H&H HOME
HAPPINESS
Green Homes
Trends AND Trash
A man’s new castle
Awesome Artisan
Art
Yoga Girl
Cado de Lannoy vs Elisa Lejuez
Awaken your inner human
Color my day
TV personality Tessa Pietersz ‘Always stick to your own taste’
Eclectic and unorthodox
HAPPY Team hits the HOME run ‘Happiness is that feeling that comes over you when you know life is good and you can’t help but smile’ Behind each product stands a dedicated team. And to that team the reader is most significant, just like the audience that watches the home run in a stadium. After many hours of dedication, creating inspiring interviews and amazing photos, we are more than happy to present to you our very first Home & Happiness special edition to your doorsteps. One of the most enjoyable ways of looking for interior design ideas is to listen to a designer. Marielle Perez-Provence introduces us to her world of styling while Claudia Ruiz-Vasquez reveals her thoughts about choosing your own style. For some, art is a great way of relaxing and for others art it is the most important part when it comes to the decoration of their homes. It could be a painting or two that can make a house feel like a home, and we all know that the feeling of being home also creates the feeling of being happy. 2
With that in mind we brought together the colorful Elisa Lejuez and the upcoming artist Cado de Lannoy. What are the latest trends and where do I start if I want to build a green home? You will find the answers to those questions inside. Discover a new non-profit organization that has a social mission that will certainly make you happy. If not, the contagious positive vibes of ‘a happy man’ will certainly get to you. Tessa Pietersz opens her door and talks with us about how she feels relaxed at home and how to follow the current styling trends. Sit down, have a cup of tea or coffee and enter the world of HOME & HAPPINESS! We wish you a very warm welcome, Sigrid, Tiziana, Jamey & Linda
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Publisher: Amigoe Aruba Bilderdijkstraat 16-2 Oranjestad, Aruba Telephone: (297) 582 43 33 Director: Sigrid Hammelburg Coordinator & Editor: Linda Reijnders Correction: Jamey Baire Sales & Marketing: Tiziana La Torre Jamey Baire Linda Reijnders Graphic Design: Joost Horward – Adctra Printer: Interprint Aruba N.V.
Home & Happiness Special Edition 1 November 2015
EQ3 Design Lives Here! Clean and chic. Modern and divers. These are the first impressions you get when entering the contemporary furniture store EQ3. Warmth and friendliness topped with a cup of coffee makes the EQ3 experience complete. “We treat everybody that comes through this door as royalty. You are always seen and whatever question you may have will be answered. Even after a delivery, we check with our clients if everything went to their satisfaction”, says Ghislaine de Windt, EQ3 Project Manager. In house stylists Today, EQ3 is a vertically integrated company specializing in modern design for everyday life with simple, clean and functional design. Customize your EQ3 sofa with fabric or leather, finishes and legs for a style all your own. As a Winnipeg-based company, EQ3 Aruba is a franchise owned by Raymond Maduro, and is managed by a great team of professionals. EQ3 Aruba is a store that provides high quality furniture ranging from beds, custom made sofas, home accessories and much more. For the EQ3 team there are two clear unique characteristics of the store. “That is definitely the service. Not only the warm and open attitude of the staff towards the client, but we also offer the skills of an interior stylist. Our interior design services are to individuals, hotels,
and condominiums. That is actually a big value on the island as it is not common. Our two stylists, one for the European and American market and one for the Latin American market, hold each a degree in interior design and have many years of experience.” Furniture and much more EQ3 also differentiates itself due to the set-up of their store. Ghislaine explains that customers are excited about this. “They love it as they can actually imagine how their living room or bedroom would be set up. We do not want to overwhelm people, but show them possibilities instead.” The enthusiasm of the store’s staff is clearly visible and makes you feel you are visiting someone’s home. “We are all keen on making a presentable and uniform impression. Even the music adds to the welcoming vibe.” If you think EQ3 only offers furniture you are wrong. “A wide range of home accessories is part of our collection. For Christmas we are getting in a big stock of beautiful modern accessories for home. People love to buy these items for themselves or as a gift.” Next to that there are light fixtures, sheets, clocks, serving ware like glasses and flat ware like spoons and knives. Rugs in different colors and even canvases add up to the wide-ranging collection. “Our newest line of products is a line of blinds and decorative panels. Not to forget that we even offer modern outdoor furniture.”
Wedding registry If you have the spirit of love and are about to get married, EQ3 can be of assistance. As of this month EQ3 starts with their wedding registry. Guests can choose from a list of products what they wish to buy for the couple or an account can be opened at EQ3 where guests can place money as their gift. And if you are in the mood to get furniture inspired while sipping some freshly brewed coffee, please feel welcome to attend to one of EQ3’s “Koffie Morgens”, where you can enjoy a free fresh cup of coffee, muffin and yoghurt parfait while exploring the wide variety of items at their store. November 21st and December 12th are the upcoming dates for this event. Naturally the store is open 6 days a week to serve you with modern design for everyday living.
EQ3 Schotlandstraat 45 Oranjestad, Aruba www.eq3aruba.com www.eq3.com Telephone: (297) 583 33 73 Home & Happiness Special Edition 1 November 2015
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Color My Day Waking up every day in the morning with that sunny feeling you have here in Aruba is a real treat. The sun is bursting through your windows and lights up your whole house. It is the place where you feel at ease and where you have your favorite spot to dream away or to relax after a busy day at work. How does a TV personality color her days? We visited Tessa Pietersz at her wonderful home.
She develops new concepts for television, but also hosts her own programs. Tessa is a program developer for the Aruban broadcast company ATV. As a program developer, she takes care of the commercial as well as the creative part together with her team. “Twelve years ago we developed Trend Alert, a program based on pointing out new trends. There is a commercial aspect, but it is mainly about consultancy in the field of fashion, interior design, food & beverage and so on. Actually it can be anything.” Besides her busy professional life, Tessa is mother of four which makes coming home from work an important moment to settle down with her family. Coming home Her backyard is two steps away from the Aruban nature and provides her a feeling of total relaxation when she returns home from work. “With my car full of kids I literally leave the hectic day behind me when driving home. It took a while, but now I can say I can really get peace of mind when I come home. My most precious moment is taking a soothing shower. Then slip into my pajamas or other comfortable clothing and just relax in my bed with all my kids around me. We chat along, eat something, watch television or read a book.” 4
My favorite spot at home The place where she can fully unwind is her bedroom and the balcony. “It is a room away from everything where we can cool down in the air-conditioned space and find some rest.” Tessa’s house is very casual in her eyes, but at the same time reflects her character. “I designed and built the house myself and at that time people tend to keep everything closed. To me it was the opposite: I am not that kind of person to put in a box and therefore my house needs to be open in order for the wind to blow through it.” All the doors and shutters are opened and the kids are able to run in and outside as they please. “I prefer openness and expression.” The style of her house can be described as tropical chic. “As you go through different phases in life, your taste develops too. Nowadays I would choose a more simplistic interior and a green way of living.” The one thing that never changes is her wish to live close to nature. “That feeling of living in the outdoors gives me peace of mind.” Valuable tip “When I started to design the house I began to purchase my furniture and decorations in various places. My advice to people would be to buy it all ahead of time in order to prevent a big spending at once.” Another argument is that is saves time. “At the moment your house is ready to move
in you have so many things on your mind that shopping for furniture is the last thing you would like to do.” When it comes to the design of the house Tessa points out the importance of a good building plan. “For instance the wind: it is vital to know in what direction the house is being built. Another point to take into consideration is the materials you want to use. You could easily fall in love with these strong colored tiles now, but will you still find them irresistible after ten years for example? In my opinion, keep the base simple and uniform. And express yourself by using details.” Trends For her TV programs Tessa works together with commercial clients that keep her up to date on different trends. “Personally I am not a sucker for trends, but see them as a trigger. One should always stick to one’s own taste. I do not believe in just following a trend just because it’s called fashion at that moment.” The goal of her program is to help people find their way within a certain budget. “I always had a strong taste for certain things and I simply love a comfortable life. What I mean with that is not a luxurious life per se as you can make life simple with the little things. My vision is not to confer some kind of status by buying designer brands, but to follow my own direction.”
Home & Happiness Special Edition 1 November 2015
In the chair with Linda On the beach you will find a row of colorful deckchairs. It is a pretty picture, seeing the waving palm trees and the turquoise ocean in the background; a spectacular setting for an inspiring conversation. In the chair: Shanti Augusta, yoga expert. The tranquility comes from the ocean as well as from Shanti. An interview with the Aruban yoga lady is both inspiring and pure. “At the age of 21 my spiritual quest began for the meaning of life. It was then that I came into contact with yoga. First in the Netherlands, subsequently in Aruba, where a teacher from India had initiated me into this world. Then it became fully clear to me what it all entailed”. “That is also when I started to teach, because the original teacher left. I was a complete rookie because I just had finished my diploma a month earlier. I am happy and grateful that I have such a beautiful job. I want to serve and teach others: that is what I enjoy the most.” HAPPINESS Shanti is the owner of Prana Health, Yoga and training. “Before I started my own yoga school, I already taught yoga for five years to pregnant women, children and adults. I’m the first person who began with ‘yoga-for-kids’ on the island. For women she provides prenatal packages: during
pregnancy, after birth and with the partner. “There are osteopaths and breastfeeding experts who can provide guidance as well, so it’s really a fully integrated package.” “A development that I currently witness is the fact that the medical world sees yoga more and more as a mean to recovery”. “For a burnout and psychological problems, for example.” For her, yoga means to have total peace from within yourself. “Happiness, having no thoughts, physical rest and feeling healthy. As a child we have it all in us, but with growing up it disappears; we lose the essence”, said Shanti. “I have always been an introvert but it was only till later in life that I realized I was meditating a lot. It was already in me. Besides this, the entire study around yoga, going back thousands of years, really appealed to me. It gives me nothing but advantages for my growth as a person.“ Modern life Somehow we lose our spontaneity, because modern life is intense and we get lost in daily life. “It’s really important to have inner peace and to stay in touch with yourself. Yoga is becoming incredible popular because people are looking for a break from the hastiness of our everyday life. Otherwise you will not make it. Entertainment such as going to the movies is a ‘short-moment relief’. But in this rushed society, you want a place to relax.”
Home & Happiness Special Edition 1 November 2015
She works continuously with inner peace. It is a process where time becomes more stable and where external influences have no longer such a big impact. “Your physical condition strengthens and it strengthens your emotional system.” World peace is therefore directly related to inner peace, she says. “No one feels like a fight after yoga.” “Everyone can attain mental peace in every circumstance”, says the Buddha. “We give priority to external things, but if you focus more on yourself, you are going to think more positively and take better decisions. That leads to solving things. “ Home “My home is the nature. Close to the sea, under a tree or on a rock; I feel at home when I am surrounded by natural elements. In my house I have a permanent place where I meditate with materials that are important to me such as crystals, stones, beautiful cloths and candles. That’s my energy point, I find peace there.” “For those interested in yoga: you do not have to be flexible. There are many types of yoga but now you often see the physically oriented yoga because it is more commercial. This type of yoga will bring your stress level down and helps you to create freedom and breathing space. But it is of a shorter duration than the deeper yoga forms. Look carefully for what you want.” 5
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Home & Happiness ď‚„ Special Edition 1 ď‚„ November 2015
Green homes: a man’s new castle “Aruba is getting more and more into line to conserve what is ours and to preserve our nature says Greg Laclé, Managing Director of ABJL Group. When it comes to building green, Greg has a clear view: “A mentality change is taking place as more and more people choose for sustainability when it comes to their homes.” Is a green home the man’s new castle? More and more Aruban citizens are open to building green from the core up, but where to begin? Greg and his team have done an extensive research for seven years. “We have studied almost all building systems that exist and that are used to build green (LEED) and we narrowed it down to the best system when it comes to efficiency, speed of building and economics. We selected M2 Emmedue, an Italian building system invented 35 years ago. Three years ago we sat down with the Italian company and expressed that we were seriously committed to represent them and build with their system on the ABC islands. That was the beginning of our green building offering. In addition, we integrated the best water & energy efficient materials and installation in our engineered building to make it the best efficient home you can currently own.” Green to the max “The walls and roof of the green homes are made out of 8 to 10 cm of expanded polystyrene that includes a galvanized steel mesh on both sides and is interconnected by galvanized steel fused rods. Once the panels are up, both sides of the panel will be shotcreted with 3.5 cm 3000PSI shotcrete and finished with either paint or pigmented stucco. Due to the high R-Value of the polystyrene, these homes can save you more than 50% of energy on your air-conditioning. These walls are also soundproof walls (STC45) which blocks around 45DB of sound, making these houses comfortably quiet.” Greg adds: “At ABJL Group we wanted to give our clients the best there is in green building
technology and through extensive research we decided to include even more sustainable materials. For instance our patio decks & pergola elements are made out of a recycle wood that requires no maintenance and you will never need to paint, seal or varnish.” These Green Homes include also a complete integrated Grid-Tie solar system, including a central Multi-zone state of the art Airconditioning system, a pump-less waste water treatment tank, LED lights, State-of-art plumbing system, that can save you up to 70% of water consumption, and many more features. Ideology & Economics “You either believe in a green way of living or not. You need to stand for what you believe in.” says Greg. He thinks in general that if we as humans don’t change the way we go about building, we will contribute to the destruction of our planet. “We were given the blessing of being able to share this magnificent place we call earth with others, it is our responsibility to preserve it and give our future generations also the opportunity to enjoy it.”
incredibly positive thanks to our proper research. The entire team is committed to producing high quality innovative and engineered homes.” A house of M2 Emmedue After all this green talking it is time to see it all in reality. Greg takes Amigoe to the first green house that is currently under construction. What you see is amazing: walls of polystyrene make up a white construction as an almost surreal picture. “For many people who see the system for the first time in its skeleton phase, prior to the shotcrete phase, they may think that it is unstable and flimsy. This off course is a natural way of reacting without first having seen the presentation and tests of this building technology. Once shotcreted, this system becomes a reinforced concrete super structure, able to withstand hurricanes, earthquakes, fire-, blast & ballistic forces. Once you see how strong it is, you are on board. Another huge advantage: that we can build the house in 6 to 10 weeks.”
Greg explains that there seems to be a misconception that building green is more expensive; however this is not the case with their building system. “Our system is 20 to 30% less expensive plus at the end of the month your water and electricity bills are lower.” Greg continues by saying that they are the first company offering NetZero homes to clients, which means that they can engineer your house so that you will reach a zero surplus on your electrical bill, meaning no bill to pay at the end of the month. “We do this by using the net metering option that is available since 2008 when Elmar & WEB opened the Grid.” “ABJL Group has already over 30 signed House contracts here in Aruba, and 98 other contracts in Bonaire & Curacao. The first five houses are now under construction. All this happened within a year after we launched our system officially at Expo Cas in 2014. The public’s response has been
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marketing tool and it educates their employees. “It works two ways as we also strive to open the eyes of the local people to a new way of thinking with meditation and yoga.” Happy to help 109 helps local social projects in seven global areas: environment, clean water, female environment, children, animal rescue, education and world hunger, explains Rachel. “Each cause is geared and connected to different local projects in the world. We have several social mission trips to, amongst others, Bangladesh, India, Brazil, Nicaragua, and Aruba. In the latter we work with dogs in need of help.” All profits go directly to the causes the project supports. The organization is rooted in social media. Participants register for handson projects with a direct social impact while practicing with some of the best yoga teachers in the world.
109: A new non-profit organization with a social mission “Instead of lying on the beach you work. At the same time we introduce a new way of thinking to local people.” These two sentences refer to a humanitarian platform but do need some clarification. We are talking about 109, a new non-profit organization with a social mission, initiated by Yoga Girl Rachel Brathen.
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Imagine you are practicing yoga together with local people from a community in need of help and at the same time you roll up your sleeves to paint their children’s school or educate water saving programs. “It is all about ‘doing good’ as an individual or as a global company that is aware of the damage it does to the environment”, says Rachel. Especially for these companies it is a good
Big girl It is obvious that Rachel is excited about this platform as her face lights up talking about the project during her interview with Amigoe. Sitting on her comfortable couch, chatting away about her work and goals, I start to see why this Aruban resident has 1.6 million followers on Instagram every day. The Swedish-born yogi recently launched her book
Home & Happiness Special Edition 1 November 2015
Yoga Girl which made her a New York Times bestselling author. “Things are so big now. I travel 40 weeks per year and to be honest I am pretty tired of all that travelling.” What would she like to do on the island? “My dream is to have a center on the island where the community can take part in. The island could really use a retreat center. I had this envisioned before, but then it went so fast abroad. Here I used to do 8 or 10 retreats a year in hotels, but yoga was always overlooked by happy hours, fries and alcohol”, she laughs. “A center would then be just perfect and the focus would be on a healthy lifestyle.”
Awaken your inner human with Yoga Girl Green lifestyle How do you embrace a healthy lifestyle? It seems easy to start with good intentions, but the hardest part is to continue. “I really believe a lot of the things you struggle with come from within. If you feel happy it is easier to have a healthy lifestyle. It is not about determination, I think. It should be a feeling of inner contentment, not having the feeling that you have to change your way every day. That it is enough. Lower the expectations and live a healthy life and... don’t be too harsh on yourself. When I travel for example I eat less healthy, which is something that cannot be avoided.. Just accept
that. Start taking care of yourself and who you are.” In her opinion yoga is for everyone although the image of beautiful people in trendy yoga pants doing the most impossible hand stands comes from the media. “They show slim, thin, beautiful, mainly white and young girls. Demographically speaking this is not right.” Favorite spot An armchair placed in a corner with a blanket close at hand and with a view outside as well as an overview of the living room and, even more, inside. Her favorite spot in the house gives her a peace
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of mind while overlooking the nature and ocean outside. And at the same time there is control over who enters or what movement is going on inside the house. “I just feel good here; I can feel free at this spot.” Her dog seems to agree while nestling her way in Rachel’s lap. On my way out she shows me a bunch of puppy dogs aside her house, taken care of by one of her people. Yoga and dogs apparently go well together, it is just a matter of loving them both.
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Home & Happiness Special Edition 1 November 2015
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Home & Happiness ď‚„ Special Edition 1 ď‚„ November 2015
Tropical flavor combined with a modern lifestyle
“Let your curiosity lead you to us, we will welcome you with open arms.” For ten years Steven Ford from the United States has been linked to the island of Aruba. At that time he instantly fell in love with One Happy Island and decided to buy a house here. To find the interior design and style that matched his expectations was a challenging path which inspired him to open his own furniture store. Steven recently opened his S. Ford Furnishings & More. Step into the feel good store where you come across a modern lifestyle combined with a tropical twist. Gwendolyne Hart is a host that greets you with a warm smile and a confident handshake. “We try to think along with the client and not just nod to everything they say. It is not only about selling; it is about building a long-term relationship with your clients based on trust and quality.” The store manager explains that she advises the client with as backup her experience of ten years in the furniture world. “I know my clients and I can sense what they are looking for. Besides the individual clients, we style a lot of condominiums. In that case, I will prepare a full power point presentation based on the floor plan. During the whole process we will stay in close contact with the client to make sure we do not miss one detail.”
Turnkey packages S. Ford Home Furnishings & More offers turnkey packages, which simply means an extensive collection for all in-house styling as well as outdoor furniture. “Roller shades, plantation shutters and wooden blinds are among the choices we offer when it comes to your window treatments.. As for the living room, we go from rugs and paintings to sofas, tables and lamps. For the bedroom we have the complete package from the bed and the beddings to the lamp and night stand. Clients can choose from a range of high quality fabrics in all imaginable colors and patterns. We even provide furniture upholstery.” Well-known brands like TUI Lifestyle, Mobital, Bassett and Norwalk are part of the upscale range of furniture the new store has to offer. Murphy bed All brands come from the United States and are represented by a high quality at affordable prices, says Gwendolyne. “I would say we offer something different: contemporary chic with a tropical twist.” She is excited about one specific item which is the Murphy bed. It is also called a wall bed, a pull down bed or fold-down bed, meaning a bed that is hinged at one end to store vertically against the wall, or inside of a closet or cabinet. “We are the only one selling
Home & Happiness Special Edition 1 November 2015
the Murphy bed on the island. It appears to be a beautiful closet, and actually there is space to store things, but it has a hidden treasure inside it: a comfortable, queen-size bed.” For every taste In her experience she can address certain tastes to her client categories. “The Americans love the tropical touch and prefer warm colors and decorations, while Venezuelan clients –countable for 75 percent of the clientele- embrace modern and clean furniture with a fondness for the color white. They only choose a strong color as a feature such as a pillow or lamp. Europeans also tend to go for the modern and minimalistic style, but with larger furniture and warmer colors.” Whatever taste the customer may have, they will find their pick at Ford’s, as says Gwendolyne. Be ready for the opening launch of the store and some other upcoming events that will be announced through the Facebook page of the store shortly. S. Ford Home Furnishings & More Schotlandstraat 38 Oranjestad, Aruba www.sfordfurnishing.com Telephone: (297) 587 08 30 11
Seaside Luxury A panorama view of the blue ocean, crashing crests of waves and beautiful sunsets compliment the clean and chic apartment at Blue Residences Aruba.
Eclectic trendy A quiet cozy ambiance in an old renovated house with original Curaçao tile-floor:. A nicely restored monumental home with a wonderful eclectic mix in Aruba.
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Home & Happiness Special Edition 1 November 2015
Project Isla Esmeralda: Great happiness at home
Modern state-of-the-art design, the perfect use of space and the comfort of a residential neighborhood: that’s Isla Esmeralda. The project will consist of 23 homes and will be built on privately owned land. The construction of the houses will start in 2016. All will have the luxuries without a hefty price tag. These houses are just perfect for those who want to live upscale in a brand new home of reasonable size that is equipped with the latest technology. Don’t hesitate to have a look, you can already purchase the lots and Isla Esmeralda will make your dream home reality. The new way of living Each house consists of 85-87 m2 living space with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Every piece of terrain includes the side and back walls
and an embellishment at the front and the sides of the house. When you buy a piece of land, you will become the owner of that land, the house, the surrounding walls and the embellishments. What is not included in the price are the kitchen, the air conditioning, the main porch as well as the notary fees (4.5 to 5 percent of the purchasing price). The lots vary in size with 362 m2 being the largest. As for the price tag, one can purchase a house from Afl. 254.000, - and up. The residential project is centrally located and offers all the luxury and comfort one needs to really experience the sense of relaxation and tranquility after work. There is even an opportunity to build a roof terrace or a swimming pool. Since everything will be brand new, the home owner won’t have to be concerned about any unexpected defects or short term maintenance.
Feeling at home At this moment the property is in development and is located at Tanki Leendert 144. It will be paved and be fully fenced in. Only one existing house within the project area will be preserved: an old cunucu house. “We are thinking of making some kind of reception here. It was very important for us to preserve this piece of history. Besides that, it creates a beautiful distinction between the sleek, ultra-modern design of the houses and the historic, old cunucu house, “says the project manager.
For more information: Telephone: (297) 732 28 44 E-mail: islaesmeralda23@gmail.com
Residing at Isla Esmeralda means coming home to relax and create happiness ... as life is intended to be.
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Her house is bursting with energy: colors, shapes, joy and meaning are flowing towards you. We are visiting Elisa Lejeuz, an established artist in and outside of Aruba. Elisa has had her work displayed in New York and is no stranger to the Netherlands. Cado de Lannoy is an up-and-coming talent, a creative spirit that really wants to make it, especially with his photo art. These two artistic minds met, interviewed one another and explored. The result: an interview between two colorful people passionate about the Aruban cultural world.
Cado: “Did you ever think that you would be making your own clothes for your own brand?” Elisa: “No, never. I originally come from the textile world. After attending the art school in Arnhem and receiving my masters in textile I wanted to work as a fabric designer. That’s why I work with screen printing, which really comes from that world. However, I use it in paintings instead of on fabrics or textile. Later on I also started to design clothing which were seen in the Fashion Week of Aruba. I designed umbrellas that matched well together with the clothes.” Cado: “Photography is my art and I want to represent it in a different way in Aruba, the place where I live and work. Capturing abandoned monuments just before they disappear, or as seen here on photos, chairs which can be found everywhere. I see them on the side of the road and capture them with my camera. These chairs can be seen from the Northern part of the island of Aruba to the town of San Nicolas. They form a perfect spot for people to relax and unwind in the evening.” Elisa: “I think it is a striking composition. It looks so surprisingly, with significant details. A bucket. A puddle of water next to three mopping rags. You’re going to invent something. As if it just rained.” Cado: “I do not touch them; I just let them stand there for what they are.”
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Morning inspiration In Elisa’s studio, where you are inspired by all the shapes and colors around you, the couple is chatting away. Cado asks Elisa how she starts with the clothing design. “I make a painting and take a picture of it. Then I transfer it into the computer. With clothing it is more difficult, because you have to consider shoulder straps, for example. When you want to place text in a certain position, you need to work with patterns along the way. Then these patterns will go to a factory. They will first send me the fabric samples. I pay them and eventually I will get it back.” She shows her dress and stands next to a painting. It is identical. “It is printed in China; they are very advanced when it comes to that kind of expertise.” Elisa is always active capturing an image anywhere, anytime. “A tile, graffiti, pictures from New York ... I’m always looking for a figure. As for color, that will come automatically.” Cado: “I also used to make T-shirts on a small scale, by using a printer. It is so awesome, that you do that yourself. How do you actually come up with something?” Elisa: “I just simply begin”. However, she often makes a painting collection, just like now, that revolves around a theme. “Especially in the morning I am full of energy. With a cup of coffee I look at my work and see what it needs.” Outside Cado has the desire to take his art - pictures that will transcend Aruba into another perspective -,
Home & Happiness Special Edition 1 November 2015
Cado comes home to Elisa’s Up-and-coming talent versus an established artist
across the borders of the island. “I used to be a professional beach tennis player, but that became a little bit dull after a few years. My main focus at the moment is this. With Korteweg (an art project initiated by, among others, Cado) I already received many requests regarding my work that I accomplish with pallet wood. With TEDx Aruba for example, I helped setting up the stage and I created the props. Yes, I am a full-time artist. It’s fun and exciting at the same time, because you are self-employed. If you do nothing, then nothing really happens.” How do you motivate yourself to be bigger, he asks Elisa. “Take the plane to New York. You cannot just sit in around your studio and wait for them to come to you. When I just started, the banks here were not interested in having art displayed on their walls. In 2003 I took a plane to Curaçao and had an exhibition in Bloemhof. Afterwards I went to the Netherlands where I was distributing books, which was then followed by an invitation to San Francisco. I am always looking out for something to start with.” The art of multitasking Not only is Elisa an artist, but she is also a mother of two. It was not easy to combine motherhood with her creative profession. “I was forced to paint in the morning during their nap as I needed to concentrate. But sometimes you are right in the middle of your creative bubble and you suddenly realize that you have to prepare dinner as well. The art
of multitasking... I sometimes forgot that the kids had their swimming lessons, because I was completely submerged into my work”, she says with a huge smile. “You must have discipline,” Elisa says firmly. Cado: “I still have not started with my own family yet, I’m 29, professionally speaking I still have my freedom. However, I keep myself busy with all kind of things. It does not stop and you need to be on top of it. I feel, however, that there is a market to make a living out of it, but you need to work on your marketing, your contacts and you certainly must be a social person.” “Yes, being social is a must-have characteristic, says Elisa. Happiness For her it is important that she stands perfectly behind each project or assignment. “I only do things that I believe in.” The reason of the one-liners that you often see reflected in her paintings is because she wants it to be a source of inspiration. Cado wants to tell a story that is captured with his photos. “I want to give people the opportunity to get a piece of history, and show them that some places I capture with my camera are still beautiful, although framed in a different perspective, or add a certain value. To be able to do everything you really like on a daily basis means happiness to me. Creating your own destination.” To Elisa happiness means a balanced, uncomplicated life and above all being healthy. “Happiness comes from within; it’s the way you look at life.”
Home & Happiness Special Edition 1 November 2015
The world According to Cado, the world would look much better if we all could work together and strive towards the same goal. Elisa would like to see more awareness in terms of a cleaner life. “Generally speaking, I think that we do not take care of the earth sufficiently. There is a great deal of pollution in so many parts of the world. Having visited the northern part of Alaska recently, I realized then how pure nature can be. I cannot wait until something happens concerning the issue of the plastic waste disposal. We should make a start with all those plastic bags in the supermarkets here in Aruba. What I do not understand is that the entire garbage at home is not separated accordingly. It is something that should be taken care of world wide. In the end, planet earth would look so much better if just everyone would apply this and cooperate together!”
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Made in Aruba: Custom made kitchens and office furniture Did you know that Aruba has its own manufacturing plant where kitchens and office furniture are produced? Amigoe grasped at the opportunity to take a closer look and was warmly welcomed by Aruban Carlos Maduro from Sync and Office Systems Aruba. “Let me show you around.” Feel HOME at the office At Frankrijkstraat 10 the door opens to a world of office furniture and office supplies. The largest supplier of office supplies and leading manufacturer of office furniture on the island offers top quality brands such as Stabilo, Online, Hallmark, Rilstab, Fellowes, Avery and many more. “Our secret ingredient is the high level of service and good quality. We even have a so called ‘relax counter’ where you can sit down, chill and if you wish, have someone pick your product-list”, explains Maduro. The fresh interior of the store is inviting and makes you wander around to see what’s there to discover. On the left you encounter an amazing variety of office supplies, whereas on the right one can test office furniture. “If you spend a lot of time behind a desk, you better sit comfortable. At your home office or at work, a good chair and desk are vital.” Maduro says that only top quality European material is being used which allows them to offer 16
Sync & Office Systems Aruba custom made products to clients. “Standard sizes for example are 160cm x 80cm, but we adapt in centimeters and deliver fast. Normally this would be very expensive, but as we manufacture ourselves we are able to deliver high quality at competitve prices.” Partitions, chairs, desks and many more office furniture are being offered. Decide your own kitchen ingredients A chic, contemporary store is located at Schotlandstraat 45. ‘Sync: kitchens, closets and more’ says the sign and yes, this is more. Everyone’s dream kitchen becomes a reality here to admire and even test. “Again, we can meet specific requirements and measurements since we manufacture the cabinetry and closets ourselves.” The kitchen and closet specialist works with famous upscale brands like Bosch, U-Line, Best, Smeg, Delta, Faber, Silestone and Dekton. “The name Sync derives from synchronizing as we line up manufacturing to produce side by side kitchens, closets, and offices. Included is also a playful hint towards the kitchen sink.” Loyalty, dignity and respect Whether it comes down to an office or kitchen, according to Maduro their unique selling points are the service and quality. “We deliver fast, are very flexible and determined to put service and quality as our priorities.” The entire process of buying a kitchen, closet, or office furniture is taken care of from the initial planning and design
process up to the final installation. Personalized service to customers is a must, in Maduro’s opinion. “We are an Aruban company and we believe in supporting the island’s people and economy. Our strong culture is based on integrity and fair dealings. We believe in treating our clients and each other with loyalty, dignity and respect. We are in it for the long-term.” Behind the scenes runs a well-oiled company employing 35 people working to meet these requirements every day. “We invest in long-term furniture and long-term employees. In that way our team truly represents the company and feels the pride.” The company was founded more than 25 years ago. “My mother and her sister started in office furniture and supplies, thus building a solid stepping stone for what was to follow. About 10 years later my brother Jaime Maduro, Glenn Marugg and I joined the company and we slowly grew it from 6 to 35 employees offering a wide variety of office and kitchen furniture and supplies. With pride we can now show a working business model with our own working manufacturing plant.” Sync & Office Systems Aruba Schotlandstraat 45 Oranjestad, Aruba www.syncaruba.com Email: info@syncaruba.com Telephone: (297) 588 35 00
Home & Happiness Special Edition 1 November 2015
SETAR: ‘Putting our client at the heart’ New home network solution for optimal Wi-Fi coverage “Hot off the press is our newest service: an improved Wi-Fi solution in order to meet the up-to-date network requirements for modern households. We are always keeping up with the newest technologies.” Shahaira Labad, Marketing Manager, and Arthur Ruiz from the Marketing department are clearly enthusiastic about the latest service from SETAR. Our new Home Network Optimization services increase your Wi-Fi performances at home. The new Wi-Fi extender is exclusively provided by SETAR. “A month ago we introduced this new product, a high speed modem to extend your Wi-Fi Internet coverage. A few years back most families in Aruba had to use one spot in their house to go online. This could have been at a desk or at the kitchen table. Nowadays families can use different devices in one house that is covered by only one modem. This development requires more speed and accessibility. The client has two options: either she chooses high speed
Internet and adds the extender for a better WiFi coverage around the house, or a high speed Internet and no-coverage in certain areas of the house,” says Arthur. We introduced this service to improve the wireless Internet experience at home because nowadays customers are using more and more different wireless devices e.g. laptop, tablet, smartphones, smart TV, gaming consoles etcetera at home without taking into account to upgrade the home network. What is important to mention, says Shahaira, is that this service is only available with Cablenet, and not with DSL. “We are in the process of switching clients from DSL to Cablenet. We call all our clients to inform them that we can provide this new service and that customers can choose for Cablenet if they prefer to keep up with modern technologies. Speed is limited with DSL, but not with Cablenet.”
of the modem, concrete walls, baby monitors and microwaves can slow down the speed and coverage”, explains Arthur. Therefore we sent a SETAR technician to visit our clients to check the home network and comply to their specific needs “We aim to provide the best service and our staff is trained on a monthly basis to make sure they are fully qualified”. At SETAR you can find everything under one umbrella: fixed telephone, mobile services, Internet, and Cable TV services are all provided here. “We have six Teleshops, one main office for administration, an outside plant, technical support, a training facility and a 24/7 call center. About 350 employees work here. Yes, we are there to practically handle everything”, says Shahaira with pride.
Different things can interfere with the coverage and the speed of Wi-Fi Internet. “The location
Home & Happiness Special Edition 1 November 2015
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SAY YES Pink, red & peach Shades of pink, red ‘meat’ & peach fill the color palette of next year. These colors can be combined with multiple colors and accessories in the shades of oily green, navy and deep blue. They convey calm and coolness into the premises. Come on in Bringing the outdoors in is hot. Nature is being brought into every aspect of the house like for example indoor gardens, indoor water features and furniture that can be used indoors as well as outdoors. Since we happen to live in the tropics, it becomes so much more easier to pull it off. Combine your favorite colors with a touch of blue, turquoise and coral to create a chic, soothing and bright setting.
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Awesome Artisan From tassels and basketry to macramé and crochet, weaving is so 2016! To buy locally made and globally crafted goods is a definite GO. Mixing vintage and artisanal items with mass produced goods is not something to be afraid of. Dare to pair a Moroccan rug with a pallet coffee table. Hunt for great artisan goods that originate from popular areas of Africa, Asia or the Mediterranean.
Trends
Trash
Home design trends may come and go, but remember that they are a helpful tool by providing you an endless array of inspiration. Amigoe selected the latest vogues to trigger your senses and feel energized to (re)decorate your HOME.
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Minerals Going all natural is definitely in and minerals are a great addition to any home. Bowls made of pyrite, big chunks of quartz as display pieces and unpolished stones turned into door pulls are a strong trend. The visibility of materials such as brass, copper, wood and marble go well together with that. It is all about capturing the essence and going back to basics. Sustainable heart Last but not least: the foundation of interior styling for the future is going GREEN. Sustainability is at the heart of everything. Make choices based on sustainability when it comes to buying furniture and decorations. Keep recycling, repurposing, reinventing and reusing in consideration before you make your next purchase.
Home & Happiness Special Edition 1 November 2015
SAY NO Television Junkies It is best not to put a television in your children’s room. Instead, try creating a playing area, with bookshelves and games that will spark the children’s imaginations. With mobile phones and tablets slowly taking over many children’s childhood, it is a great challenge for many parents to stimulate their kids to go off-line and play more outdoors. No bubbling In the 1980s, whirlpool bathtubs were a hot commodity. Now, people aren’t using them as much as they used to. Besides the fact that they waste a lot of water there are other ways to relax nowadays. Fake Get rid of the fake wall treatments and re-paint any faux furnishings, such as a dresser or bed frame, to make it look like a piece of antique. Tuscan paint finishes and marbled columns are a no go and have been replaced by eco-chic and authentic materials in homes. Stuffed animals are another item to be reconsidered. Mirrors & text décor Mirrored walls and furniture are definitely going out of style. Wall decor with motivational quotes and sayings will not be part of the 2016 trends. If you have something to share: place a nice coffee table book in your living room.
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One Happy Man: Besides the joy of working hard, he lives a very active life in his private time as well. “I really make time for my hobbies: MMA (mixed martial arts), playing guitar and painting.” Peter van den Heuvel, General Manager at Dynaf, has a certain approach to life: when you, besides your work, choose to spend your time on the things that you enjoy, you are able to be mindful and balanced. Amigoe had an inspiring interview with him at Eagle Beach. Go with the flow It all sounds great, but how do you do that? How do you avoid the stress that can so easily overpower you, when you have so much to do? For Peter it is crystal clear: when you lead a busy life, you are prone to encounter stressful situations. These situations and stress will only contribute to negativity. “Therefore, I have made the decision to shut out all the tension and stress from my life. Stress only consumes your energy and besides that, it is bad on so many different levels. I choose to embrace joy and to drift away from situations that are negative. If in life you encounter an obstacle that you cannot surpass, try to split that obstacle in smaller bits and pieces so you can start somewhere.” “By staying calm and focusing on a solution, you can teach yourself to surpass any obstacle. At least that is what I picked up while traveling around the world 20
‘Being consciously aware of the things I like to do’
on a low budget. Backpacking and adventuring around the world while on a very tight budget, is something that makes you very wise. People may think that it all comes easy for me, because I live such a comfortable life nowadays. However, I was once a student with limited means and over the years, I learned how to remain peaceful in these situations.” The painter For Peter, it is a great privilege to be living in Aruba and he is enjoying it to the fullest. “Last year, I received a wonderful painting of my hero Herman Brood from my daughter. It was then that
I got inspired to paint. After a visit to a museum in Washington, I thought to myself: I’m going to paint.” The first canvas painting he made was of his daughter, followed by his girlfriend, then Bono (U2), Bob Marley and finally the city of New York. “It brings such peace of mind, I truly like what I do and the responses have been surprisingly positive. I do not want to make money out of it, but some kind of recognition is always welcome.” Peter’s style is impressionistic, modern, with lots of colors and a unique fantasy. He certainly wants to put Aruba’s beautiful surroundings on canvas. “Just look around you and see all the beauty. Nature reenergizes you. “
Home & Happiness Special Edition 1 November 2015
GO GREEN & SAVE BIG Turn-key solar solutions for any type of roofing: www.dynafsolar.com 2005-2015
10
years
Call us for more information or an appointment Morgenster 88, Oranjestad T: (297) 583 4956 E: salesaua@dynaf.com
Home & Happiness ď‚„ Special Edition 1 ď‚„ November 2015
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In the chair with Linda On the beach you will find a row of colorful deckchairs. It is a pretty picture, seeing the waving palm trees and the turquoise ocean in the background; a spectacular setting for an inspiring conversation. In the chair: Marielle Perez- Provence, interior designer. “Design is becoming more and more popular, so the desire of people to go out looking for unique items is growing. Due to the digital world, there are a lot of options and choices available.” Provence sees on Aruba a growing awareness of interior design and it ‘s not only about what is stationed in the house, but also stretches to the veranda or porch “I recently designed an outside area for a home in St. Cruz with a kitchen and lounge area . It is here that you live more outside, so the design of the house is adapted to that concept.” With pages like Pinterest she sees an opportunity for people to find more creative ideas and possibilities. 22
There’s more “My style is European, gained through 30 years of experience as an interior designer in the Netherlands. In Aruba you see all kinds of different styles: American, South American and European. There is a tendency towards a more conservative style on the island. I can only say: there is so much more!” Provence advises that you should take the limitations of the island into account such as the range of products and the influence of the elements on the products. “Not everything is available here, so I’m looking online too. And you can’t just use any material because of the salt in the air, especially near the sea. The heat plays an important role as well in choosing the right materials. Wood and plastic work best. Leather however, is often less practical, unless it is in a room that is constantly air-conditioned.”
and also do the decorations. The architect works on the building from the outside and I work on it from the inside. In addition, I work closely together with the contractor as well.” What’s most important in her job, however, is to listen carefully to her clients. Which brands does she like? “I like Philippe Starck, for example. Contemporary design appeals to me.” Projects such as a front desk of a hotel, designing a spa or drawing her own furniture gives her a lot of joy. Provence has been living on the island for nine years now. She gained most of her previous experiences from working with big companies in the Netherlands. “I worked for a big architectural company and a high-end furniture store with top niche brands.” Here on Aruba she does similar styling for an established business and works as an independent interior designer.
Philippe Starck Provence not only chooses the furniture but thinks about the entire architectural layout of the house. “I put the room together as a whole Home & Happiness Special Edition 1 November 2015
Color My Day Waking up every day in the morning with that sunny feeling you have here in Aruba is a real treat. The sun is bursting through your windows and lights up your whole house. It is the place where you feel at ease and where you have your favorite spot to dream away or to relax after a busy day at work. How does a conceptual designer color her days? We visited Claudia Ruiz-Vasquez at her wonderful home.
Or the chairs I set by the Divi hotel many years ago and still you see people taking pictures on them.” Going back to my question what is her favorite assignment so far she can’t pick a specific one. “While at work, if it’s metal, I get totally fascinated with metal, or if its rustic wood, the same. My love for design goes everywhere, I try to use and match the best materials to that particular project.” Now she is currently working on the Boardwalk, a boutique hotel where she is busy looking for wonderful rustic stones, wood works and plants that will make each tourist never want to go home. Claudia is a conceptual designer. “I design spaces, from macro to micro, from hotels, restaurants, the airport of Aruba, to small products. I oversee the big picture of projects and then zoom into the tiniest details. I select the materials, colors and textures that will send the correct information to the project.” The interior style of her house is to be described as eclectic, bohemian and most important: cozy. “I am a design junkie so everything that has a narrative… every piece I love. Is important to LOVE the pieces, things that make you smile either because they are very comfortable or you find the color special or because you bought it in a trip as a souvenir.” Trends “I think what is important is that it shows a part of your personality. Of whom you are. Your home should never look as a showroom…where all is perfectly coordinated. I believe in perfect imperfection. It is better to save for a real work of art than going to place posters or cheap paintings on a wall.” Some trends she notices now are: urban, modern, clean, rustic, ethic, Mexican and Mediterranean. “In the island there is a mix of
styles. I guess in Aruba, for what I have seen, for the obvious reasons, the Caribbean tropical bric and brac is very common, mixing and matching all open air and rustic ideas together. Although now you see more and more modern lines appearing in house design and interiors.” Barefoot & inspired Her dream house would be… “An old factory, with cement floors, high ceilings, lots of glass and yes: ocean front. That is OUR ocean front. And I would keep each piece of furniture that we have as I love it all.” Designing your house is not about fashion, in her opinion. “People may think it is about following a trend, but I believe it is about expressing your - your collective if you have a partner -, taste and to create a SAFE HAVEN. A place where you and your family feel at ease, and be in this cocoon where the world stops and you are barefoot and inspired. My style is very ME: Very, very eclectic and unorthodox. I love antiques, with a twist.”
My favorite spot at home She finds it difficult to pick one favorite spot at home as there is more than one. “I love the spot at the front door by the birds where I can see them and hear them. I also love to hang at the upper terrace from which I check my skies daily - especially the sunsets! Everyday a BRAND NEW ONE … but I guess the best spot is at the living room where I have my ME chair. Why? It’s TURQUOISE, my favorite color, and it is sooo super feminine and tiny. I barely fit in it but it seems it embraces me. It is my reading or iPad place… a candle, my husband, a wine or a coffee and I am in heaven.”
Love for design To Claudia an assignment is full dedication from her heart. “I guess I love public works because you can impact many people’s experiences, like my work for 10 years at the airport. I love to see people posting images at the garden there.
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Home & Happiness ď‚„ Special Edition 1 ď‚„ November 2015
Home & Happiness ď‚„ Special Edition 1 ď‚„ November 2015
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Where to go EQ3 Modern furniture & more S. Ford Modern furniture & more Home & Nature Floors, blinds & solar solutions Retraco Solar solutions Dynaf Kitchens & Office furniture Sync Air-conditioning & refrigeration Friomax Insurances Guardian Group Banking Arubabank Banking CMB TV, cable, wi-fi & telephone Setar Financing Island Finance Waste collection Ecotech Concrete products Atco Residential house project Isla Esmeralda Green homes ABJL
Modern furniture & more
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Schotlandstraat 45
583 33 73
Schotlandstraat 38
587 08 30
Avenida Milio J. Croes 70
521 11 88
Tanki Leendert 112-F
582 67 50
Morgenster 88
583 49 56
Schotlandstraat 45
588 35 00
Seroe Blanco 14a
583 31 63
L.G. Smith Blvd. 162
582 11 11
Camacuri Z/N
527 77 00
Palm Beach 4B
522 29 02
Seroe Blanco 29A
Rockefellerstraat 2 Barcadera Z/N
583 40 00 583 55 56 582 46 84
Barcadera Z/N
523 66 66
Tanki Leendert
732 28 44
Paradera 3A
582 39 72
Home & Happiness ď‚„ Special Edition 1 ď‚„ November 2015
Home & Happiness ď‚„ Special Edition 1 ď‚„ November 2015
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Home & Happiness ď‚„ Special Edition 1 ď‚„ November 2015