Betterliving March/April 2020

March/April 2020 

AED5 

The magazine of Betterhomes 

RAMADAN 

STYLING 

Tips by Lebanese 

design expert 

Nada Debs 

Inside 

Jo England’s 

zen villa in 

Arabian Ranches 

PLUS 

BRIGHT AND 

CHEERY KIDS’ ROOMS 

SPRING TRENDS 

ON A BUDGET 

WIN AN AT-HOME 

PAMPER PACKAGE 

HOW TO 

CREATE AN 

OASIS OF CALM 

Let’s stay home 

Channel your time and energy into creating a home that lifts the 

spirits with our easy and affordable styling ideas and inspiration

Welcome to the issue 

While we hunker down at home, our attention is turning to ticking some of those long 

awaited upgrades off our wish list. Whether you are using this time to plan the kitchen 

renovation you’ve always dreamed of (check out our edit of seven top trends 

on page 50), or are looking for some simple and affordable ways to bring a touch of 

spring into your home (page 29), you’ll find plenty of inspiration inside the issue. Plus, with 

Ramadan on the horizon, we caught up with Lebanese designer Nada Debs for her expert 

advice on creating a warm and welcoming space for your nearest and dearest. 

Enjoy your home, 

The Better Living team – visit us at blivinguae.com and follow us on Instagram at @blivinguae 

BoConcept 

4 | bhomes.com

46 

welcome letter | CONTENTS 

Managing Director 

Victoria Thatcher 

Chief Creative Officer 

John Thatcher 

General Manager 

David Wade 

Commercial Editor 

Nick Watkins 

Group Content Director 

Faye Bartle 

faye@hotmedia.me 

Content & Social Editor 

Hayley Kadrou 

Content Writer 

Sophia Dyer 

sophia@hotmedia.me 

Editorial Assistant 

Ronak Sagar 

Art Director 

Kerri Bennett 

Senior Designer 

Hiral Kapadia 

Production Manager 

Muthu Kumar 

To contact any of the 

above people, email 

firstname@hotmedia.me 

CONTENTS 

SHOP 

06-17 

All the latest news and updates, including this 

issue’s drop of kitchen and bathroom inspiration. 

Plus, spring inspired homewares we love. 

INSPIRE 

19-56 

A masterclass in mid-century modern; advice on 

styling bedrooms for kids and teens that pop; 

easy ways to bring a touch of spring into your 

home; Tribe owner Jo England shows us around her 

sustainably furnished villa in Arabian Ranches; a 

beautifully designed garden in Mudon; kitchen trends 

to inspire your next renovation; and an amazing 

transformation of an outdoor space in Meydan. 

MOVE 

58-63 

Our expert agents introduce you to their best buys on 

the market in Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah and Abu 

Dhabi. Plus, reasons to move to Meydan. 

Reproduction in whole or in part 

without written permission from 

HOT Media is strictly prohibited. 

HOT Media does not accept liability 

for omissions or errors in Better 

Living magazine. 

Tel: +971 4 364 2876 

Fax: +971 4 369 7494 

bhomes.com 

facebook.com/betterhomesuae 

@betterhomesuae 

@betterhomesuae 

linkedin.com/company/better-homes-llc 

bhomes.com | 5

This issue’s 

Pinboard 

Our round-up of the latest in 

homewares news and interiors trends 

HIT THE WALL 

LOOKING FOR SOME POWERFUL 

ART FOR YOUR HOME? DUBAI- 

BASED ARTIST KRISTEL BECHARA’S 

LATEST COLLECTION CELEBRATES 

WOMEN IN ALL THEIR GLORY. WE 

LOVE THE 1960S VIBE OF THIS 

STRIKING PAINTING, TITLED TRES 

JOLI BIGOUDI @KRISTELBECHARA 

NEW FLAGSHIP STORE FOR 2XL 

Stretching over 51,000 square feet, 2XL’s newest 

branch at The Galleria, Al Maryah Island offers an 

immersive shopping experience with over 38 rooms 

showcasing its luxe-look collections. 2xlme.com 

Beetroot side plate, Dhs35 

Broccoli side plate, Dhs35 

Cabbage 

bowl, Dhs85 

VEG OUT 

Eating your greens has never 

looked so good. Add some 

springtime fun to your dining table 

with this quirky crockery from 

Marks & Spencer. 

marksandspencerme.com 

6 | bhomes.com

trending | UPDATES 

A cabinet 

of curiosities 

Did you know that the humble napkin started 

as a lump of dough in ancient Greece? Or 

that forks were once seen as immoral? Design 

historian Amy Azzarito takes a look through 

the ages at the evolution of our everyday 

household objects in her eye-opening book, 

The Elements of a Home – it’s definitely one 

for the coffee table. $19.95 (Around Dhs73), 

amazon.com 

GIVE- 

AWAY 

Win a Bath & Body Works pamper 

package worth Dhs500 

HAVE AN AT-HOME SPA DAY WITH THE NEW INTO 

THE NIGHT COLLECTION BY BATH & BODY WORKS. 

WE HAVE TWO HAMPERS TO GIVE AWAY – SIMPLY 

CHECK OUT OUR INSTAGRAM @BLIVINGUAE TO BE 

IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING. 

Prevention. Protection. Security. 

Signature Safes 

bhomes.com | 7

UPDATES | trending 

Kitchen news The latest updates for the heart of your home... 

HI-TECH COOKING 

Miele has released its Generation 7000 appliances – and we can’t wait to get our 

hands on them. The premise of the collection is to pair the latest technology with 

a seamless finish to spark your creative culinary flair. The induction hob (below) 

has no predefined cooking zones so you can place your pots anywhere and the heat 

setting will be retained due to the intelligent pan recognition – clever stuff! miele.ae 

QUICK FIX 

A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR THE 

BUSY WOMAN WHO WANTS 

TO GET A HANDLE ON HER 

KITCHEN, THIS FUSS-FREE 

COOKBOOK SHARES SIMPLE 

RECIPES ALONG WITH 

ORGANISATION TIPS. DHS130, 

THEDREAMWORK 

COLLECTIVESTORE.COM 

Sleek shades 

Giving you more freedom to expand your 

kitchen’s palette, teka’s urban colour range 

lets us bring the city inside with hues such 

as london brick brown and stone grey. each 

shade comes with matching appliances, 

taps and sinks for a seamless and modern 

finish. teka.com 

STAY FIGHTING FIT 

Making it easier to get your vitamins, the NutriBullet 

Blender Combo whips up superfood shakes and soups 

in next to no time. The extra-large 1.6 litre Tritan pitcher 

is perfect for creating smoothies for the whole family, 

while those on-the-go can use the handy single-cup 

serve (700ml) before decantering it into the travel cup. 

Dhs599 available at carrefouruae.com 

8 | bhomes.com

Wall Furniture : MAXIMUS BAHIA WAVE 

Floor : MIX WOOD

SIEMENS x Better Living 

Homes for the future 

Level up your life with smarter home appliances 

Using the latest technology, Siemens products 

give you back precious time to spend doing 

what you want to, not what you have to do. Its 

Wi-Fi enabled home appliances will revolutionise 

the way you complete chores, both in and out of 

the home. The Home Connect App means you 

can control your appliances from wherever you 

are via your smartphone or tablet. 

Adding an extra level of convenience to your 

life, Siemens simplifies everyday chores. Forgotten 

your shopping list while at the supermarket? Or 

can’t quite remember how many eggs you have 

left? With a Siemens Home Connect fridge, you 

can see the live image on your phone, via the two 

built-in fridge cameras. Another handy feature of 

the app means that you can keep a track of the 

status of your dishwasher or oven from anywhere 

– saving you time and effort. 

Ensuring a seamless home life, the remotecontrol 

feature in the app allows you to adjust your 

appliances to fit around your schedule. Simply 

select the programme you want and start your 

appliance at the touch of a button. Or, perhaps 

you want to monitor the status of your washing 

machine: without moving an inch, you’ll be able 

to see how long the cycle has left. You can even 

use the app to start your coffee machine brewing 

your morning cup from the comfort of your bed. 

A world of exciting possibilities is now just a click 

away, thanks to Siemens and Home Connect. 

Visit betterlifeuae.com/brand/siemens 

or siemens-home.bsh-group.com/ae 

10 | bhomes.com

trending | UPDATES 

Bathroom news Sinks, bath tubs and everything in between… 

NOT JUST A PRETTY SUR-FACE 

THE CORIAN SOLID SURFACE HAS ADDED A NEW 

DIMENSION TO BATHROOM DESIGN WITH ITS VAST 

COLOUR RANGE. PLUS, ITS VERSATILITY ALLOWS 

YOU TO BRING EVEN THE MOST CUTTING-EDGE 

DESIGNS TO LIFE. UAE.DANUBEHOME.COM 

The Goldilocks tap 

Ideal for keeping little 

hands safe, GROHE’s Plus 

Faucet has an LED display 

that indicates the exact 

water temperature so you 

can get it just right. 

grohe-middleeast.com 

FAUCETS TO FAWN OVER 

The jury of the German Design Award 2020 has 

commended Duravit for its excellent product design 

on the D.1 faucet series. Instantly recognisable, the taps 

have a cylindrical base with super-flat outlet creating a 

unique look of post-industrial elegance. duravit.com 

RAK Ceramics revamp 

The next time you shop at RAK Ceramics you may 

notice a few changes. The company has recently 

redesigned its showrooms to improve the customer 

experience. The 2,100 sqm headquarters in Ras Al 

Khaimah showcases the entire range, styled for 

ease of choice while the flagship store in Deira has 

a dedicated area for showcasing the latest trends. 

rakceramics.com 

bhomes.com | 11

A WHALE OF A TIME 

One of our favourite looks in the new 

collection, the Jenny Lind Twin Bed, 

Dhs2,524, is adorned with dozens 

of intricate woodturnings, offering 

a timeless take on the classic Jenny 

Lind style. Designed exclusively for 

Crate and Kids by Blake Tovin, the 

soft grey colour shown here (it’s 

also available in white) suits most 

room themes, including this funky 

yet feminine design featuring the 

Starburst Ombre Rug, from Dhs455- 

915, Whale Storage Basket, Dhs315, 

and Vertical Rainbow 

Wall Hanging, Dhs229. 

Adventurous designs 

for little explorers 

Let your little one’s personality shine by 

creating a kids’ room that’s full of character 

thanks to the all-new Crate and Kids furniture 

and accessories collection by Crate and Barrel 

12 | bhomes.com

Better Living x 

EN POINTE 

Aspiring prima ballerinas need a 

room they feel inspired to practise 

their demi-pliés in. Team the 

elegant Gallery Grey Twin Wing Bed 

(Dhs4,249) – the angled headboard 

with tufted detailing is perfect for 

storytime – with the Kids White 

Campaign Wide Dresser (Dhs5,049) 

and Nightstand (Dhs1,379), for a 

sophisticated yet youthful setting that 

she will adore. What makes this room 

set-up extra special, however, is the 

graceful Ballerina Twin Quilt, Dhs819, 

with its appliquéd, embroidered and 

velvet accents depicting princess 

and bunny ballerinas, as well as an 

enchanting castle. 

HOP TO IT 

Add a playful touch to a room with 

the Large Furry Bunny Nod Chair 

Cover (above), Dhs499. It’s amazingly 

comfortable due to its soft faux-fur. 

Plus, it has a handy pocket in the 

back for storing books and toys. 

Speaking of which, this totally tropical 

Pineapple Floor Basket (below), 

Dhs275, is a willing home for any 

extra clutter. 

UNDER THE SEA 

Water babies will love watching the octopuses, starfish, 

seahorses and jellyfish swim past on this Under the Sea 

4 x 6' Rug, Dhs1,375, which you can use as a wall hanging 

to add interest to a room. Style it with the Archway White 

Convertible Crib, Dhs3,849, which converts to a toddler 

bed, and your little one has plenty of room to grow. 

NATURE'S WAY 

If you’re a fan of the natural look, you can’t go wrong 

with rattan so make a statement with the Rattan Kids 

Twin Bed, Dhs4,129, and Rattan Bassinet, Dhs1,219. Each 

features intricate, handmade details so no two are exactly 

the same. We predict they'll be an instant Instagram hit 

among the UAE’s interior stylists. 

bhomes.com | 13

IDEAS | Better Homes Magazine 

EASY LIVING 

The living room features wall art from Drawdeck, with peach 

cushions and a jute rug from The One pulling the look together. 

A calm space that also benefits from natural light, the area near 

the patio doors is currently Maha’s temporary yoga studio; at 

least until she renovates the master terrace into a sun room. 

WILD CHILD 

Kids who like to take a walk on the 

wild side will find their place in the 

sun amid the Cameron furniture. 

The mid-tone ash finish and natural 

grain of the wood creates a sense of 

warmth and can be effortlessly mixed 

and matched with your other favourite 

pieces from the collection. We like 

the Cameron Twin Ash Bed, Dhs3,673, 

teamed with the Cameron Wide Ash 

Dresser, Dhs5,049, and accessorised 

with the Cool Dude Canvas Banner, 

Dhs179, and animal themed scatter 

cushions, such as the Safari Giraffe 

Throw Pillow, Dhs89. 

THE MASTER PLAN 

Whether your children need 

somewhere to colour and create 

– and maybe even do their 

homework – or a bit of extra 

storage space, you’ll love our 

range of kids’ tables and chairs, 

available in a variety of designs, 

and roomy dressers, such as the 

Kids Wrightwood Grey Stain and 

White 9-Drawer Dresser 

(far right), Dhs5,509. 

14 | bhomes.com

Better Living Better x CRATE&BARREL Living x KIDS 

TRAVEL BUDDIES 

Oh, the places you'll go! For siblings who stay up 

past their bedtime whispering about adventures 

to be had in faraway lands, the travel inspired 

accessories will give them all the inspiration 

they need. After drawing straws for the top 

spot on The Wrightwood White Twin-Over-Twin 

Convertible Bunk Bed, Dhs7,353, they can plot 

their world expedition while surrounded by the 

Canvas United States Map, Dhs165, Wanderer 

Throw Pillow, Dhs115, Luggage Tag Throw Pillow, 

Dhs135, and more. 

BLAST OFF 

Budding astronauts can have a bedroom that’s out 

of this world thanks to the solar system themed 

accessories. The organic cotton (200 thread count, 

no less) Solar System Twin Quilt, Dhs919, and the 

Outer Space Rug, from Dhs1,375-3,675, featuring 

the planets in orbit, will make them feel as if they’re 

sleeping amid the stars. The dreamy Tiny House 

White Twin Bed, Dhs5,970, is a magical touch. 

NOW SHOP 

The collection is available now at Crate and 

Barrel’s Dubai stores in Mall of the Emirates, 

City Centre Mirdif and online at crateandbarrel.me 

Art Director 

Kerri Bennett 

Photographer 

Sabrina-Rynas, 

MMG Artist 

Stylist 

Chee, MMG Artist 

Models 

Aryra and Ali, 

Bareface 

Clothes 

Monsoon Kids 

bhomes.com | 15

WEEKLY OFFERS 

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Discover the award-winning Afternoon Tea 

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JWMarriottMarquisDubai | JWDubaiMarquis | LaFarineDXB

spring table setting | INSPIRATION 

Wishlist 

Time for tea 

Spring has officially sprung, bringing with it the 

seasonal florals, animal motifs and golden accents that 

provide everything you need for a blooming marvellous 

tea party setting. Set the tone with a pastel tablecloth 

and then layer on the colour with fresh or faux blooms 

and floral inspired dinnerware in complementing 

shades, as shown here. You can bring a ray of sunshine 

to the table by weaving in golden accents, from cutlery to 

confetti, for a look that’s sure to dazzle your guests. 

Use decorative 

pieces to accentuate 

the hues of your teapot 

for a polished look 

Clockwise from top left: 

Faux peonies and roses in a 

white round box, Dhs1,700 

Maison Des Fleurs; Foxy bowl, 

Dhs45, Maisons du Monde; 

Gold serving spoon and fork, 

Dhs59 (each), Maisons du 

Monde; You’re My Cup of Tea 

teapot, Dhs170, Anthropologie 

Home at Namshi; Ziggy blush 

pillar candle, Dhs35, Crate 

and Barrel; Dessert plate with 

floral motif, Dhs20, Maisons du 

Monde; Geese measuring cups, 

Dhs160, Anthropologie Home 

at Namshi; Intial agate coaster, 

Dhs80, Anthropologie Home 

at Namshi; Copper graphic 

tealight holder, Dhs15, Maison 

du Monde; Vic picture frame, 

Dhs45, Crate and Barrel 

bhomes.com | 17

MAS PAINTS x Better Living 

Paint me 

happy 

Give your walls a new lease 

of life with MAS Paints 

Is your living room in need of a pickme-up? 

Or perhaps your bedroom 

could do with a colour injection? If 

so, we say it’s high time for a fresh lick 

of paint. Welcoming spring in style, 

MAS Paints invites you to choose from 

its vast range of paints for a brand 

new take on your home. To help you 

make the right selection, we asked 

their in-house experts to share some 

of their favourite ways to combine 

colour for a stunning effect... 

Try out triadic colours: Those who 

dare to be bold can select three of 

their favourite contrasting shades to 

feature in one room. All you need to 

do is paint three walls in juxtaposing 

hues for a vibrant pop of interest. This 

will create a base from which you can 

accessorise the rest of the room. If 

this pushes you too far outside your 

comfort zone, a toned down version 

of the look is to paint two walls in 

Damasco Mastic Royal paint 

Damasco Mastic Royal paint, table paint Damasco 

different colours and use the soft 

furnishings to add in the third. 

Go for analogous colours: If you’re 

after a relaxing look that’s easy on 

the eye, opt for multiple hues that 

sit next to each other on the colour 

wheel. For example, a subtle red and 

baby pink work harmoniously together 

producing a tranquil feel. This works 

particularly well when the rest of the 

space is brought together with fittings 

chosen in similar shades. 

Use complementary colours: To 

instantly refresh your sitting room 

without splurging on new furniture, 

use the colour wheel to select a shade 

for the walls that is the opposite, 

complementary hue to your sofa. It’s 

an easy way to create interest and 

make what you already own take on 

a new life. If you have a burnt orange 

sofa, for instance, try adding a powder 

blue wall to make it pop. 

Find out more at mas-paints.com 

18 | bhomes.com

design workshop | INSPIRATION 

Sofology 

KARE UAE 

How to master... 

Mid-century 

modern 

Anam Clarke, founder of 

UAE-based The Designers’ 

Studio (thedesignersstudio.com), 

talks us 

through this iconic design 

movement and how to 

bring it into your home 

ABOUT THE STYLE 

This timeless interior design style, which 

emerged during the middle of the 20th 

century, has a dedicated following and 

it’s easy to see why. Teaming a distinctly 

minimalistic look with an emphasis on 

functionality, it is instantly recognisable 

due to its juxtaposition of sleek lines 

(think skinny peg legs), organic shapes 

and blend of materials – imagine Don 

Draper’s stylish apartment in Mad Men 

and you’ll have the right idea. 

WHY WE RATE IT 

Mid-century modern influenced rooms 

are packed with personality – its 

trademark curves add instant interest to 

a modern home. Plus, as pieces tend to be 

compact yet functional, the style lends 

well to smaller spaces and apartments. 

HOW TO NAIL IT 

Keep it simple. It’s not about 

recreating a look from the past but 

finding effective ways to weave the style 

into your space. Start by choosing a few 

key pieces that fit well with both your 

lifestyle and your current furniture. 

Use colour to add warmth. Capture 

the mood by introducing some of the 

more traditional colours associated with 

this look, such as forest green, or earthy 

hues like burnt orange, into the room. 

Seek out the perfect pieces. Vintage 

pieces may be harder to come by in the 

UAE, but you can get your hands on 

design classics that are iconic of the time, 

such as the Eames Lounge Chair, from 

Herman Miller. In addition, high-street 

favourites West Elm and Chattels & More 

have fabulous pieces inspired by the style. 

From top: Double Bulb Table Lamp, Dhs299, 

Letimotiv at Namshi; Full Twist chair designed by 

Mark Goetz for Geiger, price upon request, Herman 

Miller; Stockholm Sideboard in walnut veneer, 

Dhs1,995, IKEA; Sand Brown Leg Elie Side Table, 

Dhs299, Leitmotiv at Namshi 

bhomes.com | 19

1 

Seamless 

designs 

Push the creative envelope in the kitchen 

with Cosentino’s ultra-durable engineered 

surfaces inspired by natural stone 

20 | bhomes.com

Better Living x COSENTINO MIDDLE EAST 

Marble and granite are timeless classics when it 

comes to choosing a kitchen worktop. But while 

they look great, these materials can be harder to 

maintain. If you want to avoid the hassle of dealing with 

stains and scratches over time, choosing an engineered 

surface may be just the solution you’re looking for. This 

versatile, durable and low-maintenance option is fast 

becoming a designer favourite, not only for its superior 

qualities, but also for its looks – think a near perfect 

replication of marble and other natural stone materials. 

One such example is Dekton by Cosentino, which is 

created from a sophisticated blend of raw materials 

including glass, quartz and porcelain. Stain, scratch and 

heat resistant, it puts up with the daily grind and keeps 

your kitchen looking brand new, even years later. This 

ultra-compact, large format surface comes in a variety 

of thicknesses, giving your interior designer the freedom 

to push his or her creative boundaries. At last, you can 

turn your waterfall countertop dreams into reality – and 

the same goes for any other stand-out features that 

demand a seamless design. If you’re in need of ideas, 

take a look below at five beautiful kitchens featuring 

creations from the Dekton Stonika Collection, all 

inspired by the most coveted natural stone materials. 

Find out more at cosentino.com and discover the 

Dekton Stonika Collection at cosentino.com/en-ae/ 

dekton-stonika 

2 

3 

4 5 

IDEAS TO STEAL 

1 Taj Mahal quartzite can add warmth to your space. This 

Dekton recreation of Taj Mahal quartzite, Arga, gently 

brightens up this modern open kitchen. 

2 This dark kitchen gets a pop of white elegance with Olimpo 

– a hue from the Dekton Stonika collection inspired by 

Carrara marble. 

3 Think that exposed brickwork and contemporary kitchens 

don’t go together? Think again. Exposed brick walls and 

Taga countertops from the Dekton Stonika collection are the 

perfect pairing for a cosy, inviting ambience for this kitchen. 

4 If you like to work from home (within easy reach of 

your espresso machine), the weathered beauty of Gris 

Pulpis natural stone, which characterises the Dekton Sogne 

countertops, will do the job nicely. It offers the best of both 

worlds: an aesthetically pleasing workspace with all the 

kitchen countertop credentials you need. 

5 An island can be a stand-out element in a kitchen design. 

A case in point is this waterfall island clad in Dekton Bergen, 

a recreation of Portobello natural stone. 

bhomes.com | 21

GATHER 

ROUND 

Get your home ready for Ramadan with our top tips 

on creating a warm and welcoming glow 

THESE FLOOR 

CUSHIONS ARE 

PERFECT FOR 

GATHERINGS 

DURING 

RAMADAN 

22 | bhomes.com

Ramadan styling | INSPIRATION 

Illuminate your entryway. Make 

sure your guests feel welcome as soon 

as they arrive by hanging a Ramadan 

Kareem wreath or sign on the front 

door. Online flower shop Ferns N Petals 

has a fantastic range of Ramadan 

blooms (fnp.ae) to choose from, and you 

can pick up a wooden sign to scribe 

your message on from any craft store – 

Creative Minds (creativemindssdubai. 

com) never fails us. 

“For me, the styling touch that will 

have an immediate impact on your 

guests is candles,” adds Lebanese 

designer Nada Debs who has teamed up 

with IKEA to create the beautiful yet 

affordable 2020 Ramadan Collection, 

LJUV. “I recommend putting lots of 

lanterns and candles at the entrance 

and outside the front door.” 

Set the tone with a beautiful 

scent. If, like us, you’re investing in 

a new perfume (or two) for Ramadan, 

then you should also be treating your 

home to a brand new aroma. Oud is 

especially fitting for the Holy Month, 

while musk and warm spicy notes are 

just as great for creating a rich yet 

soothing ambience. You can find all 

these types of scents and more at Dr. 

Vranjes Firenze in The Dubai Mall, 

which carries a curated collection of 

over 18 candles and home fragrances 

in beautiful glass bottles handpicked 

to suit local tastes. “Selecting a home 

fragrance is an exercise in selfreflection,” 

says Dr. Vranjes. The good 

news is that you can’t go far wrong. 

“Objectively there are no bad olfactory 

notes; the art is in finding a balance 

between them. The final goal 

is harmony.” 

Add some warmth with colour. This 

year’s colour palette is brimming with 

soft tones that you can easily layer up. 

“Warm colours, ranging from red to 

pink to orange, will look really good as 

a base for your sitting area or majlis 

and create a beautiful glow, especially 

in the evening,” says Nada. “If you want 

IKEA’s LJUV 2020 Ramadan Collection 

bhomes.com | 23

IKEA’s LJUV 2020 

Ramadan Collection 

to ensure you make an impact, I would 

introduce those colours first and then 

accessorise from there.” 

Experiment with pattern. Make 

the space look cohesive by weaving 

pattern throughout. Geometric 

patterns are set to be huge this year – 

plus, they exude a captivating Middle 

Eastern flair. 

Use pieces creatively for extra 

interest. Nada is a fan of thinking 

outside the box. “You could hang a 

brass platter on the wall, or a swathe 

of fabric, to create a point of interest,” 

she says. Think about creating a 

vignette featuring a mixture of 

cushions, lanterns and other objects. 

“Opt for golden colours that exude a 

beautiful light, enhanced with brass 

accents,” she suggests. 

Easy ways to furnish a modern 

majlis. You can create an Arabesque 

style lounge area to socialise in without 

spending a fortune, says Nada. “Simply 

spread out a selection of floor cushions, 

add back cushions for extra comfort 

and introduce some small side tables – 

they don’t all have to match.” 

To elevate the space further, and 

give your guests something new to 

marvel at – a quick lick of paint can 

go a long way. “Painting a wall is an 

affordable, quick update,” says Nada. “A 

warm peach shade will create a 

nice glow along with the lanterns and 

the candles.” 

THE FINAL FLOURISH 

“The fail-safe centrepiece for any dining 

table is a vase of flowers,” says Tala 

Chehade, part of the creative team at 

Aura (@ auraliving_ae)... 

1. For a contemporary twist, choose 

beautiful white orchids, light pink 

peonies and Italian ruscus foliage in a 

glamorous gold and glass vase. 

2. For a playful alternative, opt for 

tropical blossoms – such as yellow 

ginger with pink hibiscus and ivy 

– placed in a variety of contrasting 

coloured glass vases ranging in size. 

3. If you love metallics, opt for 

geometrically designed vases in golden 

tones and match with vintage silver 

cutlery and metallic rimmed plates. 

Aura 

24 | bhomes.com

Ramadan styling | INSPIRATION 

Dress a formal sitting area. 

If it’s not the right time to invest 

in a brand new sofa, giving your 

formal sitting room an Arabesque 

style update can be as easy as swapping 

out the cushions. “Aim for a colourful 

selection of patterns and textiles that 

can be woven together alongside your 

favourite accessories to give your home 

a festive, modern look,” advises Nada. 

Set a beautiful iftar table. “Start 

with a quality tablecloth in a warm 

tone, such as a reddish brick shade, 

which will look really beautiful against 

a golden platter,” says Nada. Add your 

choice of ceramics and glassware, and 

play with height when layering on the 

finishing touches. “I love the look 

Hang a 

brass platter 

on the wall to 

create a point 

of interest 

of serving plates at different 

levels, with lots of candles placed inbetween,” 

she adds. 

Add a touch to fun to your suhoor 

set-up. If younger family members 

are blessed with a dedicated space to 

socialise in, make it extra special for 

them with star- and moon-shaped 

helium balloons in gold or silver foil. 

You can get your hands on them easily 

from your local party shop. 

Ramp up the glamour for Eid. 

When it’s time to celebrate, you can 

roll out some more dramatic touches 

to your theme. 

“When styling, I like to use multiples 

of the same object to create a stronger 

concept,” says Nada. “In terms of 

lanterns or candles, for example, you 

could place several of them next to 

each other – and the same goes for 

vases and platters. When you create 

repetition, it becomes more attractive 

and noticeable, ultimately creating a 

more festive feeling.” 

GIFTS FOR 

HOMEBODIES 

1 LJUV serving stand, Dhs99, 

IKEA 2 Resin Hand Tealight 

Holder, Dhs45, Noire Edit at 

Namshi 3 LJUV lantern for block 

candle, Dhs75, IKEA 4 Espresso 

cup and saucer, Dhs109, from the 

Kunooz 2020 Ramadan collection 

by Silsal 5 LJUV bowl 15x13 

ceramic/red, Dhs25, IKEA 

6 Bronze side plate, Dhs25, Aura 

7 Milano diffuser, Dhs504 

(250ml), Dr. Vranjes Firenze 

at The Dubai Mall 8 Ramadan 

Dubai Skyline Lightdome by 

Decalicious, Dhs140, Saffron 

Souk, saffronsouk.com 9 Natural 

Marble Table Lamp, Dhs493, 

Blomingville at Namshi 

1 

2 

4 

3 

5 

6 7 8 9 

bhomes.com | 25

26 | bhomes.com

expert advice | INSPIRATION 

ASK THE EXPERT 

How do you design a 

kids’ bedroom that pops? 

Idil Koseoglu, interior stylist at 

GoodMoodDXB, tells us how to create 

kids’ bedrooms with purpose and flair 

Styling by: Hiral Kapadia Photography: Muthu Kumar 

Be bold with colour. Kids’ bedrooms 

should be creative, so we shouldn’t feel 

limited to using pink for a girl and 

blue for a boy. Colour is important as 

it helps to inspire children, so I suggest 

using multiple shades in their room. I 

like using secondary colours as they are 

easier to design with and allow you to 

have more fun – some of my favourites 

are mint green and yellow. If your kids 

are old enough you can show them a 

selection and let them choose. 

The bedroom should be a relaxing 

space so keep the design minimal. 

Your children will use their room to 

unwind in and, of course, go to sleep in, 

so you want the space to feel peaceful. To 

create a sense of calm, avoid cramming in 

too much stuff – everything should have 

a purpose. For me as a designer, I think 

it is old fashioned to buy bulky furniture 

suites. Today, it is more important that 

each piece is useful, so you only have what 

you absolutely need. Instead of choosing 

a large bookcase, for instance, I suggest 

opting for wall shelves, which take up less 

room and will free up floor space for some 

cosy cushions. 

Store toys out of the way to 

maximise function. To keep the room 

comfortable for sleeping in, kids need to 

be able to access their toys without them 

taking over the room. Teach them to keep 

their room tidy by using child-friendly 

storage solutions, such as fabric baskets 

that they can carry easily. I like IKEA 

because its products are practical and 

affordable. If you’re blessed with space, I 

recommend keeping their toys in another 

room entirely. 

Don’t be afraid to add some fun and 

daring touches that reflect your 

child’s personality. My twins share a 

bedroom, and I hand-painted the wall 

in the style of Henri Matisse to add some 

visual interest [pictured here]. If you’re 

not artistically inclined, there are many 

great online stores where you can find 

unique wallpaper prints. I like paper-pop. 

com and muralswallpaper.com. 

Make it personal. Use their room to 

display special moments and memories. 

I have my baby scans on the wall, along 

with their first hand and foot prints. An 

easy and affordable way to display family 

photographs is to hang a piece of string 

and attach the photos with pegs. 

Be prepared to switch it up as your 

children grow. Their bedrooms need 

to be able to change with them so don’t 

spend too much money on the items they 

will outgrow, like beds. For the pieces that 

will last longer, such as a chest of drawers, 

I recommend choosing raw oak furniture, 

which is really easy to repaint. 

Follow @goodmooddxb, email 

infogoodmooddxb@gmail.com 

Colour is important as it helps to 

inspire children – my favourite hues to 

use are mint green and yellow 

bhomes.com | 27

worldtravellermagazine.com 

Your passport to the Middle East's first fully 

bookable travel inspiration website 

Extend your journey with World Traveller magazine 

by heading online to read more inspirational and 

exclusive travel content and take advantage of upto-the-minute 

hotel and holiday features 

Dream Read Click Book

trend | INSPIRATION 

Laura Ashley Al Fresco Collection SS20 

SPRING ZING 

Add some zest to your garden with our affordable styling tips 

bhomes.com | 29

KEEP IT NATURAL “Work with the natural colours of your outdoor space,” 

says Emma Hutton of Emma Hutton Interiors (emmahuttoninteriors.com). “If 

you have a verdant garden, load up on green hues. If your setting is more neutral, 

bring in turquoise and blue tones, which never go out of style in an alfresco space.” 

SET THE MOOD “Candles and lanterns are a must-have when dining outside. 

Opt for a mixture of textures, such as wood, brass and chrome for the lanterns. 

My go-to shops are Homes R Us and Pottery Barn. If real candles aren’t feasible, 

the battery-operated ones from Pottery Barn are a great alternative.” 

TIP 

“You don’t 

have to spend a 

fortune on outdoor 

lighting to create 

an ambience – 

Amazon.ae and 

ACE Hardware 

have good solar 

powered options,” 

says Emma. “Use a 

mixture of shapes 

for an eclectic look 

or keep it uniform 

for a modern feel. ” 

30 | bhomes.com

trend | NSPIRATION 

GLASSY GOALS “Using a variety of coloured 

glass on your table looks effortlessly chic,” says 

Emma. “You can recycle bottles you already 

have simply by taking the labels off.” 

FRESH FLOWERS “When entertaining 

outdoors, use plants and flowers from your 

garden on your table set up. Add them into 

your glass bottles for an instantly dressed 

look. I would place three or four vases in a 

row, depending on the size of your table.” 

COLOUR POP “A sure-fire and inexpensive 

way to add a pop of colour is by accessorising 

with fruit – lemons are my go-to when dressing 

a garden table. Take a tall vase, add lemons 

(even better if they still have their leaves on), 

pop some foliage on top and you’re good to go.” 

Images on these pages: Laura Ashley Al Fresco Collection SS20 

bhomes.com | 31

INSPIRATION | trend 

TIP 

“When it comes to the soft 

furnishings, take a cue from 

nature with quirky prints featuring 

bugs, leaves or animal skin,” says 

Emma. “It’s a fun way to bring 

personality to a garden or to create an 

‘urban jungle’ look on a balcony.” 

Botanist at very.co.uk. Photography by Mel Yates 

32 | bhomes.com

Inclusion changes the world 

Be part of World Autism Awareness Day on 

April 2 nd along with the launch of our initiative 

to integrate individuals on the spectrum into 

the workforce.

TEENAGE 

KICKS 

Interior designer Kristina Georgakopoulos, 

from Eclectic Living (@eclectic.living), shares her 

top tips for styling a room with teen spirit 

1 

IF YOU HAVE THE SPACE, UPGRADE 

THEIR CHILDHOOD BUNKS OR SINGLE 

BED TO A DOUBLE. IT’LL BRING A 

MORE MATURE LOOK TO THE ROOM 

AND BE MORE COMFORTABLE FOR 

THEM SO THEY CAN GET THOSE ALL 

IMPORTANT Z’S. 

Main photographs by Kristina Georgakopoulos, showing her 

teen daughter’s bedroom in their Umm Suqeim bungalow 

34 | 34 bhomes.com |

teen rooms | INSPIRATION 

2 

If you’ve already got the perfect 

curtains but they don’t block out 

all the light, consider installing 

blackout blinds behind them to aid 

a restful night’s sleep, which is 

crucial during exam time. 

MAKE THEIR ROOM A HAVEN 

FOR RELAXATION BY ADDING A 

COMFORTABLE BEAN BAG OR CHAIR 

FOR THEM TO CHILL OUT ON. 

3bhomes.com | 35

INSPIRATION | teen rooms 

TEENS TEND TO 

ACCUMULATE A LOT 

OF STUFF SO FACTOR 

IN LOTS OF STORAGE 

FOR THEIR BELONGINGS. 

CABINETS WITH DOORS 

ARE A GOOD WAY TO 

GO, AS THE CLUTTER 

IS HIDDEN FROM 

SIGHT SO KEEPS THE 

ROOM LOOKING TIDY 

AT ALL TIMES. 

4 

5 

ADD A LAUNDRY 

BASKET TO INSPIRE 

KEEPING DIRTY CLOTHES 

OFF THE FLOOR. 

IT’LL HELP FOSTER A 

RESPONSIBILITY FOR 

DOING THEIR OWN 

WASHING WHEN THE 

BASKET IS FULL. 

Woven Rope Basket, 

Dhs299, Zara Home 

6 

Creating a dedicated study zone is a no-brainer. 

Choose an ergonomic chair that’s comfortable 

for long study sessions. Add a task light and 

some inspiring artworks to brighten it up. 

36 | bhomes.com

Add personality to the 

space with decorative 

touches that echo your 

child’s individual style. 

Set up a variety of lighting options that 

can be used for different tasks, such as 

getting ready for a party, studying and 

creating a relaxing ambience. 

8Knixhult pendant lamp, Dhs175, IKEA 

9 

ADD COLOUR AND TEXTURE WITH SOFT 

FURNISHINGS AND THROWS. IT’S AN EASY AND 

COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO SWITCH UP THE LOOK 

AND FEEL OF THE ROOM AS THEY GO THROUGH 

DIFFERENT PHASES. 

Cushions, 

Dhs139 (each), 

Aura 

10 

Throw pillows instantly make a room look 

more put together. Plus, they’re easy to 

throw on and off the bed without becoming 

a hassle for busy teens. 

bhomes.com | 37

INSPIRATION | at home with 

38 | bhomes.com

HANDCRAFTeD ZeN 

Jo England shows us around her sustainably furnished 

family home in Arabian Ranches 

For anyone who covets the rustic aesthetic of Dubai-based 

home décor studio Tribe, it comes as no surprise that its 

founder Jo England has designed a home that is a beautiful 

reflection of the boutique’s sustainable and natural influences. 

“Growing up in Australia, I was raised with a strong 

connection to nature,” explains Jo, as she sits on a handmade 

bamboo sofa from her new Nubambu range. Having lived in 

her Arabian Ranches villa for the last seven years, her home 

is an ode to her love of sustainable practices and travel. “I try 

to buy things with longevity, which means that all the pieces 

of furniture we own are meaningful to us as a family – they 

bhomes.com | 39

INSPIRATION | at home with 

hold our memories and make it feel like home. I bought the 

candlesticks on the dining table at a flea market in Florence,” 

she reveals looking around the room that showcases Tribe’s 

standout products along with repurposed pieces, such as a 

quilt dresser from China, which she bought while living in 

Malaysia. Indeed, before moving to Dubai in 2013, Jo and 

her family settled in Kuala Lumpur where she balanced her 

career in advertising with a passion for interiors. This saw her 

renovating a number of derelict villas. “I stripped them right 

down to their bare bones, re-planned the space and renovated 

them completely. I just loved the creative process.” After 

moving to the UAE, Jo took her flair for interiors to the next 

level by setting up Tribe in 2015 and decking out her home in 

her signature coastal zen look. 

All the pieces of 

furniture we own 

are meaningful to us 

as a family 

HANDMADE BY 

ARTISANS, THE ALANG 

WALL HANGING 

MAKES A BOLD 

STATEMENT 

40 | bhomes.com

At home with | INSPIRATION 

OLD MEETS NEW 

“I like mixing old and new pieces 

together for an eclectic look but I do 

work within a set palette, avoiding 

dark wood, for example,” says Jo. 

Sustainability is always a priority. 

“All the rugs in my home are from 

Armadillo & Co. They’re made by hand 

from natural and sustainable fibres, 

using Fair Trade practices. Plus, the 

proceeds go towards building schools in 

the villages of their weavers.” 

“I BOUGHT THESE 

CANDLESTICKS AT 

A FLEA MARKET 

IN FLORENCE” 

bhomes.com | 41

HOMELY TOUCHES 

“Life is so busy in Dubai that I 

need to be able to come home 

and feel relaxed,” says Jo. 

“As a practical designer, it is 

important that everything is 

functional while telling a story. 

For me, home is a collection of 

pieces that illustrate your life. 

My daughter used to collect 

pebbles wherever she went – 

particularly on the building sites 

I would be working on. Over 

the years, I kept each stone she 

chose and now they’re all in big 

glass jars in the cabinet.” With 

naturally sourced trinkets a 

theme throughout, Jo’s home 

also features several pots filled 

with shells and dried flowers. 

DRIED PLANTS AND 

FLOWERS ARE A 

SUSTAINABLE WAY TO 

DECORATE AS THEY 

BIODEGRADE 

42 | bhomes.com

at home with | INSPIRATION 

Home is a collection 

of pieces that 

illustrate your life 

bhomes.com | 43

THE JUNGLE GIVING LIFE IT A NEW LEASE OF 

WALL LIFE, CHART THIS IKEA SOFA HAS BEEN 

FROM REUPHOLSTERED URBAN NEST IN PINK VELVET 

CLEVERLY COVERS 

LIGHT SWITCHES 

AND THE A/C 

CONTROL PANEL 

I love relaxing 

in the teepee – it 

looks beautiful 

beside the pool 

GARDEN RETREAT 

With a distinct spa-like feel, Jo’s large garden has 

several zones designed for relaxing amid nature. 

“We’re lucky to have some big trees surrounding 

us and a great view of the golf course, which is 

gorgeous,” says Jo. A new addition to the space is 

the teepee (available at Tribe), “I love relaxing in 

the teepee – it’s perfect for this time of year, and 

looks really beautiful beside the pool.” Along with 

nurturing moments of zen, the space lends itself 

well to entertaining, as Jo enthuses: “In the winter 

my husband and I host parties around the pool – 

we love sharing the space with friends.” 

44 | bhomes.com

at home with | INSPIRATION 

TRIBE’S TONGA 

PLATES START 

FROM DHS100 

AND ARE 

HANDMADE SO 

EACH ONE IS 

UNIQUE 

Decorative hawana 

grass in pot, Dhs29, 

Home Centre 

Sinnerlig pendant 

lamp (bamboo), Dhs225, IKEA 

White gerba daisy 

macrame, Dhs149, Noire 

Edit at Namshi 

Oddrun throw in natural, Dhs55, IKEA 

GET 

THE 

LOOK 

FILL VASES WITH 

DRIED FLOWERS AND 

PLACE THEM AROUND 

YOUR HOME FOR A 

SUSTAINABLY CHIC LOOK 

Glass vase, Dhs249, 

Zara Home 

Malawi chair, 

Dhs850, Tribe 

bhomes.com | 45

INSPIRATION | home renovation 

Urban 

OASIS 

Interior designer Alma Babic-Jimoh 

tells us how she created a European 

style green retreat at her Mudon home 

46 | bhomes.com

in the garden with... | INSPIRATION 

bhomes.com | 47

ALMA ADDED ELEVATED 

PLANTER BOXES WITH FICUS 

TREES AROUND THE BOUNDARY 

WALLS FOR EXTRA HEIGHT 

A 

sense of calm washes over you as soon as you set foot 

in Alma’s garden. Perhaps it has something to do with 

the amount of oxygen generated by the many trees 

dotted around the plot, or the fact the secluded area 

exudes a near silence – bar the birds tweeting overhead – 

but it practically compels you to breathe a sigh of relief. 

“We wanted to create a green oasis with lots of trees – one 

that would remind us of our homeland, Germany,” explains 

Alma, an interior designer at Habitation Design 

(@habitation.design). Being surrounded by nature was a 

priority for Alma, her husband Ibrahim and their three 

children when they moved into their four-bedroom Mudon 

property in 2017, which they bought off-plan. “We started 

landscaping the garden immediately, drawing up ideas and 

calling upon our regular gardener to execute them,” she 

explains. “As it’s our first property, we were very excited 

and wanted to incorporate all the ideas we’ve seen and loved 

over the years, including a barbecue kitchen, swimming pool 

and outdoor shower. 

“Creating privacy was also really important to us,” she 

continues. “The community wouldn’t allow us to increase 

the height of the boundary walls, but they didn’t have any 

restrictions on trees, so we came up with the idea to have an 

elevated planter box with ficus trees all the way around.” 

Alma, who is a regular at the plant nursery in Al Warsan, 

selected a host of other green plants to join the line-up. “I’ve 

learned a lot about plants – I know which ones thrive in the 

shade and which don’t mind the sun. The children and I also 

enjoy growing our own herbs, vegetables and fruits.” As a 

family of nature lovers, it’s only right that Alma’s garden is 

the greenest of them all. 

48 | bhomes.com

in the garden with... | INSPIRATION 

We wanted to create a 

green oasis to remind us 

of Germany 

HOW TO NURTURE YOUR OWN FOLIAGE- 

RICH GARDEN: 

1 CREATE INTEREST BY PLANTING 

TREES RECESSED INTO THE GARDEN, AS 

OPPOSED TO JUST ALONG THE EDGES. 

2 BE EXPERIMENTAL BY USING A VARIETY 

OF DIFFERENT PLANTS – AL WARSAN 

PLANT NURSERY HAS A HUGE SELECTION. 

3 ADD LAYERS BY USING ELEVATED 

PLANTER BOXES ALONG WITH PLANTS AT 

GROUND LEVEL. THIS EARNS YOU SOME 

PRIVACY ALONG WITH A LUSH LOOK. 

Styling by: Hiral Kapadia Photography by: Muthu Kumar 

bhomes.com | 49

What’s cooking? 

We shine a light on seven kitchen trends that will breathe 

new life into the heart of your home 

Fritz Fryer, fritzfryer.co.uk 

50 | bhomes.com

kitchen trends | INSPIRATION 

Caesarstone Frozen Terra quartz surface 

WHILE IT HAS AN 

INDUSTRIAL EDGE, 

THIS PRACTICAL 

MATERIAL HAS 

SOME SERIOUS 

STYLE CLOUT 

Farmhouse chic 

About the look: Exposed brick, reclaimed 

wood, ceiling beams and earthy tones 

– the popularity of modern farmhouse 

style kitchens is on the rise in the UAE, 

especially with the growing number of 

modern builds springing up in the city 

that are delivering more open-plan, light 

filled spaces to the market. If you’re a 

fan of Fixer Upper duo Chip and Joanna 

Gaines, you’ll be well versed in this design 

style. Cosy and warm, the look is perfect 

for those who like to feel grounded, 

with its rustic style appealing to country 

bumpkins at heart. 

Why we rate it: The fundamentals of 

this look – beautiful, raw materials – will 

never go out of style. If you appreciate 

seeing the grain of the wood and are all 

about natural flaws, then you’ll never tire 

of it. Plus, you can add as many modern 

touches as you like to create that coveted 

glossy farmhouse chic look. 

How to make it happen: Wooden 

cabinets with a matte paint finish, open 

shelving and a large island with natural 

wood edge bar stools are some of the 

key characteristics that will pull this 

look together. For the flooring, choose 

engineered wood that shows the natural 

grain and opt for wide planks. Choose 

cool tones, such as washed oak for the 

best effect. Floorworld (floorworld.com) 

has a beautiful white oak, wide plank, 

engineered wood flooring (Dhs136/sqm), 

but if you’re on a budget you could opt 

for the Gerbur vinyl click in washed oak 

(Dhs85/sqm) for a similar look. IKEA’s 

farmhouse style Havsen white ceramic 

two-bowl sink, Dhs870, is a steal. To 

recreate an exposed brick wall, Diyar 

Home (diyarhome.com) has a great 

selection of clay bricks to choose from, 

including whitewash/cement cladding for 

a distressed look. 

Scavolini LiberaMente LiberaMente 

in Jaipur Red Fenix laminate 

Contemporary concrete 

About the look: Contemporary with 

a practical edge, using concrete (or 

concrete effect materials) in the kitchen 

makes a big impact. And while it has an 

industrial vibe, this practical material has 

some serious style clout. 

Why we rate it: The great thing 

about concrete is that it is extremely 

hardwearing so is a great option for 

everyone from design savvy execs to 

young families. Plus, you can style it 

WHY BERRY’S 

THE NEW BLUE 

Navy blue cabinets may be 

taking Pinterest by storm 

– and we’ll always love the 

look – but those who dare to 

be different will be jumping 

on the bolder deep berry red 

shades we are seeing this 

year. One of our favourites is 

this matte burgundy hue by 

Scavolini. We think it would 

look great when teamed with 

cream upper cabinets, or raw 

oak open shelving. But you 

can pair it with most neutrals 

for maximum effect. 

bhomes.com | 51

INSPIRATION | kitchen trends 

in various ways to make it sleek and 

modern, or distinctly rough around the 

edges. From floors to worktops, fixtures 

and fittings, you can use it everywhere 

to achieve a minimalist look and feel. It’s 

generally not as pricey as some other 

high-end materials but if you plump for 

an ambitious design, don’t be surprised if 

your quote racks up. 

How to make it happen: The locally 

based Concrete Design ME (concreteme. 

com) creates beautiful bespoke furniture 

and décor, including countertops and 

islands, in a variety of shades. RAK 

Ceramics (rakceramics.com) offers 

concrete style Maximus Mega Slabs that 

can be used on walls, floors, countertops 

and more. Alternatively, you can use the 

Lava Concrete ceramic tile, which comes 

in a range of shades and sizes, from 

white to dark grey. Team it with black or 

very dark grey hardware – we like the 

Grohe Atrio kitchen faucet line in brushed 

hard graphite. You can pick up matte 

black cabinet handles at IKEA. If you 

don’t want to go wall to wall concrete, 

break it up with a splash of white, cream 

or beige. The Caesarstone Frozen Terra 

quartz surface used for the island and 

countertop in the photo (previous page) 

blends the look nicely. Lastly, when 

choosing a contractor, it’s wise to check 

they have prior experience of working 

with concrete in the kitchen. 

Open shelving 

About the look: Open shelving in the 

kitchen is a huge style hit, but it takes an 

organised soul to do away with kitchen 

cabinets completely. You can choose 

the best material to suit your style – we 

love the rustic glam combination of the 

walnut shelves and marble countertop 

shown right – but the options are 

practically endless. 

Why we rate it: It’s a really flexible feature 

to introduce. Plus, it’s a great way to 

make compact kitchens appear larger. 

You can ease yourself in gently by simply 

removing your upper cabinet doors, or 

opt for a combination of closed cabinets 

and open shelves so you have the best 

of both worlds. It’s also a great solution 

for awkward spaces, when bespoke 

cabinetry is not an option budget-wise. 

And of course, if you pride yourself on 

your beautiful crockery collection, it is the 

perfect showcase for it all. 

How to make it happen: If you like the 

raw wood look, The Driftwood Factory 

A tile design that pops is a 

sure-fire way to add some 

character to your kitchen 

(driftwoodfactory.com) is your go-to 

for beautifully crafted, bespoke shelves. 

You can pick up floating shelves on the 

high-street – JYSK (@ jysk.uae) does 

a mean Abild floating shelf made from 

MDF in a variety of finishes – and there 

are many more options besides. Be sure 

to select a bracket style that blends well 

with your theme. 

Trailblazing tiles 

About the look: Move over white subway 

tiles. Currently, we’re all about designs 

that catch the eye. Indeed, selecting a 

tile design that pops is a sure-fire way 

to add some character to your kitchen 

– it can even spark an entire theme. So 

if beautiful tiles are your passion, we 

recommend you invest time in finding 

ones you love, and design the rest of your 

kitchen from there. 

Why we rate it: While bold tiles can 

seem trend-led, we argue that any 

great design will stand the test of time 

by packing your kitchen with plenty of 

personality that makes the space your 

own. Plus, focusing on the tile gives a 

clear direction for the rest of the kitchen 

– great if you are a home renovation 

novice – by keeping the worktops and 

cabinets pared down so the overall look 

doesn’t become overbearing. 

How to make it happen: You’ll be in your 

element at Sanipex Gallery (sanipexgroup. 

OPEN SHELVING IS A GREAT 

WAY TO MAKE COMPACT 

KITCHENS APPEAR LARGER 

52 | bhomes.com

Sainsbury’s Home 

com). We adore its porcelain Technicolour 

tiles, which are super skinny and available 

in a range of vibrant colours that you can 

mix and match. Alternatively, Mosaico 

cement tiles (@mosaico_tiles), which are 

handcrafted in the UAE, are worth saving 

up for. 

Two toned cabinets 

About the look: An easy way to add 

character to your kitchen – generally, 

you’d choose a darker colour for the 

lower cabinets and a lighter shade for 

those on top. 

Why we rate it: You can be playful with 

your colour combination; from classic 

navy blue and white to complementary 

pastels that pop. Just make sure there 

is a common element, such as brass 

handles, to tie it all together. 

How to make it happen: If your existing 

kitchen is in good shape, you could 

simply paint the cabinets. Or, pick and 

choose from one of the many fantastic 

kitchen suppliers on the doorstep. 

Cult furniture, 

cultfurniture.com 

IF YOU WANT TO 

SAVE ON MAN HOURS 

WHEN IT COMES 

TO INSTALLING 

BACKSPLASH, LOOK 

FOR PANELS THAT 

OFFER THE TILED 

LOOK IN LARGER 

PIECES 

POLISHED ROSE QUARTZ 

Brimming with natural beauty and luminosity, a polished rose quartz 

surface is easy to fall in love with. The semi-precious stone is durable 

and highly versatile, so you can use it in lots of different ways. 

“Feminine yet fierce, a pink quartz countertop will look great along 

a one-wall kitchen in an open plan living area,” says Miriam Llano, 

marketing manager at Cosentino Middle East. “If you have a large 

stretch of countertop, but don’t want it to dominate, you could 

simply use it on an island to bring a look together – it pairs well 

with soft warm tones, such as grey and gold. Or, consider using it 

as a backsplash in an all-white kitchen for a pop of interest.” 

Rose Quartz 2018 

by Cosentino 

bhomes.com | 53

54 | bhomes.com

garden renovation | INSPIRATION 

POOL 

PARTY 

How this Meydan garden was 

transformed from a sand patch 

into an entertaining hot spot 

A CLASSIC BLUE 

POOL TILE IS 

TIMELESS AND 

ELEGANT 

When a local family bought their Meydan 

home, getting the garden renovated and 

ready for entertaining was first on the 

agenda. They wanted an outdoor space with a 

wow factor where they could socialise with friends 

and family. Incorporating a modern majlis and 

show-stopping swimming pool were their nonnegotiables. 

After installing the pool, the family 

enlisted the help of Arushi Bhatngar, creative 

director at Fiona Environs (fionaenvirons.com) to 

turn the baron patch of sand into a garden fit for 

parties. “The house is a corner plot, so the space is 

huge, and the clients wanted to fill it with a wellthought-out 

design that works both functionally 

and aesthetically,” explains Arushi. With safety 

of paramount importance, the team installed an 

elegant glass fence around the pool. Plus, to make 

the space practical for entertaining, Arushi and 

the team created zones for dining, lounging and 

additional seating. One of the most important 

areas they designed was the contemporary 

majlis. “The landscape around it was inspired 

by Islamic architecture,” explains Arushi. “We 

fashioned geometrical patterns through paving 

stones and used mosaic tiles to draw the space 

together, adding water features and lush greenery. 

Splashes of colour were weaved throughout 

the space, with flowering plants and bamboo 

offering privacy from the neighbouring villa.” 

Before 

Turn the page for tops tips on planning a similar 

renovation at your home ➤ 

bhomes.com | 55

INSPIRATION | garden renovation 

THE VERDICT 

The homeowner loves 

their garden as it ticks all 

the boxes for Arabesque 

style entertaining alfresco. 

What was once a patch 

of sand is now fit to host 

parties all winter long. 

Five top tips 

Arushi Bhatngar, creative 

director at Fiona Environs 

shares her top tips for a 

show-stopping garden 

1 When choosing plants, opt for flora native 

to the region. Cacti and succulents are lowhydration 

plants, meaning they require less 

water, which makes them a sustainable choice 

– both for your wallet and the environment. 

2 Use permeable paving (pavements 

with spaces between them). They not 

only look elegant but help to avoid flooding, 

while keeping soil erosion under control and 

soaking up rainwater. 

3 Enhance the space by using different types of 

lighting. I like using LED strip lights under steps, 

focus lights between plants and wall-recessed 

lights to create an interesting design language. 

4 A sure-fire way to add the wow factor 

to your garden is with a beautiful infinity 

swimming pool. You’ll end up spending more 

time outside as you’re able to use the pool 

year-round and it adds an instant point of 

interest to the space. 

5 For a unique look, consider using grey 

porcelain in swimming pools and water 

features. It looks beautiful when submerged 

in water. 

THE DESIGN OF 

THIS MODERN 

MAJLIS CASTS 

A CAPTIVATING 

SHADOW ON THE 

TILE BELOW 

56 | bhomes.com

HOT 

Three leading agents at Betterhomes give us an 

exclusive look at a selection of the best homes for 

sale in the neighbourhoods they know and love 

PROPERTIES 

Meet the agents 

Andero 

Morgos 

Downtown Dubai 

“I joined Betterhomes in 

2018. I know Downtown 

inside and out and I 

specialise in the luxury 

market. Priding myself 

on my integrity and 

efficiency, I was voted 

the Top Leasing Broker 

for 2018 and promoted to 

Senior Consultant in 2019.” 

Maria Joao 

Beires 

Al Raha Beach, 

Yas Island and 

Saadiyat Island 

“Passionate about my 

work, finding my clients 

their dream home is a job I 

thoroughly enjoy. I’m friendly 

and a perfectionist, which 

works well with my proactive 

nature in sourcing the best 

properties for my clients.” 

Simona Mariana Barbulescu 

Jumeirah, Barsha, Al Sufouh, Umm Al Sheif 

“I love my job and am always available and ready to 

help my clients. A reliable agent, I guarantee a highquality 

service with a warm smile. Priding myself on my 

professionalism, I am enduringly optimistic but honest 

when helping people to find and secure their dream home.” 

58 | bhomes.com

View more listings at bhomes.com 

My top picks in 

Downtown Dubai 

These centrally-located properties 

are a cut above. Call me on 050 468 4110 

EXCLUSIVE TO BETTERHOMES 

AED18.5 million 

118 DOWNTOWN, 

DOWNTOWN DUBAI 

This huge penthouse feels like a spacious 

villa in the middle of the city, with 

quarters for your driver and maids. If 

privacy is key, you’ll find it here as there 

are only 28 residences in the entire tower. 

To find out more, call me quoting the 

reference code BHM-S-171159 

Bed: 4 Bath: 6 Parking: 3 Size: 6,650sqft 

EXCLUSIVE TO BETTERHOMES 


THE ADDRESS RESIDENCE 

FOUNTAIN VIEWS 1, 

DOWNTOWN DUBAI 

Offering a dash of luxury in the city, this 

apartment is serviced by The Address 

Hotel. Elegantly designed, the high-end 

building overlooks Burj Khalifa, so you’ll 

never miss a show. 




This elegantly 

designed 

apartment 

overlooks 

Burj Khalifa 

AED18 million 

INDEX, DIFC 

An exclusive penthouse, city views and 

modern finishings are the drawcard here. 

The dining area is a spectacular setting 

for dinner parties, while you can soak 

up the panoramic sea views from the 

balconies. 




bhomes.com | 59


YAS ACRES, YAS ISLAND 

In this brand new community 

developed by Aldar you will have a golf 

course and clubhouse, and the vibrant 

waterfront right on your doorstep. 

The home is modern with a stunning 

white kitchen. To find out more, call 

me quoting the reference code 

BHM-S-169931. Bed: 3 Bath: 3 Parking: 2 

Size: 3,545 sqft 


Saadiyat Island 

and Yas Island 

To view these beautiful abodes, 

call me on 052 651 5127 


YAS ACRES, YAS ISLAND 

This luxurious property is one of 1,315 villas 

that are part of the new Dhs6 billion golf 

course and waterfront development, 

Yas Acres. It has been finished to a high 

standard, with built-in wardrobes, fitted 

white goods and a large private garden. 


reference code BHM-S-172059. 



MAMSHA AL SAADIYAT, 

SAADIYAT ISLAND 

This gorgeous two-bedroom duplex 

apartment has unobstructed views of 

the beach and feels extremely high-end. 

Mamsha features a pristine 1.4km stretch 

of sand and will soon be home to diverse 

retail and dining outlets. To find out more, 

call me quoting the reference code 

BHM-S-172272. 

Bed: 2 Bath: 3 Parking: 1 Size: 3,304 sqft 

60 | bhomes.com

View more listings at bhomes.com 

AED25 million 

UMM SUQEIM 2 

This tastefully upgraded villa has a 

private location in a coveted corner 

plot. There are three bedrooms on the 

ground floor and five on the first floor, 

each with an en-suite. The garden is fully 

landscaped and it has a stunning pool, 

perfect for winters alfresco. 


reference code BHM-S-172234. RERA 

Permit No. 0438437527 



Jumeirah 


AL MANARA, AL WASL 

This coveted neighbourhood along the 

Dubai coast has spacious and luxury villas 

aplenty. You can reach me on 050 241 8576 

This huge villa is perfect for families who 

like to entertain, with its large majlis, 

outdoor kitchen and beautiful swimming 

pool. Plus, the lucky buyer who purchases 

this villa will get a brand new Rolls-Royce. 


reference code BHM-S-147796. 

RERA Permit No. 1204834955 


This tastefully 

upgraded villa 

is in a coveted 

corner plot 


UMM AL SHEIF VILLAS, 

UMM SUQEIM 

This brand new villa is in a great location, 

and has a large garden complete with 

a private swimming pool. It’s a vacant 

property, meaning you can move in 

swiftly. An added bonus is the built-in 

appliances, which are excellent quality. 


reference code BHM-S-170831. RERA 

Permit No. 1489393138 


bhomes.com | 61

THE PLACE TO MOVE TO 

MEYDAN 

Home to Meydan Racecourse, this glamorous 

neighbourhood competes for your attention with 

its coveted mix of luxury abodes and amenities 

Located in Nad Al Sheba, Meydan is 

within easy reach of Downtown Dubai 

while still enjoying the peace and quiet 

of suburbia. Cross the architectural 

marvel that is The Meydan Bridge and 

discover this integrated city brimming 

with high-end apartments, townhouses 

and villas alongside a brilliant lineup 

of attractions and amenities. 

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD 

IN A NUTSHELL 

Home to Meydan Grandstand, which 

hosts the annual Dubai World Cup (the 

world’s richest horse race), Meydan 

offers action and luxury in equal 

measure. Great for fitness fans, there’s 

over eight kilometres of scenic cycling 

and running tracks in District One of 

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City 

and basketball courts in Nad Al Sheba 

Park. The five-star The Meydan Hotel 

brings a stellar line-up of nightclubs. 

THE COMMUNITIES 

There are various sub-communities 

within the complex, including the 

swish apartment buildings in The Polo 

Residences and in the pedestrianised 

Meydan Avenue. For families, 

there are the Polo Townhouses 

and large villas in District One. 

SHOPS 

For your weekly shop there’s a large 

Spinneys and Walmart Hypermarket. 

Your closest mall, just a 15-minute 

drive away, is The Dubai Mall. 

THINGS TO DO 

As well as catching a horse race at the 

grandstand, The Meydan Hotel has a 

*Villas, townhouses and apartments 

Statistics correct at the time of going to press 

62 | bhomes.com

area guide | PROPERTY 

Iris Dubai 

LET’S CRUNCH 

THE NUMBERS 

15% 

The mean drop 

in rental rates 

for apartments in 

the neighbourhood 

(2019 vs 2018) 

clutch of restaurants, including Prime 

Steakhouse. In the Meydan Grandstand 

there’s the ambient Iris Dubai, which 

is the perfect spot for sundowners. 

SCHOOLS 

Safari Kid Nursery is in Meydan District 

One. Within Nad Al Sheba, there’s the 

well-established Rashid School for Boys, 

along with British curriculum primary 

school, Kings School Nad Al Sheba. 

Hartland International School, 

also with a British curriculum, is 

just a 10-minute drive away. 

TRANSPORT LINKS 

Meydan offers easy access 

to Al Khail Road and Sheikh 

Zayed Road via car and taxi. 

The nearest metro station is 

Business Bay or Burj Khalifa/ 

Dubai Mall – both of which are 

roughly a 15-minute drive away. 

Races at Meydan 

Grandstand, courtesy 

of The Meydan Hotel 

Meet the neighbours 

Dan Mounir has lived in Meydan for 

one year. “The central location is ideal 

for getting to Downtown and The 

Dubai Mall, while the community itself 

is very green with lots nice places to 

walk around. It’s a great community for 

sport lovers – there’s the cycle track, polo club for 

horse riding and tennis courts to keep you fit.” 

AVERAGE 

COST TO 

RENT AN 

APARTMENT 

1 BED AED 66,847 

2 BED AED 105,926 

3 BED AED 145,682 

22% 

Increase in 

demand for 

rentals 

(2019 vs 2018) 

HIGHEST 

PRICED SALES 

AED 8,159,400 (VILLA) 

AED 2,250,000 (APARTMENT) 

MEDIAN HOUSE PRICE* 

AED 1,517,040 

CHANGE IN PRICE 

OVER 2019 

-5.19% 

bhomes.com | 63

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styling tips and all the latest updates designed to inspire your next great home upgrade 

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64 | bhomes.com

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Betterliving March/April 2020

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