Home and Lifestyle Magazine: July and August 2012 - Issue 22

SPECTRUM

WIN FLIGHTS WITH RYAN AIR!

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JULY AND AUGUST ���� ISSUE ��

NEW LOOKS

Beach Chic, Nautical Aquamarine Art for your Floor RUGS GLASS STONE

Sting

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Kitchens and Bathrooms

COOKING UP NEW SPACE

Awash with Style

ON THE BEACH

Aquatic Oasis

Floating Assets SUPER YACHTS

DÉCOR ■ DESIGN ■ OUTDOOR LIVING ■ LEISURE ■ HEALTH ■ BEAUTY ■ STYLE ■ CUISINE

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HOMEANDLIFESTYLE.ES

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CONTENTS JULY & AUGUST 2012

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52

104

AL O N G T H E C OA ST 20 Company News and Updates

I N T HE T E C H 36 Ingenious Kitchen Gadgets and Appliances

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AT HO M E 38 Beach Chic: Seaside Décor 40 Nautical Inspired Décor

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42 Aquamarine 44 Cool Vases to Add Pops of Colour.

46 Design Museums Furniture Nominations of the Year 48 Art for your Floor: rugs, stone and glass 52 Aquatic Oasis: Glistening water can compliment any outdoor living space.

58 3 Ways to Extend your Outdoor Living Season 64 Kitchens: Cooking Up a New Space in your Home 70 High Impact Ideas for the Bathroom 76 Flights of Fancy: Spectacular staircases 80 Home Tour: A Truly Italian Job 84 Spanish Gardens Test their Designs

88 Restaurant Reviews: Charming Finca Umami 90 Gourmet News 92 Recipes: BBQ season is in full swing

IN VOGUE 96 Fashion, Health and Beauty News 98 No-Fuss Summer Beauty 100 Awash with Style on the Beach

LIFESTYLE 104 White Island Style: Can Xuxu 106 Floating Assets: Super Yachts

109 Ryan Air Tickets to be Won! 110 Exclusive Interview with Sting

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64 48

PHOTO: CASASOLA

CUISINE

HOMEANDLIFESTYLE.ES

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ISSUE 22 JULY & AUGUST 2012 EDITOR

Tanya Francis. Mobile: (+34) 637 478 065 tanya@homeandlifestyle.es

SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR

Sally Cullens. Mobile: (+34) 622 400 055 sally@homeandlifestyle.es

FREELANCE SALES EXECUTIVES

CREATIVE DIRECTOR LAYOUT & PRODUCTION ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATION & TRANSLATION CONTRIBUTING WRITERS COSTA DEL SOL DISTRIBUTION GIBRALTAR DISTRIBUTION GIBRALTAR ADVERTISING AGENCY

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS PUBLISHED BY

PRINTER DEPÓSITO LEGAL

Nathalie van Meesen Mobile: (+34) 633 918 703 Trevor Impett Charlie Bamber Tanya Francis Mobile: (+34) 637 478 065 tanya@homeandlifestyle.es David Jaster david@homeandlifestyle.es Pamela Sauca-Hunt pamela@homeandlifestyle.es Clodagh and Dick Handscombe, Tim Smith, Andrew Forbes Pedro Castillo Carmena Sciarrino ColorWorks Design Ltd Media Centre, PO Box 212, Cloister Building, Irish Town, Gibraltar.

T: +350 200 74349 info@colorworksltd.com www.colorworksltd.com Blue Rope Bench, The Meltdown Series Designer: Tom Price David Toms, Steve Sparrow, Getty Images, Image.net Spectrum Publicaciones S.L. Edif. Ibérico Oficina nº3, Ctra. Nacional Cádiz-Málaga Km.174 29660 Nueva Andalucía, Marbella, Málaga. T: (+34) 952 907 122 Jiménez Godoy A. Gráficas, Murcia BI-911-08

The publisher makes every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct, but cannot accept responsibility for the effects of errors or omissions.

Home & Lifestyle Magazine reserves the right to refuse to publish any advertisement deemed detrimental to the best interests of the community or that is in questionable taste. Home & Lifestyle Magazine cannot accept responsibility for the claims, goods or services of advertisers. The views and opinions expressed by contributors in Home & Lifestyle Magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or the publisher. Products and prices mentioned are subject to change without prior notice. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or copied in any way without the prior written consent of Spectrum Publicaciones S.L. Home & Lifestyle Magazine is delivered every month to homes and businesses on the Costa del Sol, from Malaga to Gibraltar. Subscription rates are 15 euros per year.

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Meltdown Chair - PP Tube

Meltdown Chair - PP Tube

FROM THE EDITOR >

ABOUT THE COVER PP Blue Rope Bench, Meltdown Series Designer: Tom Price.

Glistening water, sandy beaches, azure skies — this issue offers the best of living in southern Spain during the months of July and August.

The Meltdown Series is the result of an experimental process developed by Tom Price, which uses a variety of commonplace plastic products to create a strikingly diverse collection of sculptural seating, lighting and tables. Drawing on techniques from his background in both fine art and design, Tom Price applies new concepts of craftsmanship in an act of wilful manipulation and material inventiveness. www.tom-price.com

You will find inspiring design ideas that can transform your garden into a shimmering aquatic oasis for entertaining family and friends, together with the latest in fabulous furnishings and unique accessories, along with some fun suggestions. To add summer style to your home we also feature some beach and nautical chic, splashes of aquamarine and pops of colour with cool and funky vases.

Not only do we continue to look at the great local companies that can put that special stamp on your home, we also take a look at some high impact ideas for the kitchen and bathroom, and the latest innovations in carpets and flooring to reflect your lifestyle and personality.

HOME AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE PUBLISHING DATES

We head to the ocean with the ultimate boy’s toy - a super yacht, and back to the beach with some must-have beauty products and designer swimwear. Add to that a spectacular La Zagaleta home, a project recently completed by Damon Builders, and Spectrum FM’s exclusive Interview with singer and songwriter, Sting.

September and October 2012 Issue Published 1st September to 31 October

This issue brings everything you need to make the most of the Costa del Sol’s climate, location and cosmopolitan ambience. Enjoy the fantastic weather and don’t miss out on your chance to win a free flight with Ryan Air to one of their many destinations (pg 109)!

January and February 2013 Issue Published 1st January to 28th February

November and December 2012 Issue Published 1st November to 31st December

March and April 2013 Issue Published 1st March to 30th April May and June 2013 Issue Published 1st May to 30 June

TANYA FRANCIS, EDITOR

HOME & LIFESTYLE magazine can be found in over 900 key points along the coast from Málaga to Gibraltar Including Golf Clubs, Restaurants and Clubs, Hotels, International Schools, International Clubs and Associations, Medical Practices, Beauty Salons, Spas, Fitness Centres, Lawyers and Accountants, Urbanizations, Furniture and Interior Design shops

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July and August 2013 Issue Published 1st July to 31 August HOME & LIFESTYLE Magazine welcomes original article contributions from our advertisers. Articles can be submitted in Word or PDF. Photos should be high-resolution large format JPEG images with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. Architectural and interior design clients may remain anonymous. Submit articles to: Tanya Francis, editor@homeandlifestyle.es

www.homeandlifestyle.es << view the magazine online >>

ALONG THE COAST >

BoConcept designs

by Karim Rashid From cups and lamps to a rug and dining table, chairs and a sideboard the new Ottawa dining room collection by BoConcept design embraces urban living and the desire for a unique, contemporary look. Designed by Karim Rashid, Ottawa is the first collection in collaboration with BoConcept, and was designed in honour of the formative years of Karim’s design career, when he first studied design in Ottawa, Canada.

The Ottawa dining chair is truly a unique piece of design. Inspired by nature with its leaf shaped

seat and a forest of legs, it brings character to any dining table while still being very comfortable. The dining table has the same soft detailing to match the chairs and is very much reminiscent of Danish furniture in the 50s and 60s. The table is extendable to make room for 14 people and comes in a choice of light oak or high-gloss white with two different leg colours.

The sideboard comes with great customisation

options. Personalised coloured inserts create a fun detail with a great effect and the handles that curve out gives the sideboard some character while still being functional. The cabinet with its exaggerated handles makes it very easy to open and come in a choice of oak or green to match your table or the sideboard. All pieces can of course be cutomised in a choice of colours and materials as is the case with most BoConcept furniture.

BoConcept Mijas - Ctra. de Mijas, km 3,5 Mijas Tel: 951 242 092 www.boconcept.es

Indulge in your desire for water As human beings our bodies are mostly made up of water — it is a part of us, running through our veins, arteries and muscles. It is perhaps why we crave the solace of the ocean or sea and so often feel the need to capture a piece of that ephemeral substance in the form of a pool. Water is transparent, yet it exists. lt is thin, yet is strong enough to easily take our weight. It is cold, yet can also be hot. A contradictory element that we all love and that we all love to share, and a stunning garden pool gives us that opportunity.

Piscinas Godo understand the different needs of different people when it comes to designing and building a pool, because there are many questions to be answered.

What will be its orientation from the sun? Is it required to be heated? Are there any children to be catered for (perhaps with a separate pool)? Does it need to be deep or shallow? How about an accompanying Jacuzzi? Is your pool to be extravagant and mercurial or practical and steadfast?

And then there is the design of the immediate surroundings to consider. A beach theme with sand? A tropical theme with timber? A mixture of both?

There are so many variations to consider, but whatever you desire, Piscinas Godo can provide it. A pool is like a luxury car. lt requires the installation of pumps, pipes, filters... the engine if you like. You need the best components and the best engineering to make it run smoothly and efficiently. And like any luxury car, the exterior quality, style, and detail of the finished product, is all important. At Piscinas we source only the best materials for your pool from America, Italy, and Germany. So let us make a difference.

Urb. El Potril 7, Marbella (Spain) Tel: +34 952 781 390 info@piscinasgodo.com www.piscinasgodo.com

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marbella’s favourite plastic & aesthetic surgery team

Dr. Kai O. Kaye

Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon • Full Member of the Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery SEGPRE • Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery EBOPRAS • Full Member of the German Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery DGPRÄC • Member of the Colegio de Medicos de Malaga (No.29/2909452)

Av. Ramon y Cajal, 7 - 29600 Marbella - info@oceanclinic.net www.oceanclinic.net - 0034 951 775 518 - mob: 670 770 455

ALONG THE COAST > CEROArte’s James Brinkhorn at work

Arte Marbella paints the town red Spectacular 4th Edition of the IV Festival Internacional De Arte Marbella attracts 15,000 visitors in 3 Days

Keeping it in the family company at Gavira

Roidley’s Impact

The All-Encompassing Furniture Store Established for Over Half a Century!

Gavira, the Spanish family-owned furniture company that has been established since 1955 on the Costa del Sol has 6000 square metres of showroom space.

Situated in Casares Costa, Sotogrande and Sabinillas. Gavira pride themselves on their wide variety of furniture, good service and value for money with a strong focus on customer satisfaction which is probably the reason why Gavira has become so successful over the 57 years that they have been trading. Gavira offer a complete package service where you can furnish your home specifically to your taste and budget saving you time and money. They also have a large selection of home appliances featuring big brand names.

Telephone: 952 890 586 Casares Costa, Autovía A7 KM146.5, Cruce de Casares 952 936 171 (Avda de Manilva, Edf. Plaza, Sabinillas) 956 794 384 (Avda. de los Cano 46, Sotogrande) www.mueblesgavira.es

For the fourth consecutive year, FIAM proved its popularity by attracting a deluge of art loving visitors for a 3-day long extravaganza of art, music, dance — with a decidedly international flavour. Taking place from 21-24 June 2012, the 4th edition of the largest street art festival in Southern Spain converted the centre of Marbella into a hub for the arts from noon ‘til late every day. The now familiar setting of the white tented village spilling down the Avenida de Mar in the heart of Marbella has made Arte Marbella one of Marbella’s most popular and dynamic cultural events.

A colourful showcase for the collective and diverse talents of 80 artists of approximately 25 nationalities, including Spanish, German, Danish, Norwegian, British, Finnish, Ukrainian and Cuban, the works spanned a wide variety of artistic disciplines, from figurative and abstract painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, murals, volumetric art, lithographs, collage, pencil drawing, graffiti digital and textile art, while the festival brought the centre of town alive with a vibrant programme of free quality entertainment.

As ever, the FIAM, which is a non-profit making organization, was relying on the support of its generous sponsors and collaborators including CEROArte, Gomez y Molina, Pulse Interiors, Siempre Mobile Finca Umami and Wasabi rstaurants.

James Blinkhorn, the owner of CEROArte — a new gallery of collectable art on Marbella’s Golden Mile, thrilled art lovers by painting live and generously offering a work in a prize draw as an introductory promotion.

Meanwhile, a 3-metre long work by three-dimensional photographer, Daniel Posner, featuring an up-close, aerial panoramic image of Marbella captured the attention of the public.

President of FIAM, Caroline Bowley, expressed her satisfaction for the continued success of Arte Marbella stating, “Thanks to the help of our dedicated team we pulled it off for a 4th year, all the hard work came to fruition in these difficult times of recession. So many compliments from artists and visitors alike, makes me proud to be part of this wonderful arts festival”. www.artemarbella.com

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ALONG THE COAST >

Exquisite design from Italy The construction or renovation of a home is an exciting project for you as a homeowner. Disegno Casa puts all of the benefits of an interior designer at your disposal. Their team of architects and designers produce exclusive, creative and unique spaces giving your home the light and brightness of the Mediterranean coast.

Disegno Casa, originally from Italy, has developed all types of architectural projects over the years from commercial complexes, reforms to luxury villas in La Zagaleta, El Madroñal, Sierra Blanca, as well as in other

countries including the USA, Italy and Brazil to name but a few. Offering the highest quality finishing and definitions, their team of designers is able to create flooring up to 2m x 1.5m in size. All of their work is 100% made in Italy. The materials, labour, mosaics and marbles come from Italy and are imported directly to Spain.

Thanks to the development of their computer applications and software, you can visualise your project perfectly in 3D before the work has even started.

DISEGNO CASA Urb. Cancela de la Quinta edif. 3 Local 1/A, San Pedro de Alcántara Marbella T: +34 952 787 306 info@disegnocasa.com www.disegnocasa.com

Design Space Marbella Creative solutions to home interiors!

The Hacker kitchen shop in the Polígono Industrial San Pedro in San Pedro de Alcántara has relocated their showroom to Nueva Alcántara on the beachside part of San Pedro alongside the renowned restaurant Albert and Simon and close to Da Brunos.

Not only will they still be Häcker’s luxury fitted kitchen dealer on the Costa del Sol, but are also suppliers of kitchens by the innovative and bespoke Eggersmann and Nobilia - the largest kitchen factory in Europe.

Design Space Marbella will also provide bathrooms

by Keuco, wardrobes and dressing rooms, which enables them to cater for all their clients: those with a specific budget to clients seeking a bespoke oneoff design and quality fitted furniture for the whole house in one location.

If you would like to discuss your project and your requirements please contact, andy@designspace.es

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Showroom — Tienda Design Space Urb. Nueva Alcántara, Edif. Mirador, n˚3, Calle Salamanca, Local n˚6, San Pedro Alcántara, Málaga, Spain Tel (+34) 952 799 307 www.designspace.es

HOMEANDLIFESTYLE.ES

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ALONG THE COAST > SAUM & VIEBAHN

CYCLADES

BY CASAMANCE

Le Pietre Incise Palladio claddings The Le Pietre Incise Palladio collection of claddings is the result of an in-depth study of lines by Andrea Palladio which highlights a recurring geometric profile — an outline consisting of a series of curves, ornamental traits and wide pot-bellied curve. The prestigious collection of claddings merges echoes of the past with contemporary motifs with harmonious lines, a strong 3D nature and the textured appeal of stone. The collection features 5 models, which suit any type of setting, from homes to contracts, available in different materials and thicknesses. www.lithosdesign.com

Continental Design Tastes and styles to suit all budgets For 14 years, Continental Design has relished the role of designing and furnishing rooms, apartments, full-blown remodeling projects and new constructions, with infinitive styles and taste. Their in-house team which consists of an architect, quantity surveyor, engineer, project manager, construction and design team can take a project through from start to finish. Their strength lies in the ability to manage every aspect of the project with only one contact point needed by the client, from the whole concept to the very last detail, including the floor plan and material selections to site management and planning permission, then creating the entire living scheme for the house and designing the rooms, choosing the paint colours, fabrics, furniture, lighting, and countless other details including 3D presentations autocad plans, in consultation with the client. The commercial section of Continental Design has proved to be ever more successful over the years, covering the entire reformation of bars, hotels, restaurants, offices and shops.

Continental Design Urb. Nueva Alcántara, Edif. Mirador Bloque 6 - Local 3 Bajo San Pedro de Alcántara T: +34 952 900 313

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Imperial Furniture Los Barrios From amazing and extremely comfortable leather sofas to complete furniture packages Imperial Furniture in Los Barrios holds a extensive selection of furniture to suit all budgets. They offer a choice of over 25 different sofas in various materials and colours, a large selection of lamps, mirrors, paintings and decorative items in stock and deliver to your home the same day. A visit to the shop is a must, you never know what you’ll find!

Parque Comercial Las Marismas, P.I. Palmones II, Los Barrios — Exit 113B (Next To Kiabi)

ALONG THE COAST >

Luxurious

Extend your outdoor living season with

Marble Pool Finish Costa Glass

Hydrazzo® pool finish is the smoothest, richest and most luxurious surface available, formulated from time proven technology and the earth’s finest raw materials. Hydrazzo combines naturally beautiful coarse graded crystalline and coloured marble, along with white cement and a host of other performanceenhancing ingredients to create the ultimate pool coating.

The secret of a Hydrazzo finish is the final step: polishing the surface to a brilliant luster that unlocks the marble’s natural beauty and its extraordinary strength. With unique colour selections and natural variegated appearance, Hydrazzo complements all poolscape designs. This polished pool surface creates a finish that is naturally resistant to spot etching, topical stains, permanent scale, algae adhesion and is friendly to fingers, toes and swimsuits.

Marble Pool Finish SL are the official agents for Hydrazzo® in Spain. With over 12 years experience in the pool resurfacing suiness, you can trust their full team of installers to transform your prized pool into something breathtaking.

MARBLE POOL FINISH SL T: +34 952 830 251 M: +34 634 187 912 or 603 219 729 www.marblepoolfinish.com

More and more people are opting to extend their villas or apartments with modern glass and the advantages are clear — an expanded floor area which pushes your living areas out into the garden to create a wow factor in your home. A room that can be used all year-round by opening up a dark room into a light and airy one.

Costa Glass, a Spanish company with many years of experience in the world of glass enclosures, manufacture and the installation frameless glass systems which increase and enhance your living area, indoor and out, with space, light and unparalleled elegance.

Each system can be fully-customised to meet your requirements. A choice of aluminium in over a hundred colours, imitation woods, installation in curved and polygonal area and at different heights, plus the option of being fitted with tinted windows, sun protection, colour or silkscreen according to your choice.

With the highest standards in manufacturing and installation, the company can offer a 5 year warranty on all their glass curtain system, ensuring complete peace of mind and client satisfaction.

T: +34 952 804 743 M: +34 664 066 348 Admin: Pol. Industrial de Estepona C/ Juan de la Cierva, 32, Estepona, Málaga info@costaglass.com www.costaglass.com

Is your website tourist friendly?

We are all using our mobile more and more to browse the web and within the next two years, it is predicted that searches on mobile phones will outnumber searches from any other device, including your Mac or PC! With the European Union pushing down roaming tariffs, more tourists are browsing the web whilst down on the Costa del Sol. But what will they find when they see your site? Chances are that you’ve put effort and resources into your desktop site, but have you ever viewed your site on a mobile phone? Ah, yes, pretty difficult to read.

The team at thelittleweb have neat solutions for this obvious problem — a fast loading mobile version of your site that is pixel perfect for today’s smartphones. Easy to read text, a touchscreen button to call you direct, a map so they can find you easily, as many languages as you can muster and many other cool features.

Local legend, Hans Moller at Starz Cafe in Nueva Andalucía was so impressed with the technology and the price that thelittleweb team created a Starz Cafe website for Hans which is smartphone friendly (see above).

For further information please visit www.thelittleweb.com or call them on 648 652 115

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EXAMPLE thelittleweb sites

HOMEANDLIFESTYLE.ES

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ALONG THE COAST >

One-Stop Shop

A to accommodate all your needs!

Opening hours: 9.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 3pm on Saturdays.

Calle Juan de Mena Poligono Industrial, Estepona Tel. +34 952 798 277 email. Info@esteponafurniture.com

Unique Reforms

The Estepona Furniture World and Carpet World Store situated in the Estepona industrial estate is an incredible 3,500 square metre superstore where you will find a huge range of items to make your house into a home.

Their vast range of products includes a selection of quality fabrics and luxury leather sofas, furniture, quality mattresses and bed bases, sofa beds, garden furniture, pillows, bedding and bed accessories, fitted carpets, rugs, wallpaper, curtain fabrics, kitchen equipment, lighting and decoration items to accessorize, all complemented with helpful, multi-lingual staff to assist customers in their choices. Estepona Furniture World also offers furniture packages which can be tailor-made to suit your individual requirements.

Their flooring department specialise in fitted carpets, laminates, wood and vinyl flooring which are suitable for domestic and commercial premises. They have a good range of carpets in stock, but many more to choose from including Ryalux Carpets, Brintons Carpets and a good range of carpets that come with a Stainfree protection. A recent addition to their range is vinyl flooring that looks like wood, an excellent option for kitchen and bathroom areas.

To view their vast array of samples, visit the showroom or alternatively call and they can arrange for Richard to visit you in your home to show you samples and to take measurements for a free quotation.

Delivery and installation all along the Costa del Sol, inland and Gibraltar.

specialising in bespoke Bathroom and Kitchen installations.

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Speak to our expat experts!

The Staysure expat team, based in San Pedro de Alcántara are happy to discuss any of our products face-toface or over the phone.

They offer a wide range of products from travel insurance, home insurance, health insurance and funeral plans, all aimed at the over 50s expat by offering value for money and specialised cover.

We all know staying fit and healthy is the key to a full and happy life, so it makes sense to ensure that you have access to the best healthcare facilities available, no matter in which country you reside. Staysure’s private health insurance is provided by some of the world’s leading medical experts, thereby guaranteeing high quality facilities and treatment, plus a worldwide network of state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics.

Buying a home overseas can be the most expensive purchase you will ever make, so it makes sense to protect your investment with the right home insurance policy. Staysure’s home insurance provides expats living in Europe with cost-effective building and contents cover at extremely reasonable prices, so you can be sure you’re protecting your cherished investment.

Established ten years, fully-legal and insured, Unique Reforms offer an extremely personal service by taking you through the whole process of bespoke bathroom and kitchen installations, from initial design ideas right through to completion, taking pride in our attention to detail every step of the way, and helping you to shop to ensure that you are getting the best products for your specific needs.

We offer a complete package of services including plumbing, tiling, lighting, radiant panel heating and under-floor heating, without the

Why not pop in and discuss your requirements with their expat team.

STAYSURE Calle Marques del Duero 17 San Pedro de Alcántara, Marbella, Málaga, 29670 or call 952 010 055

need to raise the floor level and with minimal disruption.

Unique Reforms, being a Medilink Preferred Partner, also cater for those with limited mobility, designing and installing bathrooms, wet rooms and kitchens to meet your particular requirements, ensuring that your living space adapts perfectly to your tailored needs, therefore “Making Life Easier” for you at home.

Tel: +34 658 928 732 www.uniquereforms.com

ALONG THE COAST >

Personal money transfers

At the right time. At the right rate Headlines about the debt crisis in the eurozone are not new, however, they have certainly resurfaced with a vengeance the last couple of months and the markets have been spooked by the lack of clarity of the terms of the recent Spanish bank bailout of 100 billion euros. That said, Mr Rajoy has for quite some time been saying that prior to going cap in hand he wanted to understand the Banking report currently being prepared by auditors.

Therefore not unexpectedly following the bailout we saw confidence in the zone improve and last for about 4 hours before markets starting seeing a rot return with the euro, oil, gold and commodity prices losing the days gains. So with Spain clearly back in the spotlight and bond yields running at an extremely dangerous high level of around 6.9% fear within its banking sector set in again and we saw a run on cash withdrawals from Spanish banks.

Mr Rajoy did suggest that by receiving the funds it should be a cause for celebration, the public are not convinced, furthermore credit rating agencies are not impressed and Moodys and Fitch both took action and cut Spain’s credit rating to a status just

above junk although they could not agree as Fitch decided it should be cut to a level 2 notches above junk whilst Moodys were less optimistic and cut their rating to 1 above junk status. Now the problem here is that “junk” status removes the ability for raising new money. Italy are experiencing some backlash from the uncertainty as rates on their bonds also rose to a dangerously high level which puts pressure on another eurozone country and its banking system which the ECB is particularly is keen to avoid at time when it has seen an increase of 8.5 biilion euros being lent to banks during the last week. Maybe the additional funds were to support the run in Greece where it was suggested that up to 800 million euros a day was being withdrawn ahead of the election that took place on the 17 June. With Cyprus also going cap in hand to the EU for a bailout of 4 billion euros pressure is certainly building within the zone.

In an attempt to restore confidence the German government via Chancellor Merkel has recently begun opening the door to a policy of shared debts and explore proposals for a 2.3 trillion fund to stop the euro crisis escalating.

Elsewhere we have evidence that the job market in the UK is not a rosy one as the demand for temporary and permanent workers fell last month off the back of the issues within the Eurozone. To compound the situation Mr Tucker who is the deputy governor of The Bank of England has said that weak growth in bank lending remains a serious concern because households and businesses relied on these loans. Wow startling news particularly when your average person has been shouting for ages that banks are stopping them form borrowing!! With monetary policy left unchanged at the last meeting in June, the question now is, for how long? With increased risk in the eurozone are the BOE holding back on printing of money just in case!!!

With other news around the globe not healthy as manufacturing slows in China and retail sales in the states not as expected then we have a negative outlook sitting in front of us all. Not to worry we have been here before many times of late.

The results of the Greek election on 17 June has avoided an “economic tsumani” but Europe is not out of deep waters yet, and markets will be watching with caution.

Exchange rates during the last month have seen ranges as follows… £ to $ £ to Euro Euro to $

High 1.6075 1.2547 1.2323

Low 1.5284 1.2247 1.2853

So if you have been looking to buy or sell a property and want to transfer funds you should call Moneycorp our preferred currency exchange company. Please ring 951 319 700 and one of their friendly team will be pleased to have a chat with you.

M. Domenech

New to customized vehicles

M Domenech, situated on the Benahavís Road, are professionals in the car industry for over two decades, specialising in national and international high-end and mid range cars from completely brand new, corporate to second-hand. They modify your vehicle on request and catering to your needs and deliver within two weeks. Over the last 10 years they have attended the esteemed motor exhibition held at Seville’s Palacio de Congresos, where they will a ttend once again this October. All of their vehicles are fully-inspected by their own mechanics with a minimum of one year guarantee. They can offer tailor-made finance of up to 100% as well as part-exchange and their friendly staff speak both English and Spanish.

M Domenech Ctra de Benahavís Km 0.1, Marbella.

Tel: 609 02 86 02 autosdomenech@hotmail.es www.autosdomenech.com

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< ADVERTORIAL

QUALITY FITTED KITCHENS, BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS WITH THE BRANDS YOU TRUST

The Kitchen Room

A company built on the foundations of customer service, quality products and with the right people. Home and Lifestyle magazine talk with Ian and Andrew to find out what Stages are involved in making projects from paper come to life.

STAGE ONE — INITIAL PROCESS The start of a project usually begins with a visit to our showroom in Estepona by a potential client. It is necessary at this point to understand and identify their requirements, and to determine if the client lives here permanently or owns a holiday home as the estimating process differs depending on individual circumstances.

A kitchen is composed of hundreds of components, appliances, worktops plus more. Products and budgets go hand-in-hand, a client could spend 250 Euros on an oven or 2,500 Euros, so material specifications have a final impact on the final quotation. It is the first fundamental step, we have to get this right the first time, and irrespective of their budget be it 5,000 Euros or 50,000 Euros it is important to us that everyone gets the same level of service.

The fact is that many clients have never bought a kitchen before and may find the process initially overwhelming. We are here to make a complicated process become straight forward, which in turn makes the whole project for the client an enjoyable and memorable experience.

STAGE TWO — SITE SURVEY A visit to the site is arranged. Rebecca, our principal designer, will spend time on site with the client and take accurate measurements of utilities, services, room sizes etc, which necessary in order to determine whether structural changes need to be made with the new design. At this stage, some clients like

to provide as much information regarding layout and their requirements whereas some like to leave it to our recommendations.

STAGE THREE — FINAL DESIGN This stage for Ian is the most exciting and the most rewarding. All the details of the clients project are incorporated in to a 3D design on a large screen. I love to see the clients reaction when they see what started life as pencil lines on paper and in discussion evolve in to their dream project.

STAGE FOUR — ORDERING When a project is finalised the client’s file is passed to installation Director Andrew, and consists of the final design, its specification and the date the project is to start. Whether it’s a kitchen, bedroom or bathroom all the main products will have already been ordered for me by Rebecca from our international suppliers. All orders are checked and double checked before I receive them, and most now are scanned on and off the lorry with hand held terminals. Our suppliers are respected companies and damages that do occur in transit are replaced free of charge within 24 hours. This gives me peace of mind and prevents unnecessary delays to the completion of the project, it’s better for me and much better for the client.

STAGE FIVE — INSTALLATION I usually visit the site with our designer before the installation to ensure that I am fully conversant of

what is required. Our team are all highly focused on delivering a project to customer expectations and team work is a basic essential tool in this process.

The last thing in the world we want is an unhappy client which can be caused by an oversight in not fully understanding your designer.

Some of our installations are highly complex and can comprise of extensive building work, one of our strengths is our building team. Today, kitchens are a reflection of a person’s personality. We usually wrap walls and ceilings around a kitchen, incorporate mood lighting and truly adjust the building to suit the kitchen.

Depending on the location of a client I will either see them every day, or email photographs to update them on the daily progress of the project. This works well for both the client and for me. It gives clients the opportunity to offer any comments before things progress further, and this gives them reassurance in knowing that work is being carried out on schedule and within the agreed stage payment plans.

In short, our clients are not asked to pay until they are satisfied with the service or product provided within their budgetary requirements. This is agreed upon jointly when a contract is formed, it’s the fairest way all round.

Whether carrying out building work, installing a kitchen, bedroom or bathroom, the crucial thing is to get it right first time, a majority of our business is approximately 90% recommendation, so in essence this is where our work begins.

BEFORE AND AFTER

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM Avenida Litoral No. 5, 12 & 13, Estepona, 29680, Málaga Telephone: 952 896 336 HOMEANDLIFESTYLE.ES

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ADVERTORIAL >

DIRECT AUCTIONS Positively changing the image of the coast’s property market

DYLAN SHARP, DIRECT AUCTIONS CÁDIZ It has never been a better time to buy a property on the southern coast of Spain with the huge number of repossessed properties held by Spanish banks that are now being offered at very low prices. During the boom, with the huge development across southern Spain, many people invested in the area excited at the prospect of owning a property in a place that seemed like paradise. When the crisis hit, many of those buyers simply could not complete on their purchases and the properties were handed over to the banks. These properties have not been available to the general public until recently, but the Spanish government has now ordered the banks to sell the properties in order to boost the economy offering mortgages of around 90%. With so many deserted plots of land and empty properties still available on the coast, this is a fantastic time to invest in the Spanish property market as many properties will be offered at well under the market value.

Despite the slow property market, Direct Auctions have powered through and have become one

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of the most successful property companies in their coverage area. In their last live auction in May this year, out of the 31 properties featured in their catalogue, 19 were sold with a further 5 properties being sold after the auction. Since September 2010 until now, Direct Auctions have sold over 70 million Euros worth of property in Spain and Portugal with the average conversion rate of properties sold at their auctions hovering around 65% or higher.

The success behind Direct Auctions is a lot more than just them being in the right place at the right time. The objective of the company is to offer an alternative method to buying and selling property –where service and professionalism ensure clients on both sides benefit from the lowest sales fees in Spain safe in the knowledge that all properties are pre-conveyed. There has been a lot of publicity on the Costa del Sol’s property market such as in the Mail on Sunday newspaper and programmes like, “A Paradise Lost” and “A Place In The Sun”. In all of these articles and programmes, Direct Auctions appeared quite heavily but was portrayed in a

positive light thus installing confidence in them as a company, positioning them as the obvious choice for anyone who wants to buy or sell property.

Direct Auctions have loyal bidders that come back time and time again demonstrating how this company has built-up a great reputation in the industry. As they truly understand the marketplace, they can accurately advise their clients on how to maximise their marketing potential guiding them on a realistic price to auction their property. Their properties range from plots of land with licenses to build, old farmhouses for reformation, newly-built apartments that are close to completion, resale properties, townhouses, commercial units to topend luxury villas. Just recently, Direct Auctions sold a 4 bed detached villa in Viñuela which was on the market for 85,000 Euros. They came with a reserve of 90,000 Euros and in a matter of weeks the property was sold for 125,000 Euros. Also, Direct Auctions had a large duplex apartment in El Presidente, Estepona which was taken on at a guide price of 300,000 Euros. This property was sold at auction

We make it simple, you make the savings!

SOLD

SOLD

for 400,000 Euros. The owner of this property commented, “Direct Auctions really care about their work and stick to their promises. They come across confidently and knowledgeably and advertise their properties effectively. He sold my property within 3 months so I was thrilled.”

The auctions are always well-attended on the day with phone bidders also involved. Several properties sell before auction as prospective buyers view and make an offer which is accepted by the seller. Some lots sell on the day of the auction and there are always sales after the auction as some vendors further reduce their prices to encourage a speedy sale. As a current average, 25-30% of every catalogue has been sold before the time of the auction itself.

Direct Auctions is expanding all the time and due

to customer demand, they intend to hold more live auctions in various locations throughout Spain as well as in other countries such as Portugal, Turkey, Cyprus, Dubai, Cape Verde, UK, USA and Bulgaria.

Dylan Sharp, who has just come onboard with Direct Auctions, will be covering off the area spanning from Sotogrande westbound across the whole of the Cádiz province. Dylan joins the team with a wealth of real estate experience and has even bought property from auctions himself so he really knows what he is talking about. He will be holding an auction in Sotogrande in September and is currently looking for properties to list. Dylan is willing to offer anybody who lists their property in the September auction another listing in the December auction if in the unlikely event it does not sell in the September auction.

AUCTION DATES 26TH JULY

Kempinski Hotel, Estepona

14TH SEPTEMBER Club Marítimo De Sotogrande 27TH SEPTEMBER Kempinski Hotel, Estepona 29TH NOVEMBER Kempinski Hotel, Estepona

For more information about Direct Auctions, go to www.direct-auctions.com email: dylan@direct-auctions.com or info@direct-auctions.com . Tel: 951 778 108, 677 448 359 or 622 612 789 (Dylan) HOMEANDLIFESTYLE.ES

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IN THE TECH >

1. BEOLIT 12 Bring your favourite music with you anywhere you go, in perfect quality. Boost the mood in the kitchen, bathroom or garden with popping tunes and pristine sound. The battery lasts up to 8 hours of playback, the power supply is integrated and the power cord has its own storage space.

• Stream your music wirelessly from your iPhone, iPod, iPad, Mac or PC. • Charge your iPhone while playing music.

• Carry it with the leather strip fastened above the aluminium speaker grille.

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High-Tech Kitchen

BeoLit 12: €699 — Bang & Olufsen Marbella, Puerto Banús Main Entrance. T. 952 81 72 50 2. ICE POP FUN Summer is here and the kids are ready for icy treats. The Zoku Quick Pop™ Maker Duo freezes ice pops in as little as seven minutes right on your countertop and saves space in your freezer. Includes reusable sticks and drip guards. SRP £ 31.25 www.zokuhome.co.uk Available on www.amazon.co.uk

INGENIOUS GADGETS AND APPLIANCES

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3. T-FAL ACTIFRY A broad range of meals using an all-in-one cooker. Stirfrys, grains, veggies and, of course, meat, chicken and seafood. It even does desserts. Because it uses little-tono oil, you can also create crunchy French fries with 75 percent less fat than their fried counterpart. www.amazon.co.uk 4. PIPETTE OIL & VINEGAR BOTTLES These aren’t exactly “hi-tech”. However, the modern design of these simple pipettes, by design house stockholm, seems to come directly out of a chemistry lab.

Use for drizzling the most precise amounts of olive oil and basmati vinegar on salads and Italian dishes. £55.00 www.innes.co.uk

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6. THE FOOD POD This silicone contraption boils, blanches, steams and drains, and looks totally rad. The Food Pod holds up to a dozen large eggs or several heads of broccoli and contains them in its porous, alien-antenna-shaped neon shell for regulated cooking and easy cleanup. www.fusionbrands.com - www.amazon.co.uk 5. ICE BALLS A must-have for fun lovers of all ages! Pack them with mint leaves, basil, fruits and more. Fill them with juice, lemon or lime segments. Can be used in pitchers, cocktails, punch bowls, and tumblers. £12.15 www.prepara.com - www.amazon.co.uk

SAMSUNG Smart Fridge

THE SMART KITCHEN What’s cooking in a smart kitchen depends entirely on what kind of intelligence you’d like to serve.

• Access your favourite recipes from a touch screen in the kitchen or make dinner reservations at your favourite restaurant.

• Automate your shades to close at sunset and open at sunrise.

• Program one-touch buttons for optimal lighting: one for “Cooking Prep,” another for “Entertaining.”

• Send appliance maintenance and service requests through the Control4 system.

• Set oven lights to flash in other rooms when the preheat is complete.

• Send a notification to the living room TV when the roast has reached optimal temperature.

• Request alerts that report your energy usage.

• Program the ice-maker to increase ice production just in time for the party to commence.

• From a touch screen, queue up the perfect playlist as your guests sit down in the dining room.

For more information on home automation contact: Future Lifestyle, T: 902 107 227 or visit www.futurelifestyle.es

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GLOSTER FURNITURE Bloc Collection in Black www.gloster.com

AT HOME

DĂŠcor & Design Outdoor Living Architecture Property

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SHOPPING >

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Beach Chic

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SEASIDE DECOR WITH A MODERN INTERPRETATION

1. MURANO GLASS BOWL Beautiful Venetian bowl of the Yalos Shell collection €167.00 www.yalosmurano.it 2. NAUTILUS LAMP - THE VAULT DESIGN STORE A lovely example of seashell-inspired design that is wonderfully classy and modern. www.thevaultnz.com

5 are made of driftwood and old planks with leather seats. www.bleunature.com 4. ACRYLIC GLASS & NATURAL PEBBLES LAMPS Every one-of-a-kind piece is built by a team of

3. WING BACK CHAIR LOUISE CRUSOE Designed by Louis Crusoe, these dramatic chairs

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CORAL LIGHT The Coral Light, an LED lighting fixture, is inspired by the exquisite corals in the ocean. Imitating how natural coral reflects rays of light through the living sea www.

QisDesign.com

French craftsmen who use found pebbles (that they personally source on beaches). www.bleunature.com 5. THE “CORAUX” TABLECLOTH A superb machine-embroidered coral motif. White linen or eucalyptus-green linen both embroidered in coral-red, or turquoise mix-linen embroidered in white or coral-red. www.noel-paris.com

Photo ©Anne-Emmanuelle Thion

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Variable Light & Shade

|

Rain Protection

|

Ventilation & Insulation

Enjoy your terrace, every day...

...come wind, rain or shine Vergola’s unique automatic opening louvre roofing system not only looks stunning, but is robust enough to survive the harshest of elements; that’s why it comes with a ten year guarantee and is maintenance free. Solutions also available for restaurants, bars, pools and public buildings.

25 years in Australia – Now in Spain (+34) 902 102 658

lifestyle@vergola.es

www.vergola.es

SHOPPING >

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1. BUBBLE GLASS Perle d’art Bubble collection perfectly matches modern and minimalist style with its great blue tones. €186,60 www.perledarte.it 2. L’EAU A light, transparent, coloured and eyecatching chair. It owes its name to the “water-wave” design on the back of the shell. www.calligaris.com.es 3. SHIP SHAPE ‘Ship Shape’ butter dish with spatula by Stefano Giovannoni for Alessi, €20 at www.alessi.es

4. SALT ‘N’ PEPPER Conjuring up thoughts of fish and chips by the most stylish of harbours, these great shakers also come on either a yellow or a brown boat.

Memory of Falmouth salt and pepper shaker, £39.75 by Takae. www.mydeco.com 5. LA CIMA Wall or ceiling-mounted clotheshanger in pleated nautical rope.

Apparel hanging accessories and wall-or ceiling anchorage hardware in metal. www.opinionciatti.com © The Lexington Company

Nautical Inspired

NAUTICAL LOOKS HAVE BEEN POPPING UP IN HOME DECOR EVERYWHERE 5 THIS SEASON

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LEXINGTON SEASIDE SUMMER 12 Sailing and nautical life inspires the colours, prints and details of the Summer collection.

All new is the printed light blue/white bedding with a unique print. Signal flags are an important element as well. The range truly reflects The Hamptons. www.lexingtoncompany.com

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SHOPPING >

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3

Aquamarine AZURE SKIES, POOLS OF ULTRAMARINE, ADD SOME TOUCHES OF COBALT, 4

CERULEAN OR SAPPHIRE

4 1. LA MED MELAMINE DINNERWARE Set a casual table with the rich colours of handcrafted ceramics – without the worry of breakage.

Looks just like hand-painted earthenware, but they’re made of bamboo fibre and melamine, a high-quality material that is hefty, shatterproof and scratch-resistant. EUR 27.77-55.60 www.williams-sonoma.com

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5 5

2. LE SOLEIL Suspension lamp made of polycarbonate, it is available in three colours: white, red, and aquamarine. www.foscarini.com

4. HOBNAIL PITCHER Seemingly pulled from grandmother’s cupboard, this is a decidedly old-world way to serve up afternoon refreshments. EUR 68.00 www.anthropologie.eu

3. CHÂTEAU 120 Measuring nearly 48 inches, this robust range features two standard vaulted ovens, one gas and one electric, and nine possible cooktop configurations. www.lacornue.com

5. THE JACKET Fatboy Jacket is a cover for your Fatboy Original bean bag. Made from Sunbrella fabric, which is a longwearing, moisture repellent fabric and withstands UV radiations. EUR 129.00 www.fatboy.com

M1 STINGRAY “Design-in-motion” best describes TUUCI’s shade innovation. An expansive wing to wing birth of shade puts the M1-Stingray in a class of its own. Build with marine-grade materials, the Stingray is both distinctive and durable. www.tuuci.com

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SHOPPING >

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Summer Fresh COOL VASES TO ADD 4 1. BLOW AWAY VASE A classic royal blue delft porcelain vase that experienced something truly bizarre… it has been blown aside by a powerful gust of wind. The wind motion becomes part of its features and its beauty also lays in the fact that it is bent but not defeated. www.moooi.nl

2. CORAL VASE 20-TULIPS TURQUOISE Designed by Norman Trapman from glazed porcelain in Turquoise. Dimensions: L30 x W18 x H45cm. www.polspotten.nl 3. RIBBON VASES DEEP FOREST/SPRING Based on a rotation of the upper edge of the oval base, these simple vases exert their effect primarily by material, colour and glaze. Limoges porcelain, H33cm , H22cm Designer: Martina Zwölfer. www.12er.at

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POPS OF COLOUR. 4. VASES BY KARIM RASHID FOR BOCONCEPT From the BoConcept Spring 2012 collection. A set of 4 vases in a gift box in the colours of eon yellow, orange, royal blue and dark grey EUR 59.

BoConcept Mijas, Ctra. de Mijas, km 3,5 Tel: 951 242 092 www.boconcept.es

SNAKE > Mouth blown vases in 12 different colour combinations and 5 different sizes from 4-38 cm. tall. Transparent coloured glass with matt glass textures. For a new metropolitan design mood. www.nasonmoretti.it

5 5 5. AMAZONIA VASE Vase in flexible resin designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design in yellow, red, blue and transparent www.corsidesign.it

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DESIGNERS IN FOCUS >

WINNER - 1.3 CHAIR, BALSA FURNITURE, KIHYUN KIM > Inspired by the British WWII wooden bomber, the De Havilland Mosquito, Kihyun developed an innovative chair design in balsa wood and lime veneer.

Weighing an incredible 1.28Kg, Kihyun presented it as his graduation project from the RCA in 2011.

TIP TON, London, UK Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby

HARBOUR CHAIR, UK André Klauser and Ed Carpenter at Very Good & Proper, London, UK

Designs of the Year

NOT SO EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE (NSEPS) London, UK Attua Aparicio & Oscar Wanless at SILO

DESIGN MUSEUMS NOMINATIONS AND WINNER IN THE FURNITURE CATEGORY

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HEMP CHAIR Berlin, Germany, Werner Aisslinger

WAVER Munich, Germany, Konstantin Grcic

MOON ROCK TABLES London, UK, Bethan Laura Wood

THE CRATES Beijing, China, Naihan Li & Co

XXXX_SOFA Eindhoven, Netherlands, Yuya Ushida

TEXTILE FIELD, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Paris, France, in collaboration with Kvadrat, Denmark

JULY � AUGUST ����

SHOWCASE >

Art for your Floor RUGS AND CARPETS TO GLASS, MARBLE AND STONE

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With style, colour, texture and luxury, fashion and interior design have much in common. Your home is a reflection of both your personal style and lifestyle as are the clothes in your wardrobe. Your floor is your home’s main outfit, with furniture and soft furnishings its accessories, so for your home to look its best and cater to your lifestyle, the floor needs to be well-dressed. With palettes of gorgeous colours and irresistible textures, flooring and rugs will glam up any style of home - traditional or contemporary.

When designing your décor, many professional decorators recommend that you choose your rug and flooring first and use it as a base for decorating the rest of your home. Changing a rug can give a room a whole new look and feel. Colours can make a room appear bigger or smaller and create different moods, while textures attract the eye.

DESIGNER TIPS • For a modern look - less is more. Choose furniture with clean lines and contrast with a textured rug.

• Contrast texture on your floor with a bold feature wall to give your room that wow factor.

• Nothing says luxury like simplicity. For understated style, choose a neutral colour for your floor and a pale palette for other furnishings. This will allow you to use accessories to change your room as you change your mood.

• Add interest to a cool colour palette in your bedroom by using different textures. Try a soft plush pile carpet, metallic cushions and a luxurious mink throw to add a seductive touch to everyday living.

Shopping for rugs is fun. Keep in mind your style of furniture and the feel you want and go for it!

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1. SHYRDAK - FELT RUG A rug that is fully hand-made from pure wool in ancient Kyrgyzstan tradition. Each piece is totally unique and the abstract shapes depict themes from the nature of the mountain steps. www.feelfelt.ch 2. FINGERPRINT RUG. Design

by Karim Rashid, wool/cotton. W170 x L240cm. Available in different sizes. EUR 579. BoConcept Mijas, Ctra. de Mijas, km 3,5 Tel: 951 242 092 www.boconcept.es 3. TRESSE A compelling graphic design inspired by knotted yarn, that be ordered in any custom size and colour. www.chevalier-edition.com Why must a carpet be laid under a table and why does it have to be either circular or rectangular? EGE’s new carpet collection cuts across traditional boundaries, and takes a fresh look at how carpets can be used in interior design. The result is “Play the Edge”, a collection that shakes off tradition, breaks the mould and juggles with a combination of 3D design, new shapes and edges. Featured is one of the designers culled inspirations from origami.

EGE carpets and rugs are available from Danish company Cort Idea in Centro Idea, Mijas Costa. T: 952 461 221

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SHOWCASE >

Patterns in marble created

by Disegno Casa. All their stones and mosiacs are brought directly from our factory in Carrara, Italy.

T: +34 952 787 306 www.disegnocasatrading.com

The Kaos marble floor is intended as a stylistic flashback, placing us firmly in the design milieu of the 60s and 70s. www.budri.com

Hours of fun for the kids … Liquid Floor Tiles available from BbyU in San Pedro de Alcántara. www.bbyu.eu

The Jackie K. stone intarsia floor with inlaid black and white marble (Bianco Sivec and Nero Belgio). www.budri.com

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Thanks to the genius of PATRICIA URQUIOLA, BUDRI has been given a wonderful opportunity to apply new production techniques, mixing materials of different kinds and overlapping marble and wood in warm shades. It is an amazing scene; in the wide spectrum of colours, the shades of marble prevail, including Bamboo Green, Green Bowenite, Green Onyx, Pakistan Green, Ming Green, and many others. The shades of blue vary from Azul Macaubas to Sodalite, Azul Cielo through to Rosewood, which contrast with the range of reds such as Tiger Onyx, Cloud Onyx, Breccia de Vendome and Jasper. www.budri.com

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OUTDOOR LIVING >

Aquatic Oasis THE LOOK OF GLISTENING WATER CAN COMPLIMENT ANY OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE. ADD DECKING, SUN RESISTANT FURNITURE AND AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN AND CREATE YOUR OWN PRIVATE OASIS.

GLOSTER FURNITURE Bloc Collection in white www.gloster.com

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It’s summertime and there’s no better way to enjoy the weather than by relaxing in your garden – next to the pool. Just imagine yourself floating in the cool water with a refreshing beverage in your hand as music emanates from the surroundings. The garden looks great and you feel amazing with warm rays of sunshine beating down on your face as the water cools your body.

You enjoy your day, going inside only to fix dinner (or remaining outside at your new outdoor kitchen). As the sun sets, the lights kick on, not only in the pool but throughout your garden. With the temperature dropping, you turn on the Jacuzzi as you share the beauty of the evening with your friends and family.

Clearly, the picture we just painted in your head is amazing, but what decisions do you need to make in order for this outdoor oasis to become a reality in your garden?

ENSOMBRA PARASOL by Odosdesign Folding parasol with base made of galvanized, thermo-lacquered iron, pole made of thermo-lacquered stainless steel and strips made of phenolic plate. www.gandiablasco.com

THE POOL From start to swimming, installing an in-ground pool and deck can take anywhere from six weeks to three months, is a must have addition to a new or renovated home and can become the centerpiece of your paradise. First is the shape and size of the pool. You can still choose the basic rectangle shape from the 1980s or early 1990s, but there are many more shapes to choose from now.

You can get a Grecian pool, a rectangle with the corners clipped off, a lagoon shape, an infinitely pool plus more, and designers offer curbed pools that almost look like an oasis. As for the size of a pool your outdoor space is a key determining factor. A lot of people buy into the The Outdoor Kitchen, a design collaboration between landscape designer Jamie Durie and Electrolux, features the Electrolux Integrated Barbecue and the new Electrolux Integrated Burner. www.electrolux.com

CHEOPE KITCHEN BY METALCO HOME Designed by Alfredo Tasca this powder coated steel, entirely clad in brushed stainless steel comes complete with 2 side burners, 2 tubular burners to heat the lava rock, cast iron griddle, stainless steel sink and an angle poise tap.

ONAFALOS GRILL BY SMARTECH ITALIA A fun option by adding coloured Corian petals in a range of six colours to customize according to taste and setting

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OUTDOOR LIVING > notion that bigger is better, but you need to enhance the garden and the house not overtake everything. Pool companies here on the coast usually have their own landscape designers who can design the best pool for your lifestyle and style of your home and garden, which is designed to overcome and work around existing obstacles like boundary lines, drains, sewer pipes and unstable land.

They’ll submit the construction plans to local authorities and are able to oversee the construction work, carried out by their own teams.

If you already have an older style pool that you are thinking of resurfacing, there are now many options to consider instead of the usual tiles. Pebble Tec® brand pool finish (available from Atlas Pools) is the original pebble pool finish and delivers enduring natural beauty and durability. Available in 18 attractive colours, it is the perfect choice for individuals desiring a more natural look for their pools, spas or water features. Hydrazzo (available from Marble Pool Finish SL) combines naturally beautiful coarse graded crystalline and colored marble, along with white Portland cement and a lot of other performanceenhancing ingredients to create a silky smooth texture.

Next on deck, your pool deck. Your deck is important because you’ll be relaxing there inbetween laps. Beyond the standard grey concrete pool deck, you can consider brushed concrete, brick pavers, natural stone, timber decking and stamped concrete with patterns which can incorporate colours from your home for a seamless look.

Once you own a pool, you tend to accumulate accessories — pool cover, cleaning equipment, outdoor furniture, barbeque, outdoor fireplace, sunshade, a vast array of swimsuits and a blow up lilo. Then there’s the never ending stream of friends and family who pop around for a dip but stay the afternoon.

With this summer’s trendy stripes and leaf design. The trendy colour combination of turquoise, blue, taupe and apple green, grey, white looks perfect with practically all monochromatic summer colours. They resist water, dirt and mildew plus they’re amazingly colourfast. Tarifa collection by Designers Guild

Paola Lenti - Pouf suited both to indoor and outdoor environments. www.paolalenti.it

Fun and funky, Gloster’s new concept in outdoor lounge furniture is the ultimate in contemporary cool.

Prestigious Textiles PalmBeach Collection

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Photo courtesy of CASASOLA

LA Tumbona Sun Bed, available from Casasola, www.mueblescasasola.com

Photo courtesy of CASASOLA

Bubble Outdoor Sofa, available from Casasola, www.mueblescasasola.com

OUTDOOR KITCHENS AND BBQS Alfresco dining is a concept enthusiastically embraced by us and spending summer evenings around the barbecue is now a national pastime. However, running inside every five minutes to get another drink from the fridge or grabbing a forgotten condiment can wear thin after a while. Today, there is certainly no shortage of outdoor cooking appliances, from the cheap and portable to the extremely flashy and expensive.

Each summer the latest models of barbeques seem to get more elaborate and whether you refer to them as “barbies” as they do in Australia, “cookouts” like the North Americans, or “braais” as the South Africans do, their aromas signal the beginning of summer and is a must have accessory for a gettogether around your pool.

When it comes to purchasing a barbeque, a lot comes down to personal preference as there are so many types. It’s important to choose something that suits your needs. Consider how many people you regularly cook for, the type of meals you envisage cooking and where you are likely to do most of your outdoor cooking… these are the deciding factors.

Also get your partner involved when deciding which barbecue or outdoor kitchen is best for you. Just like men and their cars or men and their boats, men go with barbecues as they become “summertime” chefs… real Gordon Ramsey’s from May to the end of September.

THE FINAL TOUCH A sound system is key to creating the outdoor living environment. Whether it’s a barbecue for the entire neighbourhood or a quiet afternoon in the lounger, music sets the mood for

PHOTO PISCINAS GODO, www.piscinasgodo.com

PHOTO PISCINAS GODO

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OUTDOOR LIVING > the outdoor experience. Fortunately, speaker systems are now able to blend with a home’s architecture or act as a landscape accent, and the garden atmosphere can be further enhanced with some interesting and dramatic lighting options.

Plasmas on patios and front projection systems are also becoming more popular. Outdoor technology products range from AV components through to motion sensors, which detect movement and turn on the lights. People want more of the creature comforts from the indoors, like large displays and surround sound systems — especially for high end properties with resort-style outdoor areas.

A natural oasis includes plants and so should the one you create at your home. Boulders, custom-made water slides with rocks, waterfalls and jets of water shooting into the pool complete the look. Don’t forget lounge chairs and tables to kick back and entertain.

An important component in outdoor furniture is the selection of an appropriate upholstery fabric. When shopping for seat cushions, make sure the material is resistant to humidity and fading. Acrylic, canvas and spun polyester are more weather-resistant fabrics. Look for light, quick-drying seat padding to prevent molding. Sunbrella fabric, used extensively in outdoor furniture designer collections, is a trusted and well-known brand. Traditionally known for plain and striped fabric, it is solution-dyed to give excellent fade and weather resistance. Even the good old bean bag has transformed itself into “cool” outdoor furniture, the ideal alternative to rigid outdoor furniture and generous in portion allowing for greater comfort. Made from Sunbrella fabric, Fatboy bean bags will withstand prolonged exposure to the sun, sea and sand. Plus they look just as smart on the deck at a holiday home or even brought indoors for casual lounging.

With the perfect furniture, outdoor kitchen and pool, you can be comfortable, entertain and really enjoy your aquatic oasis.

KETTAL BITTA ‘Cocoon’ structure for 3-seater sofa www.kettal.es

PHOTO ATLAS POOL www.atlaspool.eu

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Photo courtesy of CASASOLA

Photo courtesy of CASASOLA

Colours Armchair (left) and Globe airmchair with Ruedo coffee table and footstool (right), available from Casasola, www.mueblescasasola.com

Photo courtesy of CASASOLA

OUTDOOR LIVING >

3 ways to extend your outdoor living season LIGHTING Lighting is one of the quickest and most effective ways to transform your outdoor area into a tranquil retreat or liven it up as party central. Thanks to the high-tech marvel of low-cost LED lighting, you can create nearly any mood. A mix of path lights for walkways, spotlights for garden sculptures and other focal points, or even string patio lights in trees, arbors and deck edges create romance and visual appeal.

You can use soft, wide lights at the base of your trees, flowers and bushes in order to accentuate their beauty and create a cabana-vibe while you’re relaxing in your Jacuzzi or on your patio.

But perhaps the most important benefits of an outdoor lighting system are the safety and security that landscape lighting provides. Lighting the pool can create an aesthetically pleasing environment while providing another measure of safety. Lights can and should be installed in both the pool and the Jacuzzi so that swimmers can be safely observed at all times. The sight of the light passing through the water is a beautiful one at night and gels can be placed over the lights in order to manipulate the colour.

New trends include LED lit outdoor furniture and accessories, to ball-shaped floating lights. Also consider unique dualpurpose products, such as rainbow-hued fountains that refill pool water lost to evaporation while providing a spectacular light show with its rotating glow.

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ATMOSPHERIC LIGHTING by Metalco Home. Brushed stainless steel structure and supports with blown Murano glass candle holder. www.metalcohome.it

OUTDOOR LIVING >

ECO SMART HEAT If you want to enjoy your pool during spring and autumn, consider adding a heat pump or a solar pool heating system. They are a more affordable way to warm your pool during the colder seasons. With a swimming pool heating, you could get in as early as late March and will take you through to the end of October and later. Speaking of heat, a spa/hot tub is a great way to also enjoy the water all year long.

Even if you close the pool down, you can still get in the hot tub and relax.

For heating your outdoor areas natural gas patio heaters can be used effectively under eaves and pergolas. Underfloor heating under the patio and radiant heat under counter tops have been used in outdoor kitchens where money is no object, and portable propane patio heaters are a good solution for more modest budgets.

Fireplaces and hearths are perhaps the most attractive option for adding heat to an outdoor entertaining area and provide all of the same great benefits that you enjoy by the one inside of your home.

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KINDLE HEATER

EcoSmart Fireplaces and outdoor heaters, and the Kindle heater are available from Pias Chimeneas in Nueva Andalucía.

T. 951 275 693 ECO SMART

OUTDOOR LIVING > Caledonia Golf, Estepona.

THE SHADE SAIL COMPANY www.theshadesailcompany.com

SHADE The desire to use our outdoor areas all-year-round has seen an increase various shading options. Remote-controlled overhead louvres by Vergola are an excellent option. Depending on the weather or the wind direction, you can open them wide, make the area semi-enclosed, or batten-down the hatches.

Gazebos by Crown Pavilions are a popular choice and can be built to match the style of your patio or deck and seamlessly blend into the landscape. Typically wooden, these long lasting options not only create shade, but bring a sense of peace and relaxation to your space.

Another effective and creative way to protect any outdoor space from excessive sunlight is by using shade sails from the Shade Sail Company. These large sheets of thick fabric, tensioned across several anchors, can shade decks, patios, yards, and even pools. A unique architectural and artistic effect can be also be achieved with careful planning and placement of two or more shade sails.

Crown Hampton Gazebo

by Crown Pavilions www.crownpavilions.com

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VERGOLA. www.vergola.es

HOME DESIGN >

Cooking up a new space in your home 64

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THINKING ABOUT A FULL KITCHEN TEARDOWN. WHERE DO YOU START? The first step is laying out your plans for the new design of your kitchen and determining what you want to spend. You will then need to decide on new fixtures and appliances. This is also a good time to decide on paint colors, flooring and tiles as well. Make sure to decide if you want all the extras, such as stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, slate flooring and top-of-the-line faucets. All of these items need to be included in your budget.

Renovating or building a kitchen can be an expensive project, so it pays to get it right. Employing a kitchen designer will make your task much easier, but before you do, decide if you just need help with the design or whether you also want someone to project manage the job, overseeing the subcontractors (builders, stoppers, cabinetry and flooring installers, plumbers, electricians and tilers), and ordering appliances and materials.

Having your kitchen out of action for any period of time is likely to cause major disruptions. However, by planning everything from start to finish, you can avoid the delays that tend to extend your kitchen down-time.

THINK ABOUT DESIGN Regardless of size, good layout is paramount. The work triangle is still a fundamental design principle, and can be worked into virtually any shape of kitchen. It sees the fridge, sink and cooktop positioned to form a triangle, generally With the sink at the apex, and the fridge and cooktop on the outer two corners. Ideally, no traffic should pass through this triangle,

PHOTO COURTESY OF CASASOLA, www.mueblescasasola.com

Stylish island hood with ambient light, to softly illuminate the whole kitchen. www.electrolux.com HOMEANDLIFESTYLE.ES

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IQCOOK INDUCTION HOB The induction hob with sensor control guarantees safe cooking. The sensor technology prevents food from boiling over or burning, reduces power consumption by 40 per cent and ensures that the valuable nutrients of food are retained. This works for cooking with and without a lid. Precise control commands allow easy handling and the selection of automatic programmes. The mobile sensors can be fastened on any lid when food is steamed. www.gorenje.com

PHOTO: The Loft kitchen by GIULIA NOVARS, Russia, www.giulianovars.ru

and it shouldn’t be obstructed by an island or table. If you do a lot of entertaining, an open-concept kitchen may be the most suitable for your home.

This allows you to stay on top of dinner, but still offers the opportunity to socialise with your guests.

STORAGE Sufficient, accessible storage is worth its weight in gold. Look at where you can make the most of every centimetre. Incorporate small box drawers into your cabinetry for spices and foil rolls, or use narrow slots for tray and baking-dish storage. Wire baskets and cup hooks let you utilise dead space between shelves, and carousels in corner cupboards mean all items can be accessed easily.

Try to store things you need as close as possible to where you’ll use them - put cooking utensils next to the cooktop and unload dishes directly from the dishwasher into overhead cupboards or adjacent cutlery drawers. Heavy and large items are best stored in drawers or cupboards below bench-

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top height. Keep handy the things you use daily, while infrequently used items should go in more out-of-the-way places. Remember to allocate storage space for miscellaneous items, such as mops, brooms, pet food, highchairs, cookbooks, family noticeboards and recyclables.

BENCH SPACE Adequate bench space is vital, especially when you have more than one person cooking or preparing food at a time. Be sure, also, to allow enough bench space around the cooktop and oven to set down hot dishes.

APPLIANCES Rather than buying appliances with whiz-bang functions you’ll never use, go for practical features that make life easier and reduce power consumption.

Make a list of all the things you really need and want in each appliance, then go shopping.

ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING If you’re renovating your kitchen, try to keep the

plumbing and wiring where it is. Using existing service points will save a lot of money. Bear in mind that for the warranty to be valid, most appliances must be installed by a certified electrician.

Good lighting is another must-have. In addition to general lighting, position task lighting above cooktops, meal-preparation areas and the sink. You may also want to add feature lighting inside and under cabinets.

VENTILATION Don’t make this an after-thought. Rangehoods ducted out through the roof or an external wall are the most effective, and allowance will need to be made for this at the initial design stage.

CLEANING Choose surfaces, materials and colours that are easy to clean and maintain. Display shelves, open plate racks and cup holders, and benchtop appliances tend to attract dust and grime, causing added work.

CASASOLA

© The Symphony Group plc

Häcker Kitchen. DESIGN SPACE, San Pedro

Albany oak Symphony Kitchen. THE KITCHEN ROOM, Estepona

Eggersmann Kitchen. DESIGN SPACE, San Pedro

AVOID COMMON MISTAKES: • Power points. Ask your electrician to install more power points than you think you’ll need. You may want to put one or two power points inside benchtop cupboards for small appliances such as blenders and coffee grinders.

• Sinks. Make sure your sink is big enough to wash large platters and baking trays. If you cook a lot of large quantities of food, you should install a high water nozzle. They make filling up large pots much easier.

• Storage accessibility. Stretching to reach items in high overhead cupboards is annoying and can be dangerous. Likewise, you’ll grow tired of getting down on your hands and knees to retrieve items at the back of underbench corner cupboards.

• Appliance placement. Ideally, the dishwasher should be as close to the sink as possible, to make rinsing and stacking easier.

SMOKE ALARMS The kitchen is one of the most common places for a fire to start, and yet smoke alarms can be problematic when mounted in the kitchen itself - many models have a tendency to be triggered in the general course of cooking.

Mount an alarm in an adjacent space, such as a hallway, where it will pick up fire heat but not that of cooking. Make sure it’s not too close to the bathroom for the same reason..

HOMEANDLIFESTYLE.ES

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SHOPPING GUIDE >

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Kitchen Utensils

NEW INNOVATIONS FOR 2012 4 1. UNO CAPSULE COFFEE MACHINE The extremely slender body of only 10.6 cm width is puristic and clearly formed and makes it one of the slimmest capsule machine in the world. www.delica.ch 2. AVANCE JUICER Delicious freshly squeezed juice. Easy to assemble, use and clean. EUR 199.99 www.philips.es

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5 5

3. BISTRO BLENDER Thanks to its pulse function and the infinitely adjustable speed, the Bistro jug blender is powerful and, at the same time, it operates gently enough to prepare smoothies and soups. EUR 129 www. bodum.com 4. STEEL TOUCH KETTLE Inspired by the works of the Dutch painter Piet

Mondrian, this Russell Hobbs kettle has no buttons, instead it functions by touching the control panel. www.russellhobbs.com 5. MOULINEX COOKEO MULTI COOKER Although it is a technology-oriented product, the multi cooker expresses the joy of cooking by its iconic design. www.seb.fr

A innovative kitchen produced from only 8 mm thin concrete www.steininger-designers.at

HOME DESIGN > Photo and Bathtub: SICIS. www.sicis.com Estudio Arqué. www.estudioarque.com

High impact ideas for the bathroom CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS FOR THE BATHROOM

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SICIS. www.sicis.com

SICIS. www.sicis.com

GROHE Spa. www.grohe.com

Loop & Friends bathtub collection www.villeroy-boch.com

As anyone who has ever experienced a spa getaway will tell you, there’s nothing like it for taming stress or rejuvenating your spirit.

Rather than jetting off to a resort for pampering, more homeowners are incorporating spa elements into their bathroom makeovers. Whether sleek and minimalist or rich and ornate, the spa bathroom is a place to lie back, relax and shut out the rest of the world.

In part, the most recent element of this trend can be attributed to the influence of health club culture, and the increase in popularity of boutique hotel accommodation — and of course to the pace of our modern hectic schedules. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits that a spa-like bathroom can offer them, by recreating the look and feel of exclusive resort bathrooms in their own home. In line with this sort of thinking, more and more domestic bathrooms now

come equipped with the sort of facilities you might expect to find in an exclusive resort — with all sorts of innovative products now available, such as steam cabins, saunas, and chromatherapy showers.

And this influence is even making us consider our bathoom’s decor in a completely different light. When seen as a space of wellbeing, the bathroom takes on greater significance in the living area and enhances people’s quality of life, as well as in shaping architectural spaces.

With a shift in thinking about what a bathroom ‘means’ comes a new approach to design and layout that’s influenced by other parts of the home — we’re now seeing a raft of cabinetry designs styled on furniture pieces. The addition of chaise lounges or comfy chairs, a contemporary fire place and the inclusion of AV equipment (such as TVs built into shower cubicles or wall-hung cabinets) make on-trend bathrooms HOMEANDLIFESTYLE.ES

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Bathroom Tips

SYMMETRY SUCCESS Consider symmetry to be fundamental to any design. Make sure you have a focal point in which to achieve harmony and balance within your kitchen or bathroom.

MAKE IT SPARKLE Inject a little glamour into your interiors wherever you can. Create features with decorative tiles or artistic objects and leave the rest of the areas relatively plain and clear. For example, try using a large gilt mirror over a basin as an alternative to a plain mirror.

LIGHTING FLEXIBILITY General lighting is great for functional activities, but having an atmospheric scheme can transform a bathroom into a haven of relaxation or a kitchen into an ambient eating and entertaining area. Ensure your light fixtures have adjustable settings for different moods, and that you have good task lighting where you need it.

CONTAIN THE CLUTTER ANTONIO LUPI www.antoniolupi.it

places where you really want to linger longer.

It’s not just in the entertainment field that technological innovations are effecting change, either. Thanks to advances in plumbing, fixtures can now come straight out of the wall, allowing greater freedom in furnishing choices. For example, there’s no longer a need to opt for a cabinet to hide the pipework below a bowl-shaped basin, so you can pick a simpler plinth design. With such previous constraints diminishing, designers have more freedom, and bathroom fittings are now almost entering the realm of art.

Lighting options are also now far more flexible than the old conventions dictated, thanks to fibre optics and LEDs. Chromatherapy is very fashionable, and it can really make an impact on your sense of wellbeing.

Just as sunlight brightens your day, the colours of the light spectrum will work on your frame of mind. Red will stimulate the metabolism, purify and help clear the upper respiratory system, while blue will calm and cool. Green creates harmony, relaxes and is restorative; while orange or yellow are warming, appetite-stimulating and vitalising.

Another notable development is the rise of the bathroom designed for sharing — while modest bathers still may

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prefer privacy when it comes to some of the, ahem, more basic daily rituals, quite frankly it can sometimes get a bit lonely soaking in the tub for hours (unless shutting the door on the world is your intention). Recognising that some couples wish to enjoy a sociable spa experience at home, manufacturers such as Kohler, Jacuzzi and Teuco produce tubs suitable for bathing à deux, while it’s also now possible to find enclosures sizeable enough for two — or you could simply double up on fixtures for side-by-side showering.

As both the design of our homes and evolution of our lifestyles can be somewhat co-dependent, who knows where this trend might lead? While weight-lifting and yoga activities already take place in some bathrooms, sitting rooms are often taken over by games-console fitness sports and TV watch-along-workouts.

Then there is the ‘home office’ residing in many a living room corner. Who knows whether, as electrics get more sophisticated and safer for use in ‘wet areas’, the ‘bathroom’ as we know it will become obsolete and we’ll be playing Nintendo Wii aqua-aerobics and surfing the internet from the comfort of our very own water lounge. One thing that won’t disappear though is that oft-cited bathroom complaint: “Will you please hurry up in there?”

Understand what storage you may need before you plan and design your room. Allow enough for additional and future requirements too — you always need more than you think you will! Accumulation of bottles and containers can quickly create unnecessary clutter and detract from your scheme.

DURAVIT www.duravit.com Luxury Hoesch Sensamare Bathroom Design. www.hoesch.de

SHOPPING >

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Bathroom Accessories

4 1. BEAUTY QUEEN CONTAINER A quaint container to hold anything from bathroom nick-nacks to bathsalts. BBYU, San Pedro de Alcántara. www.bbyu.eu 2. ROBIN’S EGG SHAPED SOAPS A practical and distinctive accessory, our EggShaped Soaps are amongst our most popular luxury guest soap products. Available in apothecary jars, ceramic soap dishes, or slider boxes, our EggShaped Soaps are easy to display and easy to use, by family and guests. www.giannarose.com

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3. ‘SMELL ME’ AIR FRESHENER An air freshner that hangs to deodorize your bathroom and adds a designer look to your bathrrom décor. BBYU, San Pedro de Alcántara. www.bbyu.eu

4. OLSSON COBALT TOWELS A smart pure cotton striped towel in shades of cobalt blue and soft aqua by Designers Guild. www.designersguild.com 4. NORIKO BATH MAT Bring your bathroom to life with Missoni Home’s vibrant Noriko bath mat. It features a thick pile and a plush finish, so stepping onto it after a shower will be a dream. www.missonihome.it

CHÉRIE BATHTUB An illustration of the fin de siècle style, the Chérie cast iron tub, with its double raised back, guarantees a pleasant bathtime experience. The external finish can be finished in the water-soluble enamel “Colours Collection”. www.devon-devon.com

HOME DESIGN > Slattery & Acquroff

Flights of Fancy IT MAY BE THE FIRST THING YOU SEE AS YOU ENTER A HOME, YET, ASTONISHINGLY MAY BE THE LAST THING CONSIDERED. A SPECTACULAR STAIRCASE DOESN’T JUST GET YOU FROM ONE FLOOR TO THE NEXT – IT LIFTS AN ENTIRE HOUSE FROM MEDIOCRE TO MAGNIFICENT, TRANSFORMING THE EXPERIENCE OF LIVING IN YOUR HOME.

Slattery & Acquroff

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Slattery & Acquroff

NIMROD MESSEG - MARBELLA Nimrod has personally developed an artisan method of sculpting iron. He uses ancient forging techniques, welding, power hammering, the plasma torch, etc. which enables him to create textures, shapes and effects that are scarcely seen giving his balustrades a unique style and appearance. www.messegdesign.com T: 952 857 439

Feature stairs require a stage, and that stage is usually obvious as soon as you enter through the front door. Here’s what to look out for when choosing your staircase.

PLAN. PLAN, PLAN. Careful planning of the staircase and the void allocated to incorporate the stair is vital. It’s never too soon to involve the stair manufacturer in the planning process.

Early involvement achieves a better result for the consumer every time.

When an architect or designer dimensions the stairwell at say one metre in width for a straight flight staircase, the end result will never be a one metre clear width staircase; it will be up to 150mm less than that. Constraints such as handrail finger room and balustrade on the upper level always restrict the clear width.

Again planning is the best defence against disappointment.

If changes are required to the stairwell, which is the case probably fifty percent of the time, it’s a lot easier and cheaper to change things then than later on in the process.

CHECK WITH THE EXPERTS. If you are choosing a geometric (curved) stair and you wish it to be devoid of obvious support (floating), check with the stair manufacturer rather than accept the designer’s guarantees.

Apartment Singel Staircase

by Laura Alvarez Architecture HOMEANDLIFESTYLE.ES

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HOME DESIGN >

CONTINUOUS HANDRAILING. It is particularly important to seek advice should your stair require continuous hand railing. This type of handrail design and construction is extremely technical and the result totally dependant on the knowledge and expertise of the maker.

Consider gates at the top and bottom of a staircase to prevent young children and crawling babies from falling down stairs or getting up them in the first place. Children will generally be drawn to a staircase because of its ‘playground’ like possibilities and whilst we’d never like to see your progeny take a fall, it’s amazing how fast they learn new skills when required.

Slattery & Acquroff

FINISHING THE JOB. The decision to either paint or polish a staircase is an important one. As a rule of thumb most traditional stairs are stained and polished or clear finished, as are contemporary (modern) stairs. It’s the middle of the range stairs that tend to be painted or a combination of painting and polishing. When there is a lot of timber work exposed in the house such as dark timber floors and fixtures and fittings, sometimes the stair is better defined if it contains lighter colours in subtle contrast to the timber.

Contemporary stairs seem to achieve this with the aid of stainless steel, glass and other contrasting materials.

STAIRCASE DESIGNED BY ATMOS STUDIO The sculptured staircase, designed by alex haw’s londonbased atmos studio for a residential project, recreates the structural flow of the living spaces, incorporating the pattern of the house’s skirting board into its form. The stair was digitally fabricated, using sheets of MDF and oak that were digitally cut directly from the architecture team’s design plans into the individual pieces of the structure. each component was engineered to slot together, creating a unified form once assembled.

Slattery & Acquroff

HANGING STAIRCASE Aptly named after Swiss cheese with many holes in it, the Emmental hanging staircase surprises with its innovation and creativity. Designed by Biljana Jovanovic, an architect from Budapest, this refreshingly interesting take on hanging stairs incorporates features natural to floor-mounted staircases, such as angled treads that are common for steep slope stairs.

Construction: Gergo Marko Photo: Gerardo Altemir

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HOME TOUR >

Photography by Steve Sparrow

A Truly Italian Job A TUSCAN PALACE IN THE HILLS OF LA ZAGALETA Plot 4,500m Build 1,980m2 80

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The illustrious La Zagaleta country estate perched on the top of the hill on the road to Ronda enjoys breathtaking views over the estateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautifully manicured golf courses and natural lakes, the Mediterranean Sea, the Straits of Gibraltar and the North African coast establishing this residential area as one of the most prestigious in Europe.

Nicolas Dalli, one of the three sons of the famous singer and restaurateur, Toni Dalli, always wanted to build the house of his dreams in La Zagaleta combining his in-depth knowledge of development, construction and design with his Italian roots, and now he has realised that dream. There is a Tuscan courtyard at the front of the house and all of the building materials such as the stone, marble and tiling have been imported from Italy. The bathrooms are designed in an Italian style with an 18 Carat gold shower in the master bedroom en-suite.

Now complete, this mountainside Tuscan residence has already won awards. In April this year, The Wall Street Journal honoured the house as the European House of The Day and in May the ABC ranked the property as the number one house in Europe.

The 9 bedroom 11 bathroom residence spans over three levels and comes complete with a night club, cinema room, gym, a full spa with an aromatherapy shower and Hammam, chill-out area, bodega, an in-

door swimming pool and Jacuzzi as well as a garage that houses 8 cars designed to McLaren Formula 1 specification. It goes without saying that this house is simply exquisite but modest at the same time giving full recognition to its incredible views and natural surroundings with floor to ceiling glass for optimum appreciation. The property faces southwest overlooking the 18th hole and a natural lake, the Mediterranean and North Africa at the rear, and the rolling hills of the Sierra de las Nieves from the HOMEANDLIFESTYLE.ES

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front of the house.

The house literally flows between the different areas with a tunnel that joins the main house to the lower level. The outdoor infinity swimming pool has a glass bottom which is illuminated and from this pool there is a 3-metre waterfall that drops down to a chill-out pool which is made completely out of glass. When you are below in the chill-out bar, you can look up and see the swimming pool above lit up like a jewellery box. The discotheque and chill-out area is made out of onyx precious stone giving this area a soft glow and very special aura about it.

This unique house meets all of the requirements of contemporary living with clean lines, neutral colours and stateof-the-art technology with traditional Tuscan styling and an appreciation of its natural surroundings. The house is ecologically sound utilising solar panels for its hot water and LED lighting throughout the house to make the property as energy-efficient as possible. There is fingerprint recognition which, depending on what finger you use, can set the mood for the entire house by a simple touch adjusting the illumination and music to your exact requirements. The lighting is subtle and complementary bouncing softly off the creamcoloured walls, giving this immense property a warm and cosy feel. The use of natural materials such as stone, marble, wood and water creates a feeling of going back to nature and takes you well away from the stark clinical-style that you can often come across in new builds.

For more information, go to www.damonbuilders.es or email nicolasdalli@msn.com

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THE GARDEN >

Spanish gardens test their designs

in July and August

BY CLODAGH AND DICK HANDSCOMBE

Practical gardeners and gardening authors enjoying their 13th summer in Spain.

Needs for successful summer gardens It’s getting hot but good Spanish gardens since roman and arab times have been designed to enable one to enjoy a largely open air lifestyle from sunrise to beyond sunset if you desire.

Shady areas, the subtle background sound of running water, plants that are largely drought resistant once established, day and night perfumed plants, and privacy from neighbours are at the core of an enjoyable garden.

These basic success factors apply equally to apartment terraces and villa gardens. Essential shade for apartment terraces and balconies being provided by awnings blinds and roof top gazebos. In gardens, trees, plants covered gazebos, tall hedges and the maximum use of the north and west sides of houses can provide plenty of shade. We recently watched the movement of the sun in our garden and noted that around 30% of the garden is in full sun all the day, a further 30% is in the sun part of the day, 30% is in semi or dappled shade most of the day and 10% can be regarded as fairly deep shade. With this balance and with the south facing window shutters closed from ten in the morning until seven in the evening we live pleasant summers without hibernating to the UK for the season.

If you get the sun/shade balance right not only humans but pets, wildlife, plants, fruit trees and vegetables all enjoy or at least survive summer living and growing conditions with reasonable comfort.

What do plants need to survive well?

Poor soil and compost preparation, the poor choice of plants and poor watering can cause havoc

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in summer gardens.

How much water a plant needs varies tremendously and over and under watering kills many plants every summer. To quote from Section 5.6 Watering your Plants in our book, we would be millionaires if we had received a euro each time we answered the question “How much water should I give my plants?” The theoretical answer is “Just sufficient to maintain the current size natural rate of growth of each plant and replace the moisture lost by surface evaporation and run off from the bottom of the container.”

For a thirsty plant in a 10 litre window box located in full sun during the summer, watering needs could be a litre every two days. In a semi shaded position this could be reduced by 30% while a drought resistant plant would need only 300ml every week in full sun and half that in a semi shaded position.

Over watering and over feeding are as bad as under watering and over feeding.

Weak plant growth and regular insect and fungal attacks can be caused by a combination of over watering and over feeding. We rarely have to use insecticides and fungicides in the flower garden and we keep their use to a minimum in the fruit orchard and veggie plot.

When we do use them a bottle of proplis is on hand to use as a a fungicide and a bottle of the general insecticide neem oil is always kept in the garden shed. Both are ecological. Yes we, everyone else, do have problems with the geranium moth which arrived in Spain almost 20 years ago in a batch of imported plants.

We prefer to spray with an ecological combination of neem oil and geranium oil. A garlic solution

in water can also be effective, but nothing is totally effective especially if you are surrounded by properties of absentee owners who leave unsprayed geraniums to die and become breeding grounds of the next generations of moths.

How does your garden fare?

Evaluate your own garden against these thoughts over the next two months. If necessary consider and make changes before next summer. Whatever you do, get essential gardening work done early and take a long siesta in full shade to recover from the early morning start and be refreshed for summer alfresco sundowners, tapas and dinner. © Clodagh and Dick Handscombe, June 2012.

Dick and Clodagh Handscombe have written eight books about Spanish and Mediterranean gardening over the past 12 years. Their latest five are as follows.

• Your Garden in Spain – From planning to planning and maintenance.

• Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style.

• Growing Healthy Fruit in Spain • Growing Healthy Vegetables in Spain.

• Living Well from our Mediterranean Garden.

Each book was written to help both experienced and inexperienced gardeners make the best of the incredible gardening opportunities that Spain has to offer, as well as coping, especially in early days, with the potential problems and risks compared to gardening in Northern Europe. Each of the books is described in details on their website www.gardeninginspain.com.

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If you would like to advertise in Home & Lifestyle Magazine, please contact our advertising team at: (+34) 952 907 122 or (+34) 622 400 055 advertising@homeandlifestyle.es

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CUISINE

FINCA UMAMI Calle Linda Vista 18, Urb. Los Parqueroles, San Pedro de Alcรกntara T: 952 799 987

Photograph by David Toms www.davidtomsphotography.com

reviews & news restaurants recipes

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CUISINE >

Sunday Menu Themes 1st July Polynesian 8th July Fondue 15th July Turkish 22nd July Swedish 29nd July Italian 5th August Classic French 12th August Modern English 19th August Mexican 26th August New York

CHARMING

FINCA UMAMI

Photography by DAVID TOMS

davidtomsphotography.com

SAN PEDRO’S NEW LITTLE SECRET! Following the opening of Umami in Centro Comercial La Colonia, charismatic owner, Lee has now opened Finca Umami – an intriguing little place nestled away in San Pedro de Alcántara on the road heading towards the beach.

This delightful venue has a little bit of everything, and like Lee himself, it is funky, quirky, lively and at the same time very humble. Lee has had a string of successful restaurants over the years so he really understands what residents and visitors alike appreciate when they go to a bar or restaurant on the Costa del Sol. He can often be seen buzzing around making sure that everything is running as smoothly as possible both behind the scenes and out on the floor.

There are four parts to Finca Umami: the charming outside dining terrace surrounded with lights and shrubbery, the trendy white chiringuito-style bar which flows into an Arabic-style lounge area adorned with a fireplace that sets to be the perfect place to hang-out over the winter months, and then the bodega which also has a deli offering delectable wines and select international products, all at amazingly low prices.

The menu style is Mediterranean using fresh good quality

produce. Their French chef is young and innovative and his enthusiasm for what he does is evident in how he creates his dishes. The menu balance is just right with a number of interesting meat and fish dishes as well as vegetarian. The portions are not too heavy and packed full of taste. Because the chef really understands the ingredients he is working with, everything is cooked to perfection. There will be a great lunch menu that will be starting from 3rd September for just 10 Euros, and every Sunday, Finca Umami run a themed menu where you can come and enjoy a meal from a particular country.

If eating is not on the agenda for your night out, Finca Umami’s bar is an excellent place to go and enjoy with friends whilst imbibing the odd tipple or two! Their prices are more than realistic with fresh cocktails ranging from 5-7 Euros and delectable wines from just 12.50 Euros a bottle.

The bar has a spirited whimsical feel about it and is styled like a trendy beach club on the Costa de la Luz. There is live music at least once a week and hosts Didier and Brigitte cannot seem to do enough to ensure your night at Finca Umami is a fabulous one.

Finca Umami Calle Linda Vista 18, Urb. Los Parqueroles San Pedro de Alcántara 29660.

For reservations call 952 799 987.

Open every day except Mondays.

You can find them on Facebook!

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GOURMET NEWS >

Mama Lotties Column SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE

Sala Mirador

WITH CHORIZO

OVER LOOKING THE CERRADO DEL ÀGUILA GOLF CLUB

Appetites large and small, casual or cosmopolitan, traditional or adventurous will be delighted with the sophisticated menu at Sala Mirador. Whether it’s a first irresistible cooling mojito sorbet or a meticulously prepared and stunningly presented Mediterranean cuisine.

With mountain and sea views from almost every angle, Sala Mirador is sure to delight your taste buds. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere in a superb settings, using only the finest locally sourced seasonal produce, which is skillfully crafted into

their mouth watering and inventive dishes.

So whether you decide to dine in their restaurant, relax in a sofa or head outside to the sundecks, their friendly staff are there to serve you and don’t be surprised if you are joined by visiting celebrity or two!

For information and bookings Tel: +34 660 209 239 or 951 170 014 info@salamirador.com www.salamirador.com

El Castillo RANKED #1 OF 35 RESTAURANTS IN BENAHAVIS ON WWW.TRIPADVISOR.COM Eating and drinking is an important part of everyones social happening. Meeting friends or a tete-a-tete with your love one - something nice to drink, good quality food, lovely presentation of your meal and friendly and good service are essential parts to make your evening perfect, and El Castillo would do their best to make it a memorable one. The restaurant is owned by the Pernilla from Sweden. Pernilla roots are in northen Europe and she graduated from the University Center Cecar Ritz and previously worked in restaurants in England and Sweden.

Open for dinner all days from 6 pm.

(Wednesday closed) RESTAURANT EL CASTILLO Telephone 681 298 442 www.elcastillo.eu

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INGREDIENTS Chorizo Spaghetti Spinach Chopped Tomatos Onion Garlic Minced Meat Flour Basil Oregano Grated Cheese METHOD Finely Chop Onion and Garlic and fry with a little bit of oil. When this has gone soft add in the minced meat and season with with a bit of salt, pepper and basil.

Chop some Chorizo into pieces and add in with the meat. Meanwhile boil a kettle, chop some spinach and boil some spaghetti pasta in a pan with the spinach.

When the meat is ready add in a little bit of flour and water to thicken with the juices from the meat.

Add in your chopped tomatoes and leave on a low heat.

When your pasta is ready, drain and serve.

For more recipes visit www.mamalotties.com

RECIPES >

BBQ season is in full swing RECIPES COURTESY OF BEN O’DONOGHUE

Thai Style BBQ Fish Serves 4 1 whole fish (up to 2 kg), scaled and cleaned Sunflower oil 5 tablespoons Thai Sweet Chilli Jam 2 kaffir lime leaves, very finely sliced, to garnish 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves to garnish 1 lime, cut into wedges to garnish MARINADE 5 coriander roots, washed and chopped 8 garlic cloves, peeled 5 Thai pink shallots, peeled 1 birdseye chilli 1 tablespoon minced turmeric or turmeric powder 2 tablespoons freshly ground white pepper 3–4 tablespoons fish sauce to taste 2–3 tablespoons lime juice to taste 1/4 cup coconut cream (skim off the top of a cold can of coconut milk) This dish works best with a nice white-fleshed reef fish – a pan-sized snapper, coral trout or even a tasty bream. It’s best to use a fish basket and cook over the direct heat of coals or gas.

METHOD Using a sharp knife, cut incisions along both sides of the fish, about 1 cm apart.

To make the marinade, place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Rub the fish with the marinade and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes while you prepare your barbecue for direct cooking over a medium–high heat.

Take a suitable sized piece of baking paper and place your fish on it and then place directly on to

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the BBQ grill. Place over direct heat and cook for 5 minutes on one side, then turn the fish over and cook for another 5 minutes. Then turn off the direct heat beneath the fish and leave the outer heat on, so as to cook indirectly (like an oven) with the hood down.

Meanwhile, warm the chilli jam with a little water to make a brushable paste. When the fish has cooked, brush the fish liberally with the chilli jam paste and cook for a further 2 minutes as just described.

Remove the fish from the basket. Brush with any remaining jam and serve garnished with kaffir lime leaves, coriander and lime wedges.

Vietnamese Lamb Serves 6 I1 tablespoon ginger puree 1 teaspoon of garlic puree 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 tablespoon of caster sugar 1/3 cup of Shaoxing rice wine 12 lamb loin chops (lightly flattened) 1 sliced medium brown onion Sunflower oil GARNISH 1/2 iceberg lettuce (washed and separated into cups) 1/4 bunch of mint washed and picked 1/4 bunch of Thai basil 1 fresh red chilli finely sliced NOUC CHAM (sweet chilli dressing) 1 tablespoons caster sugar

2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons fish sauce Juice of two limes 1 clove of garlic finely chopped 1 teaspoon of finely chopped red chilli METHOD To make the dressing, whisk the sugar and water together. Then add the fish sauce and lime juice, and stir to dissolve the sugar completely. Then add the garlic and chilli. Allow to infuse for an hour before use.

To make the marinade combine the ginger, garlic paste, turmeric, sugar and rice wine to make a wet paste. Remove the lamb meat from the bone and rub into the marinade. Then add in the sliced onions and set aside.

Prepare the lettuce, washing well in cold water.

Cut the half head of lettuce in half again and separate 12 even lettuce cups from each quarter of lettuce and set aside. Shred the remaining lettuce.

Place the lettuce cups on a large platter along with the shredded lettuce, the picked mint, Thai basil and the dressing in a jug.

Heat your BBQ plate to medium heat and add a little sunflower oil. Remove the lamb meat from the onion and marinade mixture and place onto the hot barbeque, sear for several minutes on one side before turning. Cook for another two minutes on the second side. Then just prior to removing, add the onions and quickly fry together. Remove the lamb and onion mixture to another platter and serve.

The idea is then to take a lettuce cup, fill it with a little shredded lettuce, some herbs, a piece of meat and onions and dress it with the dressing and roll it together and bite into the lettuce parcel.

Tommy Myllymaki (Sweden)

(Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/WireImage for Electrolux)

Rasmus Kofoed (Denmark)

(Photo by Ian Gavan/WireImage for Electrolux)

ELECTROLUX BRING 90 YEARS OF CULINARY EXPERTISE TO “THE MOST IMPORTANT ANNUAL DINNER IN FRANCE” AT FILM FESTIVAL DE CANNES WITH AWARDWINNING PARTNER CHEFS. The Electrolux Agora Pavilion hosted the official 2012 Film Festival de Cannes Opening Gala Dinner and the Jury Deliberation Lunches. The former of these is considered “the most important annual dinner in France” by Electrolux partner chef and two Michelin starred holder, Bruno Oger.

As the supplier of choice to 50% of Europe’s Michelin starred restaurants, Electrolux brought together three award winning chefs they support on a daily basis within their professional kitchens, including two Michelin Star winner Bruno Oger (France); Bocuse d’Or Gold winner Rasmus Kofoed (Denmark); and Bocuse d’Or Silver winner Tommy Myllymaki (Sweden), who worked alongside respected sommelier Jens Dolk (Sweden). The chefs cooked for A-list guests including Ewan McGregor, Diane Kruger and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Bruno Oger and Sigrid Barany

(Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/WireImage for Electrolux)

Bruno Oger (France)

(Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/WireImage for Electrolux)

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IN VOGUE

VERSACE CRUISE COLLECTION FOR H&M 2012

PHOTO: Š 2012 H&M

The new Cruise Collection for Swedish retailers H&M, designed

by Italian fashion house Versace, has everything from resort-wear to fruity-print robes, sandals and accessories. The collection is already sold out by H&M, however (not surprisingly), the collection is available in abundance on eBay.

beauty health fashion

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FASHION, HEALTH AND BEAUTY >

Had Breast Implants and Concerned about Capsular Contracture?

OCEAN CLINIC NOW OFFER A PAINLESS AND NON-SURGICAL SOLUTION Capsular contracture is when deposits of tightly-woven collagen fibres in the human body are created by the immune system due to the insertion of foreign objects, such as a breast implant. In the case of capsular contracture from a breast implant, the breast tissue will harden and the breast can misshapen and become uncomfortable. Capsular contracture is very rare but can occur years after surgery. Bar removing the problematic breast implant and inserting a new one consisting of polyurethane foam which has a minimal risk of capsular contracture, there has not been a quick and painless method available to resolve this problem on the southern coast of Spain... until now.

Though Ocean Clinic have hardly ever come across capsular contracture with their own patients, this centrally located clinic in Marbella has had to correct now

has the first Capsuloblast™ machine on the coast – a small machine providing a non-surgical solution preventing and treating varying degrees of capsulation.

Using ultrasonic waves that produce a high frequency vibration that penetrates into the deeper layers of the fibrosis, it softens the hardened tissue with no known side-effects. Depending on the severity, you can make an appointment as an out-patient for around five to seven sessions that last between ten and twenty painless minutes at a time.

Ocean Clinic has further expanded their clinic to offer an even better environment for recuperation if required, offering three beautiful in-patient rooms and various treatment rooms, all in a contemporary, state-of the-art design.

Ocean Clinic also collaborates with other medical specialists offering them the use of their modern installations.

Benjamín Friman EXCLUSIVE SPANISH DESIGNS IN SOTOGRANDE BLUE MARINA Benjamín Friman has recently opened its doors in Ribera del Marlin, Blue Sotogrande.

The designer boutique sells couture designer clothing, bags, jewellery and accessories under the hallmark of Benjamín Friman which are ideal for parties, weddings, events and the working woman. To complement Benjamín’s personalised service the boutique also incorporates an atelier so his designs can be modified and altered for the perfect fit.

Throughout the summer, Benjamín Friman will be open Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday until late, coinciding with the Sotogrande Blue Marine night market. You can also visit his boutique on Sunday mornings while browsing around the Sunday Market at the Sotogrande Blue Marina.

Normal opening hours: Monday to Friday 11am - 7pm Saturday & Sunday 11am - 3pm Blue Sotogrande, Rivera del Marlin Local 19 Sotogrande. T: 956 610 708

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Ocean Clinic Av. Ramon y Cajal, 7, Marbella 29600 Tel: (34) 951 775 518 or (+34) 952 900 836 Email: info@oceanclinic.net Web: www.oceanclinic.net

Become a Resource for Readers

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN HOME & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE, THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE COAST. • Competitive advertising rates • Guaranteed print run • Excellent distribution network • Free advert design services • A publication that gets YOUR BUSINESS RESULTS. If you would like to place an advert in Home & Lifestyle Magazine, please contact our marketing team at: advertising@homeandlifestyle.es (+34) 952 907 122 (+34) 622 400 055

BEAUTY >

No-fuss summer beauty

1. CHUBBY STICK MOISTURIZING LIP COLOUR BALM. A lip treatment with sheer colour in 16 mouth-watering shades that relieves dry, cracked lips and provides immediate moisturisation. £16.00 - www.clinique.co.uk

7. FOOT WORKS BEAUTIFUL MARINE SALT INVIGORATING SCRUB BY AVON. Sea salts and marine algae infused with natural revitalising ingredients to exfoliates rough, dry skin for noticeably smoother feet. £3.50 - www.avon.co.uk

2. DEBORAH LIPPMANN ON A CLEAR DAY. A quick-drying, non-yellowing, ultra-glossy top coat nail lacquer. £14.00 - www.houseoffraser.co.uk

8. FREDERIC FEKKAI MARINE SUMMER BEACHCOMBER LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER Detangle hair while shielding strands with an invisible layer of UV protection to prevent colour fading. £14.09 - www.amazon.co.uk

3. BLISS INGROWN HAIR ELIMINATING PADS. Single-use swipes that stave off stubble trouble between waxes and shaves. Soothes with oat extract, witch hazel and lavender oil. Great for men to prevent post-shaving “beard bumps”. £26.60 - www.blissworld.co.uk

10 SUMMER MUST-HAVES THAT WILL KEEP YOU LOOKING AND FEELING GREAT THIS SUMMER.

4. MAX FACTOR AQUA LASH MASCARA. Swim, splash and get as steamy as you like without the worry of smudging, smearing and running mascara. www.maxfactor.co.uk

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5. CLINIQUE BRUSH-ON CREAM LINER. Create deep, smoky, eye-defining colour which is longwearing and waterproof. £14.00 - www.clinique.co.uk

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9. PALMERS COCOA BUTTER MOISTURISING LIP BALM. Formulated with pure Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E and SPF15 which helps prevent and protect dry, chapped, cracked, or wind-burned lips. www.uk.palmers.com 10. BUMBLE AND BUMBLE SURF SPRAY Sexy, salty, sun-dried, windswept styles whenever, wherever, this styling spray adds a little oomph to all hair types. £8.50/ £19.50 - www.bumbleandbumble.co.uk

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6. BRONZE GODDESS AFTER SUN FROM ESTÉE LAUDER. A seductively rich creme that drenches skin with moisture and prolongs the life of your tan and Soothes and replenishes with Aloe Butter. £22.00 - www.esteelauder.co.uk

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FASHION >

Crystal

Jin

a m i t i r a M Cia Koo ey

g n i r e m Sim llics M eta

Awash with Style 100

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a

Lar i D a u q A

Lisa Blu

e

tes r o C s e r o Dol

Sh eer ps u r e v o C

on the Beach

Photos by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Š 2011 Getty Images

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FASHION, HEALTH AND BEAUTY >

New Space L.K.Bennett AT EL CORTE INGLÉS, PUERTO BANÚS

Discover the new space of the prestigious British fashion brand L.K. Bennett on the ground floor of El Corte Inglés, Puerto Banús. L.K.Bennett is an international, accessible luxury brand that reflects its unmistakable British heritage; a modern blend of femininity, colour and style which offers sophisticated collections of shoes, clothing, handbags and accessories to meet the lifestyle of every woman. www.lkbennett.com - www.elcorteingles.es

Marbella Club Thalasso Spa

RECOGNISED AS BEST LUXURY RESORT SPA IN SPAIN The World Luxury Spa Awards recognize the very best spas around the World, awarding prizes to those spas which receive the most votes from spa goers and industry experts. The Marbella Club Thalasso Spa received the accolade of Best Luxury Resort Spa in Spain 2012.

Spa Director Magdalena Szaszkiewicz commented “We are delighted that our spa guests have recognized us for this prestigious award. We push ourselves to be the very best, providing luxurious treatments inspired by the beneficial properties of seawater for health, beauty and wellbeing and it’s great to see that we are achieving our goals.”

The Marbella Club’s Thalasso Spa is one of the finest health spas in the Mediterranean with twelve state-of-the-art treatment rooms, steam baths, sauna, a body temperature sea water pool and a stunning hammam. It also offers an extensive range of therapeutic treatments and programmes, which can be tailored for health, beauty and relaxation. With an unrivalled position right on the beach and with award-winning gardens all around, this is a world-class centre dedicated entirely to the wellbeing of guests of the Marbella Club.

More information www.marbellaclubspa.com Pierre Alexandre brings back the 1920s bob for 2012

STANDING BEHIND THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS

Pierre Alexandre

CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF HAIRDRESSING They say that behind every great star of stage and screen is an even greater hairdresser. And for 50 years, Pierre Alexandre has been that stylist – standing behind a galaxy of celebrity clients that include The Beatles, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Take That, Andy Williams, Honor Blackman, Eartha Kitt and Elizabeth Taylor.

Recently, at his luxurious King Street salon in Manchester, it was Pierre’s turn to step into the limelight at a lavish party to celebrate half a century of success. Now hairdressing royalty, Pierre’s accolades include inventing the foils used for highlighting, pioneering the concept of unisex hairdressing and designing the ‘Intercut’ made famous by Jason Donovan in the 80s. During a captivating interview, Pierre also shared tales from his career – from his high profile clients and TV roles, to introducing Lulu to John Frieda and giving Patrick Cameron his first job in UK. Joined by special guests and TV personalities, Pierre showed no signs of slowing down – even after 50 years. www.pierrealexandre.me

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Kissing Diamonds

For an immaculate expression of love’s eternal touch and devotion, the Kissing Diamonds collection delicately sets a smaller diamond under the centre stone for a vivid and brilliant display of light and passion. For that perfect fit for your loved ones, their select range of beautiful designs is available in different weights and sizes.

Kissing Diamonds are available from: 148 Main Street, Gibraltar.

T: 200 72501 or find them one Facebook!

LIFESTYLE

hotels travel leisure motoring

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TRAVEL AND LEISURE >

Photos courtesy of Can Xuxu

White Island Style ANDREW FORBES DISCOVERS SOME OF THE INIMITABLE STYLE AND ELEGANCE OF IBIZA, THE JEWEL OF THE BALEARICS.

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My enchanting suite was evocatively called ‘Java’; just one of the magical guest rooms at Can Xuxu, a luxury, boutique property that provides a highly personalised experience for its privileged guests. The 19th century finca is described as ‘a boutique villa, combining the atmosphere of a private residence with the service of a luxury hotel’.

The owner and host, Alexandre a former fashion designer, has brought his creative French flair to the island with the creation of Can Xuxu. Here he has successfully pulled together the Ibiza laid back chic style with modern, ethnic and Mediterranean touches.

‘Java’ is one of the antique wooden pavilions that Alexandre has brought back from his regular trips to Indonesia, adding to the unique flavour and ambiance of this island hideaway. Each of the wooden guest houses features one-off furniture, accessories and a king size bed, dressed with cool white

linens, and crowned with a mosquito net.

Outside one discovers the completely private, open air bathrooms, with exquisite river stone floors, hardwood furniture and wash basins hewn from stone. Details include miniature amenities from luxury island perfumery, ‘Hierbas de Ibiza’.

Each guest suite in this intimate hotel is unique in construction and decoration; there is a stand alone luxury suite with its own private plunge pool; south east Asian teak pavilions, as well as additional guest rooms in the former farmhouse: together with relaxing indoor and outdoor guest areas and chill out corners.

The heart of the property is the dining pavilion and its adjacent open air kitchen, terrace and seductive swimming pool, lined with Asian day beds, sofas and sun loungers, covered in pristine white cushions with batik accents, and flowing linen curtains.

Alexandre’s small multi lingual team of-

fer breakfast, lunch, as well as weekly brunch and dinner. Although it is hard to resist the temptation to stay cocooned in this lush, sub tropical paradise, Ibiza is celebrated for its restaurants and music, so it’s worth heading out.

In addition to the clubs in San Antonio or Ibiza town, try ‘KM5’, a restaurant close by, that combines dining with a boutique, art gallery and chill out garden lounge for music. It has quickly captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike and regularly hosts some of the coolest DJs. Alternatively, for an even more laid back bite to eat, try the local tapas bars in the nearby town of San Jose, including the popular ‘Destino’.

Relaxation comes quickly here at CanXuxu in the Mediterranean sun, with the scents of orange blossom, rosemary and lavender and views of the island’s rugged landscape. There is also a stunning terrace with expansive views down to crystal clear Cala Tarida and the island of Coneje beyond – a perfect spot to enjoy a sundowner cocktail.

Simplicity, luxury and originality – that’s the style of the isla blanca, Ibiza.

CAN XUXU - San José, Ibiza, SPAIN Phone: +34 971 801 584 Email: info@canxuxu.com www.canxuxu.com HOMEANDLIFESTYLE.ES

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IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT >

Floating Assets

THEY COST MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS A METRE… SUPERYACHTS THE LATEST MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SPECTRUM FM >

Sting at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival for the premiere of Duncan Jones’s film Moon.

Photographer David Shankbone

RECENTLY SPECTRUM FM’S MARK GOODIER CHATTED TO STING FROM HIS HOME IN NEW YORK AS HE PREPARED TO LAUNCH A 25-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE CD AND BOX SET OF HIS SOLO WORK.

Legendary Singer & Songwriter

Sting

Chats to Mark Goodier on Spectrum FM 110

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MG We’re reflecting on a quarter of a century of solo success which career-wise is probably not even half of it. I think you said with The Police you don’t like to look back, but it’s fitting, isn’t it?

STING I’m not really a retrospective person, I don’t often look back on my life but 25 years seemed a substantial chunk of time and so we thought it would be useful and that people would enjoy looking at it that way. So I was forced to sort of listen to my work and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by a lot of the decisions I made as a younger musician.

I don’t normally hear my music so it was interesting to do some archaeology and say “that wasn’t bad.”

MG What you mean is you don’t listen to your old albums but you do, of course play these songs so many times throughout the year.

STING I play them every night. So there’s no reason why I would listen to them apart from a project like this.

You know my thing about composition is that it’s always renewing itself. You know as a performer you’re supposed to re-invent the song every night, find a little inflection, find something different you haven’t done before. Maybe the listener won’t hear that but I do and that keeps me interested.

MG The box set contains lots of the really iconic songs from the solo albums, starting with If You Love Somebody, Set Them Free. This is the song that announced Dream of the Blue Turtles. You’ve done a mix of this and on several other tracks on this album. I think fans will want to know what was wrong with the original version?

STING I don’t know, I think there was a way of mixing in the 80’s that was different. We like a certain sound in one era. The material itself holds water, it still seems timeless. The technology of the way records are produced and the expectation of them is different, so to remix them was just to refresh them, put a new set of clothes on them. The basic song is still the same.

MG This era, of course was just at the point where vinyl was being phased out and the start of the CD era. I remember this and Prefab Sprout’s Steve McQueen – another good Geordie, Paddy McAloon were my first two ever CD’s. Were you a vinyl guy or did you embrace CD? STING Oh, I embraced CD’s. The novelty of them was interesting. I thought they were rather beautiful artifacts, I mean compared with the cassette which was a kind of very ugly thing, but I always loved vinyl. I still miss that ritual of taking a vinyl disc out of the inner sleeve and putting it on and the arm of the record player and then pouring over the gatefold, all the liner notes and the pictures; that

experience I think I miss and now that we have this digital cloud music is easily accessed and doesn’t have the same feel. I always like to give added value to the listening experience by doing something special like this box set or liner notes, I think they’re wonderful things.

MG Do you recall the build-up to the release of Dream of the Blue Turtles? Were you nervous or did you know you had something special?

STING I was excited and it seemed like a completely new experience for me after the success of The Police.

Obviously I had some momentum because of that success, but at the same time there was no guarantee that people would respond to it or even be negative about it because The Police were very well-loved. So me leaving the band had a certain amount of risk attached to it. But I keep saying nothing worthwhile is devoid of risk. I was very excited and I thought we’d done a good job. It was an interesting record with some fantastic musicians and it was something new.

MG You talk about this 25 year box set as being added value, it’s a beautiful bit of work. For fans it’s an investment of course. It looks great, your notes are great in it and it does take one back to an era where you went to a record store and you came back with something you could pour over for hours when you’re a music fan.

STING Yeah, I like the artifact that was attached to music, this idea you could keep an album cover and look at it. I still keep album covers around, they still interest me and so I hark back, I’m still kind of sentimental about that era.

MG Fortress Around Your Heart is another of the songs in this collection. The songs are from that first solo album. As you say they really do stand up well.

Even though you had a different sound, a different

style and a different set of musicians there’s nothing that was any less melodic, any less palatable to The Police fan in the new music.

STING Well obviously I took some of the assets of The Police with me, one being my voice and songwriting so it was a calculated gamble. I’ve never wanted to under-estimate the audience and always felt that they were interested in what I was interested in which was the evolution of music, the idea that music could get better, that you could explore different areas of music and invite them in and create something new. That’s still the case today. I think audiences are still with me in that sense, they’re interested in what I’m interested in.

MG Has your audience come to expect that you will always test them?

STING For me, the key element of music is surprise. Within a song you need a surprise every eight bars, something that makes you prick up your ears and you go “ah, that’s interesting.” Or subject matter or the kind of music you play should be a surprise. Noone should really be able to second-guess you. As soon as they can second-guess you, you’re boring.

So its nice when they say, “what’s he up to next?

What’s it gonna be? What weird thing are we gonna hear now?” So I’ve done a 16th century art song, I’ve done a bit of folk music and a bit of symphonic music (laughs) But it’s really a genuine desire to discover stuff and learn.

MG So what you’re saying is if you keep it interesting for you, you’re keeping it interesting for the audience.

STING Absolutely.

MG The new 25 years CD and box set. There are 45 tracks on that retrospective which hints at what a creative and prolific period your solo career has been, so just how do you approach the writing?

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW FROM SPECTRUM FM > STING I won’t finish a song if I don’t think it’s particularly good. I might take a fragment of it and morph it into something else. It might become a line of another song or a bit of melody or a chord structure, I don’t think much is wasted. So I tend to develop things until I think they are worthy of public hearing, but anything else I don’t bother finishing.

MG This era we’re talking about – the 80’s – it was a difficult era for many but not for you musically. It’s also the decade where you did the amnesty tour which you took to lots of places in South America.

Was that life-changing for you?

STING It was certainly a great experience, an informative experience to be involved with Amnesty International which is an organization that I love. To visit countries that had political problems, political prisoners and talk to political prisoners, how Amnesty had helped them and also to share the stage and being on the road with your colleagues in the music industry like Peter Gabriel, Bruce Springsteen, Youssou N’dour, Tracy Chapman, forced to share the same space, the same travel arrangements, the same dressing rooms, the same stage and realize how much we have in common. A lot of those friendships stand to this day. Firm friendships were forged on that tour so it was a great experience.

MG The inspiration, of course was revealed in Nothing Like the Sun, particularly They Dance Alone. I don’t think people had any concept of the Pinochet regime. Unless you were reading the broadsheets, how would you?

STING Chile is a long way away and that right-wing revolution was done very quickly and ruthlessly with the help of the CIA and so it was kind of new information for a lot of people. People have been ruthlessly murdered for being a union member or being left-wing or even being a songwriter. That regime thought you were dangerous and so got rid of you. So I wrote that song, a spotlight saying this has happened and there’s a great injustice there and the world needs to know about it.

MG As well as being a poignant song, it’s a very beautiful song and they banned that album in Chile.

STING It wasn’t a surprise that they banned it but I did make firm friendships with the mothers of the Disappeared. To this day we stay in touch and their struggle goes on.

MG There’s a real sense of an inquiring mind in all of your work…

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STING I’m curious, I’m curious about why we’re here, what’s the reason for all of it. I don’t know any answers but I’m still curious. I’m not complacent and I am fascinated about the world. It’s as simple as that (laughs).

MG It was your grandma that persuaded you that books were important. She was right, wasn’t she?

STING Agnes would tell me, “if you have any talent it’s all because of me.” She may be right, she did instill in me a love of words. She would do The Times crossword every day and taught me the rudiments of doing a cryptic crossword which I do to this day. She cherished her books, she loved her books and I’ve never thrown a book out. I keep the most dog-eared paperback from the age of 16 to this day.

MG Are you still a book-reader or do you have a Kindle?

STING No. I love books, I love the smell and the feel of books. I’ve tried the Kindle and I think it’s useful, the speed of getting information but I like a book, I like to put it on the shelf and I know where it is.

And I won’t lend you a book (laughs) I will lend you anything else, but I won’t lend you a book!

MG An author you wrote about for Nothing Like The Sun was Quentin Crisp who you met here in this city (New York) had you already seen The Naked Civil Servant?

STING Yes, I saw The Naked Civil Servant when it came out. Then I got the opportunity to work with Quentin. I made a movie with him. We would get together now and then for lunch here in New York and he’d tell me his wonderful stories. He was such a fantastic character. He inspired the song Englishman in New York.

MG It is interesting that most people again now probably won’t know he could fill theatres by telling stories, just an audience with Quentin Crisp. There aren’t many that can do that, just sit there and have people like him.

STING He was wonderful. He was thinking of a life of crime and when I used to see him, (I’d say) would it be a sort of elegant crime? (laughs) MG And is it true that he made sure he was listed in the New York phone books, so if people phoned up he would just talk to them?

STING Oh yeah, he was very open.

MG It’s remarkable.

STING And people loved him.

MG Brilliant saxophone of Branford Marsalis on Englishman in New York. I saw an interview the other day where he said you’ve never sung out of tune.

He would know. Do you think it’s true?

STING I don’t sing out of tune, unless it’s deliberate! (laughs) MG Is that perfect pitch?

STING I don’t know. Perfect pitch is a curse. I have perfect relative pitch which means I know when a note is out of tune with the note before, but perfect pitch must be a nightmare. No, I don’t want that.

MG Fragile (is another song) inspired by your South America interest.

STING Yeah, it was inspired by the story of a young guy from Seattle in the Peace Corps who was murdered by the Contras in Nicaragua. I thought it was an odd paradox, it was the best of America going out helping people, teaching them – killed by the other side, the CIA-run Contras, just murdered.

MG Fragile took on a new significance on 9-11 when you were at home in Tuscany.

STING It’s an interesting song Fragile because it’s used a lot when people want to play music when something profound or troubling happens. It’s a kind of a soothing song so it’s had a lot of usage. When the July bombings happened they played Fragile on the radio, or the 9-11 thing and so it’s a useful song, it’s a soothing song. I think the message that we’re fragile is a truth; you know we are extremely fragile beings.

MG On the 25 year set there are songs from the third solo album Soul Cages and this along with the North-East (of the UK) forms the backdrop of your impending musical, The Last Ship.

STING You know I was brought up in a real surreal environment. For the first five years of my life, my earliest memory was giant ships looming over our house, then I moved about a quarter of a mile away and I could still see the shipyard from my bedroom window, used to watch the men go to work every day and wonder what my place would be, would I work in the yards? In retrospect, I realize that I was witness to something quite extraordinary. We no longer make ships on Tyneside

Sting, live in Milan. Photograph by Yancho Sabev

anymore but it was such an amazing phenomenon.

The biggest ships in the World were built right at the end of my street. Men were very proud of the work they did, of the ships they built. They were working in some of the worst industrial conditions in Europe, that whole time so it wasn’t easy, but I think we miss that sense of making something huge and being proud of it. This play is really about that, the end of the ship-building industry, it has a love story in it, it’s the idea of redemption through work.

MG And that’s really important because people do need some satisfaction in their job. I mean compare building ships on Tyneside and working in a call centre in the North-East and the job satisfaction is clearly a different level.

STING Yeah, we’ve stopped making things with our hands and I think we’ve lost something in that sense. I mean, I still work with my hands, I still use these hands to make something, but it’s something that we need to do. I’m not sure how we end up doing that.

MG Will it be all new songs?

STING I’ve written about 25 new songs, maybe there’s some old songs I could salvage that would fit the bill but it’s going well, we’re in the very early stages MG You have experience, of course of Broadway.

You’ve said in the past that that sort of panic about the thing you’re gonna do next is one of the things that inspires you. Do you have that here with this yet?

STING Of course, yeah. It’s a very concise form, the stage musical. In an opera you’re allowed to go on for hours… three, four, whatever. But in a stage musical it takes a very short time, a story has to be told in a very formulaic way and I kind of enjoy that discipline. I’m enjoying the process of refining and refining and refining, getting back to the same bones of the story that people will find exciting.

100 years ago you could have been a troubadour, a travelling minstrel I guess, there’s a lot of folk stories in what you do but being a band leader is something you’re much more comfortable with than being the star, yeah?

STING Yeah, I like being a band leader. It’s an interesting skill to develop and have wonderful people play in your band and want to play in your band. It’s not an easy ship to navigate sometimes.

MG Fields of Gold is one of the beautiful timeless songs. What came first – lyrics or melody?

STING I think the melody came first and then the lyrics followed pretty soon after. I think you know when you’ve written something that will hold water, you know instantly – just the lyrical imagery, the melody, the way the chords are formed underneath it. The song is about continuity and the cyclical nature of our lives. You know we tend to think of our lives as being linear but you know they are not.

We’re really in this big cycle, you know. Spring, summer, autumn, winter.

MG And Mick Jagger once said that he feels like he’s the CEO of the Rolling Stones, the responsibility is not just for him and his band but the 200 people who work for the organization.

STING I feel less like a CEO than a father confessor. You end up as the big brother, the psychiatrist, the mentor, the whatever through all kinds of situations as a band leader. It’s not just music you’re dealing with, it’s their personal lives and their struggles and so you do end up as the big brother.

MG I read a quote from Rolling Stone about 20 years ago that being in a band is like being in a gang.

Grown-ups don’t need to be in a gang, which is why you’re not in a band. It might not be NMEcool to grow up gracefully as opposed to disgracefully but more rewarding, don’t you think?

STING I don’t have a choice – I am who I am. If I don’t conform to a sort of rock ’n’ roll archetype, well that’s tough. I am who I am. I am fiercely me, I’m an adult, I vote, I pay my rates, I pay my taxes. I can get out of it easily and at the same time I have a job to do. I need to get on stage every night at 20.30 and be in one piece. So I’m alright, I am who I am, I offer no apologies at all.

MG You’ve said that before about being a band leader.

MG It seems to me, though that you like to keep mov-

ing. You do hundreds of gigs a year, a travelling minstrel thing.

STING I’m addicted to forward momentum, constant movement. It becomes a kind of curse or an advantage (laughs) I love being there, life’s simple on the road. I have one task; get on stage at 20.30.

Everything else dovetails neatly behind that.

MG You and Trudy have been 30 years together, but next year is 20 years you’ve been married. It just flies by, doesn’t it?

STING Trudy and I don’t want to be the poster kids for some kind of fantasy of a perfect marriage, because it’s a curse. We take our relationship seriously as a partnership. There’s no secret formula. I like the woman intensely as well as loving her, she lights up my life to this day and every day is different, every day is a challenge. Relationships are hard. Two human beings living together for a long time is difficult. But it’s definitely worth staying.

MG On the 25 years album, there’s a very powerful version of Russians live in Berlin show, a very poignant place to perform that song.

STING You know I would never perform that song in current time without explaining its historical context. It was written in the Cold War, you know and I’m a child of the Cold War. So it’s very real. But for a modern audience, maybe some of them haven’t a clue what the song was about. You know I sing the song in Russia in Moscow and I explain we were conditioned to think of Russians as being not quite human, as being some kind of ideological, monolithic robotic society. So at that time I thought it was an important message to give; that of course Russians love their children, they are just the way you are. So I never sing the song without introducing that context, without explaining the context and then I’m allowed to sing it. But just to sing it without that would be absurd. © copyright Wise Buddah 2012. All rights reserved.

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CHARITY & EVENTS >

Popular international tenor

Stephen Lloyd-Morgan

releases album to aid Spanish and Welsh cancer charities Tenor Stephen Lloyd-Morgan’s new album ‘In My Father’s Footsteps’ is to be released on 1st July.

The album is dedicated in memory of his Dad Bryant, who passed away 18 months ago having been diagnosed with cancer only 5 week’s previously, and its primary purpose is to aid The Cudeca Hospice in Spain (www.cudeca.org) and Welsh cancer charity Tenovus (www.tenovus.org.uk) with 100% of sales income being donated.

The album will be released on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/stephen-lloyd-morgan/id358994655) and all leading download stores, including Amazon MP3 & Spotify. CDs are available from Amazon on Demand and a limited number are available directly from Tenovus and Cudeca shops. For further details visit www.slmlive.com/album.htm The choice of recording studios brings a personal story full circle for Steve. He recorded at the famous Pop Factory Studios in The Rhondda, South Wales. Located in Porth where he was born, it was originally the ‘Corona Pop’ factory and depot where his Dad once worked as a delivery driver.

“The treatment and care of those suffering from cancer is something that is very important to me.

It is a cruel disease that rips the heart out of families, mine included. There is no discrimination; it can hit anyone and at any age. Anything that can be done by any of us to raise money to improve the odds, whether in terms of treatment or palliative care is similarly vitally important. Cudeca and Tenovus both provide a vital service to cancer sufferers on the Costa del Sol and in Wales. Tenovus gave my family an amazing amount of support while my Dad was in hospital; and this is my way of giving something back - trying to give back what I can!” – Steve The album itself is divided into two distinct halves. One, the popular classical, musical theatre and crossover-opera that Steve is best known for, the other a mix of tracks from the 60s through to the 80s that were his Dad’s favourites and with which Steve grew up. These include covers of tracks by the likes of The Everly Brothers, Bread, Simon & Garfunkel, Don McLean and Tom Jones among others.

A total of 14 tracks, in English, Spanish, Italian and Welsh.

Catch all the latest news on Steve’s new weblog www.slmlive.com/blog

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Butterfly Children’s Golf & Ball Raises EUR 32,700 The “Butterfly Children” charity golf tournament and ball held in June at the Aloha Golf Club has managed to raise over thirty thousand euros in spite of the general situation of acute financial crisis.

This has been possible thanks to 147 golfers who participated in the tournament during the day, together with 155 people who attended the dinner and ball. Not to forget all the sponsors and collaborators who have maintained their support to the Butterfly Children on its 10th anniversary.

The prize giving ceremony took place on the terrace of the Aloha golf Club where 10 winners (5 ladies and 5 men) were presented with magnificent prizes by Manolo Cardeña, Marbella´s Social Services Council, Nieves Montero, President of DEBRA Spain, Luis Navarro, Director of Aloha Golf club, Iain Blackwell, director of Essential Magazine and Jose Luis Mangas, Aloha golf professional.

During the evening, guests dined under the stars, on the beautiful terrace overlooking the 18th green, whilst listening to the beautiful voices of TAPAS choir. After the big raffle and the auction, everyone danced well into the night to the rhythm of rock and roller Mell Williams and the Shameless band.

The 32,700 Euros raised at this event will help fund the specialist team of 2 DEBRA nurses who help and support Butterfly Children and their families throughout their life in their quest of a life free of pain.

For more information on the charity please visit www.debra.es

New Renovated Gallery for Nimrod Messeg www.messegdesign.com Calle Aluminio 6 pol-ind La Ermita 29603 MARBELLA T: +34 952 857 439 nimrod@messegdesign.com

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08/02/12 18:54