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S summer comes to a close and the evenings draw in, many people are switching sunfilled days at the beach and long nights out for the comfort and warmth of their own homes. And after a long summer out and about with making improvements to homes and gardens at the back of their minds, many are taking the plunge and getting to work making the most of their spaces. Whether it’s an apartment, villa, balcony or garden, a few quick improvements can transform a space from homely to luxury, and homeowners are now taking advantage of increased time to make those changes. The pandemic has also seen investment in home improvements increase by around 5 per cent, and now friends and families are meeting again and social events are back on the table, many are choosing to host from their homes, making it a must to get spaces look-
INDOOR SPACE: Comfort is high on the agenda. ing their best. In fact, the ability to socialise from home has been driving spending in consumers’ homes and gardens choices, with owners increasingly adapting spaces to become more open plan, freeing them up to be used by multiple groups at the same time, and increasing the space available for entertaining. Meanwhile, the rise in various members of the same family moving back in together during the pandemic, and the need
to be able to host families and friends from abroad has also been driving an increase in the number of people adding bedrooms to a property. Homes and garden trends are also changing spending habits, with the neutral beiges and creams popular in the past decade now being replaced with green to mirror nature in indoor spaces. Comfort is also high on the agenda, with this season’s trends seeing an increase in the use of luxury fabrics in cur-
tains, cushions and sofas to add a hotel-quality feel to homes. In outdoor spaces too there is a trend for luxury, with items including outdoor saunas and luxury pools gaining popularity. The good news is that alongside making homes more comfortbale and luxurious to live in, these home improvements could also be adding to the value of house prices with Spain’s housing market continuing to grow by 0.7 per cent from last year.
Wardrobe clear out
EVERY so often it is a good idea to have a complete clear-out of your wardrobe and organise it. We can’t promise it will last that way, but it’s the intention that counts! First of all, take everything out and clean the inside. Then, take a good look at your clothes and put back in the Organise your clothing. wardrobe the items that you use frequently. Also keep what you can use next season. Anything you don’t use, or haven’t used, you probably won’t be using in future. If it has no sentimental value, you can give it away, donate it or even sell it on certain apps if it is still in new or good condition. At the top of the wardrobe, place the items you won’t be using during that season, such as jumpers in summer or shorts in winter. At the bottom, keep shoes, where possible in their boxes, showing what is inside. The rest can be put on hangers, in drawers or on shelves, depending on the size of the wardrobe.
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For everything related to bathrooms Decorbaño was founded in 1977 by the parents of this family business. Since then, in Estepona and the surrounding areas, we have been looking after the wishes of our clients to create homes, businesses, terraces, façades and swimming pools with the most up-to-date materials and best brands on the market for over 43 years. We started off with a small showroom in the Avda de España in Estepona. This survival and good work is what makes us stand out from the rest. OW have we grown over the years? With a lot of effort, we established ourselves in the Poligono Industrial de Estepona, and nowadays we have five warehouses and nearly 2,000 square metres of exhibition space, and even a separate factory area to offer our services and products to all budgets. Visiting international fairs, as a source of inspiration, being always attentive to the good choice of our suppliers, providing training to our team and with a lot of energy and dedication to our customers with thanks for their loyalty. Our motto is adapt or die! We have a wide variety of tiles, porcelain flooring, terracotta, swimming pools, façades of premises, kitchen ceramics, as well as every-
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DECORBAÑO: We use the most up-to-date materials and the best brands on the market. thing related to bathrooms using top brands like SALONI, KERABEN, PERONDA, HANSGROHE, CERAMICAS FANAL and DISTRIBUTORES DE GALA. With regards to our products and the way they have been shown in the past, there have
been many changes in these 40+ years. To begin with, beforehand, a tile was on show on its own, however today it is surrounded by an organised well-lit environment, so that it is as close as possible for the client to be able to see the reality.
In terms of our goals, more attention is paid to the experiences and requirements of the client. Undoubtedly, the introduction of the internet and the virtual world, along with the possibility of online sales, this is a great challenge in our sector.
Open all day from 9am - 8pm • Calle Juan de la Cierva 20, Poligono Industrial Estepona 29680 Tel: +34 952 802 346 • Mob: +34 680 101 290 • www.decorbagno.com
We offer a special and different showroom, with more than 80 bathrooms on show in over 2,000 m2, where we work every day to keep it updated with the latest designs. In addition, to embrace foreign customs, we offer continuous opening hours from 9am to 8pm. What’s more, we are extremely grateful for the loyalty and support from our essential brands in the bathroom and construction industry over the years.
Feature mantelpiece
MANTELPIECE: Can be the focal point of your room. THE fire and mantelpiece can be the focal point of your room, and while many people decide to keep things simple and leave it bare, if you do want to make a feature of it, here are some ideas. You can use a large mirror or an attractive painting as the main feature above the mantelpiece, and then from there, choose some items to complement them, such as antiques, candles, flowers, photos or a clock. The main thing is to find items which complement each other
and add to the feeling which you want for the room. Do not use too many different items as this will only make it look cluttered and gather dust. Try to also keep the items balanced in size, number and shape. You may also want to put the television above the fireplace, but make sure that it is placed at a good height to prevent neck pains and that the size is appropriate. There will also be other items such as speakers, DVD players and game consoles to consider.
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A strategic location Lucky
ERENITY COLLECTION is situated on the Costa del Sol, in Estepona, in a quiet neighbourhood less than 1km from the beach. It is a perfect location to enjoy the pleasant Andalucian climate all year long. Less than 20 minutes from the famous Puerto Banus and the historic centre of Marbella, it is an ideal enclave to establish your residence and explore the surrounding territory. Therefore, a strategic location that allows you to enjoy a wide variety of services such as shops and restaurants, but also a large selection of entertainment and cultural activities. Serenity Collection is a closed complex of 66 apartments of one, two and three bedrooms, on three
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bamboo
SERENITY: An apartment for every personality. levels, harmoniously distributed, that transmit from the simplicity an effect of modernity and elegance. The complex has beautiful and extensive landscaped common areas and a large adult pool and a children’s pool that shares with Serenity Views. Outside areas to enjoy the benign weather of the area. Beautiful terraces of 25 to 165m with views (depending on the apart-
ment), towards the communal gardens, the swimming pool, the mountain and/or the sea. An apartment for every personality! The ground floors with garden surfaces between 15 and 208 sqm are the ideal option for families with small children or pets. The apartments on the first floor with open terraces of surfaces between 25 to 35 sqm are great for their good light.
metrovacesa.com • 900 552 525 • 696 288 223
THE so-called lucky bamboo plant is popular as a housewarming gift. It looks pretty and with simple care can last a long time, decorating any part of your home. It can be kept in either potting soil or water. If you choose soil, make sure it is always slightly damp; if you choose water, make sure the roots are always completely covered, they can survive nicely in fish bowls. Changing the water regularly will prevent the plant from getting diseased, using purified water or rain water is ideal. If you change the bowl, clean it only with water, avoid soap. Use only minimal fertiliser if you have planted it in soil. It is a plant which doesn’t require much light and will grow well in the shade. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
BAMBOO: Will grow well in the shade.
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Have a green home A place of exception
WOULD you like to make your home more environmentally friendly? You can start by using solar panels and solar energy for different appliances, which will help you to save money as well as being better for the environment. Make sure it is well insulated and collect rainwater for use. Put plants in your home, not only will they give it a calmer appearance, they will help to purify the air by absorbing chemicals. Use natural light where possible
with windows and skylights. Turn the tap off when you’re brushing your teeth and only use the water you need. Use an ecological toilet with recycled water from the sink and shower. Shower instead of bathing and use a filter on your kitchen tap to prevent using bottled water. Use fluorescent and energy saving light bulbs, and unplug electrical equipment when it isn’t being used.
GREEN: Use energy saving light bulbs.
Space under the stairs THE space beneath the stairs is often an area which is not used to the best advantage. With a little clever planning you can place drawers, cupboards, shelves, desks, dog kennels and even bathrooms beneath the stairs. The steps themselves can be turned into drawers meaning that the space can be used to save space in other rooms. It can also be an ideal place for hanging bikes or other sports equipment. It can be ideal to store towels and bedding, as well as toys and games, umbrellas, hang coats, make a library, keep wines, place a fish tank or space for a pet reptile. It is a small area which is easy to decorate and can house a sofa or reading nook.
U N R I S E HEIGHTS: The opportunity to live in a place of exception just a step from Sotogrande. Located in Manilva (Malaga), this Metrovacesa project offers the unique possibility of living in elegant and contemporary apartments, just five minutes from the best beaches in Manilva. In addition, the touristic Marbella and Puerto Banus are only 40 minutes away by car. Sunrise Heights is an exclusive gated complex consisting of 46 two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses with garage and storage room, located in three attractive three-storey buildings. This variety of options allows you to choose between spacious ground floor apartments with a garden, apartments on the middle floor with spacious terraces and
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EXCLUSIVE: With incredible panoramic views. southwest orientation, and penthouses with a wonderful solarium. The development has incredible panoramic views over the countryside towards the Mediterranean Sea and Gibraltar; open-plan interiors with large windows that overlook the terrace or garden; fully equipped kitchens integrated into the living area; and natural textures and tones that predominate in all rooms and
give a feeling of light, warmth and spaciousness. For greater comfort, it has hot and cold air conditioning in all rooms, large windows to make the most of the natural light and impressive views. They also include exclusive details, such as contemporary bathrooms, a large infinity pool, community gym, children’s play area, large terraces and garden areas to fully enjoy the outdoor spaces.
metrovacesa.com • 900 552 525 • 696 288 223
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Advertising Feature IFE will never be the same anymore after the changes which were caused by politicians (Brexit) and this virus which keeps limiting us in our day by day life as expats on the Costa del Sol. A poorly redacted and worse executed exit treaty has had the consequence that Brits are considered to be ‘third country persons’. This means that as far as official paper work (such as residencies, health care, driving licences) is concerned, you will be treated the same as somebody from eg Singapore, USA or Zimbabwe. You will in theory not need a visa to travel from the UK to Europe for short stays (meaning up to 90 days in a 180 day period). But you will need something called ETIAS. To become a resident however has become far more complicated and changing your driving licence takes forever and a day. All of this is changing on a weekly basis and in reality we can only advise you to get updated professional information if you have a specific need for any administrative procedure. You should try to avoid the information in social media, internet forums and the likes because the information you will get there, al-
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Living on the Costa del Sol after Covid, Brexit and such like though there will be always a ring of truth in them - hardly ever will give you the complete picture. Do not forget that horror stories always will have a bigger appeal. It is not always the administration which is at fault... It is to be expected that with time new treaties will be developed and agreed upon and the likelihood that in a few years things will be back to business as usual is quite high. And although everything has become more complicated it is still possible to solve all of these problems. It is all about knowing how to go about it. It is also worthwhile to check your situation as far as your tax obligations are concerned. All governments are in a desperate need of money and this applies equally to HM Revenue and Customs Service as to the Spanish Hacienda. Be careful not to be caught in the middle. Double tax treaties are still valid and you should take care of
A modern real estate agency. avoiding problems before they arise. Too often we see huge tax bills which could have been avoided. Spanish Hacienda can go back up to five years and will not hesitate to do so. All of these changes also have had an effect on the real estate market: on top of the already very complicated legal situation just about all rural properties were in, UK buyers will have to be careful with the repercussion of Brexit. Whilst the legal difficulties are on their way to being resolved, as you can read elsewhere in this paper, they will have to look into a new set
of problems. They might find themselves in a situation where the use of their new property might be limited or would have major tax consequences. Once again getting the right professional advice will be absolutely necessary. There has been a dramatic shift in the market since the beginning of last year. Where traditionally the majority of buyers were British, we noticed a surprising and very important increase in Spanish buyers (because of Covid) and for various reasons the French, Belgian and Dutch market had impressive growth
figures. At the same time a lot of British owners, fed up with the Brexit complications decided to sell. This in turn resulted in that choosing the right real estate agent has become quite important: the traditional real estate agents concentrating on the British market have been doing a lot poorer than the ones who were already aiming at different segments of buyers. Multilingual staff and publicity aimed at the growth markets have to be taken into account. It is indeed all about adapting to the times we are living in, and we cannot insist enough on getting the right professionals to advise you. Companies such as ours which have one branch (todoserv) where up-to-date advice comes free and who handle all legal paper work in Spain, combined with the other branch which is a very active and modern real estate agency (Spanish Sun Properties) are doing very well and grow at an impressive pace. A phone call will give you all the answers you are looking for.
Tel: 0034 952 45 12 69 • todoservcoin@todoserv.com Tel: 0034 695 303 417 • info@spanishsunproperties.com • www.spanishsunproperties.com
Miniature Zen garden A MINIATURE Zen garden is something ideal to have in your home and helps to alleviate stress and relax. The aim of it is to take a pause from life for a moment and evoke feelings of peace and tranquillity. It is usually made up of just natural elements such as sand and stones, and is excellent if you don’t have the space for a large garden. It can be placed on a desk or table and is a gentle reminder for us to take a break from work when needed and just chill out. The sand represents water, the rocks are for earth, and the little rake can be used to make patterns in the sand. They can also include plants and candles.
ZEN GARDEN: Can be placed on a desk or table.
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Quality brand fireplaces
OMERCIAL ESTELLER is located in Alcanar (Tarragona), the first town in Catalonia entering from the south. With 14,000m2 of floor space and 1,000m2 of indoor exhibition and more than 400 units on display including fireplaces, cookers, barbecues and ovens, making us one of the leading fireplace exhibitions in Europe. That is why some customers come from cities as far away as Alicante, Madrid, Tarragona, Lleida, Barcelona and Gerona. Comercial Esteller is a company founded more than 45 years ago, specialised in the field of fireplaces, cookers, barbecues and ovens. They are importers of Europe’s leading quality brands in fireplaces and wood cookers such as Rüegg and Attika-Rais from Switzerland, Seguin from France, Jidé from Belgium, Cerampiù from Italy, the Italian Clementi ovens, and the Portuguese Bricocimentos barbecues. They are also distributors in our area, Tarragona and Castellón, for other national brands. They have been doing 15
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Outdoor cooking
Specialists in the field of fireplaces.
or 20 local fairs for many years, and participating in international fairs such as Construmat in Barcelona, Expo-Ocio in Madrid, the Alicante fair, the Expobiomasa fair in Valladolid, etc. They need distributors for all of Spain for the brands they represent.
You can find out more about them and their products by visiting their website www.comercialesteller.com. You can also contact them by email info@comercialesteller.com or by calling 977 737 606.
OUTSIDE LIVING: You can take full advantage of the summer nights. COOKING outside is a pleasure, and if you have the space, it’s a great idea to make a barbecue so that you can take full advantage of the summer nights. You can find models which work with either coal or gas. If you choose coal, depending on the space you have, you can build one or you can buy a mobile barbecue, whichever is easiest for you. Gas is faster and not so messy, but coal is more traditional and there are new models on the market with new cooking systems and which are much easier to clean. They have a lid and a made from top quality materials. If you only have a small area or balcony, there are small models to choose from, or even table-top barbecues.
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Vinyl stickers
VINYL stickers have become very popular for decorating walls, whether it’s in a child’s room or a main room used by the whole family. It is a simple way to give a completely new appearance to the room without the hassle or expense of painting it. You can get a wide
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variety of designs or even get them personalised. They last well, but when you want to change them for something new, it’s quick and easy. With anything from dinosaurs and superheroes to butterflies and inspirational quotes, the vinyl decals you choose for your rooms are entirely up to you. It’s best to use them on well-finished walls, painted with latex paint. If you are sticking them on glass, clean it first with alcohol. On tiles or ceramic surfaces, clean them of grease before sticking.
VINYL DECALS: Quick and easy.
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Have a bodega at home IT is quite common in Spain to have a home wine cellar or bodega if you are keen on wines. This is the ideal place to store your wines properly until you decide to share them with family and friends. It is important to know that only wines made for maturing should be stored, as young wines, if kept, may not be in optimal condition when you eventually come to taste them. The walls of a wine cellar should be made of brick and can be whitewashed. A cellar is the ideal place for a ‘bodega’ but in any case, it should be a cool and dark part of the house. The floor should be made of stone if possible and there should be no drafts, although the area should have good ventilation. The ideal
temperature is between 8ºC and 18ºC all year, preferable a steady 12ºC. Humidifiers and thermostats can be
used to control the temperature. It should also be protected from noises, vibration and strong smells.
Home renovation musts
BEFORE you undergo renovations in your home, there are some things that you must take into account. Make sure that you choose a reputable company who listen to your needs and take your budget into account. Don’t work with companies that keep you waiting around or don’t get back to you when promised. Take into account the design of what you already have in your home and plan to keep, you will want the new part to match the rest of the house even if the aim is to make it more practical and modern. Take the needs of all the people who are going to live in the house into account, even your children have the right to propose their ideas, likes and dislikes. There may be something that you hadn’t thought of that you can actually incorporate into the design of your new home. Make sure everything is planned from the start and you know how long the work will take.
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PROGIBE SPA, Specialists in wellness products and spaces
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OU will find From their differthem at the ent stores they Industrial Esservice Spain and tate in San Pedro de Alinclude exporting cantara at Calle Malta to other countries. 2. As part of They offer a wide variPropatio in Finland ety of spas, saunas, and Grupo Gibeller hammams, as well as here in Spain they bioclimatic pergolas offer over 30 years and vertical gardens. of experience in We follow up all prothe wellness trade jects from the very bewith multiple proginning, post-sale injects completed in cluded. both public and Customer service and private sectors toPROGIBE SPA: Assist clients after-sale client satisgether with develthroughout the process. faction is our passion. opers, building Our main motivation is customer ser- companies and interior design companies vice and our after-sales service. to give all clients the reassurance of being We assist all clients throughout the pro- in good hands. cess by giving advice and act as project At Progibe Spa you will find a wide varimanagers of all our clients, coordinating ety in products in stock and special camlogistics and contracting of all needed ser- paigns in certain periods of the year, such vices for all clients’ projects. as Black Friday.
They can be contacted from Monday to Friday from 10.00 till 18.00. You can also visit the showroom in San Pedro in Calle Malta nº2 and by phone on 952 158 503 - 634 989 928 - 686 960 432 Email: info@progibespa.es • WEB: www.progibespa.es • Facebook: ProGibe-SPA
Graffiti on indoor walls GRAFFITI on indoor walls graffiti is usually on exterior walls; but when used inside, it can give a contemporary and energetic feel to a room. Depending on the look you want to create, you can graffiti an entire room, a single wall, or a small section. The feeling it transmits will depend entirely on the style and the colours you use. Prepare the room to protect surfaces and furniture. Tape the edges of the graffiti area with wide painter’s tape and use several layers. Use spray paint to create a coloured base for your graffiti design. Sketch the design on the wall using a pencil after the base coat dries. Draw a very basic outline that will serve as a guide for the large features of your graffiti. Use spray paint to complete the design.
S t a r t with the main structure of the image and add details as you go. Feel free to experiment and cover mistakes; extra layers will add texture to the room.
Experiment.
Hydrogel beads YOU may have seen gel beads used for plants and wondered if they are worthwhile. They look very pretty, especially in a glass vase or bowl and can make a centrepiece of flowers appear even more attractive. Hyrdogel beads retain up to 90 per cent water, and they are made of biodegradable material which is non-toxic, so they don’t contaminate the land, water or other plants. They do not take water from the plants’ roots, they will not cause the roots to rot, as they release water as and when it is needed. Hydrogel beads improve aeration and permeability for the plants’ environment and can maintain their properties up to eight years. They improve growth and development of the plants. They reduce the need for frequent watering up to 50 per cent, contributing to saving water.
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Recycling for decoration Find the ideal bed
WITH a little bit of imagination, bookshelf? you can make some attracDo you have any old suittive furniture and items for cases or travelling decoration from recycled chests around the objects. house? You can turn Fruit crates can be varthem into chairs quite nished and joined togetheasily. A pile of old er to make a nice coffee magazines on a woodtable or a set of shelves, en base and a cushion while pallets can have all on top can easily make sorts of uses, such as bases a stool to sit on. And while for beds, tables, sofas, etc. it’s a little more difficult, you Ever thought of another can use glass bottles to make a Easy to change. use for an old wooden ladvariety of things. Join corks toder? How about hanging it gether to make a door curtain on its side on the wall and using it as a and remember your favourite wines.
Choosing a carpet IF you are choosing a carpet for your home, go for quality, because this means you won’t have to change it so often. There are endless designs of rugs and carpets nowadays, with geometric drawings, stripes, polka dots, varied colours, different sizes and formats, which can be used alone or
even layered throughout the room. If the carpet is going to be in an area which gets a lot of use, then they will need more frequent cleaning. Different types of carpets, which can be acrylic, wool, nylon, polypropylene and polyester have their advantages and disadvantages.
Nylon carpet is very durable, strong and relatively cheap, but prone to static electricity. However, it is easy to clean. The colour of the carpet will enhance the whole feeling of the room, making it warm, minimalist, fresh, romantic, contemporary or rustic air, depending on the style.
HE BED WAREHOUSE has over 40 years of experience in giving people the comfort they deserve at a price they can afford! Having previously owned their own successful bed company in the UK in which they manufactured their own beds on site; with this in-depth knowledge, they can assist you in finding the ideal bed for YOU. Specialising in bankrupt stock; supplying top name brands such as Sealy, Seilentnight and John Lewis etc at a fraction of the retail price. The team also manufacture their own beds, enabling you to ‘design your own bed’ with a wide range of colours, fabrics and headboards to choose from. All of the beds are from the UK and follow standard sizes- spe-
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TOP BRANDS: At a fraction of the retail price. cialising in Superking size and can even have beds and mattresses made to specific measurements. If you can imagine it, The Bed Warehouse can create it! In addition, they supply a wide range of British sofas from popular brands such as DFS, Next and SCS. From electric recliners to luxury corner units and sofa beds; something to suit all
tastes and budgets. *CLEARANCE SALE NOW ON - UP TO 60% OFF EXISTING STOCK* With the largest amount of stock on the coast, there is no need to wait, delivery can be as soon as the same day! They supply the retail shops, so cut out the middle-man. Visit The Bed Warehouse directly to SAVE MONEY NOW!
Tel: (+34) 634 187 700 Emma • www.bedwarehousespain.com bedwarehousespain@hotmail.com The Bed Warehouse Showroom: Local 66-69, Centro Commercial El Zoco-Calahonda
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Let our team help you Plants to F keep away mosquitoes
AIRWAY LAWYERS are based in Marbella on the Costa del Sol where senior partner, Diego Echavarria has been practising since 2001. The company deals mainly with British expats buying and selling properties in the Malaga Province. In 2016, the company identified a clause in many mortgages of British clients which added illegal interest charges. Since then, they have specialised in claims against the banks who have sold products with what is known as a ‘floor clause’ (claúsula suelo). The clause was inserted into variable-rate mortgages sold by Spanish banks between 2001- 2013 and affects the interest rate. For most Spanish variable rate mortgages, the interest rate is linked to the Euro Interbank Offered Rate (Euribor). If the rate increases, then the interest on the mortgage also increases. Likewise, if Euribor decreases, then interest payments fall. However, the insertion of the floor clause means that mortgage holders do not fully benefit from the fall in the Euribor rate as there will be a minimum rate of interest payable on the mortgage. The level of the floor depends on the bank providing the
Diego Echavarria. mortgage and when the mortgage was taken out. But it is typically set at 3 to 4 per cent. These clauses were deemed illegal by Spanish and European courts. If you sold a property with a Spanish mortgage between 2017 and 2021 you can still make a claim. The average pay out is €15,000 and the success rate 99.99 per cent. Please let our team check if your mortgage has the floor clause inserted. We operate on a no win, no fee basis. WWW.FAIRWAYLAWYERS.COM
Think your mortgage has a floor clause? Get in contact with the team at Fairway Lawyers and they’ll be able to give you immediate advice. Contact diego@fairwaylawyers.com or call 0034 952 771 150 or 0034 606 307 885.
WE all love the long, warm summer evenings and sitting out on the terrace, but let’s face it, we could live without the mosquitoes keeping us company. Luckily there are plants which help to deal with the problem, here are some: Citronella (Cymbopogon citratus) is the best known plant for repelling flies and mosquitoes and it has an unmistakable lemon smell. Lemon geranium
Lovely smelling.
(Pelargonium crispum) also has a strong lemon smell and pretty flowers of mauve, white or pink. Calendula, with its yellow and orange tones, are also attractive and keep mosquitoes away. Lemon basil (Ocimum basilicum) and lemon thyme (Thymus citriodoru) are aromatic herbs which can keep
away mosquitoes and be used in cooking. Lavender, mint, laurel, Melissa and rosemary are all popular plants in gardens and have lovely smells, but as well as that, they can help to keep the mozzies at bay. Again, they can also be used in cooking and infusions. Mint is also antiseptic, so it is used to clean and relieve bites.
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Through the bars Muebles Gavira, HAVE you ever wondered why there are iron bars on the windows of most houses in Spain? The ‘rejas’ which are obviously a useful deterrent to prevent intruders from entering your home have been used for centuries and, more than just a security device, many also
have decorative purposes. They were often used on the windows of churches to prevent relics from being stolen as well as making them more ornate. Another use for them has been courting. In the old days, when a man was courting a woman, he would be allowed to talk to
her from outside the window, through the ‘rejas’ but not inside her home. There would also be a chaperone present in the same room as the woman to make sure no funny business was going on. Many references to this can be found in Spanish literature.
Getting a garden shed HAVING a garden shed is always useful, especially if you enjoy taking care of your garden and have a lot of tools that need to be kept safe and tidy. There are different types of sheds, made from wood, PVC, metal and other materials. The ideal thing is for them to have a window and space inside for you to move around and work, as well as store logs, bikes and other items. You can store tools, machinery, seeds and all sorts of other things in a shed, so that they can be easily accessed when you need them in the garden. If large enough, it is also an ideal place to carry out repairs, pot up plants and work
A useful space. on small DIY projects. All types need a little maintenance, so choosing one is a matter of personal taste.
a name you can trust
OME is man’s refuge. That personal space that is equivalent to rest, to the individual journey we make every day to feel comfortable, relaxed and disconnected. The phrase ‘feeling at home’ crosses decades, generations and borders because in the end, it is what we all want. Open the doors of our home and feel that time stands still to give us the stillness and the atmosphere that makes us feel happy and in balance. From the wide range to choose from, we take a look at one of the decorative styles that transmits the greatest joy, the boho chic. And we do it with one of the main specialists in the sector, Muebles Gavira. This Casares-based company has 65 years of experience behind it. Between Sotogrande and Estepona, at Muebles Gavira you will find an experienced and qualified team who studies the needs of each client and advise in the best way possible to the satisfaction of their clients.
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The boho chic decorative style.
To facilitate the search for items and find the perfect furniture, the team at Muebles Gavira visit all furniture and decoration exhibitions worldwide to find those little treasures, which customers can find in the large 5,000 square metre showroom in Casares or at the new store in Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro.
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You have choices Feng Shui for the W bathroom
E are Mapit Solutions and we’ve been at the forefront of bringing you the best choice of Internet and Energy since 2014. We have tracked and worked with an ever changing and increasingly diverse market, to bring you the best Internet and Energy options. Recent changes to Energy charges mean three separate higher rates throughout the day, and an added charge on your ‘potencia’ allowance if you go over it. This means higher and more complicated bills. We’ll do an assessment of your existing bill and give you the option to switch to another provider if you want to. With transparent
charges and legible bills. You don’t have to settle for high bills, unexplained
costs or seemingly random charges anymore. The same goes for Internet, with more and more of the Coast being wired for high-speed fibre optic, we can find the best provider for you. Not on the Coast? No problem, there are multiple options of mobile Routers, WIMAX and even satellite Internet. You have choices, and we are here to keep you connected. We can switch you now, online or over the phone wherever you are in Spain.
service@mapt-solutions.com • www.mapitsolutions.eu
IN Feng Suhi, the bathroom and toilet are governed by the Water element, associated with wealth, prosperity, career and a good flow of energy. Feng Shui indicates the following: Do not put a bathroom in front of the kitchen or near the front door. Under the stairs is a bad place too for health and financial prospects. Feng Shui prefers neutral colours such as beige, ochre and pastel colours for a feeling of well-being. The toilet lid and door must always be closed and the bathroom regularly aerated.
Neutral or pastel colours best. Use points of light that are independent and can be regulated. Add some plants in the bathroom to reduce humidity, and make the atmosphere more relaxed with candles and natural aromas. Keep the bathroom clean and tidy. Include a wood element in the bathroom in order to balance the water element.
Home made compost COMPOSTING is a cheap and easy way to get rid of kitchen and garden refuse which can be transformed into fertiliser. The resulting compost, made with leaves, grass cuttings and kitchen refuse will be rich in nutrients and free of chemicals. You can buy containers in which to make compost, made of wood or plastic, but you can simply make a hole in the ground to place them in, or just make a pile directly on the ground in a dry and shady area near water. Use coffee grains too; they are rich in nitrogen and very healthy for plants. Other items which can be included are natural fibres, ashes, hair, egg shells, wood, tea bags and paper or cardboard. The whole thing should be turned at least every two days and within one to three months you should have lovely rich compost.
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Using ‘shocking’ colours Truly crafted by nature
ONE of the trends for interior decorating for 2021/2022 are the socalled ‘shocking’ colours. They are obviously to used with care, but they will give personality and vibrancy to any room. They include colours such as fuchsia, lime green, bright yellow, orange and intense turquoise. These can be used ideally for certain features within the room, such as furniture, drapes, cushions, etc and contrast with the other more conservative colours which are used. If the size of the room will allow it, then you could paint one wall in a ‘shocking’ colour to add character. They can also be combined with more than one colour, such as black and white, or with white and another ‘shocking’ colours, let’s say white with fuchsia and turquoise; or white with orange and turquoise. This gives you more freedom to play around with patterns and different decorative
N the most deeply rooted Nordic coasts there is a name among the locals for the sound of the sea when it gently caresses the shores on summer nights: Sybartum ... A family business. Travelling through the four cardinal points to bring to their exclusive clients the best of interior design made with the best elements available in nature, where each piece is unique and exclusive. No two are the same and every single one has an enormous identity and character. Oriented towards a natural, bohemian, nomadic, rustic, and exotic proposal, they have made love of imperfection, a philosophy of life.
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Bright colours can give vibrancy to any room.
Andalucia style decoration IF you would like to maintain the traditional style of Andalucia in your home, here are some designs elements that you may want to consider for decoration. The materials used in the so-called Andalucian style are varied, but generally natural fibres such as cotton and linen with stripes or floral prints in vibrant colours. Handmade furniture is very popular, especially made from wood and iron, combined with esparto grass. Old farming utensils are often used for decoration, and lamps are generally made from wrought iron. Other decorative items include plates, baskets, candle holders, benches, mirrors and of course, numerous potted plants, especially geraniums and petunias for colour, and bushes like jasmine for fragrance. Tiles are used in bathrooms, kitchens and patios, as well as for decorating outer walls and for small fountains, which can be an attractive centre feature for an outdoor seating area.
UNIQUE: No two pieces are the same. More than just a simple furniture and decoration shop, it is a true exhibition of wonders crafted by nature. They only choose their exotic woods and furniture under ecological afforestation agreements. And that is why all furniture and decorative elements include ecologi-
cally legitimate, legal, and sustainable licences. You can find solid wood dining tables from one to five metres long, rattan furniture, bamboo lamps, woven tapestries, original Beni Ourain rugs, customised linen sofas, natural fibre cushions and pouffes and much more.
Carretera de Mijas, km 3.5, 29650. Mijas-Malaga. Web: www.sybartum.com • Phone: +34 952 600 292 • WhatsApp: +34 696 329 302
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Home Water Treatment System C
ONSUMERS No other water treatment around the world system in the market is capaare desperate to ble of performing for more ensure their drinking water is than a year as well as eSpring not only of excellent quality, without changing filters and it but can be sourced without is one of the few systems damaging the environment. that filters tap water without The eSpring™ Water Treatfilling compartments or using CLEAN WATER: The ment System goes a step furjugs to store the filtered water system is compact and ther as not only is it the best and without wasting water. easy to install. way to enjoy the cleanest and You can also rest assured freshest water, conveniently that certification makes eSand economically, it also contributes to a bet- pring™ the best water purifying system in the ter world saving as it does on plastics from market with four International NSF (National bottled water. Safety Foundation) certifications and the It’s a small, well designed piece of equip- seal of the Water Quality Association which ment which uses the latest technology to re- provide the certainty and guarantees that the move impurities, colour and odours from ev- water is safe for the whole family. eryday tap water. This system is brought to you by BienesThis remarkable eSpring™ Water Treat- tarsalud, a family business with more than ment system can eliminate 99.9 per cent of 30 years of experience in providing, supportpathogen viruses and bacteria as well as ef- ing and educating health solutions and they fectively reducing more than 160 contami- have been working with eSpring™ for 15 nants, of which 140 are hazardous to your years. With offices in Madrid and Marbella, health. Bienestarsalud supplies all over Spain and In addition to quality and technology, an- much of Europe, but is offering readers of other benefit of this system is the fact that EWN a 15 per cent discount for home or you can filter up to 5,000 litres of tap water, business use as well as the opportunity to try transforming it into pure water over a year. before they buy if they arrange a short demo.
To find out more browse bienestarsalud.com, where you can leave your preferred contact details, or call or WhatsApp their Marbella office on (+34) 696 431 370 between 9am and 10pm.
Urban gardens URBAN vegetable gardens are becoming increasingly popular in cities and can be created on patios, terraces or balconies. This way, you can grow your own produce to use in the kitchen, from the simple herbs to the more adventurous trees and bushes with fruit and vegetables. They are also a great way to save money, eat more healthily and are therapeutic. If you have little space, try growing things like lettuce, spinach, carrots, cabbage, radishes, cherry tomatoes, herbs, peppers, fruit, etc. You can also grow vertically and put
different plants in pots on shelves. You can make your own miniature greenhouses or buy readymade ones which will easily fit into any available space you have, even if it’s just on a balcony. Small plant pots will look pretty, but larger areas of earth are more practical and better for your plants’ roots.
GARDENING: Growing your own produce is a great way to save money.
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Solar energy in your home Quality furniture at sensible prices USING solar panels in your home can hugely reduce your energy bills and it will be much easier to control how much you use each month as it is easy to determine the energy your system produces. They are easy to install and there are no moving parts, and they are also easy to maintain, so much so that generally nothing needs to be done. Despite this, they will last you more than 25 years, so your investment will be worthwhile. You may also be able to get grants from the government to help you to invest in solar panels, so find out if this is something which is available in your area. Solar energy is one of the cleanest renewable energies available and solar panels can be found to suit all types and sizes of homes.
Always a unique and individual experience. ABRIDECO DECORATION is a family-run furniture business established in 1987 in Calahonda and offers an incredible range of product, backed up by impeccable service. They stock a range of different styles, traditional, contemporary and modern and invite potential customers to visit to discuss their needs. Whilst they are in a position to supply single items, they also specialise in the complete furnishing of properties and their own interior designer is available to learn your preferences and then produce a proposed complete layout. Alternatively, they offer a range of ready-
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SOLAR PANELS: Easy to install with no moving parts.
Where to put the TV
WHERE to put a TV in your home can be a problem. It is something which will be used frequently, so correct placement is important for our health. Lighting, distance and size should all be taken into account, as it is not good to be too close to the TV. Having a large TV too close can be just as bad as having a small one which is too far away. It should be at eye level, especially in the living room, with soft lighting and on a safe surface where it can’t be knocked over. If it’s hung on the wall, make sure it is done properly. While in other rooms, you have more choice regarding the angle at which you place the TV, in the bedroom, the ideal place is directly at the end of the bed to avoid pains in the neck.
made packages, ideal for those looking to rent out their property, short or long term or for those who are moving to a new address and simply need to renew everything. The great advantage of these packages is that all you have to do is say what you want, hand over the key and the rest, including delivery, assembly and installation will be taken care of for you. The company is proud to boast that you will always find a unique and individual experience when you deal with Mabrideco Decoration as their staff are extremely dedicated and experienced in design and furniture trends, thus able to offer personal attention and advice.
No project is too big or too small, so visit the showroom, pop onto their Facebook page to catch up with end of season special offers or view a range of stock at www.mabrideco.com. For quality of product, top service and sensible, affordable prices look no further than Mabrideco Decoration Urbanization Calahonda. Km 197 - N-340 / A-7 Comercial Centre Las Postas 5. Mijas Costa. 29649. Malaga. Telephone 952 931 140, email info@mabrideco.com
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At home wellness with Qualitypool & Spa SL UALITYPOOL & SPA have been offering the best in at home spas and wellness for more than 20 years. Located on Mijas Costa, the company specialises in spas, EPS pools, saunas and all the products associated with them. For those looking to upgrade their home, find a new place for wellness, or even a pool area to practise sport, Qualitypool & Spa offers everything you need to create an at home spa experience. Providing high quality customer service, Qualitypool & Spa offer a personalised service to clients, getting them the product they want for their home. Their staff has a long history in the spa industry, with more than 20 years’ experience, and their range of pools includes ceramic, fibreglass, thermos, and EP pools. The company wants to create the best pool and spa environment possible, allowing their clients to enjoy swimming and wellness from their own home. So if you are looking for a pool, spa, or
Q
sauna for your home, check out Qualitypool & Spa. The company is now offering discounts, with pool roofs 35 per cent off, as well as financing options for all their products (*under financing company terms).
Swimspas.
Pools.
Jacuzzis.
Saunas.
Visit www.qualitypoolspa.es for their latest offers. Water features.
Or, for a personal service, drop into their store on Calle Beamar. N-340 Km 196. Local 5. Calahonda. Mijas Costa, Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, or call 951 172 808.
Adding to your pool IT’S great just to have a pool in Spain so that you can take a dip whenever the heat gets too much, but have you thought about things you can add to make it even better. There are companies offering borders and decorative tiles for pools to make them even more attractive. Apart from that, think about making a path to the pool, to avoid burning your feet, Jazz up your pool. showers and footbaths for before you get in, diving boards if
the pool is deep enough, waterfalls, spa fitments, slides, games, sun beds, gazebos and umbrellas. There are some lovely handrails to help you out of the pool, which will add to its charm and make it more accessible, as well as fences to surround the pool so that it is safe for children and pets. And to keep it clean, let’s not forget pool cleaners, filters and chlorine dispensers.
Wardrobe clear out EVERY so often it is a good idea to have a complete clear out of your wardrobe and organise it. We can’t promise it will last that way, but it’s the intention that counts! First of all, take everything out and clean the inside. Then, take a good look at your clothes and put back in the wardrobe the items that you use frequently. Also keep what you can use next season. Anything you don’t use, or haven’t used, you probably won’t be using in future. If it
has no sentimental value, you can give it away, donate it or even sell it on certain Apps if it is still in new or good condition. At the top of the wardrobe, place the items you won’t be using during that season, such as jumpers in summer or shorts in winter. At the bottom, keep shoes, where possible in their boxes, showing what is inside. The rest can be put on hangers, in drawers or on shelves, depending on the size of the wardrobe.
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Living a dream G
ÁLVEZ DISEÑOS Y REFORMAS are specialists in carrying out renovation projects, kitchen furniture and bathroom furniture, with the main objective of satisfying the client by offering them quality work at the best price, always bearing in mind creativity and attention to detail. Gálvez Diseños y Reformas was born in 2015 materialising a dream and giving real life to the passion for construction, renovation and interior design of its founders, brothers Ramón and Marisa Gálvez, who have more than 15 years’ of experience in the construction and design sector. In 2017 Diego Bazo, an expert in kitchen management and design, joined the team, expanding its services with a kitchen furniture shop. Special mention must be made of its human team, characterised by experience, commitment and involvement, who have made them grow and overcome objectives; without them nothing would have been possible.
Renovation projects.
Bathroom furniture.
C/ Lagasca, 75. San Pedro Alcántara info@galvezinteriores.com • 951 703 723 • www.galvezinteriores.com
Cleaning silver and gold IF you have silver items in your home, you will notice that they lose their shine and go a dark colour over time. To restore frames, ornaments and other items to their former glory, mix water with bicarbonate and dip a cloth in it. Rub the items with the solution and then rub off with a clean, dry cloth. You can also use equal parts of vinegar and ammonia in which you dip the silver and then rub with a dry cloth. Meanwhile, if you want to clean gold, although it doesn’t get quite so dirty, a good way is to put some detergent in a bowl with warm water, dip the item in it, brush with a toothbrush and then rinse with warm water. Alternatively, use toothpaste and a toothbrush, then rinse and rub with a soft, dry cloth. Bicarbonate, as described above for silver, also works to clean gold.
Restore your silver items.
Whitewashed villages ONE of the main attractions of Andalucia continues to be its whitewashed villages, but have you ever wondered why they look like this? The tradition of painting houses white dates back to Roman times, but it became especially popular in the 18th and 19th century when the authorities recommended using lime-based whitewash to prevent diseases and epidemics from spreading. ‘Cal’ has been associated ever since with cleanliness and it was the norm when someone died to repaint their room with the bright white paint, as well as painting over graves in November. It is also used to keep the houses cool, as it reflects the sun rather than absorbing it. Nowadays, although other colours have crept onto the landscape of Andalucia, the region still receives visitors who wish to admire the famous ‘pueblos blancos’ (white towns).
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Use your appliances efficiently USING your electric appliances efficiently can help you to save money. Did you know that the refrigerator uses almost 14 per cent of all the electricity in your home, so if you have an extra fridge that you don’t use very often, you can save a lot by unplugging it. Driers are the next energy guzzlers, so hanging out the washing to dry might be time consuming, but it can save you money. When possible, use the washing machine on a cold cycle because a large
Unique real estate
ARMASA is a company founded in 2000 specialising in Real Estate and Hotel Consultancy. Years later we expanded our Architecture, Urban Planning, Retail and Logistics departments, with the clear objective of adding value to our clients’ projects and their properties. We also developed a department for marketing unique real estate assets, and in the last 20 years we have marketed more than 3,500 assets. We have professionals with extensive and proven experience in the sectors in which we work, as well as a specific department of luxury homes throughout the geography, b o t h i n t h e p e n i n s u l a a n d t h e i slands, although our radius of action is mainly Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga and Costa del Sol. We advise our clients and investors in the analysis and execution of investment operations as well as in the management and development of real estate and hotel
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Choose the most energy efficient appliances. amount of energy is used to heat the water. Make sure that you use the washing machine only when you have a full load, the same as the dishwasher.
When you are replacing electric appliances in your home, make sure that you choose the most energy efficient type. They may cost a little more but they will save you money over time.
Renovate your bathroom
IF you feel that the time has come to renovate your bathroom, here are some tips to do so in the most effective way. By renewing the floor, you can choose non-slip tiles which are easier to keep clean and can contrast nicely with the colour of the wall tiles. Renew the sink unit, this will completely change the style of your bathroom and you can use it as an opportunity to add storage space.
Choose a mirror which can combine with the furniture you have chosen. A mirror can make the room seem more light and spacious. Use furniture with or without wheels, in a variety of materials, such as wood, steel, glass, synthetic materials and natural fibres. Shelves can be used for storage too, but don’t use too many to avoid clutter. Use lighting uniformly so that there are no dark areas.
Working with luxury homes. assets. We advise large companies on their portfolios. We work with individual clients, companies and banks, providing solutions to each project they present to us. On behalf of all of us at GARMASA, thank you for your trust.
+34 951 56 83 81 • +34 620 69 83 53 • Marbella CP 29671, Málaga gumer.marquez@garmasa.com
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Mata Lawyers Eco-friendly toilets high quality representation M
ATA LAWYERS is an established legal firm that specialises in property conveyancing, real estate and tax law for overseas clients. Based in Calahonda, on the Costa del Sol, the founder, Victor Mata, is devoted to protecting his clients’ legal interests in combination with effective tax and financial planning. MATA Lawyers’ philosophy is based on a multilingual and multicultural approach, through a dedicated team composed of English, Spanish and German speakers; respond-
Founder, Victor Mata. ing to our clients’ specific legal needs whether they relate to Spanish or international law issues. MATA Lawyers mainly covers the Costa del Sol, but also acts on behalf of clients throughout Spain
and say that their reward is their reputation and loyal clients who have come to recognise the high quality representation that results from our dedication. The law firm was established in Calahonda in 2004 following seven years working in the city of London and also deals with Inheritance Law (wills, probate). For property conveyancing, vendors selling at a loss will get 20 per cent discount. Open from 9am to 3pm, they can also hold meetings with clients in the afternoons
For more information, contact Pilar Fernandez, pfernandez@mataabogados.com MATA LAWYERS: Calle Beamar 1, Centro Comercial Campanario, Office 8-F Sitio de Calahonda, Mijas Costa • Telephone: 952 939 263 E-mail: info@mataabogados.com • www.matalawyers.com
B A T H R O O M S are the place with the highest water consumption in the home, accounting for up to 28 per cent of water use. Showers use 16 to 20 per cent of the water in the average home. You can replace a shower head quickly and inexpensively, reducing water use by up to 70 per cent. Taps account for 15 to 18 per cent of indoor water use, and if you are installing new taps in the bathroom, look for 0.5 to 1 gpm models. Non-contact taps can be used in homes and prevent water from running when it is not needed. The replacement of an old toilet with a new ecological toilet can also save us water and money. New ecological toilets have double flush sys-
tems and use only 0.8 litres or 1.6 litres of water, depending on the needs. Systems are now available by which
used water is on a cycle and goes to the toilet, eliminating the use of fresh water in the toilet bowl.
Using solar energy SOLAR ENERGY can have many uses and in the home it can be seen in many appliances regardless of whether or not you have solar panels installed. One of the most frequent uses is for solar powered lights in the garden. They are ideal for marking pathways or decorating gardens and terraces and are easy to use, as long as the small panel receives sunlight to recharge the batteries. You can also find fountains and little waterfalls which are also powered by solar energy and make an attractive feature. Solar water heaters can save you between 50 and 80 per cent of the cost of heating water and can be easily installed on a roof or terrace. Another option is using solar ovens, which isn’t quite so popular yet, but can be used in moderate to high temperatures to heat food by using direct sun light.
Solar saves you money.