HOMEWORKS 81

ISSUE 81

INSPIRATION IMPROVEMENT STYLE

THE SMALL SPACES ISSUE

and relax

Marina Street, PietĂ .

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satariano.com

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DISCOVER HOW CREATIVITY MAKES GREAT COFFEE

Design inspired by coffee.

Drop®, by NESCAFE® Dolce Gusto®, comes from the very heart of Creative Coffee: Its sleek and seamless form is inspired by a single drop of delicious coffee, and designed to truly impress.

With my intuitive touch interface, preparing the perfect Espresso, frothy Latte Macchiato or full bodied Grande couldn’t be easier! Whatever your preference, Drop creates state-of-the-art beverages every time. www.dolce-gusto.com.mt

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COFFEE IS NOT JUST BLACK

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DROP

E

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6, Uqija Street, Ibrag (Round the corner from Ex Jessie’s bar now Pepe Nero)

T. 2137 3812 - E: info@raphaelazzopardi.com www.raphaelazzopardi.com

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CONTENTS HW

® ISSUE 81 NOV 2016

044

COVER STORY LARGER THAN LIFE An expansive workeat-sleep-play zone that belies its size

029 057 072 076

011 013 018 021 029 032 040 044 050 057 062 065 068 072 076 078 081 092

contents

Reader letters and competition Edit – News My Design Life – Anna Nightingale Small Space Style Meet the Creatives – Te fit-Tazza Home 1: A Warm Welcome Home 2: Fade to Grey Home 3: Larger than Life Home 4: Think Big Baby, It’s Cold Outside Shop Lifestyle news Botanical Beauty Cuisine - Delizioso Travel - Gozitan Style Essential Suppliers Address book Back Story – The Artek Stool 007

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IN ORDER FOR THE LIGHT TO SHINE SO BRIGHTLY, THE DARKNESS MUST BE PRESENT. Francis Bacon

A | 38/1, Emmanuel Schembri Str, Birkirkara, BKR 1810 T | 2149 6843 E | info@lds.com.mt

www.lds.com.mt

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EDITOR’S LETTER HW

This Issue.

With land becoming increasingly tight and more and more people wanting to live in big towns and cities, small space living has become a design buzzword. At the Milan Furniture Fair this year, many designers tackled the issue, creating products that were supersmall and neat, could be folded out of sight for a streamlined look or transformed from one small piece of furniture to a larger one when needed. This issue focusses on how to live in a small space stylishly and we have lots of ideas and advice, plus four homes in which architects have come up with clever ways to make the most of a home that is spacially-challenged. There’s lots more too, such as products for warming up the home as the weather cools, a how-to on pressing plants to bring the outside in beautifully, and delicious cuisine from Rome. Enjoy the issue!

PUBLISHER MARC SPITERI HOMEWORKS is published by Writeon Limited. and is a registered trademark of Writeon Limited. 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. © 2016

EDITOR RACHEL LOOS PUBLICATION COORDINATOR LIDIA BROCKDORFF ART DIRECTOR MARC SPITERI DESIGN JONATHAN BAJADA

PHOTOGRAPHY HELEN CATHCART BRIAN GRECH WARREN HEATH TONIO LOMBARDI SEAN MALLIA CONTRIBUTORS SVEN ALBERDING KATIE AND GIANCARLO CALDESI JENNIFER JO BARTH GEORGES MEEKERS VICKI SLEET LAURA TWIGGS JANINE VERMEULEN

SALES & MARKETING ROBIN MILLS +356 2133 9999 +356 9933 2224 sales@homeworks.com.mt PRE-PRESS & PRINTING GUTENBERG PRESS DISTRIBUTION MILLER DISTRIBUTORS POSTAL ADDRESS / E-MAIL WRITEON LTD. 89 TIGNÉ STREET, LEVEL 2, SLM3170, MALTA info@homeworks.com.mt

GET IN TOUCH HOMEWORKS is distributed to all outlets that carry the Sunday newspapers. We’d love to hear your opinions - what you love, what you love less, and what you’d like to see more of! Email us on info@homeworks.com.mt 009

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READER’S RESPONSE HW ®

GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK AND WIN FORWARD YOUR IDEAS OUTLINING WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PUBLISHED IN HOMEWORKS. THE PERSON SUBMITTING THE MOST INTERESTING IDEA OR CONCEPT WILL RECEIVE ‘THE HOMEWORKS BOOK - A COLLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY MALTESE INTERIORS AND ARCHITECTURE, WITH OVER 300 PAGES OF VIBRANT AND STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHY, WORTH €40.

Send your ideas to: HOMEWORKS Feedback, Writeon Ltd., 89 Tigné Street, Level 2, Sliema, SLM 3170, Malta or email: info@homeworks.com.mt

ISSUE 80

WINNER

PAULINE MERCIECA IS THE WINNER OF THIS ‘DAY IN THE PARK’ PICNIC HAMPER FOR FOUR PEOPLE INCLUDING CUTLERY, PLATES, TUPPERWARE AND A COOLER BAG’ WORTH €89, COURTESY OF BUTLERS.

PAULINE WROTE: ‘What I would like to read about is how to have an organized and good looking garage. We live in a three bedroom flat and have a garage. Every item we use seasonally ends up in the garage with the result that the garage is really turning out pretty ugly. There must be some way how to have a nice looking organized garage!’

HOMEWORKS

ONLINE AND ON YOUR MOBILE FIND IN-DEPTH FEATURES THAT CAN’T BE FOUND IN THE MAGAZINE, UNCOVERING INSPIRING INTERIORS, ARCHITECT-DESIGNED HOMES AND THE LATEST NEW PRODUCTS. YOU CAN ALSO READ ALL THE MAGAZINE ISSUES ONLINE. DON’T MISS OUT ON THE EXCITING NEW WAY TO BRING YOU MORE INSPIRATION, INNOVATION AND STYLE. VISIT

WWW.HOMEWORKS.COM.MT

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 to the attention of: The Editor, info@homeworks.com.mt

SOCIAL MEDIA

www.facebook.com/HOMEWORKSMALTA www.twitter.com/HOMEWORKSMalta www.pinterest.com/homeworksmalta 011

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High Quality German Craftsmanship.

Joinery using real wood.

www.bsh.com.mt

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B`KARA BYPASS BIRKIRKARA | T: 27 201 884 | info@bsh.com.mt

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HW

THE EDIT NEWS

TRENDS

ADVICE

SHOPPING

PEOPLE

COLOUR CO-ORDINATED The new Arper Catifa 46 collection comes in a gorgeous range of colours and is fully customisable so you can create a dining table look that is individual to you – perfect for giving character to a small space . Choose from a palette of colours: rosÊ, petrol, yellow, ivory and smoke, and as the seat pad and legs are both customisable, pair them together for a block of colour or contrast them for an even more vibrant design. You can also amplify or mute the look by the choice of fabric, shell finish and colour for the base. Auntie Lucy

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ARTEOR

TM

the ultimate

choice

Versatility, style and functionality make Arteor the innovative answer to the increasingly complex demands of modern buildings.

Much more than just a wiring accessory, Arteor is the ideal choice for any residential or commercial project. From the simplicity of white moulded plastic to the sophisticated style of woven steel, Arteor offers an array of stylish finishes that flow from its wiring accessories range through to automation devices.

This beautiful range is available from

Mill Street, Qormi | elektra.com.mt | Tel: 2546 3000 | info@elektra.com.mt

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THE EDIT HW

Talking Italian

If you love pure Italian style, then head to Satariano Home which now stocks Poltrona Frau, one of Italy’s oldest brands.

A leather specialist with a history of fine craftsmanship that dates back 104 years, its many iconic pieces include the Vanity Fair, designed by founder Renzo Frau. The upper level of the Satariano Home showroom will feature not just armchairs but also sofas, beds and storage such as the stylish Albero floor to ceiling bookcase with Canaletto walnut veneer shelves that can be swivelled 360°.

SURPRISE! French company ibride is known for its quirky designs that often combine several forms and functions and Ming Pivoine (Ming Peony) is the perfect example. Stacked together it is a statuesque vessel (39cm high), but pull it apart and a magical inside is revealed – six individual bowls, each with a beautiful design. Made from melamine, it’s as tough as it is beautiful.

Camilleri Paris Mode

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HW THE EDIT

Take Five The soft glow of candles creates a snug mood. Here are five chic candle holders….

Chimney candleholder at Raphael Azzopardi

POV candleholder by Menu, at core

Teal metal palm tree candelabra by Matthew Williamson, at Debenhams Four-armed candelabra at Zara Home

Cathedral candelabra by Calligaris, at Ideacasa

MINI HOUSE Washington DC-based Foundry Architects have designed the Minim House that’s just 25 square metres, the detailed plans available for purchase for about €435. Inspired by a ship’s cabin, every bit of space is used - the bed rolls out from beneath a raised work area; the built-in sofa contains storage and a table top of reclaimed walnut can be moved around the house to be a dining table, coffee table or desk. It is also energy efficient - concealed rooftop gutters collect rainwater that is then filtered and heated on-demand by a propane unit. Rooftop solar panels provide energy that is converted into usable electricity. Clever. www.foundryarchitects.com

A SOFT TOUCH If you’re after a luxurious feel in the bathroom, then run your fingers over the new Noblesse2 range of towels by German company Cawö. Made from 560 gsm combed cotton towel with a velour stripe detail across the towel, they are beautifully soft against the skin. The towels come in 10 different colours and comply with the highest ecostandards. Co-ordinated to match the towels are bath rugs, made from 100 per cent natural fibres. Boris Arcidiacono

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HW THE EDIT

my design life

Anna Nightingale is an internationally acclaimed abstract expressionist painter - in London’s iconic Ivy restaurant her work hangs alongside that of Andy Warhol and Tracy Emin. After years working between London and Malta, Anna has now made her home on Gozo….

I live in…

A sweet house in Gharb, Gozo, with my son and my dogs.

I moved here a month ago. My son goes to school in the village and is happy there so I had good reason to live here. I have had studios in Qala and Xaghra and my family holiday home for over 30 years is in Munxar, but at the moment Gharb is drawing me in. There’s something about living on an island, a free feeling. There’s the edge, and it’s just there. Totally different to living in a big country.

The most useful item in my home is…

Probably the brush and dustpan with two big hairy dogs and a small person creating dens wherever he steps.

Then there’s me the painter, not the tidiest of occupations. I paint mostly on the floor and use a process of layering thin washes of colour over the canvas. Almost like concealing areas, and then rubbing parts off by use of my hands, rags and soft tissue paper, to reveal segments. It’s certainly not controlled to an easel.

I make my coffee with…

I am not too fussy as long as it’s not bitter. At the moment I am over fancy coffee machines and the mess that comes with them and into Nescafé expresso blend from the jar with good honey. A nice kettle, a nice mug, and the whole experience is perfectly lovely. A couple of those in the morning and I am happy. Who needs complicated? It tastes great.

I could not live without…

My son James, whose 4, my two crazy chocolate Labradors, my friends, sushi, art, hugs, candles and chocolate.

I jot my ideas down on…

Anything I find at hand. I need to - I have a terrible memory. The notes section in my iPhone is brilliant though. I also love my iPad for researching favourite artists, interior design and exhibitions all over the world. It’s a great tool for learning. I buy quite a few art materials online too.

I make paintings in 22 carat gold and [the silvery-white metal] palladium where vast parts of the canvas are entirely covered in these precious metals. I buy the gold and palladium from a guilders warehouse in England. Everything else I can buy locally - canvas, ink oil brushes rollers…

I am inspired by...

Love, friendship, London, the English countryside, Malta and

Gozo, Los Angeles, Ireland and stunning art. They all give me the same warm feeling inside, infusing me with happiness, and in turn a desire to paint. I love the trees in Ireland and the people - my mum is half Irish so I have roots there. English gardens at their best are simply divine; my favourite smell in the world is freshly cut grass. London, well it’s magic. As is LA. Gozo and Malta have a special place in my heart and are in my roots. My father’s mother, who was half Spanish, half English grew up in Sliema, and her family opened the first tea room in Mdina. My great grandfather was responsible for the design and the organisation of the build of the Clock tower in Mtarfa (pictured below). Sadly, my grandmother never returned to Malta after she left aged 21, but talked fondly of it. She is the reason my parents came to discover it when I was seven years old. They fell in love with Malta and brought a house in Munxar when I was 11. For me, Malta has stunning architecture

and, as the sun goes down, fantastic awe-inspiring skies.

My working day entails...

Sorting out James. Sorting out the dogs. Coffee. Then work on my things. At the moment I am working on a new collection and setting up my studio and house on Gozo for pop-up art events which will be starting this month. I will be holding intimate evenings in my studio with a life model, both for professional artists and absolute beginners too. There’s always room for art in your life. The human form is a challenging subject, but one of the greatest. I will also do still-life classes. In David Hockney’s words, ‘Art comes in three forms - landscapes, portraits and still-lifes’. I tend to agree. He also said, ‘What an artist is trying to do for people is bring them closer to something, because of course art is about sharing. You wouldn’t be an artist

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THE EDIT HW unless you wanted to share an experience, a thought.’

How would you describe your artwork?

I like to think of my paintings as landscapes of the soul, a story told through colour. They are about all of my life to date.

Everywhere I have ever been and people I have met. I think it’s important that the viewer understands you don’t actually have to understand them, know every thought that went into them, often that it is something so personal an artist would prefer not to say. In fact, I rarely name my paintings as what matters is if you like it, and if it makes you feel better. I don’t have any interest in making paintings that are not going to make people feel better. Perhaps it’s the Florence Nightingale in me wanting to make people feel good. Her tool was nursing, mine is paint.

My favourite artists are…

David Hockney for his early portraits which are extraordinary.

Whistler for the sensitivity in his brush strokes and Peter Doig because of his painting, Ski Jacket. I couldn’t actually leave it when I first saw it, I was stunned.

The public building I most love to visit…

The National Gallery in London (pictured below) because ever since I was at school growing up, day trips out would be a day in London which entailed a visit to the National Gallery and the Royal Academy and I dreamt of one day studying in London and being able to pop in whenever I felt like, which I am happy to say I did do. It houses so many icons which I really adore. The building is magnificent as is Trafalgar Square and The Mall leading to Buckingham Palace - it’s London in all its glory.

After this, I would say the British Museum. When I enter the lightfused huge domed entrance it makes me so excited I get butterflies.

I had access to the libraries and archives containing early sketches of many of the greatest artists of all time when I was studying at St Martins. This is something I will never forget. I also saw a Grayson Perry show there not so many years ago and totally fell l in love with his craftsmanship. I loved it that beauty had come back. They are simply stunning in life, so very clever.

Finally, I’d say the Pantheon in Rome which is also houses the tomb of Raphael who is also one of my favourite artists.

Rome is definitely one of my top five favourite places to be.

My favourite interior design classic is…

Nice lamps. Most things can look good in a room lit solely by

really great lamps. Then, ideally, a gigantic sofa covered in fabric by Josef Frank (pictured bottom, left). Especially the ones with the black background with all those wild dreamy other worldly plants in crazy beautiful colours.

The work I’m most proud of…

My son is my greatest work of art to date. As for paintings...

There are three I think “how the hell did I do that?” Remora, LA (pictured above) and 3.45pm (pictured top).

Remora is about a 10-day trip in a 40ft sailing boat from Spain to Gozo. Terrifying, incredible and life changing. LA, well… I love that place so much, going there fulfilled a lifelong dream. The third is a gold piece that I sold to The Ivy restaurant in London. I re-gilded it for them last winter and it had quite a lot of finger prints on it because, I am happy to say, according to the manager people love it so much they want to touch it. These three pieces and well, all of my work, I look at them and think. ‘I really don’t know how I did those.’ Then I start a new collection and it’s like, ‘wow here it is!’ It’s a special gift and I am very lucky. www.annanightingaleart.com 019

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THE EDIT HW

Small Space Style How do you make the most of a compact room? Be inspired by these insider tips on the best way to use colours, furniture and accessories. We begin with a guide to making a small space look and feel good by Feng Shui expert Rika Nishimura…

T

here is something intangible about our perception of buildings and interiors which can, perhaps, be regarded as a sense of comfort and connection with a property that goes beyond its functions and practicality. Sometimes a property fulfils all of our requirements but we cannot imagine calling it ‘home’ – this is because our sensory system is responding negatively to the space. Space has a strong impact on our wellbeing, comfort and emotional health. Ultimately the more balanced a space, the more it is perceived as comfortable and inviting. The less so, the less we are able to connect to it.

An ancient property planning system called Feng Shui, developed over millennia, explains the energy connection between an individual and a property. It is based on the analysis of a property’s energy qualities, associated with compass directions, as well as the astrological aspects of the resident, plus the shapes and forms surrounding us.

Considering these factors when refurbishing or considering a new room design can help us feel more connected and in tune with the property.

Small homes can be considered difficult to arrange but this is the result of applying concepts suited to large spaces to small ones. In fact, the size of a property is irrelevant. What is important is the structure, room configuration and the use of colours and patterns that are in tune with the energy situation of each room. Living in a harmonious environment balances our energies and helps facilitate a peaceful frame of mind so we can find our own space and regain space. Focus on these few essential rules to make your small space feel good…

1. Be selective with which items to keep. Focus on keeping things which bring joy – and are absolutely necessary, useful – or inspiring. Be thoughtful about what to give space to, both in your life and your home; 2. Separating space and function is crucial. Avoid using one area for multiple tasks such as sleeping, working and eating.

These actions require different types of energy and should not be mixed as it can create confusion, and you might end up doing none of the tasks well because of the lack of clarity and focus. In a loft or studio apartment, carpets and feature walls, as well as the use of different colours, can be used to zone and divide a space; 3. Wall units help keep a space organized and uncluttered.

They also require less space and so are ideal for small spaces. For the same reason sliding doors are preferred to conventional doors.

4. Pastel colours make the space feel brighter and more spacious.

5. Organic shapes and natural elements in the interior are more relaxing, and give a sense of protection opposed to sharp forms and flat metallic surfaces which create tension.

Rika Nishimura of Harmonic Space; www.harmonicspace.com 21

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. . . e m o h r u o y

KITCHENS

OFFICE

R LIVING, MRIEHEL BYPASS, QORMI

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SOFAS

PHONE. 21 499 699

BEDROOMS E.MAIL. INFO@RLIVING.COM.MT

PARQUET WWW.RLIVING.COM.MT

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THE EDIT HW

AND MORE INSPIRING SMALL SPACE DESIGN IDEAS…

#1. Distract The Eye If you have a low ceiling, a darker tone on the floor will distract from the ceiling; a light floor combined with a darker colour on the wall will increase the sense of floor space.

#2. Pops Of Colour Small spaces do not have to mean no colour and pattern - but you need to be sparing. Restrict yourself to one or two colours or go multi-coloured and patterned in one area such as cushions on a sofa or a rug.

#3. Exposed Beams Removing a flat ceiling and exposing the beams is a good way of adding a sense of space - a high ceiling makes a room feel airier even if the floor space is unchanged.

#4. Work The Small Things Don’t forget those little details that give a small space a real sense of style such as chic handles for a designer touch.

#5. Sheer Style Transparent tables and chairs make a room feel less full of furniture – team clear chairs around a solid dining table or a clear dining table with white chairs. A transparent coffee table is another idea. Gloss and lacquer are also good as they reflect light around the room.

Stainless steel handle from PM Hobby Home Solutions

Buster and Punch T-Bar in brass (variations available); www. busterandpunch.com

Bent Legs coffee table at The Atrium 023

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HW THE EDIT #7. Mirror Magic A mirror is must-have as it bounces light around the room. The most effective place to put a mirror is opposite a window but on any wall is good, and also in dark corners. Go for one large mirror or hang a group of smaller mirrors for a graphic effect. As well as helping with light, a large mirror propped against a wall will also make a room feel larger.

Storage solutions at JYSK

#6. Stash It Good storage is key to ensuring a small space looks and feels good because clutter makes a compact room feel small and messy. Some ideas – use furniture that has in-built storage such as beds and coffee tables, swap sideboards and chests of drawers for console tables, cut shelves into walls, create shelves in alcoves that would otherwise be left unused and place stylish boxes on top of a wardrobe.

The Kaschkasch floor mirror by Menu fits into a corner, at core

#8. Small, Stylish – And Multifunctional Compact living is a design buzzword and that has resulted in the creation of furniture that is made for tight and awkward spaces and/or that can be easily transformed into larger piece for when something bigger is needed….

A cupboard becomes a bed with the Trasformabili Space collection by Blue Sky Homes

Pouf bed by BoConcept 024

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This is not just a mirror.

This is both my best friend and my harshest critic.

Where I breathe deeply before my big day. The last person I see before I go out into the world.

This is my show, I lead.

Choose wisely.

Vivo Bathrooms & Ceramics Ltd, Geronimo Abos Street, Iklin vivo.com.mt | facebook.com /vivobathrooms

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HW THE EDIT #9. Move Away From The Walls Having furniture such as sofas and sideboards flush against a wall may seem like the best way to make the most of limited room space but in fact, bringing them out a few centimetres, makes a room feel more open.

#10. Lux Up The Breakfast Bar

#12. Wall-mounted lighting Wall mounted light is a practical and stylish option for areas where you need a reading light such as by the bed or in a reading corner.

Another option is to hang small pendant lights from the ceiling.

Tolomeo wall light by Artemide, at Elektra

Don’t have space for a dining table in an open-plan living space? Think about creating a luxury breakfast bar with a material such as marble, which can also be used as a dining table.

#11. Bench It A bench around one side of a rectangular table not only helps you get more people around it, it also creates a less busy look.

#13. Add The Pretty Stuff Even a small room needs decorative details to give it a chic finished look. Do this by grouping together objects that share a similar colour palette, material or look, for example, pictures all in black frames, vases and bowls in different shapes but all made of wood or the same shade of glass. House plants and flowers add the freshness of nature, and do add in one or two objects that break the pattern to give the collection energy and added interest.

#14. Mix In Some Metallics The sheen of gold, silver, copper and now on-trend brass, add warmth to a mostly monochrome decorative scheme – add it through accessories such as vases and bowls, or lights or even furniture such as side-tables.

Golden raised-design ceramic vase, Zara Home

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Surfaces made for mishaps Surfacing THE MOST BEauTifuL HOMES

The Factory, Mosta Road, Lija. T: 2143 3636 www.halmannvella.com

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THE EDIT HW

MEET THE CREATIVES CRAIG MACDONALD, A GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND ILLUSTRATOR WORKING IN ADVERTISING, AND ANDREW FARRUGIA, WORKING IN DIGITAL MARKETING, LAUNCHED TE FIT-TAZZA LAST AUGUST, CREATING STRIKING ILLUSTRATIONS INSPIRED BY WHAT’S AROUND THEM...

Why did you start Te fit-Tazza?

As we both work in a corporate environment we always dreamed of being able to create a brand that represents us as individuals. Te fitTazza was the right opportunity to not only use our skillsets to market the product but also to create it at the level of detail we wanted.

How did you develop your style?

When we initially started working on this project, we came across examples of beautiful flat illustrations, all with their unique technique. This gave us the inspiration to develop our own set of prints that portray the abundance of local identity whilst also developing our own style which has been influenced by doing a lot of flat illustration for corporate clients.

How did you choose the name?

We wanted something unique to Malta but also fun enough to represent two passionate friends with a complementing sense of humour.

We embarked on a mission to visit local landmarks for inspiration and it was when we were at the Vilhena

Band Club in Floriana and got served two teas in a glass that we felt we struck gold. What’s more local than a glass of tea paired with one or two cheesecakes (pastizzi). The name felt right immediately; it’s fun, it’s unique, it’s Maltese and we simply loved it!

How do you work?

The most important step in our design process is choosing the subject matter.

We discuss at length what is relevant.

This is mostly down to charm - we try to choose subjects that stand for something, be it past or present; it could also be a subject that invokes a joyous memory or a certain amount of sentiment. The bus tickets are an example of this - they are reminders of the simpler times of our youth.

Next, this initial idea is developed digitally using on site photography as a guide to achieving the correct composition. We then decide what level of detail is needed to keep the subject recognizable whilst also reflecting our style - it is the decision to omit certain details that we feel really defines the work we are producing.

Once we are happy with what we

have on screen we send off to our printer for samples. One of our biggest challenges in this project was finding the right printer. Through hard work, determination and a ridiculous amount of research we were lucky to find a printer that can deliver the brightness and quality we demand.

Who buys your prints?

When we first launched we got a very good response locally. Our clients come from all walks of life. Some are buying our prints to add that extra touch to their new home whilst others are attracted to our Elements of Malta collection as they conjure up fond memories of the past. We are thrilled that we have already started shipping internationally and our next challenge is to showcase our prints to people that appreciate our design for the design and not also because of their connection to Malta. That said, it would be a great accomplishment for us to further expose the iconic attributes of our island to the world through our work. www.tefittazza.com 029

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SPACES HW

Over the following 23 pages, be inspired by small homes that are full of big ideas. On the next page architectural designer Sean Cassar took a dull, characterless and cluttered space and created a super-stylish and streamlined home for a young couple, integrating storage in imaginative ways. On page 038, architect Jens Bruenslow took a mess of an apartment in an old building and made the old and new work together beautifully. On page 044 a South African apartment has a smart idea for a long space and the addition of a mezzanine level, and on page 050 ARCHI+ Architects’ Studio went bold to create a dynamic space.

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HW SPACES

A WARM WELCOME

SMART INTERIOR DESIGN TRANSFORMED A COMPACT AND CLUTTERED APARTMENT INTO A STYLISHLY ELEGANT SPACE Interior Designer: Sean Cassar, Design Hub Malta Photography: Tonio Lombardi Words: Rachel Loos

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Living room: the American walnut parquet on the floor makes the open-plan living area feel wonderfully warm, and Sean has continued the look up the wall which also hides an integrated storage unit, ‘stitching in’ strips of spray-painted MDF along with shelving in travertine. The BoConcept sofa, in a neutral fabric, fits in well with the colour scheme and doesn’t cramp the space. Hay’s round DLM coffee table adds a cool design touch. In the hallway, indoors plants, including one hanging from a Sky Planter, add a refreshing touch of green 033

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Hallway (above): instead of being a dull space, the hallway now has plenty of character but is useful too, with a large cupboard for storage that segues into a long desk (left): in to a long desk, transparent so it doesn’t overwhelm the narrow space. The String System (below) creates unobtrusive storage

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Dining area (left) : the ceiling has been lowered over the dining area to accommodate the air-conditioning system, but it’s also a clever way of defining the area. The rich colour of the floor and the table complement each other, but are lightened by the upholstered chairs. The statement Foscarini Allegro pendant light was moved from the living area to above the table where it has greater impact hung low. In the foreground is a breakfast bar in travertine

ake a look at the before photographs of this apartment and it is obvious where the homeowners were struggling. Bags and boxes are piled up on the floor and the media unit containing the television is a messy jumble of stuff.

Despite the pale flooring and white walls and ceiling, the space looks cluttered and feels stressful - so it was no wonder the couple called in designer Sean Cassar, founder of Design Hub Malta, to give them a stylish solution. ‘My main objective was to give the homeowners integrated storage and as they have a keen eye for design, it needed to look good too,’ says Sean.

The starting point was the floor. The original travertinestyle tiles gave the apartment, in Mellieha, a cold feel but with the family living in it during the renovation, it would have been too disruptive to remove all the tiles and start again. Instead, it was decided to re-do just the five square metres of the living and dining area in American walnut parquet. It is, though, enough to completely transform the space, giving it a lovely warmth, as well as setting the tone for the rest of the design.

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SPACES HW ‘My main objective was to give the homeowners integrated storage and as they have a keen eye for design, it needed to look good too.’

Fireplace: it is not large, but the fireplace, set in travertine, gives a cosy feel for the cooler months, and creates a design statement in what would otherwise be a blank wall. A light that’s flush to the ceiling illuminates the living room area, and avoids cluttering the space 035

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HW SPACES In a compact space, as this area certainly is, a seamless flow from floor to ceiling feels more spacious and Sean has carried the walnut from the floor up the wall and onto the unit that contains the television as well plenty of hidden storage. Known for combining different materials, a process he calls ‘stitching in’, Sean also introduced travertine in the form of smart boxed shelving and a ledge that becomes a breakfast bar as it reaches the kitchen. Echoing both the shapes of the parquet and the travertine are strips of spray-painted MDF which not only break up what would otherwise be a large expanse of walnut, but also link the unit to the rest of the apartment. This combination also continues around the corner into the hallway, framing the existing window, giving what was once a completely characterless part of the apartment, a real sense of style.

For warmth but also as a design feature, Sean had installed a modern fireplace within the living room area. It is surrounded by travertine which continues across the wall. Within this, and painted in grey, is a vast cupboard which gives further storage, and together with the television unit, the couple are now able to stash everything out of sight creating a much more sophisticated and tranquil mood.

Stairwell: an architectural light fitting runs the length of the stairwell ceiling and then part way down the connecting apartment wall giving what could be a flat area a character of its own. Carpeted flooring in the hallway to the bedrooms keeps the textural experience interesteing

Bathroom: untouched by the recent renovation, a neutral palette is warmed by the wood veneer of the double basin unit.

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Bedroom: Tom Dixon pendant lights are a chic choice of table light in the bedroom which is original to the apartment. A walkin wardrobe is cleverly hidden behind a screen and thick curtains give a snug feel.

To contain an air-conditioning unit which the apartment did not have prior to the design overhaul, the ceiling was slightly lowered over the dining area, which also helps define the space.

Lighting was also carefully considered.

The long slim rectangular fitting that runs the length of the stairwell ceiling and then part way down the connecting apartment wall is strongly architectural in look and gives what could be a flat area a character of its own. Ambient lighting is also set through the apartment, complementing the fittings – the light that once hung over the sofa area now hangs low over the dining table for a smart, designer look; in the living room area, Sean went for a light that is flush to the ceiling, the best option in such a tight space.

Carpet was added to the corridor, again alleviating the coolness of the tiles, and a floor-to-ceiling mirror at the end of the narrow space helps give a feeling of space as well as accentuating the light.

Today the apartment looks and feels very different, the look elegant and the mood beautifully calm. Definitely job done.

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FADE to GREY A MONOCHROME COLOUR PALETTE AND A STREAMLINED DESIGN COME TOGETHER TO CREATE AN APARTMENT THAT FEELS LIGHT AND SPACIOUS Architect: Jens Bruenslow Photography: Brian Grech Styling: Jennifer Jo Barth With thanks to: R Lautier Stone Workshop, Habitat at The Atrium, Derekgarden Centre, BoConcept, Mdina Glass and Ortigia Words: Rachel Loos

Living room: a palette in pale grey with tiles that reflect the light give the room a bright feel which is enough to hold the darker toned furniture, most of which are family heirlooms. New flooring of cement tiles was laid throughout. ‘I wanted to create a quiet space,’ says Jens. The large painting is by Teresa Scibberas. The marble and brass table is by R Lautier

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hen architect Jens Bruenslow first saw this apartment, it was in a terribly dilapidated condition. The floors were on different levels, false ceilings had been added, most of the tiles were broken, apertures had been damaged and the services were dysfunctional. The layout wasn’t good either - the bedrooms at the back of the property were only accessible through a narrow access that led to a dark, aluminiumenclosed passage.

But there were opportunities too, and space to work with. Located in a former palace, which had been turned into a block of flats at the beginning of the 20th century, the apartment is situated in the lower part of what was once the piano nobile. Whilst having lost its former ceilings to the apartment above, many of the old doors were still in place and all could be restored and used again, either in their original place or in new positions. There were also blocked up openings of the former palazzo which could be re-opened, enhancing the light and character of what is today the kitchen.

In renovating and reorganising the apartment, now owned by a young couple, its structure was left practically unchanged. However, the floors were levelled out and then tiled throughout in pale grey traditional Maltese tiles, laid in a diagonal pattern, the continuous flat surface immediately creating a more spacious feel. In the living room a ribbon of darker grey tiles was introduced, adding an elegant touch.

Jens’ solution for the existing passage that led to back bedrooms was radical but beautiful – the construction of a traditional Maltese balcony that follows the segment of a circle. It fits the character of the building but most importantly, gives easy and comfortable access with a space that is now generous and light- filled where once there was only a narrow gap.

Raised platforms, finished in plywood that’s been assembled in a classic pattern of hexagons and squares and lacquered in same colour as the inbuilt furniture,

Dining area (top): placing the table and chairs on a raised platform defines the dining area at the end of the kitchen which is reached from the living room through a pair of original doors. The table in white, as well as a stool, help keep the room from feeling too full of funiture.

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Kitchen: one long grey unit contains not only the sink and appliances but also cupboards for crockery and glassware. The old-style table (pictured left) gives a vintage touch that works with the age of the apartment, as does the Maltese-style balcony (below right) that increased the size and spaciousness of a corridor (bottom right)

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were introduced in the kitchen and the master bathroom, in both cases enhancing the definition and order of space. In the bathroom, the platform elevates the freestanding bathtub and isolates it thus from the more mundane elements of the bathroom which are aligned in front of a narrow cabinet which houses the services. In the kitchen, the platform again sits at one end of the room, in front of the windows, and creates a defined dining area.

The countertop-level kitchen unit contains the sink as well as the cooking appliances and is super stream-lined for a muted kitchen feel.

Opposite is a traditional side table on which sits the coffee machine and decorative accessories, ‘giving it a less purely functional but a more liveable feeling as it is the first room one enters when arriving in the flat,’ says Jens.

Bathroom: a deep, free-standing bathtub gives a real sense of luxury, and the sheer white curtains accentuates the escapist mood. The flooring is plywood cut to shape, painted and then lacquered

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Bedroom: a low-slung bed teamed with a plinth-style bedside table is another small space trick for making a space feel more spacious than it is

Throughout the apartment, the colour palette is kept neutral with light grey walls that vary in tone as the light changes throughout the day. The grey is complemented by white frames and doors and inbuilt furniture elements of a darker grey, that all come together to create a mood of understated elegance that will age well.

The renovation was tricky, particularly when it came to the organisation of services but mostly due to the apartment’s location which meant no access by car and the negotiation of a number of steps. ‘And as it is an old building there were some surprises,’ says Jens. ‘But the true challenge, was and always is, to find the right balance – giving a place a new lease of life that is of this time without losing its character and a sense of its history.’ That has certainly been done.

Bathroom storage: in another bathroom, services are contained within a narrow cabinet which also makes a shelf for showcasing accessories that make the room feel less functional

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LARGER THAN LIFE INSPIRED DESIGN MADE THIS SMALL URBAN APARTMENT INTO AN EXPANSIVE WORK-EATSLEEP-PLAY ZONE THAT BELIES ITS SIZE Photographs: Warren Heath Styling: Sven Alberding Words: Laura Twiggs

Full of light: leading onto the generous balcony, a symmetrical pair of glass sliding doors span the breadth of the apartment and are great for indooroutdoor living. The living area furniture gives a comfortable vibe, and the Midcentury Modern (MCM) accents such as the coffee table and cushion bring a playful pop edge.

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ho would have thought this apartment in Cape Town’s hip Sea Point area once felt pokey, dark and awkwardly-proportioned? Today, despite its 58sqm footprint, it’s a generously-proportioned, airy and open multi-functional double-volume space that looks as good as it feels. The makeover is the work of the apartment’s owner, film director and editor Rob Nicholls, and architect Michael Lumby of L&L Architects who helped Rob transform his small apartment into something special.

An obvious trick which adds to the illusion of space is apartment’s neutral palette. This was achieved by applying a hard white epoxy coating to the original parquet flooring, creating a flowing white space that creates an expansive mood.

Also key was the high-placed picture windows in the kitchen, entrance and bathroom that together maximise natural light and accentuate the expansive open views. At the same time, a symmetrical pair of square glass sliding doors lead onto a generous balcony and bring inside the virtually uninterrupted

beachfront and seascape along with beautifully dramatic sunsets.

The real game changer, though, was the architect’s solution to the most ubiquitous of all small-space problems - storage.

‘It led everything,’ says Rob. An ingenious idea, a singular unit spans the entire length of the space, divided into dedicated kitchen, scullery, cooking, dining and living segments allowing the different living zones to be demarcated according to function.

It works brilliantly – both precluding space-shrinking interruptions to the flow, and also turning the disproportional length of the apartment into an advantage by swinging the orientation away from the narrow confines of its breadth.

Made from wood, it looks and feels like a stylish fixture in its own right and sets up an aesthetic grid in which a matching room divider running parallel to it marks the entrance to the apartment while at the same time clearly defining the kitchen and keeping major appliances out of sight.

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Warm wood: the introduction of wood, an organic material, adds warmth to the space Dining table: keeping with the parallel design grid, a long and lean table continues the elongating line. Aided by minimalist black, chrome-legged Eames chairs, its lean legs and floating top underscore the sense of airiness even as together, chairs and table create a bold black visual and spatial anchor. Using the balcony table as an extension, eight to 10 people are comfortably accommodated for dinner.

Open-plan living: An almost entirely white canvas creates the illusion of an infinitely more expansive space than the apartment’s 58m footprint.

Accentuating the length of the space is one continuous surface and storage unit, the organisation of which distinguishes kitchen, scullery, dining and living areas without interrupting the eye, as well as providing ample storage 047

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THE REAL GAME CHANGER WAS THE ARCHITECT’S SOLUTION TO THE MOST UBIQUITOUS OF ALL SMALLSPACE PROBLEMS - STORAGE.

Going up: as the gradient would have been too steep for a single staircase, architect Michael Lumby devised a double staircase, with left and right steps at alternate heights.

This allowed the creation of an upstairs bedroom, as well as a bank of cupboards which give a lot of storage.

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Mezzanine (top centre): wooden fixtures on the mezzanine link the upstairs space to the living area below and provide storage and display opportunities. Rob has been collecting cameras for the past 10 years – and all of these actually work, as does the radio (an original from the sixties which was his mother’s). The magazine rack on the landing continues the MCM theme.

Bedroom (above left): the pale wood works with the white of the floor and ceiling to create a wonderfully calm space.

Upstairs, the flat has been expanded by an extra 20m thanks to a roof extension that creates a mezzanine bedroom level as well giving double-volume airiness to the living area below. It is reached by a double-staggered staircase which not only gives access to the mezzanine but also provides a streamlined wardrobe and ample storage that stashes away even bulky items.

Rob’s aesthetic style is a perfect match for his living space.

‘Mid-century Modern is probably my biggest influence in terms of design,’ he says. With a background in photography and drawing, framing and composition are second nature to him,

and though he leans towards minimalism, he’s no fan of clinical Modernist clichés. ‘I hate stark,’ he stresses – a statement borne out by his home’s décor.

A tightly-edited and ever-changing selection of his own photographs and found images hang on the walls, punctuated with artworks by friends and interesting collections (vintage cameras, for example, or wooden miniatures of the New York skyline’s notable buildings). Furnishings and plants provide splashes of colour, rich textures and warmth, and that his table regularly accommodates up to ten dinner guests, says it all: this may be a small space, but it makes for a large life.

Bathroom (above right): glossy black and white faux marble tiles and an expanse of glass transform a small bathroom into a luxurious room.

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THINK BIG

WHO SAYS DESIGNING A SMALL SPACE MEANS PLAYING IT SAFE? IN THIS TOWNHOUSE, BRIGHT COLOURS AND BOLD ARCHITECTURAL CHOICES HAVE CREATED A HOME THAT’S COMPACT BUT STYLISHLY FORCEFUL TOO Photographs: Sean Mallia Architect: Archi+ Architects’ Studio Words: Rachel Loos

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Living room: the house has no hallway and so one steps through the original doors, painted blue, straight into the living room.

Here, old style Maltese tiles have been given a contemporary twist in blue and orange.

Storage has been built into the wall behind the television and created through the blue shelving unit. The Habitat sofa is teamed with an armchair from Poltronesofa that has been upholstered in a sophisticated burnt orange to co-ordinate with the tiles.

The coffee table is a family heirloom.

The paintings on the wall, part of a vast collection, create a stylish and interesting focal point without overwhelming the room.

All the lights in the house are from Elektra

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Kitchen: at the back of the house the floor is of polished concrete which echoes the ceiling in the living room while the semi-matt white cabinets and drawers pick up and reflect the light. The worktop and splashback are of Nero Assoluto, a matt brushed black granite that doesn’t stain. The acacia wood table and all chairs are from Ikea. The orange of the flex is neatly picked up in the seat cushion. The string of lights gives a soft industrial look

Staircase (above): rising through the centre of the property from the ground to the third floor, the black metal staircase dominates the space, giving it an architectural elegance. The open treads give it a light feel and ensure it does not block the light from the skylight above.

Reverse view (top): in the living room, a wood-burning stove in the corner keeps the entire house warm as the heat rises up the stairwell. Wood is stored in shelves slotted into the wall 052

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wo challenges needed to be faced when creating this lovely townhouse in Mosta. The first was that although the home retained its 150-year old façade, inside it had been stripped bare of its original features leaving it characterless as well as rather dark. ‘The previous owners had added an extra floor which meant the ceilings were quite low too,’ says Anthea Huber of architects ARCHI+ Architects’ Studio who were commissioned by the new young owners to transform the property.

The other major issue was that it was really quite small. ‘Just 3.5 metres wide which meant it needed careful planning to create a sense of space and a comfortable home,’ says Anthea.

The first step was sorting out the inside structure and in so doing the architects once more gutted the house and started afresh – a decision which was only considered as the inside had already been altered and sanctioned.

In the living room, into which one steps

straight off the street, the original ceiling height was restored, creating a feeling of spaciousness despite its narrow footprint. At the back, however, the architects decided to continue with the three floors which allowed for a family living room as well as three bedrooms upstairs.

A lack of light is often a problem in both old and small spaces and here, faced with both, the architects installed a skylight in the ceiling over the stairwell. It ensures light floods the property, picking up the rays that flow from the fanlight above the front door and through the floor-toceiling doors in the kitchen to create a home that feels wonderfully bright. ‘During the day there is no need to turn on the lights,’ says Anthea.

In designing the look of the inside, ARCHI+ Architects’ Studio mixed traditional and modern style. The tiles in the living room have a traditional pattern but a contemporary twist comes through the vibrant blue and orange.

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Smart shelving: the walls leading to the downstairs toilet have been turned into slim-line shelving. In the bathroom itself, white metro tiles teamed with dark grouting create a smart graphic look.

Bathroom: the colourful and textured subway tiles add a playful mood to the bathroom on the first floor. The basin, that picks up one of the colours of the tiles, is by Italian company Nic Design.

Shower room: upstairs is a shower room, made chic with a sequoia brown and white marble wall.

nuanced edginess which, with the three pendant lights above the sofa, fits perfectly with the staircase which in black and rising through the property, it is the home’s architectural focus.

‘As the staircase had to be in the middle of the property, we decided to make it a feature that could be seen as soon as you walked in,’ says Anthea. Although in black metal, the treads have been kept open which not only stops it from looking overly heavy, but also ensures it doesn’t block the flow of light from above.

Beyond the stairs is the eat-in kitchen. ‘We went through a lot of configurations before we settled on this one,’ says Anthea. ‘One of the homeowners is a keen cook and she really wanted a kitchen island but the room needed to be spacious enough to be an entertaining area too. In the end, the compromise was a table that can seat 10 people but can also be used as a cooking workspace when needed.’

The kitchen’s dominant colour palette of black and white with pops of orange is one that can be found throughout

the house. ‘I wanted the scheme to be continuous which is important in a house of this size,’ says Anthea.

With such a narrow footprint, space in the townhouse is found by going up. On the first floor is a family room along with a bedroom and bathroom; on the floor above is the master bedroom and ensuite shower room, and at the top a roof garden for dry weather entertaining. To help move food and drinks from the ground floor up, the architects installed a dumb waiter. ‘The homeowners have found it is really useful for other things, such as laundry too,’ says Anthea.

Storage has been squeezed in wherever possible, not just in the usual places such as in the blue shelving unit beneath the television, but also in shelves that have been cut into walls. ‘Having such a limited site storage remained the client’s concern throughout the project so we had to be innovative with identifying all potential storage locations,’ says Anthea.

It all comes together to create a home that punches way above its size.

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WARMTH HW

BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE AS THE WEATHER CHILLS, IT’S TIME TO WARM UP THE HOME FOR COSY NIGHTS IN…

TOUCH-ME TEXTURES Texture is key to warming up a room. Above, ornate metals tiles create a subtle but effective wall covering which works beautifully with soft fabrics and natural materials such as leather and wood. All Dialma Brown at Satariano Home.

Working with multiple textiles can be intimidating, but the addition of patterns and contrasting textures can create a far more interesting space, whether it be the bedroom or another room in the home. When choosing bedding colours be careful that they don’t clash with the rest of the room be that furniture, paint, and any upholstered pieces. Textiles from Big Ben Interiors

A tiled floor that feels wonderfully cool in summer can feel cold in winter – warm up a living space with a striking rug such as Malta Rugs’ painterly floral rug which is hand-tufted in pure new wool and features oversized peonies, foxgloves and foliage. Available in three sizes and colourways - Fuchsia, Marine and Maize (pictured).

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FLICKERING FLAMES When it is cold outside, there is nothing warmer and cosier than a real fire. The flames give warmth as well as visual appeal, and today’s range of modern fireplaces are a stylish piece of interior design that make a home immediately more appealing.

While fireplaces were once always set in a wall, today they are often in the centre of a room, for a real style statement. Marble is and looks luxurious and Halmann Vella has a range of elegant options, including those where white and black marble combine for a chic contrast.

Bathroom Design’s Olden fireplace (above center) is also smart enough to be the centre of attention. The frame, support, trim and hood are in steel with a black or white enamel finish and an exclusive electrically-operated rise and fall system for the all-round glass screen. The bench, in majolica, comes in a colour of your choice from the Piazzetta range – the one shown is the Tabacco shade.

The Lancaster (above right), on the other hand, fits snugly into a wall. The tall surround with a one-piece front panel, bench and shelves in hand-made majolica are available in a wide range of colours. The marble base support is teamed with a steel frame in a black enamel finish. Shown here is the Senape.

A Max Blank combination stove from Il Camino offers high quality German technology combined with modern aesthetics. Heat your home comfortably and cleanly without electricity, using pellets or fire logs, the stove allowing you to easily switch between the two.

MG Firelogs have a wide range of products in both logs and pellets, produced from sustainable sources as well as kindling.

Natur Pellets are renowned for their quality, made from 100% Austrian fir, with an ENplus A1 certification standard. A low ash content of 0.35% results in a stove that burns more efficiently and cleanly and needs lower maintenance, at MG Firelogs

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WARMTH HW

BED DOWN A comfortable and welcoming bedroom is hugely important to one’s well-being during the winter months.

As well as a good mattress, the right mattress topper also helps make a good night’s sleep even better. Mattress toppers should feel embracing and soft, without becoming too warm or moist. Boris Arcidiacono’s Jensen mattress topper designs have been improved to increase stretch, beauty and softness. An optimized zone quilt in the shoulder and hip areas increases the elasticity of the fabric, and allows you to sink deeper. A further development in the filling materials allows increased individual adjustment, through a softer and a firmer side. For example, the Jensen SoftLine I top mattress (height 8cm) features a Cellex XS 5 cm filling.

It has one smooth and one grooved side - most people find the grooved side softer and the smooth side firmer. Cellex XS provides great air and moisture transportation and it contains Lyocell with Sensity™, which keeps the bed fresh, dry and more hygienic.

The wrong pillow can give you neck ache and interfere with your sleep, so you do need to make sure you have a good one. The TEMPRAKON® Ergomagic Pillow, available at Boris Arcidiacono, is the world’s most personal pillow with active temperature control - the thermo-regulating fabric absorbs any excess heat given off by the body or from the interior of the bed and stores it in the goose down filling. If, however, your body temperature drops, the fabric absorbs the heat stored in the down filling and returns it to your body. The pillow also supports your head and neck thanks to an ergonomic corrugated core made of high-elasticity AviDorm comfort foam and its height can be easily adjusted to three different heights by using two inserts.

round ble in a black

Hefel Bodyfit quilts, available at Boris Arcidiacono, are made from natural fibres and in quilting patterns that fit the shape of the body, folding along the quilting seams particularly smoothly to wrap comfortably around the body and ensure a cosily warm sleeping cocoon in which no cold air can intrude.

The down duvets and pillows at Fennobed keep you warm in winter and can be washed at 60°C in the washing machine and dried at 100°C in the laundry dryer. That makes them free of mites, bacteria and germs. So even if you suffer from allergies or asthma, you can also benefit from downs!

Jersey fitted sheets feel warm and cosy against the skin.

High-quality and hard-wearing they won’t bobble, are exceptionally stretchy, yet shape-retentive, the elasticated corners ensuring the ideal fit. Available at Boris Arcidiacono, they come in a choice of over 50 colours and look great on any bed.

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Wrap yourself up in a luxurious and super-soft Schlossberg bathrobe made from 100 per cent extra-long Supima cotton.

Available at Boris Arcidiacono in classic white as well as six shades – ivory, mint, aqua, mauve, ombre and taupe.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Make your bed look as good as it feels, with gorgeous bedlinen.

Swiss brand Schlossberg’s Wonderland bedlinen collection, available at Boris Arcidiacono, is the modern and elegant interpretation of a journey into a richly coloured dreamworld.

One of five designs, Malin features superimposed stripes that, when combined with Satin Noblesse fabric, blur into a dynamic diamond pattern with sage, opal violet, vanilla and powdery pastels merging together to form a lovely shimmer. Malin viola features splashes of bright colour; Malin gris features subtle grey and beige tones.

The Soft Ceiling-concept enables you to create several lighting scenarios, using just one luminaire from the Deltalights IMAX range, available from Elektra. Architects and designers can work with different luminance intensity, beams, effects and filters, without having to change luminaire type. The Soft Ceiling concept thus gives a very pure and minimalist ceiling appearance, and maximum user comfort.

Ambient lighting is key to creating a warm and comfortable mood. Wall Shadows (pictured left) from Light Design Solutions is part of a family of wall lights that can also be used as a decorative feature in a room.

With soft diffused LED lighting, the lights are made from an aluminium body in a matt white powder-coated finish and come in a variety of sizes.

THE OUTDOOR GARDEN

However crisp the weather, you can still enjoy the outdoors.

A firepit helps create a warm and atmospheric mood in the garden or terrace, and as this model ‘Zero’ shows, looks smart too. There are a variety of models to choose from, with some doubling up as coffee tables, seating areas and grills.

Exclusively available at ESS LTD.

Enjoy a Scandi-style spa experience with the Softub, a lightweight spa that’s ideal for all seasons thanks to its state-of-the-art, high efficiency, temperature-controlled motor that heats water to your desired temperature.

Discover it at FORM.

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HW SHOP

SHOP Good lighting is one of the key factors in your living space. A nice pendant or chandelier can create an intriguing focal point and choosing the right one will introduce a sense uniqueness. Lux-it has just launched its latest collection with a wide spectrum of different styles to suit every taste. We make a point of ensuring the quality of our products and the most competitive prices in Malta. Our LEDs come with an unmatched five-year warranty and we guarantee that the products you choose will last. Visit lux-it.com to see a selection of our elegant latest offerings. Available at Lux-It Lighting, 105, Luqa Road, Paola. Tel: 2166 5544 www.lux-it.com

The Arctic collection by Mantra adds a luxurious and timeless touch to any space with its crystal shapes and signature curvatures. Fittings starting from €90. Get inspired to create dynamic residential contemporary and classic lighting thanks to our in-house lighting consultancy. Farrugia Lighting and Interiors, Iklin Roundabout, Iklin, 21 419 111, info@farrugia.com.mt, www.farrugia.com.mt

CHANTAL suspension

by Fabasluce. Available exclusively at VCT Ltd, Ponsomby Street, Mosta. Tel 21432571 / 21436186 info@vct.com.mt www.vct.com.mt DINGLE suspension by Fabasluce. Available exclusively at VCT Ltd. Ponsomby Street,Mosta Tel 21432571 / 21436186 info@vct.com.mt www.vct.com.mt

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Rattan stool with two cushions in a gently distressed, neutral finish. An ageless look for the dining room, lounge or bedroom.

Priced at €1,008 and available at HENRI Luxury Gift Boutique, Pjazza Tigné. Outlets: Pjazza Tigné & Mdina (next to Palazzo Falson). Tel: 2010 6306. www.henri.com.mt or facebook/ henrimalta

Looking for something out of the ordinary? This ceramic ornate horse’s head decorated with distinctive Chinese-inspired flowers, priced at €296, might fit the bill. Decorative sculptures start at €44.50. HENRI… unique gift ideas for him, for her or just for yourself. Outlets: Pjazza Tigné & Mdina (next to Palazzo Falson).

Tel: 2010 6306. www.henri.com.mt or facebook/henrimalta

Add a sense of fun to your dinner table or mantle with these brand new, handmade Pineapple Candlesticks by Mdina Glass.

Their textured surface is decorated with 22 carat gold leaf to add an extra touch of style. €35 each and available at Mdina Glass outlets or online at mdinaglass.com.mt. For more info call 2141 5786 or email onlinesales@mdinaglass.com.mt. Follow at facebook.com/mdinaglass

These handmade ‘Flicks’ tumblers are available in a range of colour patterns and three sizes. They’re a pleasure to behold and a joy to drink from. €35 each and available from Mdina Glass outlets or online at www.mdinaglass.com.mt. For more info call 2141 5786 or email onlinesales@mdinaglass.com.mt. Follow at facebook.com/mdinaglass

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Experience the latest sound solutions with unsurpassed quality.

Let the music flow throughout your home or just a single room with our wired or wireless models. Our wi-fi interface ensures maximum security and non-interference with other networks.

Installation is so easy, you can even do it yourself. Sound systems start at only €220. Available at Lux-It Lighting, 105, Luqa Road, Paola. Tel: 2166 5544 www.lux-it.com

Beyond the exceptional design, the I-RING luminaires from the Andreas Robertz series for SLV, have two hidden premium LED modules which give a warm glow effect. These luminaires are realised in steel, in a white finish and are available as floor/table, pendant and wall variants all with a 38.5cm diameter. Available at ESS Ltd., Imriehel; sales@ess.com.mt; T: 2125 5777.

Beautiful solid wood, white bedroom set which is also available in walnut. Set includes a large six-door wardrobe, a choice of chestS of drawers and bedside tables as well as wrought iron or wooden beds. Wardrobes and other furniture pieces can be sold individually. Prices for a set from €4258.00. GrannySmithShop Furniture & Interiors. 85,Triq San Pawl, Naxxar. Tel: 2141 8984. www.grannysmithshop.com.

See us on facebook.

The Bomann Espresso and cappuccino pump machine comes equipped with a swivelling stainless steel nozzle with foaming and hot water function which is removable for easy cleaning.

This very affordable German espresso machine includes a cup warming function and 15 bar pressure pump which can guarantee a perfect cup each and every time. Available from all leading outlets and www.myshopmalta.com which offer free delivery right to your door!

It takes a lot of effort and money to buy and maintain your home – make sure that it is safe and secure. It doesn’t cost a fortune to equip it with products that will help you protect your family and belongings. This pack can help you take control of the situation, before it escalates and fires spread. Available at Alberta, Triq Is-Salib Ta’ - Imriehel, Triq San Gwakkin, Birkirkara.

Tel: 2549 0331. www.alberta.com.mt

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STUDIO STYLE

OUTSIDE IN GARDENS

FOOD

TRAVEL

With vibrant artwork on the walls, turning a plain white wall into something special, artist Stephanie Borg’s art studio is a visually stunning space. ‘The concept is that of a casa bottega, I wanted to retain the homely feel of the place,’ says Stephanie (stephanieborg.com). It is also the venue for newly launched Tettiera™ Tea Parties that include a tea tasting session, beverages and finger food. Tettiera™ is a just-launched range of premium artisan loose leaf teas, its lovely packaging designed

by Stephanie whose inspiration is the patterns of traditional Maltese tiles.

For more information contact rediscover@tettiera.com

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JUST ADD BLACK

Black is guaranteed to add a shot of style to a room and these new accessories are perfect for giving your kitchen a design update. The range includes these beautiful black oak chopping boards that are also great for serving party canapés plus a metal colander and a metal measuring cup. From the eclectic online boutique www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk which ships to Malta.

LONDON DESIGN MUSEUM FINALLY OPENS After a two-year delay in the completion of its new home, London’s Design Museum re-opens this month after finally moving into the John-Pawson renovated Commonwealth Institute, a 1960s building in south-west London.

Architect Pawson’s plans for the former headquarters of an educational charity connected with the Commonwealth of Nations were first unveiled in 2012 and the projected £83 million renovation was expected to be completed in 2014. But work on the listed building, which has a striking hyperbolic paraboloid roof that dips in the centre that’s described as being ‘like a nun’s veil’, proved architecturally trickier than expected and the opening was delayed.

In transforming the building, Pawson opened it up and added a central atrium so it is now filled with light. Below, a double-height basement was excavated. ‘We have kept all the original marble and the stained glass,’ says Pawson. ‘We couldn’t keep the wooden floor or the handrails, but they will be used somewhere, nothing’s been thrown away.’

The original design museum which was based in south-east London closed during the summer and its exhibitions have moved to the new site which triples the museum size to 10,000 square metres.

The first major exhibition, called Fear and Love – Reactions to a Complex World, will feature 11 especially commissioned pieces that will, says the museum, ‘explore a spectrum of issues that define our time, including networked sexuality, sentient robots, slow fashion and settled nomads. The exhibition shows how design is deeply connected not just to commerce and culture but to urgent underlying issues – issues that inspire fear and love.’

Also included is The Pan-European Living Room designed

by OMA, the Dutch architecture firm founded by Rem Koolhaas. In response to Brexit, it will be a mock living space furnished with an item from all 28 EU member states.

Designmuseum.org. Renderings by Alex Morris Visualisation 066

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We are

PROFESSIONAL WATERPROOFING MATERIALS & RESIN FLOORINGS

Discover the thermal waterproofing resin membrane that reduces heat intake by 90%. Also available for DIY.

Visit our showroom for professional advice on how to protect your home.

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HW GARDEN

Botanical Beauty

IF YOU HAVE ONLY A SMALL OUTSIDE SPACE, OR EVEN NONE AT ALL, PRESSED FLOWERS ARE A BEAUTIFUL, AND CLEVER WAY OF SURROUNDING YOURSELF WITH THE GREEN OF PLANTS. IT’S NOT DIFFICULT TO DO AND DIFFERENT SHAPES AND TONES CAN CREATE VERY DIFFERENT LOOKS. HERE’S HOW… Text: Vicki Sleet Production: Janine Vermeulen Styling: Sven Alberding Photography: Warren Heath

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01. Modern pressed plants and leaf forms are as much about preserving their beauty as contributing to the interior mix. Look for graphic shapes to play with and group them in a random or orderly fashion – the effects of either are quite striking. Here, a collection of pressed nasturtium leaves, ferns and a single Delicious Monster leaf marries beautifully with a lush gathering of fresh leaves and potted plants.

02. There are no hard and fast rules to decorating with pressed plants and flowers and the beauty is that they can be used to create ‘living’ artworks. Here, in a bathroom, a mismatched collection is teamed with a sculptural hanging plant and the combination is an attractive foil for the garden outside.

03/04. A distinctive element of these pressed leaves and plants is the way in which they have been carefully sandwiched between sheets of glass – allowing light and glimpses of the interior to filter through.

It’s a contemporary approach to the classic art of plant pressing for posterity. To enhance the ethereal nature of plants pressed between glass, choose leaves that have a translucent element or which can be arranged to allow the viewer to ‘see through’ them.

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HW GARDEN YOU’LL NEED:

• Secateurs or scissors • Vessels for sorting and storing stems in water • A small roller for flattening leaves and flowers

• A craft knife for dissecting bigger flowers such as hibiscus

• Flower press • Cotton sheets/muslin/blotting paper for placing between flowers and leaves

• Thick card as stabilisers in your press • Glass and/or frames HOW TO:

• Pick flowers first thing in the morning once

05. Taller, sculptural plants and flowers can be used to great effect in interior settings – think Pampas grasses, lilies and irises. In this bedroom a pair of majestic strelitzias have been carefully dissected, then pressed to preserve their shape – used as a headboard, the effect is one of modern day Ikebana performing a pretty but practical function.

the dew has evaporated and when they are just opened – not at midday when they are likely to be a little past their prime • Immediately after cutting, plunge the stems into cold water and recut the stems under water and at an angle – allow them to stand in water to absorb as much water as possible • Remove any stamens and wipe leaves clean • Carefully roll flowers and leaves flat with roller • If you don’t have a press, heavy books weighted down with a brick or two will work.

You’ll need absorbent/blotting paper or muslin placed between flowers – leave ½ cm between each item being pressed • Leave the press in a cool, dry place and wait a week, replacing the paper if necessary.

Leave for a further 2-3 weeks.

• Your flowers and/or leaves should now be ready for placement and framing.

WHAT WORKS – AND WHAT DOESN’T

• Bigger leaves, flowers and plants can take 2-3 weeks to dry properly

• Roses are notoriously difficult to press, look for flowers with flat petals like poppies – these are likely to give good results. Some examples of flowers that press well are tulips, cosmos, Calla Lilies, Alstromeria, Narcissus, Freesias, Lisianthus.

• Leaves that press well include those from Asparagus Fern, Sword Fern, Leather Leaf Ferns, Dusty Miller, Pepper Tree leaves, Maidenhair Fern, Lily Grass, Delicious Monster leaves and certain Philodendrons.

• Herbs and young vegetable leaves press well and look great as part of kitchen décor.

• Pressed flowers and leaves fade with time – displaying them out of direct sunlight will prolong their life.

• Glass is the most obvious choice for frames but Perspex is equally effective.

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WELCOME THEM TO THE HOME YOU LOVE JUST ADD

For inspiring ideas on how to Show Your Home Some Love go to dulux.co.uk Download our Dulux Visualizer App or visit our Dulux Colour Centres

St. Sebastian Str. Qormi Tel: 21486705

Ad 17.indd 71

Castaldi Street, Zabbar Tel: 21691641

Mriehel Bypass, Mriehel Tel: 22988000

Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann Tel: 21389690

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HW FOOD & WINE

Delizioso Italy is famous for its sensational ingredients and amazing flavours and in their book 'Rome', restauranteurs Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi give us new ways with old favourites as well as lesser known tantalising dishes. Here’s a taster…

Recipes: Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi Photography: Helen Cathcart Wine recommendations: Georges Meekers, Emmanuel Delicata Winemaker Rome (Hardie Grant) at agendamalta.com

CHICKEN IN THE HERB GARDEN

( Pollo a ll’ Insalata nel Giardino dell Erbe ) Serves 8

Ingredients 4 chicken breasts (approx. 800g) 600ml wine, cider or balsamic vinegar 400ml water 6 tablespoons single estate extra-virgin olive oil 40gr mixed fresh herbs, such as tarragon, basil, mint, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, finely chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

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Cut each chicken breast lengthways into 8 long strips so you have 32 strips altogether. Lay the strips between 2 pieces of cling film (plastic wrap) and gently bash them out with a rolling pin to make long strips around 5mm thick. Season each piece with salt and pepper. Roll the chicken strips up into spirals and secure with toothpicks.

Bring the vinegar, water and a pinch of salt to the boil in a large saucepan and then add the chicken. Reduce the heat and simmer for around 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Drain the chicken and discard the liquid.

The chicken might appear speckled in appearance but don’t worry about it. Remove the toothpicks, cut the chicken into slices about 1cm thick and put the spirals on a large plate. Season, drizzle over the oil and scatter over the herbs. Leave to marinate loosely covered in cling film in the fridge for 24 hours. If you are in a real hurry it is also good after a couple of hours, but the flavour improves with time. Bring to room temperature before eating and serve with salad and crusty bread.

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FOOD & WINE HW

FISH AND BRONZE FENNEL IN A PARCEL ( Pesce in Cartoccio con Finocchio Selvatico ) Serves 4

Ingredients Small handful of wild fennel or dill 4 cod, salmon or sea bass fillets or haddock loins (approx. 125gr each) Salt 25gr butter 2 tablespoons white wine

Method Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas 6). Cut 4 pieces of baking parchment large enough to fit each fillet in and allowing enough to wrap over the fish and fold up at the edges to make a parcel.

Bash the stems of the wild fennel with the flat of a knife to release the juices inside. Season the fish with salt and spread a layer of butter on each one. Lay each fillet on to its own rectangle of paper. Tuck a short frond of wild fennel underneath each piece of fish and lay another on top. (It’s so pretty like this you will want to photograph it!) Add half a tablespoon of wine over each fillet and wrap up the baking parchment to make a parcel: fold the long edges over each at the top, then fold in the short ends like a present, making sure the closures are facing upwards so that the juices can’t run out and escape. Bake in the oven for around 12–15 minutes for cod or salmon fillets, or 8–10 minutes for sea bass fillets, until cooked through. Remove from the oven and transfer the fish from the paper to warmed plates; pour over the sauce from the parcel and enjoy with some fresh peas.

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MUSHROOM, CELERY AND PARMESAN SALAD ( Insalata di Ovoli , Sedano e Parmigiano Reggiano ) Serves 4

Ingredients 50gr pine nuts 350gr assorted mushrooms, brushed clean and cut into 3mm thick slices 50gr rocket (arugula) 1 celery stick, finely sliced Juice of 1/2 lemon 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 25gr shaved Parmesan or Emmental

Method Toast the pine nuts in a dry frying pan over a medium heat, shaking the pan frequently, until golden. Set aside on a plate to cool. Prepare the mushrooms (only wash them if they are very dirty) and put them into a bowl with the rocket, celery and pine nuts. Whisk the lemon juice, oil and salt together in a separate bowl and pour over the salad. Toss gently so that the mushrooms become coated in the dressing. Tip into a serving dish and scatter over the Parmesan shavings.

GEORGES' WINE RECOMMENDATIONS: CHICKEN IN THE HERB GARDEN

FISH AND BRONZE FENNEL IN A PARCEL

MUSHROOM, CELERY AND PARMESAN SALAD

2015 MEDINA SYRAH, CARIGNAN, GRENACHE, D.O.K. MALTA

2015 MEDINA VERMENTINO ZIBIBBO, SUPERIOR, D.O.K. MALTA

2015 GRAN CAVALIER CHARDONNAY, SUPERIOR, D.O.K. MALTA

Pairing rules are to be broken: instead of a white wine, this lighter red matches the weight of the white chicken meat and adds scrumptiousness.

The sage, thyme and rosemary ingredients read like a spot-on tasting note for this Rhône-like bright and unoaked red packed with flavours of juicy red forest fruits dashed with black pepper. It brings out kitchen cupboard goodness.

Serve cellar cool.

The weight of this slightly heftier fruity white wine handles the fatness of the salmon or more delicate sea bass perfectly. But it’s for its true and delectable Vermentino and Zibibbo characteristics that I’ll unreservedly grab this unwooded Malta-grown white.

Reminiscent of fresh garrigue scents on a dewy wet day, the wine’s nose mirrors the recipe’s fennel and dill flavours perfectly.

It’s dry and crisp: an uplifting wine.

Mushrooms, rocket and Parmesan automatically trigger the pop-meChardonnay response.

Call it writ large classical conditioning, but this fleshier and rounder yet crisp Chardonnay of Malta with palate-tingling verve will work wonderfully.

Its delicate toastiness, depth and brightness, coming from judicial upbringing in oak barrique, combined with tastes of apple and riper pear will all echo the roasted golden pine nuts. Addictive, beware.

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HW TRAVEL

Gozitan Style THIS MONTH WE CHECK IN TO MURELLA LIVING, A STYLISH BED & BREAKFAST IN GOZO, TO DISCOVER THE STORY OF ITS DESIGN

Photography: Tonio Lombardi

OWNERS OF SOME OF MALTA’S CELEBRATED HOSPITALITY BRANDS INCLUDING THE THREE BRANCHES OF THE POPULAR CAFÉ JUBILEE, THE JUBILEE GROUP HAS RECENTLY OPENED THEIR FIRST HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION BUSINESS IN MARSALFORN ON GOZO. HERE, ALEX SCICLUNA, ONE OF THE THREE BROTHERS WHO OWNS THE GROUP, EXPLAINS HOW THEY TURNED THE SITE OF THEIR CHILDHOOD HOME INTO STYLISH 24 ROOM BED AND BREAKFAST...

After so many restaurants, why a bed and breakfast in Gozo?

It was time to move away from the food and beverage scene and do something completely new for us, and we also believe this bed & breakfast ties everything together because we have gone a full circle now. Our childhood was spent in Marsalforn and we began our first business there; we then moved away from Marsalforn to Victoria, then Malta, followed by Hungary and we even went as far as China; now we have returned to Marsalforn.

This for us has a greater meaning than the actual business itself. It is something personal that is hard to explain.

How did you go about transforming your childhood home into a hotel?

Our original idea was to convert the 50-year-old building into a block of flats. However, after the work had begun there was a lull in the property market so we decided to change direction and transform the site into an upmarket B&B because we believe this is what both local and foreign tourists are increasingly after.

To do so, we nearly had to start from scratch once again because the structural changes necessary were huge. The decision to pull the building down was one that we pondered long and hard, however once it was taken there was no looking back. With hindsight, we know it was right one.

What interior style did you want for the B&B? We wanted our guests to experience Gozo through the hotel, by translating the surroundings of the island into a stimulating and exciting interior through the use of textures and materials, and we achieved this with the help and vision of Ruben Formosa from The Workshop.

The front façade brings together two traditional trades practised in Gozo – fishing and lace-making. The blue, red and

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green are derived from the ‘luzzu’, the traditional fishing boats, while the balcony side design was inspired by Gozitan lace. This was also the inspiration for the hand-painted, threedimensional patterns, combined with large mirrors, that adorn the hotel staircase and hallways, giving them extra depth, and making the journey to the guest rooms a feast for the eyes.

Similarly, with the rooms… one, called The Fisherman’s Room, is inspired by a fishermen’s net, the design on the feature wall hand-painted by a local artist; as well, the bed appears to be suspended from the ceiling by a coarse rope.

The Honeycomb Room reflects the age-old practice of honeymaking for which the Gozitans are famous – warm yellow and orange tones are coupled with softly textured materials to reflect the smooth, silky and rich characteristics of honey, and on one wall is a panel which resembles honeycomb. In The Deluxe Room, one wall is adorned with the elegant façade of the Basilica of the Visitation in the charming village of Gharb.

What have you done to be energy efficient?

Adjustable shading in the forms of curtains and blinds

help keep the sun and heat out, so reducing the need for air-conditioning which cuts energy costs. Light-coloured walls help to capture natural daylight so there is less need for lighting, and we have also incorporated an intelligent lighting system whereby sensors and motion detectors also aim to reduce electricity consumption. We have used reclaimed and recycled materials, from reclaimed tiling to single salvaged pieces of furniture, as well as using upcycled products and furniture, giving them a new life whilst adding character to the surroundings Who are your clients?

They are varied but if we want to pinpoint a typical one it would be a young childless couple or an older couple where the children have now grown and so they have started travelling on their own again. The reason is that all our rooms are doubles. We do have some family rooms but there is nothing in the B&B that is aimed at children. www.murellaliving.com

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ESSENTIAL SUPPLIERS SUPPLIERS HW GARAGE DOORS BLINDS

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE PHONE: 2133 9999 OR EMAIL: sales@homeworks.com.mt.mt

Essential Suppliers.indd 79

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POOLS APERTURES

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TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION CALL US ON 9933 2224 / 2133 9999 OR EMAIL US ON sales@homeworks.com.mt

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31/10/2016 1:54 PM

ADDRESS BOOK A&A Mizzi, Triq is-Salib tal-Imriehel, Mriehel. Tel: 2148 8168. www.aamizzi.com

Decorium, 190 Naxxar Road, San Gwann. Tel: 2138 9224. www.decorium.com.mt

M. Demajo Timbers, Misrah iz-Zebbug, Qormi. Tel: 2148 7078. www.demajotimbers.com

www.agendamalta.com

Elektra, Mill Street, Qormi.

Tel: 2546 3000 www.elektra.com.mt

Malta Rugs, 101 Triq Salvu Psaila, Birkirkara. Isfahan Handmade Carpets Tel: 2702 5702 www.maltarugs.com info@maltarugs.com

Alberta, Triq is-Salib tal-Imriehel, San Gwakkin Road, Birkirkara. Tel: 2144 3538. www.alberta.com.mt Astral Enterprises, Abate Rigord Street, Ta’ Xbiex. Tel: 2134 0562. www.astral.com.mt

Emmanuel Delicata Winemaker, The Winery on the Waterfront, Paola. Tel: 2182 5199 www.delicata.com ESS, Triq San Gwakkin, Mriehel. Tel: 2125 5777. www.ess.com.mt

Auto Sales Ltd – Kind’s, Mosta Road, Lija. Tel: 2143 3601 www.autosales.com.mt

Farrugia Lighting & Interiors, Triq Dun Karm Xerri, Iklin. Tel: 2141 9111. www.farrugia.com.mt

B&M Supplies, Triq Dun Karm, Birkirkara. Tel: 2144 0710 www.bmsupplies.com

Fennobed Malta, Valley Tower, Triq il-Wied, Birkirkara. Tel: 2704 2978 www.fennobed.com

Bathroom Design, 358 Naxxar Road, Birkirkara. Tel: 2144 1328. www.bathroomdesign.com.mt

FGP, 109 Triq Valletta, Luqa.

Tel: 2167 3627. www.fgp.com.mt

Big Ben Interiors, 223-225, Naxxar Road, Birkirkara. Tel: 2144 7347. www.bigben.com.mt Blue Sky Furniture, Xatt il-Qwabbar, Marsa. Tel: 2720 1884. www.bsh.com.mt BoConcept, Brands International, Triq tal-Balal, San Gwann. Tel: 2144 4110. www.brands.com.mt Boris Arcidiacono, 233 Tower Road, Sliema. Tel: 2133 3638. www.borisarcidiacono.com

Form, Triq il-Wied, Msida.

Tel: 2144 6000. www.form.com.mt Granny Smith Shop, Triq San Pawl, Naxxar. Tel: 2141 8984 www.grannysmithshop.com GRF Design Concepts, 117 Triq l-Assemblea Nazzjonali, San Gwann.

Tel: 2137 7378. www.grfmalta.com Halmann Vella, Triq il-Mosta, Lija.

Tel: 2143 3636. www.halmannvella.com

Mdina Glass, Crafts Village, Ta’ Qali, Attard. Tel: 2141 5786. www.mdinaglass.com.mt MG Firelogs, Gharghur, Malta.

Tel: 9989 2320. www.mgfirelogs.com Muscat Pools Construction & Supplies, Tiq Gammari Camilleri, Mgarr.

Tel: 9945 7491. www.muscatpools.com Nestlé Malta Ltd, Triq Pantar, Lija.

Tel: 2338 9000 www.nestle.com.mt PM Hobby Home Solutions, Mriehel Bypass, Mriehel. Tel: 2298 8000. www.pmhobby.com.mt R Living, Mriehel Bypass, Qormi.

Tel: 2149 9699. www.rliving.com.mt Raphael Azzopardi, 6 Triq l-Uqija, L-Ibrag, Swieqi. Tel: 2137 3812. www.raphaelazzopardi.com The Atrium, Mriehel By-Pass, Mriehel.

Tel: 2147 0000. www.theatrium.com.mt The Resin and Membrane Centre, 264 Triq il-Ferrovija l-Antika, Santa Venera. Tel: 2747 7647. www.theresincentre.com

BOV, 58 Triq il-Kanun, Santa Venera.

Tel: 2131 2020. www.bov.com

Henri Luxury Gift Boutique, 23 Villegaignon Street, Mdina, Malta. Tel: 2010 6307. Pjazza Tigné, Tigne Point, Malta. Tel: 2010 6306. www.henri.com.mt

Camilleri Paris Mode, Triq il-Karmnu, Sliema. Tel: 2134 4838. www.camilleriparismode.com

Idea Casa, Msida Valley Road, Birkirkara. Tel: 2278 6000. www. ideacasa.com.mt

Carmelo Delia, Triq il-Wied, Birkirkara.

Tel: 2147 2882. www.carmelodelia.com

Il Camino, 48/49 Fleur-de-Lys Road, Birkirkara. Tel: 2144 1689. www.ilcamino.net

VCT Light & Design, Triq Anglu Gatt, Mosta. Tel: 2143 2571. www.vct.com.mt

Light Design Solutions, Triq Emmanuel Schembri Birkirkara Tel: 2149 6843. www.lds.com.mt

Vee Gee Bee, 2 South Court, Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann. Tel: 2138 5584. www.vgb.com.mt

CME Finishes, 264 St Thomas Street, Fgura. Tel: 2180 7000 www.cmefinishes.com Core, Triq il-Wied, Birkirkara. Tel: 2144 3449. www.core.com.mt Debenhams, The Point Shopping Mall, .Pjazza Tigné, Tigne Point,. Tel: 2247 2000 www.debenhams.com.mt

Lux-It, 105 Triq Hal Luqa, Rahal Gdid.

Tel: 2166 5544. www.lux-it.com

Satariano, 122 Msida Valley Road, Birkirkara. Tel: 2149 2149. www.satariano.com Satariano Home, Marina Street, Pietà.

Tel: 2149 2149. www.satariano.com

Vical Interiors, 84 Triq Hal-Qormi, Hamrun. Tel: 2125 0773. www.vicalinteriors.com Vivo, Geronimo Abos Street, Iklin.

Tel: 2093 2932. www.vivo.com.mt

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HW BACK STORY

THE ARTEK STOOL

BY ALVAR AALTO

IT MAY LOOK SIMPLE BUT IT IS IN FACT AN EXAMPLE OF RADICAL DESIGN AND AN ENDURING DESIGN ICON

T

he Artek Stool 60 was first presented to the world in 1933, in an exhibition entitled ‘Wood Only’ held at the London department store Fortnum & Mason. It looked simple – a circular seat with three birch legs - but it was a design sensation, the L-shaped leg a technological innovation that not only moved product design forward, but also established the influence of a modern Scandinavian aesthetic.

It was created by Alvar Aalto, a Finnish architect and designer who is considered a master of modern design.

Along with his wife, Aino, and two others, he founded the company Artek ‘to sell furniture and promote a modern culture of living by exhibitions and other educational means’ and today, 30 years after his death, its name is synonymous with great Scandi design. Aalto took a holistic approach to his craft, concerned not just with the design of a building but what went inside it too, and often drew parallels between the two.

In designing chairs, he was particularly interested in how the seat and the leg combined. ‘The basic problem in furniture design, both historically and practically, is the connecting element between vertical and horizontal parts,’ he said. ‘I would go as far as to say that this is its determining stylistic factor. In the way it provides a connection with the horizontal level, the chair leg is the little sister of the architectural column.’

Typically chair legs are attached to a frame on the underside. Aalto’s patented technique for Stool 60 allowed for the bending of solid wood to a 90-degree angle so the legs could be fastened directly to the underside of the seat. During the making of the stool a straight, solid plank of birch was sawn open following the direction of the fibres at one end of the plank. This formed a fan shape into which thin pieces of plywood were glued into the grooves. This allowed the wood to be bent to the required angle by the application of heat or steam, the wood drying strong and tough.

This manufacturing process, which is still in use today, allowed Aalto to create a stool that is strong yet has a beautiful sense of lightness. A design classic, it works as a side-table as well as a seat, and stacked on top of one another, the birch legs line up to give the stack a striking cascading shape. Aalto thought of everything.

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A complete range of vehicles

for all your needs • Kangoo available as a panel van capable of carrying a load of 800kg or a crew van for 5 people.

• Trafic and Master available as Panel Vans with a loading capacity of 1030kg to 1540kg.

• Trafic and Master are also available as passenger vans with 8+1 or 16+1 seating configuration respectively.

Still Europe ’s No.1

Reg. No. S063

Auto Sales Ltd - Kind’s Mosta Road, Lija LJA 9011. Tel: 23311126 / 23311131 Mgarr Road, Xewkija XWK 9012. Tel: 21550962 Email: sales@autosales.com.mt

Seller of Va ns Kind’s

www.renault.com.mt