1
2
Learn how you can become part of this luxury condominium residence...
- 24/7 Security - Full Concierge Service - Good ROI with Rental Program, Etc...
Eagle Beach to be enriched with an Oasis
Office Hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm / Sat: 9am - 12pm Tel: (297) 587.1621 / (297) 733.1261 - info@oasisaruba.com
Hyatt Occidental Radisson RIU Palace Westin
Palm Beach
Amsterdam Manor La Cabana Chalet Suisse
Oasis Costa Linda Bucuti Beach Resort Manchebo Beach Resort
H Sasakiweg
EAGLE BEACH - Oasis Luxury Condominiums is a Mediterranean-style designed complex located on the prestigious Eagle Beach right next to Chalet Suisse consisting of a total of 35 units distributed on five (5) floors. The one, two and three bedroom suites have a perfect view of the ocean and beach. The units include, among other amenities, floor to ceiling glass doors and panoramic windows, spacious terraces, marble bathrooms, European kitchens with granite counter tops and a full stainless steel appliance package including washer and dryer. This 35-condominium complex will feature a beautiful swimming pool with a beach style entry with waterfalls and fountain and state of the art fiber optic lighting. The entrance of the building has a drive-up covered entrance and an elegant two-story lobby leading to the sun-filled hallways and corridors. The common area will facilitate the owners with a well-equipped gym overlooking the gardens and the pool. The garden will feel like an oasis true to the projects name. There will also be a recreation room and sofas throughout the common area to lounge and relax. Further amenities include a 24/7 security, a full concierge and a rental program for the owners who want to earn a return on their investment. The concierge service will be helpful to assist the owners in making their ‘homecoming’ a very pleasant return. Each condo will have one designated parking space exclusive to the owners. Construction on Oasis at Eagle Beach is moving fast. Fifteen of the thirty five units have already been sold. The condominiums will be ready for occupancy by March 2010. Oasis is located on Eagle Beach which allows for an easy access, even on foot, to the best casinos, restaurants, golf courses, shopping areas and night life the Aruba has to offer. The experienced sales team of Oasis invites you for a visit to learn about this new gem on the beach. The site tour will take you up in the complex where you will enjoy spectacular views of the ocean and beach as well as a wonderful view of Oranjestad where the cruise ships are docked. The views from the rooftop terrace are stunning to say the least. The Oasis sales team is ready to assists you. Office hours are from Monday thru Friday from 10AM till 4PM and Saturday from 9AM till 12PM. You can also call for an appointment on telephone numbers 587.1621 or 733.1261 or by email at info@oasisaruba.com.
Or J.E .
an
jes
Ira usq
uin
tad
Bl vd .
3
HOUSE COMPLETE November 2009
OUR TEAM PUBLISHER: Cross Media NV
DIRECTORS: René van Norel Marcel van Schie
PHOTOGRAPHER:
4 ------------5 ------------8-9 ---------10-11 ------12-13 ------14-15 ------16-17 ------18-19 ------20-21 ------22-23 ------24-25 ------26 ----------28-29 ------30-31 ------32 -----------
Detail Art Living Today Benefits of a Real Estate Agent Old Pictures of Aruba Simply Natural Living Room Tuscan Kitchen Prevent Your Children from Posioning Mediterranean Garden Outdoor Living Gadgets Arabian Bedroom International Architechture Christmas Trends Top 5 Unusual Houses Animals of Aruba
Rosalie Klein Jairo Everon
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Alma de Vries
Rosalie Klein Alma de Vries Minjanou Ponson Heleen Bongers
GRAPHIC DESIGN:
PROOF READING:
Twenty Eleven Design Studio
CONTENT THIS EDITION
Heleen Bongers
Email: info@house-complete.com www.house-complete.com For advertising information and rates: contact Cross Media NV via email or call 588-6988/563-6468
TRENDY WALLS The Iconic panels by B + N will transform any wall, flat or textured. These four foot by eight foot (approximately) formed laminate over carved wood panels are a great alternative to wallpaper or other wall finishes. In fact, the iconic panels are rather artistic, acting as bas relief sculptures. Available in matte or glossy finishes and in various modish colors—such as red, chocolate, and black—B and N’s panels can transform rooms into atmospheric sets.
These panels are particularly good for open spaces lacking architectural definition such as lofts and offices or to hide less-than-ideal drywall work. (www.bnind.com)
www.casnan.com
THE BIGGEST
Real Estate Portal SOMBRE
Kamay 85
Beautiful Mansion, on a hill side in a very quiet neighborhood, close to andwith views overlooking the High Rise Hotels & Beach Area. 5 bedrooms and bathrooms, pool, 2x Jacuzzi, garage, laundry, etc. etc..
$ 6.750,- p/m
Spacious 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms house located close to Aruba's National Park and other tourist attractions, in a very quiet neighborhood. The house a living and dining area, kitchen, a 23 m2 front porch, covered back patio with toilet, laundry and working space. The property is completely fenced and the yard is fully bomanited. There is a two (2) vehicles garage with automatic doors. Enjoy the breeze in the porch and back patio close to Aruba's finest natural areas.
ERA Solito Real Estate P.O.Box 183 Concessielaan 8 Tel.: (297) 583-7400
www.renthousearuba.com
www.erasolito.com
$ 300.000 Advantage Realty
Paseo Herencia Mall Tel. (297) 586 4900 / Fax. (297) 739 9191
www.remax-arubarealestate.com
Sabana Liber
Keito 20-B
This 3 bedroom house is located in the quiet child-friendly neighbourhood of Wayaca and is just 5 minutes from the ocean and Oranjestad. For sale or for rent. For more information, please contact Randolph Arends.
The house is located on the corner of the most beautiful snorkel beach of Aruba, Mangel halto. The house has been totally renovated in 2007, and it’s surrounded with a lot of space. It has a European kitchen of 30 m2 .The spacious living room is 50 m2 adjoining a porch of 45 m2. It also has a great gazebo in the garden. There are 3 Bedrooms – 3 Bathrooms and an apartment. Property is completely fenced and has landscaped garden with a lot of fruit trees.
$ 336.723
Fast Rent House Aruba NV Sabana Liber 265, Noord Tel: 587 - 1971 Fax: 587 - 3460
Wayaca 210
Spaans Lagoenweg # 59 B
Spacious 4 bedroom property plus 2 apartments plus 3 studio's,in North, near Palm Beach. The fully fenced yard has 904m2 of land.The constructed area is 217m2 for the main house plus top floor One apartment has 1 bedroom, and the other has 2 bedrooms. Great location near all North attractions and beaches.
House for Sale, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.
House for sale AFL. 132.300 AFL 2.500,- p/m Living Today Aruba Wayaca Residence 373 Tel/fax: 583-0949 - Cell: 593-9177
www.livingtoday.aw
$ 336.517 - AFL 599.000 CENTURY 21 Best & Solid Real Estate Palm Beach 4-G, Aruba Tel. (+297) 586 42 42
www.arubahouses.com
House with land AFL. 205.000 Solito 100, Aruba Dutch Caribbean Phone: 582-8080
www.betterhomesaruba.com
46
Express yourself… It’s all in the details SSTAND BY YOUR MAN…
1 PLEASE FENCE US IN….
Or get out of the way when they take up the cooking O tongs and let them do their stuff at a stunning outdoor to k kitchen where the barbecue pit is the main a�rac�on. Barbecue B is usually considered a man’s domain, and this t family is proud of it!
Decora�ve exterior walls and fencing are common in Aruba, but these custom made wrought iron crea�ons reveal the consuming interest of the occupants, as they surround the home of Women’s World Champion Windsurfer Sarah-Quita Offringa and her family!
The choices one makes in home décor are, for many, the principal creative expression of their style and taste. th When welcoming guests to your house you are often putting on a display of your interests and what you consider beautiful, and when visitors compliment you on your choices, it is gratifying. For some, their abode is simply a place to rest and relax, for others, a very individual statement, and here are examples of some very creative décor, interior and exterior to be found around Aruba, which may inspire and inform.
A PERSONAL WELCOME…..
C Carol Habibe is a crea�ve ar�st, and one of her more recent nt passions is working with mosaics. Drawing inspira�on from m the culture and images of island life, she has created thiss lady in na�ve costume to greet guests at her gate. e.
4 OUTDOOR LIVING IN ARUBA AT ITS BEST…
Elegant, comfortable and untypical pa�o furniture, clean white curtains to shade the sun and a ar�s�c decora�ve touches combined with a profusion of greenery make this pool deck a place to spend the en�re day with guests and truly enjoy island life.
2 U UNIQUE EXPRESSIONS E OF O ISLAND LIFE… L
O of the best ways One tto enhance your island h home is by checking o out the local galleries aand the fine work by m many superb Arubabased ar�sts. The colors of the Caribbean inspire; pain�ngs and sculptures span the Realis�c, Impressionis�c and Abstract schools. Enhance your home with accessories declaring you truly live in the tropics!
7
Living Today Aruba After gaining business experience in Aruba during many years, Randolph Arends started a new generation in real estate in June 2009, called Living Today Aruba. Next to the many real estate companies in Aruba, Living Today Aruba profiles herself as an innovator in professional mediation between buyer and seller, where all aspects of rental and selling are handled. Key words as trust, flexibility and quality create a win-win situation for all involved. Customer focus and personal approach are highly valued in this company. Randolph Arends’ local and worldwide network connections have made him a rising star in the real estate sector.
Living Today Aruba, a powerful name, corresponds with the character of the company and that is to make every client aware that they should enjoy their life every day. When a property is for sale or for rent, either long term or short term, Living Today Aruba is there for you on a neutral basis, to help you make the right choice in investing for yourself or together with your loved ones. When investing in properties for renting purposes in Aruba, Living Today Aruba offers you their services in property management for your highest return of investment.
“Every mediation is a challenge and the challenge is to find the right match for every client”, Randolph says. For foreign investors from Europe, Canada, United States and the Caribbean, Randolph has been appointed as a trust person for their property investments. The yield of these investments is the basic principle for this cooperation. Apart from the property listings on the Aruban webpage www.casnan.com, Living Today Aruba has her own, daily updated website, www.livingtoday.aw. Living Today, your partner in property mediation!
10
BENEFITS OF HIRING A REAL ESTATE AGENT when buying a property
• They will help guide through the process. Finding your way in today’s real estate market can be complicated and thus stressful, so if you want to save both time and money, it is essential to have a real estate professional at your side that has the necessary training and experience to guide you through the entire process. • They will give you up-to-date market information. Whether you are looking for a classic country “cunucu” house, a luxury condo close to the beach, or a state-of-the art home closer to the city, you need to have the necessary information at your disposal to be able to make the best possible decisions. Information like average per square foot cost and average selling prices for the type of home you are aiming for are essential to be able to locate the best property at the best price.
Where Quality and Technique Unite! Tel. (297) 592 8191 / 743 7746 info@rotecharuba.com www.rotecharuba.com
Electrical Installations
UPS Systems
Troubleshooting
Lighting
Design & Drawings
Data Systems
Maintenance
Telecom Systems
Inspections
Plumbing
Generators
Alarm Systems
11 • They will assist you in locating your dream home. Once you have established your budget for the home you’re going to buy (and received a Loan pre-approval from a lending institution), your real estate agent will help you determine the criteria for your home: size, layout, pricing, etc. Based on these specifications you can then start searching for the “perfect” house by checking out their website, driving around neighborhoods, and later on visiting the properties that have caught your attention. • They will refer you to the right people. When purchasing a new home, you will also need the services of other companies or institutions, like banks (mortgage loan), insurance companies (life insurance, fire insurance), a civil law notary (transfer title) and local government agencies (transfer taxes). A real estate agent will help you save time by referring you to the right people.
• They will close the best deal for you. Real estate agents are professionals who have been trained to represent their clients in the best possible way. They work well under pressure and because they are acting on behalf of somebody else’s property, they will not allow their emotions to play a role in the negotiating process. By hiring a real estate professional, you can be assured that you will get the best possible deal for your dream house…
Aruba’s
12 10
Beaches in the old days
In the old days, the beaches of Aruba were unexplored territories. Before sunbathing, swimming and watersports became en vogue, Aruba’s beaches consisted of virgin white sand bordered by crystal clear waters and towering coconut palms.
the Sunfish, but with a flat deck) or the Spike (with two sails). And of course there was Baby Beach with its shallow water. In between both beaches, the Lago Colony Social Club, called The Esso Club, was built.
The first beach that was developed for people to enjoy was Rodger’s Beach. As of the early thir es, the Lago Colony community loved swimming or just frolicking in the water. There was a slide on the water’s edge and people went sailing on boats like the Sailfish (like
On the other side of the island, Palm Beach and Eagle Beach were wai ng to be discovered. They were quite hard to reach, only accessible on foot or on a donkey’s back through the ‘mondi’, the rough countryside. Only once in a while young people undertook the long walk to take a swim.
Court
R fe
Rodger’s Beach in the fif tiess, featuring slide and Sailfi shes
ger’s Beach, Big Dock at Rod d ttower gboard featuring a sprin
Bubali # 117 E
Arash Ara ashii Beach featuring the Califo C l rnia aLight house
L.G. Smith Blvd. # 556
Savaneta on the Beach
Advantage Realty Spacious house located in very nice, safe and upscale neighborhood. Nice landscaped garden, with double garage. Fitness room with equipment. Pool & Spa area. An apartment in yard of 16 m2. 4 bedrooms/ 3 bathrooms
US$ 690,000.00
A lovely home in one of Aruba’s most prestigious areas, it is just steps to the famous Boca Catalina Beach and Arashi Beaches and some of the best snorkeling in Aruba. The back of the house abuts Tierra Del Sol’s property, but it is a designated “nature reserve”. House has 5 bedrooms/ 5 bathrooms and a new 4 m x 7 m pool, surrounded by natural gardens (with drip irrigation system).
www.arubacoastlinevillas.com Or call Desi Johnson at: 739-9191/ 586-4900
US$ 1,450,000.00
www.remax-arubarealestate.com
13 11
m
Courtesy of lago-colony.co
B ach at Fishermen’s P llm Be Pa Huts, looking south
Courtesy of lago-colony.
com
Palm Beach at Fishermen’s Huts, looking north
The fi first rst beach facility faci fa cililility ci ty on on Pa P Palm alm l Beach lm Bea each h was the ‘Aruba Palm Beach Swimming Club’, located just south of the Wes n Resort. When the Police Social Club (POVA) built its club house on the beach where now the Holiday Inn is located, roads were built to link both beach facili es to the village of Noord.
Lago High Sch ool beauties enjoying sunb athing at Rodger’s Beach , in the fifties
Courtesy of lago-c olony.com
Basi Ru , where Playa Linda is now, was the first facility for tourists in 1957; the Aruba Caribbean Hotel became the first luxury resort of the island in 1959, exactly 50 years ago this year. A boulevard was built, linking Malmok and Palm Beach to the capital of Oranjestad. That also meant the opening up of the Eagle Beach and Punta Brabo areas, where the so-called Low-Rise Hotels were built. The rest is, as they say, history. *More on the history of Aruba’s tourism can be found in the Tourism chapter of www.historiadiaruba.aw (in Dutch and English). There is also a new book out on the same subject called “Crea�ng One Happy Island, land la nd,, Th nd The e St SStory ory of Aru Aruba’s uba ba’s Tourism.”
tesy of lago-colony.com
s, ’s Beach late fortie err’s ge dg Rod ock. eaturing the Big D
Courtesy of lago-colony .com
Arashi Beach in the fif ties Paradera # 199 G
Pos Abao # 10 K
Seroe Biento # 27 A
Brand new house in upscale Paradera, which consists of 4 bedrooms/ 3 bathrooms, nice modern kitchen with pool and Jacuzzi, spacious garden. A panoramic view of the Hooiberg and surroundings. Paved road.
A modern old cunucu style new house, just 3 minutes drive to the Eagle Beach. 3 bedrooms/ 2 bath, with modern kitchen and counter top. House has a pool, a gazebo and a guest room in the yard. Fenced property.
Gorgeous 2 story house on a hill. Sales price house is including completion of house. 3 Bedrooms/ 1.5 bathrooms.
US$ 750,000.00
US$ 315,000.00
US$ 185,400.00
ic from Locals dancing to mus el’ at a folkloric ‘Caha di Org picnic on Palm Beach, in the fifties
Malmok Ocean Front
www.arubacoastlinevillas.com Or call Desi Johnson at: 739-9191/ 586-4900
Sabana Liber 23-P
Great deal. Reduced price. Nice 3 bedroom/ 2 bathroom home with carport, pool in Palm Court Sabana Liber, great neighborhood...Built up size is 176 m2
US$ 205,000.00
Nobody Sells More Real Estate... Nobody!
Simply Natural
14
F A M I L Y
R O O M
The word simple means easy, uncomplicated and the word natural means relating to nature, not artificial. The inspiration for our living room of this month comes from these two key words. In today’s frantic world where we are constantly running around trying to get things done, we need to have a place to go to at the end of each day, where we can feel right at home the moment we walk through the front door.
CASUAL AMBIANCE
If you want to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your living room, it is important to clear this room from all clutter. To create the feeling of space and serenity in your family room, coat your walls, doors and windows in a soft, natural shade. For your floors, make sure to use natural materials, like dark hardwood or terracotta tiles. To center your furniture, cover part of your floor with a simple, natural-looking rug made of hemp, sisal or bamboo. If you have a dining area that is close-by, make sure to incorporate this into your family room area by using the same type of interior dĂŠcor design.
When choosing which furniture to use, opt for the ones that have simple, clean lines to create a casual, contemporary, laid-back look in your living room. Upgrade the appearance of your furniture if needed by ordering slipcovers that you can easily wash. Remember to use a textile that is natural, soft to the touch, and done in a neutral color, like white, off-white or beige. Allow the sun to shine through in your living room by using light, sheer fabrics for your windows.
15
NATURAL ACCESSORIES
Create extra comfort in your living room by getting a nice selection of throw pillows done in different shades of the same basic colors, like yellow, red, green or blue, that will contrast the darker-colored furniture you have used in your living room. Add one or more large mirrors, framed with wicker or faded wood, to create an added feeling of space in the room. Accentuate the theme of nature by placing one or two large tropical plants in the corners of the living room. If you prefer not to have any plants inside, but you still want to give your living room a touch of nature, you can also place some nice-looking tropical leaves (large or small) in tall, clear vases filled with water.
Display some of the natural treasures you have found (sea pebbles, sea shells, soft coral or driftwood) while taking a nice dive in Aruba’s warm ocean or while hiking alongside Aruba’s rugged north coast. Place a nice selection of hurricane lanterns around the room and light them up whenever you would like to create an extra cozy atmosphere in your family room…
16
Tuscany has always been known for its incredible landscapes, its simple, but delectable cuisine and its rich artistic legacy. It is also the birthplace of the Renaissance Movement, as well as some world-renown figures like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. This beautiful region, situated in the north-central part of Italy, with some well-known cities like Florence and Pisa, will serve this month as our main source of inspiration to create a stunning Tuscan inspired kitchen.
A TASTE OF TUSCAN AMBIANCE
When cruising through the Tuscan countryside, you will come across huge fields of bright yellow sunflowers, purple lavender fields, dark green olive groves and vineyards filled with burgundy and white grapes. The rustic Tuscan kitchen draws its inspiration mostly from this dazzling outdoor scenery. So to create a rustic Tuscan ambiance in your kitchen, try to incorporate as many natural materials and colors as possible. For your walls you could use a golden yellow shade or some other vibrant color that will bring the sunshine into your kitchen; for your cabinetry you could opt for colors like light or dark brown, olive green or rustic gray, combined with rustic looking or contemporary knobs. For your countertops you could use limestone, granite or marble, done in natural colors.
Ah! the Tuscan View...
17
IT
Rustic Accessories*
Y
KITCHEN ESSENTIALS
The Italians like to celebrate “la dolce vita” (the good life) and they know like no others how to drink and eat well. The Tuscan cuisine is simple and those that love to cook know how to turn a few basic ingredients, like olive oil, pasta, fish and choice meat into a real family feast. In Tuscany the families love spending hours cooking and eating together, so if you want to follow their example, you should get a large kitchen island big enough for the occasions when more people are preparing a lunch or dinner together. A Tuscan kitchen would not be complete without a cozy dining area nearby where you can spend some quality time with your family and friends enjoying the food and company.
¨A Tuscan kitchen would not be complete without a cozy dining area nearby where you can spend some quality time with your family and friends enjoying the food and company.¨
RUSTIC ACCESSORIES
If you want a real Italian-looking kitchen, you should consider purchasing some rustic looking jars and decanters to store different-sized pasta, beans, olive oil, etc. and displaying them around the kitchen. If you love cooking Italian food with fresh herbs, like basil, oregano, rosemary and sage, you could plant your own herbs and place them on a special spot near the kitchen window, where there is enough sun for them to thrive. Your cooking utensils should always be within reach, so try to get some rustic-looking utensil holders made of a natural material, like terracotta. Complete your Tuscan kitchen with some great accessories made of rustic wrought iron like light fixtures, a few plant stands and a beautiful wine rack to display your Italian wine collection. Celebrate the completion of your project with a nice glass of Tuscan wine. Salute!!
18
PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM POISONING Children naturally explore by putting things into their mouths. In the time it takes to answer the phone or go to the door, a child can swallow poison if it has not been properly stored. Poisoning occurs every 30 seconds; more than half of this number occurs at home to children under the age of 5. Not realizing the hazards of poisoning is easy: which normal adult human being would regard a bottle of Clorox, nail polish remover or dishwashing liquid as something you would like to take a sip from? Or swallow all kinds of lovely-colored looking pills by the handful? No, that would be more something for a young child, surely.
Close supervision is therefore very important, but it is also good to know the top 6 in the poisoning of children: 1. medications 2. alcoholic beverages 3. cleaning products 4. cosmetics 5. pesticides 6. paints and solvents So here are some tips to prevent poisoning. Of course they sound a bit `duuuh’, but just take a minute to check off this list and change what should be changed. All substances that may be dangerous to your child should be locked away and out of reach. Use child-resistant packaging and always replace caps after use. Never call medicine `candy’; your child may want some as most pills suspiciously resemble candy. And do not store harmful products in food containers, as this may confuse your child. And something you might not think of: remove children as well as their toys before you spray pesticide.
19 Signs of poisoning are: severe throat pain, difficulty in breathing, unexplained nausea and vomiting and burns on the lips or around the mouth. Also the appearance of unusual drowsiness can be an indication that something harmful has been ingested. Smell your child’s breath to determine what it may have eaten or drunk. And do not shout: talk quietly to your child and ask him or her to point out what has been eaten or drunk. Never get angry, as the child might clam up in fear of punishment.
If you suspect poisoning, call for help right away. Go straight to the emergency room of the Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital or to the medical institute in San Nicolas (Insam) and contact your pediatrician or physician to ask him or her to call the emergency room of your local hospital to tell them that you will be coming in. Tell everyone exactly what has happened and do not forget to bring the container, medicine bottle or plant in question with you.
THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN
20
The countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, like North Africa, Tunisia, Egypt, Greece, Italy and Spain, have a wonderful climate (summers: hot and dry; winters: wet and mild) that enables their inhabitants to have beautiful gardens that they can enjoy almost year-round. Some other countries that form part of the Mediterranean zone (i.e. have the same climates) are: South Africa, South and South- West Australia, Central Chile and California. Aruba is very fortunate to have a similar type of weather that will enable you to create a magnificent Mediterranean garden. Next we present you some ideas on how to achieve this.
Lavender
Stars Jasmine Bougainvillea
GARDEN ESSENTIALS
Mediterranean people love to create a stunning garden as the backdrop of an outdoor sitting or dining area where they can spend hours entertaining their family and friends. Most of the time these entertainment areas form part of the general structure of the main house (patio, veranda), but they can also be constructed as a separate structure (pergola) on a nice spot in the garden. If so, try to construct a nice stony path that leads to this area, especially when you are planning to use this place a lot in the future. Create something unique in your garden by using a nice combination of trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers and accents. Make sure to include plants that will bring a lot of color to your garden. The more colors you use, the more vibrant your garden will look. For a great effect try to place the plants with the brighter colors like yellow, red, and purple in the foreground, while placing the darker colored ones in the background. Mandarin Honeysuckle
Pink Oleander
Yellow Hibiscus
21
GARDEN EXTRA’S
A Mediterranean-style garden is not complete without a nice Mediterranean scent. To create a sweet-smelling aroma in your garden, plant some aromatic herbs like lavender, thyme, sage and rosemary on sunny spots throughout the garden and you will get to enjoy this natural perfume for many years to come. If you would like to create extra shade for your outdoor sitting or dining area, you can plant some beautiful grape vines in large terracotta pots that can grow up a trellis to the roof of the pergola. Create a great ‘vista’ (focal point) by placing an eye-catching fountain in the center of your garden. Give your Mediterranean garden its final touch by decorating it with some unique garden sculptures.
22
OUTDOOR LIVING
How to create a great outdoor lounge area On a beautiful island like Aruba, where we get to enjoy great weather almost year-round, more and more people are learning to use this great asset to their benefit by creating comfortable outdoor lounge areas where they can go after a hard day’s work to recharge their batteries, while watching a dazzling sunset.
Expand your space Residential architects in the States have been noticing a new trend in the past few years between the downsizing of properties and the expansion of outdoor living areas. Many people who are trying to economize are consciously choosing to live in smaller-sized homes, while upgrading their outdoor living areas. This is a wise choice, especially when you have young kids that like to run all over the place. A few ways to do this is by constructing a traditional deck, a porch or a patio or by creating a colorful lounging area around the swimming pool or other special spot in the backyard. Whatever you decide, make sure it is cozy and enjoyable for your family and friends.
onstruction
nterior
Jamanota 19D Santa Cruz, Aruba
EcaiBA is there for all your home and business needs. We do construction as well as design and manufacture complete interiors for example for restaurants and bars. EcaiBA will partner with you to create a solution that you will love for years to come.
Ph: +(297) 732 5365 Fax: +(297) 585 5301 Email: ecaiba@gmail.com
Use comfortable furniture
23
There is a vast selection of outdoor furniture on the market from which you can choose to help you create something truly unique in your backyard. You can opt between teak or cedar furniture, wicker or rattan and also aluminum; this material is very lightweight, durable, and comes in very contemporary styles. If you’re a handy DIY-person, you can also design and construct your own outdoor furniture. A simple bed frame can easily be turned into a chill out area for you and your kids, where you can spend hours reading and having fun. A lounge area would not be one, without plenty of cushions. You can use a combination of different sized cushions done in colorful prints to enliven your outdoor lounge “room”. Remember to get cushions that are done in a weather-proof material that can withstand Aruba’s hot sun and occasional showers.
Decorate with color Once you have your furniture in place, it’s time to create some shade in your backyard. You can do this by draping some colorful textiles (weatherproof if possible) over the more exposed areas. If something sturdier is needed, you can go for a more traditional umbrella. They come in all kinds of styles and colors nowadays, so the possibilities are endless. Finish your outdoor lounge “room” by grouping some distinct pots together, placing some colorful side tables on spots where they can easily be reached and remember to invest in some beautiful glassware to use when you have your guests over. We wish you many happy chill-out moments in your new outdoor lounge area…
24
Bikini Vase
$14
Decorative designer Pickel Pampanel, (yes, it is really their name!) created this bit of elegant whimsy for PA design. White ceramic is separated by a plastic tube, which seems to disappear when the flowers are inserted, providing a “peek-a-boo” effect as if your blooms are wearing a bikini. A most unique way of displaying your bouquets, it will enhance your flower-friendly home.
www.chiasso.com
$21
Huck’s Design
Chain-Multi-purpose Storage
Huck’s of New Zealand came up with this modular product that is limited in scope and arrangement only by your imagination. Stack for a wine rack, hang on the wall for a funky towel holder, or place anywhere and in any fashion that will fill the purpose you require and the space you have on hand. Starter set has ten modules of tough, polycarbonate plastic and measures 1340 mm in length. It puts the “fun” back in functional!
IceOrb
www.kitchencritic.com
$16
Ice Orb from Fusionbrands is the modern answer to making, storing and deploying ice when you don’t have an automatic ice maker. 21 cubes are formed in the outer shell, and up to 51 can be stored inside, airtight and odor-free. Makes a great wine chiller or cold server for veggies, fruits and dips you want to keep cool and fresh. Imaginative and practical, it will produce more cubes and take up less space in your freezer than conventional trays.
www.thefrisky.com
X Mini Speakers
$29
Don’t let listing to your favorite tunes on your MP3 device isolate you from friends and good times! These mini-speakers are small enough to carry in your pocket, or store several in a back pack. Daisy-chain three or four for astounding surround sound and you have an instant disco at a friend’s, in the park, by the beach, or wherever! When friends are wondering what to do, you can answer, “Let’s party down, dudes!”
www.ubergizmo.com
Cube World
The 21st century answer to an ant farm is Cube World, without the muss, fuss or chance of escaping inhabitants. There are four different categories of stick figure, each capable of hundreds of actions. Put two cubes of the same type-sporty “Slim” for example, together and they will actually interact in various ways, which can prove quite amusing. Up to sixteen cubes can be mounted together horizontally and vertically for a constant show. A game mode is included, and you can actually control some of your stick figure’s behavior, such as causing it to fall down whenever you tumble the cube over and over.
25
$24
.95
www.firebox.com
$40
Notebook Portable Grill
Fire up an ordinary occasion with this wonderfully stylish and convenient way to bring on the barbecue! Sturdy construction is camouflaged by this slim and simple fold up design that allows you do set up for a barbecue feast in nearly any location, turning an afternoon in the park or day at the beach into a feast. This is the vintage sports car of barbecues, sleek and handsome, and can easily and securely rest on table tops or terraces where a normal sized grill would be awkward or prohibited. We can hear those steaks sizzling already!
www.campist.com
24
Interior Design Arabian Nights bedroom
f you’ve had the opportunity in the past to travel to some of the countries in the Far East, like Israel, Morocco or Oman, your mind has probably stored up some incredible images you will not soon forget, like stunning desert oases, wealthy sheiks, traveling Bedouins, bustling street markets, and a ernoons sipping a cup of hot mint tea. This ancient place is the birthplace as well of many legends, myths, and famous childhood stories like “Aladdin”, and the Magic Genie, who came out of a lamp to grant him three wishes. If you want to bring in this kind of magical atmosphere into your own bedroom, then read on because your wish is our command…
SPICY COLORS
The people living in these faraway countries are known to use a lot of flavorful spices in their daily meals. The most popular ones are: turmeric, cumin, paprika, saffron, ginger and cinnamon. For the color scheme of your Arabian inspired bedroom, you could draw inspira on from these spices; their colors range from a so ginger yellow to a rus c paprika red. For the walls of the bedroom you can either use white or a so orange color that reflects the Saharan desert sand. To achieve an authen c Far Eastern look, try incorpora ng a small amount of sand in your paint or apply the color wash technique for a textured effect on your walls. Make sure to use a more neutral color for the bedding and richer colors for the curtains and throw pillows of your bedroom.
ECLECTIC FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES
For a truly eclec c look in your bedroom, you can use a few modern furniture pieces you already own and combine these with some accent pieces you imported from that region, like a few side tables, a comfortable chair, a beau ful carved bench or a uniquely ornamented screen for one of the corners of your bedroom. The furniture from the Far East area tends to be dark wood, carved or painted with beau ful mo fs. If you cannot find them on the island, you can try to use furniture instead that have the same kind of look, like Spanish or French furniture. On the internet there are some great sites that offer you furniture and accessories you can use for your bedroom. Contrast the darker colors of the furniture by using accessories done in lighter shades.
27 25
MAGICAL ATMOSPHERE E
Frame your windows and some mee of yyou your ourr side side win ingg fa fabr bric icss doors with lightweight, flowing fabrics ou h avee av done in the same rich colorss yyou have m. FFor or an an already used for your bedroom. make ke authen c Far Eastern look, ma off sure your bedroom has plentyy o e big cushions on the bed, the chairs and on the floors. Try to purchase pillows done in high quality fabrics, like so o organic co on or luxurious ssilks. If you have hardwood d floors or ceramic les, make ke ssure to cover part of them with th a couple of contemporary so ru ar rugs or a few tradi onal Far Ea ur Eastern rugs. Complete your “A m “Arabian Nights” bedroom by placing some tradi onal al ca d candle-lit glass lanterns around th the room to create the magicall atmosphere you are aiming for… at …
28
International Architecture Designed by Australian architecture firm Kavellaris Urban Design, this house has a contemporary interior with a unique facade that can go from opaque to translucent or be fully opened to the outdoors. Behind massive sliding walls, the house is composed of an artistic interior with fascinating details, which provide a very unique character. This innovative house plan puts the main gathering areas on the first floor, with outdoor living rooms opening onto a north-facing terrace and a beautiful wall mural in the garden. The architects are vocal in their opinion that in the 21st century, the designing of homes is still very much anchored in prosaic and archaic standards. “Old architectural aesthetics can be both silly and unsustainable,” they believe. Incorporating space age technology in the materials, the details of the Perforated House “poses a commentary on modern homes with designs that adhere strongly to traditional typologies.”
Blurring the boundaries between public and private spaces, indoors and out, the home’s exterior is reflective by day, producing a solid look adorned with graphics.
29
By night, the home becomes a modern, semi-transparent light box.
Kavellaris Urban Design particularly criticizes the modern terraced home, which they feel “holds a stronger link with romanticized nostalgia rather than good design.” They set out to completely innovate this staid architectural execution by creating this case study house with an ironic and more eco-friendly aesthetic; upper-level bi-fold doors allow the home to transition from public to private, space to void — and then back.
THE USE OF OPERABLE WALLS, DOORS, CURTAINS AND GLASS WALLS ENABLES THE OCCUPANTS TO CONTROL THE EXPERIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT.
Fast Rent House Aruba NV Aruba Sabana Liber 265, NoordCall: +297 5871971 Fax: +297 5873460 om www.renthousearuba.c
This rental above your budget?... ...Our rental prices start from $ 460,- per month!
30
We wish you:
a trendy
and stylish
Christmas Christmas is here before you know it. It’s lurking around the corner and catches you unaware at an inopportune moment; it is often a time of haphazardly decorating your house, frenzied, last-minute searching for gifts and spending way too much money. Not this year! House Complete will have you ready and relaxed by the time the 24th of December comes around. Your house will be a trendy, stylishly decorated haven, where the message of peace and happiness is acted out. Just be creative and start in time. Your wallet does not have to suffer, we promise.
A tree or not a tree A tree
The first thing to consider is: do you want to have a Christmas tree or not. If so, will it be real or artificial. The next thing is choosing the color of your decorations. The latest craze is the color ‘brick’, a bright, orange-red, which lights up the room. Brick is hot in Europe and on Aruba, but red remains a favorite, as are silver, green, white and gold. Tip: take your old Christmas balls, spray paint them, then spray on glue and put snowflakes, glitter or course sea salt on them for a new, fresh look. Probably you will put a nice tablecloth underneath your tree, so its lowest part is hidden. But this year you could do something different. Put your artificial tree in a basin filled with water, floating candles, greenery and Christmas balls. The basin itself could be spray painted in a contrasting color and you can decorate it with leaves and left-over Christmas decorations from last year. Or make a square wooden frame, put your tree inside, and fill the frame up with foam. Put fragrant eucalyptus leaves, pine cones and moss on top for a `back to nature’ finish.
31
Not a tree
Without a tree, the focus lies solely on your creativity with decorations. These can vary from very simple, like an opaque vase with Christmas lights inside, a lovely bowl filled with Christmas balls and candles in various sizes to plastic balls, in which you make a hole, put water in and have a spray of orchids hang out. The plastic balls should be spray painted and decorated, of course. Lovely! But our next amazing tip will get you oohs and aahs, and a trendy, modern result. Construct a rectangular frame of wood with a sheet of (colored) Plexiglas in the front, hang it up on the wall and put mini Christmas lights, colored or white, behind it. Voilà : a stunning result. Hang a few giant Christmas balls in front of the lit screen and hang a fly curtain in the same color to the side, or make a see-through circle with a hula hoop. You can take a sneak peek at the result at Flora’s.
Of course we have many more tips for you in our next edition, but should you have specific questions about how to decorate for the upcoming Christmas season, please mail them to House Complete. In our next edition, we shall have a Question and Answer column to help you out.
30
Five of the most Unusual Houses in the World oour ur planet plane abounds with unique abodes as the imagina ons of architects take wing for adven adventuresome home builders that wish to go beyond conven onal boundaries. These five examples show what can be done when future homeowners (or those of the past) and their contractors “think outside the box”!!
A house with a Message-Toilet House, Suwon, South Korea
Sim Jae-duck has made his poli cal career in South Korea by beau fying public restrooms. The chairman of the Organizing Commi ee of the Inaugural General Assembly of the World Toilet Associa on finished his unusual and very specifically themed home just in me for their first congress. Their stated aim is to see proper personal sanita on facili es established in all na ons around the world. The world’s one and only toilet house is a 4,508 square foot concrete and glass structure with two bedrooms, 2 guestrooms and 3 deluxe lavatories, built at a cost of 1.6 million dollars, which can be rented for $50,000 per night. The house is named Haewoojae, meaning “a place of sanctuary where one can solve one’s worries.”
Conch Shell House – Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Mexico must have a thing about shell-shaped houses! This one by architect Octavio Ocampo is based on the structure of a conch, and even more interes ngly, it is available for rent, so one cannot only admire the design, but actually live in and experience it. Also environmentally aware in construc on, it was built with recycled and “found” materials. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, it has two bedrooms and baths occupying its 5500 square feet, and offers Internet service and a private swimming pool. Again, curved rooms dominate the structure, and dis nc ve shell mo fs decorate the rooms.
31
Rumah Gadang “Big House” West Sumatra, Indonesia
This is an example of the tradi onal architecture of the Minangkabau ethnic group (also known as Minang or Padang) which is indigenous to the highlands of Western Sumatra and produces these unusual homes because of the social structure of the society. Property and lands are passed down by female lineage, and there are strong family and clan es, increasing the size of the home as the family mul plies. Aside from living quarters, it is also the clan’s mee ng hall. The walls on the front and back eleva ons symbolize the strength and u lity of the community which is formed when an individual becomes part of the whole instead of standing alone. The arrangement of rooms is considered a reflec on of a woman’s life pa ern.
Earth House – Dietikon, Switzerland
Architects Peter Vetsch and Arthur Quarmby are two of the best known proponents of Earth House, the concept of living not under or above the ground, but as a part of it. The earth house concept uses its surroundings as an advantage – they are not adapted to the building, the house is shaped in order to preserve the natural environment. Inspired by the prac ce of ancient cave cultures which lived within their natural surroundings, most earth homes are constructed with ultra-modern interiors in contrast to their historic influences. As well as the community in Switzerland, architect Veljko Milković has constructed a famous house in Serbia, spor ng a slanted roof covered with flourishing greenery.
Philip Johnson’s Glass House – New Canaan, Connecticut
Johnson built this unusual house as his personal residence in 1949; it openedd to the public and awestruck architectural students a er his death in 2007. Itt is one of a collec on of structures built on 47 beau ful acres, which Johnson described as his “50 year diary,” reflec ng his development as an architect and ar st. In direct contrast to his famous glass house, which reveals all, he also built his brick house, which reveals nothing. Observers can look in on the modernis c furnishings of the glass house, while the occupants enjoy an uninterrupted view of the spectacular vistas that surround it. Obviously, the groundskeepers are careful to make sure that no loose stones can be found anywhere in the vicinity.
34
Fish of the Caribbean
The Caribbean Sea is one of the largest salt water seas, containing about 10% of the coral reefs of the world, covering approximately 52,000 km² (20,000 square miles). These reefs are home to hundreds of the most beautiful underwater creatures you have ever seen, from flower and star corals to tube sponges, sheet fans, barracuda’s, snappers, yellow tails, octopus, sting rays, etc. This is the reason why the Caribbean has become known around the world as one of the most popular diving destinations.
Here are some of the beautiful creatures you may encounter during your snorkeling or diving explorations.
Queen angel fish. This underwater creature is considered by many diving lovers to be the most beautiful fish of the Western Atlantic and has therefore been named the “Queen” of the Caribbean. Its colors are truly striking: an amazing combination of turquoise, cobalt blue and bright yellow. They can grow up to 41 cm long and they love to dine on sponges.
Trumpet fish. These uniquely shaped fish have an elongated body
that can grow up to 80 cm in length and their camouflage colors protect them from their predators. You will often find them floating vertically - in waters between 0.5 and 30 meters - amid branches of various soft coral species, waiting for their lunch to pass by.
Blue Tang. The color of these beautiful fishes changes from a bright yellow – in their juvenile stage – to a light to dark blue shade as they gradually grow into adults. They like to feed on algae, which they rip from the rocks and corals using their sharp teeth. They can grow up to 12 inches in length and you will find them swimming solo, in pairs or in huge schools among the reefs. If you want to enjoy the beauty of Aruba’s reefs, either snorkeling or diving, please take into account that these reefs are fragile and easily damaged. Make sure not to touch them with your hands or your diving fins. When we all handle Aruba’s precious underwater environment with tender loving care, many more people from around the world will get to enjoy their amazing beauty…
35
All the info for a great vacation! Activities Events Watersports Dining Beaches Shopping Happy hours and more!
WE HAVE THE HOUSE YOU NEED 36
THE BIGGEST REAL ESTATE PORTAL
2050 NEW!! CASNAN BONAIRE
Listings Online
on Casnan Aruba
w w w . c a s n a n . c o m