HOMEWORKS 46 by HOMEWORKS

www.minotti.com

L4, BAYSTREET COMPLEX, ST. JULIANS. STG04 TEL. 00356 2372 4701 FAX. 00356 2372 4702 INFO@AUNTIELUCY.COM

ISSUE 46 DECEMBER

SEATING SYSTEM WILLIAMS DESIGN RODOLFO DORDONI

ISSUE 46

INSPIRATION IMPROVEMENT STYLE

Valley Road, Msida MSD9091 Tel: 2144 7604 Email: info@domestica.com.mt Open Monday to Friday 9am –7pm, Saturdays 9am –1pm www.domestica.com.mt

Valley Road, Msida MSD9091 Tel: 2144 7604 Email: info@domestica.com.mt Open Monday to Friday 9am–7pm, Saturdays 9am –1pm www.domestica.com.mt

Crystal design Vuesse

KOMMA

The “best seller” kitchen from Italy can be found at: THE ATRIUM Mriehel By-Pass Mriehel BKR3000 - Malta Tel (+356) 2147 0000 Fax (+356) 2149 1063 Email: kitchendesign@theatrium.com.mt Just for business use: www.scavolini.biz Scavolini S.p.A. 61025 Montelabbate (PU) - Italia Tel. +39 0721443333 Fax: +39 0721443413 contact@scavolini.com www.scavolini.com

Scavolini uses only Idroleb panels for the carcase of its kitchens: a water repellent V100 panel with the lowest formaldehyde content presently available in the world.

System of Quality Management UNI EN ISO 9001

Discover Scavolini’s commitment for a cleaner world on www.scavolinigreenmind.com

System of Health & Safety Management OHSAS 18001

System of Environmental Management UNI EN ISO 14001

The “best seller” from Italy

the sofa line

www.satariano.com Marina Street PietĂ T 2149 2149

ZENA, STYLE MATERIALISES, ELEGANCE ENTERS THE HOME, A MODERN, REFINED KITCHEN IS A DREAM THAT COMES TRUE. COLOURS TAKE MATERIAL FORM, THE SEARCH FOR DETAIL IN AN ETERNAL BLEND OF STYLE AND RELIABILITY. REFINED PRACTICALITY, GREAT VISUAL IMPACT, CONTINUOUS AMAZEMENT FOR THE SOLIDITY OF EVERY LITTLE DETAIL.

Azeta Limited 354 Cannon road St Vanera, SVR9033 Tel/Fax: (+356) 21 48 2536 Email: info@azeta.com.mt

www.azeta.com.mt

CONTENTS ISSUE 46 DECEMBER 2010

013 015 021 023 028 038 046 054 061 065 069 075 079 087 090 098

087 TRAVEL BY DESIGN Ray Demicoli muses Zaha Hadid’s Museum Maxxi in Rome

038 EPIC STYLE LIVING Living it up at Blue Harbour, Ta’Xbiex

Readers’ letters & competition Home News Christmas Trends Greenworks Palazzino! Epic Style Living Tickle Me Orange Singing Stairs Yuletide Tips Wrapping Wonderful Home Ideas Garden Cuisine & Wine Travel by Design Directory Address Book

065 WRAPPING WONDERFUL

079 NECTARIOUS NOEL

Wrapping ideas from designers Penny Apap Brown and Lorraine Callus

Claude Camilleri’s delectable Christmas dessert ideas.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

The air is ringing, the shop windows are twinkling; it’s Christmas time again! The traditional connotations of what this season brings – sleigh bells ringing, snow glistening, the smell of winter spices wafting through the air, children carolling… it’s all wonderful in a winter wonderland way, but the truth of it is that Christmas in Malta actually brings entirely different things. Think elaborate nativity crib scenes springing up right about the same time the air kicks in with that wintry nip. Think big staff and social get-togethers, bright lights lining the village streets, churches illuminated against the winter sky, Christmas carols booming through the main shopping streets, but most of all…think of the big family Christmas day lunches. Christmas is personal to the Maltese and the true spirit of it is decorated in a big way. This seasonal essence fused with the home pride that the Maltese typically embody is what really makes homes the core of the Christmas spirit on this island. Our theme this issue of HOMEWORKS is of course Christmas, but it’s about personalising yuletide home accessories in a way that makes each space its own interpretation of Christmas through the specific lifestyle it is enjoyed by. I hope this issue inspires you by the sensational homes featured, the decorating articles and as usual, the fantastic food. And of course… have yourself a very Merry Christmas!

HOMEWORKS is published by writeon ltd. every two months on Sundays with an audited circulation of 39,500 copies distributed with The Sunday Times of Malta.

PUBLISHER MARC SPITERI

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the Publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor no publisher accept responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. While we endeavour to ensure that firms and organisations mentioned are reputable, the editor can give no guarantee that they will fulfil their obligations under all circumstances. © 2010

EDITOR LISA BORAIN PUBLICATION COORDINATOR TROIKA ZAMMIT ART DIRECTIOR CHRIS PSAILA DESIGN CHRIS PSAILA NICHOLAS CUTAJAR

PHOTOGRAPHY ALAN CARVILLE TONIO LOMBARDI MAS ELISA VON BROCKDORFF CONTRIBUTORS ZILLAH BUGEJA CLAUDE CAMILLERI RAY DEMICOLI BILL HERMITAGE GUY LAGUENS MELINA SCODANIBBIO

SALES & MARKETING STEFFI PORTELLI 2133 9999 PRE-PRESS & PRINTING PROGRESS PRESS POSTAL ADDRESS / E-MAIL WRITEON LTD. AIRWAYS HOUSE, LEVEL 5, HIGH STREET, SLIEMA SLM 1551 MALTA info@writeon.com.mt

IS A REGISTERED TRADE MARK OF WRITEON LTD.

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COMPETITION WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK. FORWARD YOUR IDEAS OUTLINING WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PUBLISHED IN HOMEWORKS. THE PERSON SUBMITTING THE MOST INTERESTING IDEA OR CONCEPT WILL RECEIVE THIS LARGE WHITE AND CLEAR VASE, WORTH €55, COURTESY OF GARDEN-IT Send your ideas to: HOMEWORKS Feedback, Level 5, Airways House, High Street, Sliema SLM 1551 or email: info@writeon.com.mt

ISSUE 45

WINNER

DAVID SPITERI IS THE WINNER OF THE FLASH LAMP BY FABAS LUCE, COURTESY OF VCT DAVID SPITERI: “Hello to all you nice people at HOMEWORKS. There is nothing in the world more relaxing than waking up to a nice cup of tea and toast with the addition of your GREAT magazine HOMEWORKS! It is colourful, informative, interesting, as well as an enjoyable read and all this comes for free! I have just been married and we’re still in the process of decorating our home. Now that Christmas is rapidly approaching I would like to get some ideas on how my wife and I can decorate our new home for our first Christmas as a married couple. We would like it to be welcoming and warm for ourselves, as well as for when we have guests over.”

HOMEWORKS NEEDS YOU! Readers are invited to submit interesting photographs and a brief description of their homes, which may be distinct in their architectural design. Of particular interest are homes that offer outstanding elements of both interior and exterior living spaces. HOMEWORKS will select the best submissions for future features. Send a photo and information for the attention of: The Editor, Writeon Ltd., Airways House, Level 5, HIgh Street, Sliema SLM 1551 or info@writeon.com.mt (photos will not be returned)

AMY COLMAN “HOMEWORKS is truly an inspiration! I absolutely love discovering the way people live and set up their spaces. I believe the best way for a house to become a home is to meet all practical needs and incorporate a personal touch in every choice. I am always on the lookout for creative ways to create storage in small spaces with an eye for design and art. My main concern is to maximise storage space in my apartment and to blend it with my love for colourful modern art. I am particularly interested in sleek and stylish furniture to store bulky seasonal items like coats, shoes and quilts. I love the idea of creating a home that is unique but comfortable, where everything has its place and where my personality can shine through.” JEAN VELLA “Well done for your publication. For first-time buyers I suggest issuing a guideline for costs such as designers, tilers, electricians, plasterers and other trades since it is very difficult to establish if you are being overcharged or not, particularly if you don’t have any previous experience.”

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NEWS

HOME NEWS LAUNCH! LAUNCH!

WONDERFUL WALLS

True to their slogan, “Arte makes homes more beautiful”, SATARIANOHOME’s new range of Arte wallpaper is varied in style, creates comfortable and elegant settings, and works from the most sumptuous of classic interiors to the minimalist of avant-garde spaces. www.satariano.com

Smarthomes Malta is doing a lot of launching lately. Not only is the new showroom opening its doors for the first time, but the new website is also going live today. Smarthomes Malta offers all kinds of must-have products for the home, inclusive of joinery, doors, kitchens, bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, tiles, vanity units, bathrooms and more. What’s further is that their wide range of brands meets all budgets. www.smarthomesmalta.com

SIMPLE IT

The Tile’s exclusive ‘Simple’ is a full-bodied tile, highly recommended for heavy-duty areas. Its highly competitive price makes it an ideal basement or garage tile for domestic use and its availability in different colours offers design flexibility. They come in different sizes and matching steps are also available. www.emilceramica.it

WINDOW WOW Manufactured by Cattelan Italia and designed by Giorgio Cattelan, Window is a wonderful hybrid between a bookcase and a television stand, countered by shelves and then framed for visual distinction. Exclusively available at Ideacasa in a white or black finish that gives it that chic Italian design look to boot. www.ideacasa.com.mt

BIGGER AND BETTER

PROTECTING PRO

The Weinor Plaza Pro offers shelter from the elements and the sturdy construction is made with tried-and-tested technical components, making it suitable for all manner of applications. With a combination of posts and crossbeam, the unit is extremely resistant to wind surges. What’s more, any projection length can be chosen regardless of the width. www.weinor.com

Stockist of thirty European brands, the lighting and electrical specialists VCT have just opened a new showroom a few metres away from their former location on Mosta’s Ponsomby Street. The larger showroom allows VCT to display a larger and growing selection of light fittings and installations with the best brands in lighting by designer names. VCT’s portfolio includes more than 5,000 different lamps and around 500,000 pieces available at any one point. Further to this great news, VCT has also been awarded the Customer Service Quality Mark for the third consecutive year. www.vct.com.mt 015

NEWS

WARM & SILENT Adore’s German PVC window/ door profiles vary from threechannel to six-channel profiles, which means that they can offer excellent thermal and sound insulation. What’s more is that their profile systems come in ten different colours, three of which are wooden textured. Choose matching insect screens and rolling shutters from AdoreMore for high security and wind protection. www.adoremore.eu

TOUCH THE SKIN

Josie’s new tile from Refin, ‘Skin’ is a 4.8 mm-thick porcelain stone wear. Its thickness, combined with its resistance and durability make it a brilliant product to use as a second skin on pre-existing floors and walls. Tip: since they save time and costs, they’re particularly useful during renovation projects. www.josiesbathrooms.com

SANDY WALL ART

This is one that makes walls fun. A mixture of sand in various colours, Max Art’s 180˚-turn sand frame designs creates ever-changing works of art. The frames are available in various sizes and solid wood finishes.

DON’T LOSE SITE

ASTRATTI

Get down to The Mirror Shop to see the new range of products for the home (table lamps, artwork, flower pots, slate water fountains, LED wax candles, the large mirror range and more). Check it out on their website or visit the recently re-opened and revamped retail shop in Santa Venera. www.themirrorshop.eu

TERRA MARE

PLEXI

MORE MIRRORS AND MASTERY

Carmelo Delia’s Ordan Acrylic Seamless Tops offer another alternative to kitchen surfaces. They’re available in different sizes, can be fitted according to your layout and the prices are reasonable too. www.carmelodelia.com

SPECCHIERE

AMORE

GLAMOUR

FUSION

FIORI

Check out the just-launched range of modern mounted mirrors and contemporary paintings by Italian artists on the second floor of Bond’s of Attard

SEAMLESSLY SUBLIME

SD151C6235 112x112 canvas 100x100 PC0474

realizzato con Swarovski originali

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MORE, MORE, MORE

You won’t lose sight of your daily needs with Interni Attaguile’s new Modulnova kitchen. The fusion of two interacting areas by a wall made from Tornabuoni glossy lacquered wall units makes it easy to see in style. www.interniattaguile.it

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Private Collection

Offer valid until 30th November 2010.

Cristina Chiabotto welcomes you to her home from Chateau d'Ax

Chateau d’Ax proposes the PRIVATE COLLECTIONS: furniture and furnishings chosen by popular Italian celebrities. We present the homes of Carlo Conti, Manuela Arcuri, Cristina Chiabotto, and Eleonora Daniele.

Sofa Silhouette each element in fabric from 540€

Old Railway Track, Santa Venera SVN9022 Tel: +356 2144 6411 - info@chateaudax.com.mt

Opening hours: Mon 09:30 to 13:00 and 15:30 to 20:00. Tue to Fri 09:30 to 13:00 and 15:30 to 19:00 - Sat 09:00 to 13:00.

Enjoy life! Choose Chateau d’Ax

TRENDS

CHRISTMAS TRENDS This year, the trend is about bringing out the kidult in all of us – a strong primary palette of red, green, yellow and some pink, and child-like motifs such as sweets and toy aeroplanes, but with a grown-up twist, so it appeals across the ages.

John Lewis glass bird tree decoration

It makes sense that nativity items are proving popular this year, which is of course about identifying with the wider meaning of Christmas, but nonetheless it feeds in to the small trend we’re seeing in interiors for having fabulously painted vintage religious icons in the home.

Christmas Colours 2010 Traditional designs and colour schemes – red, green, gold and silver – are always at the heart of Christmas but this year acid, fluorescent colours will be making an appearance.

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the home of luxury living

One OneHome. Home.One One Place. Place.

living

dining

kitchens

office

Carmelo Delia is one the one allfurnishing your furnishing Carmelo Delia is the placeplace for allfor your needs, needs, whether home or office. whether home or office. Valley Road, Birkirkara Tel: 2388 9200 Email: info@carmelodelia.com

Valley Road, Birkirkara Tel: 2388 9200 Email: info@carmelodelia.com www.bigbon.com www.bigbon.com

of Big Group PartPart of Big BonBon Group

bedrooms

joinery

GREENWORKS

GREENWORKS A SPOTLIGHT ON ENERGY-SAVING AND SUSTAINABLE INTERIORS, TRENDS AND PRODUCTS

COSY WITHOUT THE CHEMICALS

Brink & Campman’s weaving process does without the use of extra backing materials or chemical components, which means these gorgeous rugs can cosy up the home this season without weighing on the environment to manufacture. Get them from core. www.core.com.mt

FAKE IT

While real trees are lovely, so aren’t depleting forests. There’s no excuse anymore with the ranges of very authentic looking faux Christmas trees available on the market. This year, find trees at three different outlets of Qronfla (starting from €40), V & F Portelli & Sons (starting from €18 for 6-footers), Alistair (from €279 for a 12-footer to €5.85 for a 30cm tree), Christmas World (14 different types of trees to choose from – 5-footers for €38.90, 12-footer for €758.80 and fibre optics start from 36-incher at €31.99 and 90-incher for €154.00), and Christmas Palace clearance warehouse for full 12-foot trees at the clearance price of €230, as well as great looking garlands (starting at €5) and Christmas foliage (starting at .50c). See address book on page 098 for details.

WAXY BUT GOOD

Why use candles instead of artificial lights? Because it’s totally energy efficient and makes everything more magical. Why use LED candles instead of the normal ones? Because you breathe what you burn. We found these LED light candles from the Mirror Shop at €39 for a box of three. A fun remote is also included that allows you to turn on to flickering candle mode or switch to steady light mode.

ITS ONLY NATURAL

These eco-hampers are just the coolest things ever. Genuine Maltese products, directly from the farmers - if you found them anywhere else in Europe they would cost a bomb and a half, but Merill Eco Tours are offering them from €25-50. www.merillecotours.com 023

aÊÊMostaÊRoad,ÊLija.ÊLJAÊ9012,ÊMalta.ÊÊtÊÊ21Ê412Ê222,Ê27Ê415Ê694,ÊÊfÊÊ21Ê413Ê574.ÊÊwÊÊwww.ssbathrooms.com Ê

SPACES

This issueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three featured homes represent totally diverse ways of modern living. The Blue Harbour streamlined open plan apartment to the right is ideal for those who desire instant almost maintenancefree comfort while the Lija family home (far right) is the reverse of this with its eclectic style and familycomfortable / friends-always-welcome cosy spaces. The Copsicua palazzino (above) stands alone entirely with its drama and affluence, ultimate for entertaining guests in formal surroundings.

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SPACES

Christmas tree and baubles from Christmas Palace, fireplace mantle piece from Alistair Flower Shop, chocolates from Marks and Spencer

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SPACES SPACES

Palazzino! Home-purchasing world travellers Jim Dunn and Arthur Whieldon chose this ancient and inspiring palazzino in Cospicua as their home base

PHOTOGRAPHY: TONIO LOMBARDI WORDS: LISA BORAIN STYLING: PENNY APAP BROWN & LORAINE CALLUS

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SPACES

Exciting patterned wallpaper sets the backdrop for the eclectic master bedroom. A mix of eastern and European pieces create a whimsically theatrical tone Red, pink and white cushions, bedding and throw from One Two One Interiors. White flowers on Buddhas from Alistair Flower Shop

We enjoy having guests to stay for weekends and when you live in sunny places like Malta you get inundated, which is nice for us

030

Jim lays it on the table straight off the bat:

around stunning Valletta. We fell in love with

“Arthur and I suffer from an addiction; buying

the architecture, the people and I have to

and refurbishing interesting (usually older)

say the property prices, which to us were

houses in any part of the world that takes

very reasonable. Over the following year we

our fancy. We have been together in life and

came back a number of times and looked at a

business for over 45 years and during that time

wide range of properties but decided that we

we have owned 38 houses, most of which

wanted to live among the local Maltese and

we have lived in. Apart from the UK, we

in an older house. Cospicua ticked all the

have bought and refurbished houses in

right boxes.”

Ireland, Majorca, Provence and now of course, in Malta.

The palazzino was sold to the couple by the estate agent as “skilfully refurbished”, but in

“So about three years ago we landed here

actual fact was a shell with no toilets, water,

off a Silversea cruise ship and had a wander

electricity or kitchen – nothing in fact, except

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A major part of the refurbishment costs went into brushing the stonework down from top to bottom, inside and out

four walls, a leaky roof and floors supported by

project. The couple brought a great deal of old

and forth so it was imperative to have someone

worn out beams. Jim and Arthur started from

furniture from the UK and Spain, which dictated

reliable on site every day.”

scratch, which wasn’t too much of a problem

the style they required and liked. So they also

to them, as they enjoy making their individual

needed Kenneth’s help to source, co-ordinate

When asked about their lifestyle, the instant

mark on a home. Where did they begin? “Vision

and add. Later on, the interior designer added

reply was that it’s completely hedonistic.

is important, not only when buying any property

on the finishing touches, such as wallpaper and

“We are happy to pay for comfort, style and

but particularly when you’re refurbishing an

individual pieces of furniture, which give the

elegance to our taste. We like to entertain. We

older property. It’s the perfect opportunity to

space that wow factor.

enjoy having guests to stay for weekends and when you live in sunny places like Malta you

create your ideal home.” “We certainly don’t regret going with Kenneth

get inundated, which is nice for us. So we had

Via UK friends’ recommendations, the

as our Project Manager. We were new to the

to take all of these points into account when

homeowners met with Interior Designer

island, we didn’t know our way around, we

deciding on the final design.”

Kenneth Tanti for architecture and building

didn’t know anyone and he was a great help to

advice, as well as eventual management of the

us throughout the project. We were flying back

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The new Barbara Becker home passion Wallpaper Collection.

All Rasch Wallpaper Collections are exclusively available at

376, High Street, Sta. Venera SVR 1015 Zabbar Road, Fgura FGR 1015 Valletta Road, Mosta MST 9010 186, Naxxar Road, San Gwann SGN 9030 Email: sales@portelliandbrincat.com.mt

www.portelliandbrincat.com.mt

Tel: 2124 0001 Tel: 2169 1029 Tel: 2143 3975 Tel: 2137 3103

SPACES

“Vision is important, not only when buying any property, but particularly when you’re refurbishing an older one. It’s the perfect opportunity to create your ideal home.”

Christmas centre piece from Alistair Christmas Shop

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SPACES

The couple’s overall intention for the home was to retain an original Maltese townhouse in as far as they could recreate it in Cospicua, but they also wanted all four bedrooms to have all the modern conveniences, as well as en-suite bathrooms. “So many developers seem to miss this. We had to compromise slightly with the sizes of the bedrooms in order to carve out a bathroom for our guests’ privacy. Bathrooms down the hall are just not on these days!” To make the most of the essence of the original palazzino, a lot of effort went into ascertaining that specific authentic aspects were kept intact – for instance, the original floor tiles were kept and any new tiles that had to make up for wear and tear were custom-made from original patterns. In two of the principal rooms this meant lifting the old tiles, replacing the floor underneath then re-laying. Provisions also had to be made for central heating, air conditioning, contemporary lighting and wiring of all sorts, while maintaining the ancient look of the house. This required creative ways of hiding cabling and plumbing pipe-work. The couple has gained pieces of information about the house from neighbours, one of which is that the cellars are 17th century, which prompted the homeowners to enliven the beautiful original stone walls both outside and inside. A major part of the refurbishment cost went into painstakingly brushing the stonework down from top to bottom, inside and out, and re-pointing. Now with carefully planned lighting, this stonework looks effectively stunning in the evenings. Further to this, “as it turned out, our ‘skilfully refurbished’ (agent speak) house needed a new roof and almost every beam in the house had to be changed, otherwise we were likely to have the whole lot collapse on us during our first dinner party….” Traditionally, the couple likes to think that all parts of their homes are their favourite areas, but in Malta there’s no doubt that it has to be the central courtyard on the ground floor. “We practically live out there for most of the year – and of course the roof terrace with its unrivalled views across to Valletta is another favourite place, particularly for siestas. I am also particularly happy with what we have achieved in the dining and drawing rooms in terms of elegance and comfort. We installed the two open fires in these rooms…perfect for winter evenings.”

the couple likes to think that all parts of their homes are their favourite areas Entrance hallway leading out to the courtyard. Vase with flowers, Christmas tree and decorations from Alistair Christmas shop

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358, Naxxar Road, B’Kara, Malta BKR 9040 Tel. (+356) 2144 1328 • Fax. (+356) 2144 7188 www.bathroomdesign.com.mt

SPACES

EPIC STY THIS BRAND NEW STATE-OF-THE ART ENORMOUSLY OPEN-PLANNED BLUE HARBOUR APARTMENT IS WITHOUT DOUBT AT THE CORE OF LIVING IT UP, “EPIC” STYLE WORDS: GUY LAGUENS PHOTOS: TONIO LOMBARDI PROJECT DIRECTOR: DINO FINO, FINO INTERIOR CONSULTANT: CLAIRE ANASTASI, FINO

Diamante a doghe in tempered glass kitchen by Veneta Cucine. Corian worktop by Dupont. Berrywood parquet flooring and Ferrero legno internal doors by Fino. Atlante wall unit and low tables in lacquered finish by Tomasella Sofa. Doimo sofas and outdoor furniture by Emu. Prolicht and Vistosi lighting fixtures by Fino Lighting. Intelligent system and TV & Hi-Fi by Astral

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SPACES

LE LIVING

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SPACES

Tonin Casa dining table and chairs

The new word on the street for cool is “epic”. It doesn’t just mean cool; it means astronomically cool. That’s probably the best way to describe this apartment – astronomically, colossally, cosmically…epic. Equipped with a state of the art Philips Dynalite Intelligent Lighting control system, the apartment features integration with a Denon multiroom audio system and Silent Gliss motorised curtains and blinds. Highlights of the system also include Philips Pronto touch screens for full-integrated control, Kef Motorised In-Ceiling Speakers and Glass Finish wall keypads. And that’s not the strongest feature of the apartment.

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Of course, no amount of technology can beat the fantastic view of Ta’Xbiex marina. Super modern, straight-lined sea-facing apartments are definitely in abundance, but not ones with this enormity of space and asymmetrical architectural design, directing the eye, without interruption, straight to that phenomenal blue view. The different zones of the apartment were established through finishes and textures – the infusion of matt and highly reflective surfaces used to absorb and reflect the natural light source.

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SPACES

WHERE A NEUTRAL SCHEME TYPICALLY CREATES A DRAMATIC LOOK, THIS BALANCE WAS ACTUALLY TAILORED TO ACHIEVE A CALMING EFFECT

Doimo Design bedroom

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SPACES

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shopping on-line? From clothing to electronics, to books and gifts, the BOV MasterCard Prepaid Card is ideal when shopping on-line. Offering convenience and ease of use, the BOV Prepaid Cards are available from any BOV branch.

BOV 27186

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Bathroom Design bathroom and flooring

Natural light and open space dictated Interior Designer Claire Anastasiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s furniture choice and overall design of the apartment. Where a black and white scheme typically creates a dramatic look, this balance was actually tailored to achieve a calming feel. The distinctive use of black and white furniture throughout the apartment is neutralized with soft tones that can be perceived through the large ceramic floor tiles, marble applications, wall coverings and also in the soft furnishings.

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SPACES

TICKLE ME ORANGE THE FAMILY HOME THAT BEARS THE MARK OF THE OWNER’S ARTISTIC FLAIR, GIVING A NATURAL FEEL FOR WHAT WORKS IN A HOUSE OF CHARACTER WORDS: ZILLAH BUGEJA PHOTOS: ALAN CARVILLE STYLING: GRETA APAP BOLOGNA

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SPACES “You’ve got to have a cup of tea before you do anything. And these pies. Have one of these pies before I eat the whole lot.” The lady of the house is looking at us with urging eyes, a huge bowl of mince pies held up before her. She’s not taking no for an answer and the magazine crew is chomping on pies and slurping their tea, as she doesn’t miss a beat renewing tea cups and replenishing plates with pies, animatedly chattering on about how much she loves this house and what an enormous change it was from the sleek and “overtly clean” London apartment they moved from. When Dad comes home with two children plus the family dog in tow, it’s safe to say that this is a full-on family homey house.

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SPACES

The small courtyard allows natural light throughout the house. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also the perfect place to create a dramatic Christmas setting

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SPACES

The cosy kitchen, with its eclectic mix of materials, is very much the heart of the home. “I love being in the kitchen. I’ve got everything I need close at hand because people are always here. The kettle’s always on.” A 4x8 foot blackboard is the room’s undeniable focal point and is maintained with a new coat of blackboard paint every six months. It has evolved into a place for impromptu art by all the family, as well as functioning as a giant notice board, so that everyone knows their and other family members’ schedules at a glance. The idea has been carried on in the children’s rooms as well. The Lija property is an eclectic mix of the very old and new, the oldest section about 600 years old. The hall and dining room were added 400 years later, while the newest portions of the house are only eleven years old. There was very little to be done when the family moved in other than to add “a lick of paint”, although with six showers and no bath, a new bathroom is certainly next on the ‘to-do’ list. The lady of the house, art-trained with a degree in ceramics and glass, is a self-confessed bargain hunter with a penchant for anything North African: “I love collecting things. I’m such a hoarder and I bring back pottery, ceramics and glass from our travels. I love my bits and pieces. When I first stepped into the house I felt that my stuff would fit in easily, I just knew where everything would go.

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Bright ethnic accessories contrasted by the neutrality of the Maltese stone and organic shapes of vernacular architecture makes for an exciting mix

“Being a creative sort, I woke up one morning and decided to write something on the wall.”

“The house lends itself to this particular style. The sculptor Henry Moore said to be true to your material. You look at what you’ve got and don’t go against the grain, you go with it. But I quite like straight lines and nothing in this house is square, so finding rugs to fit was a challenge and I get annoyed when I can’t centralise anything.” The owner’s artistic sensibility and handiwork really comes to the fore in her young daughter’s bedroom where she created a place for dreams and whimsy. “It is deliberately cosy, somewhere you would just want to jump into bed. The bedspread is an antique; I wanted both a patchwork one and an old one.” The quotation over the bed was also hand-painted by the owner. “Being a creative sort, I woke up one morning and decided to write something on the wall.” Ever the ‘creative sort’, the lady of the house also got involved in making tab curtains for the guest room, even though she had never made curtains before. “I just went to a fabric shop, thought the fabric was pretty and had a go. I even did interlining. I got really carried away.” At Christmas, the central courtyard provides the perfect location for a huge tree that welcomes visitors immediately upon entering. During the rest of the year, the yard is a casual lounging space with a Bedouin tent vibe where the children do their homework at a low table and cushions. No wonder this house is always full of children: if ever there was such a thing as a hide-and-seek house, this would be it. The pigeon loft with its spiral staircase is the perfect tower for hiding in and of course, there’s the tree house in the garden.

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MODERN aND affORDablE KitchENs Cucine Lube offers a wide variety of kitchen ranges to suit your taste â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether your style is contemporary, modern or classic. With our experienced team and the flexibility of our products, the possibilities are endless. Visit us today and make your dream kitchen a reality!

10 YEARS IN MALTA

Valley Road, Birkirkara Tel: 2388 9200 Email: info@carmelodelia.com www.bigbon.com

the home of luxury living

Celebrate the Festive Season in Style with Villeroy & Boch

Mill Street Qormi QRM 3102 Tel: 2278 2000 Email: marketing@joinwell.com.mt Opening Hours Mon - Fri 9:00 - 7:00 Sat 9:00 - 1:00

CHRISTMAS FEATURE

Singing Stairs

The perfect canvas for go-wild Christmas decorating, stairwells are a great place to start with the Christmas spirit

PHOTOS: ELISA VON BROCKDORFF STYLING: ANNE MARIE QUERCIA

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CHRISTMAS FEATURE

Large gold baubles in pot (€12), angel hair (.75c per pack), green stars on gold string (€3.85 per string), green net material (€11.65), gold drops (€2.50), red lantern (€7.50), white feather wreath (€15), white feather ball (€10), white garland on railing (€10 per garland). All available from Qronfla. Train (€35.96), bird (€3.99), gold foliage (€3.65 each) from Alistair Christmas Shop. Star ornaments with bead in the centre (€5.50 each) from Gifts&More. See address book for details, page 098.

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CHRISTMAS FEATURE

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS, LET YOUR HEART BE LIGHT Drops hanging (€1.50 for 2), shooting star hanging (€2.40), icicle hanging (€1.50). All from V&F Portelli. Train (€35.96), bird (€3.99), gold foliage (€3.65 each) from Alistair Christmas Shop. See address book for details, page 098.

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CHRISTMAS IDEAS

Yuletide Tips HOMEWORKS brings you decorating tips from our favourite designers to make the season all the more jolly KENNETH TANTI

PENNY APAP BROWN

GRETA APAP BOLOGNA

“Christmas time is a source of abundance but my preferred taste for decorating the home is simplistic style. Select one or two colours to work with and avoid a multi-toned festive fiasco. Dress your Christmas tree and dining table in your chosen colour palette. Go for traditional red and green, simple gold and white or sparkle with silver. Carry the colour theme throughout your décor, gift wrap your presents under the tree in a complementing style and let your Christmas creativity shine…”

“To me, Christmas is as much about the scents as the visual representation of what we deem traditional. A home must smell special at Christmas. Number one: the scent of a real Christmas tree. Number two: lovely aroma of spices, fruits and berry oil (I love Crabtree & Evelyn’s ‘Noel’), warmed by the heat of one of many candles flickering. Number three: warm ruby red, mulled wine combined with cloves, cinnamon sticks, fresh orange segments, mature Cox’s orange pippin apples and some wonderful spiced sugar, with a fragment of chilli.

“Baubles do not necessarily have to be hung on a Christmas tree as is the traditional practice. They can be stylishly used to decorate a coffee table, such as in a large, crystal bowl or even strategically placed in a clear, tall, glass vase at the end of a corridor.”

Christmas is RED, yes, but think aubergine satin or taffeta runners with gold ribbon on tabletops. Think Bordeaux colour; ox blood red silk with silver and anthracite grey ribbon wrapped around a silver or steel bowl of red apples. It’s the touches of regal colour that you incorporate with your everyday objects that make your home different in December.”

KATJA WIEDERSUM “Every Christmas I always end up using really large twigs that I have collected on various walks in the countryside for an empty corner or large vase. I dangle cut pieces of mirror or left-over glass drops off them (really anything that glistens and reflects) so that the arrangement stands out when surrounded by lit candles or lights.”

“Select one or two colours to work with and avoid a multitoned festive fiasco.” Kenneth Tanti 061

IRRESISTIBLY

GOOD LOOKING

Welcome to the innovative and stylish way to experience delicious coffee shop quality drinks in your home.

With a variety of 6 flavours, from a cheeky Espresso to a velvety Hot Chocolate, you will always find the right flavour to match your mood.

Coffee shop quality in every cup! www.dolce-gusto.com.mt

WRAPPING FEATURE

Christmas gift wrapping is something most people lament as being a ‘last minute task,

Wrapping Wonderful

done in haste a couple of days before December 25th without much skill. However, the exciting part of receiving a gift, whether

Product Designer Lorraine Callus and Interior Designer Penny Apap Brown show how, with some imagination and the right wrapping materials, any gift can be given that special makeover

large or small, expensive or token, is the anticipation of what lies with the wrapping, the speculating and guessing, as the gift waits under the Christmas tree.

Words: Penny Apap Brown Photography: MAS

OTT

WALK IN THE PARK

TICK-TOCK

The tall glass

Penny chose

To wrap the red

vase was wrapped

festive plain red paper

wooden clock,

by Penny using an

to wrap the dog

Lorraine chose a

off-cut of equally

and collar. She cut

bronze paper with a

elegant Harlequin

a felted paper dog

gold lining, created

Harris wallpaper with

figure from leftover

a window with the

a formal, floral design

pieces of wallpaper

paper to reveal

in a subdued gold on

and applied it to a

both bronze and

brown background. A

band of black organza

gold, then scattered

wide silver and gold metallic ribbon was taken

and gold ribbon. The big bow on the top of

self adhesive gold foil numbers, finally finishing

up the box to culminate in an elaborate bow

the box incorporates three different ribbons to

the trimmings with a narrow gold ribbon.

on the top. A second transparent gold ribbon

achieve a flourishing effect, plain black organza,

was placed on top of it. Crystal pendant tree

curly gold paper/foil ribbon and the black and

decorations in the shape of snowflakes hang

gold ribbon around the box. To get a paper/foil

down the face of the box and are secured with

ribbon to curl into a ringlet, she took a 25cm

double sided sticking tape. Finally, a glittery

long piece and pulled it along the sharp edge

gold leaf is bent into a curve on the top of the

of a pair of scissors, stretching it as she pulled,

box to give it height, literalising the description

then sprung it back into a curl. A miniature

OTT (over the top).

chrome dog figure sits amidst the bow.

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WRAPPING FEATURE

JOKER This is a fun exercise. In fact, all it actually takes to wrap a boxed poker set is a piece of paper and some ribbon. Lorraine took the challenge a step further by dropping a large clue to the content on the cover. She downloaded images of playing cards from the internet and stuck them on the wrapping paper adding real coins, also cutting a silhouette of the Joker out of the deck.

WINO Having picked out a delicate wine bucket with a butterfly motif cut out of the steel, Lorraine chose two butterfly tree decorations to enhance her box, which was wrapped in metallic ruby red paper with a combination of silver and gold ribbons.

IDEAS FOR WRAPPING MATERIALS The materials required for imaginative motifs to glue onto plain wrapping paper can be sourced from old magazines and last year’s nicest Christmas cards. Simply find glossy pictures of Christmas designs, flowers, food, animals, cars, etc, which can be cut out and pasted onto plain paper. Even basic brown parcel paper can look great, simply wrapped with a combination of two ribbons in black and red. Silver cooking foil is a good material to use too – cut a piece of foil larger than the box you are wrapping, pinch the foil to create a creased effect, tie a narrow satin ribbon around the box and knot it on the top, leaving two long ends of ribbon loose. Take a piece of transparent, organza fabric and cut holes into it like a Swiss cheese so the foil shows through, gather the fabric together on the top and tie it with a ribbon. Pull the two long ends of ribbon out and sew small silver bells (from haberdashery shops) to the ends. Nice scraps of fabrics or lace make interesting alternatives to paper and are ideal for wrapping difficult shaped gifts. The art of using fabric is to cut it either into a circle or a square, bringing all the edges or corners of the fabric together, then securing it with ribbon. Try an elastic band to hold it in place while you are arranging the ribbon. White, silver or gold paper doilies used for cake decoration are also inexpensive decorations. Wrap a box in a plain coloured paper, take a round doily and fold it in sections to create a fan shape, make two slits in the point of the fan and thread a narrow satin ribbon through. Fix the back of the paper fan with double sided tape and tie the ribbon into a bow. Any thoughtfully wrapped gift demonstrates that the giver enjoyed the giving, as much as the recipient enjoyed the receiving. Christmas decorations from Alistair Christmas Shop, wrapping paper from Yorkdale. Black felt dog motif cut from ‘A Walk in the Park’ wallpaper from Camilleri Paris Mode. Harlequin Harris brown and gold wallpaper from Stem Interiors. Gifts selected for this feature include boxed poker set and tall leopard and cub decoration vase with from Vascas. Steel wine bucket with a butterfly decoration and a chrome sculptured head of a dog, together with a white diamante collar for a pampered ‘pooch’ from One Two One Interiors. Red, wooden Nextime clock incorporating three drawers from Contemp Interiors. See address book on page 098 for details.

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067

HIGH QUALITY SOFAS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES WAS €2,314

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RX-D9055

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3S WAS €715

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CRISTINA

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NOW €829

HOME IDEAS

Isotta creates a harmonious environment inspired by a classic style by reclaiming and re-interpreting the models and styles of the past while proposing technical innovations for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. Azeta, 354, Cannon Road, St. Venera. Tel: 2148 2536 / 7906 7912. info@azeta.com.mt / www.azeta.com.mt

ZETA suspension EmmeVi Design by Fabasluce - Italy. Exclusively available at VCT Ltd Ponsomby Street, Mosta Tel 00356 21432571 / 21436186 email info@vct.com.mt

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HOME IDEAS

Modern showerheads with cromo therapy allow coloured light to penetrate into the skin creating conditions to interact with cells. It also restores osmotic balance and improves biological functions. Bathroom Design Ltd, Naxxar Road, B’Kara. Tel: 2144 1328/9. www. bathroomdesign.com.mt Isotta creates a harmonious environment inspired by a classic style by reclaiming and re-interpreting the models and styles of the past while proposing technical innovations for today’s needs. A zeta, 354, Cannon Road, St. Venera. Tel: 2148 2536 / 7906 7912. info@azeta.com.mt / www.azeta.com.mt

The new Shape furniture range by Villeroy & Boch has a modern and understated design, which offers diverse possibilities for combination. Well-conceived storage space, generously sized shelves and functional details give their bathrooms a comfortable, homely character. Bathroom Design, Naxxar Road, B’Kara. Tel: 2144 1328/9. www.bathroomdesign.com.mt

The Gaia Collection boasts kitchens that are able to host all domestic appliances, where elegance, modernity and practicality live in personal harmony with each other. A zeta, 354, Cannon Road, St. Venera. Tel: 2148 2536 / 7906 7912. info@azeta.com.mt / www.azeta.com.mt

Kinetic’s contemporary white lacquer finish and red leather chair. Price: starting at €345. Carmelo Delia (Est. 1890), Valley Road, Birkirkara. Tel: 2388 9200 / 2147 2882. info@carmelodelia.com / www.carmelodelia.com / www.facebook.com/CarmeloDelia

Faer’s pull-out rail hanger for wardrobes brings choosing what to wear to a whole new level. Available in three sizes, it’s convenient for both kids and adults. Price: starting from € 90. Carmelo Delia (Est. 1890), Valley Road, Birkirkara. Tel: 2388 9200 / 2147 2882. info@carmelodelia.com www.carmelodelia.com / www.facebook.com/ CarmeloDelia

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HOME IDEAS

Various colours of these original and durable umbrellas with easyopening, waterproof and mould free covers are available. Price: starting from €125. Outdoor Decor, Bernardette Street, San Gwann. Tel. 7938 4948. www.decor-malta.com / info@decor-malta.com Available in dark or light wood, the Cubby Wall mounted organiser helps clear clutter in style. Price: €38.80. Gifts&More, Level 1, Topline, St. Andrew’s and now also at Kind’s, Sliema. Tel: 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.com.mt

Liven up your walls with the new vibrant Vara collage frame (overall measurements: 51 x 41cm). Price: €65. Gifts&More, Level 1, Topline, St. Andrew’s and now also at Kind’s, Sliema. Tel : 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.com.mt

The leather category 100 PiQuattro Norton Chair is available in other colours and with different colour stitching. Price: starting from €1,000. Carmelo Delia (Est. 1890), Valley Road, Birkirkara. Tel: 2388 9200 2147 2882. info@carmelodelia.com / www.carmelodelia.com www.facebook.com/CarmeloDelia

Create an original wall design with the new Monarchy set of 24 butterflies, which mount with a simple tack – inclusive of mounting hardware. Price: €39.90. Gifts&More, Level 1, Topline, St. Andrew’s / Kind’s, Tower Road, Sliema. Tel: 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.com.mt

Let the children play with fun outdoor equipment available in various sizes and colours to suit all external areas. Price: starting from €300. Outdoor Decor, Bernardette Street, San Gwann. Tel. 7938 4948. www.decor-malta.com / info@decor-malta.com

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OUTDOORS

GARDEN NEWS >

BAG IT

Available in funky colours, these plant bags can carry up to 3 litres of water for pot sizes of 5-16 centimetres. Great for flowers, house plants or herbs, all bags come inclusive of an interior bag with a drainage fleece, clay granulates and a water level indicator. Order them online from www.authentics.de

TIMBER TIME

The perfect way to properly enjoy a garden, Picopo’s timber seats measure at 195 x 132 x 60cm and are made from garden timber. 90% of the products are pressure treated and carry a 15-year guarantee against rot, which means that they’ll be around for ages without requiring further treatment. www.piscopogardens.com

DAN’S NEW BOOK

LIGHT IT UP

Garden It’s new Italian brand Telcom Modum offers the garden an ultra cool element with these illuminated plastic garden seats. www.gardenit.com.mt

“Taking inspiration from art, sculpture, Chicago prairies and folk architecture such as tree houses, Dan Pearson – acclaimed garden designer and ‘green-fingered guru’ at the U.K. newspaper The Observer – lays out his design philosophy and working process, giving readers direct insight into his collaborative approach of working with nature, instead of imposing preconceptions upon it.” Sounds good. Find it on www.amazon.co.uk

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OUTDOORS

The Big Reds Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the time of year to bring on the big reds and fill the garden with vibrant bursts of colour Words: MELINA SCODANIBBIO

Rose Maybe no flower is as evocative, as loaded with symbolism and surrounded by myths and legends since ancient times as the rose. For some it is the perfect flower, made even more precious by the fascinating fragrance that is so closely associated with it. It is almost an automatic reaction to smell a rose as soon as we see it and, while many producers have sacrificed scent in favour of other characteristics, its importance has now been rediscovered and appreciated. Somehow, for many people, no garden is complete without a rose. Shrubs, climbing roses, rambling roses, standard roses; there must be at least one which finds a place in any garden or terrace. Water-wise gardeners might shun them for their high water requirements, but in fact, by grouping them in a certain area with other thirsty plants, the overall

076

consumption can still be kept low. A layer of mulch, as well as being decorative, also helps to retain moisture in the soil and reduces competition from weeds. Winter is the right season to transplant and plant roses, remembering that the result will be disappointing in soils where other roses have previously grown. They also do not appreciate competition from other plants: keep them away from trees and at a suitable distance from shrubs. This will additionally maintain a good airflow between the plants, which will help to prevent fungal infections. Roses need at least six hours of sun per day and will benefit from a rich, well-drained planting medium, so adding compost regularly will boost growth and flowering. Do not water the plants if the soil is still moist from rainfall or a previous watering, as the roots are more susceptible to lack of air than insufficient water.

There are several plants that will make good companions to roses (and many other sensitive plants!), both for their aesthetic value and for their ability to ward off certain pests and diseases. The aroma of English lavender for example, is detested by ants, responsible for colonies of aphids on buds and new shoots.

OUTDOORS

By following a few fundamental tips, the Poinsettias’ bright colours can be admired long beyond Christmas Garlic species will help to prevent black spot while parsley, scented geraniums, marigolds and thyme keep beetles and aphids away. When planting companion plants, it is important not to crowd the roses or to disturb their roots. In mild climates roses should be pruned towards the end of the winter, before the appearance of any new growth. It is sufficient to remove a third to a half from the height of the plant, rather than pruning them right down to the ground. Remove old growth to encourage new growth and to promote flowering, which in most cases occurs on the current spring’s growth. All rose flowers are edible, provided they are of organic origin, and can be utilised in a variety of sweet or savoury dishes, teas, jams and syrups. Once the bitter white part of the petals has been removed, the flavour is subtly sweet and is more pronounced in darker varieties. Rose essential oil has many therapeutic properties, from anti-ageing to antiinflammatory, and is also used in aromatherapy as an antidepressant. Poinsettia With the rapidly approaching festive season, there is one plant, which is almost as indispensable as the Christmas tree in our homes: the Poinsettia. Its link with Christmas in

its country of origin is evident even in the name: in Mexico it is called ‘Flores de Noche Buena’, or Christmas Eve flower. According to an ancient Aztec legend the typical bright red bracts are the result of a tragic love story, having been coloured by the drops of blood from the broken heart of an Aztec goddess. The person responsible for its worldwide popularity though is Joel Poinsett (hence the name), the first US ambassador to Mexico who in 1825 sent some plants to his native Philadelphia to be studied. Poinsettias gained popularity in Europe about 100 years later and were given the botanical name Euphorbia pulcherrima, the most beautiful of Euphorbias. By following a few fundamental tips, the Poinsettias’ bright colours can be admired long beyond Christmas and, over a few months, they can become attractive green plants. They are very sensitive to temperature fluctuations, which will cause them to drop their leaves after a few days. Position them in a well-lit spot but not in direct sunlight, away from draughts and heat sources. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering, making sure no water remains in the under plates, as this would lead to root rot. Fertiliser should only be applied after the bracts fade to maintain healthy leaves and to promote new growth. Once the leaves

have fallen, cut the plant back to about 10-15 cm from the soil and continue watering and fertilising regularly. As the weather gets milder and new growth starts appearing, the plant can be repotted and moved outside for the summer, or planted in the ground. A sheltered, semi-shaded position with well-drained soil is ideal. An interesting fact: research carried out by scientists at NASA demonstrated that the Poinsettia has the ability to remove noxious chemical vapours from closed environments, making it ideal as a houseplant.

GARDENING CHORES THIS SEASON 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Stake, tie, thin out and prune to avoid damage by strong winds Transplant and thin out vegetable seedlings and spring flowering annuals Sow parsley, radishes, peas, lettuce, chicory, spinach, and carrots Plant and transplant stone fruit trees and vines Prune deciduous shrubs, trees and fruit trees by removing dead and crossing branches and shaping Plant, transplant and prune roses Avoid working the soil when wet, as this will greatly damage its structure

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CUISINE

FOOD NEWS > IRRESISTABLE!

SERIOUSLY GOOD COFFEE

NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® has just arrived and is available in two models – the bubbly Melody 2 (get it in red or black) and the Circolo (available in white with brown or silver with grey). These are serious machines, with 15 bar pressure and incredible practical functions. Find the machines and capsules in leading supermarkets and interiors/home electronics outlets. www.dolce-gusto.com.mt

DRAINING MADE FUN

Leave it to Alessi to even make dish draining joyful. Designed by Pauline Deltour and part of the “A tempo” family, the dish drainer sells in two different parts and can be found at Petrolea. www.petroleamalta.com

Created in 2003 for Gordon Ramsay’s menu at Claridges, these liquid salted caramels N1 remain L’Artisan du Chocolat’s bestsellers to this day. A sweet liquid caramel with a pinch of Noirmoutier island’s grey salt, captured in a cocoa dusted shell of intense dark chocolate. Need we say more? But we will: the balance of flavours – sweet, saline and mineral – and of textures – crunchy, liquid and velvety – make these salted caramels irresistible and L’Artisan’s most famous creation. Find them at The White Sheep. www.thewhitesheep.eu

CUTIE KETTLE

The electric Ettore Water Kettle by Bodum was designed by Ettore Sottsass for Bodum in 1988. Shame on them for not releasing this cute little thing sooner. Even after all these years, the kettle still honours Mr. Sottsass, the Memphis design group and their vision. Made from plastic, stainless steel and silicone, the kettle is available at The Kitchen Store (TKS). www.tks-onlinestore.com

REDISCOVER NATURE

Villeroy & Boch brings us some green to the dining table with their new Althea Nova range, which was inspired by today’s sensitivity to nature. The design comes in two different interpretations of the herbal theme: one with the herbs finely drawn and shadowed, and one depicting detailed closeups of the herbs. www.joinwell.com.mt

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NECTAROUS NOEL Words: Claude Camilleri (Palazzo Santa Rosa, Margo’s) Photography: MAS Styling: One Two One Interiors Wine recommendations: Bill Hermitage (Delicata Winery)

THE PALAZZO SANTA ROSA IMBULJUTA From a culinary perspective, what makes me look forward to Christmas more than the food are the drinks – glögg, mulled wine, eggnog, and our own Maltese Imbuljuta. At PSR we do a modern take of the Imbuljuta, but keeping very much true to the original spirit as the drink or soup to have after midnight mass on Christmas day. Traditionally this hot chestnut soup was made with dried chestnuts that were soaked overnight and cooked for a long time. I do not like this because they add a smoky flavour to the dish, blurring the wonderful balance of the soup. We prefer to use fresh chestnuts allowing the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine through.

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Ingredients: 500g of shelled and peeled fresh chestnuts (frozen ones are good too) 150g of valrhona pure cacao powder 50g valrhona pure cacao nibs (for garnish) 250g of caster sugar Pinch of salt (conservative one) Peel of an organic maltese tangerine, cut into very tiny juliennes. 100g of crushed roasted hazelnuts. 50ml (or more, but not less) of cognac 150ml of fresh cream (50ml of the cream whipped with a tablespoon of vanilla sugar) Method: Put the chestnuts in a pot and cover with water. Cook for about 25 minutes until the chestnuts are cooked through. If the water evaporates, add some more hot water always

ensuring that the chestnuts are all covered with water. After 25 minutes, add the cacao and stir until it is all dissolved, add all the tangerine but a few juliennes (the others roll in icing and put them in the oven to become sweet and crisp – for garnishing), the small pinch of salt and the sugar and cook for another 20 minutes on a low heat. The soup should thicken thanks to some of the chestnuts breaking up. Just before serving add half of the fresh cream and the cognac. Serve in a soup bowl immediately, ensuring that every bowl gets some whole chestnuts. Top with a dollop of fresh cream, sprinkle pure cacao nibs on it and some of the dried juliennes of tangerine on top of the cream. Sprinkle crushed hazelnut pieces around.

CUISINE

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS MINCE PIE Like the Christmas cake, double, treble or even quadruple the ingredients and store them in jars for years to come. The more time passes, the more profound and intense the flavours become. In fact, you might find that in the first year the flavours might be too outrageous. By 2011 these flavours would have fused and become one. Ingredients for filling: 500g apples cored and chopped in small cubes 400g raisins 250g sultanas 275g currants 250g candied peel 75g chopped almonds 120ml cognac 1tbsp mixed spice 375g brown sugar 240g suet 2 oranges and lemons grated zest and juice Method for the filling: Mix all the ingredients, minus the cognac, thoroughly and leave covered with foil at room temperature overnight. Later on the following day put in an oven set at 120C for about three hours. Take it out of the oven. Add the cognac, stir, put in jars and seal. Store in your pantry for years! Ingredients for the pastry: 400g plain flour 50g lard 100g butter a pinch of salt some cold water 100ml milk mixed with an egg yolk for glazing pies Method for the pastry: Sift flour and salt, rub in fats until you get fine crumbs then add enough water to mix to a dough that leaves the sides of the bowl clean. Do not overdo the water. Do not overwork the dough. It is simple enough to be done by hand. Leave the pastry to rest in a polythene bag in the refrigerator for at least half an hour or even overnight. Roll out the dough and line up the mince pie moulds. A little trick: we first cut the tops using a ring cutter and use the off-cuts to which we add some more flour and water to roll out again and do the bases of the mince pies with. This is such a delicate pastry that making the base less fatty tends to improve the cohesion of the pie once it is baked. Method for putting it together: Fill the pastry with mincemeat. Do not over fill. Average that once the filling melts to a flat level, it does not exceed the edge of the base. Brush the sides of the mince pie bases with the milk and egg mixture and place the top of the pie, pressing gently with either the reverse of the ring cutter or with the lip of a jar. Use a knife to make some little cuts on the surface of the pies. Brush tops with some milk mixed with an egg yolk. Bake for 20-25 minutes in an oven pre-heated to 200C. Top with some icing sugar. 081

CUISINE

Method: You will need an 8-inch (20cm) round cake tin, greased and lined with greaseproof paper. Prepare a cover for this from 2-ply greaseproof paper with a hole the size of two €2 coins in the middle. Begin the cake the night before, or even two nights before baking it. All you have to do is weigh out all the dried fruit and mixed peel, place it in a mixing bowl and mix the brandy as evenly as possible. Turn the fruit around to coat itself with the brandy. Then leave it to rest for 12 hours or so. The next day, preheat the oven to gas mark 1 (140 C). If you’re using a newish gas oven, raise the temperature to setting 2. The cooking times remain the same. Measure out all the ingredients while ticking them off one by one to make sure you do not miss anything out. Warm the treacle before you measure it (it makes life easier for you). Now begin the cake. Sift the flour, salt and spices into a large mixing bowl, lifting the sieve as high as possible to incorporate as much air as possible. In a separate bowl, whisk the butter and sugar until they are light pale and fluffy, just like Kylie Minogue. In a further separate bowl, beat the eggs and add them to Kylie a tablespoon at a time. Keep the whisk running until all the eggs are incorporated. We add the eggs slowly so that the mixture will not curdle. If it does, don’t worry, the cake will still be fine.

THE LEGENDARY PALAZZO SANTA ROSA (PSR) CHRISTMAS CAKE Double the ingredients, treble them, quadruple them if you like but you have to believe me when I tell you that by doing this, you are doubling the quality of the cake for next year and the following year. At PSR we tend to make cakes from one year to the next. We “feed” them cognac every week or every month and the result from one year to the next is a complex, rich, intense cake that only time can make. Once you bake the cakes and you let them cool, start feeding them with cognac. Wrap the ones you intend to store for the following year in greaseproof paper and layers of foil (unless you have a tin to keep them in). I use a syringe to inject cognac in the parcel without damaging the packaging. These also make fantastic Christmas presents, but only give them to people who appreciate them. I do not like coating them with marzipan and icing sugar; I think we have outgrown that by now.

Ingredients: 450g currants 175g sultanas 70g dark black amareno cherries 65g mixed candied peel finely chopped 3 tablespoons brandy 225g plain flour ½tsp salt ½tsp freshly grated nutmeg and the same amount of mixed spices 225g of unsalted butter 225g soft brown sugar 4 big eggs 50g chopped almonds with skin on if you like 1 dessert spoon black treacle grated zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange 120g of blanched almonds for the topping

After the eggs have been incorporated, fold in the flour using gentle folding movements. Do not beat, as we need the air to stay in there. Finally, fold in the fruits, chopped nuts, treacle, and zests. Using a large kitchen spoon transfer the cake mixture into the prepared tin spreading the mixture out evenly with the back of the spoon. Then lay the blanched almonds on top of the cake. Cover with the two layers of greaseproof paper with a €2 x 2 sized hole, which will give it extra protection against the heat and the long slow cooking. Bake the cake on the lowest shelf of the oven for 4 ½ hours (sometimes it can take 5 ½ hours). Cool the cake for 30 minutes in the tin and then remove it to a wire rack to finish cooling. Wrap the cake in a double layer of greaseproof paper and then either put it in a tin or wrap it again in foil. Pierce the top of the cake with a needle so the alcohol can go through. When it’s cold, feed it by slowly pouring a tot of brandy on top of the cake. Repeat this process at least once a week. 083

CUISINE

WINE RECOMMENDATION BY BILL HERMITAGE

In many people’s eyes ‘the dessert’ can often be the crowning glory of any dinner party. But oh how often I’ve sat there and tucked into a good ‘pudd’, only to be quietly disappointed because there was no wine to accompany it. Serving another wine at the end of your meal takes your dinner party to another plateau, enhances your food and is guaranteed to end your evening on a high. And the good news is; matching your dessert with a wine is often far less difficult or critical than with other dishes. With most desserts sweetness is the overriding factor and as long as you’re accompanying wine as sweet or slightly sweeter, you should be home and dry.

GLÖGG When I lived in Copenhagen, I looked forward to Christmas because of Glögg. Provided that it is going to be a cold winter or at least a cold evening, you have to try this version of mulled wine. It’s the perfect drink to give to your guests over the Christmas period. We used to go and watch the Christmas tables at George Jensen, go our separate ways to do Christmas shopping in secret and then meet at Victor’s Café to have our well earned Glögg. Again, you could make it in advance, warm it up at the last minute and simply add the vodka in the end.

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Ingredients 1l water 250g sugar 4 sticks of cinnamon 12 cloves 5 crushed cardamom pods peel of 2 oranges and lemons juice of 2 lemons 250g raisins 150g almond slivers 250ml vodka 250ml sherry 2 bottles of a good shiraz Method Combine the spices (put spices in a muslin), the water, the zest, the sugar, the raisins, the almonds and infuse on a gentle flame for half an hour or so. This is the basis for glögg. When the time comes to serve, warm the syrup and add the alcohol and juice. Stir and serve as hot as you dare.

Now with Christmas just around the corner, what better time to put this theory to the test by pairing up these delicious Christmas treats created by Claude with something equally sweet and sticky. What springs to mind first and foremost is Delicata’s delicious value for money Casella Moscato, guaranteed to enhance any sweet dessert recipe, especially if it’s got chocolate in it. Then for those not-so-sweet desserts, what about a nice chilled flute of Gellewza Frizzante, which goes particularly well with any fresh fruit desserts or ice cream. As for Claude’s mulled wine recipe, why not try the Medina Syrah (Shiraz) in the recipe. It’s full bodied with lots of flavour and concentrated fruit – perfect for those chillier winter nights.

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TRAVEL Illustration of IBA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Block 2, Berlin.

TRAVEL BY DESIGN > MUSEUM MAXXI, ROME BY ZAHA HADID The drama that exists between computer-generated images and construction technology is best illustrated in the work of Zaha Hadid, Iraqi born architect, daughter of the AA School of Architecture London.

WORDS: RAY DEMICOLI

Between 1993-1999, Berlin was going through massive development. Star Architects were employed. I had seen the IBA-Block 2 drawings by Zaha, however the building did not really reflect the aura the beautiful drawings suggested.

IBA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Block 2, Berlin

A typical foreshortened baroque photograph.

I arrived at the Maxxi with an open mind. My good friend Perit Conrad Thake had just been and commended a visit. Zaha had received the prestigious Jim Sterling Architectural prize for this building. My expectation was high. On arrival, the striated parts of alternating concrete and marble chippings are a precursor of things to come. Gradually, I am drawn below the fair-faced concrete structure above and already feel engaged with the building.

Main lobby of MAXXI Museum, Rome

On entering the main space, I am delighted by the exciting spatial quality. Structural black parapet walls of illuminated passages intertwine into the height of the building giving a wonderful quasi-Baroque sense of space. The command of chiaro-oscuro and fore-shortened views give the canvas/ fresco a sense of depth. Ground floor reflected ceiling plan

The building is extremely cinematic. Zaha has nurtured an impressive visual prowess and masterly control. The structural engineers are equally clever in resolving large spans with use of concrete walls, steel columns and balustrades for the stairs and passages. 087

TRAVEL

Early study sketch of MAXXI Museum, testing formal language of concrete lamellas.

In fact, the building is an embodiment of several ideas that were used in previous concepts or buildings and now seemed opportune to utilize in this building. Striated lines were used in several projects – Museum of Islamic Art, Chicago IIT, even rooted in the Peak (Hong Kong 19821983). The building climax cantilever was used in Bergiser Ski Jump Innsbruck, Austria (1998-2002).

Interior view capturing the balance between artificial and natural light and dynamism of circulation.

The morphology of the building emerges from thesuperimposition of landscape & circulation.

The building is generated by two main concepts, natural light and circulation. The process and design development could not have progressed without the use of the large number of line, sketches, studies, computer images, models, in the quest of the choice of the final right line!

The competition of the building started in 1998. “It was a time when we started doing landscapes and topography”, says Hadid. “I was interested in the morphology of a plan shift to object and back to field. The museum was a landscape field project.” At the brainstorming session of the competition with her associate Patrik Schumacher and the design team, Zaha brought to the table pages from her former sketchbooks.

The exhibition spaces are organised in five different suites ranging between 700 to 2,000 square meters. The resulting spaces are calm, in contrast with the fluidity and dynamism of the circulation stairs and passages. The building is living proof that building technology today has in fact made huge inroads. To the appeasement of the architectural profession, the ethereal forms that Zaha used to dream of in her formative years are now being realized!

Abstract illustration of MAXXI Museum, Rome

The lines intertwine like a huge transport hub. In this case it’s a cultural exchange. The control of natural light is intelligently resolved by skylights and glass reinforced concrete fins that integrate artificial lighting and structure. 089

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