Sheer Driving Pleasure
ISSUE 85 SEPTEMBER 2017
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ISSUE 85
INSPIRATION IMPROVEMENT STYLE
THE PERSONALISATION ISSUE
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Italian Masterpieces GRANTORINO SOFA. DESIGNED BY J.M. MASSAUD. SALONE DONNA ELENA, PALAZZO CORSINI, FIRENZE. poltronafrau.com
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Surfacing the most beautiful spaces
The Factory, Mosta Road, Lija. T: 21 433636 www.halmannvella.com
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CONTENTS HW
® ISSUE 85 SEPTEMBER 2017
042
COVER STORY TREASURED COLLECTION A vibrant museum of midcentury modern design – and a wonderful place to live
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contents
Reader letters and competition The Edit – news My Design Life – Charles & Ron Interior Designer feature Home 1: Pure & Simple Home 2: Treasured Collection Home 3: Strike it Rich Home 4: Starting Over Bathroom special Shop Lifestyle news Garden - Autumn Pleasures Cuisine – The Spice of Life Travel – The Height of Luxury Address book Essential suppliers Back Story – Ball Chair 005
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EDITOR’S LETTER HW
This Issue. The home as a haven is a theme that continues to resonate in the design world and this issue revolves around this idea, with the emphasis on creating a home that reflects who you are and, importantly, one that makes you feel happy and content when you’re in it. The four homes featured in this issue all are very different, from the entirely all-white and pared back apartment that makes its owner so happy she finds it hard to leave it, to the other end of the design spectrum, a house full of rich colour and decorative detail. Interior designers can be invaluable in helping us make real the look and the mood we want for our home but can find difficult to do on our own. On page 024, we speak to four interior designers for insight and advice on the best and most effective way to work with them to guarantee a successful outcome - and also enjoy the process along the way. Today the bathroom is considered key to our well-being, no longer just functional space but a place to escape the hubbub and find rest and rejuvenation. This issue we have devoted 12 pages on the latest trends and products to inspire you to make your bathroom a place that, like the rest of your home, makes you feel good. 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. © 2017
EDITOR RACHEL LOOS ART DIRECTOR MARC SPITERI DESIGN JONATHAN RYAN
PHOTOGRAPHY ALAN CARVILLE GREG COX ISSY CROKER BRIAN GRECH MAS ANDRIUS PENKAUSKAS FOR A PIC STUDIO
SALES & MARKETING ROBIN MILLS +356 2133 9999 +356 9933 2224 sales@homeworks.com.mt
CONTRIBUTORS JENNIFER ABELA SVEN ALBERDING FAYE ARNOLD EMILY EZEKIEL NOREEN JOHNSON PEPPE MICIELI GEORGES MEEKERS NICOLE PISANI MELINA SCODANIBBIO
POSTAL ADDRESS / E-MAIL WRITEON LTD. 89 TIGNÉ STREET, LEVEL 2, SLM3170, MALTA info@homeworks.com.mt
PRE-PRESS & PRINTING PROGRESS PRESS
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 007
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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 84
WINNER
LINDSAY AZZOPARDI IS THE WINNER OF THE HOMEWORKS BOOK - A COLLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY MALTESE INTERIORS AND ARCHITECTURE, WITH OVER 300 PAGES OF VIBRANT AND STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHY, WORTH €40.
LINDSAY WROTE: “Being a mid-90s kid, I grew up with having the HOMEWORKS magazine at home. I used to enjoy flipping through the magazine and getting inspired by the styles and trends of the moment (I still do), however, something that I used to enjoy from the magazine were the DIY house décor ideas instructed step by step. It’s true that you may find a lot of ideas on the internet nowadays, but never with a local touch or inspiration.”
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
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HW
THE EDIT NEWS
TRENDS
ADVICE
SHOPPING
PEOPLE
BAROQUE N’ ROLL
With collabs now the big thing in design, German brand Ronsenthal has worked with fashion’s high-octane glamour brand, Versace, to create an eye-catching collection called I Baroque. The opulence of the era that spanned the 17th and 18th centuries, is reflected in the rich colour palette that includes lashings of gold, the metallic Medusa a stand-out feature. As well as the vase (pictured), the collection includes dinnerware and glassware. Raphael Azzopardi
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THE EDIT HW
INDUSTRY CHIC In 2015 Buster + Punch created the Buster Bulb, the world’s first fully dimmable LED light bulb in a beautiful teardrop shape and today the company is not only known for its cool industrial style lights - of which the just launched Stoned is the newest – but also stylish hardware including covetable kitchen handles and door levers. The man behind Buster + Punch is Massimo Buster Minale. By day he had his own architecture and industrial design practice; by night, however, he worked in his east London garage
building custom-made motorcycles, a passion, but also lighting, his bike customers asking him to apply his design skills to create something that was exciting and different. The Buster Bulb was an immediate hit and today the company draws inspiration from the area’s music and fashion industries as well as street artists and bike builders, to inject attitude into its highly crafted products. Stoned is an LED table light, inspired by the warmth of a Victorian-era candle light, that’s finished with matt black
detailing and hovers suspended from a single piece of solid stone, either polished white marble or honed black granite. Using just 1/50th of the energy of a conventional light bulb, it will last for more than 27 years. ‘This table light is my statement of intent of where Buster + Punch light will head in the future – a combination of resilient materials, fashion styling and trailblazing technology whilst embracing the warmth of simpler times,’ says Massimo. Buster + Punch is now available from camilleriparismode
PURE LUXURY BoConcept’s autumn winter catalogue has just been released and velvet continues to be a fabric favourite. The Monte armchair has been given a luxurious new look with a light gloss velvet that is surprisingly resistant. Also in the catalogue is the new Vancouver table, in which elegant metal legs contrast the heavy tabletop for a light and elegant feel. BoConcept
BLUE HEAVEN The colour blue has always been an interiors favourite and is particularly big at the moment. This rug by Italian brand Sitap is made from 100 per cent vegetable silk, and will inject any living room with style, warmth and a sense of tranquillity. Available in either 200cmx290 and 160cm x230. Grey and Adler 013
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HW THE EDIT
ON THE SHORT-LIST Villa Castro, a €1.2 million project by architects Architecture Project in collaboration with Jens Bruenslow has been short-listed in this year’s World Architecture Festival Awards in the category New & Old Completed Buildings. The project is one of only two residential projects to be on the 17-strong short-list - the other is a post-earthquake reconstruction project in Guangming Village by The Chinese University of Hong Kong & Kunming University of Science and Technology. What makes it special? ‘The integration of old and new and the harmonious juxtaposition of the original stone walls with the transparent timber facades, of solid volumes and shady voids, of mineral surfaces and vegetal elements, the water surface of the pool that reflects the sky and provides the final touch to the composition,’ says AP’s Konrad Buhagiar. Villa Castro, in the town of Naxxar, was thought to have built in the 18th century and the renovation involved restoring parts of the original building and removing those that conflicted with the re-organisation of space or with the clarity of architectural form, as well as the creation of new extensions. ‘The starting point was the relationship of the volumes
and the desire to have the new volumes appear solid and in correspondence with the volumes of the old building from the outside,’ explains Jens Bruenslow. ‘At the same time the new spaces would be very open and filled with light from the inside without compromising on comfort and privacy. The timber for the external louvres which give the new volumes its solid appearance are made from American cedar which acquires a greyish patina that not only protects it but also blends with the patina of the old stone volumes. The structure and the details of the new additions were designed connectedly so that, for instance, load bearing steel members now act also as part of the glazing system which made it possible to keep the actual timber frames very slim. ‘A limited set of materials was defined from early on, as well as a principle on how different materials would meet. This would be emphasized through articulated recesses or projections, shadow-gaps or off-sets, always subtle as not to disrupt the relationship but clear enough to define the transition points. The principle was applied throughout the project and helped significantly in achieving homogeneity and flow.’ The results will be announced in November.
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WELCOME HOME NEW CATALOGUE OUT NOW
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HW THE EDIT
Charles & Ron, aka Charles van Maarschalkerweerd Borg and Ron van Maarschalkerweerd Borg, is Malta’s leading fashion house. While Charles was born in Malta, Ron arrived here from Holland, and they formed Charles & Ron in 2003. As well as designing for Malta’s prestige events, they are also known internationally and now show during New York Fashion Week. Here, Ron, gives us his design life...
I live in..
a very modern design house in the middle of Birkirkara, in a beautiful country which I fell in love with from the first time I stepped foot on it. I moved to Malta 25 years ago and although it was very different to what it is now, it was love at first sight. I always feel at home here and Malta always gives me a lot of inexplicable energy. Malta was, and still is, a very unique country which gives me inspiration every day. The good, the bad and the kitsch I appreciate and love it all and we should ensure that we look after it and preserve it for future generations.
The most useful item in my home is…
my Mac desktop computer as I work a lot from home although the fridge is pretty important too. I love food and Charles loves cooking so our chrome look fridge plays an important role in our household!
I make my coffee with…
a white round Krupps design Dolce Gusto machine. Charles and myself both love coffee and both prefer it with a little milk and some cinnamon powder. No sugar.
tradition and show them in a different and unexpected way. From the beginning we always incorporated these references as they define us as a brand, as we find it important to embrace and appreciate our heritage. Our local symbols and cultural aspects have an international appeal. Our designs and choice of colour that were inspired by them were picked up by international colour company Pantone and it included them in its Spring/Summer 16 and Fall 16/17 Trend Forecast (pictured right).
My working day entails…
a lot of variety. Sometimes I could be working on a collection which means that I work on sketches and preparations for fabric design, a bag or accessory. On other days I take care of the production side and logistics for our shops and also visual merchandising.
I could not live without…
Charles. We have been together for 25 years and share our work and private life. For us working together has always been the natural thing to do and it’s great to have each other as a sounding board for ideas.
I jot my ideas down on…
mostly a “Fashionary” notebook, I have several lying around so when I need them I find them quickly. Although some ideas have been scribbled on random papers and even napkins.
I am inspired by...
Malta. It has always been of enormous inspiration to our work, and throughout the years we have always enjoyed designing from a Mediterranean point of view. For us it’s important to incorporate certain aspects of culture, architecture and 016
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THE EDIT HW When designing the Charles & Ron boutique in Valletta, we wanted to…
create a modern and functional space. As the shop is not very big we had to make sure that the design incorporated flexible display systems. We worked together with architects from Model to create the right setting for our clothing and accessories. As we work a lot with graphic prints in our collections, we used a black and white theme for the shop decor so that the products can take centre stage.
We are currently working on an exciting project where we have teamed up with SU29 Hotel in Valletta where we will be mostly designing the soft furnishings for their Sky Villa Suite, including a specially made curtain fabric whose design is based on the filigree motifs that feature in our Fall/Winter 17/18 collection. The “Charles & Ron Sky Villa Suite” will be have distinct C&R feel and will be ready in the coming weeks.
The public building I most love to visit...
I have very fond memories of holidays in Paris, where
Fashion influences the world of architecture and interior design...
I believe they all influence each other. Architectural design can inspire the design and construction of a dress and vice versa. The same goes for the use of colour. I’ve always been a big fan of Roberto Capucci’s work, his dress designs were very sculptural and his work was very much inspired by architectural shapes. The late Zaha Hadid was also master in blending architecture and fashion in her designs (Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre pictured below). In our own collection we have worked with volume and pleating inspired by architectural shapes many times and we have also used graphic prints inspired by architecture. For example; Renzo Piano’s Parliament building, The Grand Master’s Palace balconies and recently wrought iron designs inspired by Chris Briffa’s work. Within these wrought iron patterns we added a Maltese lace design to give it another dimension. Also, the process of designing a building and a dress have a lot of similarities. Both start from an idea and usually a rough sketch, after that a more detailed sketch and next step would be the technical drawings. During the process you have to decide on which materials to use to get the best result for your design. Designers use their materials as building blocks, constructing a wearable form in the same way architects utilise building materials to create
Charles and myself visited Centre Pompidou and also the Eiffel Tower. Nowadays most of our travel is work related so when were in NY we always love to pop in to Grand Central Station and also the Guggenheim Museum. I also love the Whitney Museum at the end of the High Line in New York which is a beautiful building with views of the Hudson river. Malta has some beautiful architectural gems too and I love Renzo Piano’s Parliament building in Valletta.
My favourite interior design classic is… The S shape chair by Verner Panton. Charles and myself are both fans of Mid-century Modern interior design and architecture.
The work I’m most proud of…
I always tend to be most enthusiastic about our latest collection. At the moment we are working on Spring/ Summer 2018 which we will show in New York this month and in Los Angeles next October. I’m always proud when the first ideas and sketches come to life in actual garments and even more proud to see them on the runway. Recently we had features in international press and celebrities wearing our designs, these are all proud moments. For example, actress Nathalie Emmanuel (‘Game of Thrones’) wore one of our dresses on the front cover of Bello magazine and ex-Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams wore two of our designs for recent promotional photo shoots.
structures. Colours and any decorative elements also need to be decided. The end result will be quite different and designing a building involves many more technical aspects but the creative and design process is quite similar. Pierre Balmain [of the French fashion house, Balmain] once stated that ‘dressmaking is the architecture of movement’.
If I could design a homeware range it would be…
a range with bold Mediterranean colours and graphic prints. 017
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THE EDIT HW
mix n’ match
Natuzzi’s new season collection sees collaborations with big name designers to create pieces that feature interesting combinations of raw materials along with unconventional shapes. Among the collection is the new Amber system, a partnership between the brand and renowned Australian designer Jamie Durie, which sees CNC, a state-ofthe-art machine process, used to walk the line between natural beauty and an industrial aesthetic, creating furniture with 3D surfaces inspired by the undulating rise and fall of natural landscapes. Then there’s the Melpot sofa by Mauro Lipparini with single-volume seats and removable cushions along with accent tables for a customisable look. Claudio Bellini’s cool Fifties-style Luna armchair complements both classic and contemporary spaces. Form
new season
OPULENCE Eight Mood is a Swedish brand that as well as doing the usual Scandi pared back style, also creates richly textured and coloured fabrics and accessories. One of its strongest A/W17 themes, called STORY, is inspired by 17th century Dutch stilllife paintings using silk, satin, crushed and devoré velvets and featuring damask and Baroque flourishes. The colour palette of burgundy, aubergine, dark emerald, royal blue, and dark green is complemented with metallic shades of silver, pewter and golden brown. Accessories only at Joinwell 019
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Rediscovering
Your Home!
Triq San Tumas, Il-Fgura, Malta T: 2189 7000 | M: 7980 7000 E: agora@cmefinishes.com
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THE EDIT HW
BUILDING A BETTER COMMUNITY The new Development Planning Fund aims to see more public gardens, refurbished and modernised playing fields, restored public buildings and monuments, and better paved alleys in Malta’s towns and villages. It will channel millions of euros to local councils to carry out projects that aim to better the lives of their residents. The fund’s financing will come from the amalgamation of the successful Urban Improvement Fund (UIF) with that of the dormant Commuted Parking Payment Scheme. In addition, 20 per cent of the revenue generated through applications for the regularisation of development will also be directed to the fund. The origins of the Development Planning Fund lie in the creation of the Planning Authority and the
introduction of the 1992 Structure Plan. ‘The idea was that if you had a development, then you should provide parking on site,’ the fund’s Chairperson Perit Vincent Cassar explains. ‘Clearly, this was not always possible, so the idea was that the community would be compensated for the shortfall of the car parking spaces that the project would require.’ Over the past years, a total of €12.8 million has been allocated to councils through the UIF. The money has been spent on a variety of community projects, from energy-saving street lighting to the creation of playgrounds. The new fund hopes to be even more effective. ‘There are instances when there is a big project which would benefit residents from several localities – say a playground or a
garden or accessible pavements – which might require a bigger budget than an individual council would have,’ says Perit Vincent Cassar. ‘This is envisaged under the new framework and we encourage councils to consider pooling their funds to get ambitious projects going, rather than delaying them until they can afford them on their own.’ Funds from the Development Planning Fund may also be used by government agencies, NGOs or private individuals but the proposals need to be submitted through the respective local councils where the initiatives are to be implemented. ‘With so many more developments planned,’ says Peris Cassar, ‘ it is important to ensure that the lack of parking is actively turned into a benefit for the community.’ 021
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358, Naxxar Road, B'Kara BKR 9040, Malta Tel: (+356) 21441328 I Fax: (+356) 21447188 www.bathroomdesign.com.mt www.facebook.com/bathroomdesignmalta
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THE EDIT HW
Sweetly Scented Bring the outdoors in with these perfumed candles and diffusers
Photography: MAS Styling: Jennifer Abela Special thanks: Satariano, background: Bisazza tiles and bath
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11. 6.
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1. Wooden Tray by Flamant Loft 2. Flora Inscense Set Fonasetti camilleriparismode 3. Dusky Wood scented Candle AYTM Loft 4. Coconut & Pinapple Luxury Fragrance Candle Matalan 5. Coconut & Pinapple Scented Diffuser Matalan 6. Djarta Scented Candle PB Home Loft 7. Calm Diffuser Matalan 8. Pin & Cypress Diffuser Flamant Loft 9. Coton Frais Diffuser Flamant Loft 10. Dusky Mood Scented Diffuser AYTM Loft 11. Scent Sphere La Chiave Diffuser Fonasetti camilleriparismode
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HW INTERIOR DESIGN
by DESIGN
You want to hire an interior designer but don’t know what to expect? Faye Arnold spoke to four designers to discover the process
Interiors by camilleriparismode
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INTERIOR DESIGN HW
TL: Paul Camilleri, camilleriparismode TR: Vera Sant Fournier BL: Olivia Anne Calleja BR: Justine Bartolo, Lillie Helena Design House
E
ngaging the services of an interior designer can be a daunting decision but the result can be a home that tells the story of who we are and what we love. However to achieve this, the relationship between the client and designer needs to be one of trust and commitment with a clear understanding of what is wanted and what is possible within the confines of time, budget and expectations. The first step in the relationship is a meeting in which the interior designer will want to understand you and your style. ‘A good design brief will last for about ninety minutes at a single session, and in that time the studio will go through a series of questions to be able to extract your likes and dislikes, your lifestyle, your desires and any special or particular requests you may have,’ says Vera Sant Fournier, Creative Director at Vera Sant Fournier Design Studio. ‘The studio will help discover and even learn more about your wishes for your home by showing you fabrics, colour wheels, samples and the like. This helps us find out more about the individuals personal taste and even their personality. A good design brief is one where the chemistry between the client and the design team is fluid; in our studio we prefer the client to come without images, as our duty is to be innovative and not replicative. After all one
wants their home to be a mirror of themselves, and no one else.’ For others, however, images are an important part of the consultative process. ‘They quickly and clearly allow me to visualize a client’s style in terms of shapes, texture, design style and colour,’ says Justine Bartolo of Lillie Helen Design House. ‘A great way to use pictures is through Pinterest, and I do this with the majority of my clients. We create a Pinterest board then post inspiration and comment on each other’s pins - that always gives both of us great insight into what we are imagining for the final result. I also like to find out what a client wants to do in the space they want designed. I can take a lot from knowing the day-to-day activities that will go on in that particular room, such as “Will you be reading on the sofa or is it simply for watching tv?” or “Do you listen to the radio or prefer to sit on the armchair and read a book.” These kind of questions let me know how to create a practical space that will fit your everyday lifestyle, therefore allowing the final result to work harmoniously with you.’ For Paul Camilleri, head of the design team at CamilleriParisMode Project and Design, communication is a key. ‘One scenario we definitely want to avoid is this: we think we know what the client wants, we submit our
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HW INTERIOR DESIGN
Interiors by Lillie Helena Design House
designs, and it is not at all what they envisioned. To avoid this, there must be good communication. ‘It is also important that clients to do some homework of their own,’ he continues. ‘It helps if they have a look at our website and search our social media profiles, so they fully understand what we provide as a company – what services we have to offer and what our signature style is. Almost certainly this will make them feel more confident when coming in for the initial meeting. We also like the client to provide us with images and plans of the property in its current state. This will allow us to have a factual vision of what the property looks like. All in all a detailed brief is a definite blueprint
for a successful project, with a clear set of expectations and goals.’ The next stage in the process is the visualisation of the ideas for the space. This can take several weeks and involves a number of phases from mood boards and rough sketches to two-dimensional drawings and computer simulations. ‘I find mood boards allow me to fine tune what it is the clients want,’ says Justine. ‘And if a client isn’t too clear, a mood board gives them a certain creative space within which I can manoeuvre.’ As the designs become more detailed and complex, the technical side of a design, including electrical and plumbing installations, needs to be included.
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INTERIOR DESIGN HW
The design workshop at Vera Sant Fournier Design Studio
Interiors by Vera Sant Fournier Design Studio
‘I use a three-dimensional render or simulation,’ says interior designer and lighting specialist, Olivia Anne Calleja. ‘This really makes the design seem more real as the client can actually see what were are discussing.’ Professional workmanship is also important she says, and here again the element of trust enters the scenario as all design companies have their own trusted workforce and artisans who can give a guarantee of quality. Olivia Ann also lists honesty as an important factor. ‘Sometimes what the client wants is just not possible but it’s our duty as designers to help our clients arrive at realisable conclusions that are best for them.’ Budget and the timescale are other important considerations. ‘Not only is it important for us to work within a client’s limits, it is also for the client to be aware of a realistic outcome based on a particular budget.’ 029
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HW INTERIOR DESIGN
‘I use a three-dimensional render or simulation...this really makes the design seem more real as the client can actually see what were are discussing’
3D Conceptualisationby Olivia Ann Calleja
Interiors by Olivia Ann Calleja
All the designers we spoke to agreed that the time scale involved in creating such a project is a factor that is often misunderstood. Justine uses the analogy of creating a work of art. ‘Designing an interior is an evolving process and it takes time and thought to create the best result,’ she says. Adds Paul: ‘Only time can allow us to create the Wow factor that our clients expect.’ 030
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Mosta Road, Lija t. +356 21412222 e. info@ssbathrooms.com
www.ssbathrooms.com
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Over the next 25 pages, be inspired by homes that absolutely reflect their owners loves and lifestyle. On the next page is the ultimate minimalist apartment in its all-white glory. On page 042, we meet a man who has turned his home into a showcase for mid-century modern furniture and books, which is just the way he likes it. On page 048 is a house that brings together rich colours, decorative detail and the odd quirky piece for a bold and confident look, and lastly, on page 054 we see the result of a revamp that took a dated home and transformed it into one that is elegant and modern. 033
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PURE&SIMPLE
FROM THE BARE WHITE WALLS TO THE SMOOTH CONCRETE FLOORS AND PARED BACK STAIRCASE, THIS APARTMENT IS A SHOWCASE FOR PURITY IN DESIGN Architects: ME Architects Photography: Andrius Penkauskas, MAS Words: Rachel Loos
Open-plan living: the double-height space is full of light thanks the skylights. This area contains the kitchen and dining area, and the cantilevered stairs that lead to the upper floor
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N
ot everyone would want to live in such a completely white space but Rodianne Cassar loves her apartment absolutely. She has even given it a name - Elle. ‘I’ve lived in beautiful homes but nothing compares to this one,’ she says. ‘Elle is a reflection of who I am. I believe in ‘less is more` and lack of clutter in life in general. I wanted a relaxed and elegant atmosphere in every room of the house, with only what I needed and what added to the peaceful vibe of the house. There`s just something about minimal spaces that I`m instinctively drawn to. I find the simplistic beauty of a minimalist space mesmerizing.’ ME Architects created the apartment. Built new above an existing building in Gudja, they had the luxury of a completely blank canvas. ‘Beyond the brief, we were given a free hand,’ says architect Karl Ebejer. ‘And, unusually, we were able to stay with the original concept all the way through which was a refreshing change.’ The central double height space was key to the plan, creating a real sense of space, with significant slits for skylights for light and allowing Rodianne to see the sky. The two polished concrete floors are connected
The cantilevered staircase were a design challenge as they are attached to a party wall that is only 23cm thick. Throughout the day, there is an interplay of light through the staircase with the skylight above
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Bedroom: the colour palette of grey and white continues in the bedroom, where the pendant light keeps the look cohesive. Curtains are pulled across for privacy and a vast wardrobe keeps everything out of sight
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The ensuite bathroom (above): A seamless transition between the bedroom and bathroom delineated only by the floor. The bathroom was done by NIC Design and supplied by A2 Ceramics Downstairs bathroom (left): the only break in the all white are the two dark bathrooms, done with micro-cement walls and black accessories. ‘I love the contrast and they’re so chic and ideal to unwind in,’ says Rodianne
by a concrete, cantilevered staircase which was extremely challenging to install, the architects having to work with a 23cm party wall. ‘We considered options such as glass as a balustrade but we disregarded them because it took away from the purity of the space,’ says Karl. The living room makes the most of the view with floor-to-ceiling windows and a large terrace; colour is absent here, too, the only touches coming from bottles in the built-in bar along one wall. Upstairs is the one bedroom, open to the rest of the apartment, with privacy given by the curtains which draw across.
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Downstairs: a large floor mirror accentuates the light downstairs and makes the space feel larger. The kitchen units are MDF spraypainted glossy white; the worktop made of absolute white quartz
Living room: light floods in through the floor-to-ceiling windows with shots of colour provided by the bottles on the shelves of the built-in bar. The sofa was custom-made by Muccio Mobili. Right: Rodianne enjoying her home
Rodianne, a marketing manager, loves her apartment so much that she finds it hard to leave. ‘When I can, I opt to stay in instead ofgoing out,’ she says. ‘The large windows and skylights make it very bright and airy and that makes me feel more vibrant and happier. I never thought a home could affect your mood so much. I simply love this house and adore living in it! ‘Elle’ is my sanctuary; the place to escape and unwind.’
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treasured
Collection
Emmanuel de Bayser has turned his apartment into a vibrant museum of mid-century modern design – and a wonderful place to live Photographs: Greg Cox Styling: Sven Alberding Text: Noreen Johnson
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The living room: two stone and bronze Francois-Xavier Lalanne sheep ‘wander’ towards a curvaceous pair of cream Ours Polaire easy chairs and matching Ours Polaire sofa by French designer Jean Royère, which are set around a coffee table by Austrian-born designer Paul Frankl. The wall-mounted light (at left) and Antony wood and steel occasional chair are by French designer Jean Prouvé and the wooden stools are all by Charlotte Perriand. The petite grey Oeuf (Egg) chair is also by Royère. The black metal standing lamps are by French lighting designer Serge Mouille and the dark-glazed ceramics are by French ceramicists Pol Chambost and Georges Jouve. The white ceramic piece on the marble mantelpiece is by André Borderie; above the fireplace hangs a contemporary abstract artwork by young Berlin-based artist XOOOOX
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S
ituated in Berlin’s bustling Mitte neighbourhood, in the old East of the city, The Corner Berlin was started 12 years ago by Emmanuel de Bayser and his partner Josef Voelk. Intended to be ‘a platform in Berlin for the best international design, from fashion to interiors, books, beauty and more,’ as Emmanuel puts it, The Corner Berlin has become one of the city’s top shopping destinations for those looking for something beautifully designed and beyond the ordinary. Four years ago, Emmanuel de Bayser.bought an apartment in the same building in which his design shop is situated – a building that was built in the early decades of the 20th century, and which survived both the Second World War and its time in Communist East Berlin. It’s a grand, imposing structure with elegant period features that include a sweeping staircase and a vintage lift clad in intricate cast ironwork that softens the neoclassical lines of the architecture that surrounds it.
Once inside Emmanuel’s front door, that balance of the linear and architectural with softer and more playful elements continues. Immediately on the left of the compact entrance hallway – which features a curvaceous marble table by Italian designer Angelo Mangiarotti – is the library-study. Here, built-in shelving designed by Emmanuel is packed with some 500 books – including art monographs as well as works on photography, design and film – from his large collection. It is also furnished with a selection of breathtakingly chic items that include pieces by French modernist icons Jean Prouvé and Charlotte Perriand, Danish designers Philip Arctander and Axel Einar Hjorth and master ceramicist Georges Jouve. A glance at this sliver of a space instantly assures any visitor to Emmanuel’s apartment that its owner is a midcentury design connoisseur. With high ceilings and windows all the way down one side of the room, the living-dining
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Dining area: situated at the opposite end of the room that houses both living and dining spaces. On the left of the textured-wallpaper panels behind the Pierre Chapo table is the entrance to the kitchen, while the doorway on the right leads to the bedroom
Entrance hall: in the compact entrance hall of the apartment, a witty pop culture-referencing artwork by Zach Reinie (zachreini.com) hangs above a marble Eros table by Italian designer Angelo Mangiarotti (agapecasa.it). The ceramic piece on the table is by French mid-century master ceramicist Georges Jouve
Library-study nook: lined along one side with large windows and on the other, by a built-in bookshelf designed by the homeowner. The Compas Direction table and Standard chair, both with bright green-painted metal detailing, are by French designer Jean Prouvé and placed alongside the table is a sculptural wooden side chair by Charlotte Perriand. At the far end of the space, a Clam chair by Danish modernist Philip Arctander is the perfect spot in which to browse a few selections from Emmanuel’s large collection of art monographs and design, film and photography books. The chair’s fluffy upholstery is complemented by the texture of the 1930s Moroccan rug. The oval Utö table alongside the Clam chair is by Danish designer Axel Einar Hjorth, and the table lamp, ceramics and green mirror are all by French mid-century master ceramicist Georges Jouve
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The kitchen: the original kitchen was carefully restored and updated rather than replaced, giving it an authentic vintage feel. The Standard chair is by Jean Prouvé. The small table lamp is by Georges Jouve and the artwork on the table is by American artist Scott Reeder
The bathroom: Emmanuel had the bathroom renovated before he moved into the apartment; the flooring is original but the rest of the fittings and fixtures are all new.The Antony occasional chair is by French designer Jean Prouvé
space is flooded with light during the day and feels airy and spacious. This also makes it perfectly suited to showcasing his very many seriously covetable pieces of 20th-century design and art. Emmanuel confesses to being more or less continuously in pursuit of pieces by designers he loves, both on the Internet and in brick-and-mortar antiques stores – in short, ‘Wherever I can find them!’ Asked why his collection is focused predominantly (although not exclusively) on French design, furniture and collectables from the middle of the 20th century, he says, ‘This genre of design is timeless, and also mixes so well with the architecture from older periods. It has a lively character that somehow both contrasts and fits with other styles.’ When he bought the apartment four years ago, Emmanuel
gave the 160m2 space a sensitive renovation. This included retaining the basic layout of the rooms as well as keeping some of the finishes intact. The mid-century kitchen was upgraded, for example, but the original flooring, as well as the built-in cupboards and the ceiling detail, were all carefully restored rather than simply being replaced. In the bedroom, Emmanuel added wooden cladding to the walls – a detail that ‘warms up’ the spacious room and also feels as if it should have been part of its original design. Perhaps even more playful and engaging than the more public areas of the apartment, the bedroom features loads of bold colour including a gleaming green-upholstered chair by Pierre Jeanneret; a 1950s Gino Sarfatti lamp in primary blue, yellow and red; and a boldly colourful artwork by mid-
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The bedroom: in the bedroom, bright colours reign supreme. ‘Primary colours are timeless, I find,’ says homeowner Emmanuel de Bayser – and as this space shows, he’s right. The bench at the base of the bed and bold green Senate Committee chair are both by Pierre Jeanneret, and the wooden stool is by Charlotte Perriand. The round wooden Guéridon Bas table by Jean Prouvé is home to a selection of Georges Jouve ceramics in primary colours. The vintage 1950s Gino Sarfatti lamp in primary blue, yellow and red adds to the sense of fun in this space, as does the bold artwork by mid-century US artist, Roman Catholic nun and educator Corita Kent. The white Clam chair is by Danish designer Philip Arctander, the white ceramic vessels in the background are by Pol Chambost and Georges Jouve and the black wall sconce alongside the bed is by Serge Mouille
The study: the bedroom was spacious enough to include a small study or work area, which is furnished with a wooden-topped table and Standard chair by Jean Prouvé. The red table lamp and dark ceramics are by George Jouve, the table top and wastepaper ‘baskets’ in metal are by Hungarian-French designer Mathieu Matégot and the three artworks are by Jean Arp
century US artist, Roman Catholic nun and educator Corita Kent. Adding to the sense of fun are a plethora of colourful Jouve ceramics, several graphic white ceramic pieces by Borderie and a delightfully quirky side table (incorporating an antler) by US fashion designer Rick Owens. After the riot of colour in the bedroom, the en suite bathroom is cool and calm. It’s been completely redone – other than the flooring, which was retained – but very much in the modernist spirit of the original. Emmanuel designed the double vanity unit and storage, which has a feel of the functional ‘space age’ designs of the 1950s as well as a touch of the angular, clean-lined style of the 1930s about it. In spite of the fact that Emmanuel’s apartment and store are situated in the centre of one of the busiest historical districts of East Berlin – surrounded by museums, restaurants, hotels, bars and parks – it must be very easy to find an excuse to regularly pop upstairs to enjoy his private design wonderland. Which just goes to show that living above the shop has some very obvious advantages. 047
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Strike it rich OPULENT TEXTURES AND A BOLD USE OF COLOUR TOGETHER CREATE A HOME WITH A DISTINCTIVE STYLE Photographs: Alan Carville Styling: Fiona Caruana Carabez Words: Rachel Loos Special thanks to: camilleriparismode for linen and bath accessories
K
ate de Cesare is very much a maximalist. Not for her the coolness of an all white space – instead her home in Lija is a decorated in rich colours and patterns with chandeliers, antiques and luxury materials coming together to create a home that is a visual feast. ‘I prefer warmer shades; they make for a cosier feel and they work well when lifted with gold,’ she says. ‘And my husband and I like antiques, mixing them with quirky and modern pieces to create a look that is interesting and fun, but also comfortable.’ It helps that this three-bedroom house is full of light which allows the colour palette to sing, rather than the colours absorbing all the light making a too-dark space. In fact, it was the light, and the original staircase with large steps and wrought iron balustrade leading to the top of the house, that made Kate and husband, Andrea, choose this 18th century house for themselves and their two young daughters. ‘We liked its location, on one of village’s the prettiest streets,’ says Kate. Living spaces (adjacent page): on the upstairs landing (top left), an ultra-marine blue is the perfect foil for an antique French mirror and chest of drawers. In the living room (top right) aubergine on the walls give this space a decadent feel, especially teamed with the two-tone curtains, from camilleriparismode, the gold detailing on the door and velvet chair. In the dining area (this picture), a contemporary fireplace and shelving unit is juxtaposed by traditional furniture and accessories for a room that feels luxurious thanks to the rich colours, lavish silk curtains and warmth of the furniture. ‘We originally had this as a formal sitting room but we almost never used it,’ says Kate. ‘Now it is partially open-plan to the hallway, and it’s become a real communal space.’
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Bedroom: with high ceilings, Kate needed something to hold the space, hence the enormous headboard which was suggested by camilleriparismode. ‘It’s crazy but it works really well!’ she says. The enormous chandelier also helps fill the space. The room is painted a dark blue. ‘The colour makes for a more intimate setting,’ she says. Beyond is a balcony (opposite, top left) not used for sitting in, but for bringing in fresh air and the sounds of street life 050
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SPACES HW The house had been uninhabited for many years and it took them two years to complete its renovation. ‘It’s a well built house but we had to gut it completely and start again with new wiring and plumbing, and we were careful with how we did it – the wires don’t cut through the stone but through the mortar joints,’ she says. The layout was done with the help of designer Michael Trapani Galea. On the ground floor they brought down walls to create a more openplan space which made it more compatible with modern living. ‘With two small kids, it allowed us to be all together even if we were in different areas downstairs,’ says Kate. Removing the flooring at the front of the house revealed a surprise. ‘We discovered that our cellar had lovely original arches hidden by a concrete ceiling. It also had access to the war shelters and a tunnel that went past all our neighbours - we’ve now closed it off - that leads all the way to the church,’ says Kate.
Bathroom: a luxurious room thanks not just to the travertine which is in two different colours but also the enormous copper bath from Catchpole and Rye in England. ‘We travelled to Kent to see if we liked it,’ says Kate. ‘It had to be earthed so that running water with copper wouldn’t electrocute us, but it’s wonderful. We can float it in.’ As in the kitchen, a chandelier and pictures on the wall help give the room a less functional vibe
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Kitchen: Kate was keen that the functional rooms felt more like the rooms in the rest of the house. ‘The units, from Fino, and the marble are both quite subtle,’ says Kate. On one wall is Nina Campbell wallpaper and a chandelier adds a glamorous touch
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Staircase: the original staircase that drew Kate and her husband to the house
Lounge room: the room where the family relax. A large corner sofa gives plenty of space for lounging. Above it, the colours of an abstract artwork, painted by Kate, tie in which the burnt orange chair Courtyard: filled with plants, the courtyard has a fresh feel. After eight years here, in the house, the family are selling this house and moving to a home that the couple have been renovating for the past four years
The couple were painstaking in their endeavours. The original flagstones in the bathroom and hallway were lifted and numbered, and then re-laid after all the plumbing was carried out. In the kitchen, layers of wall were removed to give more space for the kitchen units. ‘Throughout the process we gave ourselves extra tasks but we just wanted to do the best we could,’ says Kate. And it shows. 053
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STARTING OVER A STYLISH REFURBISHMENT BROUGHT A TIRED AND DATED LOOK UP-TO-DATE AND PERFECT FOR THE OWNERS’ NEW WAY OF LIVING Interior design: camilleriparismode Design Team Photographs: Brian Grech Words: Rachel Loos
T
he owners of this house had a choice – sell up and move, or redesign the home where they had been living for the past 30 years and in so doing transform it into a contemporary space that reflected their current way of living. The house was dated and as their children were older now, the clients’ felt the house should adjust to these changes too,’ says Paul Camilleri of the camilleriparismode Design Team who were brought it to carry out the work. The work concentrated on the ground floor, which was reconfigured with walls partially removed to open the space up and improve the flow. This also had the advantage of bringing a sense of the outside into the house, the garden now seen from the main living areas. ‘The wife is very into her garden but until now, it was not incorporated into the space,’ says Paul. The fireplace was moved to a more central location, between the living room and dining area, allowing its effect to be felt throughout. Set into a smart set of shelving, it has a clean, uncluttered look which is in keeping with the rest of the design.
Hallway: The heavy original stair railing was replaced by a custom-made one, created by SAW. A small cloakroom and storage were added making the hallway not only look chic but be more useful too. The Labarere console is from CPM as are the ceiling and wall lights
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Living room: what was once the dining room is now a stylish living room made comfortable with a warm colour palette, the sophistication of neutrals lifted by the jewel tones of the accessories. Furniture and accessories from camilleriparismode (CPM). Tiles from Bathroom Design
Fireplace: moved to between the living room and dining area, it can be seen throughout the open-plan space and set into a smart set of shelving, has a clean, uncluttered look. Cladding by Halmann Vella
The kitchen, now seen from the living and dining space, needed to work with these areas which it does beautifully, thanks to the clean lines of the units which also offer plenty of storage for keeping the look stream-lined. The hallway was also given a make-over. ‘The original railings felt very heavy so they were removed and replaced with a more modern design which still works well with the marble stairs,’ says Paul. Storage, the modern must-have, was also
added, along with a cloakroom. ‘The space has a much more welcoming feel now,’ says Paul. When choosing the colour palette, camilleriparismode stepped away from grey, an often preferred shade. ‘We chose somthing warmer, a more Mediterranean palette, and one that is more natural with blues and greens,’ says Paul. ‘It creates a clean, fresh feel and accentuates the connection between the inside and out. New stone-coloured flooring was installed,
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Dining room: The dining table and chairs by Vincent Sheppard are complimented by the striking Vibia pendant light, which hangs low of the table, giving the space definition and style. Both are from CPM
‘We chose a warm Mediterranean palette with blues and greens for a fresh a clean, fresh feel’
Kitchen: the Varenna by Poliform units look smart and work with the rest of the design. The BTC lights and Vincent Sheppard counter stools are from CPM
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Les Heritieres floor lamp from CPM
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Exterior decking was installed and a stone path making the garden more accessible. The chairs are by Vincent Sheppard and the side table from Talenti, both CPM
the shade similar to that of the walls for a continuous feel that accentuates the sense of spaciousness. And while much of the furniture is in darker hues for an elegant feel, they are lifted by the jewel tones of the blues and greens. The new look has been a resounding success. ‘It is functional but it also looks good and reflects life today,’ says Paul. The perfect combination.
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HW BATHROOM SPECIAL
The Great (Escape)
Bathroom by Villeroy & Boch, at Bathroom Design
No longer a place to just get clean, the bathroom is now key to feeling good..
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Bathroom by dornbracht, at Creations Omni
The bathroom is arguably the room that has undergone the greatest change over the past decades. Once a largely functional and aesthetically uninspiring space, it is now a room that is central to a home both in style and well-being. And while the rest of the home has become open-plan to allow for socializing, the bathroom has become a luxuriously private space that allows one to escape and rejuvenate. ‘The bathroom is now more focused around personal wellness,’ says Sven Ullrich global head of marketing at Dornbracht, the German brand that is a major player in bathroom technology. ‘That’s because we have a different lifestyle. Everything about our lives has become so busy and there’s so much information; we are looking for a place to do something good for ourselves and the bathroom has become an integral part of our personal wellness strategy.’ The free-standing bathtub is today emblematic of the luxury bathroom. Positioned away from the wall, it gives the room a sculptural element and the organic shape also helps soften the effect of tiles and hard surfaces. The most recent development is to place it where it gives the bather a view, whether that be of a cityscape, the ocean or simply the garden. The shower, however, is challenging this supremacy, as it has developed beyond a small tray and a shower curtain to something a lot more sophisticated and stylish. Today, the
we are looking for a place to do something good for ourselves and the bathroom has become an integral part of our personal wellness strategy
Ceramics by Keope, at Halmann Vella
shower is an expansive space enclosed within glass or for an even larger space, a completely tiled open area or wet room. A drenching shower is still popular, especially now that modern technology allows for the effect of a tropical storm using a smaller fitting that uses less water. Shower heads are also adjustable, allowing a water experience that goes from a gentle shower to fast shots of water. The bathroom as spa is also a strong trend, the shower turning into a steam room and the bath a Jacuzzi. One of the most significant trends has been the introduction of furniture and accessories usually associated with the living room such as a chair for lounging with big-name product designers such as Philippe Starck and Patricia Urquiola particularly strong in pushing this narrative. ‘Antonio Citterio introduced seating areas around the bath so that one person can be in the bath, while the other is reading,’ says Sarah Evans, head of marketing at Axor’s parent company Hansgrohe. Luxury, however, is not confined to large bathrooms. The past few years has seen a growing emphasis on making a small bathrooms feel as luxurious and escapist as bigger ones using high quality materials and fixtures such as large format stone and marble slabs that show off the beauty of the natural material with very few joins, along with the hand-made that emphasises skilled craftsmanship. Brassware has become the jewellery for the bathroom, with materials extending well beyond the traditional stainless steel to metals that come in a range of finishes which can change the mood of a bathroom from urban industrial to elegant and sophisticated. Accessories, too, have become more beautiful with design names including Tom Dixon creating a set of eye-catching containers in materials such as white marble and blue glass. Everything you need to create a bathroom that feels good, even great.
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A touch of glamour, Pitré Bathrooms
Time for a
Change? 1.
Think about your bathroom – do you enjoy being in it or do you want to get in and out as quickly as possible? If it’s the latter, then it’s time you started thinking about giving your bathroom an overhaul. With bathrooms now considered key to wellbeing, it is important that yours is a space that helps you relax and feel rejuvenated. Here are the most common reasons for refurbishing a bathroom... Bianco Carrara marble, Halmann Vella
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Monochrome style from Ideal Standard, Satariano
Neutral colours from Porcelanosa, Satariano
THE ANNOYING BATHROOM
CHANGE ON THE WAY
THE DATED BATHROOM
IT FEELS OUT OF PLACE
There are a number of reasons you may find your bathroom irritating. If there’s not enough storage and you hate the clutter, then perhaps the answer is to invest in a new basin unit that includes storage. A long slender wall cabinet with plenty of shelving is another idea. Does the shower feel too cramped? If you don’t have the space for a larger shower enclosure, the best solution may be to install one over your bath. However, if you don’t use the bath very often, consider getting rid of your bath altogether and instead having a large shower enclosure or even a wet room. Alternatively, if you are someone who loves relaxing in the bath, making it the centrepiece of your bathroom is probably a better idea.
Changing circumstances are another major reason for refurbishing a bathroom. If your family is growing, do you need a larger bath or a double sink to make morning and evening rituals more manageable? Should you change the style of taps to make it easier for little hands to turn them on and off? Conversely, if you’re children are flying the nest, why not transform your bathroom into a space that feels more sophisticated and calm.
If you’ve lived in your house for some years, it is not surprising that it’s starting to feel the effects of wear and tear and look tired and uninspiring. Giving it a refresh could be as simple as re-painting the walls, or replacing the flooring and tiles. Swapping out traditional taps for those that are more modern is another easy way to give your bathroom a lift.
If you’ve re-decorated the rest of your home, your bathroom may no longer fit into the new colour scheme or style. Adapting it to feel part of your home may mean changing the style and colour of the walls through new tiles and flooring. Or it may be that the addition of new accessories in the palette and theme of the rest of the home is enough to bring it into line.
Cool tranquility from Duravit’s Luv collection, Creations Omni 063
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WHAT’S NEW! we round-up the latest products and technology...
AXOR Uno Select Gold: the flow of water is controlled by pressing the Select button, by turning the so-called “Zero” handle, or by lifting the ergonomically shaped loop handle. The spouts and handles are available in radical or gently rounded versions. Creations Omni
On tap
Bathrooms mixers have become the jewellery of the bathroom and come in a range of finishes and styles...
Jado: sleek tub mixer tap in stainless steel. Satariano
Oden: Smooth and timeless design in which the lever moves to the right activating the cold which then moves to the hot which is a water saving feature. Bridgepoint
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Inciso: Designed by David Rockwell, Inciso by Gessi celebrates traditional craftsmanship. The collection is made of solid brass and available in a large number of finishes, including black, nickel and bronze. It can also be easily customised by mixing different texture inserts and finishes for a variety of combinations. S&S Bathrooms Suit L basin mixer in copper: VitrA’s angular style with a straight ribbon spout, it features an easy to operate side lever and ceramic disc valve. It comes in a choice of heights and features a swivel spout basin mixer. Vivo
Kawa: designed by Karim Rashid for Cisal, the slim-line form echoes the undulation of the ocean. Here in black, it comes in white, pink and green and you can choose monochrome or two contrasting shades. Pitré Bathrooms Dress: match the look of your tap to your bathroom decor with this Nobilis tap that comes in five different colours. Bathroom Design 065
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HW BATHROOM SPECIAL NEW BRAND ALERT!
Italian brand Cielo is new to the Maltese bathroom market. An artisan ceramic manufacturer, each piece comes out of a Cielo kiln and is then processed, moulded and polished by hand, giving each piece a sense of the unique. Its award-winning designs are beautifully organic for a bathroom that feels wonderfully relaxed. Satariano
SMALL SPACE WASHING
NATURALLY RESISTANT
Krion is made of two-thirds natural minerals (ATH – aluminium trihydrate) and a low percentage of highresistance resins to create basins with a touch that is similar to natural stone, as well as being antibacterial without any type of additive, hard-wearing and easy to clean. Satariano
Duravit’s just launched EOOS shower + bath features a walk-in shower and bathtub in one, allowing not only for space saving but also takes away the need to step into the bath. When used as a shower, the door to the bathtub vanishes completely under a stool and doesn’t appear to be a bathtub as such, rather a walk-in shower with an inviting seat and whole-body mirror. Only upon closing the door does it become a bathtub. With its compact outer dimensions (75 x 170 cm) shower + bath optimizes the use of space, and its generous mirror enhances the atmosphere in the smallest of bathrooms. Creations Omni
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BATHROOM SPECIAL HW SHOWERS
Today’s shower experience is all about luxuriating in space and water Jado cubic: Go angular with this stylish brushed steel shower set. Satariano
Magnum: there’s space for two in shower enclosure that’s designed by Marc Sadler. Satariano
SHINE ON
Add shine to your bathroom with this chrome-plated brass basin or this stone and mirror mosaic one. Great for a small bathroom where the sheen will left the space. Pitré Bathrooms
GLASSY LOOK
Glass mosaic tiles add high-gloss and this 3D honeycomb style also injects texture. Made from recycled glass, pictured here is Diamond Turquoise. Also available in this range are black, white, pink and a beige. Tile N’ Style
HIGH-TECH FLUSHING
The new Vero Air WC incorporates the ultimate in comfort and hygiene with advanced Rimless® technology. A touch button control operates all the functions including water intensity and temperature. Also, the open design of the WC rim enables an innovative and powerful flush: water flows in the form of a horizontal arc, and then vertically, before flushing the entire inner surface of the bowl without splashing, even with just 4.5 litres of water. Creations Omni
WATER SAVER
The Altered: Nozzle is a watersaving nozzle that attaches to your existing tap to atomize water so you use as much as 98% less than normal. For more water, switch to the regular water saving mode and save 75% on your usual use. ECONOVA 67
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OUT ON THE TILES
THE CHOICE OF TILING HAS EXPLODED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS – BUT HOW DO YOU CHOOSE? WE ASKED THE EXPERTS...
If paint and wallpaper set the tone in the main living spaces of a home, then tiles do so in the bathroom. The style, colour and size of the tiles you opt for will greatly impact on the mood and look of your bathroom so you need to choose carefully. As well, the warm, wet and often steamy conditions mean that as well as the look, you also need to be practical. Today there is a huge range of materials, sizes, finishes, colours, shapes, styles – and prices - so it is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices. We asked Halmann Vella to explain the
differences between them all. Tiles can either be man-made such as ceramic, porcelain or engineered stone or else natural stone tiles including marble, granite, travertine, slate and limestone. Man-made tiles are notable for being low maintenance unlike natural stone which is more fragile, and are usually chosen for those on a budget. Natural stone is considered the height of luxury and a guarantee of uniqueness, a standard that few other materials can compete with.
CERAMIC AND PORCELAIN Ceramic is a very popular choice for bathrooms both because of the beautiful and various styles available as well as for its practicality since it is a very durable material, which is very easy to clean. Ceramic tiles are ideal for moisture prone areas since the material is waterproof and therefore does not stain. Slightly more expensive than ceramic, porcelain is a denser therefore stronger material. It can withstand wear and tear better than other materials and therefore it is perfect choice for bathrooms. Porcelain tiles are also easy to maintain and come in a wide range of style and colour options.
ENGINEERED STONE Engineered stone such as quartz is a good alternative to natural stone without the hassle of the maintenance associated with natural stone. It comes in a wide range of colour options (some of which mimic the veining of natural stone), is scratch resistant, non-porous and also resistant to mildew.
MARBLE
Few materials come close to the beauty of genuine marble. Marble is a unique material, with its colours and veining indicative of the country in which it has been quarried. One drawback of marble, however, is that it is a delicate material, susceptible to staining, so needs to be sealed quite often.
GRANITE Granite has a number of benefits including classic good looks, impressive durability as well as low maintenance. Granite has an excellent scratch resistance but it may need to be sealed and can chip if a heavy object is dropped on the surface.
LIMESTONE Limestone is another popular material in the bathroom as it stands out from the glossier looks usually associated with marble and granite. It is however, also quite a porous material and homeowners are advised to take precautionary measures such sealing the material and using a squeegee to remove excess water from the walls each time the bathroom is used.
SLATE Similar to marble, slate is a natural material, available in a range of rich shades so every slate flooring or cladding design is an original and unique work of art, courtesy of mother nature. Slate adds warmth to a room and is ideal both for a rustic styled bathrooms as well as modern designs.
TRAVERTINE Travertine has a particular texture, often with visible pores. Therefore many question its suitability for the bathroom. Travertine, in its natural state is porous, therefore water can seep through and cause stains which are difficult to remove. However, travertine when filled in and in a honed or polished finish is able to withstand most of the spills which may occur in the bathroom. It is also very easy to clean and does not show water spots and soap residues – a source of desperation for many a tidy home lover. 068
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Great Effects
COLOURED TILES:
>
> METAL-EFFECT PORCELAIN STONEWARE:
>
As well as being durable, porcelain stoneware also comes in a variety of colours and styles, says B&M Supplies. Here are some of the options...
WOOD-EFFECT:
with elegant colour contrasts, metal glazes and refined hues these tiles recreate the textures and lightly oxidised look of iron giving a bathroom a modern vibe.
with bathrooms becoming less functional in style and look, coloured tiles are being seen more and more in bathrooms. They are a great way of adding warmth and energy to a room.
> MARBLE-EFFECT PORCELAIN STONEWARE:
>
faithfully reproduces the classic elegance and natural veining of marble, and comes in a number of finishes.
STONEEFFECTPORCELAIN STONEWARE:
as with marble, the lovely look of stone without the maintenance issues. Cementeffect porcelain stoneware: perfect for a cool industrial look, but also looks chic combined with softer, graphic styles.
wood has come into the bathroom in a big way and wood effect porcelain tiles give the warmth of the wood in a variety of colours and effects.
TOP TIPS > When choosing floor tiles, those with a rougher finish are safer as they are more slip-resistant when wet. As with a living room, lighter colours reflect the light and will make a small bathroom, feel bigger. Darker colours tend to work better in a large bathroom. They also require less cleaning.
> While the most common tile sizes are 20cm by 20cm / 60 x 30cm / 90 x 45 cm, large format tiles such 1.20 by 60cm / 1.50 x 75 are growing in popularity, giving a cleaner look with fewer grouting joints. Buy 10% more than you need to allow for breakages.
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saySpa Panacea Collection by Tylo AB The Panacea steam bath soothes both body and soul. The hot steam envelops the body, releasing tension and easing muscle aches, while a variety of light and sound settings provide the mind with relaxing stimuli. With its different temperatures, humidity levels and essential oils, Panacea is able to mimic ancient and naturally gentle treatments that draw inspiration from the Roman caldarium and sensuous Balinese steam baths. Or you can use Panacea as a rejuvenating tepidarium, for example, after a traditional Arabian rasul treatment. BM Supplies
With bathrooms becoming a place for deep relaxation, it’s not surprising that transforming it into an at-home spa has become a major trend To make yours feel like a spa, choose a colour palette that is soothing – neutrals and pale blues reminiscent of the sky or ocean work well. Wood also looks and feels warm and relaxing - wood effect ceramic tiles work particularly well. A bath that allows you to truly relax is a must. Also key is a shower that can drench you with water. Mood lighting is also important – go for dimmable switches which allow you to control the amount of lighting, or different types of lighting so you can switch on just one style, for example those around a mirror. Finally, invest in some lovely accessories, from soft towels to lovely soap dispensers and scented candles or diffusers for those all important finishing touches.
Overhead rain shower The new, sophisticated ceiling mounted overhead rain shower is equipped with various functions such as rain, curtain, mist, bubble, and waterfall. These beautiful overheads are made out of polished stainless steel and come equipped with a controller to adjust the flow as required including white or coloured LED strips. According to the concealed tap chosen, the functions can also be used at the same time. Products available by end of September. Bridgepoint
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Make the right move.
Visit us for hundreds of flooring options for your entire home.
Vivo Bathrooms & Ceramics Ltd, Geronimo Abos Street, Iklin vivo.com.mt | facebook.com /vivobathrooms
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Bathing Beauties
Finish your bathroom with stylish accessories...
Photography: MAS Styling: Jennifer Abela Special thanks: Satariano, background: Bisazza tiles and bath
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Towels from top Hand Mono Skinny Black, NEXT Home Egyptian cotton bath sheet in dove grey, NEXT Home Alphabet bath towel, NEXT Home Luxury dark grey towel, Matalan Back, from left Hammered metal silver tooth brush holder, NEXT Home White marble toothbrush holder, NEXT Home White marble soap dispenser, NEXT Home Grey Antique soap dispenser, Maltalan Hammered metal silver soap dispenser, NEXT Home Claude Porto antique soaps, camilleriparismode From, from left Pineapple soap dish, NEXT Home Paradise bowl by A LA, Loft Flowers & vase from Satariano Home
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SIMPLE IDEAS. INSPIRING DESIGN.
Affordable Quality. ad 16.indd 73
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HW SHOP
SHOP See Address Book on Page 095 for stockist information
Every bed should not only be comfortable but should also look incredible. Camilleriparismode’s custom-made beds & headboards can be made in different styles to perfectly suit your one of a kind bedroom. Their vast selection of fabrics & trimmings make your choices limitless. Visit their Rabat shop to discuss your options with their interior consultants.
The camilleriparismode furniture collection - for a home that’s a little bit out of the ordinary. Their vast repertoire of furniture along with their interior consultants will help you find the perfect pieces for your space. Visit their Rabat outlet to view their full collection. There is always something happening at Form and this month sees the launch of its new logo which is soon to be followed by a revamped website. In addition, Form is also launching a Natuzzi EDITIONS Gallery in its Natuzzi Italia concept store to reach out, particularly, to homestarters, owners of second homes and the contract market. A new area dedicated to elegant lifestyles, also known as Alta Decoracion, is undergoing a soft opening and other exciting product launches are envisaged by the end of the year that will ensure a veritable varied shopping experience. Form 074
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Back in stock is the solid wood industrial furniture range. Consisting of sideboards, tables, TV units, coffee tables, book cases and much more. We can also customize in accordance to your requirements in different sizes and finishes. Grannysmithshop
Bloomsbury fabric collection is our newest collection of botanical and exotic designs in a variety of colourways, perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your interiors. At One Two One interiors we manufacture beautifully crafted custom-made curtains and blinds, backed up by exceptional customer service.
A well-established one-stop-shop for all manner of homewares and an industry leader in textile and carpets, Big Ben specialises in attractive and high-quality fabrics and linens to liven up any home. Products also include occasional and outdoor furniture, as well as curtains, accessories, and parquet flooring. In-house designers and staff are available for personalised customer care.
Customized Boxspring-beds available in all width & length, manufactured in German quality. Find it at Fennobed
Our new organics fabric collection is a combination of rippling marble effects and foliage designs that bring the beauty of nature indoors. Available in seven tranquil colours, the five designs are suitable for curtains, roman blinds and cushions. At One Two One interiors we manufacture beautifully crafted custom-made curtains and blinds, backed up by exceptional customer service.
We are proud to introduce Loop, the innovative sofa that changes into two bunk beds, complete with mattresses and pillows. Come and experience it, exclusively, at our newly renovated showroom at Wellbeing Bedding
See Address Book on Page 095 for stockist information
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This grey collapsible laundry bin, €17.50, is the perfect storage and space-saving solution for your bathroom. It features rope handles and a light weight design for easy carrying. Matching items available. Dimensions: 53cm x 35cm x 35cm. Available from Matalan White wicker is a fantastic way to lighten up your bathroom. This split willow toilet roll storage basket, €19.50, is perfect for discreetly storing any spare toilet rolls. Dimensions: Top width 19cm; base width 16cm; length 33cm; height 30cm. Available from Matalan
Mdina Glass has just launched a brand new range of exquisite handmade table lamps that come in a range of colours, shapes and sizes and are complete with fittings. These lamps are perfect for creating a relaxing warm, relaxing ambience in style and can be bought with or without the shade. Prices start at €95. Check out the options at the Ta’ Qali outlet or online at www.mdinaglass.com.mt.
The camilleriparismode Egyptian cotton towel range is affordable, durable and above all high quality- a little bit of luxury. Visit their newly updated towelling section at their Rabat shop and experience the range that starts at €6.
Bring an Eastern vibe to your home with this antiquelook stone Buddha Bali, 53cmx70cm(h), €168. Sherries Garden Centre.
A range of exclusive handmade glass sculptures has just been created by Mdina Glass, ranging from human figures, animals and other objects. Available in various colour combinations and including gold leaf in some sculptures, they will look at home gracing any display area. Prices start at €95. Check out the options available at the Ta’ Qali outlet. 076
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The Forchini series by SLV embodies style, functionality, versatility and a timeless design. Featured here is the M pendant luminaire (PD-1) which is the bigger version of this series (50cm dia). It consists of an aluminium shade finished externally either in black or white, whilst internally finished in either silver or gold. The reflective inner surface creates a glow once the light source is switched on and also serves to reflect light more effectively. Available at ESS
Bring a piece of classic ancient Greek culture to your home. Decorative figurines, statues, bookends, candleholders and more at HENRI Luxury Gift Boutique. Prices from €33.50. Unique gift ideas for him, for her or for yourself.
Fine collection of tableware available in various vibrant colors. Different styles for daily use as well as for that special occasion. An important feature of this range is that it is dishwasher as well as oven proof. The collection is being sold at special prices! Grannysmithshop
Madison Manor and Hinkley Bolla by Elstead lighting – UK, exclusively available at VCT Ltd
These elegant fine bone china mugs are embellished with 22 carat gold and are part of a wide selection of cups, mugs and other unique tableware items starting from €37.50 each, only at HENRI Luxury Gift Boutique
Save space and money with the Ecosoft Reverse Osmosis System that gives unlimited pure, affordable drinking water straight from a tap. A&A Mizzi
See Address Book on Page 095 for stockist information
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Rediscovering
Your Home!
Triq San Tumas, Il-Fgura, Malta T: 2189 7000 | M: 7980 7000 E: agora@cmefinishes.com
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|
FB: @AGORAMALTA
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OUTSIDE IN GARDENS
FOOD
TRAVEL
A COOL COCKTAIL Recently opened Hammett’s gastro bar on the Sliema seafront channels an industrial meets luxury vibe with solid concrete flooring juxtaposed with velvet and exposed pipes warmed by wood including a stand-out corner made from Zebrano in an on-trend herringbone pattern. Designed by Sean Cassar for Design Hub, the bar also boasts a custom designed turbine jet inspired air-conditioning supply system, and in the bathrooms, reclaimed vintage whiskey barrels have been transformed into unique hand basins. www.facebook.com/ hammettsgastrobar
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Unique stain repellent technology
Dulux Standard
Dulux EASYCARE
NEW
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NEWS HW
NEW LUXURY The definition of luxury is changing in the hotel industry if the most recent hotel industry awards in Asia are anything to go by. Those that won the AHEAD Asia awards, which celebrate the best in hospitality design and architecture in this booming part of the world, all offered guests unique experiences. Azuma Architects’ Hoshinoya, a new 17-storey hotel in Tokya, won three awards including Asia Hotel Design of the Year for its modern take on a royan, a traditional rural Japanese inn. Another winner was the Keemala
hotel by Stone Design in Phuket, Thailand, where guests can stay in a series of elevated pods in the jungle canopy. ‘Luxury used to be about gold, marble and chandeliers, big lobbies and glitzy hotels,’ says one of the judges Guy Heywood, chief operating officer at Alila Hotels and Resorts. ‘I think now it’s about the experience. It’s about the destination. It’s about what am I as a guest getting out of this from an educational and an emotive point of view.’ Photos: courtesy of AHEAD
Be Happy! These lovely pots from the Flower Me Happy range by Danish design duo Meyer-Lavigne will give any plant or even bouquet of flowers a shot of cheering whimsy. Made from porcelain and in a variety of sizes, each pot has its own name. Eclecticist
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Plant that Pot
Not sure what plant goes with what container? Sherries Garden Centre have done all the hard work for you and put together combinations that work well together for the ultimate takeaway garden DUBLIN PILLAR POT (01g 33cmx90cmh) Price: Base €102.87. Pot €100.35 Plant : Chamadorea CRETE2-01W POT (34cm/31cmh) Price: €59.82. Tree: Pachira €23
ROSA POT (single 45cm) €41.50 Tree : Olive €36 Decorative flowering plants: Sun jewels, €3.50 each
TUIT POT (by Euro3plast) €37.50. Plant: Phormium tenax €37
STOCKHOLM POT (54cm x 39cmh) €112.80 Plant : Poligola large €64
NEW ORLEANS POT (48cmx23cmh) €56.34 plant: Ficus Ginseng Bonsai €44
DUBLIN POT (34.5cmx30cmh) €45. Tree: citrus mandrino miniature €22
BRUSSELS POT (50cm x 54cmh ) €124.44. Plants: Anthurium x 3 pieces €16 each
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The Mobile Microwave System - Your perfect solution for treating unmovable wooden structures The Mobile Microwave technology is the latest innovative equipment which targets the disinfestation of unmovable wooden objects such as wooden beams, parquet and other wooden structures to ensure the elimination of biological pests such as woodworm through the use of microwaves. The electromagnetic field generated, interacts with the water molecules of the material and arthropods irradiated, up to a controlled deadly level for all biological forms without causing any alteration to the object being treated. Thanks to our thermal infrared cameras, the heating process is continuously monitored and controlled so as to ensure that the insects’ lethal temperature has been reached for the full effectiveness of the treatment. » » » » »
Onsite treatment Non-invasive Safe & Ecological 100% Efficiency Certified treatment
e. info@salvarti.com w. www.salvarti.com
t. 21434 534
m. 7921 2039
F15B, Leiden Centre, Mosta Technopark, Mosta, Malta, MST3000
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HW GARDEN
Autumn PLEASURES
September and October are the best times to be in the garden. Peppe Micieli, agronomist and site manager at The Garden Studio, gives his tips on what to do to help your garden be at its best
CABBAGE
S
CARROTS
BOK CHOY
KALE
`LETTUCE
POTATOES
JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES
BEETS
eptember, and the early part of October, is the start of the best gardening season in Mediterranean climate areas: the ground is still warm even as the air starts to get cooler, making it an excellent time for planting most trees, shrubs, ground covers, and grasses. It is in autumn that we plan ahead to ensure a steady display of flowers and supply of vegetables to take us through to next spring, so if this hasn’t been done yet, a large variety of spring flowering annuals can be still be sown until about mid-November. This is also the month to eliminate the weeds which grew during the
summer in order to clear up and prepare the soil for new plants. Beneath your hedges and bushes remove spent soil up to 50 cm in depth and add new soil with a slow release organic fertiliser. Keep up your regular summer irrigation schedule for the whole month of September, especially with shrubs and trees, if recently planted. In the vegetable garden, best planted now are the cool-weather lovers: the leafy vegetables and root vegetables. These include almost all the common vegetables of the Brassica (cabbage) family: broccoli and cauliflower (actually we eat the
flowers of these two), Brussel sprouts, all cabbages (including bok choy), collards, kale, mustards; also lettuces, celery, chicory, endives, spinach and arugula. Root vegetables to plant now include carrots, parsnips, potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes and beets. To help in your fight against pests, it is recommended that you plant companion crops such as basil and marigolds in your kitchen garden, plus onions and garlic around the edge as this works as a kind of barrier, or security fence, around the vegetables. The ever popular parsley should also be planted in this season.
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ALYSSUM
CALENDULA
LOBELIA
DAFFODILS
TULIPS
CROCUSES
On the non-edible end of the spectrum, this is the time of year to plant spring blooming annuals (Alyssum, Calendula, Lobelia, Bellis, Coreopsis, Escholtzia, Statice, Verbena, pansies, sweet peas...) and perennials (Daffodils, Tulips, Crocus, Hyacinth etc...). On terraces, the enduring warm temperatures warrant regular and generous irrigation, particularly for plants in smaller pots and for perennials, which can keep flowering well into the season if kept clean
and free from dried up blooms. If you have roses in your garden, keep watering and fertilising them abundantly so they will continue to give plenty of blooms before their winter dormancy.  Autumn is a season prone to diseases and fungal attacks which tend to be quite rampant after the summer heat, so you need to keep a very watchful eye to ensure none of your hard work goes to waste. 085
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HW FOOD & WINE
Spice The
of life
Turmeric, long used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, has become a go-to spice for its powerful antiinflammatory and other healthgiving properties. A new book by Nicole Pisani features 50 delicious recipes using turmeric. Here’s a taster...
Recipe Developer and Food Stylist: Nicole Pisani, Food for Happiness Wine recommendations: Georges Meekers, Emmanuel Delicata Winemaker Photographer: Issy Croker Props Stylist: Emily Ezekiel The Turmeric Cookbook can be purchased from amazon.co.uk 086
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MUSSELS Serves 4 Mussels are wonderful for sharing and so simple to cook. They can take on lots of strong flavours, in this case the combination of turmeric, chilli and lemon grass works beautifully.
METHOD
INGREDIENTS
Heat the coconut oil in a large, wide saucepan with a lid over a low–medium heat and add the garlic, chillies and lemon grass. Fry for a few minutes until they are aromatic and the garlic begins to brown slightly. Add the turmeric and cook for another 30 seconds. Increase the heat to high and add the mussels and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, stir all together and cover the pan. Shake every now and again so the mussels are nudged open – this should take around 4–5 minutes. Give the last few mussels a chance to open if they haven’t already but if any remain firmly shut, make sure you discard them before serving. When they’re all opened you should have a lovely broth at the bottom made from the mussel and tomato juices. Serve in a large sharing platter with plenty of Thai basil scattered over.
2 tbls coconut oil 4 garlic cloves, sliced 2 red chillies, deseeded and thinly sliced 1 lemon grass stalk, crushed along the stem and halved ½ tsp ground turmeric 1kg fresh mussels, cleaned and de-bearded 400g cherry tomatoes, halved 1 bunch of fresh Thai basil (or use red basil or regular basil) sea salt and ground black pepper 087
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HW FOOD & WINE
LAMB CUTLETS in turmeric coconut marinade Serves 2 The turmeric coconut marinade used in this recipe infuses the meat with delicious flavours that perfectly complement the richness of the lamb. This is a stunning dish for cooking on the barbecue at the height of summer and is great served with a crisp, fresh, mixed leaf salad scattered with spiced and roasted seeds. You could even drizzle your salad with a dressing based on the turmeric-infused oil.
INGREDIENTS 4 lamb cutlets (about 100g each) For the marinade mixed leaf salad, to serve. 70g creamed coconut Spiced and Roasted Seeds juice of ½ lemon 2 tbls vegetable oil 4 tbls water 20g fresh coriander, roughly chopped
½ shallot, quartered 2 garlic cloves
½ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp ground coriander 1½ tsp ground turmeric
METHOD Melt the creamed coconut in a saucepan over a low heat until it has become a liquid again. Add to a bowl with the remaining marinade ingredients and whisk them all together until you have a thick, rich, glossy marinade. If the oils are splitting, adding a little water or lemon juice will bring it back together again. You should end up with a beautiful yellow paste flecked with coriander. Coat the lamb cutlets in the marinade and then transfer the cutlets and all the marinade to a non-metallic container or resealable plastic food bag and place in the refrigerator overnight to absorb the flavours. Technically the longer the better, so you can leave them for up to 3 days in the refrigerator if you’re planning ahead. When you are ready to cook, make sure you take the cutlets out of the refrigerator well before you start cooking as
you want them to come to room temperature so the marinade melts again. For the best results, a barbecue will cook the perfect lamb cutlets but otherwise a griddle pan is perfect. Heat the pan to smoking point and then reduce the heat to medium. After a couple of minutes, add the lamb cutlets. Do not touch them so they get lovely char marks – if you move them too much they will never brown in a nice uniform way. Once they have char marks on the one side, flip them over and do the same again, increasing the heat if the pan has cooled slightly. They are ready when both sides have nice char marks and the meat next to the bone is springy and slightly firm. Remove from the heat, cover with foil and leave to rest for at least 5 minutes. Serve the lamb simply with a mixed leaf salad and some spiced and roasted seeds.
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TURMERIC FRIZZANTE Serves 1
This is a twist on a classic cocktail, the turmeric giving it a lovely golden hue.There is no shaking involved here – just build the cocktail in the glass.
INGREDIENTS 1 sugar cube 1 tsp turmeric juice (extracted from fresh turmeric root) 2 dashes of angostura bitters 1 tbls brandy squeeze of lemon juice Ghirghentina Frizzante*, to top up physalis or strip of lemon rind,to garnish
METHOD
Put the sugar cube in the bottom of a Champagne flute and add the remaining ingredients one at a time. Garnish the glass with a physalis (or a strip of lemon rind) and enjoy. *Champagne used in recipe book
GEORGES' WINE RECOMMENDATIONS: MUSSELS WITH TURMERIC AND LEMON GRASS (page 086)
LAMB CUTLETS (page 088)
TURMERIC FRIZZANTE
2016 MEDINA VERMENTINO ZIBIBBO, SUPERIOR, D.O.K. MALTA
2016 MEDINA SYRAH, CARRIGNAN, GRENACHE, D.O.K. MALTA
N.V. GIRGENTINA FRIZZANTE, I.G.T. MALTESE ISLANDS
Normally I would choose a lighter, sharper white for a pot of plump and fleshy mussels. But the ingredients, especially the lemon grass, basil and turmeric, just scream for a slightly heftier fruity white wine, don’t they? The unwooded wine’s delectable Vermentino and Zibibbo characteristics echo the recipe’s rather exotic tongue-twists perfectly, adding interest to an already exciting dish.
This lighter red can take on the weight of the meat and it surely adds heaps of scrumptiousness. The kitchen cupboard spicy nose of this wine mirrors the root spice and coconut tastes coming off the cutlets wonderfully well. This Rhône-like bright and unoaked blend is packed with fruity flavours. A must try but serve cellar cool, though.
Granted, Malta’s unique Frizzante is actually best enjoyed on its own, well-chilled and deservedly served in an elegant flute. But this classic cocktail is one to try, too, especially if you are keen on bitter sweet flavours rather than the gorgeous combination of appley fruitiness, pearly froth and refreshing minerality of the Girgentina grape. But why choose one over the other if you can have both drinks, right?
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HW TRAVEL
The Height of Luxury THIS ISSUE WE CHECK INTO THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE NEW LUXURY HIGHLINE SUITES Photographs: Brian Grech
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The InterContinental Hotel opened in Malta in 2003. Earlier this year it launched its new Highline Suites at the the top of the existing building which, from this summer, has been further enhanced by Skybeach, a new rooftop infinity pool and lounging area on the 19th floor. To find out why the suites were built, we spoke to its creator, Kevin DeCesare.  Why were the Highline Suites built? In the main this is related to Malta changing as a destination. Over recent history the steady improvement in Malta’s economic outlook has encouraged individuals with more ready capital to come to the islands for both personal and business reasons. These potential guests have greater demands regarding what is expected from a hotel offering, thus the hotel aimed to attract this market. In short, supply and demand. Eden Leisure and its partners InterContinental Hotels and Resorts have been the forerunners in providing luxury services to the discerning traveller for many years already, and the need to upgrade the luxury offering on the islands was noticed and addressed. It is hoped that others will follow, as the strategy moves from being a low-cost serviced vacation destination to one that provides luxury while taking in the history and culture of Malta.
How many are there and how do they differ from each other? There are 30 Highline suites of seven different styles; each one has its own individual style and floor plan. There are duplex suites offering a truly grand scale as well as smaller studio styled suites. We went for understated elegance throughout - clean simple lines, nothing over complicated or fussy, all the while offering the heights of modernity throughout. They offer a home away from home with all the modern conveniences that a global traveller has come to expect. For many of our guests it is truly about the magnificent views on offer from the suite. What was the brief to the interior designer? Interiors are all important in a hotel suite as they are what creates the impression when entering the suite and from there all else is judged. All our rooms are simple 091
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and clean with a choice of soothing, natural and neutral tones and soft furnishings. The trick here was to ensure that it worked and that it blended together as effectively as possible. What are the stand-out design features? Perhaps the Bang and Olufsen entertainment system it feels grand and imposing when being used but blends beautifully into the room when not. However, my favourite feature is the lighting as it can be set however desired and the design of the fittings themselves is very modern, chic and stylish. The suites are complimented by 24 hour butler services and unlimited access to the private Skybeach and Club InterContinental – a hotel with in a hotel. Why an infinity pool at the top? Why not … however in all seriousness, it is once again all about attracting the market that seeks these kind of experiences, they have the demand and it must be supplied. Guests in the Highline suites are discerning and very private and the facility atop the building offers the privacy in an exclusive area of the hotel. What are the design details? I would say that escapism is the truly defining feature of SKYBEACH. Despite being in the centre of one of Malta’s busiest areas it is peaceful and quiet throughout. This is not by accident - much of our focus was on creating this through the design of the environment and what's on offer to all enjoying use of it. http://malta.intercontinental.com/ 092
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‘‘ I would say that escapism is the truly defining feature of SKYBEACH. Despite being in the centre of one of Malta’s busiest areas it is peaceful and quiet throughout.’
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B&M Supplies Triq Dun Karm, Birkirkara. 2144 0710 www.bmsupplies.com.mt
Finestral “360 Manufacturing Ltd. Finestral, Canon Road, St. Venera. www.finestralmalta.com
Bathroom Design 358, Naxxar Road, Birkirkara. 2144 1328. www.bathroomdesign.com
Firm B Pullicino 139 Bajada Street. 2167 6627. www.facebook.com/ firmbpullicino
Big Ben 223 - 225 Naxxar Road, Birkirkara. www.boigben.com
Form Triq il -Wied Ta’ I - Msida, Msida. 2144 6000. www.form.com.mt
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one two one 21st September Avenue, Naxxar / Que - si - Sana Seafront, Sliema. 2142 2948 /9, 2132 3155/65 wwwonetwoone.eu Oxford House Notabile Road, Mriehel. 2546 4000. www.oxfordhouse.com.mt Pitré Bathrooms Joseph Pitre Ltd, Mdina Road, Qormi. 2158 3755. www.piscopogardens.com Pitre Home Ltd Joseph Pitre Ltd, Mdina Road, Qormi. 2146 3335/8 / 2746 3335. www.jpitre.com Raphel Azzopardi 6, Triq l-Uqija,, Ibrag 2137 3812. www.raphaelazzopardi.com S&S bathrooms Mosta Rd, Lija 21412 222 / 2741 5694 www.ssbathrooms.com Salvart F15B, Leiden Centre Mosta Technopark, Mosta, MST3000, Malta. Tel: 2143 4534 http://www.salvarti.com/ Satariano Marina Street, Pieta 2149 2149 www.satariano.com Sherries Estates Sherries Garden Centre, Burmarrad rd, Burmarrad. 2158 0021 www.sherriesestates.com Tile N Style Birkirkara Bypass, Birkirkara. 9984 6769 www.wellbeingbedding.com
M. Demajo Timbers Olive Square, Qormi 2148 7078. www.demajotimbers.com
The Mediterrenean Wellbing Company Ltd 5/6 Msida Valley Road, Birkirkara .2131 6678 www.wellbeingbedding.com
Matalan The Strand, Tas-Sliema 2131 0811. www.facebook.com/matalanmalta
VCT Ltd Ponsomby Street, Mosta 2143 25712. www.nuovoprogetto1.altervista.org
Mdina Glass Crafts Village, Ta Qali. 2141 5786. www.mdinaglass.com.mt
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Muscat Motors Ltd Rue D’Argens Gzira. 2326 4000 www.muscatmotors.com.mt
Vivo, Bathrooms & Ceramics Ltd 9 Geronimo Abos, L-Ikin. 2093 2932 www.vivo.com.mt
ESS ESS Building, San Gwakkin Road, Mriehal, Birkirkara 2125 5777. www.ess.com.mt
Muscat Pools Muscat Building, Triq Gammari Camilleri, Mgarr 2158 2761. www.muscatpools.com
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NEXT Home Triq Bisazza, Sliema 2134 4156. www.next.com.mt
Creations OMNI Liland Buildings, Mdina Road, Attard. www.creationsomni.com Debenhams, Tigne Point, Sliema www.debenhams.com.mt Eclecticist Pitkali Road, Attard. 99800751. www.eclecticist.eu
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HW ESSENTIAL SUPPLIERS
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POWER BANK
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TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE PHONE: 21332133 99999999 OR EMAIL: sales@homeworks.com.mt.mt TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE PHONE: OR EMAIL: Info@writeon.com.mt
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BALL CHAIR
by EERO AARNIO
A NEED FOR A CHAIR LARGE ENOUGH TO SEAT HIMSELF AND HIS WIFE, RESULTED IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST RECOGNISABLE CHAIRS THAT IS NOT ONLY DESIGNER COOL BUT ALSO OFFERS A GREAT PLACE TO ESCAPE
W
hen it comes to a chair to escape in, it’s hard to beat Eero Aarnio’s Ball chair, its large, perfectly round shape making it one of the world’s most instantly recognisable designs. First created in 1963, it was designed by Finnish designer Aarnio to be a ‘room within a room’, large enough to fit himself and his wife. However, the chair has become the ideal haven, the padded inside creating an almost acoustically sound-proof bubble that allows one to curl up and escape the world. ‘The idea of the chair was very obvious,’ explains Aarnio, now 85. ‘We had moved to our first home and I had started my freelance career in 1962. We had a home but no proper big chair, so I decided to make one, but in some way a really new one. After doing some drawing I noticed that the shape of the chair had become so simple that it was merely a ball. I pinned the full scale drawing on the wall and sat in the chair to see how my head would move when sitting inside it. Being the taller one of us I sat in the chair and my wife drew the course of my head on the wall. This is how I determined the height of the chair. Since I aimed at a ball shape, the other lines were easy to draw, just remembering that the chair would have to fit through a doorway.’ The chair was ground-breaking. At the time, Finnish design was known for its linear perspective and use of natural materials – the Ball chair, also known as the Globe, broke this convention with its round shape and body made of fibreglass, the plastics material relatively new at the time. The prototype was made with the help of Aarnio’s brother, a pilot who made gliders, and together they put it together by hand at a school
where their father was a teacher, some distance north-west of Helsinki where Aarnio lived. ‘I made the first prototype myself using an inside mould, which was made using the same principle as a glider fuselage or wing,’ says Aarnio. ‘I covered the plywood body mould with wet paper and laminated the surface with fibreglass. It looked like a deformed potato!’ It took a year to get it right. ‘I made more than ten trips, literally travelling a thousand miles before it was finished,’ says Aarnio. ‘There were many times when I wanted to give up, but my wife, Pirkko, insisted I continue. She said, “If you don’t make it, someone else will.”’ What worked was smoothing the shell with an electric sander and applying a stabilizing metal ring to the mouth of the ball. It was then upholstered and an aluminium leg added. In some models Aarnio added a telephone. Aarnio moved the prototype to his home where it was spotted by two product managers from design company Asko – three years later it was shown at the International Furniture Fair in Cologne and was an immediate hit, making the evening TV news. Within a week it was sold to more than 30 countries, becoming an icon of Pop design that continues to be coveted today.
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A4 EN.indd 2 HW85 FRONT COVER Final***.indd 2
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Sheer Driving Pleasure
ISSUE 85 SEPTEMBER 2017
HW85 FRONT COVER Final***.indd 1
ISSUE 85
INSPIRATION IMPROVEMENT STYLE
THE PERSONALISATION ISSUE
+Bathroom Special
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