORT<br />
Conveniently situated on the E10, Al<br />
Raha is an easy drive from central<br />
Abu Dhabi, and is also popular among<br />
commuters to Dubai. A number of<br />
bus routes run from the community<br />
into the city centre and other top<br />
destinations, such as Yas Island.<br />
SCHOOLS<br />
There are a number of schools in<br />
the surrounding area, including<br />
Raha International School and GEMS<br />
American Academy. Yellow Submarine<br />
Nursery accepts children from four<br />
months to four years.<br />
SHOPPING<br />
There are a number of supermarkets<br />
along Al Raha Boulevard while Al<br />
Raha Mall is home to over 65 shops,<br />
with family-friendly entertainment<br />
and a large food court to boot.<br />
Meet the neighbours<br />
Harry Cook has lived in Al Raha Beach for five years<br />
Having lived across the UAE, in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the community feel and<br />
facilities at Al Raha make it stand out as a firm favourite. It has a great location, just outside<br />
the bustle of the city and with quick access to neighbouring emirates. Plus, it’s a place for<br />
families and individiuals seeking to balance work life with an active and social home life.<br />
58 | bhomes.com
area guide | PROPERTY<br />
Ask the Agent<br />
Wissam Al Hamoud is the<br />
Al Raha beach expert at<br />
Betterhomes. If you would<br />
like to contact him to arrange<br />
a viewing, or to learn of any<br />
open house dates in the area,<br />
simply call 02 556 4122<br />
Al Raha’s waterfront community is a highly coveted<br />
residential area in the capital and it’s clear to see<br />
why. The self-contained area offers a variety of<br />
luxury facilities and a social lifestyle with restaurants,<br />
bars and the beach on your doorstep. Getting into<br />
central Abu Dhabi is easy as the community is<br />
well connected by public buses. It’s also just a short<br />
drive away from many popular attractions.<br />
There is a variety of living options to suit<br />
every lifestyle, from plush penthouses to family<br />
villas. Stunning sea views paired with a vibrant<br />
atmosphere has attracted a mixed community from<br />
all over the world, from young professionals who<br />
enjoy the marina lifestyle of Al Bandar to expat<br />
families who settle in the quieter villa communities<br />
of Al Zeina and Al Muneera. The popular Al Raha<br />
Gardens is especially well-liked by larger families<br />
due to its green landscaped environment.<br />
Currently prices are falling, so now is a great<br />
time to rent or buy. Rental prices for a onebedroom<br />
apartment with sea views start at around<br />
AED120k per year whereas three- to four-bedroom<br />
town houses start from AED220k up to AED265k.<br />
For those wanting to invest, the entry point for<br />
a one-bedroom sea view apartment is around<br />
AED1.25m. Villas and townhouses have an average<br />
price of AED4.5m, although the more luxuriously<br />
styled properties can fetch up to AED8m.<br />
PROPERTIES IN AL RAHA BEACH<br />
For Sale<br />
AED950,000. Al Sana 1, Al Raha Beach.<br />
1 bed, 1 bath, 1 parking, 858 sq.ft.<br />
1.25m<br />
could buy you a<br />
one bedroom sea<br />
view apartment<br />
For Rent<br />
AED65k per year. Al Hadeel, Al Raha<br />
Beach. Studio, 1 parking, 576sq.ft.<br />
OFF-PLAN<br />
PROPERTY FOCUS<br />
EXPO Golf Villas 4,<br />
Emaar South<br />
WHAT IS IT?<br />
An enclave of modern townhouses<br />
alongside an 18-hole championship<br />
golf course, adjacent to the EXPO<br />
2020 site, and the up and coming Al<br />
Maktoum International airport.<br />
WHERE IS IT LOCATED? Along the E611<br />
and just 10 minutes away from the<br />
EXPO 2020 site.<br />
WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES?<br />
In addition to being situated alongside<br />
a golf course, this gated community<br />
boasts a number of facilities including<br />
a clubhouse, outdoor pool, children’s<br />
play area and park. It is conveniently<br />
located next to the EXPO grounds,<br />
which is set to be a hub of activity<br />
from 2020. The nearby Al Maktoum<br />
International Airport is within eight<br />
hours flight time for two-thirds of the<br />
world’s population.<br />
WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?<br />
Three-bedroom or four-bedroom villas<br />
in two styles: modern for a simplistic<br />
timeless look and contemporary for<br />
sleek, distinctive design.<br />
WHAT IS THE EXPECTED<br />
COMPLETION DATE?<br />
April 2022.<br />
IS THERE A PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE?<br />
There is a 5% down payment upon<br />
booking; 5% within 30 days from<br />
booking; 2nd to 58th monthly<br />
payments of 1.50% from July <strong>2019</strong>;<br />
finally the 59th installment is 4.50%<br />
(April 2024).<br />
For further information, call<br />
Betterhomes on 04 409 0998<br />
bhomes.com | 59
BACK PAGE | UAE homes<br />
Calling all homebodies<br />
Upgraded your home with magazine-worthy results? We want to hear from you…<br />
Laura Ashley<br />
If you’re looking to turn a dated<br />
villa into a modern masterpiece,<br />
or simply want to make some easy<br />
upgrades to elevate your space,<br />
we’ve got the skinny on how to go<br />
about it. From selecting a design<br />
that will stand the test of time, to<br />
finding the best contractor for the<br />
job and knowing where to shop<br />
for those all-important fixtures…<br />
we’ve done the leg-work for<br />
you. Indeed, Better Living will be<br />
bringing you lots of ideas in future<br />
issues, so if you have completed<br />
a home renovation that you’re<br />
particularly proud of, we’d like<br />
to know about it. Simply send an<br />
email to faye@hotmedia.me with<br />
a short description of your project<br />
along with a couple of images and<br />
we’ll be in touch. Thanks!<br />
GET SOCIAL<br />
Follow us on<br />
Instagram and<br />
Facebook for more<br />
home inspiration at<br />
your fingertips<br />
@bliving.me<br />
60 | bhomes.com
TOPS ON TOP<br />
Cindy Crawford on Silestone ® Eternal Calacatta Gold<br />
A product designed by Cosentino ®<br />
On Top<br />
Feel the new<br />
velvety texture<br />
Discover more on silestone.com<br />
Follow Us F CosentinoMiddleEast ô @cosentinomiddleeast<br />
COSENTINO CITY DUBAI Dubai Design District (D3) Building 4-A, Unit 401 - 042428131 - infomiddleeast@cosentino.com