Home Couture Magazine

Page 1

Issue 01 | autumn/Winter 2010 | â‚Ź 4,50

design. interiors. trends. art. dÉcor. lifestyle.

AUTUMN IN VOGUE

Seasonal trends to cosy up your home

Eco-Chic

Green living at its most stylish

Dream Kitchens

The ultimate in streamlined design

International STYLE Contrasting collaborations



editors note Living the Spanish dream For the past four years our sister magazine, Mallorca Life and Style, has been covering the glamorous and festive attractions of living in Mallorca. Now we are delighted to present our latest publication, Home Couture, which looks at the island’s style and flair. As we noted in a special preview issue published in summer, the idea with Home Couture is to provide English-speaking residents, and regular visitors owning holiday homes on the island, with an upmarket and authoritative guide to décor, design and the property market in general. But not just any guide. Our aim is to put the “Couture” in “Home”; to highlight the true art and style of avant-garde living − all with a distinctly mallorquín allure. As our headline notes, living in Mallorca is a dream come true for many. There is no denying that recent times have been difficult, and that the property industry has been hit especially hard, but the reasons we all moved to Mallorca, or decided to spend our holidays here, remain the same: exceptional climate, magical settings, from coastal coves to mountain havens; first-class infrastructure; and an idyllic island lifestyle. Most reliable indicators suggest that the worst is behind us, that we can expect more positive times in 2011. So, with that optimistic outlook in mind, there is perhaps no better time to take a closer look at our home – or home away from home – and give it a little pre-spring makeover. Or even a more comprehensive revamp if you are planning to sell or rent your property. To that end, for this first issue of Home Couture our top team of specialist writers and professionals provide insight and advice on a diverse range of subjects – with an international feel, but a local focus. In Stylish Living, we reveal how you can create the perfect dream kitchen; bring your home to life with the right lighting; and add some colour and comfort with stylish soft furnishings. In Property Showcase, we take an inside look at four stunningly original properties: from the exuberant sophistication of a Son Vida luxury concept villa to the dramatic flamboyance of a revamped house in London. Elsewhere we offer tips on how to cosy up your home during the change of season; note that autumn is the ideal time to start thinking about improvements to your garden and outdoor area; and bring you up to date on latest trends and “objects of desire” to make your home the talk of Mallorca. We also look at how prestige car manufacturers are following the home decoration industry’s lead and focusing on form and aesthetics, as well as performance; discover the chic charms of a boutique hotel in Delà; and check out an innovative “vertical plantation” concept that brings nature into the home. For the final word this issue, we ask our experts to answer some common questions on subjects ranging from roof greenery to traditional kilims. We hope you enjoy this launch issue of Home Couture and look forward to re-joining you in spring. In the meantime, we always welcome feedback and suggestions – drop us a line at editorial@homecouturemagazine.com. James Bellevue

4

| Home couture magazine

CEO / PUBLISHER Mike McCafferty PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Mark McCafferty mark@homecouturemagazine.com EDITORIAL editorial@homecouturemagazine.com GROUP EDITOR James Bellevue james@homecouturemagazine.com EDITOR Sarah Hughes sarah@homecouturemagazine.com ART & PRODUCTION Stefan Arens (cobra5 Design) stefan@homecouturemagazine.com ADVERTISING Ursula Peer ursula@homecouturemagazine.com Tel. 622 179 017 Melanie Brett mel@homecouturemagazine.com Tel. 660 980 556 David Edwards david@homecouturemagazine.com Tel. 665 689 907 ACCOUNTS MANAGER & OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Anita Bailey Anitab@tpc-london.com CONTRIBUTORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Tito Bosch, Trish Dynes, Andy Eddleston, Justine Knox, Peer Lüllmann, Suzy Meiklejohn, Margarita and Rosario Mira, Franz and Ingrid Sailer, Theo Woodham-Smith COVER PHOTO kettal.es PRINTER P&R Grafis Tel. 952 667 788; prgrafis.es DEPÓSITO LEGAL MA 2123-2010 CONTACT AM Media SLU Calle Solo 43 Pueblo Español Palma 07014, Mallorca Tel. 971 450 432 The views and opinions expressed by contributors to Home Couture may not represent the views and opinions of the publishers. AM Media slu takes no responsibility for claims made in advertisements or advertorials in this magazine. No part of Home Couture may be reproduced or copied in any way without the prior written consent of AM Media slu.


contents 08 IN VOGUE Avantgarde style and cutting-edge trends… kitchens, lighting and technology

16 STYLISH LIVING Contemporary and functional kitchens Stylish and individual soft furnishings Inviting and pleasurable lighting

38 DESIGNER PROFILE Carolyn Trevor: award-winning Queen of Cool ... with a celebrity vision

42 PROPERTY SHOWCASE Sophisticated exuberance… with a touch of the outrageous “A house that rocks”… and a designer who loves drama Majestic grandeur with a touch of history Contemporary style in a magical setting

64 ESTILO INTERNACIONAL Blurring the boundaries: transitions in the design industry

70 THE GREEN ROOM Vertical plantation: nature at home… the easy way

74 BOUTIQUE CHIC Informal elegance and romantic seclusion

78 STYLE FILE ART: a new style of pop and mixed media FURNITURE: the importance of a good bed

82 SEASONAL LIVING Cosy up your home: change with the seasons Garden and outdoor living… all year round

92 A WORD FROM

THE EXPERTS

Mallorca’s top specialists answer some common questions

96 CHIC LIST The definitive directory of local home and décor services and outlets

6

| Home couture magazine


in vogue

in vogue FrESh AND SOPhISTIcATED

TWO hEADS ArE BETTEr ThAN ONE

This classic glassware range from designer Ben de Lisi comes in four colours: red, turquoise, purple and black. The stylish collection includes wine glasses, champagne flutes and tumblers with a sophisticated elegance that will certainly add a splash of colour to any dinner party.

Once again the clever design duo Joseph Joseph have come up with another award-winning kitchen accessory in the funky form of the Y Grinder salt and pepper mill. Its unique twin-chamber design allows both salt and pepper to be dispensed from the same stylish unit, with adjustments to grind from fine to coarse grades. It is available in three colours: lime, grey and white.

debenhams.com

josephjoseph.com

Compiled by Suzy Meiklejohn

STEAM rEVOlUTION

Kitchen innovations

There’s no more need to stand over pots and pans or worry about synchronising cooking times thanks to the Intellisteam from Morphy Richards. It cooks a whole meal for up to four people, finishing precisely at the same time thanks to its intelligent digital timer. There’s a pre-set time guide to help with cooking times for a range of different foods such as chicken, fish, rice, sauce and even eggs. You can also personalise and save settings, so you can adapt the timer to suit your preference and it will remember it for future use. Other useful features include an automatic keep-warm function until you’re ready to serve, and all the containers are dishwasher safe, so you don’t even have to do the washing up.

AVANT-GARDE STYLE AND CUTTING-EDGE TRENDS TO MAKE YOUR HOME THE TALK OF MALLORCA

morphyrichards.co.uk

ElEGANT DINING These beautiful olive oil and vinegar bottles are mouth-blown in Italy and hand-decorated with a silk-screened pattern in sterling silver. They’re sealed with a cork stopper and have a stainless steel pourer. The 700-millilitre olive oil bottle in the range also comes with a book of Italian recipes using olive oil. These attractive bottles would make a gorgeous gift for a foodie friend and are an elegant addition to the dining table. conran.com

DrIP-FrEE DrINKS

rETrO chIc This stylish Francis Francis X1 coffee machine with eye-catching retro lines was created for coffee giants illy by Italian designer Luca Trazzi. Despite its retro facade it features up-to-date automatic programming, high-precision temperature controls, an automatic descaling programme and eco-friendly power-saving features. To compliment any stylish kitchen it is available in eight different colours and a limited edition brushed chrome finish. Illy stockists in Palma are: Restaurante Alla Scala (Calle Pas den Quint 2) and Bar Cafeteria Cappuccino (Calle San Miguel 53). illy.com

SIMPlIcITY AND INNOVATION The simplistic aesthetic design of this Bistro herb chopper from Bodum belies the underlying innovative functionality which has won the product a string of design awards. The transparent cup allows you to check on the progress, while the seven stainless steel, doubleedged, rotary blades inside cut in both directions simultaneously, resulting in professionally chopped herbs from simply shaking the device.

known for quality design and innovation of products that are a pleasure to look at, use and own, Eva Solo have come up with an award-winning stylish carafe made from heat-resistant glass, stainless steel and silicone rubber. Dishwasher safe and suitable for all types of beverages, its innovative drip-free design ensures you won’t get drips and marks on your surfaces or tablecloth when pouring, so it is particularly useful for decanting and serving wine. Available in three sizes: 0.6 litre, 1 litre and 1.4 litre.

NATUrE’S OWN DESIGN Olive wood is a dense, hard wood with natural anti-bacterial properties, which makes it an ideal material for use in the kitchen. This curvaceous pestle and mortar is part of a collection of kitchen preparation and serving pieces made exclusively for The Conran Shop. It was handcarved in Tunisia from thick olive wood and is perfect for crushing up your favourite herbs and spices to fully release all the flavours. The exquisite grain also means it has a naturally decorative quality, and each piece is totally unique. conran.com

evasolo.com / diningstore.co.uk

bodum.com

8

Home couture magazine

|

9


in vogue

in vogue Chained up This unusual chain chandelier is made up of hundreds of individual strands of silver chain, which light up with an opalescent glow when the chandelier is switched on. They are available to buy online in 410-millimetre and 510-millimetre, but they also offer stunning 710-millimetre and one-metre diameter versions by special order.

Big is beautiful Large lighting features are great for design impact and to reduce a high ceiling for a cosier feel. These gorgeous hand-woven, rattan, oversized suspension lamps from Copper House Living certainly make their mark, and the use of the natural material adds a feeling of warmth. copperhouseliving.com

tigermothlighting.com

Subtle glow For subtle or mood lighting these metal, three-tier wall lights from Next are a stylish contemporary option. Enclosing a low-wattage bulb, they provide a warm glow rather than a harsh light, and the highly polished metal will reflect colours and light from other areas of the room.

Lighting moods

Compiled by Suzy Meiklejohn

next.co.uk

Crystal cool Created by Italian designer Manuel Vivian this Subzero collection has a chromeplated structure encrusted with Bohemian crystal features which resemble stunning icicles. The collection includes matching wall lights, pendant lights and table lamps with shades available in white, vanilla, chrome and this hot red.

AVANT-GARDE STYLE AND CUTTING-EDGE TRENDS TO MAKE YOUR HOME THE TALK OF MALLORCA

axolight.it

Funky and functional With expertise in the fields of architecture, interior design, packaging and fashion, Studio Sandro Santantonio produce stylish yet functional designs. Their fun and funky Muse lighting range features a metal frame with a removable and washable stretch fabric that comes in 11 different colourways including this multicolour option. axolight.it

High-fashion glamour World-renowned fashion designer Julien MacDonald has created a whole range of gorgeous interior décor products in his Star collection for Debenhams. This silver, metallic, curve table lamp is minimalist yet classic in style, and injects a shot of timeless Hollywood glamour to your room. debenhams.com

Artistic lighting Natural beauty This stylish hand-forged Sophia wall light features a 12-inch ellipse shade in subtle Lagoon blue silk with beautifully intertwined branches made of Florentine Antique Silver, adding an element of organic elegance to your décor. lightingweb.co.uk

10 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Lighting fixtures have evolved from simple functional necessities to being an integral part of a room’s aesthetic design. Artists such as Rachel O’Neill are turning their talents to creating interesting and unusual pieces that are notable as much for their artistic quality as their functionality. Her hand-made Bubble table lamp is formed from brightly coloured Velcro and vibrant feathers, resulting in an eye-catching and tactile piece. racheloneill.com

Home couture magazine

|

11


in vogue

Televisionary. The new Loewe Individual with a sensational picture thanks to 400 Hz LED technology. What gives a TV set today that extraordinary edge? A modular design that allows you to tailor it to your own needs? The range of multimedia options? Or simply a fantastic picture with LED technology and perfect sound? Know what we think? That when all these factors coincide in a TV system, you're talking about the new Loewe Individual LED.

PLUGGED IN Chargem by Logical Gadgets is a neat little box that will charge all gadgets new and old in one place. It will happily charge mobile phones, laptops, MP3s, iPhones and iPads, DVD players, cameras and camcorders, and other devices – simultaneously, using just one plug socket. logicalgadgets.com

SMART AND SEXY The Gorenje Smart Fridge has a mini refrigerator rising up through its core at the push of a button. Drinks anyone? gorenje.co.uk

DOMESTIC BLISS By Andy Eddleston (andyeddleston@gmail.com)

“How do you feel about scrubbing the toilet PR2?” “Fine, I don’t feel anything, Dave.” So far it’s sorted socks, folded towels and even played a game of pool. In fact, Willow Garage’s PR2 can be programmed to do pretty much anything you want it to, and it will march into your living room for only US$400,000!

State-of-the-Art

willowgarage.com

AVANT-GARDE STYLE AND CUTTING-EDGE TRENDS TO MAKE YOUR HOME THE TALK OF MALLORCA

LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE SLEEK SOUNDS These Zikmu Parrot by Starck wireless speakers are the result of three years work re-inventing the speaker to produce an immersive 360-degree sound. Leave your iPod on top of one and you’ll have instant music, controllable by a sleek remote. digitalcinema.es

Let’s face it, the widescreen TV you’ve got is too chunky. This LG 31” OLED is the slimmest TV in the world at only 2.9 millimetres thick – and you can get your fingerprints all over it from March 2012. lg.com

SIMPLY COOL They don’t do much but they do look cool. These Owls by Matt Pughes are crafted from solid walnut or oak, and available in a choice of colours. mattpugh.co.uk Brought to you by Loewe Design/Phoenix Design.

SHOWROOM LOEWE GALLERY Moncades, 2 (near Jaime III) 07012 Palma de Mallorca. Illes Balears T+34 971 724 951. M+ 34 629 609 680 comercial@loewegallerypalma.es www.loewegallerypalma.es

Your home entertainment specialist with Loewe and Bose by

12 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e


in vogue

ORIGINAL GIFTS Cushions with a cryptic message or towels with a friend’s initials… these are just some of the original embroideries that can be individually designed at Made by Floreta in Santanyi – where they have a large collection of customised gifts.

CONCENTRATING ON THE ESSENTIALS The Rolf Benz 7800 concentrates on the essentials: excellent skating comfort and a striking design that makes the compact chair look like a sculpture. Thanks to its refined design, this exceptional, beautifully-shaped chair can rock freely, thereby supporting ergonomically correct, upright seating as well as leaning back and relaxing.

madebyfloreta.com

inter-mobel.com

Furniture chic

AVANT-GARDE STYLE AND CUTTING-EDGE TRENDS TO MAKE YOUR HOME THE TALK OF MALLORCA

NATURAL CONVENIENCE This chest of drawers features handles made from South American leather. The collection includes other versions (for example, brown leather) and is also suitable as a bedside or coffee table. copperhouseliving.com

SMOOTH STYLE This hand-made cow’s leather teak chair can be found at Das Depot in Inca. Tel. 971 502 822

INNOVATIVE DESIGN MEETS PRACTICAL COMFORT The Rolf Benz Dono range of sofas and modular units is an international bestseller. The continuous rail in leather, oak, walnut or elm veneer combines with the matt-brushed stainless steel frame to give Dono its unmistakable appearance; while at the same it serves as a practical shelf. Thanks to back cushions and optional seat depth adjustment, you can move into a multitude of seating and relaxation positions. It can even be converted into a comfortable guest bed by simply pulling out the seat. inter-mobel.com

14 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e


stylish living

stylish living

Dream kitchens Meticulous planning and some expert resources are all you need to make your dream kitchen a reality.

Whatever your hopes and dreams for

the perfect kitchen, try to distinguish between your needs, wants and wishes. Make a list of everything you want to do in your new kitchen and then classify each item according to wants and needs. A need is a must-have such as a refrigerator large enough for your family, whereas a want might be an American stainless steel fridge freezer. Do you need a double oven or do you want one but hardly ever cook? Some people can‘t afford all of their wants and will have to choose the most wanted item or wait until later. Then there are the wishes for your kitchen, the things you have dreamed of, such as a complete suite of commercial-grade appliances. Researching product prices early in the planning process can help you get a realistic feel for what is within your financial means. Just like clothing or furniture, kitchens come in many styles. A new kitchen is an expensive purchase and will last a long time so choosing a kitchen style requires serious thought. Maybe you are drawn to pictures of cosy country kitchens with red gingham curtains fluttering in the breeze, fine oak furniture and casually placed wicker baskets containing freshly baked bread or crisp apples. On the other hand the latest kitchens with streamlined worktops and lots of stainless steel might also get your juices going. However, your kitchen space will probably speak loudly to you in terms of what style is suitable for your perfect kitchen.

16 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

by Trish Dynes

Time is money, so most good designers are only going to give you an hour or two of free time at that first appointment. Make the most of it by doing some prep work by using magazines and the internet; gather pictures of kitchen styles and products that you like. These will help you and your designer create your ideal kitchen within your budget. The layout of your kitchen is something not easily changed, such as the position of doors, windows and plumbing, so unless you are embarking on a complete restructuring you don’t want to have to relocate pipes, hot and cold water and waste drainage. A fundamental of kitchen design is the “work triangle”, which is the relationship between the sink, cooker and fridge. This uses the old adage of “use your head to save your feet”. This layout has been the lynchpin of kitchen design for many years but it is not always valid for today’s kitchens. These days it might be more appropriate for it to be between the freezer, microwave and dishwasher. Work out which you use most and plan your kitchen so there is a close relationship between them all. You will need to decide on storage for all your food, cutlery, crockery and pots and pans, as well as other kitchen gadgets. Do you want them on display, or do you want them neatly hidden away from view? Before buying the kitchen take a look at the light and imagine where you will be working in the room. If you can, place work tops where there is natural light. If this is not an option, try to design the kitchen to include down lighting by using lights recessed into the wall cupboards above worktop areas.

Home couture magazine

| 17


stylish living

stylish living how the kitchen relates to the surrounding rooms. If your first meeting is in the showroom try to give as much information as you can about the size of your kitchen and include any structural points such as recesses. At this point, the designer should have the necessary information to come up with some rough concepts and a ballpark estimate. Some will start work immediately, especially on small projects; however, most will prefer to meet again in a couple of weeks to present drawings and a price. After-sales customer service is very important. Finalising a schedule of works will make sure that everyone involved knows what is required of them and will prevent things from dragging on indefinitely. Due to the amount of work that fitting a new kitchen involves, you will be very lucky if everything goes exactly according to plan. To ease the situation, however, keep clear lines of communication and you will find that the job will be completed much faster if everyone co-operates. The supplier should be able to identify and address the problems as they occur; either sorting them out immediately or detailing future arrangements if that is not possible. Once the kitchen fitters have downed their last cup of tea, and cleared away their tools, you can stand in the doorway of your new kitchen and see that after all the planning and hard work your needs, wants and wishes have suddenly materialised into the kitchen of your dreams – one that will give you years of pride and enjoyment.

Get together with all the members of your family and ask them for their input on all aspects of the day-to-day use of your kitchen. Make a list of how you shop, cook and eat and socialise, as well as what you like and don‘t like about your current kitchen. Your answers will point you and your designer in the right direction. Some designers will give you a questionnaire on these important matters. You can find free programmes on the internet that let you design a virtual kitchen. As well as being useful it can be great fun trying out different layouts. Now you are ready to have your kitchen designed and installed. There are outlets for all budgets ranging from a large DIY store, a high street kitchen specialist or a bespoke kitchen designer who will design and build a kitchen unique to you. In many showrooms, you can see how your finished kitchen will look before you buy it, thanks to computerised design programs. If you can provide the dimensions of your kitchen and choose what you want in it, you can see if the appliances fit where you want them to and how it will look. Establish a budget range that works for your family; don‘t wait to see what the designer comes up with. When you know how much you want to invest, your designer can guide you toward products that will allow you to stay within budget. If you are building a new home or have hired an architect as well as a designer, be sure to get a copy of the floor plan to bring to the meeting. Good designers won‘t give you a hard sell; they will take into consideration your needs, your wants and your wishes, as well as your budgetary and space constraints. This is your chance to ask questions about the company‘s services and products as well as its design and installation or construction process. Ask to see examples of the designer‘s work, and maybe ask for references as well. If this meeting takes place in your home, the designer will measure the kitchen‘s dimensions and possibly take some pictures too. This helps them to document the space they‘re working with and to remember

18 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Home couture magazine

| 19


stylish living SOME POPULAR KITCHEN STYLES • TRADITIONAL kitchens have a formal, elegant look characteristic of American and European homes of the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Cabinets are in cherry, walnut and mahogany, with raised panel cabinet door styles. Crown and rope moulding, fluting, corbels and other ornamentation and trim are often used, along with antique fixtures and appliances. The materials used are mainly wood, stone or other natural materials. • CONTEMPORARY kitchens tend to be described as modern, minimalist and geometric. The characteristics include horizontal lines, asymmetry and a lack of moulding and other ornamentation. Materials often are man-made rather than natural: stainless steel, laminate, glass, concrete, chrome and lacquer. Contemporary encompasses styles from the 1940s to the present. • COUNTRY kitchens are cheery and welcoming, with light and bright colours, painted and glazed cabinets, woven baskets, floral motifs, and decorative shelving and moulding. You can expect to see floral, checked, striped, gingham and plaid patterns, and window and wall treatments in fabrics such as chintz and calico. Painted, glazed and distressed cabinet finishes are popular, often with chicken wire or metal cabinet inserts. A country kitchen is often welcoming and bright, featuring woven baskets, painted and glazed cabinets and decorative moulding and shelving. In a French country-style kitchen you might find oak or cherry cabinetry, framed cabinets in recessed or raised panels, pantry and plate racks and decorative shelving. • TRANSITIONAL kitchens include elements of both traditional and contemporary design. Eclectic in nature, they mix natural and man-made materials as well as finishes and textures. For example, an Arts & Crafts or Shaker kitchen can be made transitional rather than traditional by lightening the colour palette, adding bamboo flooring and showcasing appliances rather than hiding them behind wooden panels. Moulding and fixtures aren‘t elaborate but do have some ornamentation. A Tuscan kitchen can become a transitional kitchen by using steel appliances or having some high tech lighting. You could have a cherry style kitchen with contrasting paint colours. The sky is the limit with transitional kitchens. • ARTS & CRAFTS kitchens are grounded in form and function and rely on a natural bespoke look with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. Recessed panel doors with thick frames are dominant and, for an interesting accent, contrast the finishes or woods of the frame against those of the door and panel. Colours are neutral and found in nature. Stained glass windows and lighting fixtures and mullioned glass doors give a distinctive look. • SHAKER kitchens… look to maple, birch, beech or oak-veneered woods. For this simple, puritan style, choose inset flat panel doors. Wide rails and stiles are fairly typical in the cabinet frame. • OLD WORLD kitchens, with their large cooking hearths or grottos and distressed, unfitted cabinets, trace their look to pre-17th century Europe. Often painted, the raised panel cabinetry should feature elements such as cracking, bead board, dish and cup racks, valence legs, flushed toes, and bun feet. You can expect to see furniture-style cabinetry, stone walls and floors with pewter or copper accents, along with mosaic tiles and brick or plaster walls, deep, rich colours and appliances hidden behind panels. Tuscan is another old world style. A Tuscan kitchen relies on natural materials. The cabinets will often be cream, earthy or yellow. Other old world kitchen styles include French chateau, Italian villa and Dutch cottage, along with Mediterranean, Castle, Gothic and Normandy cottage. • MODERN kitchens have slick, polished finishes, modern windows and timber joinery. Stainless steel is widely used in modern kitchens. The lighting is normally recessed into the ceiling or halogen lights can be used.

20 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e


stylish living

stylish living

Building a visual bridge between cooking and living When Poggenpohl presented the cooking island in 1967, it was credited with having established the trend towards open kitchens. In the years that followed, such concepts as multifunctional tables and shelf systems provided new solutions that fell under the banner, “The kitchen is moving out into the home.“

22 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Images: Poggenpohl

Now the German premium-kitchen

manufacturer has unveiled a new concept created with Hamburg-based architect and designer Hadi Teherani: the +ARTESIO, which further “liberates the kitchen from its traditional, spatial barriers and integrates it into the overall structure of the home”. In effect, the aspects of building, architecture, home living and kitchen all coalesce. The concept embraces all three dimensions: from the floor and walls right through to the ceiling. According to Poggenpohl, “The latter is visually defined by a function arch with its innovative ceiling element that integrates all of the elements necessary for lighting, ventilation and sound. This produces an entirely new feeling of space that is inviting and turns the kitchen into the centre of living at home.” In short, the concept enables cooking and eating to go hand in hand. Always open to new thinking and innovative design concepts, Poggenpohl thinks in terms of spaces rather than kitchen units. “It‘s no longer a case of fitting kitchen furniture into an existing space in the best way possible but of re-defining this space completely through the ‘kitchen’ concept.” To that end, the arch design of the + ARTESIO demonstrates this fusion between kitchen and living environment in the form of an inwardly reaching gesture, lifting boundaries and uniting the two spaces. Embracing the design of the wall, floor and ceiling, and forming a central element, it uses a design grid of 130 millimetres that is

reflected in both the frontage and the carcase sides and wall panels. Furniture and walls merge visually into one. Poggenpohl has also followed new paths in the choice of materials. In addition to matt melamine fronts in sand, terra or alabaster, the +ARTESIO is available with real wood fronts in brushed pine or walnut, as well as with lacquered glass fronts in sand, terra, mallow or alabaster. The design of the kitchen forms a discernible liaison with the pale leather seating in the adjoining living area. The dining table, chairs, bench and corner bench create a look of aesthetic clarity with their architectural design that picks up on the style of the kitchen. For Poggenpohl, the +ARTESIO is “geared towards design-focused individuals with an appreciation for aesthetic looks and the special things in life, individuals who every day re-discover the beauty of their kitchen; who see, experience and feel its quality. Planning for this new kitchen – which will be available on the market worldwide from the beginning of 2011 – ideally starts while the architecture of the building or home is being planned, but the new concept is sufficiently flexible to be implemented in existing kitchen situations. Saloni Gran Via Asima, 20 
Polígono Castelló Tel. (+34) 971 750 001 poggenpohl.com

Home couture magazine

| 23


stylish living

stylish living

By Trish Dynes

Home décor is something that

needs to be reinvented every now and then, and with the aid of a huge variety of soft furnishings it is easy and fun to make your home stylish and individual. Good design has little to do with cost and a lot about having good instincts and a good eye. New ítems to brighten up your home can be relatively inexpensive, such as a set of cushions in jewel

Softlydoes it Soft furnishings add colour, texture, comfort and design to our living spaces. Without soft furnishings, our rooms would be hard, noisy and impossible to live in.

24 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

colours, a bright kilim rug, a piece of embroidery or a soft woollen or tapestry throw. It’s you and your creativity that make a house or apartment a home, and everything you put into a room will say something about you. Inspiration for design can come from diverse sources. It may be a special piece of china, a design on a scrap of wallpaper or fabric, a cutting from a magazine or a piece of modern art. Keep your eyes open and take in the world around you and you will know instinctively what appeals to you and what does not. Pop into your local furniture showroom and see how they showcase their furniture range with accessories and soft furnishings. You may come away with ideas you never would have thought of yourself. Many fabric retailers will display swatches of coordinating colours, textures and sheers to show you what can be achieved by mixing and matching.

Home couture magazine

| 25


stylish living Traditional curtains can be expensive and are only suitable for larger rooms; the cost of the fabric, lining pelmets, tracks and swags will set you back a small fortune but if you want to make a statement of grandeur with your curtains choose fabric that will last for years. Contemporary rooms do not have to rely on elaborate curtains and you could find yourself quite at home with a set of sheers, tab top or grommet headings for your curtains. You can even drape exquisitely embroidered sari material around a curtain pole. However, for an apartment you need to bear in mind the size of the windows and the space they use up in your room. If you are lucky enough to have an uninterrupted view of a garden, a lake or the sea, you can choose flimsy, sheer curtains to appreciate your view. If a block of apartments is the view from your living room, opt for bright patterned curtains that are a delight to behold in their own right. Dark-coloured curtains against a pale wall make a very strong statement; it might be better to tone down the colour of the curtains or deepen the colour on the wall to avoid too strong a contrast. These days there is a great variety of soft fabrics which can brighten up even the darkest room. If you have avoided paler fabrics in the past because of the possibility of stains or allergies, new innovations such as the microfiber upholstery could be just what you need. Microfiber fabric is stainresistant and soft, and comes in hypoallergenic varieties. Designer Nina Cambell says, “Start with a fabric you love and then worry about what to do with it.”

26 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

stylish living Whatever you choose will form the basis of your colour palette for the room and give you something to build on. Patterned fabrics are great for dressing up a room and giving it a fresh look. Cover furniture or parts of furniture, from a chair cushion to an entire sofa, or to create panels or borders for curtains or cover a screen. A useful style tip for those who have steered clear of pattern in the past is to cover a screen, which will add detail and colour and can always be re-covered or moved to a different room if you change your mind. Another benefit is that you can take it with you when you move house. Stripes can bring together a range of colours and can be useful for giving you a palette to work with.

Consider the scale of the pattern when deciding what you want to use it for. A large-scale pattern may be too much for a small living room but it can make a feature of an armchair or a curtain. Similarly, a smallscale pattern could add a delicate look to a large room or make a smaller room appear more spacious. If possible, take samples of fabric and place them over different areas in your room to get an idea of how it will look. Texture adds layers and movement and is an interesting way to keep the colour palette flowing throughout, without making it too uniform. Tactile textures include velvet, sheer, fake fur, suede, leather-flocked cottons and silks, chenille or crewel (wool embroidery). A successful room needs to have balance. The trick is to blend well by offsetting a small-scale pattern with a large-scale one nearby; stripes look good next to checks. Break up colours that have a neutral tone and ensure that textures blend together well. You don’t have to spend a fortune on curtains. Lined curtains made of calico can be trimmed with a more expensive fabric and look really stunning. Aim to have your home feeling welcoming and comfortable, not a show house where visitors are afraid that if they sit down they might squash some perfectly placed cushions. Pile your cushions on the sofa and

Home couture magazine

| 27


stylish living add a chenille, velvet or woollen throw to make a room that will feel inviting and have the added bonus of keeping you cosy on colder evenings. Keep some of your older, more cherished items; not everything needs to be brand spanking new. Living rooms do not have the monopoly on the use of soft furnishing; bedrooms are great for regular makeovers. In recent years trends have defined the types of bedding and soft furnishings we use in our bedrooms. This year’s design trends are big and bold with large abstract floral prints in colours inspired by nature. These fresh, crisp fabrics offer a refreshing look to bedrooms and are available in a wide range of colours and patterns. However, there are lots of different luxurious bedspreads available, from easy-care polyester cotton blends

28 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

stylish living to silk or satin, and they are available in most bed sizes. Consider spending a little more on luxury bedding as the superb designs and styles make a real impact on the overall look of your bedroom. Satin bedding is normally higher priced than normal cotton bedding, but certainly makes your bedroom look and feel the part – and sometimes a little luxury is just what is needed. We all love these little and not so little luxuries and, as they say, “A change is as good as a rest.” So go on: make some changes. A few gaily-patterned tea towels or a tablecloth can add a fresh dimension to the kitchen; some matching towels and curtains will give your bathroom a new look. One or two luxury-look cushions added to your cushion collection on the sofa can add style and comfort; or perhaps indulge in an on-trend duvet set to bring a look of spring to your bedroom. But if it’s real change you are looking for why not splash out on the beauty and feel of a whole range of new soft furnishings, and experience the sense of satisfaction you get when you admire your new curtains as you sink into your array of soft cushions and cuddle into your throw in your newly-created room.

Setting the mood for a good night’s sleep Your living room is where you can express your taste, but your bedroom is where you have to sleep with your chosen style... What you dress your bed with can make or break the ambience in the most important room in your life. “It depends on what you want to achieve,” explains Danny Burnard, from bedding experts Home Mallorca. “Sometimes our clients want a peaceful sanctuary, a classically elegant look or a passionate statement, and that’s why we carry such a wide range of designs. We have 90 shades of luxurious Italian cotton fabric available. You can choose what you want and how you want it – it’s a truly bespoke service.” Home Mallorca also supply bedding from Schlossberg Switzerland and the new Zimmer + Rohde collection, with bold floral and geometric designs. It’s not just about design though. For those suffering from allergies, it might

be the bed linen causing sleepless nights – but this can be resolved. Just as there are hypo-allergenic fabrics for furniture, it is now possible to sleep under clever natural fabrics, such as MicroModal. This regulates temperature, is hypo-allergenic and can help aid sleep for arthritis suffers. “It’s been a big hit here in Mallorca,” says Danny. “We have this lovely fabric handmade into bedding on the island.” As with other soft furnishings, there are always seasonal trends and with four seasons a year, taking the opportunity to change your bedding and create the right mood for the most important room in your house can never be a bad idea. Home Mallorca Tel. (+34) 697 914 233 home-mallorca.eu


stylish living

stylish living

Lighting by design A carefully planned lighting scheme will bring a room to life and turn it into an inviting and pleasurable place to be. By Trish Dynes

Human beings respond

to light and its absence can affect our sense of well-being. Whether you have an interior designer map out a detailed lighting plan or you choose the do-it-yourself approach, today there are more lighting options than ever before. With an abundance of light in all the right places, even the darkest apartment can be transformed from a dreary space into a home that is envied by all. Before spending vast sums of money on elaborate interior design schemes, carry out your own survey by moving furniture and accessories around to see the effects the changes can make. Create new features and try different window treatments such as Venetian blinds or layers of diaphanous fabric such as fine muslin. If your budget only allows you to redecorate rather than refurbish, then bear in mind the effects different colours and textures can have on the level of light in a room. Pale colours are reflective, while dark colours and materials absorb light. White ceilings reflect light, as do cream carpets, but dark wooden floors and dark-coloured walls absorb light and make rooms feel more claustrophobic. The mood and atmosphere that you are trying to create will determine the colours and materials you use. Even the most simple of lighting schemes will benefit from some sort of layering of light sources – no matter how beautiful your ceiling pendant may be it is impossible for it to illuminate the whole of your space. The solution is to install different light sources controlled by separate circuits that allow you to vary your mood with the flick of a switch. Let’s start with the living room – the multi-functional space where we entertain, watch TV, relax with a glass or two and even make love when the mood is right. Lighting can be described as direct and indirect. Direct gives a downward glow such as light from a central pendant and other forms of overhead lighting such as recessed mounts in the ceiling or track lights. Indirect lighting casts an upward glow. Wall lights boost overall lighting levels and can shine down or bounce light up to the ceiling. Task lighting from table and floor provides localised bright spots for all our activities, while accent lighting highlights architectural features or artwork. If you plan to layer lighting the different circuits allow each element to be controlled independently – general lighting and wall lights could be on the first circuit and task lighting such as table or desk lamps could be on a second circuit and accent lighting on a

30 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Home couture magazine

| 31


stylish living

stylish living

third. This layering of light allows light levels to be manipulated to produce different light effects. A good lighting scheme in the dining room can have a dramatic effect when entertaining. The main objective is to provide a hospitable atmosphere with warm, flattering light. A striking pendant that can be raised or lowered is a good choice when the dining room is used for homework or sorting out those dreaded household bills. Pendants create a powerful decorative statement when hung in multiples of two or, especially, if you have a refectory table and want to illuminate its full length. Pendants will also suit the spacious proportions of a large room and have the effect of defining the dining area in an open plan space. Larger dining rooms benefit from wall lights or sconces but make sure that they don’t cast light into the faces of your guests. In small spaces where the dining table has to be folded away against a wall use the light from small table lamps at one end of the room and flattering candlelight from a candelabra or a group of tall candles as a centrepiece for your table.

Lighting is one of the most important elements for the kitchen. It not only adds mood and ambience with decorative pendants and stylish fittings, but it is also an essential safety feature with task lighting to illuminate worktops, sink and hob. Knowing what goes where will help you plan the perfect space. The kitchen is full of potentially harmful elements so the purpose of task lighting is to illuminate the preparation and cooking zones so that you can slice and simmer in safety. Consider installing light fixtures under wall cupboards, beneath shelving or on the wall at the back of the work surface. There are plenty of designs to choose from, including low voltage spotlights, integrated LEDs and frosted glass wedges for a modern look. You can let your creative side take over when it comes to decorative lighting. There is a huge range of interesting and unusual designs that will enhance the look of your kitchen. If you have contemporary styled units, stick to steel, chrome or frosted glass, making sure the fitting shades the bulb to avoid glare. Again, a row of pendants works well hung over a breakfast bar to make a striking impact, as well as illuminating the area below. Remember that pendant lamps should hang 75 centimetres above the surface for best effect. You may think that all the lighting you need in the bedroom is a pair of bedside lamps. However, layering in the bedroom is just as important. Use a dimmer switch to control light levels controlled from both the door and the bed. Wall-mounted swing arm lights are a good alternative to bedside lamps, especially when one partner likes to read in bed, as the light can be angled towards the pages of the book.

32 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Home couture magazine

| 33


stylish living

Good lighting is necessary in the dressing areas of your bedroom; for instance, lights that switch on when wardrobe doors are opened. You can of course use scented candles, not only to fragrance the room but also to set a romantic lighting scene. But do remember to blow them out before you fall asleep or your flickering flames can become a fiery fiasco.

34 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Electronic devices for controlling the level of light or to set a lighting scene are compact and discreet. The benefits are twofold: you can set different lighting scenes at the touch of a button and at the same time save energy – and cash and the environment. With any design practice the idea is to be inspired, even playful, with your lighting

scheme and today’s lighting designs range from beautiful crystal chandeliers and elegant lamps with pure silk shades to fun lamps of all shapes and sizes and colourful funky shades. There is plenty of scope to have different designs for every room in the house so go ahead and bring life and light into your home.


designer profile

designer profile

Carolyn Trevor

QUEEN OF COOL IN A BELGRAVIA MAISONETTE ARCHITECT-INTERIOR DESIGNER CAROLYN TREVOR CONVERTED THE SPACE AND ADDED A SIDE EXTENSION TO CREATE A FAMILY PIED A TERRE.

In a world

where so many designers parade a signature look, which could be a white cube, a barrage of beige or a flourish of neo-classical detailing, Carolyn Trevor is more interested in seeking out what is appropriate to the client and the site. She is determined not to reject or patronise her client‘s own possessions, but “adapt and modify”. We are all environmentalists now and she wants to reuse and recycle, never expecting to start each project with a clean slate. As she says, „Our clients no longer simply follow the latest fashion or aspire to a particular ‚lifestyle‘. They are looking for comfort and wellbeing, have their own particular expectations, and we are certainly not trying to turn their homes into a statement about ourselves.” Carolyn trained at the Bartlett School of Architecture and the Architectural Association. Her experience has included working with such architectural stars as Rick Mather and Julyan Wickham, as well as internationally renowned interior designers including Jacques Grange, restaurant and hotel supremo David Collins and John Stefanidis, one of the most distinguished interior designers of our time.

36 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Home couture magazine

| 37


designer profile

designer profile It was at Stefanidis that she met her husband, architect Patrick Lahiff, and together they established their own architectural and design practice in 1997, employing a team qualified in both disciplines. She has worked on high-end residential projects from Mayfair to the Isle of Man, and for a clutch of celebrity clients including Dustin Hoffman, Damian Aspinall and the Sex Pistols. She maintains an interior should never look “done” or “tired”. She often chooses rare marble for bathrooms, which requires the most skilful fitting. If Carolyn has a speciality it could be the luxury and supreme comfort of her bathroom design, often with a nod to Hollywood Art Deco. She is an ardent fan of glass, which brings space and light to interiors, collects vintage furniture from the ‘60s and ‘70s, and often makes a statement with a magnificent chandelier.

Images: Oak Hill Project Theo Woodham-Smith PR woodhamsmithpr.com

She joined the architectural team at Stefanidis, where she focused on residential projects. His phenomenally grand and faithful client list includes the Weston and Getty families, as well as the Duke of Westminster. He had a particular gift of bringing a fresh note of today to stately homes crammed with inherited furniture and works of art.

38 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Home couture magazine

| 39


designer profile When designing interiors, Carolyn frequently commissions artist-craftsmen to make one-off lamps in bronze or furniture in steel and leather. She is not afraid of colour, choosing scarlet velvet curtains to vitalise an all-white hall or scarlet leather chairs in a panelled study. The prize-winning Belgrave Square maisonette is a fine showcase for the Trevor approach, combining architectural expertise to re-plan the structure of the building; and, as a decorator, always keeping a final vision of the interior as a whole.

She used white or taupe paint colours, strongly veined white marble and pale grey parquet to create a light, fresh atmosphere; commissioned a pendant lamp in heavy gilt bronze to make a focal point in the hall, casting a pattern of light and shade across the ceiling; and replaced the ugly balustrade with a custom-made steel and bronze design. In her own words, “I prefer it if the client is on the same wavelength as me, because once that trust is established it‘s possible to predict what they will like. I know I have done a good job for a client when their friends love it, and that results in another commission.”

Two months ago this project won the design et al award for best residential design in the £2-5 million category. Carolyn Trevor (B.scHons, AA Dipl RIBA, MBIDA) Carolyn Trevor Design: carolyntrevor.co.uk

40 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Images: Belgravia Project Theo Woodham-Smith PR woodhamsmithpr.com

Sin-tec is the market leader in employing cutting edge technologies such as MICROCEMENTO by EDFAN. We will satisfy the highest of expectations. www.sintecpaviments.com

C/ Sencelles, Nº 5 Pol. Ind. Can Matzari 07300 Inca - Illes Baleares T: 971 88 12 84 F: 971 50 46 58 info@sintecpaviments.com


property showcase

property showcase

Image: Gaelle Le Boulicault

Sophisticated

exuberance

… with a touch of the

outrageous 42 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Located in the exclusive Son Vida community, this luxury villa sets the agenda for future design and style. The first of six planned villas on the island, Casa Son Vida 1 is a “hint” of what is to come from Cosmopolitan Estates, a new real estate development company that plans and develops ultra-luxurious, high-design, state-of-the-art, sustainable residences and resorts throughout Europe and Asia.

Home couture magazine

| 43


property showcase

property showcase

Casa Son Vida has been created “as an expression of a new standard of progressive design that skews more futuristic than nostalgic… to capture the attention of the international design world with its sophistication and vitality, making Mallorca a new destination for those in search of design exploration and inspiration”. “While Mallorca is undeniably gorgeous,” says Cosmopolitan president Michael Rimbeck, “we felt there was a gap in the market. Most real estate on the island is predictable or inevitably Mediterranean. We wanted to offer the increasing number of young, progressive and adventurous buyers who are attracted to the island a more daring and evocative alternative. That is our ultimate goal, to create spaces that inspire and evoke. Casa Son Vida 1 does precisely that, and our future projects will only take it to the next level.” A world-class network of architects and designers was assembled to complete the project. Los Angeles and Switzerland-based tec architecture, a global boutique design firm known for its own distinctive brand of architecture of the “third millennia”, was commissioned to transform the villa from a run-of-the-mill, quasi-Mediterranean structure into something all together different. As tec co-founder and design director Sebastian Knorr explains, “Casa

Image: Gaelle Le Boulicault

Image: Mercel Wanders

44 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Image: Gaelle Le Boulicault

Home couture magazine

| 45


property showcase

Son Vida 1 aims to redefine the notion of the luxury villa by moving most of the paradigms of luxury towards a more contemporary and forward-looking expression of architecture and technology. The project pushes the envelope in every direction and every sense; it is highly sustainable, basically off-the-grid, gives an unheard of sense of space and place, explores new construction technologies, and enters into a critical dialogue with the decorated box buildings in its vicinity. Described as an example of “design poetry in motion”, the 8,500 square foot (790 square metre) luxury residence has been designed to “transgress the constraints of site and context, redefining luxury architecture as it is typified by the traditional and prolific Mediterranean and Tuscan styles otherwise found on the island”. According to Cosmopolitan, this act of defiance is accomplished by creating an entirely new structure that erupts unexpectedly from the walls of the existing Mediterranean home. The new structure evolves into a bold, curvaceous shape that completely evades conventional definition. The idea is that the two pieces co-exist as separate entities, meeting abruptly and then quite literally turning away from each other. Their interaction suggests a chance encounter and speaks to the deliberate and bold juxtaposition of the two elements. The new structure could even be likened to a futuristic spacecraft that has quite literally landed on a typical Mallorcan villa.”

Image: Mercel Wanders

Amsterdam-based Marcel Wanders Studio was commissioned for the interior design. With his “trademark wit and style”, Wanders appoints the interiors with signature furnishings and refined finishes.

Image: Mercel Wanders

A second villa has just been completed, two are about to break ground and two more are in the development stage, part of Cosmopolitan’s goal of “inspiring a design revolution on the island”. As the company notes, “Poised on the brink of a design renaissance, Son Vida is on the way to establishing itself as an architecturally progressive community, putting Mallorca on the global design map for years to come.”

Image: Gaelle Le Boulicault

46 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

For more information: Cosmopolitan Estates Switzerland Tel. (+41) 44 213 80 54 contact@cosmopolitan-estates.com cosmopolitan-estates.com



property showcase

designer profile

“THE HOUSE THAT ROCKS” Orla Collins is a flame-haired Irish interior designer who started her working life as a model in Dublin. Furnishing won the toss over frocks, so she left the catwalk to study at KLC, a London School of Design with the required gravitas, putting up her plate in 2003.

By Theo Woodham-Smith

Orla Collins can be contacted at her company offices at Purple Design Ltd.: 2 Michael Road, London SW6 2YH; Tel. (+44) 20 7736 4464; purple-design.co.uk

The luxury commissions

rolled in, even high-level developments in Dubai, and she won the 2004 Best New Designer in Practice Design & Decoration Award for a listed apartment in Kensington, West London. House & Garden Magazine published a profile. It’s no good hiring Orla to re-invent your interior if you lean towards monochrome or minimalism or hanker after a look seen in a magazine. She favours vivid colours, exotic materials, even semi-precious stones such as turquoise and pyrite. Her standards are rigorously high, and most clients prefer bespoke to off the peg, from furniture to flooring. The owner of this 1910 villa on the leafy fringes of London is a businessman who has made it big in the entertainment business. He asked her to give him “a house that rocks”. This meant a sophisticated party atmosphere, and all the necessary avant garde technology so discreetly installed as to be almost invisible: under-floor heating; controllable window blinds; lighting to suit any mood swing; an infinity of television and music options.

50 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Home couture magazine

| 51


property showcase

The arts and crafts exterior looks classic enough, but inside the place hums with opulence: shiny surfaces in night sky colours; pink, silver grey and purple silk and velvet; solid marble bathrooms; intricately patterned parquet. Orla chose a snakeskin floor for one room; bronze eelskin for a banquette in the kitchen. Every piece in the house was designed and made to order. Hand-woven silk curtains rest on the floor in pleats and folds like an haute couture ball gown. Collins was faced with a house in poor condition, untouched for a hundred years. It was always going to be a serious refurbishment but, when stripped to its bare bones, the whole house had to be rebuilt except for the external walls and roof. Complex reconstruction followed a drastic demolition job. Architectural plans involved changing floor levels; raising and lowering doors and windows; and designing new plasterwork for the ceilings, embellished by a spe-

52 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

property showcase

cialist painter with brush strokes of old silver, gold and bronze. All of this recalls the decoration of an imperial mansion, employing an army of builders, craftsmen and artisans. The library room, formerly just a “space off the hall”, has now becomes sexy snug, with a new chimney breast and a pair of French double doors leading on to the loggia. Snakeskin floors, cracked gesso walls, bespoke hand-made glass and bronze chandeliers… sumptuous detail for a modern merchant prince. You step down from the polished plastered hall to the master suite at bed-time – instead of going upstairs. The bedroom walls are upholstered in silk damask, concealing a 50-inch plasma screen and speakers. Full-height, frameless glass doors lead to a leather and lacquered walk-in wardrobe on one side, and on the other to a bathroom and steam room, oozing luxury. The walls and

Home couture magazine

| 53


property showcase

ceiling are clad in a rare species of French marble with mitred corners, and a vanity table (handcarved, of course). For a touch of contemporary, there is a polished black plaster floating ceiling with full-height glass doors leading into the steam room. The kitchen is another sophisticated tale of the unexpected, a work space infused with fantasy: walls sprayed in virtual black aubergine paint; an ebony island unit on sharp modern lines; and high-gloss lacquered wall cabinets. The first floor provides a change of atmosphere. After the dark and sultry nightclub glamour of the ground floor comes a bright and light open space. There are children‘s bedrooms in the back and front of the house, but all the other rooms were knocked into one comfortable and inviting space for parties, reading or informal mooching around. Low ceilings were stripped to make a feature of the raking roof and most of the beams and posts. New beams and posts were added, then clad with shadow gap detailing to give extra sharpness and clean lines. Orla compares the new children‘s bathrooms to a jewellery box being dropped at each end of the space. She has given them long, narrow roof light fittings to create natural light. The roof space has been turned into two tiny guest bedrooms but dormer windows ensure they are neither poky nor boring. Twin staircases leading from the ultra-rich ground floor to the bright first floor could be practical for large parties, or even walkers at different speeds; or adults one side, teenagers the other. Three-metre long roof lights were installed above the staircases, operated by touch panels – and adding drama, according to Orla. Orla Collins will shortly launch her own furniture collection, appropriately named Diva, incorporating her favourite metallic finishes and silky textures. In this London house she designed almost every item of furniture, lavishing as much care on

54 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

the detail of bronze handrails and glass double doors as sofas and curtain treatments. If the house is a pleasure dome, perhaps the pool is even more of an extraordinary dream creation. The separate pool building is an uncompromisingly modern design, though the idea was to use some of the same materials and introduce echoing features to give it a family relationship to the main house. The house has bay windows and the pool house was given an outsize glazed enclosure facing the garden. The colour palette is all white: white walls, finished in horizontal bands of white polished plaster; white snakeskin flooring: and white mosaics for the spa and pool interior. The pool lighting effects out-glamorise Hollywood. Fibre optic lighting set into the large shadow gaps above the floating walls send shards of colour-changing lights down the surfaces of the walls. Swarovski star lights throw prisms of coloured light into the roof; coloured lighting within the pool spreads colour across its width; and there are other feats of lighting worthy of a musical spectacular. This house and pool are not designed for anyone in search of a sanctuary – but the owner and his family must feel that they have entered a glittering new world, where cold reality is left far behind.

Building • Construction management • Renovation • Valuation • maintenance Service • Holiday Rentals

Unique selection of real estate in all price ranges islandwide

Character stone house near sencelles Ref. 1026, Price: 1.200.000 €

Flat in Puerto Portals – sensational views Ref. 1003, Price: 1.250.000 €

Frontline Villa in Sol de Mallorca Ref. 1034, Price: 3.950.000 €

Jerome Ledin Inmobiliaria, S.L. - Calle Centro No. 8 - ES 07650 Santanyi, Mallorca Officina +34 971 653 557 - Fax +34 971 163 416 - Movil +34 65 1100 182 info@jl-immobilien.de - www.jl-immobilien.de


property showcase

property showcase

Contemporary style in a magical setting In recent years, few new houses have been created in the south-west of the island offering the rare combination of a prime location with great views and exceptional contemporary architecture.

Son Vida has long been recognised as the premier urbanisation in this area. Situated in the hills just five minutes from Palma city, the estate offers 24-hour security, three golf courses and two excellent five-star hotels. It was established in the 1950s and has become a green oasis of mature, well-kept gardens overlooking the golf courses – and stunning vistas over Palma and the bay. The recently completed home featured here is located in the mid-levels of the estate, where it benefits from its proximity to all that Son Vida offers, while also taking advantage of the estate’s expansive views over the surrounding landscape. Set in a landscaped garden of approximately 3,000 square metres, the house has a living area of 1,226 square metres and terraces of 264 square metres. It was designed by a leading architect with great flair and imagination, and the objective of maximising the impact of the views while maintaining the home’s privacy. To that end, the bedrooms and reception rooms and terraces all face south. Night time at this property is magical, with the city of Palma below and a ring of lights around the bay. Access through secure, solid-iron gates at the rear is easy and convenient, leading to an impressive entrance and car parking below for at least five cars – with storage rooms and staff areas. The entrance hall leads to a massive space, with floor-to-ceiling glass looking out directly towards the bay.

56 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Home couture magazine

| 57


property showcase

The same clean-lined theme is maintained throughout the house: solid timber carpentry; cream-colored, polished natural stone floors; floor-to-ceiling windows; chrome fittings; and fabulous lighting. The quality of materials and fittings becomes apparent immediately. The house is distributed over three floors, with a lift to all floors. The main floor has a huge living room with a contemporary fireplace, opening out to the dining room, a large designer kitchen and a master bedroom suite with bathroom and dressing area. The floor below has three spacious be-

58 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

drooms with en suite bathrooms, a wine cellar and a spa area which includes an indoor swimming pool, gym area, Turkish steam room and sauna – with all rooms leading to terraces in front. On the upper floor is an independent guest suite with its own terrace. The front of the house comprises large covered terraces and a substantial horizon swimming pool – enjoying the best of the views. No expense has been spared in achieving state-of-the-art finishes and systems. The house is fully air-conditioned, and has

„coming home“

under-floor heating and the latest in intelligent house technology. Most importantly, this is not only a showpiece of contemporary architecture but also a wonderfully comfortable family home, ideal for entertaining on a grand scale. More information: Warth & Properties Palma de Mallorca Tel. (+34) 971 790 701 info@mallorcagold.com mallorcagold.com

m UeBL eS D e eXTeRioR ReS iSTen TeS A LA inTem P eRie TR e nZ A DoS A mAn o c o n L A Fi B R A DeD o n

www.dedon.es DEDON España · C./ Aragó 285 · 08009 Barcelona Tel. 93 2080903 · office@dedon.es


property showcase

property showcase

Majestic grandeur with a touch of history

This charming and historical property is situated on the edge of the beautiful market village of Santanyí, on the south-eastern coast of Mallorca.

Santanyí is a village rich in his-

tory, with a multi-faceted cultural ambience. The village centre is the main square (the Plaza Mayor), dotted with church buildings, old townhouses, cafés, bars and restaurants, and numerous shops, boutiques, banks and galleries. During the year Santanyí offers an extensive programme of exhibitions, concerts and municipal fiestas known by the locals as “verbenas”. The stalls of the lively market are set up twice a week throughout the town centre, filling the village with bustling activity

60 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

The property’s beautiful gardens and well-maintained fields extend over 60,000 square metres, completely enclosed by traditional Mallorquin stone walls. The impressive access and driveway up to the mansion can be found directly at the border of the village, from the same street that takes its name, Carrer Es Reyet. The long driveway leads to an expansive parking area with carport and a garage for up to four vehicles. The second and even more impressive gateway gives access to the courtyard, with a feature water well in its centre, several outer buildings to the sides (used as staff and guest quarters) and the inspiring structure of the main house at the back – where you can already feel and perceive the soul and beauty of this historical property. The more than 500 square metres of living space are laid out over three floors, with high ceilings, arches and old wooden beams showing the stateliness and defining character of the construction. The main door opens to the reception area, a double bedroom with en suite bathroom lies to the right, and to the left is a large living and dining area with an openstyle, fully-fitted kitchen. Straight ahead, the open gallery staircase leads to the upper floors, and through to a second living room with patio doors opening out onto a covered terrace and garden, a guest bathroom and one additional double bedroom with en suite bathroom, all making up the ground floor.

and providing a fabulous meeting place for locals and visitors. Close by are many magnificent beaches, including Cala Santanyí and the famous Sa Marador just five minutes drive away. Can Reyet (“the small king”) is one of the largest and most imposing estates in the village. In the past, as well as being the home of some of the wealthiest people in the area, it was used as the town library and today still contains some of the old books and documents that once filled its bookshelves.

Home couture magazine

| 61


property showcase

property showcase From the terraces and garden you can take in the stunning views of Santanyí, its church and the surrounding rural landscape. The Mediterranean garden has a great variety of flora, with several attractive areas to sit in the shade and embrace the property’s enchanting atmosphere. More information: Lucie Hauri Alquería Blanca Tel. (+34) 971 164 373 lucie-hauri.com

On the first floor there are four large and comfortable double bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms, as well as several living areas and a large terrace overlooking the garden and pool. The upper floor is the tower and accommodates a large bedroom with a featured wooden ceiling and breathtaking views from all windows. There is also a guest accommodation and staff house separate from the main house, as well as a large pool, a pool house with professional kitchen and barbecue, and several covered terraces and pergolas.

V∙IDA Roswitha Ida Schulte Carrer Aragones, 3 / Esquina Bonaire 07012 Palma de Mallorca Tel. +34 971 425 626 www.v-ida.net / info@v-ida.net

Formally Cocoon 62 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e


estilo internacional BLURRING THE BOUNDARIES

Transitions in the

design industry It is fair to say that, on first impressions, motoring and interior design do not go hand in hand. One is built for performance, power and function whilst the other is geared towards atmosphere and aesthetics. However, new initiatives in both industries seem to have temporarily unified these once-contrasting forces in design. By Mark McCafferty

estilo internacional The interior design industry has moved away from unnecessary embellishments and more towards the golden rule of form following function. At the same time, the motoring industry is not just considering performance as the priority any more; manufacturers at the top end of the industry are only

shaving milliseconds off lap times these days and as a result are focusing more on form and aesthetics. It seems as though both diverse industries have some common ground at the moment. As a result of these new objectives there has finally been some crossover between the two disciplines, resulting in some very exciting and innovative products. Mercedes-Benz have been the authority on luxury car design for over 100 years. Experts in the field of automotive design, Mercedes currently have over 18 models in production, not including collaborations with other specialised motoring designers such as Maybach and McLaren. However, this year Mercedes are adding a more varied string to their bow with the creation of the Mercedes-Benz Style division, comprising not only transport-related products but also furniture and lifestyle products as well as industrial design. “Our unique design expertise is appreciated throughout the world. We have therefore decided to establish the Mercedes-Benz specific styling outside the automotive field too – and so far we have met with a very positive response from a great number of manufacturers in a variety of sectors,” explains Professor h.c. Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz.

Images: Mercedes

64 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Although Mercedes have designed thousands upon thousands of seats, armrests, head-rests and other such motoring furnishings, it is understandable that there is some apprehension about the design of furniture beyond the comfort zone of the car shell. However, Professor Wagener is adamant that such “new territory” will not be as much of a culture shock as critics are making it out to be. “With Mercedes-Benz Style we are in no way entering into new territory. In the past, our design team has already styled such products as watches and interiors, as well as numerous products for Mercedes-Benz Accessories. Mercedes-Benz design stands for innovation, and trend-setting, enduring style. We know that manufacturers outside the automotive field are also interested in this expertise. At the same time this field of activity will in turn have its own inspirational effect by helping to extend the creative spectrum of our own designers. Mercedes-Benz Style therefore represents a logical progression of our area of responsibility.”

Having already been commissioned to style the interior of a luxury helicopter, the Mercedes Benz Style division is also beginning to create its own range of furniture.

Wagener is certainly confident in the ability of Mercedes to transcend the boundaries of design. When asked if his team had the expertise to move outside the field of automotive design, Wagener’s response clearly indicated how assured he was of the new Mercedes design branch. “Automotive design is undoubtedly one of the supreme disciplines of industrial design. Almost no other product is as complex and combines so many different disciplines to create a look and feel for the product. Our design division has all the necessary expertise in more than ample measure…” There is no question about the prowess of Mercedes within industrial design; however, the question remains, can they can transition into domestic design? Initial concept drawings indicate that this initiative may yet

Home couture magazine

| 65


estilo internacional

estilo internacional Images: Porsche & Poggenpohl

So there it is – a kitchen specifically designed for men… by a motoring manufacturer. As juxtapositional as that may be, the results so far have been impressive to say the least. The ambiguously named P’7340 may sound like something from Star Wars, but it is actually the first co-designed kitchen from Porsche and Poggenpohl. The design is atypical of what we have come to expect from Porsche – a combination of glass and aluminium adding to the overall feel of sleek, sexy design. There are aluminium profiles of different sizes, which permit individual styling and constitute the framework of the new kitchen. Aluminium is certainly one of Porsche Design’s more favoured materials, probably as this material does tend to create that clean and technical feel that Porsche are so fond of. Within the aluminium frames, customers can position cabinet elements any way they like. The result is a modular, spacious and extremely versatile system of frames and carcasses that deliberately integrates clear spaces into the overall design concept. There are two varieties of wood available for the front surface design: “Driftwood” and “Dark Oak”. These textured, natural wood surfaces are unsealed, and offer a stark contrast with the technical materials, clearly showcasing the entwined relationship of nature and technology that seems to be part of the inspiration for this project.

prove to be successful. The sketches are sleek and minimalist; almost futuristic impressions of the common chair or lounger. Each line has a function; every adornment has a purpose, alluding to how even the simplest of designs have been arduously produced from hours of research and cutting edge technology. The only foreseeable drawback to these products could be their integration within the household. The design is innovative and creative; however, it lacks domestic appeal. In the case of many home-owners, the inclusion of one of these loungers within their living room may mean that the entire room needs to be redesigned to accommodate it. This change in environment seems to be one drawback to the transition from automotive, industrial design to the domestic market. There does seem to be a way around this culture shock for automotive designers. The Porsche Design team have found that in order to integrate their industrial expertise within the domestic market they need some form of mediator; someone to offer an introduction to the domestic consumer. A partnership with a respected company, with a multitude of experience in the domestic industry is key for smooth integration. On this basis, Porsche and Poggenpohl seem a match made in heaven. The Poggenpohl and Porsche relationship began in 2005. Ironically, the Porsche design team had found themselves in an unusual situation for an esteemed motoring manufacturer – their studio also had an abundance of experience in furniture

66 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

The primary initiatives were clearly designed to entice more of the male population into the kitchen. The aero-dynamic lines and the sleek, ultra-modern appliances (supplied by Miele) seem to shift the feel of this kitchen away from the domestic, and more towards some kind of high-tech men’s den. You get the impression that precise technical experiments are carried out in this environment, rather than slap-dash meals of beans on toast. and kitchen design. Rather than waste this potentially lucrative facet of the design house, Porsche decided to team up with a kitchen company capable of implementing their vision of “the modern kitchen” in the domestic market – they looked no further than Poggenpohl, the market leader in innovative and luxurious kitchen design. Now, you may be asking yourself, why would Porsche be interested in kitchen design? And, more to the point, who would want a car manufacturer designing their

kitchen? Elmar Duffner, managing director of Poggenpohl, claims there is an emerging market for this type of kitchen. This market centres around the growing popularity in “kitchen and cuisine” amongst men in today’s society. “Our cooperation with Porsche enabled us to design a kitchen whose sleek and functional design language specifically addresses male customers.”

This is in fact the Knightrider of the kitchen industry. For starters, all the kitchen cabinets can be opened without handles. A gentle touch of the finger, and pull-out elements and drawers will open magically thanks to built-in high-precision systems; while a light push suffices to make them all withdraw and, over the final centimetres, go back automatically into their original position. All doors and flaps have an air of grace in their movement, softly waving from open to closed. Of course, no man’s kitchen is complete without its own high-tech audio-visual system. An LCD screen is installed behind protective glass, alongside an extremely minimalist sound system, allowing for both analogue and digital connections. As mentioned earlier, Miele are the sole suppliers of all appliances in the P’7340… “everything from ovens to steam cookers to dishwashers”. Miele have done an excellent job of blending the appliances with the materials used in the kitchen – the electric appliances are even operated via sensor keys instead of buttons, ensuring a close correlation with the technical aspects of the P’7340 as well.

Home couture magazine

| 67


estilo internacional Images: Porsche & Poggenpohl

The big question is, will this inspired endeavour have succeeded in exploiting the emerging market of male customers? The answer may have come as early in the proceedings as 2008, when the P’7340 was awarded one of the oldest and most coveted design prizes in the world: the “IF gold award 2008”. The presentation of the prize-winning products and concepts attracts 250,000 to 300,000 visitors annually, primarily from the business world, and is therefore one of the most important design exhibitions in the world. In addition to the awards, Porsche Design and Poggenpohl have extended their collaboration on the P’7340 until 2014, testament to a very happy and successful partnership thus far. The P’7340 has certainly succeeded in creating a kitchen for the uprising of the male “cuisinier”. However, on the flipside, the P’7340 is also succeeding in generating awareness in male customers who are not currently interested in cooking or cuisine. In effect, the P’7340 is so enticing that it is starting its own revolution – bridging the gap between man and kitchen. With its sleek, futuristic design, high-tech appliances and entertainment facilities, the P’7340 appears to be a kitchen custom-built for Batman himself and, let’s face it, who could resist feeling like a superhero every time they prepare a sandwich?

68 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

It seems there will be plenty more successful transitions from one design industry to another on the horizon. Porsche and Mercedes are certainly spearheading this movement at present, demonstrating the closer correlation between the automotive and the interior design industries. With a clear target demographic, and close working partnership with Poggenpohl, it seems Porsche Design are proving to be the most successful in making the transition into the domestic design market. However, we should all keep an eye out for Mercedes in the future, as Professor Wagener of Mercedes Style has noted. “In individual cases, however, cooperation with creative people in other disciplines… can be very inspiring.” Hopefully, then, we can expect many more exciting design collaborations in the future.


the green room

the green room VERTICAL PLANTATION

Nature at home… the easy way

One of the best things

about buildings is that they protect us from wind and weather. In doing so, by necessity, they have to lock out nature and form rooms with an unnatural atmosphere.Indoor plants help breathe a little life into these rooms, but flower pots cannot be stacked on top of each other as desired, so any green areas tend to run out of space. In addition, every additional plant requires more watering. With this in mind, as far back as 20 years ago, German company Art Aqua developed Vertical Green, a proprietary technology for the cultivation of plants on walls. Since then, hundreds of individual nature installations have been created in the reception halls and administrative buildings of companies and groups. Based on this same technology, the company now also offers mobile green walls for the home – so Home Couture decided to take a closer look.

As Art Aqua notes, we are living in an age when we have learned that nature and technology are not opposites. “Rather, nature itself is based upon biological engineering, which through research people learn to understand better and better. Scientific knowledge for example, is that plants do not need potting soil to grow and flourish. In fact, they need light, air, water and nutrients.” This is the starting point of Vertical Green. “The use of soil within enclosed spaces brings a number of problems. Not only that insects and bugs can settle in the flowerbeds, but also that mould, fungi, spores or germs can emerge and spread. For these reasons Art Aqua plants are cultured on an inorganic substrate. This, also in contrast to soil, is structurally stable so it doesn’t collapse when positioned in the vertical. In other respects the substrate has much in common with soil, so it can store water and nutrients and ground the plants – even on a wall.” According to Art Aqua, the procedure involves substrate, in the form of so-called vegetation plates, being applied to the mounting frame. In the plant constriction this mounting frame can range over several floors. For a shopping centre in the Croatian city of Split, opened in October, Art Aqua built a 16-metre high wall over three floors.

70 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

In comparison, the company’s mobile plant objects have – depending on the type of vegetation – a height of 1.2 to 1.8 metres and can be used as green walls or room dividers at home. The green walls stand on a pedestal that houses a water reservoir. From there, the water is pumped, in slow motion, through water pipes in the mounting frame, to the upper edge of the vegetation plates. Then, with the help of gravity, it saturates the substrate and serves the plants. The plants and the vegetation plates of substrate on which they grow evaporate water, so that an accumulation of air with

Home couture magazine

| 71


the green room

the green room

humidity is taking place. This accumulation, as in nature, occurs on the basis of passive evaporation. Therefore, notes Art Aqua, it is not, as with electric humidifiers, pressurised water vapour that is blown in the air. In contrast to this so-called active evaporation, in natural passive evaporation no aerosols can occur. These are microscopic water droplets that ensure a perfect distribution of viruses and thus support a rapid spread of infectious diseases. On the contrary, the wet surface of the substrate and the surface of plants and their photosynthesis actually prevent or reduce pollutants and electromagnetical pollution in the air, and convert CO2 to oxygen. Additionally, the presence of nature has an emotionally positive impact on people, making them feel better in their surroundings in every respect. Due to automatic watering and fertilising, Art Aqua’s plant objects require “vastly reduced maintenance” compared to potted plants, and can be left alone safely over long periods – such as holidays – without being damaged. Besides installations and mobile objects with plants, the company offers a variety of water art objects that also “harmonise the room sphere on the path of passive evaporation”. For readers who would like to experience this firsthand, the showroom is located in Calle Sant Feliu 17, in the historic centre of Palma.

72 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Tel. (+34) 971 228 970 / (+34) 672 023 603 artaqua.com

Home couture magazine

| 73


boutique chic

boutique chic La residencia

Informal elegance and romantic seclusion

The trend for “boutique”

– or “design” or “lifestyle” – hotels began in the UK and US in the 1980s and has since spread around the world, including Mallorca, which has some exceptional settings for this kind of accommodation. The concept essentially involves a more individual, chic and sometimes even idiosyncratic style to that of the larger or chain hotels – in many cases almost like a home away from home. Or “home couture” in its purest and most creative form… La Residencia is situated in the charming coastal and mountain village of Deià, which was once home to Robert Graves and is also the residence of various writers and artists. The village has spectacular panoramas of both the mountains and the sea, and La Residencia shares these views with visitors who are able to relax and truly feel far away from the stress of city life.

74 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Home couture magazine

|

75


boutique chic

boutique chic La Residencia’s spa is also well worth a visit. Voted one of the best hotel spas in Europe for the past seven years by readers of the Condé Nast Traveller, it is a quiet, luxurious spot where a wide range of treatments are available – some of them truly alternative. Spa treatments can be booked by non-residents. One of the latest projects undertaken by hotel management is the restoration of the ancient olive groves on the mountainside. Invasive pine trees are being removed, and the wood is being stored for use in the hotel’s open chimneys; while an agreement with the local agricultural cooperative involves restoration of the groves in order to produce organic virgin olive oil. The first harvest in 2010 proved to be extremely successful and the “El Olivo” oil is expected to become a soughtafter exclusive product. There is a wonderful almond grove on the lower slopes of the property, and the hotel chef makes use of products grown in the organic garden.

• Unique furniture

Offering the dramatic backdrop of an amphitheatre of lofty mountain crags, the hotel consists of four buildings. Two of these – Son Moragues and Son Canals – date from the 16th and 17th centuries, respectively, and were originally manor houses. Son Fony dates from the 18th century and Son Fony II is an entirely new construction, although its design is totally in keeping with the other three. The buildings were first converted into a hotel in 1984, maintaining as many original

76 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

features as possible, and the hotel is now totally owned by Orient-Express Hotels. All interiors and exteriors of the hotel are in traditional Mallorcan architectural style with furnishings and fittings of great beauty. Much of the furniture consists of antique pieces, many of these from Mallorca, which blend in with the surroundings and add charm to the establishment. The gardens feature dry stonewalls – a local handicraft which has been preserved in Mallorca spite of modern building techniques.

Throughout the hotel, visitors are able to admire a wonderful art collection – all the work of local artists. Art exhibitions run throughout the year, changing regularly, and twice a year there are collective exhibitions (the gallery is open to the public). The hotel has an artist in residence, who offers private tuition to those interested in painting or drawing classes (his own work is on display in the studio); and in 2011 there will be a sculptor in residence, an innovative way of introducing guests to the art of creative murals.

La Residencia is generally considered more of a country manor house than a hotel. While offering all the comfort and service expected of a luxury hotel, the ambience features the kind of casual elegance found in a country estate. With a flock of mountain sheep and a number of donkeys accompanying guests each week on a trail up to the hotel’s mountain refuge, the property offers a rare leisure experience. For the more active, there are two excellent tennis courts with sea views, a resident professional coach and a proshop. Cyclists can enjoy the mountain routes, comfortable in the knowledge that the hotel provides storage and a repair station for their bikes. From walking to running, cycling, tennis, spa, art and craft activities… there is plenty on offer. The hotel is open at Christmas and New Year with some excellent packages. For more information visit: hotel-laresidencia.com.

KOKUKAN SL • Extraordinary pieces

• All in stock

• Transport upon request

500 sqm worth the visit • C/Illes Baleares 37, Poligono Son Bugadelles, Santa Ponsa

Tel.: 971 69 40 55 • www.kokukan.com


Jörg Döring

artfile

Hella Maria Hofer presents

style pop art

A new of

Jörg Döring’s first exhibition took place in 1987 but it wasn’t until the early nineties that his work began to draw substantial attention.

His signature style became easily recognised through

his preferred use of oversized canvases and his fascination with comic heroes such as Donald and Mickey Mouse. Döring has now become one of the best-selling pop artists in Germany. His work proposes variations on familiar themes and symbols of our consumer society and in particular New York, the home of American pop art, and its architectural gigantism. American icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol, Steve Mc Queen, Audrey Hepburn and most recently Ursula Andress have all been immortalised in his work. Döring works with mixed media: traditional painting, screen printing techniques, illustration and graffiti art are all featured in his work. However, his focus nowadays is on the technique of seriography (also known as screen printing) on canvas. This method involves a design being imposed on a screen of silk, with blank areas coated with an impermeable substance, and ink being forced through the mesh onto the printing surface. Döring applies alternate layers of screen print impressions and paint on a canvas, making each artwork unique in colour. His work varies from limited edition pieces to single, completely unique works of art. Jörg Döring is clearly inspired by famous pop artists such as Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. However, his style is truly unique: it has been said that there is no other artist challenging the pop art of the sixties as Döring does today. His recent series of works on Steve McQueen, including “The Boundless” and “Chilled”, together with his pieces on Ursula Andress, “The Ultimate”, are already sold out – a clear indicator of his growing popularity and universal appeal. Jörg’s success now extends across Europe and America, and his work is currently presented at Hella Maria Hofer Galería, exclusively in Mallorca.

78 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Hella Maria Hofer Galería Puerto Andratx Tel. (+34) 971 674 300 info@hella-maria-hoefer.net hella-maria-hoefer.com

eliftra

style file

style file Hella Maria Hofe:

An important project for all

art lovers How do you put a price on art? Many art lovers

were left cold by Damien Hirst’s The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, where he showcased a four-metre tiger shark immersed in formaldehyde, and yet there are others who regarded it as the work of genius. Hirst’s shark reportedly sold for over $8 million because someone believed it was the most iconic work of art of the 1990s. That’s fine if you have money to burn but what about the art lover who doesn’t have a few million stashed away for a rainy day at an art auction? What about those of us who may not qualify as art connoisseurs but who still have a good idea of what we like and what we want in our homes? Hella Maria Hofer now answers these questions in Mallorca. As a result of a new collaboration with a group of artists in Denmark, it is now possible to purchase high-quality and sophisticated, yet extremely affordable, pieces of art. They are all originals, use acrylic on canvas and are effectively made to measure for each individual client. Each piece is hand-made, no computers or printing techniques are used and they are made from high-quality materials only. There are several art dealers managing the team of artists, one of whom, Lars Anderson, founded the studio in which the Danish artists work. Lars quickly recognised the huge demand for affordable art, not only from individuals wanting to buy pieces for their homes but also professional designers working on restaurants, hotels and offices. In 2006 Hella Maria Hofer came upon Lars Anderson’s studio while she was working on hotel projects. The hotel industry is now undoubtedly one of the art project’s biggest supporters; unsurprisingly really, when you consider the usual costs involved in decorating each room with highly-priced artwork. Thanks to this project, hotels are able to maintain their style and décor without having to break their budgets. For those of us whose homes in Mallorca are left vacant for parts of the year the opportunity to have beautiful, high-quality art hanging on our walls without causing sleepless nights over insurance is a welcome one. There are currently over 300 different pieces in nearly all sizes to choose from, available for delivery anywhere in the world.

Size/Price Guide: 70 x 70 cm = € 230 100 x 100 cm = €450 70 x 140 cm = €490 120 x 120 cm = €560 120 x 150 cm = €690

Home couture magazine

| 79


style file

style file THE DUX BED

DUX 8888 – THE ULTIMATE IN LUXURY AND COMFORT

Take it lying down

The DUX 8888 provides you with the ultimate sleep experience. Crafted out of the finest materials, it has such revolutionary features as the dynamically interlocking springs forged from Swedish steel, the Pascal Personal Comfort Zones system and the exclusive independently Adjustable Lumbar Support. At the heart of the DUX 1001 are Swedish steel springs — nearly two times as many as an ordinary bed. More springs provide better contouring for your body, reducing pressure points – which can help improve circulation.

The average person spends a third of their life sleeping and yet it is only recently we have begun to understand the importance of sleep to a person’s overall health and well-being.

INTEGRAL SUPPORT WITH DUX TOP PADS DUX offer three top pads to choose from as an integral part of your bed. The top pads add softness, ventilation and a mixture of densities, creating three separate support zones for your hips, shoulders and legs. With the top-of-the-range option it’s possible for two people to customise their own side of the bed.

SWEET DREAMS WITH THE DUX XLEEP PILLOW

When people get less than six or

seven hours of sleep each night, their risk for developing diseases begins to increase, making a good night sleep not just a luxury, but a necessity. Since 1926 three generations of the Ljung family of Sweden have studied ways to blend the science of sleep with the ultimate in luxury and comfort. For over 80 years they worked to produce the most comfortable and technologically advanced beds on the market, their philosophy always being that deep sleep can only be achieved through a full understanding of the needs of the human body. Scientists tested how deeply participants could sleep on a DUX bed by using an

80 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

EEG to record the electrical activity in their cerebral cortex. Those sleeping on a DUX bed reached the deep sleep stage faster and remained in deep sleep longer, approximately an extra hour each night. After years of scientific research they can state confidently that their beds can give you up to 10 per cent more deep sleep than a standard bed. Rigorous strength tests were also carried out to ensure the performance of the DUX bed over time. The results showed that Duxiana beds last on average three to four times the life of most beds currently on the market. A compression simulator tests different areas of the DUX bed for pressure against the body, and then compares those

tests to tests on other beds. So far, there‘s no contest. The pressure against the body in a DUX bed is not only lower but also more evenly distributed. Dr. Eric Grigsby, a nationally known pain management physician in northern California, recommends the DUX bed for those who suffer from inadequate sleep and experience pain and discomfort during the night. “Sleep is not static,” says Dr. Grigsby. “Movement is a natural part of sleep. The springs in the DUX bed adjust instantaneously to your movement, and support your body for a deep, refreshing sleep. I sleep on a DUX bed myself. It is the most comfortable and supportive bed I have ever owned, and I recommend it to my patients.”

With a regular pillow your head isn‘t well supported and sinks too deeply. However, the spring core in the DUX Xleep Pillow allows your head to sink in just enough so that it remains level with the spine. Regular pillows, on the other hand, form indentions and pockets, and flatten over time. The DUX Xleep pillow incorporates a revolutionary supple inner spring system and is encased in a down-filled removable cover. The active spring support of the DUX Sleep Pillow keeps it firm over time, allowing it to retain its supportive, yet stable shape.

CORRECT SLEEPING POSTURE IS IMPORTANT An overly firm bed isn‘t good for you, and neither is one that sags. You shouldn’t sink into your mattress, as a mattress that‘s too soft forces your spine into a hammock-like position. Equally, nor should you try to firm it up so much that it creates uncomfortable pressure points and inhibits your circulation, as a mattress that‘s too firm puts your spine at an awkward angle.

Duxiana Mallorca Palma de Mallorca Tel. (+34) 971 727 227 / (+34) 607 183 176 duxiana.com

Home couture magazine

| 81


seasonal living

seasonal living

COSY UP YOUR HOME Change with the seasons As the temperatures fall and the nights are drawing in earlier I feel my hibernation instincts kick in. This is when I start to make subtle changes at home to make it cosier; for me, it is an annual ritual, as is lightening up for spring. by Justine Knox

During the warm summer

months I, like many home owners on the island, use as much of my outdoor space as possible. We cook, eat, relax, swim and sun-worship outside. When we do come inside we want to be cool and fresh away from the hot sunny days and the balmy evenings. However, it is a very different scene come October-November, when our homes here in Mallorca get more indoor mileage. We snuggle up on the sofa in the evenings and dine indoors. Our bedrooms and bathrooms need a little extra heat for cooler mornings, and in general we just crave more warmth, textures and colour than in the summer when bright, cool whites always rule. As in high street fashion, the temperature changes suggest adding warmer layers with great textures and muted colours. If you feel you want to ring the changes and add some warmth to your home here is how you can achieve it. First of all, let’s take into account the light changes, as the sun no longer puts in a daily appearance. During the bright, sunny days of summer many of us with large patio windows add soft sheers to diffuse the light and offer some shade from the sun’s reflection. At this time of year it is nicer to let in whatever light and sunshine we have but to still dress our windows with heavier drapes which can be closed in the evenings to create our winter cocoon. Don’t forget to take into account extra window cleaning at this time of the year, as our windows get grubby more often from the rain and winds; and unclean windows don’t help to let in the weaker light. So, if you fancy changing your window dressings, take down your sheers and linens, get them cleaned and store them away for next spring. Now comes the fun part: take a look at the room or rooms in question and decide about colours, pattern and texture, which ones will

82 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Home couture magazine

| 83


seasonal living

seasonal living Layers

work best with your existing furniture and colour scheme. If in doubt take a cushion from your sofa and a photo of your room and ask for professional help. Winter curtains with linings will help keep out the cold, and the fabrics big in vogue this winter are velvets, heavy rough linens and beautiful brocades. Next take a look at your cushions, carpets and throws. Again, think about changing the textures and colours for the new season; think wool, fleece, fur and tweed. New patterns this autumn are checks, tartans and paisleys. Mix them in with plains and stripes to give a lived-in homely feel to your living area. Lighting is very important as we find more time spent reading, etc., indoors as the evenings close in. Task lighting is normally overlooked when creating home décor but when used correctly it can lead to more use of otherwise poorly lit parts of the house.

Always imagine your floors, rugs, furniture, walls, window coverings and ceilings as overlapping layers. For a feeling of space keep them all light; to create a mood try going dark; and for interest look for contrast. Wallpaper is very much back on the scene in vivid patterns and beautiful textures. Try it out on one or two walls but never a whole room. This year we are seeing a definite trend towards 1950s florals on papers and fabrics in rough, faded linens and mixed matts, with hand-painted glossy florals and graphic, almost architectural designs. If your bathroom is feeling a little chilly, why not invest in a heated towel rail/radiator to warm up the room and deliver a sumptuous hot towel as you step out from the shower. Again, I tend to stick to white towels in the summer, with brights making an entrance around the pool or on the beach; but when winter arrives out come the warm tones on trend at this time of year.

Colours • Winter berries • Shades of wood • Jewel brights • Faded darks • Earth tones

Clutter is back! Adding dimmers to main lights throughout the house allows us to change the atmosphere easily and creates a little bit more mood, which can then be enhanced by candles and mood lamps. Candles are a must at this time of year; big, small, tall or short… any shape will do. The more the better but make sure they are sited safely. There is a new breed of candles run by battery if you are worried about fire hazards; they are made from candle wax so appear very real but run from a battery and bulb inside. They can be set to flicker or dim and are very authentic looking. However, the real thing comes in many colours and the scented ones add to the atmosphere beautifully. Bedrooms can also be warmed up with the correct curtains and cushions, but maybe it’s time to put away the fresh white linen and buy some new winter bedding or bed covers. Take a look at your flooring… most of us have cool tiled floors, excellent during the summer but a little harsh during our cooler season. Carpets and rugs are an excellent way to add warmth underfoot but can also be a great way of adding texture, colour and pattern to any room in the house. Why not add an oversized rug to your bedroom, which goes completely under the bed, instead of the usual two or three smaller versions normally used. When buying rugs and carpets take into consideration your floors and furniture; for example, a dark table will look its best on a light or bright rug rather than a dark one.

If you are living in a modern minimalist home then the chances are it can easily feel cold at this time of year. Clutter can add colour and warmth in an interesting way. Try collections of anything: books, baskets, ornaments, plants, etc. As long as they are kept in organised groups you will maintain the modern feel but with a bit more interest. We can all buy beautiful furniture but the art of an interesting home is all about the accessories.

Don’t forget your terrace or patio! We still enjoy many a sunny day in the winter, and to make the most of them without feeling the chill why not invest in a fire pit. Lightweight portable units can now be found in iron or stainless steel, both in modern or traditional styles. Look out for robust blankets to keep knees and shoulders warm, then light up the fire and bring out the marshmallows. A great way to spend an autumn afternoon or evening.

Don’t wish away time waiting for the summer months to return; instead cosy up your home and enjoy the diversity of our seasons in Mallorca. Knox Design & Developments Tel. (+34) 971 693 092 knox@ctv.es | furnishyourhomeonline.com

84 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Home couture magazine

| 85


seasonal living

seasonal living Autumn is the perfect time to start thinking about how you can improve your garden. By Trish Dynes

Autumn 86 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Sit back in a comfy chair and look around your domain.

You’ve already raked the lawn and swept up any dead flowers and fallen leaves. You’ve just finished clearing away old plants and plant matter to prevent organisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses and insect eggs from growing during the winter months – because these unwelcome garden lodgers can spoil the soil. You have worked hard in the garden and think your work is done and are now crossing your fingers that the garden will look after itself until the spring. Now, when it’s fresh in your mind, think about which bits of your garden worked and which bits didn’t. You’ve spent the summer using your garden, maintaining what is there and trying to get the best from it. Now is the time to plan to make it fantastic for next summer. Maybe there are a few gaps in your planting scheme that can be easily fixed by a trip to the garden centre to see what takes your fancy. However, if it’s more than just a lack of plants, then maybe you need to take a look at the shape of your garden – not the external shape but the internal shapes you’ve created. The lawn, patio and decking areas are the most critical to get right; by just reshaping your lawn you can achieve amazing results. Simple geometric shapes work best, especially in small gardens; larger gardens lend themselves to free-flowing curved shapes. Many gardeners tend to concentrate on their little herbaceous borders, but it is the trees that give the structure, height and year-round interest to a planting scheme. Even the smallest garden should have a tree, and there are few trees that display the spectacular hues of autumn more vividly than the acer, with its delicate, finely cut foliage which provides a volcano of colour, from warm yellows and burnt oranges to fiery reds and deep burgundies. Autumn and early winter is the ideal time to plant the new tree in your garden. Make sure you give it the best start by digging a hole much larger than the roots; prepare the soil well and break up the ground in the bottom of the hole, adding shrub and tree planting compost and slow-release fertiliser to the soil before you back-fill. Make sure your new tree is securely held with a quality stake, and tie and check it regularly from next spring as the tree grows. The trick to designing your garden with perennial flowers is to make sure you have something wonderful in bloom all the time. Each season has its stars but autumn flowering perennials have some of the best. Autumn flowers have all season to grow, so many of them are tall and stately.

days and nights Home couture magazine

| 87


seasonal living

seasonal living places, fire bowls… indeed, everything from sophisticated sculptural bonfires to simple braziers. You can place heaters around the swimming pool for a perfect setting when entertaining friends. There are prices to suit every pocket so everyone can style the garden or terrace – no matter how small – with some colourful cushions and pots of flowers and herbs. Just refill your glasses and light the fire!

Soothing waters

The days of skinny dipping at midnight in your own pool are long over but you can still immerse yourself on crisp autumn nights in the gloriously soothing yet invigorating water of a jacuzzi or hot tub. Ornamental pools and cascading fountains are wonderful to watch as coloured lights play on the water.

Autumn bloomers also tend to blossom in the jewel tones of the season: deep purples, rusts, scarlet and gold. A combination of bedding plants, easy care perennials and shrubs will help you to achieve a winter flowering display. Sun and shade are key elements, and watching what grows well locally is an important factor.

Outdoor living… all year round The poet John Keats described autumn as “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness”, and certainly autumn in Mallorca is different to that of northern Europe, where using the garden in autumn and winter means donning coats and hats and shivering under a garden heater until the family decide to go in and play Super Mario Brothers or virtual tennis on their Wii in the centrally heated living room. In the Mediterranean climate the mellow days of autumn are still pleasant for morning coffee, outdoor lunches or just relaxing with a good book during the day. But do you close the curtains on your garden at

88 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Al fresco dining Cooking outside in Mallorca is not new; many older houses have roofed summer kitchens with ovens often more than a hundred years old. Today most people take advantage of the wonderful weather and continue with the fun of outdoor cooking throughout the year. Barbecues are undeniably a convenient way of cooking meats, fish and vegetables. Permanent barbecues made from brick, stone or tiled on a convenient terrace wall are popular, the heat for cooking being by provided by charcoal, logs or gas. Some prefer the moveable barbecue trolley with cooking by charcoal or gas, which can be used anywhere in the garden or on an upstairs or apartment terrace. Mexican ovens and pizza ovens have been added to garden must-haves.

According to TV chef Jamie Oliver „Woodfired ovens are beautiful, versatile things. Of course I make lots of lovely pizzas in mine, but I also use it to cook roasts, veggies, stews and casseroles, breads and even the occasional full English breakfast. The smokiness from the wood and charcoal gives every type of food incredible flavour and personality. Once you get a feel for cooking this way I think you‘ll absolutely love it.” When friends have demolished the outdoor feast you provided and have finally gone home to bed, you can relax and gaze up at the stars intoxicated not only by a final glass of wine but by the fragrant flowers of such as jasmine that you have carefully nurtured throughout the year.

night and retreat to the sofa for the evening, or have you discovered that you can enjoy the garden at dusk and on into the night and see it in a new light? You may have to don a sweater but outdoor living can continue all year round. There are simple ways of making the most of your garden at night. The first essential is lighting, whether ornamental, functional or a mixture of both. With impressive lighting watch your garden come to life and change from a dark outside space to an inviting living space to relax and entertain guests. Light up your decking with small LED lights, larger deck spotlights, and post and wall lights. Solar lights require no wiring and are easy to install, as well as being energy efficient. Light up your paths with ground lights from novelty lights to subtle rock effects. Have fun with party lights including net lights, fun string lights and curtain lights to give an instant party theme. When the autumn sun goes down the evenings can be chilly but it is now possible to buy outdoor heating in many styles such as stylish gas patio heaters, fire baskets, elegant fires run on bio fuels, cast iron fire-

Home couture magazine

| 89


seasonal living

BELLINI

Inviting comfort…

The pure, ultra-modern impression of this fireplace rises through the nearly sculptural form, in combination with a unique mix of materials. An innovative nano coating makes the concrete body insensitive to pollutants; and, due to the production process, no single concrete part is like any other.

indoors and al fresco

With temperatures dropping, our thoughts turn not only to creating a cosy ambience inside the home but also on ways to use the outdoor areas throughout winter. If this can be achieved with a touch of style… all the better. Now available in Mallorca through Konway & Nösinger, these avant garde bioethanol fireplaces are ideal for romantic evenings indoors or entertaining friends outside, as well as being a stylish addition to any room, terrace – or even garden.

BOSTON Glass, matt black surfaces and sleek chrome constitute the perfect union of high-quality materials, providing an opportunity to experience the “adventure of a fire” in its purest form. With their linear styling, these fireplaces offer absolute flexibility when it comes to positioning. The extended burning time of up to four hours guarantees the ambience of a real fire, and the combustion process clean and free of soot.

CRYSTAL The pure transparency of this fireplace imparts a feeling of a “floating fire”. It features high-grade safety glass together with stainless steel components. As with other Buschbeck bioethanol fireplaces, this unit is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Fitted with a double-walled firebox, it meets the modern requirements placed on decorative fireplaces, and is ideal as an additional heat source for in between seasons.

Konway & Nösinger Son Bugadelles, Santa Ponça Tel. 971 697 838 konway-noesinger.de

90 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

SQUARE With its two-coloured design, a high degree of transparency and the option of using it indoors or outdoors, the Square is a true “object of desire“. This premium product comes with all the customary safety features of high-quality bioethanol Buschbeck fireplaces and can be upgraded with the stand Hi Cube.


seasonal living

seasonal living We have spent a lot of time

A word from

the experts

OUR TEAM OF SPECIALISTS ANSWER SOME COMMON qUESTIONS ABOUT HOME AND DÉCOR...

so far showcasing tasteful interiors, ground-breaking design and the talented designers that spearhead these initiatives. However, there are still those among us who, although unrivalled in their passion for interior design, may unfortunately lack the necessary ‘know- how’ to fulfil these aspirations. These aren’t just the folk who take a pair of scissors to wallpaper, but those of us who know the basics, and want to take on a big project but do not know where to start. With this in mind, we have created our “Word from the Experts“ section. Each issue, we are giving our readers the opportunity to ask our esteemed panel of experts any design questions that currently have them stumped. So, if you have any design queries, uncertainties or problems that need some professional attention, contact us at: editorial@homecouturemagazine.com

Justine Knox A certified professional property presenter and home styling consultant; Justine specialises in bathroom and kitchen design as well as home furnishing. Knox Design & Developments Santa Ponça Tel. (+34) 971 693 092; furnishyourhomeonline.com

Peer Lüllmann Self employed architect for 20 years, specialized in wood construction Predominantly specialised in industrial architecture, although the last 10 years In Mallorca have been mainly individual houses. Designhaus Campos Tel. (+34) 971 651 561 / (+34) 637 800 638 designhaus.ws

Franz and Ingrid Sailer Experts in appraising antique textiles since 1976 Galleries in Vienna, Salzburg and Santanyi Offering a timeless collection of artwork, antique kilims, modern paintings, sculptures and glass objects. Galería Sailer Santanyi Tel. (+34) 971 163 438 / (+34) 687 450 873 galeriasailer.com

Margarita and Rosario Mira Sisters Margarita and Rosario Mira are quite young considering their know how and professionalism. Their family business has been operating for 39 years: Studio Mirna was founded by Miguel Mira Nadal in 1971. Studio Mirna Palma de Mallorca Tel. (+34) 971 751 947 studiomirna.com

92 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Home couture magazine

| 93


seasonal living

seasonal living We are planning to renovate our home and will be hiring a professional interior decorator. In order for us to be fully prepared for the first appointment, what are the main questions an interior director will ask to determine exactly what their client is looking for and hoping to achieve?

JUSTINE KNOX ANSWERS: As Mallorca is a popular holiday island I would ask… Is this renovation for personal or development purposes? Is this going to be a primary residence? If it is a second home, how often will it be used? And will it be rented out at any point or only for personal use? Who will use this home? Do you have children and what ages are they? Do you have pets? Are you happy with the room distributions? How old is the property? Has the plumbing and wiring been checked? Are there any structural or damp issues? What mood would you like to achieve? Are you looking for a family home or a show house? What are your likes and dislikes relating to colours and textures? Do you like to entertain? Do you have any special requirements? And finally… What is your time frame? What is your budget?

What are the main differences between “mass” and “class” in carpet manufacture? FRANZ AND INGRID SAILER (GALERÍA SAILER) ANSWER: The development of “mass” or “class” oriental carpets or kilims is, objectively speaking, the same – both are hand-knotted or woven, mainly in wool – but the price difference, of course, is enormous. “Mass” products are produced in factories by men, women and even children, with thousands of textiles being knotted or woven, repeating the same pattern and colours. The wool is industrially spun and dyed with synthetic dyes, reducing the natural gum and therefore the durability of the material. “Class“ products are made by women at home or, if they are nomads, in tents; and are exclusively for personal use. The wool is from their own sheep, and is hand-spun and dyed with natural dyes from plants, minerals or insects. The pattern is passed on over several generations. Carpets and kilims differ in the skill or artistic intuition of the individual weaver; new patterns and symbols are created through marriage. Each item is therefore unique. In Anatolia kilims were donated as an offering to mosques and have subsequently survived over centuries. The oldest kilim we have ever had in our collection was from 1500; this date was established through radiocarbon dating method C14, undertaken by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH). Today it is privately owned by a collector in Italy. Quality is significant for one particular reason: it makes us happy and content and is in tune with what and who we are. This means appreciation – the best quality standard that exists!

94 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

What are the advantages of having a “green” roof? PEER LÜLLMANN (DESIGNHAUS) ANSWERS: A golf course on the roof of the world would be the ultimate, of course, but a green zone on your own roof can also offer you creative and attractive possibilities for relaxation. Roof and façade greenery in Mallorca’s climate offers many advantages. For example, during the hot summer months a pleasant air-conditioned ambience can be enjoyed by all occupants – with a cost reduction of up to 25 per cent for the cooling of the house. Also, by natural cooling and vaporisation the green roof construction offers perfect subsoil for solar stream modules, which generate more stream with lower operating temperatures. In addition, as a result of the actual heat insulation during the winter months, heating costs and warmth losses decrease. Positive side effect: living becomes quieter – up to 40 decibels. During the rainy period the water through the storm drain decreases and caught rainwater is filtered from pollution in a natural ecological way. A green roof has twice as long a lifespan as a conventional one but, apart from the economic aspects, it is all about new aesthetics and creativity.

MARGARITA AND ROSARIO MIRA (STUDIO MIRNA) GIVE US THE LOWDOWN ON KITCHENS: What do you think is the most common mistake people make when installing a new kitchen?

A kitchen has to be beautiful and well designed as, now more than ever, it is an essential part of a house and sometimes is also an open space onto a dining room or living room. However, it has to be practical and useful; there is no need any more to bend down to look for things, etc. How can that be avoided?

There are so many devices to make life easier now. Two hints: install drawers instead of doors on the cabinets; have the oven installed at a certain height. When is the best moment to build a new kitchen and what time frame is needed?

Any moment is good to plan for a new kitchen. If someone is refurbishing the space we like to work together with the builders, to make sure we get all the water and electricity mains in place. We all want to buy a quality kitchen – but what is a quality kitchen really?

We never, ever discuss quality with clients, as we would never sell anything that we don’t believe in. Prices vary because there are different finishings: lacquer, wood, melamine, etc. So does it make a difference whether we buy a Scandinavian, German or Mallorquin kitchen?

All manufacturers stock up on the same raw materials; if something new comes out we all have quick access to it. We differentiate from each other through the design, but that is according to the client’s own needs and taste. Is there still some truth to the myth of the “fire” (i.e. kitchen) the family gathers around – or is there a more up to date kitchen metaphor?

People come to our showroom saying, “I want a kitchen that does not look like a kitchen.” That is such a challenge! Why? Because, as I said before, the kitchen nowadays is open plan. People still gather around the kitchen; high worktops and stools are in fashion and it’s nice to have a chat and have a glass of wine while talking with the person who’s cooking.

95


chic list

The Useful Directory INTERIOR DESIGN • BUILDING SERVICES • ART GALLERIES • BATHROOMS • kITCHENS • TECHNOLOGy • LIGHTING

BATHROOMS

GALLERIES

AQUAQUAE C/ Capitan Ramonell Boix, 38 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 420 600

EMPIRE ART C/ Metge Obrador, 3 Cas Concos Tel. 971 839 603

C/ Ferrer 6, Pol. Ind. Manacor Tel. 971 846 210 aquaaquae.com

HELLA MARIA HOFER GALERIA Puerto d’Andrtax Tel. 971 674 300 hella-maria-hofer.com

BONGRUP C/ Gremi Ferrers, 39 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 430 411 bongrup.com

GALERÍA SAILER C/ Bisbe Verger, 6 Santanyí Tel. 971 163 438 galeriasailer.com

HOLGER STEWEN C/ Tous y Maroto, 10 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 727 016 holgerstewen.com

DE BATABAT Eusebio Estada, 80 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 763 666 debatabat.es

CALIZAS MALLORCA Gran Via Asima, 7 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 432 210 calizasmallorca.com

GEMMA LEYS C/ Mayoral, 3 Santanyí Tel. 971 653 391 gemmaleys.com

INTERMOBEL Crta. Palma Km. 47 Manacor Tel. 971 845 048 inter-mobel.com

RIALTO LIVING C/ Sant Feliu 3C Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 713 331 rialtoliving.com

DUCHA FRESCA C/ Ca‘n Cavalleria, 17 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 712 210 duchafresca.net

ART AQUA C/ Sant Feliu, 17 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 228 970 artaqua.com

IRIS & PATRICK STEWEN DESIGN Cardenal des Rossells, 5 Cas Concos Tel. 971 839 535 ip-design.info

DOMUS ARTIS C/ Can Veri, 6 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 594 505

UNIVERSAL LIVING C/ Islas Baleares 36A Santa Ponça Tel. 971 691 043 universalnautic.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

MOBLES RIERA Ctra. Palma Arta Km. 48 Manacor Tel. 971 552 467 moblesriera.com

VERI 5, AROMAS Carrer de Ca‘n Veri, 5 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 495 322 baobabcollection.com

TRANSFORMATIONS C/ Mayor, 53 Calvia Tel. 971 670 998/651 581 293 curtaindesign@hotmail.com

KERA GRES 16 de Juliol, 28 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 434 240 keragres.es MACODOR Crta. Calonge-Cala d‘Or Cala d‘Or Tel. 971 658 210 macodor.com NORD ARBONAPIZA Setze de Juliol, 89 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 436 333 arbonapiza.com PORCELANOSA Gran Via Asima, 21 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 430 667 porcelanosagrupo.com

MERIDIANO MALLORCA Crta. Santanyí Campos Tel. 971 652 888 meridiano-mallorca.com AMBIENTES, INTERIORISMO Crta. Santanyí Campos Tel. 971 651 583 ambientes-mallorca.com INCOMPAR & MIMAR BALEAR Carrer Obisbo Verger, 25 Santanyí Tel. 687 543 863 mimarbalear.com / incomparbalear.com

96 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

DAS DEPOT Pagesos, 14 Inca Tel. 971 502 822 depot-online.com PUYALTO 16 de Juliol, 6 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 430 040 puyalto.com SAITON ARMARIOS 16 de Juliol, 8 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 430 880 saiton.com

19 D ART I ALTRES Placa dels Hostals, 19 Santa Maria del Cami Tel. 971 141 213 19dartialtres.com CAN CABOT Camp de S‘ Oca, 13 Soller Tel. 971 630 796 cancabot.com LARES DECORACION C/ Francisco Casa, 17 Plaza Bendinat Calvia Tel. 971 701 868 laresdecoracion.com

NEGRE Avda. Joan Miro, 262 Marivent, Palma Tel. 971 701 662 negre.es

CHITON DECO Crta. Porreres-Campos Porreres Tel. 971 168 257 chitondeco.com

MIDNIGHT BLUE INTERIOR DESIGN Plaza Nova, 7 Port d‘Andratx Tel. 902 006 988 midnightblue.es

HOME MALLORCA Tel. 697 914 233 home-mallorca.eu

MALLORCA STYLE Tel. 626 817 724 mallorcastyle.net INTERIOR HOUSE MALLORCA Avda. Tomas Blanes, 41 Costa den Blanes Tel. 971 676 252 interiorhousemallorca.com

SOPHIE PAINT EFFECTS Tel. 636 045 842 sophie.kneller@hotmail.com AIDAN JAMES HURREN Tel. 667 953 359 mailme@aidan.eu.com LOVELACE CARPENTRY Tel. 637 065 632 lovelacecarpentry.com

KITCHENS

VERI 5 AROMAS

The magnificent BAOBAB Collection Handmade scented candles and more ...

ALOU BARCELO FONTANERIA C/ de Na Ravandella Santanyí Tel. 971 641 675 aloubarcelo.com CUISINALE Via Ernesto Mestre, 40 Felanitx Tel. 971 582 011 STUDIO MIRNA Alfons el Magnànim, Capitan Salom, 12 PALMADE MALLORCA Tel. 971 751 947 studiomirna.com SIE MATIC Paseo Mallorca 17D Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 221 5 1 siematic.com

Tel. 971 49 53 22 Carrer de Ca‘n Verí nº 5, 07001 Palma Mo-Fri 10 - 14h, 16 - 19h, Sa 10 - 14h


chic list

KITCHENS BULTHAUP Rambla Duques, 15 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 717 863 nicolau.bulthaup.com

POGGENPOHL, SALONI Gran Via Asima, 20 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 964 343 434 saloni.com

PRODI COCINAS Ctra. Palma-Artá 100-102 Manacor Tel. 971 559 137 C/ Jaime I Santa Ponça Tel. 971 692 986 prodi-cocinas.com

COCINART Eusebio Estada, 11 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 750 072 cocinart.com

MIELE C/ General Riera, 8 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 200 603 mielecentre.com LARANDA C/ Can Rado, 1B Marratxi Tel. 971 605 602 laranda.net SPAZIO VARENNA, POLIFORM Sant Feliu, 6 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 713 258 info@spaziovarenna.com COCINA Y VIDA – BIRGIT MÜLLER Paseo Mallorca, 4 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 669 188 Isaac Peral, 59 Port d‘Andratx Tel. 971 674 633 birgitmüller.com

98 | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

Calle Bisbe Verger 6 | E - 07650 Santanyi Mallorca | Tel. & Fax: +34 971 16 34 38 | Movil: +34 687 45 08 73 | info@galeriasailer.com



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.