Better Homes Aug'14

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August 2014

KEEP YOUR COOL

BAROQUE IS BACK

Freshen up with the season’s latest home fashions

Why baroque keeps getting a modern makeover

Sit down...

With the Irish family taking a swing at Jumeirah Golf Estates

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Welcome There was a big surprise during Ramadan last month... Instead of escaping the heat many of us chose to stay in the country and enjoy a little mini break on Palm Jumeirah or in a neighbouring emirate. So, with more of us opting to soak up the sun with a ‘staycation’ rather than a vacation, now’s the time to turn your attention to the garden. This is exactly what the Comerford’s are doing at their new home in Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Take the tour on page 22 and find out about their plans for the pool. Our summer feature helps you keep your cool with the latest refreshing home fashions, while two BH readers find out the virtues of wood and porcelain floors in our harsh climate, and interior designer George Foster makes the most of your time inside with beautiful window treatments. If that’s not enough, we’ve got an exclusive interview with Michelin-starred chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, revealing his secrets to healthy cooking – with chocolate! Never has there been a better time to stay home.

Managing Director Victoria Thatcher Editorial Director John Thatcher Editor Eleanor Joslin Senior Designer Adam Sneade Designer Andy Knappett Production Manager Chalitha Fernando Advertising Manager Sweta Praful Photography Simon White, simonwhitephotography.com To contact any of the above people, email firstname@ hotmediapublishing.com

Eleanor Joslin Jan-Jun 2013 | 15,227 | BPA Consumer Audit

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Cover: Shot by Simon White, on location in Lime Tree Valley, Jumeirah Golf Estates

August 2014

Does the sofa look good with the table? Does the table go with the carpet? What colour would go with the fabric on the chair? There is a reason why we have the word ‘concept’ in our name. We have had all the worries about matching and fitting. And our interior decorators can guide and advise you. BoConcept is all about making your home come together. So that you can enjoy the harmony of an interior look that will last for years.

BoConcept Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road. Exit 45 Al Manara Interchange Phone no +9714 3884522 E-mail info@boconcept.ae /boconceptuae BoConcept Abu Dhabi 3rd level opposite to Grand Cinema in Abu Dhabi mall Phone no +9712 6425325 E-mail info@boconcept.ae /boconceptuae BoConcept Bahrain Building 266 Al Seef District 428 Road 2804 Al Seef Phone no +973 17564319 E-mail badran@boconcept.bh /boconceptbh

Contents

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Home

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14. The Design Digest

28. Ask the Experts

See what’s new in the world of home interiors this month

Why wood and porcelain flooring are popular choices

16. My Style

30. Get Windows that ‘Wow’

‘Less is more’ for the director at The Designers in JLT

Top draping tips from designer George Foster

17. August Wishlist

32. Baroque is Back

Keep the kids occupied with these entertaining ideas

Take a world tour with the designers using baroque

18. One to Watch

36. How to... Keep Cool

Why Jumeirah Road is en vogue for designer boutiques

Stay cool over summer with these refreshing fashions

22. Through the Keyhole

38. Cooking with Chocolate

Take a tour of a new villa in Jumeirah Golf Estates

Jean-Christophe Novelli reveals surprising health tips

House 43. Property of the Month

52. Move to the Marina

This three-bed apartment boasts a central location

The best views and lifestyle are on offer in Dubai Marina

44. On the Map

56. Holiday at Home

Find your way around Dubai with our colour-coded map

Get the vacation vibe with these Palm Jumeirah villas

47. Market Watch

63. Ask the Agent

There’s evidence of stability, reports our property expert

Why landlords in The Meadows are open to offers

48. Mirdif is Family-Friendly

66. Live by the Beach

This popular district has everything a family needs

JBR is popular with expats wanting the beach nearby

49. Property Picks

76. Better Homes’ Lust-Have

For convenient living options look at these two apartments

Bring the pool inside with Duravit’s versatile Sundeck

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August 2014

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Chill out Don’t let the heat get to you – cool off with a look towards the autumn’s refreshing colour palette of cobalt blue and ice white. In January, the deep-sea hue was tipped to be a leading colour for the year and it’s set to make a splash in the coming months ahead.

Mixed with the current penchant for aqua motifs (coral, seashells and fish) you’ll feel several leagues under the sea as the trend takes hold.

Emerald green will also start to shine and will make welcome appearances on furniture and fabrics. Expect it to dazzle in swathes rather than accents, with drapes, chairs and sofas monochromatically coloured in with this rich jewel tone.

Home bhomes.com

August 2014

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The Design Digest What’s new in the world of interiors

For the softest sleep, try King Koil’s new I-Mattress Silk Collection designed with a silk cover, gel memory foam, temperature control and posture-support technology. The breathable natural protein structure of silk is hypoallergenic and thermoregulatory, caring for your hair and skin while you sleep.

If you’re in Al Ain, pop along to the new King Koil showroom in the Bawadi Mall. kingkoil.com

Look slim with a subway Not the sandwich! Villeroy & Boch has extended its Subway bathroom collection with a wallmounted washbasin available in three sizes and an extremely slender ‘SlimSeats’ toilet. villeroy-boch.com

MIRDIF WELCOMES MUJI The Japanese lifestyle brand has opened its second store in Dubai, in Mirdif City Centre mall. Well known for its simple, fuss-free and eco-friendly designs, MUJI caters to all aspects of the home, including fashion, furniture, kitchenware, storage, stationery and beauty. What’s more fuss-free than shopping for everything in one store? muji.com/ae

That’s a clean sweep There’s no excuse for a dirty home with two new launches by Panasonic this month. Eco-Max is the latest bagless vacuum by Panasonic in the Middle East, tackling the dust and sand with extreme efficiency. The hourglass design compresses dust into a cup to capture more dirt with no loss of suction. Taking house-proud to new levels, its quick-draw wand can reach into the most awkward of places. Then there’s the new extra-large washing machines designed for busy households. While the model names NA-F130 and NA-F150 don’t roll off the tongue, the functions are effortless: easyloading wide doors, eco-washing and quiet handling are the main selling points. Now you can clean house and clothes even in the dead of night. panasonic.com/middleeast

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> The Rug Company has added three new designs to its exotic line with Diane von Fürstenberg. Her lilac and brown leopard prints bring the queen of the jungle cats into your home while a realistic snakeskin print gets snappy. therugcompany. com/int

Never too old for a dolly…

With a cute name like Dolly this new armchair collection by Studio Bellini for Natuzzi Italia is on our must-have wishlist. Perfect for the living room, bedroom or home office, the Dolly armchair fits snugly to your body’s contours. And while it’s available in retro shades such as brown and off-white, the hubby will want his own Dolly, too. int.natuzzi.com

What’s new underfoot?

HOT summer sales Get your garden ready for less with Ace’s hot summer deals on majlis gazebos, rattan sofa sets, barbecues, garden tools and plant pots.

If your walls are looking a bit bare, head to Capsule Arts in Al Quoz 3 where you can enjoy 10% off all art prints throughout August (use code CAsummersale). bhomes.com

Our favourite rug specialist outside the GCC has released a signature collection to celebrate 15 years in the business. The Contemporary Art Rugs Collection by Calle Henzel, for Swedish company Henzel Studio, uses artisanal production techniques from Nepal dating back thousands of years, handmade along a twelve-step process over seven dedicated months. View online at byhenzel.com

August 2014

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My style

Five of the best These tech-savvy ideas think outside of the box

Find out how stylish the experts are in their own homes

Brass symbol wall art, AED92, Crate and Barrel

3-in-1 Walkman WH series, from AED599, Sony

Asad Tareen ‘Less is more’ for the interior designer and director of The Designers in JLT

Where do you live? I live in an independent villa in Karachi, Pakistan, with my wife and our pet dog Button. We have lived there for almost eight years.

Sum up your home style... The villa is 30 years old and I completely refurbished it and turned it around to give it a new contemporary look. It’s furnished with the concept of ‘less is more’.

What inspires your style? Zen, with lots of plants and water features for a soothing and comfortable interior.

How does your personality come through?

I am very much an outdoor person. I love water and the tropical look. This is reflected in my home as every room has a view of the pool, courtyard or grassy areas. While designing my house I have

made sure to bring the outdoors in with water features and plants.

What’s your favourite space? My deck, which overlooks the swimming pool and the coconut trees around it. It’s very soothing to just sit there, relax and enjoy the evening’s breeze.

Numi toilet with Bluetooth music, POA, Kohler

What is your favourite item at home?

The sofa in my TV lounge. It’s so comfortable, you just sink into it. I love sitting there daydreaming, watching TV or reading the newspaper.

Who is your favourite designer? Shahid Abdullah, a very senior architect and interior designer in Pakistan. He has always been my mentor and I have learnt a lot from him. I love the soft, cosy look of his work that makes an interior feel like home.

Benjamin Rollins Caldwell’s Binary Cabinet, POA, Industry Gallery

Does The Designers influence your home?

Most of my furniture is from The Designers. I wanted to mix modern, straight-lined furniture with some fusion pieces, which I found at The Designers. It also gave me the ability to choose the upholstery of my choice and to order customised furniture.

Leather slim-fit iPad Mini sleeve, AED212, mujjo.com

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August wishlist Keep the kids entertained over the summer holidays

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1. Play study, prices vary per item, Pottery Barn Kids 2. Popcorn maker, AED949, Virgin Media 3. Jongo S3 wireless speaker in mango, AED899, Pure 4. Rainbow bicycle lamp, AED99, Home Centre bhomes.com

August 2014

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One to watch Jumeirah Road is en vogue for furnishings August welcomes another home boutique to Jumeirah, which is fast becoming the hippest place for home and fashion boutiques. However, En Vogue will surely rival any other luxury boutique in the vicinity by bringing big names to the neighbourhood, all housed under one roof stretching an impressive 2,000 square metres. We’ve all driven past the eye-catching corner unit at

the north-eastern end of Jumeirah Road, craning our curious necks to get a glimpse of the goods filling up the empty space inside. With its doors finally wide open, En Vogue is proving true to its name. The store is stocking contemporary furniture, wall coverings, collectors’ books, flowers, art, haute couture and one-off pieces from the most luxuriously fashionable brands

in home design, including Kravet Inc., Barbara Barry, Councill, Crystorama, Les Héritiers, Oscar de la Renta, Lee Jofa, Modern Colors and Diane Von Furstenberg. Furthermore, En Vogue offers interior design and architectural services able to refashion a whole a house or just one room with highquality materials and the latest styles and trends. facebook.com/envogueuae

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Designer Spotlight

The modern-day masters of 18th-century wallpaper

We would love to have a showroom in Dubai in the near future Have you noticed how everything in vogue is a ‘fusion’ – as if no one entity has reached its full potential until it’s merged with another? There’s the kronut craze, labradoodles, Brangelina...

With this in mind, BH shines the spotlight on Far-East fusion: an aesthetic that has been refined and elegant for centuries and continues to be popular today. From Philippe Starck’s French-Japanese restaurants to New York’s Zen-styled apartments, the Far East partners well with many divergent styles around the world.

Since 1984 de Gournay has recognised the timeless appeal of 18th-century Chinoiserie, a style of Chinese hand-painting adapted for the European tastes of the time. The London-born company has successfully introduced this style, and 19th-century French papiers peints panoramiques, to a contemporary audience, expertly positioning its whimsical prints into both period and contemporary properties. Distinguished clients include Matthew Williamson, Jenny Packham, Yves Saint Laurent and Van Cleef & Arpels.

“We are inspired by beautiful photographs of birds and flowers and bhomes.com

other natural phenomena as far as colour combinations are concerned,” comments the founder, Claud Cecil Gurney. “We are always reading books on art, whether it’s Indian, Chinese, Persian or Ottoman art, and we visit museums, exhibitions, houses and palaces around the world whenever we get the chance. It is so easy to take photographs of lovely designs one sees – perhaps on a chocolate box, at a tube station or a palace – and we file these away and use them for inspiration.”

The company’s wallpaper-making techniques are an art form themselves.

Colours are delicately applied to bleached white silk and damask paper with pure artistry, creating beautifully illustrative and romantic scenes of flowers and birds. Signature motifs on wallpapers and fabrics include cherry blossom, citrus trees and weeping willow, as well as hummingbirds and dragonflies poetically poised midflight.

While gold-leaf is prevalent (and certainly complements traditional Arabic interiors in the UAE), de Gournay works with many colours, from ivory-dyed silk to red organza.

For 2014 there’s a new Traditional Chinese Collection that represents true Chinese art as opposed to Chinoiserie.

In addition, there’s the new St Laurent design, based on an original 18thcentury paper still hanging in Paris, and Lilium, a contemporary design with oversized lilies cascading across the walls.

Due to the name, you’d be forgiven for thinking de Gournay was a French company – the first showroom was actually established in London’s fashionable Chelsea district.

Three decades later there are six international showrooms, including Paris, New York and Shanghai, and a number of distributors. “We would love to have a showroom in Dubai in the near future and we are currently identifying the best people to work with,” adds de Gurney. “We’ve recently partnered with a fantastic distributor in Saudi Arabia called IDAR, with a beautiful big showroom, and we would be delighted to implement the same model in Dubai as we start to focus more on the Middle East.”

Before then, you can sample the company’s extensive range of wallpapers, porcelain crockery, gilded furniture and mirrors by meeting with interior designer Ellie Wauters, the company’s acting distributor in Dubai. elliewauters.com August 2014

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Words by Eleanor Joslin; photos by Simon White

Home improvements The Comerford’s are making the most of living by a world-class championship golf course

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“Perhaps you should view my home first, because it’s not quite finished,” emails an apprehensive Orla Comerford, when I ask to shoot her new five-bedroom villa in Lime Tree Valley, Jumeirah Golf Estates. So I did, and soon realized the mum-of-two was being very modest.

While it’s far from ‘finished’ – whose home ever is? – she’s achieved a lot in the two months since her family moved in. While working for Emirates airline nine years ago, she met her husband Gavin, who works in construction, and the Irish couple soon found that they had a lot in common, including a soft spot for the golfing green. After buying into the most prestigious golfing community in Dubai, and home to a world-class championship course, they’ve spent most of their married life patiently waiting the recession out in Victory Heights.

“When we moved to Victory Heights it was very much like Lime Tree Valley bhomes.com

August 2014

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The amazing views of the golf course are a real highlight

now,” recalls Orla, in a soft Irish lilt.

“The roads had only just been built and we were one of the first to move in. We watched the area grow into a really sought-after place to live – and that’s what we’ll do here. It was a big decision but we sold our Victory Heights’ house in just five days so all of a sudden moving here became a reality, and the house wasn’t even completely finished.

But we didn’t want the upheaval of rented accommodation so we just had to get things done.”

Within no time they’ve created a show-home villa – quite literally, as potential buyers often pop in to look at their courtyard garden. This garden is quite unique for Dubai and it’s become Orla’s favourite spot to escape to.

Tunneled into the middle of the villa, the garden sends sunlight streaming into the house through the French windows off the kitchen and hallway.

“I spend a lovely hour here on Fridays with the air con blasting out through the doors, with a cup of tea and a book,” she says. “I do need more plants, a water feature and fairy lights to finish it off. I had a grand idea of getting a custom-made wrought-iron Spanish-style table and chairs but I just couldn’t find anything suitable. The table and chairs are from Ace and these are fine for now.”

The kids, four-year-old Ava and three-year-old Ethan, have their favourite rooms, too. They have a huge playroom in the basement, a television room on the ground floor and a reading snug in between their bedrooms upstairs. Or perhaps their favourite room is the kitchen, where mum treats them to ice cream after coaxing them to smile (for the umpteenth time) for our inquisitive cameraman. This is a family-friendly room – but one that was not easy to come by. As with many newbuilds the kitchen was not quite what the homeowners had in mind, so Orla doggedly pursued her own design, even

after several fitters turned her down.

“I really wanted an island but I was told the room was too small,” she explains with a wry smile. “When we moved in I was kind of freaked out about the size of the kitchen but I think the island actually makes the most of the space, rather than having a breakfast bar closing off one end, as the fitters suggested. In the end only Closets Unlimited would do the kitchen and back kitchen how I wanted them and they were brilliant. Everything I asked for, they said okay.”

While small, the kitchen is now the hub of the house. As I leaned from a bar stool onto the island, wonderfully finished with a silestone quartz worktop, the kids snacked at the heavy wooden kitchen table on my right and Orla flitted easily between us, topping up our orange juices and making cheese sandwiches.

The couple’s home improvements don’t stop there. Lime Tree Valley already has a name for itself as holding the prime position for golf course views. If you’re not an avid golfer you’ll soon become an eager learner, with the green course rolling out into

the distance, where other tile-topped villas peep over the borders. Far from making the most of the enviable view, the two outside doors in the family room were narrow and made the room dark. Quite wisely, the couple opened the room up with large French windows and an archway leading through to the adjacent dining room.

“When people walk into the kitchen they can now see straight through the family room and out onto the golf course,” she points out, leading me to the expansive glass door and windows.

“The amazing views of the golf course are a real highlight of the property and we really wanted to make the most of it. We just need to get the garden finished and then there will be a lot more to look at. We can also keep an eye on the kids when they’re in the garden, which would have been impossible before.”

Landscaping the garden plot is the next big project for the Comerford’s.

They already have the chalk lines down, marking the areas for the swimming pool, the sunken trampoline, terrace, barbecue area and pergola.

Their goal is November when the

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August 2014

originally AED4,500 from Marina Home but they only had the display item left so it was AED1,100 instead. I took it quickly! There’s still something missing – perhaps a black rug would finish it off.”

As well as Flamant and Marina Home, she’s a fan of West Elm, Crate and Barrel, Home Centre and THE One – with signature furnishings and lights in the family room, dining room and bedrooms. However, like a true stylista, she’s not a brand snob and doesn’t mind putting in the time to find a bargain on the internet. Not wanting to wait on West Elm’s delivery times, she bought an identical cabinet for half the price from a cabinetmaker in Jumeirah Village Triangle. And the long Marina Home table in the dining room was a third of the original price on Dubizzle.

much-anticipated DP World Tour Championship comes to Jumeirah Golf Estates. The Irish expats enjoy golfing and have the best vantage point for the tournament – something their family and friends are also keen to take advantage of. “Gavin’s mum is coming over to stay and we’ll have friends visiting, too,” she says. “They’ve already popped by and they keep saying, “get it ready for November, for the golf,” so fingers crossed it will all be done.”

I tell her she has nothing to worry about; she’s got plenty of time. But the discerning homeowner has many plans still to be realized. Chairs have to be delivered, the kitchen blinds need to be replaced, Ava’s bed doesn’t match her wall paint, and the spare bedroom is still empty. The house-proud

mum apologises for these ‘mistakes’ throughout the shoot, pointing out a missing rug or an armchair on loan from the show-villa (which I think is ingenious home staging on her part).

“Sometimes you don’t know that something is wrong or missing until you’ve lived with it a while,” she muses.

While the dining room has been repainted grey and green after the first monochromatic attempt, she’s still not happy with the pale-teal shade in the kitchen after three different coats.

“It’s still too dark for my liking,” she explains. “I have a colour in mind that I can’t quite get. At AED100 per pot it’s not too expensive a mistake to make but it’s annoying. The textured paint around the house would be expensive to redo – when I first saw the textured grey wall in the entrance I thought I didn’t like it, but with the furniture it’s really grown on me.”

The grey-and-black entrance is dramatic, quite boudoir-boutique.

The look came together with some experimental decorating, after she spray-painted an IKEA mirror and her Flamant table and chairs a masculine matt-black. While I would normally cry at tampering with anything from Flamant, a friend had passed on the furniture several years ago so I could take solace in the fact that the classic Seline chairs had served their purpose in at least two homes. Here, the rustic style of the untreated wood would look out of place. But instead of chucking them away (as many expats are wont to do in Dubai’s throw-away culture) she’s reinvented them especially for their new home.

“I love the dramatic entrance,” she says. “We didn’t really have to buy anything new for it, except the light which was an absolute steal. It was

We watched the area grow, and that’s what we’ll do here It’s any wonder how she’s managed to install windows, fit kitchens, paint and repaint and plunder the web in just two months – all the while looking after two young children, which as any parent knows is a fulltime job in itself.

After the shoot the family is off for a much-needed three-week holiday in Ireland, visiting the kids’ grandparents and taking a break from the scorching heat – and the home improvements. No doubt they’ll come back brimming with ideas to get their new home finished to perfection before the first tee-off.

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Favourites from Flamant

BUY THE LOOK Recreate the Comerford’s understated yet sleek style

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Pallas chandelier, AED5,015

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Ferro cabinet, AED10,310 bhomes.com

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1. PureLine kitchen collection, price upon enquiry, Miele 2. Ice cream cup and spoon, AED370, O’de Rose 3. Chocolate fruit bowl, AED39, Homes R Us 4. Paisley cushion cover, AED29, Homes R Us 5. Cowboy wall hook, AED55, Zara Home Kids 6. Councill sofa, POA, En Vogue 7. Donna Karan Home Reflection cushion, AED863, Bloomingdale’s Home 8. Fuchsia orchids in ceramic pot, AED1,330, Ethan Allen 9. Decorative vase, AED275, Zara Home 10. Calligaris Axel extendable table, POA, Western Furniture 11. Arteriors Home hurricane lantern, AED900, Bloomingdale’s Home 12. Rondo armchair, AED7,490, Ethan Allen August 2014

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Ask the flooring experts “I don’t like the existing tiled floors in my villa. Is wood flooring a good option?” Marc Panthos Yes, but maintain it properly, advises Lesley Lobo, managing director of Woodfloors Middle East: Wood flooring works very well in bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms. You might want to split your budget, as many people do, and have more exclusive wood flooring in the entrance, dining hall and living areas and more affordable options upstairs. Laminate flooring is popular for children’s bedrooms but colours are a novelty, even for kids’ rooms. Coloured wood is attractive but many clients want the floor to last ten years or more, and kids will change their tastes as they grow up.

A straightforward lounge area of 35 square metres can be installed in a day. Then you’ll need two days for the adhesive to dry and for the skirting thresholds to be added. The majority of problems come from unprofessional installations – it’s not rocket science but you need the right materials, the sub-floor has to have the correct moisture level and it needs to be kept clean and dry. If you’re going away at this time of year and you don’t leave the AC on, that could also cause problems with moisture from condensation.

Maintenance is simple yet many don’t get it right. When you’re cleaning you mustn’t use a lot of water on the floor – you can’t treat it like a tiled floor and wash it with puddles of soapy

water. This will expand the wood and will also leave a soapy residue. Instead of soap there’s a special fluid that you can buy to mix with the water: first vacuum, then wet the mop and wipe the floor with this mixture. That’s all you need to do to look after the floor properly.

In Dubai the most popular wood flooring is oak.

With 90% of suppliers producing oak it’s readily available and quick to source, mainly from the USA and Europe, especially from sustainable plantations in France, Austria, Germany and Sweden. Oak is versatile, too, as you can change colours, textures and finishes: you can make it look natural, rustic, reclaimed or varnished. There are all sorts of options available. With colour, the fashion is grey or white oak, perhaps whitewashed with the grain and knots visible. Walnut and vengai are also fairly popular species but oak has really pushed ahead over the last five to ten years.

Trends have changed in terms of type and construction. Twenty years ago everyone wanted solid wood flooring but now the majority of flooring produced is made with a top layer of real wood and a bottom layer of engineered wood, which is more environmentally-friendly. There’s a big difference between solid and engineered and all the problems associated with moisture, like expansion, cupping and bending – engineered wood reduces these side-effects.

“I want a seamless, easy-to-maintain floor going from the living room to the outside terrace.� Isaac Terrence Porcelain tiles are a perfect choice, says Tanya Pearson, key account manager at Mirage Spa: A seamless look between your indoor and outdoor space is easily achieved with porcelain tiles. You can have the same colour throughout or different shade variations, if you prefer. In the UAE, popular colour choices are natural stones such as limestone, slate and natural woods. Essentially, people want to mimic marble and limestone, which have become very expensive since exports from Syria stopped. The best quality materials tend to come from Europe, and Scandinavia in particular.

The great thing about full-bodied porcelain tiles are the natural materials it’s made from, such as clays and quartz – nothing artificial. These materials are ground down to a fine powder and impurities like carbon are removed, which makes the tile stronger. The powder is then pressed to make the tile tougher for use inside and outside the home. Porcelain tiles also withstand water and acidic rain, which can leave unsightly green marks. You can see this on villas on Palm Jumeirah.

You may want the same colour in your living room and on your terrace, but slightly different designs. Patterns are easy to create because porcelain won’t crack like its natural-stone counterparts. Curves are common, especially around the pool, while mosaics are popular for the pool interior. Compared to the trends seen in Italy and Europe, designs here are all about simplicity and natural colours.

Inside and outside, natural timber looks beautiful but it can warp and needs maintenance. Timber porcelain gives you the same design with no aftercare and it’s very hard to tell if

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it’s real or not. It’s also better quality than laminate, which is liable to peel in damp or hot air.

With finishes, high polishes are used in bathrooms, kitchens and luxe living rooms. Outside, you might want to go for a structured finish, which can be a little rough to the touch because it complies with anti-slip standards.

Outside, tiles can be raised off the gravel or grass bed by standing on little feet – this is great for drainage and installation. This way, the tiles can be dry-laid and if you’re renting you can take them with you – in the industry we call this the ‘divorce floor’.

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MAKE YOUR WINDOWS ‘WOW’ George Foster creates a statement with these decorative draping ideas Your windows are the eyes of your home. Not only do they frame the amazing views many of us enjoy from our Arabian villas and high-rise apartments, but they also add drama and elegance. So ditch those dull Venetian blinds and drape your windows with the decorative panels, pleats, tabs and tassels that are proving popular in Dubai.

Ethan Allen’s design team manager George Foster sheds some light on the intricacies of window treatments, hot trends and the top pleats:

Made to measure To start with, I get the elevations of the client’s home so I have a visual concept of how the treatment will work. Different clients will want different things – some may want privacy or to block the light; they might want to frame the window, create a statement, dress-to-impress or request a brand new look.

Then we’ll look at size, colours and fabric, puddled drapes, and types of top treatments – for example, pleats or tabs or box valances, rods or electrical tracks. Some clients go over the top, as I’ve seen with some majilis for Ramadan, because the window treatments make the majlis look spectacular when family and friends are over.

Even if you’re working with an interior designer you should know how to measure your windows.

Always go left wall, right wall, bottom and top, inside width and length, and outside height. When you measure the wall space you need to know how much leeway you have either side; you don’t want to block the beautiful views we have in Dubai.

Drapery panels should be 30 inches wide (a longer rod will increase this), overlapping the window by just six inches so they don’t intrude on the view when the curtains are open. It’s the same for height: we normally go 12 inches above the window to create height. You can add height with a box valance, which draws the eye higher up.

If you don’t have the space to go higher opt for a beautiful carved rod to dress the window up, and puddle the drapes on the floor with seven inches of fabric. This is a popular and dramatic look but it’s not for every area in the house – not the kitchen, or an everyday living room because you don’t want to touch it too much. Beautifully puddled drapes work best in a formal living room, dining room or a master bedroom because the look is romantic.

Colour The design industry loves colour. However, a lot of clients are scared to embrace bolder looks so it’s my job as a designer to help introduce colour while retaining that classic look they like.

If we look at trends, bold colour and prints on a draping panel are very strong right now. Paisley, damask, stripes, geometric and African-inspired prints, in teal, baby blue, green and white – these are the concepts. Coastal colours and neutral earth colours are popular here. What we’re doing in the design industry is keeping the furniture neutral and introducing colour with cushions and drama with the window treatments.

Monochromatic is very much in because you can change colour as the season goes – it’s no longer just traditional cream and white, but also grey, salmon, pomegranate and green tones.

The top tab A tab is a sling of fabric that hangs the drape by wrapping around the rod at intervals of two or three inches. Tabs can create a more casual look and are used a lot in apartments, especially in Downtown Dubai, because they’re so easy to operate. Embellishments can be added in the form of buttons, bows, beading or a fringe.

The two-tab drape gathers around the rod through two eyelets. It’s a very casual look and is often used in kids’ bedrooms. It’s flat when closed and easy to operate, and uses less fabric, which is good for smaller budgets.

Top five pleats

You don’t want a cheap looking window treatment so pleating at the top of the drapes is very important in the design. You can go for modern or simple looks, more pleats, tighter pleats, or a tab at the top.

1. Goblet pleat Residents in Dubai love the goblet pleat. It’s elegant and classic and quite heavy, so it looks great in velvet. Each pleat creates a tube that looks like the end of a cracker at the top of the panel, with the fabric spooling down from the cinched in ‘waist’ of the pleat. Buttons and ribbon can be added here, to create more drama.

2. Three-way bottom pleat This look is where we try to be ahead of the game.

We take the pleats and clip them so the drapes are permanently pleated. It’s prepared in the workroom and then taken to the client’s home to be pleated on site so we know exactly how much fabric needs to be gathered. Having a window treatment that’s well gathered when it’s opened and closed is a sign of luxury and great design.

Fastening a button to each tab adds a creative decorative element.

3. Pencil pleat This is a classic look, with each pleat about pencil-width, which creates a ruched effect along the top of the drape. The pleats can collect dust quite easily; however, this is a side-effect of most drapes.

4. High school pleat This is a very clean look used for more transitional designs (traditional to modern). The pleat falls in much the same way as a schoolgirl’s skirt, hence the name.

5. The inverted pleat These stationary panels are very tailored, clean and sharp, and are particularly suited to contemporary interiors. Instead of having the cinched ‘waist’ of the pleats on show, they’re hidden behind the flat front of the pleat.

Linings There are three major types: blackout, interlining and regular. Blackout linings are very useful here as they block the light and help prevent delicate fabrics like silk from fading. Interlining gives more body to the drapery when you use thin fabrics like silk or polyester. Regular lining is another option and will give body to cotton or linen.

Cleaning The best option is to have the cleaner come to you, so you don’t have to take the treatment down and have it reinstalled afterwards. You should have it cleaned once a year and change the treatment every two to three years because fabrics do fade and wear and fashions change. A blackout lining is the best form of protection from sun damage but it’s not foolproof as the sun is very strong here. bhomes.com

August 2014

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32

THE MODERN FACES OF BAROQUE

Nothing stays in the past for long.

While cynics say designers have run out of original concepts, fans of a revamp know a good idea shouldn’t stay buried in the history books. Testament to its timeless nature, the dust that covers baroque architecture has been blown off with gusto periodically, since its heyday four centuries ago.

Architects in 17th-century Rome embellished buildings with bold massing, grand colonnades, high pillars

and wide domes; they launched this enduring aesthetic, which has become synonymous with poetic, dramatic Ă RXULVKHV 7KH PRYHPHQW VRRQ VSUHDG around Europe and its legacy is still very much evident in Germany, Austria, Russia and England.

Baroque enjoyed a worldwide renaissance period in the early 1900s: look at the neo-baroque architecture on public buildings from Edwardian England, the central train stations in

Sydney and Ipoh, Malaysia, or former 3RVW 2IÀFHV LQ &DQDGD More recently, contemporary designers have been inspired by the gilded woodworking prevalent in EDURTXH LQWHULRUV 2UQDWH à RZHUV foliage, angels and swirls are beautifying drawer handles, chair EDFNV DQG WDEOH OHJV 7R ÀQG RXW PRUH BH went on a world tour and spoke to the contemporary designers who are bringing baroque back into fashion.

Malabar Figen bench; below: Mendini’s Poltrona di Proust chair, courtesy of Robot City

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Dig down to its Med’ roots 7KH EHDXWLIXO KDQG FDUYHG Ă RUDO GHWDLOLQJ RQ Yagmur Arifoglu’s Figen bench for Malabar captures the poetic excess of baroque. The movement was characterised by exaggerated, eccentric and dramatic shapes and images – which contrasted starkly with the sober rationality of the preceding Renaissance period. Figen marries the two – the clean lines of the bench’s silhouette HQKDQFHV WKH OX[XULRXV GHWDLOV RI WKH Ă RUDO PRWLIV while the natural colours of light walnut and white lacquer exudes warmth and innocence. “The [Portuguese] city of Porto, where our KHDGTXDUWHUV DUH ORFDWHG LV DFWXDOO\ FODVVLĂ€HG DV KHULWDJH RI KXPDQLW\ E\ 81(6&2 DQG LQ this city everywhere you walk you come across numerous baroque buildings and ornaments,â€? explains Yagmur, head designer at Malabar. “The 0HGLWHUUDQHDQ Ă RZHUV DUH WKH PRWLIV WKDW JR EDFN WR WKH URRWV RI WKH PRYHPHQW 7KH Ă€UVW EDURTXH pieces originated in Italy and the most common RUQDPHQWV ZHUH WKH ORFDO IDXQD DQG Ă RUD KHQFH why Figen bench, while replicating original FDUYLQJV KDV Ă RUDO RUQDPHQWV RI 0HGLWHUUDQHDQ origin. “In our time, we come across baroque design in the details and accents of the furniture designs WKDW Ă€OO WKH LQWHULRUV RI RXU FRQWHPSRUDU\ OLYLQJ space; we no longer see heavily adorned furniture designs. Instead we blend the most aesthetic aspects of traditional details into contemporary ones and adapt it to our 21st-century lifestyle.

So baroque furniture is ‘friendlier’, in terms of functionality and practicality.� bhomes.com

&HUWDLQO\ WKH IRUP RI )LJHQ IROORZV D W\SLFDO bench style, but the baroque legs add a twist, opening out on one side to welcome and draw you in. These legs stripe through the wooden top to create a triptych, arresting the eye and contrasting the materials and surface patterns. The drama of Figen adds luxury to a contemporary interior while remaining fresh, clean and light thanks to its colourways. “Pairing light wood and white lacquer is also a fashionable look for 2014, and I believe it will continue to be so for a while yet,� concludes the designer.

August 2014

Home

34

HOW DUBAI DOES ORNATE LUXURY

7KH )LJHQ EHQFK ZRXOG ÀW LQ ZHOO ZLWK WKH 8$(¡V DIà XHQW WDVWHV IRU ZKLWH ODFTXHU ÀQLVKHV DQG RUQDWH GHWDLOLQJ in homes that favour both traditional and contemporary dÊcor. In fact, baroque detailing is very much evident LQ WKH 0LGGOH (DVW DQG à DPER\DQW embellishments are readily available.

2QH QHZ FROOHFWLRQ WKDW Ă RXQFHV WR attention is 2XL’s unapologetically IHPLQLQH DQG RUQDWH &UDFNOH OLYLQJ and bedroom line. The designs blend Parisian-chic from a bygone era with hand-carved baroque details to create DQ H[WURYHUW YLJQHWWH RI DIĂ XHQFH success, rich tastes and luxury. Fit for royalty, raised baroque motifs in 22-carat gold frame ivory-white wooden mirrors and bedheads, crest the arched backs of occasional chairs and sofas, and decorate drawer fronts and tapered table legs. “A touch of gold always evokes a VHQVH RI FODVVLF OX[XU\ DQG UHJDO Ă DUH Âľ says 2XL’s Tehzeeb Huda. “There has been a revival in the classics not only in interiors but in fashion as well. People know these won’t go out of date and can be used to add a quirky twist to a room when paired with more modern pieces.â€?

%$5248(·6 6:,66 &(175( IS STILL INFUENTIAL

Swiss designer Mattia Bonetti currently has an exhibition of work showing at David Gill Galleries in Mayfair, London.

His designs are distinct, artistic and visionary. They use the boundaries of art and design as a source of inspiration, rather than a barrier, creating sculptural furniture that makes you question: “Do I sit on it or stare at it?”

He says: “I think that I have been inspired by 17th century baroque design because it is both intellectual (spiritual), and sensual: two very different and sometimes antagonistic principles that merge together well here.

“And because I was born in Switzerland, the centre of the baroque PRYHPHQW DQG RQH RI WKH PRVW SUROLÀF places for baroque design, its presence is still very visible and strong there. Look

bhomes.com

at work by architects like Domenico Fontana and Francesco Borromini who were also born there – these are internationally famous references. In other words, I have been surrounded by baroque. It’s a natural counterweight to other ways of thinking and of making art.”

Bonetti has also been exposed to baroque architecture in Paris, having lived and worked there since 1973. &URVV WKH 6LHQH RQ WKH FLW\·V PRVW extravagant bridge, Alexandre III, and \RX·OO EH ÀQJHUWLS FORVH WR WKH EDURTXH architecture of the late 1800s.

Bonetti’s work incorporated baroque soon after his arrival in the French capitol. “It began at the end of the 1970s and in the early ‘80s, when it was the great ‘high-tech’ moment and the idea

of the necessity of baroque came as a reaction to that trend,” he recalls.

Over three decades later, how does baroque continue to work with contemporary furniture design? “It is commonly accepted that shapes that are not strictly geometric (i.e. vertical and horizontal) and develop themselves in a freer way are baroque,” he asserts. “But are Frank Gehry’s and Zaha Hadid’s works less contemporary than many RWKHUV" &RPSXWHU JHQHUDWHG VKDSHV have recently freed us from geometry and allowed the most curvaceous and intricate of shapes to emerge.

“It is fascinating, I believe, to look at this perpetual, oscillatory movement from one period’s style to another: they are complementary and, as such, one cannot exist without the other.”

August 2014

HOW TO...

KEEP YOUR COOL

Flamant spring/summer 2014, and left

Stay cool over summer with these refreshing new fashions

I see seashells The summer is awash with pretty seashells, marine-life motifs and rustic woven jute. Every year there’s a nod to the sea but the latest wave of this recurring trend is less “ahoy there, sailor!â€? and more desert-island innocence. Instead of blueand-white stripes, actual elements from the beach are incorporated into home accessories: look for seashell napkin rings, decorative coral ornaments, GULIWZRRG OLJKW Ă€[WXUHV DQG SODWHV DQG WHD WRZHOV LOOXVWUDWHG ZLWK EHDXWLIXO ZDWHUFRORXU VWDUĂ€VK DQG conch shells. While we can’t spend too much time outside, you can bring the outside in quite easily.

Lift that blue mood Petrol blue is a huge colour trend this year. Not RQO\ LV LW D PDWXUH DQG OX[XULRXVO\ ULFK FRORXU that will transform a room with just a few choice accessories, but its dark androgynous tones should also keep the man of the house happy. If it’s too moody-blue for you, team it with white for a softer summertime look, or clash it with hot pink and neon yellow for a fun, carefree arrangement.

Indigo Living summer 2014, and right

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Going au naturel The world of interiors is catching up with the rest of the eco-conscious planet and going au naturel.

Wood is being stripped down and left untreated, à RRUERDUGV DUH EHLQJ UHFODLPHG DV WDEOHWRSV DQG drawer-fronts, driftwood is being salvaged to create rustic chandeliers, and traditional crafts such as wicker weaving and basketry are growing in popularity. BH is a huge fan of the untreated FRIIHH WDEOHV DQG UXVWLF FKDLUV IURP OX[XU\ Belgium brand Flamant. Made from distressed SLQH RU VDOYDJHG HOP WKH VW\OLVHG FROOHFWLRQ H[XGHV wood-cabin chic with their natural grain and URXJK JHW D VSOLQWHU LI \RX GDUH ÀQLVKHV

Greedy fridges Which kitchen appliance uses less energy than a light bulb? A small milk frother? An electric nutcracker? You’ll be surprised to learn that it’s actually a large refrigerator. Home appliance distributor Eros Group says many new UHIULJHUDWRUV DUH VR HQHUJ\ HIÀFLHQW WKH\ XVH OHVV electricity than a light bulb – and when a standard fridge swallows up 10% of your household bills that could be a substantial difference. They’re also PRUH HQHUJ\ HIÀFLHQW ZKHQ WKH\¡UH IXOO RI IRRG ² D JUHDW H[FXVH WR WKURZ \HW DQRWKHU GLQQHU SDUW\ and another, and another.

Take shelter

Fiore Rosso Skyline

While the hot sticky air makes it hard to enjoy our gardens this month, Fiore Rosso is doing their best to make us step outside – and stay there awhile.

BH loves the bonnet-shaped hood of the updated Skyline range, part of the company’s new midsummer collection. The PE-rattan-wicker cover provides welcome shade when you need to keep an eye on the kids in the pool, or if you want to curl up with an early morning breakfast and book. :KLOH LW¡V PRUH H[SHQVLYH UDWWDQ SURPLVHV WR EH the most durable and weather-resistant material for outdoor furniture in this unforgiving climate.

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August 2014

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38

HEALTHY COOKING – with chocolate Cocoa is the queen of spice, says famed French chef JeanChristophe Novelli

How to cook with a Michelin-star Cooking should not be a chore; it is a way of living and a great way to socialise. The more you discover and practice – not just with food but also with the equipment you use – the more you challenge yourself. The Michelin star wasn’t what I strived to get but something that happened along the way, as I was experimenting. When I cook with good electrical appliances then I hardly have to think – and then you can improvise with ingredients at the last minute and be spontaneous.

Even when you know what the recipe is, you should do what you feel rather than what you know. It is not new news that many Michelin-starred chefs use Electrolux appliances in their restaurant kitchens but what is exciting is that housewives and home cooks can use these same appliances and cook to Michelin-star standards.

39

How to cook healthy chocolate chicken Everyone is so scared of undercooking chicken that many people overcook it.

For one leg you need just 35 minutes and a breast takes 20 minutes. Here, I will show you how to cook five legs and I will show you what you should not do (which you probably do).

I cook this dish with no butter, oil or salt so it’s virtually free of saturated fat and it is very healthy. You assume oil is fresh and therefore healthier than butter, but it’s not. It’s processed and once it heats to over 80 degrees the high temperature starts to destroy the nutritious parts and its texture. If you cook oil over 80 degrees and put it in the fridge to cool it gets thicker and stickier, and that’s what happens to oil in your arteries. Also, if you throw in your garlic and herbs too soon they cook faster than the chicken and will burn, contaminating the oil.

So, if you can’t use butter or olive oil, what can you use? Chicken has its own fat. Most of the fat is in the skin so cook the legs skin-side down in the pan – with no oil. You don’t want to cut the skin off thinking it’s bad for you. It’s natural fat, you’ve paid for it and it’s a hassle to take it off uncooked meat.

Steam and water are also important cooking tools for chefs when they don’t want to use oil. Covering your pan with a lid will create humidity inside, helping to steam-cook the food. A splash of water will prevent sticking.

It’s not just chicken that has it’s own oil. Let’s take onions – I know this is funny because the French love onions and already I am in Dubai talking about onions and garlic – but onions can sweat in their own juice. Simply slice to get its juices out.

How do you get natural salt? There is salt in cheese and that can go into your cooking, and add great flavours.

With all this talk of healthy cooking, are you wondering how I can use chocolate in this dish? Chocolate is the queen of spice; it is very powerful and aromatic, much like smoky paprika and cardamom. But you only need one spoonful when you use other powerful ingredients like onions or leeks, so the dish is still very healthy and packed with flavour. bhomes.com

August 2014

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40

Coq aux Vin avec Chocolat Serves: 10

5 chicken legs 3 onions 8 shallots 1 garlic bulb 2 tsp cumin seeds 1/2 bunch thyme 1/2 bunch rosemary 7 bay leaves 2 tsp smoked paprika 2 tbsp honey 2 tsp organic cocoa powder 1 star anise 2 tsp cornflour (mixed with 2 tsp of cold water) Good-quality alcohol-free red wine 3 vanilla pods Black pepper (to taste) Fresh parsley 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil (optional) Basmati rice, enough for 10 people Cut the chicken legs through the joint into 10 pieces, with the skin left on.

The skin will provide natural fats and oils for the meat to cook in.

Season with pepper and dust with paprika. Optional: add a little olive oil to coat and leave to infuse for at least one hour.

Heat a large saucepan and add the chicken skin-side down, with bay leaves, thyme, cumin, rosemary, vanilla, star anise, some pepper and a dusting of paprika. When using the vanilla pods, half lengthways and scrape the inside out – this is what you want to use with the chicken. Fry on both sides until golden and evenly coloured.

Slice the onions into quarters and add to the pan. Sweat them down until soft – covering the pan with a lid will produce steam to help them sweat, or add a splash of water, if necessary. Add the cocoa powder and mix in.

Once the onions are soft, sprinkle enough cornflour over the ingredients to absorb any fat residue and to form a basic roux.

Add the alcohol-free wine – just enough to cover the food. This level will cook

the food perfectly. Stir and ensure there are no lumps, until the sauce is only just thickened.

Halve the shallots and add to the pan.

They will cook as the liquid simmers.

Taste, the mix – always taste as you go along. Adjust the acidity of the wine with the honey.

Throw the chopped garlic bulb in at the last minute. Make sure it’s fresh and not dry inside.

Bring to a simmer and remove any impurities that rise to the surface.

Place the lid on and cook for 40 minutes at 160C/325F/Gas Mark 3.

Wash the basmati rice free from starch.

Add to boiling water in a separate pan and cook for 12 to 15 minutes (or according to the packet). Drain the water once cooked.

To serve: on warm plates place the chicken on top of the rice and pour the liquid from the pan over the food.

Garnish with fresh parsley.

Culinary concepts

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All you need to serve Novelli’s Michelin-starred meal 1. Paloma dining table and sideboard with Fiji chairs and bench, prices vary, Crate and Barrel

1.

2. Four stay-put chopping boards, AED249, Lakeland 3. Set of four tableware-motif napkins, AED95, Zara Home 4. WMF saucepan set, AED1,270, Bloomingdale’s Home 5. Bamboo rice paddle, AED14.50, Crate and Barrel

2.

4.

3.

5. bhomes.com

August 2014

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:[HY[PUN MYVT Apartment: AED 1,650* pa Villa: AED 3,350* pa

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43

Property of the month

For those looking for an immediate home to move into, this three-bedroom apartment is certainly worth viewing.

Prime property for a couple or small family, this apartment in Yansoon 8 is fully equipped with built-in kitchen appliances and a utility room. All three bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and built-in wardrobes. The apartment also boasts a good size living room and dining room, a study, a maid’s room and two extra WCs. French doors off

the living room open onto a scenic balcony with a great vantage point of the tree-lined cobbled street below.

The Yansoon apartments in The Old Town, near Downtown Dubai, are well known for their luxurious Arabic style, with distinct turreted rooftops, yellowstone façade and Mushrabiya balcony balustrades. The new owners will also be entitled to two parking spaces, making this property a very convenient residence in the heart of the city.

House bhomes.com

Need to know Where? The Old Town, Downtown Dubai What? Three-bedroom apartment Size? 1,755 square feet Cost? AED4,600,000 Like what you see? Call Better Homes consultant Naveed Khan on 600 52 2212 with reference code AP326498

August 2014

Dubai Waterfront

Arabia an n Gulf lf

The Palm Jebel Ali

The Palm Jumeirah

Jumeirah Beach Residence Dubai Marina

Dubai Pearl Media Internet City City Jumeirah Lake Towers Greens TECOM Emirates Hills Meadows

Abu Dhabi Ibn Battuta The Mall

Gardens

Jebel Ali Freezone Jebel Ali Village

Downtown Jebel Ali

Jumeirah Heights Discovery Gardens

Jumeirah Park

Al Furjan

Technology Park Green Community Dubai Investment Park

Jumeirah Islands

Jumeirah Golf Estates

The Lakes

The Springs

Jumeirah Village Triangle Jumeirah Village International Circle Media Production Zone (IMPZ) Dubai Sports City

Dubai World Central

Motor City

Maktoum Int. Airport

Dubai Metro Red line Green line Metro Stations

N Dubailand

The price is right See how property prices fare across the city with our at-a-glance guide

Villas

Villas

SALE

RENTAL

Community

Bedrooms

Monthly

Quarterly

change

change

Average pricing

Community

2

AED 2,700,000

1.89%

2.86%

3

AED 3,900,000

-1.27%

-2.50%

4

AED 4,857,000

-1.88%

-2.86%

5

AED 7,500,000

0%

4.90%

3

AED 4,600,000

0%

-2.13%

4

AED 6,600,000

1.54%

0%

5

AED 7,600,000

1.33%

1.33%

1

AED 1,745,000

-0.29%

2

AED 3,450,000

-1.40%

3

AED 9,000,000

0%

2.27%

4

AED 15,000,000

3.45%

3.45%

5

AED 16,500,000

3.13%

1.85%

Bedrooms

Monthly

Quarterly

change

change

Average pricing

2

AED 171,000

0.59%

3.64%

3

AED 206,000

0.49%

-1.90%

3

AED 215,250

-0.12%

-0.12%

4

AED 225,500

-0.01%

-0.01%

3

AED 230,500

0.22%

4.77%

4

AED 300,000

0%

0%

1

AED 114,750

-0.22%

4.32%

4.18%

2

AED 164,500

-3.24%

-0.30%

0%

3

AED 130,000

0%

0%

4

AED 162,750

0.15%

1.72%

3

AED 380,000

-2.56%

-2.56%

4

AED 500,000

0%

-1.96%

Arabian Ranches Arabian Ranches Dubai Investment Park

Jumeirah Park Jumeirah Park

Jumeirah Village Triangle

Jumeirah Village Triangle

Mirdif The Palm Jumeirah

The Palm Jumeirah

Exchange rate service offering Save when changing your money. Get currency exchanged through Better Homes – call 04 407 4600 GBP = AED6.17 1 USD = AED3.67 1 Euro = AED4.93

The World

The Palm Deira

Dubai Maritime City Burj Al Arab

Jumeirah

Umm Suqeim Safa

Sufouh

Al Wasl

DIFC Mall of the Emirates

Trade Centre

Dubaii Mal

Al Quoz Business Bay

Zabeel

Downtown Burj Khalifa

Hamriya

Bur Juman Centre

Badaa

Manara

Barsha

Bur Dubai

Satwa

Deira

Umm Hurair Karama Oud Metha

Wuheida

Sharjah Mamzar

Hor Al Anz

Deira City Centre

Al Nahda

Emirates Towers

Garhoud Al Khail Gate

Burj Khalifa

Airport Free Zone

Culture Village Umm Ramool

Bu Kadra Meydan City Dubiotech

Qusais

Dubai Int. Airport

Dubai Festival City

The Lagoons

Nadd Shamma

Ras Al Khor Nadd Al Hamar

Arabian Ranches

Twar

Muhaisnah

Mirdif City Centre

Mirdif

Al Barari Living Legends

Mizar

Ghoroob Warqaa

Al Waha Community

Shorooq

Nad Al Sheba

Dragon Mar

Khwaneej

International City

Layan Dubai Silicon Oasis

Academic City

Awir

Apartments

Apartments

SALE

RENTAL

Community

Downtown Dubai

Dubai Investment Park

Dubai Marina

Jumeirah Lake Towers

Jumeirah Village Circle

Bedrooms

Monthly

Quarterly

change

change

Average pricing

Community

1

AED 1,900,000

-4.52%

-5.00%

2

AED 3,465,000

-1.00%

-1.00%

bhomes.com

Bedrooms

Monthly

Quarterly

change

change

Average pricing

1

AED 119,000

3.48%

3.48%

2

AED 175,000

-5.41%

-7.89%

3

AED 7,400,000

-2.63%

-3.90%

3

AED 255,000

2.00%

6.09%

1

AED 675,000

3.85%

3.85%

1

AED 68,000

-0.87%

-0.80%

2

AED 1,250,000

-1.19%

0%

2

AED 100,000

0%

-2.96%

Studio

AED 465,000

2.09%

2.20%

3

AED 140,000

0%

3.68%

1

AED 1,700,000

3.03%

4.29%

1

AED 110,000

0%

2.33%

2

AED 2,650,000

1.92%

1.92%

2

AED 160,000

0%

0%

3

AED 3,500,000

-2.10%

-1.41%

3

AED 210,000

1.45%

2.44%

1

AED 1,251,000

2.08%

2.12%

2

AED 1,800,000

-0.01%

0%

3

AED 2,500,000

-3.85%

4

AED 4,200,000

-4.55%

Dubai Investment Park

Dubai Marina

1

AED 90,000

0%

0%

2

AED 130,000

-0.08%

-0.08%

-7.41%

3

AED 175,000

2.64%

2.64%

-4.55%

Studio

AED 65,000

4.84%

8.33% 8.33%

Jumeirah Lake Towers

Jumeirah Village Circle

1

AED 850,000

0%

6.25%

1

AED 65,000

4.00%

2

AED 1,450,000

-2.03%

-3.33%

2

AED 96,000

1.05%

4.29%

1

AED 1,282,500

0.98%

2.19%

1

AED 91,000

1.11%

1.11%

2

AED 2,220,000

-3.06%

-5.53%

2

AED 142,000

-2.07%

-5.33%

1

AED 2,500,000

0%

0%

1

AED 154,000

-0.65%

2.67%

2

AED 3,400,000

-2.86%

-5.56%

2

AED 180,000

0%

-2.70%

3

AED 4,500,000

0%

0%

3

AED 230,000

-2.13%

-5.06%

The Greens

The Palm Jumeirah

Downtown Dubai

Š 2012 Better Homes

The Greens

The Palm Jumeirah

August 2014

Move to Executive Tower C, in Business Bay Best time to buy, only 2% transfer fee Selection of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments for sale ▸

Units with spectacular views

▸

Competitive prices

▸

Loft apartments and penthouses available

▸

5 minutes walk to the metro station

▸

Spacious balconies

▸

Retail and dining options

▸

Gym and swimming pool

▸

Allocated parking

Call +971 600 52 2212 or email customercare@bhomes.com

Experience Better.

bhomes.com | +971 600 52 2212

Market Watch

House

47

There’s evidence of stability, reports Sam Wani

Dubai’s property market seems to have stabilised around agreeable prices. Knight Frank’s latest report shows property prices rose by a mere 1% in Q1 and was equally sluggish in Q2. The price of an average villa in Dubai was 15% below its 2008 levels, with AED3.5million buying approximately 146 square metres of space in the emirate – six times cheaper than in London and ten times cheaper than in Monaco.

After the introduction of the higher transfer charges (from 2% to 4%), transaction volumes have dropped in the last six months, between 5% in International City and 30% in Arabian Ranches. For sales values the top performers in Q2 2014 were Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah Beach Residence, both up by 11% to AED3,300 and

AED2,000 per square foot, respectively.

Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai led year-on-year growth at 62% and 52%, respectively.

Some of the highest price rises during the quarter were recorded in less developed areas of the city where prices remained low in comparison.

These include Jumeirah Village,

where average prices grew 9% to reach between AED800 and AED1,100 per square foot.

Speculative activity in the overall market is 25% below the peak levels reached in 2008. In areas associated with high levels of homeownership (such as Palm Jumeirah and Emirates Living), speculation has declined by more than 50% from their peak levels.

This is a healthy sign and perhaps the strongest indicator – along with the mortgage data – that a stable housing base is being formed in these communities.

For rentals, there’s been an average 5% to 10% increase from Q1. With the city’s population expected to reach 3.4million between 2015 and 2020, there will be heightened demand for real estate during this period. However, it’s predicted that only a few prime residential projects are due to be completed by the end of 2015.

Sam Wani is general manager at Independent Finance. Find out more about financing your move at Independentuae.com

Terms and Conditions apply to all rates *Rates are correct at time of press but subject to change. For further information on the best deals call Better Homes on +971 4 407 4600

Finance

LOAN RANGER

Found your dream property and need to sort out a mortgage? Look no further...

Min

Max Loan

Deposit

Term

3.75%, 2-year fixed

25%

Independent Finance

4.74%, 4-year rate

Independent Finance

Bank

Interest Rate

Processing Fees

Early Repayment

Contact

Independent Finance

25 years

1%

1% or AED10,000, lower of two

04-3819314

25%

20 years

1%

0% after fixed period

04-3819314

4.49%, Eibor-linked

25%

25 years

0%

0% on sale of property

04-3819314

ENBD

4.74%, 3-year fixed

25%

20 years

1%

1% or AED10,000, lower of two

04-3819314

United Arab Bank

4.99%, 3-year fixed

25%

25 years

1%

0% after five years

800474

Abu Dhabi Finance

From 5.49%, 5-year fixed

25%

25 years

1%

1% or AED10,000, lower of two

800 ADF(233)

ADCB

From 4.99%, 5-year fixed

25%

25 years

1%, no cap

2%-5%

800 2030

ADIB

5%, 5-year fixed

25%

25 years

1%

0% own funds; 3% buy out

8002288

HSBC

3.99%, 1-year fixed

40%

25 years

1%

0% own funds; 3% buy out

800House

CBI

4.45%, 2-year fixed

25%

20 years

1%, capped at AED20,000

1% after fixed period

800House

Mashreq

From 4.99%, 3-year fixed

25%

25 years

1%

1% before 2 years; 3% buy out

04 424 4444

NBAD

From 4.99%, p/annum

25%

30 years

0%, limited offer

3% max

8002211

Noor Islamic Bank

4.75%, 1-year fixed

25%

25 years

1%, capped at AED100,000

2% own funds; 3% buy out

800 6667

Rak Bank

4.25%

25%

25 years

1%, capped at AED15,000

1% own funds; 5% buy out

04 312 0000

Standard Chartered

4.49%, 1-year fixed

25%

25 years

1%

1% own funds; 5% buy out

02 616 5605

DIB (Tamweel)

4.25% Eibor-linked

25%

25 years

1%, capped at AED25,000

2% own funds for 1st 3 years

800 Tamweel

bhomes.com

August 2014

House

48

Area review

MOVE TO MIRDIF Mirdif is an old community with a new face, says Better Homes’ Mohanad Fadel Mirdif has been a popular residential community since the 1990s and improvements made in the past decade have cemented this reputation in the city’s competitive marketplace. As Dubai has grown so has Mirdif, mirroring the city’s development with those of its own.

“Mirdif is an old area and has had villas from the beginning,” comments Mohanad Fadel, manager of Better Homes’ Barsha office. “Ten years ago work started to update the area and now it is greatly improved and it is almost full; if you look around you won’t find many empty plots left.

The improvements include three main residential projects: Uptown Mirdif, completed in 2006; Shorooq, ready in 2008; and Ghoroob, ready in 2010.

“Mirdif consists of gated and non-gated compounds, local villas, residential apartment buildings and townhouses.

These are owned by locals – Emiratis and members of the GCC – who may live in the individual villas situated within Mirdif itself, but the majority are leased to multi-nationality expats.”

Nationalities vary, from Arabs to Asians to Europeans, but they all have one thing in common – for the most part residents are families. Mirdif is an extremely family-friendly area, with many nurseries and schools, two large public parks, several mosques and extensive shopping facilities.

For your kids’ education, prime establishments include Emirates British Nursery, Mirdif Private School and Star International School. Of the shopping malls, Mirdif City Centre is the most notable and well worth a day out for those living further afield. The huge mall has over 400 shops, over 60 eating outlets, parking for 7,000, two gold-class cinemas and even indoor skydiving.

Mirdif is not as far out as people think: those living on the other side of the city in Dubai Marina can catch a cab to the mall for AED70. “It’s very centrally located,” agrees

Mohanad. “Situated between Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, Mirdif is just five minutes away from Dubai International Airport, ten minutes from Deira and a short distance to Festival City and beyond that Downtown.

“Mirdif has many amenities for residents. Apart from Shorooq and Ghoroob, most buildings and villas have a swimming pool and a few have gyms. In Uptown Mirdif there is Fitness First with a ladies-only and a gents-only gym. Shorooq and Ghoroob have car parking and plenty of children’s play areas.”

While extra-large families may want to look elsewhere, Mirdif offers housing with up to four bedrooms. Residents can enjoy either balcony views from apartments or gardens inclusive with their villas.

“For villas, there are a few compounds with two-bedroom homes but the majority have three or four bedrooms,” explains the branch manager. “The compounds themselves range from six villas up to 40. In Uptown you can find studio and one- and two-bedroom apartments in areas made up of six-building clusters. The villas in Uptown all have three bedrooms. Shorooq has villas with between two and four bedrooms, studio apartments and one- and two-bedroom apartments. Ghoroob is apartment-only, with up to three bedrooms.”

Comparing prices, Uptown is more expensive. In Shorooq and Ghoroob a one-bed apartment starts at AED60,000, two-beds start at AED85,000, while three-beds start from AED20,000 more. In Uptown, starting prices are higher: AED40,000, AED85,000 and AED120,000 for a studio, oneor two-bedroom apartment. Villas start at AED90,000 for two bedrooms, AED150,000 for three and AED180,000 for four. Prices can reach AED250,000 for a luxurious individual villa in Mirdif proper, with a private garden and pool.

Property picks

49

Convenient living is on the doorstep in Uptown Mirdif For sale Designed in the style of an ancient spa town, Uptown Mirdif is a picturesque gated sub-community with a great lifestyle on offer. While Garden Apartments has a holidayat-home swimming pool for residents to enjoy, there is a shopping centre, supermarkets, nurseries, a primary school and children’s play areas all within close proximity, making this a well-rounded and convenient place to live. This two-bedroom apartment is perfect for an individual or couple, with two en-suite bedrooms, a dressing room, a spacious living room with a balcony and a fully equipped kitchen.

Need to know Where? Garden Apartments, Uptown Mirdif What? Two-bed apartment Size? 1,595 square feet Cost? AED2,150,000 Like what you see? Call Better Homes consultant Liaqat Ali on 600 52 2212 with reference code AP56642

For rent For a busy individual seeking comfort and convenience, look no further than this fully furnished studio apartment in Courtyard Apartments 2. The kitchen is fully equipped with a refrigerator, electric cooker, washing machine and tumble dryer. Meanwhile, the well-lit bedroom is decorated in a contemporary style and comes furnished with a queen-size bed, a sofa and a wall unit with a 42-inch flat-screen television.

There is one bathroom and one covered parking space. Step outside and you’re in the heart of the local shopping area, centred around a scenic fountain.

You’ll find Spinneys, retails shops, gymnasiums and cafés all just a short walk away.

Need to know Where? Courtyard Apartments 2, Uptown Mirdif What? Studio apartment Size? 456 square feet Cost? AED55,000 Like what you see? Call Better Homes consultant Sana Hajjar on 600 52 2212 with reference code AP166652

bhomes.com

August 2014

50

Arabian Ranches for sale

Al Reem 1 Arabian Ranches Live your Arabian dream Abi Odimayo (Ref No. VI328902)

AED 3,100,000 3 BR 2,292 sq. ft.

Palmera 3 Arabian Ranches

AED 2,850,000 2 BR 2,219 sq. ft.

An investor’s dream Anjana Mahna (Ref No. VI173409)

Terra Nova Arabian Ranches

AED 6,900,000 5 BR 4,361 sq. ft.

A stunning family home Adrian Popica (Ref No. VI317678)

Savannah Arabian Ranches

AED 7,550,000 5 BR 5,490 sq. ft.

Affordable luxury Juliana Grebenchshikova (Ref No. VI325030)

Mirador Arabian Ranches A place to call home Sorin Rizan (Ref No. VI308892)

AED 6,500,000 4 BR 4,311 sq. ft.

Al Reem 2 Arabian Ranches Spacious with great finishes Pat Mc Cleland (Ref No. VI327465)

AED 3,800,000 3 BR 2,800 sq. ft.

51

Arabian Ranches for rent

Palmera 4 Arabian Ranches

AED 270,000 3 BR 2,936 sq. ft.

A desirable address Ozlem Ucar (Ref No. VI328576)

Al Mahra Arabian Ranches Affordable luxury Juliana Grebenchshikova (Ref No. VI304985)

La Coleccion 1 Arabian Ranches

Al Mahra Arabian Ranches A place to call home Pat Mc Cleland (Ref No. VI305105)

AED 320,000 5 BR 4,900 sq. ft.

Mirador Arabian Ranches

AED 275,000 4 BR 4,287 sq. ft.

Hattan Arabian Ranches

AED 375,000 5 BR 5,443 sq. ft.

Meticulously planned development Pat Mc Cleland (Ref No. VI328103)

AED 390,000 5 BR 5,230 sq. ft.

Relax by the pool this summer Adrian Popica (Ref No. VI328377)

AED 360,000 4 BR 3,458 sq. ft.

Meticulously planned development Gergana Mineva (Ref No. VI328093)

bhomes.com

August 2014

52

Dubai Marina for sale

The Point Dubai Marina Amazing value David Lawes (Ref No. AP328388)

AED 1,300,000 1 BR 760 sq. ft.

Emirates Crown Dubai Marina

AED 5,950,000 3 BR 3,881 sq. ft.

A place to call home Jessica Winchester (Ref No. AP325345)

Elite Residence Dubai Marina

AED 51,000,000 5 BR 14,392 sq. ft.

Luxurious penthouse Stephan Hirzel (Ref No. AP303731)

Silverene - Tower A Dubai Marina

AED 5,100,000 3 BR 2,023 sq. ft.

Unobstructed views of the marina Mehroz Abdul Majeed (Ref No. AP302918)

Cayan Tower Dubai Marina A lush oasis Noha Girgis (Ref No. AP328366)

AED 16,000,000 4 BR 5,487 sq. ft.

Time Place Dubai Marina Spacious with great finishes Walid Bitar (Ref No. VI283209)

AED 5,500,000 3 BR 4,152 sq. ft.

53

Dubai Marina for rent

Mesk Dubai Marina

AED 250,000 3 BR 2,516 sq. ft.

A prestigious address Aleksandra Majcherek (Ref No. AP289971)

Marinascape Marina Homes Dubai Marina

Marina Residence – Tower B Dubai Marina Easy living Fabio Lombardi (Ref No. AP277196)

AED 95,000 1 BR 613 sq. ft.

Sky View Tower Dubai Marina

AED 500,000 8 BR 7,526 sq. ft.

Luxurious penthouse Parul Dayal (Ref No. AP325357)

AED 450,000 4 BR 8,756 sq. ft.

A prestigious address Mehroz Abdul Majeed (Ref No. VI303628)

Delphine Dubai Marina Sophisticated waterfront community Izabela Matyjaszek (Ref No. AP297938)

bhomes.com

AED 290,000 3 BR 1,979 sq. ft.

Attessa Dubai Marina

AED 125,000 1 BR 1,141 sq. ft.

A prestigious address David Lawes (Ref No. AP57664)

August 2014

54

Downtown for sale

Executive Tower J Business Bay Just move in Asif Shah (Ref No. AP294479)

AED 4,400,000 4 BR 2,450 sq. ft.

Yansoon 8 Downtown Dubai

AED 4,600,000 3 BR 1,755 sq. ft.

An investor’s dream Naveed Khan (Ref No. AP326498)

The Residences E1(Tower 4) Downtown Dubai

AED 6,100,000 2 BR 2,481 sq. ft.

Price reduced Naveed Khan (Ref No. VI302746)

Reehan 1 Downtown Dubai

AED 3,100,000 2 BR 1,258 sq. ft.

Amazing capital growth Kash Qureshi (Ref No. AP321808)

South Ridge 5 Downtown Dubai An investor’s dream Mohammad Mukram (Ref No. AP283903)

AED 1,950,000 1 BR 933 sq. ft.

World Trade Centre Residence Trade Centre Experience heights of luxury Natalia Kostareva (Ref No. AP328564)

AED 4,175,000 2 BR 1,830 sq. ft.

55

Downtown for rent

The Lofts - Podium Downtown Dubai

AED 180,000 2 BR 1,353 sq. ft.

Excellent finish Sherif Nabil (Ref No. AP280855)

Attareen Residence Downtown Dubai A stunning family home Jurate Alsaid (Ref No. VI329059)

29 Boulevard - Tower 2 Downtown Dubai

The Residences W3(Tower 1) Downtown Dubai

AED 140,000 1 BR 1,409 sq. ft.

5 Star hotel living with everything you need Naveed Khan (Ref No. VI326841)

AED 600,000 3 BR 3,826 sq. ft.

Park Place Trade Centre Affordable luxury Sherif Nabil (Ref No. AP264346)

Burj Khalifa - Armani Residences Downtown Dubai

AED 699,900 2 BR 2,019 sq. ft.

Experience heights of luxury Naveed Khan (Ref No. AP326699)

AED 150,000 2 BR 1,130 sq. ft.

World Trade Centre Residence Trade Centre

AED 425,000 3 BR 4,133 sq. ft.

5 Star hotel living with everything you need Pravin Patrick DMello (Ref No. AP312687)

AED 115,000 1 BR 860 sq. ft.

Excellent value Kate Fourt (Ref No. AP326950)

bhomes.com

August 2014

56

Palm Jumeirah for sale

Golden Mile B8 Palm Jumeirah Affordable luxury Kristina Titova (Ref No. AP328587)

AED 2,875,000 2 BR 1,874 sq. ft.

Fairmont Palm Residence - North Palm Jumeirah

AED 4,500,000 2 BR 1,810 sq. ft.

5 Star hotel living with everything you need Darko Dumancic (Ref No. AP325624)

Marina Residence 4 Palm Jumeirah

AED 6,800,000 3 BR 4,053 sq. ft.

A prestigious address Fabio Lombardi (Ref No. AP285108)

Fairmont Palm Residence - North Palm Jumeirah

AED 3,950,000 2 BR 1,853 sq. ft.

Uncompromising luxury Nina Pekina (Ref No. AP278900)

Kempinski Palm Jumeirah Residence Palm Jumeirah Self-contained development Lola Ortikova (Ref No. AP27422)

AED 14,750,000 4 BR 3,873 sq. ft.

D Frond (Barhi Villas) Palm Jumeirah The jewel in the crown Sharon Sweet (Ref No. VI326786)

AED 15,800,000 4 BR 5,300 sq. ft.

57

Palm Jumeirah for rent

M Frond (Sefri Villas) Palm Jumeirah

AED 1,000,000 6 BR 7,000 sq. ft.

A prestigious address Sharon Sweet (Ref No. VI300049)

Oceana - Aegean Palm Jumeirah

AED 220,000 1 BR 1,338 sq. ft.

Quintessential luxury living Stephan Hirzel (Ref No. AP328777)

Marina Residence 6 Palm Jumeirah A prestigious address Sharon Sweet (Ref No. AP316735)

bhomes.com

Anantara Residence Palm Jumeirah Palm Jumeirah

AED 180,000 1 BR 1,158 sq. ft.

A lush oasis Kristina Titova (Ref No. AP328527)

AED 175,000 2 BR 1,810 sq. ft.

Oceana - Baltic Palm Jumeirah Affordable luxury Walid Bitar (Ref No. AP309147)

Golden Mile B6 Palm Jumeirah

AED 170,000 2 BR 1,830 sq. ft.

Brand new luxury apartments Anna Tybura (Ref No. AP328415)

AED 200,000 2 BR 2,443 sq. ft.

Golden Mile B6 Palm Jumeirah

AED 285,000 3 BR 3,499 sq. ft.

Brand new luxury apartments Anna Tybura (Ref No. AP328560)

August 2014

58

Jumeirah Lake Towers for sale

Armada Tower 3 Jumeirah Lake Towers A place to call home Anjana Mahna (Ref No. AP326915)

AED 1,500,000 3 BR 1,000 sq. ft.

Lake Terrace Jumeirah Lake Towers

AED 1,750,000 2 BR 1,280 sq. ft.

Premier location Caleb Hall (Ref No. AP326081)

Al Seef 2 Jumeirah Lake Towers

AED 2,825,000 2 BR 2,044 sq. ft.

Prized location Jawad Motiwala (Ref No. AP325184)

Jumeirah Bay Tower (X1) Jumeirah Lake Towers

AED 795,000 Studio 515 sq. ft.

Amazing capital growth Moin Jehanzeb (Ref No. AP297889)

Al Shera Tower Jumeirah Lake Towers A motivated seller Gulshan Ara (Ref No. AP326457)

AED 2,600,000 2 BR 1,784 sq. ft.

Goldcrest Views 1 Jumeirah Lake Towers Great family home Sharfuddin Mohammed (Ref No. AP323466)

AED 7,000,000 5 BR 4,940 sq. ft.

59

Jumeirah Lake Towers for rent

Global Lake View Jumeirah Lake Towers

AED 130,000 2 BR 1,075 sq. ft.

Privileged location Neveen Abdulahad (Ref No. AP328937)

Al Shera Tower Jumeirah Lake Towers Affordable luxury Vanina Angie (Ref No. AP322846)

bhomes.com

Armada Tower 1 Jumeirah Lake Towers Privileged location Anas Rachid Elkanouni (Ref No. AP328830)

AED 100,000 1 BR 993 sq. ft.

Goldcrest Executive Jumeirah Lake Towers

AED 89,000 1 BR 843 sq. ft.

Goldcrest Views 1 Jumeirah Lake Towers

AED 370,000 5 BR 6,249 sq. ft.

Affordable luxury Rajat Nijhwan (Ref No. AP301013)

AED 70,000 Studio 406 sq. ft.

Easy living Kate Fourt (Ref No. AP266419)

August 2014

60

DIFC FOR SALE

Limestone House Downtown Dubai

AED 4,080,000 2 BR 2,133 sq. ft.

Everything on your doorstep Asal Abedi (Ref No. AP328275)

FOR SALE

The Index (One Central Park) Downtown Dubai Affordable luxury Wassim Abdallah (Ref No. AP325817)

FOR RENT

Sky Gardens (DIFC) DIFC A desirable address Murad Ali Dib (Ref No. APM277695)

AED 5,850,000 2 BR 2,914 sq. ft.

AED 133,000 2 BR 1,193 sq. ft.

FOR SALE

Park Tower A Downtown Dubai An investment for capital growth Sorin Rizan (Ref No. AP326310)

FOR RENT

Park Tower B DIFC

AED 3,724,050 2 BR 2,257 sq. ft.

AED 140,000 2 BR 1,436 sq. ft.

A desirable address Wael Faidi (Ref No. AP306523)

FOR RENT

Liberty House DIFC

AED 90,000 Studio 562 sq. ft.

Amazing value Mohammed Fares (Ref No. AP295793)

Ask the agent Naveed Khan, residential consultant, Jumeirah head office DIFC, located next to Downtown, boasts easy access to The Dubai Mall, Muhammad Bin Rashid Boulevard and Dubai Fountains – all of which offer great facilities in terms of shopping and restaurants. Unlike Downtown, DIFC is a more affordable option while still enjoying a close proximity to the iconic Burj Khalifa.

In general, DIFC freehold is not subject to Dubai’s property laws but implements its own, regulating tenancy issues and ownership of the property.

Average apartment prices are in the range of AED 1,850 to AED 2,300 per square foot, which will provide an annual

rent return of around 6%.

Prices increased by 20% in the first quarter of this year. However, the second quarter has been steady unlike other areas where prices have come down by 6% to 8 %.

In DIFC prices are expected to increase in the fourth quarter of 2014 as there won’t be as much property supplied to the market.

The area has 110 acres in the master plan, of which 25 million square feet has development potential. Of the remaining 10 million square feet still to be developed 60% of the land will be dedicated to offices, 25% for residential and the remaining 15% for retail outlets.

61

Jumeirah Village Circle FOR SALE

Seasons Community - Autumn Jumeirah Village Circle

AED 689,000 1 BR 760 sq. ft.

Affordable luxury Jawad Motiwala (Ref No. AP327574)

FOR SALE

Sobha Daffodil Jumeirah Village Circle Exceptionally rewarding investment Sherif Nabil (Ref No. AP326312)

FOR SALE

Mediterranean Townhouse Jumeirah Village Triangle Idyllic surroundings Abi Odimayo (Ref No. TH326179)

AED 1,250,000 2 BR 1,324 sq. ft.

AED 2,900,000 2 BR 2,992 sq. ft.

FOR SALE

Arabian Villas Jumeirah Village Triangle Attractive investment opportunity Pravin Patrick DMello (Ref No. VI321729)

FOR RENT

Diamond Views 3 Jumeirah Village Circle Excellent value Gulshan Ara (Ref No. AP326542)

AED 3,249,923 2 BR 2,690 sq. ft.

AED 60,000 1 BR 737 sq. ft.

FOR RENT

Seasons Community - Autumn Jumeirah Village Circle

AED 170,000 5 BR 5,604 sq. ft.

Amazing value Julieta Kitova (Ref No. VI328827)

FOR RENT

Mediterranean Villas Jumeirah Village Triangle

AED 165,000 2 BR 2,691 sq. ft.

A great family option Jennifer Sabri (Ref No. VI329015)

bhomes.com

August 2014

62

The Greens FOR SALE

Al Dhafra 3 The Greens

AED 1,885,000 2 BR 1,286 sq. ft.

Amazing value Tulay Ozcan (Ref No. AP160111)

FOR SALE

Arno The Greens A motivated seller Adam Paul Stockley (Ref No. AP81296)

FOR SALE

Arno The Greens A motivated seller Dorota Chudzik (Ref No. AP25553)

AED 1,400,000 1 BR 817 sq. ft.

AED 1,630,000 1 BR 932 sq. ft.

FOR SALE

The Fairways - East T3 The Greens Guaranteed rental income Rengin Gopinathan Pillai (Ref No. AP77001)

FOR RENT

Al Dhafra 4 The Greens A host of facilities Gupesh Sharma (Ref No. AP167760)

AED 1,650,000 1 BR 855 sq. ft.

AED 85,000 1 BR 765 sq. ft.

FOR RENT

The Links T2 The Greens

AED 240,000 3 BR 1,734 sq. ft.

Stimulating environment Mohamed Abouzeid (Ref No. AP327654)

FOR RENT

Al Sidir 1 The Greens A great family option Urvashi Sidhapara (Ref No. AP150697)

AED 185,000 3 BR 1,652 sq. ft.

63

The Springs FOR SALE

Springs 5 (Springs Phase 4B) Emirates Living

AED 2,600,000 2 BR 2,837 sq. ft.

Assured rental income Binu Abraham (Ref No. VI319490)

FOR SALE

Springs 3 (Springs Phase 6) Emirates Living A stunning family home Rasha Moslyh (Ref No. VI328432)

FOR RENT

Springs 11 (Springs Phase 1C) Emirates Living A great family option Jennifer Sabri (Ref No. VI328938)

AED 4,900,000 4 BR 3,200 sq. ft.

AED 180,000 3 BR 2,500 sq. ft.

FOR SALE

Springs 3 (Springs Phase 6) Emirates Living A prestigious address Sharfuddin Mohammed (Ref No. VI301661)

FOR RENT

Springs 15 (Springs Phase 1A) Emirates Living

AED 4,200,000 3 BR 2,599 sq. ft.

AED 150,000 2 BR 1,850 sq. ft.

A great family option Yasmin Piroozan (Ref No. VI171048)

FOR RENT

Springs 6 (Springs Phase 4A) Emirates Living

AED 135,000 2 BR 1,690 sq. ft.

Excellent value Veerta Laul (Ref No. VI159178)

Ask the agent Sharfuddin Mohammed, residential consultant, JLT office Although demand remains strong, rents have fallen noticeably in The Springs and The Meadows, mirroring the falling rent prices across the city. However, due also to the diversity of villas on offer there, the communities are popular with families in both the leasing and sales markets, and prices vary greatly from the small two- and three-bedroom villas in The Springs to the luxurious custom-built six-bedroom Independent Villas in The Meadows.

In The Springs you can find twobedroom villas for sale in the range of bhomes.com

AED 2million to AED 2.2million while rentals are between AED 125,000 to AED 150,000; three-bedroom villas will go for between AED 2.8million and AED 3.1million, while rents are between AED 170,000 to AED 180,000.

Independent villas with swimming pool facilities and good-sized garden areas can be found in The Meadows. Here, a threebedroom villa has a sale price ranging from AED 4.9million to AED 5.2million and can be rented for around AED 230,000. Landlords in these communities are now more open to offers.

August 2014

64

Dubailand for sale

Private Villa Dubailand Excellent value Khurram Jameel Lodhi (Ref No. VI328027)

AED 8,000,000 6 BR 7,925 sq. ft.

Bungalow Dubailand

AED 6,700,000 4 BR 4,244 sq. ft.

A desirable address Rabih Hankir (Ref No. VI321252)

Luxury Villas Green Community - DIP

AED 7,500,000 6 BR 7,976 sq. ft.

Premier location Victoria Rushton (Ref No. VI328743)

Terrace Apartments Green Community - DIP

AED 3,500,000 3 BR 3,283 sq. ft.

Excellent value Victoria Rushton (Ref No. AP3598)

Victory Heights - Morella Dubailand Uncompromising luxury Abi Odimayo (Ref No. VI43335)

AED 12,000,000 6 BR 4,553 sq. ft.

Orange Lake Jumeirah Golf Estates Understated luxury Rinku Ramesh Sawlani (Ref No. VI325072)

AED 11,492,602 5 BR 8,290 sq. ft.

65

Dubailand for rent

Victory Heights - Novelia Dubailand

AED 385,000 6 BR 16,082 sq. ft.

Magnificent golf course views Kapil Dhakan (Ref No. VI323798)

Flame Tree Ridge Jumeirah Golf Estates

AED 450,000 5 BR 5,633 sq. ft.

Ideal family living Gulshan Ara (Ref No. VI328890)

Granada Dubailand Excellent value Sharon Sweet (Ref No. VI307684)

bhomes.com

Sienna Lakes Jumeirah Golf Estates

AED 450,000 5 BR 10,893 sq. ft.

A great family option Akmal Sharopov (Ref No. VI327343)

AED 300,000 5 BR 6,425 sq. ft.

Victory Heights - Estella Dubailand Ready to move in Natalia Kostareva (Ref No. VI327561)

Family Villa Green Community - DIP

AED 345,000 6 BR 5,900 sq. ft.

Affordable luxury Victoria Rushton (Ref No. VI326962)

AED 300,000 5 BR 4,334 sq. ft.

Bungalow Green Community - DIP

AED 240,000 4 BR 4,200 sq. ft.

Great family home Syed Wajih Uddin Ahmed (Ref No. VI296183)

August 2014

66

Jumeirah Beach Residence for sale

Shams 4 Dubai Marina An investor’s dream Victoria Bazoeanu (Ref No. AP328776)

AED 2,300,000 2 BR 1,305 sq. ft.

Sadaf 2 Dubai Marina

AED 2,900,000 3 BR 1,883 sq. ft.

Be where it all happens Dorota Chudzik (Ref No. AP325299)

Bahar 6 Dubai Marina

AED 1,940,000 1 BR 761 sq. ft.

Amazing value Toni Loureiro (Ref No. AP290969)

Murjan 5 Dubai Marina

AED 4,995,000 4 BR 2,912 sq. ft.

A stunning family home Natasha de Ridder (Ref No. AP326364)

Rimal 1 Dubai Marina Excellent value Nicholas Winter (Ref No. AP296968)

AED 3,330,000 3 BR 1,919 sq. ft.

Sadaf 8 Dubai Marina Live by the beach Jessica Winchester (Ref No. AP28851)

AED 4,130,000 4 BR 2,713 sq. ft.

67

Jumeirah Beach Residence for rent

Murjan 5 Dubai Marina

AED 220,000 3 BR 1,882 sq. ft.

Designed and finished to the highest standards Kristina Titova (Ref No. AP292380)

Amwaj Suites Hotel Apartments Dubai Marina

AED 190,000 2 BR 1,485 sq. ft.

Beachfront living at an attractive price in JBR Walid Bitar (Ref No. AP176068)

Al Bateen Residences Dubai Marina Live by the beach Babur Ortikov (Ref No. AP328851)

bhomes.com

Sadaf 8 Dubai Marina

AED 260,000 4 BR 2,707 sq. ft.

Superior location Fabio Lombardi (Ref No. AP327468)

AED 260,000 2 BR 1,672 sq. ft.

Murjan 5 Dubai Marina Fully furnished with style and class Vanina Angie (Ref No. AP172453)

AED 210,000 3 BR 1,882 sq. ft.

Bahar 6 Dubai Marina

AED 110,000 1 BR 780 sq. ft.

Amazing value Kathryn Droen (Ref No. AP172143)

August 2014

Luxurious properties for sale - ready to move in Top deals with Hannah Bakshani

Penthouse in the tallest building in the Marina

Penthouse - motivated seller

Princess Tower | Dubai Marina For Sale | 5 BR | 6,121 sq. ft.

AED 12,000,000 | AP316632

Marina Heights | Dubai Marina For Sale | 5 BR | 5,456 sq. ft.

AED 11,000,000 | AP246540

For viewings book an appointment with Hannah Bakshani, Executive Senior Consultant.

Call +971 50 457 5535 | +971 50 911 5621 or email hannah.b@bhomes.com

Excellent value spacious villa

Beautifully upgraded

7 BR custom-built villa | The Villa For Sale | 7 BR | 6,471 sq. ft.

AED 5,200,000 | VI315769

Mediterranean Villas | JVT For Sale | 2 BR | 2,691 sq. ft.

AED 4,200,000 | VI327871

Experience Better.

bhomes.com | +971 600 52 2212

69

Jumeirah Park FOR SALE

Jumeirah Park Jumeirah Park

AED 4,150,000 3 BR 3,063 sq. ft.

Ready to move in Ben Bandari (Ref No. VI328011)

FOR SALE

Jumeirah Park Jumeirah Park Amazing value Anjana Mahna (Ref No. VI327270)

FOR SALE

Jumeirah Park Jumeirah Park An investment for capital growth Tahir Mahmood (Ref No. VI324139)

AED 4,125,000 3 BR 3,027 sq. ft.

AED 4,550,000 3 BR 3,527 sq. ft.

FOR SALE

Jumeirah Park Jumeirah Park Dynamic development Ben Bandari (Ref No. VI326215)

FOR RENT

Jumeirah Park Jumeirah Park A great family option Neveen Abdulahad (Ref No. VI325793)

AED 4,400,000 3 BR 3,063 sq. ft.

AED 290,000 4 BR 4,335 sq. ft.

FOR RENT

Jumeirah Park Jumeirah Park

AED 225,000 3 BR 3,527 sq. ft.

Affordable luxury Mohammed Fares (Ref No. VI325459)

FOR RENT

Jumeirah Park Jumeirah Park

AED 295,000 4 BR 4,335 sq. ft.

Dynamic development Hannah Bakshani (Ref No. VI318055)

bhomes.com

August 2014

70

Short-term rentals

Al Haseer (B7) Palm Jumeirah

AED 40,020 3 BR 2,140 sq. ft.

A prestigious address Rhonda Wright (Ref No. APM329214)

Marina Terrace Dubai Marina

Be where it all happens Norman Tarala (Ref No. APM326089)

AED 15,000 1 BR 695 sq. ft.

Ready to move in Allen Abraham (Ref No. APM328988)

AED 30,000 3 BR 1,821 sq. ft.

Affordable luxury Jalpa Gajria (Ref No. APM328097)

Burj Al Nujoom Downtown Dubai

Ubora Residential Tower Business Bay

Shams 4 Dubai Marina

Marina Residence – Tower A Dubai Marina Distinct styling Cherryl Cartagena (Ref No. APM304418)

AED 25,500 2 BR 1,880 sq. ft.

A desirable address Jalpa Gajria (Ref No. APM328746)

AED 22,200 2 BR 1,263 sq. ft.

Beachfront living at an attractive price Rhonda Wright (Ref No. APM326976)

AED 20,010 2 BR 1,390 sq. ft.

Liberty House DIFC

The Atlantic Dubai Marina

AED 16,500 1 BR 902 sq. ft.

Easy living Cherryl Cartagena (Ref No. APM326653)

AED 16,020 2 BR 1,181 sq. ft.

Bahar 1 Dubai Marina Beachfront living at an attractive price Cherryl Cartagena (Ref No. APM287218)

AED 18,000 2 BR 1,375 sq. ft.

Community & Service Directory 71

Community & Service Directory Key contacts for a better home and lifestyle

Architectural Material

Car Maintenance

For 24-HR Recovery, Breakdown and transportation services, all garage services, i,e Mechanical, Electrical, Denting, Painting, Fabrication etc in a location near you.

Contact: Glenn Power

Tel: 04 3470400, Fax: 04 3470401 Email: info@aaadubai.com Website: www.aaadubai.com Removals

Interiors

72 Community & Service Directory

General Maintenance

Removals

Maintenance

General Maintenance

General Maintenance

AL KHAYAT CLEANING CO. AL KHAYAT BUILDING MAINTENANCE (LLC) Since 1984 AL KHAYAT SECURITY SERVICES Once & Yearly contract cleaning, Pest Control & Pvt. 6HFXULW\ IRU 2IĂ€FHV %DQNV 6FKRROV :DUHKRXVHV 9LOODV %XLOGLQJ +RWHOV Cleaning

: Daily cleaning & general cleaning, Marble grinding & crystallize polishing, Floor cleaning & polishing, Carpet & Sofa shampooing, High window cleaning etc. ta ke Pest Control : Treatment against-Cockroach, e also under eral W g Gen Bed bug, Fly, Termite, Rat etc. Buildaiinntenance M Security Guards : Service of well trained security persons to safeguard properties.

Maintenance work : Masonry, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Painting etc.

Tel: 04-3933329 / 8, Mob: 050-6254738 Fax: 3933340, P.O. Box 51605, Dubai - U.A.E Email: akce@emirates.net.ae Web: www.alkhayatgroup.com

General Maintenance

Community & Service Directory 73

Tourism

YACHT CHARTERS & FISHING

Turn Wonderful Moments into Priceless Memories Party with Family & Friends AED 500/- Per Hour Onwards

LUXURY CHARTER PARTY CRUISE

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

www.cruiseindubai.com

Landscaping

DEEP SEA FISHING

24 Hrs. Reservation

Tel: 04 2953486 / 04 2953485

74 Community & Service Directory

Pet Care

04 323 6993 www.petpalace.ae To advertise in the UAE’s highestcirculating homes magazine call Shweta Praful 055 310 0958

TREAT YOUR BELOVED DOG OR CAT TO THE NEW LUXURY IN PET BOARDING AND DAYCARE Our opening times are Sunday to Thursday 8am to 10am and 3pm to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 12pm Pet Care

Pet Care

Arabian Ranches Town Centre - Shop B12, Dubai Tel.: 04-3618184 / Fax: 04-3618185 Al Barajeel Oasis Complex - Shop 7004 - Mirdif, Dubai With Grooming facilities Tel.: 04-2847733 / Fax: 04-2847333 Emirates Hills Town Centre - Shop TCG-8, Dubai Tel.: 04-3617767 / Fax: 04-3607605 Gardens Plaza , Al Raha Garden Village Shop G-014, Abu Dhabi - With Grooming facilities Tel.: 02-5574580 info@mepetcare.com facebook.com/Pet's Delight

Swimming Pools

For a free site assessment and quotation please call

+971 50 725 1801 and put you mind at rest!

website: www.aquanet.ae email: info@aquanet.ae

www.pets-delight.com twitter.com/Pets_Delight

Community & Service Directory 75

Tourism

Furniture

ART AND CRAFT TRADING L.L.C. DEALING WITH ANTIQUE FURNITURE, MANUFACTURE OF WOODEN HANDICRAFTS & DECORATIVE ITEMS

Trading

P.O.BOX: 391248, 318 road, 258, DUBAI Al Qouz, Ind. area No.4, Near Interchange No 4, Umm Seqeim Road, Dubai - U.A.E

04 3470 656 |

04 3470 656

LULU

hypermarket

050 8058 246 | 050 8011 856 | 050 8011 857

House

76

BH lust-have

Take the plunge in the bedroom…

Thought your dips in the pool had been put on hold by the heat for a couple of months? Think again, because Duravit is bringing all the poolside pleasures of the outdoors in, with its versatile Sundeck pool. Fancy a dip in the bedroom or living room? Why

not – thanks to its minimalist design, slim-line wood panelling and white leather cover designed by Austrian trio EOOS, the Sundeck will fit right into a contemporary home. The relaxing massage jets and atmospheric coloured lights create the perfect setting for a

lazy hot-tub siesta. It’s also energyconscious and hygiene-aware, with a high-tech sanitation system able to cleanse the same water for up to three months. So come October you can take it straight outside – oh, how conventional. duravit.com

Get kids excited with everything they need to stay organized, comfortable and ready to go. We’ve got everything covered from personalized school bags, lunch bags and accessories to ďŹ nding the perfect study furniture, making every day truly special.

FREE DESIGN SERVICES I MONOGRAMMING SERVICES The Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Centre, Dalma Mall & Al Wahda Mall Tel: 800 803 /potterybarnkidsmena