WAS
90x195 BI FIRE CAR BED + MATTRESS 90x195cm
5750
3999 AED
Contents
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Home 9. The Design Digest
16. The Trend Forecast
See what’s new in the world of home interiors this month
See what trends are tipped to top the design chart in 2014
10. My Style
20. Through the Keyhole
Tehzeeb Huda from 2XL reveals her home décor ideas
The new Gate Towers is making a grand entrance
12. Spring Wishlist
27. Ask the Experts
Sunshine yellow is a hot accent colour this year
Essential advice for first-time buyers moving to the city
14. Designer Spotlight
28. New Year, New Style
Gandia Blasco is bringing young design talent to UAE
It’s the perfect time to give your home a makeover
15. One To Watch
30. Simply the Best Food
New sofas from BoConcept will leave you sitting pretty
Make authentic Italian salads in a few easy steps
House
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33. Property of the Month
38. Al Raha Beach
This 2-bed apartment in Al Bandar boasts the best views
Find homes for sale and lease with amazing views
34. Three’s a charm
40. Al Reem Island
Al Raha Beach has a trio of sought-after developments
Homes to buy and rent in this stunning location
35. Property Picks
42. Ask the Agent
Two of the best beachside apartments in Al Muneera
Imran Ellam discusses the popularity of Al Reef Villas
36. Abu Dhabi District
43. The Best of the Rest
There are great family homes in this vibrant community
A selection of apartments and villas in Abu Dhabi
37. Saadiyat Island
44. Better Homes’ Lust-Have
Take a look at the best homes new to the property market
Get into shape this year with geometric patterns and prints
January 2014
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Hello, furry friends Fashion is home’s older sister – whatever they rock on the catwalk, home is sure to steal soon after. So we’re very happy to see that fur has slipped from our shoulders and into the arms of home design, embracing animal prints along the way. However, accessorising with wild abandon would be overkill; go for soft and subtle. Make fur your friend with sumptuous layers. See how Zara Home has created a warm and inviting yet elegant bedroom by layering different materials, textures and patterns – the thick leopard-print throw, damask duvet and quilted cushions are particularly tactile. zarahome.com
Home bhomes.com
January 2014
Living at... Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi / Fully fitted kitchens / Leisure facilities / 14 Food & Beverage outlets / Waitrose Supermarket now open / Competitively priced / Concierge Service / No leasing fees
FOR LEASING ENQUIRIES: Call us at 800 384 4238 Or email us at etihadleasing@aswaqms.ae Visit Etihad Towers Leasing Office at Etihad Towers, Tower 5, Level 45. Open from Sunday to Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm
www.etihadtowers.ae
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The Design Digest What’s new in the world of interiors
BoConcept has come to town At last, our favourite Danish design house has opened a store here, in Abu Dhabi Mall. If you’re a fan of contemporary design with an urban edge, check out their stylish furniture, lighting and textiles. We love this Mezzo corner sofa in white Rio leather, AED43,560. boconcept.com/ar-ae
> Foodies are in for a treat in February when the glamorous Gourmet Abu Dhabi festival comes to the city. This epicurean extravaganza celebrates Emirati culture and cuisine with fine dining and masterchef classes. Learn how to bake bread, cook succulent steaks and create pastry sweets to perfection. Feb 4 to 19, gourmetabudhabi.ae
Transform your bathroom into a spa retreat The new Rosewood Abu Dhabi Hotel and Sense Spa features Grohe’s sophisticated bathroom suites, designed to complement the serenity of the spa. Get the look at home with Grohe’s Atrio range, which embodies classic modernism with its gentle curves, chrome finish and low maintenance. grohe-group.com
Blooming marvellous Another Scandinavian concept store has opened in Abu Dhabi, evidence that the city has a burgeoning market for modern design. D.tales has joined Fanan Flowers in the Tourist Club area, to help make your home stylish and fragrant. design-tales.com bhomes.com
January 2014
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My style
Five of the best
Inspiring style ideas from those in the know Tehzeeb Huda The marketing manager at 2XL Furniture & Home Décor talks about her colourful twobedroom apartment in Sharjah
Can you sum up your style? I can do it in one word – quirky! I love colour and my interiors are a clash of different colours and textures from things I have accumulated. What’s your favourite room? We have quite a spacious bedroom and spend most of our family time there watching TV on the beanbags, reading in bed, or browsing online. I have a dedicated corner for my three-year-old where she can be messy scribbling and playing. What is your favourite item? A tablecloth my mother embroidered by hand. It is a labour of love and adds that special touch to any dining setting.
Bring the rainbow inside with these colourful accessories
What should no home be without? A really comfy bed. After a long day at work we all need a good snooze. I love my strong, sturdy Cloud Nine mattress from 2XL. What influences you? I think my taste in interior décor is greatly influenced by fashion. I love wearing colour so my home reflects this.
Kimono teacup and saucer, AED59, Indigo Living
How does 2XL inspire you? I have learnt a lot about home décor during my time at 2XL, and I love how their pieces can be classic in design yet have a modern mix of trendy colours and bling. Who is your favourite designer? I love the work of Italian designer Alessandro Mendini. He blends classic form with eclectic modern hues quite effortlessly so his pieces are both quirky and classic at the same time. This year, I plan to save up for his iconic Proust Geometrica Armchair.
Kuvings slow juicer, AED1,450, Tavola
2xlme.com
Glamour range, prices vary, Jetclass
Canvas art, AED99, Homes R Us
2XL
Le Creuset mini ceramique, set of three AED385, Bloomingdale’s Home
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1.
Spring wishlist Sunshine yellow is a hot accent colour in homes this year
2.
3.
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1. Lorenzo Bellini BergĂŠre Astoria chair, AED23,706, Selva 2. Jongo S3 wireless speaker, AED899, Pure 3. Floral two-piece sofa, AED8,800, The Odd Piece 4. Pantone sunshine cup, AED79, Virgin Media
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Designer spotlight Gandia Blasco recognises a new generation interested in design
We live in an age obsessed by age. Youth evokes energy, originality and excitement – all aspiring attributes in the world of innovative design. Gandia Blasco’s new Young Talent concept lives up to these expectations, with tables sporting smooth surfaces and vibrant braids accessorising the faces of chairs and stools. Young Talents launched with two eye-catching but very different designs. The Arumi Table by Belgian Emmanuel Gardin is sleek and unpretentious, available in two sizes for functional versatility. Commenting on his designs for Gandia Blasco, Gardin has said: “Through my research, the goal is to reach a clear and simple path. Very attentive to details, textures and materials, I like to experiment and develop production techniques to optimize my products.” Ana Llobet’s Textile chair (pictured) and table are modern, bold and quirky. Both creations have Gandia Blasco’s core values of
design and comfort, and also feed the burgeoning modern market for outdoor furniture in UAE. “The UAE market is highly developed and fully understands the importance of design,” says Alejandra GandíaBlasco (inset), assistant creative and communications director at her family’s eponymous company. “Because of the evolution of the
market itself, the new generation with a keen interest in global design, and the dynamism of the UAE, it is a very interesting market. “We want to provide homeowners in UAE with our way of understanding life, our Mediterranean culture and our philosophy.” Indeed, the Spanish outdoor furniture company is no stranger to the country and has been involved with a number of projects, including Shangri-La Hotel in Abu Dhabi and Meydan Beach Club, International Financial Centre and Hues Boutique Hotel in Dubai. What are her hopes for the future here? “To continue working together with [our distributor] Finasi in an incredible country that still has many opportunities for growth and is very open to new developments offered by the design market,” she says. Commenting on their partnership, Finasi’s Hisham Sultan, based in Dubai, says: “Gandia Blasco offers the most exclusive contemporary outdoor furniture and is hugely successful within the UAE. We’ve been working with the brand for two years now and it’s a real pleasure to have it under our design umbrella.” finasi.ae
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BoConcept
One to watch
See who’s catching our eye in Abu Dhabi Cutting-edge design and basic functionality form the basis of BoConcept’s new collection for the year. We love this fresh, shape-shifting Scandinavian living room for spring 2014. Designed by Anders Nørgaard, the white Bergen sofa combines form with function by incorporating a resting unit and adjustable cushions. The award-winning Dane has a unique talent for designing ergonomic modular sofas, hailing them as the hero of the living room. White tile fabric Bergen sofa, AED12,660, boconcept.com
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January 2014
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THE TREND FORECAST Hot looks for your home in 2014 Home trends are influenced by any number of factors: catwalk clothes, hit TV shows, climate change, the economy, and even royal weddings. Of course, some have more
Indigo Living
staying power than others. While doilies came back for two minutes (thankfully), who knew skulls would have such a lasting impact? Every year there is a kaleidoscope of fads, micro-
trends, eras, colours, motifs and materials in vogue. Here, we’ve focused on one room, the most stylish decade and the key colours tipped to top the chart in the coming year.
Still mad for the fifties When Don Draper sauntered into our lives back in 2007, he had the audience instantly hooked. It wasn’t just his sharp tailoring and dashing good looks that had us glued, but the authentic
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and visually striking set design that brought 1950s’ New York back to life. The seventh and final season of Mad Men will air this year and next. But the show will go on, leaving behind a lasting legacy for Mid-Century Modern furniture. And the revival shows no signs of stopping here in UAE.
“The Mad Men look endures because it hinges on classic shapes and simple lines, which hint of nostalgia but never appears old,” says John Mclennan, managing director of Indigo Living. He suggests looking at five key areas when recreating this look: wooden furniture, soft tones, classic shapes, geometric patterns and mood lighting. Tables and chairs need to be lowslung; armchairs should have tapered wooden legs, narrow armrests, bevelled edges and wicker backs. In small apartments, larger items such as cabinets, coffee tables and sideboards need to be raised off the ground to give an illusion of space. Many famous designers define the era. While Draper runs the show from an Eames Executive Chair, the functional yet sculptural – and now iconic – post-war furniture designs from the likes of Herman Miller, Harry Bertoia, Eero Saarinen, Arne Jacobson and Ernest Race define the era. Modern-day designers fuelling the retro revival include Orla Kiely, whose Linear Stem repeat print in olive, mustard and tangerine embody the geometry and colours of the time. John suggests pairing Orla Kiely cushions with geometric blankets by Eleanor Pritchard. Her woven blankets are inspired by the appearance of the first TV sets. Finally, make a statement with lighting. Oversized floor lamps, multiarmed chandelier pendant lights, Vernor Panton’s Flowerpot lamp and emerald Amronite desk lights epitomise the 1950s. Wall sconces were a big trend too, but some things are best left in the past...
Delightfull bhomes.com
January 2014
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Beauty in the bathroom
Duravit
The humble bathroom has come a long way in the last few years. Now, toilets sync to your mobile phone; showers wash you with ambient lighting; baths levitate next to beds. Bathroom design is now fined-tuned to the individual, creating a welcome refuge away from an increasingly watchful world, where no faux pas is safe from social media hounds. “Bathrooms increasingly act as a place of self-expression and escape in today’s fast-paced world, and at Hansgrohe we encourage our customers to take individualisation to the next level,“ says Dirk Schilmoeller, Hansgrohe’s Middle East sales director. “The year of 2014 is all about intuition, integration and ease of use.” The company plans to launch a range of mix-and-match Axor accessories in 2014 with adventurous contours and styles, encouraging consumers to customise and create their ultimate dream bathroom. The new range from Dornbracht affirms this desire for an intimate and individual washroom. “The personal touch makes it a refuge beyond the hectic pace of day-to-day life,” agrees CEO Andreas Dornbracht. “An endless array of new opportunities and choices offers each one of us the freedom to precisely adapt our everyday lives to our own personal needs and wishes.” The German company has responded to this with the new IMO range, aptly coined fom the phrase ‘in my opinion’. “This is just the thing for the styleconscious consumer for whom a sense of independence in bathroom design is important,” explains Andreas. “A universal line of fittings that highlights one’s own style, fitting in perfectly with one’s personal world.” However, we mustn’t forget that much of a bathroom’s style is soaked within the purchase of long-standing suites and cabinetry, more than changeable accessories and evolving technology. Duravit designer Philippe Starck highlights sanitary ceramic as an almost indestructible material and an ideal canvas for timeless design. “Now that the throw-away society has had its day, there is only one modern parameter,” says the Frenchman. “That is the elegance of durability: every purchase must be made for life – and for the life of the next generation.” Dornbracht
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Hues just for you Our homes have become very personal places: an environment that is less about prestige but more about character and memories. And there’s no better way to express yourself than through colour. “There’s something so refreshing about today’s focus on personal, accessible home design,” says Lisbeth Larsen, global colour manager at Jotun Decorative Paints. “A simple and very important step is to choose the right colours.”
The company is forecasting three key colour trends for 2014: New Comforting, Urban Casual and Travel in Style. “With its modern colour palette, New Comforting allows people to create spaces of harmonic balance and quiet simplicity where they can rediscover true peace,” explains the colour expert. This tranquillity is created from a light palette of dusky pinks, soothing ceramic hues and tealtinted greys for a naturally soft and calm ambience. Sophie Johnson, course tutor at Chelsea College of Arts, agrees that
softer shades will be a key trend. “Bright, bold colours have been around for most of 2013 but a lot of homeowners have struggled to use them,” she says. “In 2014, softer shades will become available, allowing people to pair bolder colours with more neutral ones. Yellow will be on-trend but can be a challenging colour so it will need to be paired with grey, taupe or sand.” Last January, forecasts at the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) predicted that blue would continue its reign as the most popular colour in home design. This year, it is darker and more masculine but still a colour of trust, which is appealing in times of economic and social unrest. These comments come to fruition in Jotun’s Urban Casual and Travel in Style looks, which team deep shades of petrol blue and rusty red with hessian and limestone. “Urban Casual offers a stronger palette of colours,” adds Lisbeth. “Travel in Style takes you on a voyage of bold glamour with rich, warm colours that reflect the interiors of elegant adventures and sophisticated design.” This look also features Mexico yellow as an engaging accent colour and blends the warm tones of red and orange to create a welcoming shade that exudes luxury and confidence - exactly what our homes need to march us forward into the New Year.
Jotun Decorative Paints
Through the Keyhole
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Meet the
STEEL STONEHENGE The developers of Shams Abu Dhabi know how to make an entrance Words by Eleanor Joslin; Images by Aldar Properties
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What do England’s prehistoric Stonehenge, built in 2,600 BC, the ruins of Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the maiden goddess Athena on the Athenian Acropolis in Greece, the ancient pillars of Pantheon in Rome, built during the reign of Augustus, and the new Gate Towers in Shams Abu Dubai have in common? All three historically important structures have influenced the towering entranceway to Shams Abu Dhabi, creating a modern icon on the skyline. Here, architecture makes history by sheer grandeur; by the luxurious
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lifestyle afforded within the towering pillars that point endlessly skyward, and in the penthouse bridge arcing across them. This building forms the breathtaking gateway to the Shams Abu Dhabi district in Al Reem Island. Hence its name. It joins another of Aldar Properties’ architectural icons, neighbouring Sun and Sky Towers, which has already been received by the market to great success. Altogether, eight buildings of unprecedented scale and uniqueness mark your arrival at Shams Abu
Dhabi. The Gate District presents an exclusive, mixed-community lifestyle that the area embodies: luxurious high-rise residences, contemporary offices, unrivalled shopping and leisure facilities and stunning sea views. Furthermore, rent prices beat those in Downtown Dubai. “Gates Towers is popular for a lot of reasons,” says Jorim Amadi, sales and leasing consultant at Better Homes. “It rides off the established success of Sun and Sky Towers and, together, these buildings offer a lifestyle like no other in Abu Dhabi. You can shop where
January 2014
Through the Keyhole
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you live, dine and workout, all within buildings that will surely be iconic.” Where is it? When fully completed, Shams Abu Dhabi will accommodate 45,000 residents in Al Reem Island. This large island is situated on the north-eastern coast of the city, connected to the mainland by a series of accessible bridges and scenic waterways, creating a unique residential and commercial hub. How does The Gate District contribute? It provides 3,533 units to the project. These comprise of studios and one, two and three-bedroom apartments plus townhouses and penthouses boasting panoramic views of the glittering Arabian Gulf and Abu Dhabi’s sweeping skyline. Who is behind the design? Hats go off to American architects Arquitectonica. The building is inspired by ancient monuments like Stonehenge in England, Pantheon in Italy and Parthenon in Greece. The company designed each column in Gate Towers to house 64 storeys, with 12 apartments across the majority. In two and threebedroom apartments the floorplans are quite spacious, ranging between 1,420 square feet to 1,773 square feet. For those who want unrivalled coastal views, start on floor 56. Is the project complete? Yes, although rumours have it that The Arc – the skyline bridge connecting the three towers – could be joined by a second arc as well as a fourth column in the future. How does the Shams community interact? Next door, Sun and Sky Towers are home to a further 1,000 families and businesses in the development. Alongside Gate Towers, these buildings have a unique neighbourly camaraderie, sharing the finest retail and leisure facilities that the city has to offer. Just how fine are these facilities? “Gate Towers is a great place to live because of the facilities there,” confirms Jorim. “Its neighbours Sun and Sky Towers are home to Boutik Mall which boasts a comprehensive range of firstclass leisure services, the best in Abu Dhabi, actually.” This mall features a number of gyms, including a ladies-only facility, a variety of retailers, restaurants and cafés. Meanwhile, Gate Towers boasts an extensive leisure area with swimming
pools, tennis and squash courts, a football playground, children’s play areas, a day care centre and prayer rooms. The building also has ample parking and 24-hour security. Did we mention there’s direct beach access, too? If you’re looking for a complete lifestyle on your doorstep, it’s fair to say no detail has been overlooked. When can I move in? Right away. Late last year, Aldar Properties announced
I moved here because I wanted to be part of this iconic landmark
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bhomes.com
January 2014
Through the Keyhole
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the phased handover of the building, starting with Gate Towers I, with a second tower following soon after. “The Gate Towers is one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic developments,” said Aldar Properties’ deputy CEO Mohammed Al Mubarak, during the initial handover in November. “With its eye-catching design and prominent positioning on Shams, we are confident that our customers will be very pleased with the quality of the development. We are seeing a flight to higher quality housing in Abu Dhabi, as evidenced by increased sales and leasing interest at Al Reem Island.” How was the release received? “Tower 1 has seen a lot of activity since it’s been on the market,” says Jorim. “There are apartments for sale and for rent; both are popular choices and even though the sales prices are quite high a considerable amount has already sold.” What kind of prices are we looking at? “Other towers may command AED1,200 per square foot but some apartments here are quite exceptional and are going for AED1,500 or more. One and two-bedroom apartments here are great for couples; the two-bedroom apartments are very functional.” How about the lease contracts? They are more reasonable than you might
think, for such a skyline icon. Aldar released the small one-bedroom apartments with rents starting at AED75,000. This is almost 20 per cent lower than similar apartments in Downtown Dubai. Rents for a small one-bedroom apartment in Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina average AED90,000 and AED80,000, respectively. Those in Jumeirah Lake Towers match the price, but where are the sea views, extensive amenities and iconic architecture? “Rents are good,” assures Jorim. “A good-size one-bedroom apartment will range from AED90,000 to AED94,000. Two-bedroom apartments could go for AED140,000 to AED145,000, while
three-bedrooms could fetch between AED165,000 and AED180,000. If you’re looking for a three-bedroom apartment to rent, at AED165,000 they are quite cheap and they are filling up quite fast.” What do the residents say? “I moved here because I wanted to be part of this iconic landmark in the city,” says Gabir Khoury, who now lives in a twobedroom apartment in Gate Towers I with his wife Chiara. “We love how everything is right here; the Boutik Mall, restaurants and swimming pools.” Want to know more? Call Better Homes on 02 5 564 122 or visit the office in Al Zeina, block D.
A duplex penthouse in an inspiring destination Located in Al Bandar with glimmering sea views, selling at AED 7,600,000 The exquisite modern design, the spacious interior, the ultimate dwelling experience - this apartment symbolises the very best of beach living. With high-end finishing and state-of-the-art technology at your feet, be spoiled in this luxurious penthouse spread across two floors. On the ground level, a double door entrance opens to a massive living and dining area followed by three en-suite bedrooms. The first floor is occupied by the master bedroom with a walk-in closet and a large seating area. Features
▸ 4,508 sq. ft. - 4 bedroom duplex penthouse
▸ Spacious balcony
▸ 2 covered parking spaces
▸ Swimming pool access
▸ Maids room and laundry area
▸ Close proximity to the beach
▸ Fitted kitchen and built-in wardrobes
▸ Unfurnished
For more information, please call +971 600 52 2212 or email customercare@bhomes.com
Experience Better
bhomes.com | +971 600 52 2212
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Ask the experts Under One Roof
“My maid’s room is just used for storage so I want to put it to better use. It’s quite small and I’m afraid that limits its scope. What do you suggest?” - Hayley Wyatt Any size space can be designed quite easily for better use Adam Riccio, operations director at Under One Roof “The scope of a maid’s room is quite wide depending on the configuration of the area around it. We often start by demolishing the room completely and reconfiguring the downstairs space, which can incorporate whatever layout you want. It may be that you want to create additional room around it for yourself, like a walk-in wardrobe, a playroom, office or storage room.
“If your maid’s room is next to the kitchen, as it often is, you could open it up to enlarge your kitchen area and then fit a bespoke, tailor-made kitchen with a central island. This will create a whole new social area at the very heart of your home. We often do these types of conversions. “Remodelling is fairly simple once the purpose and the design have been decided on. For instance, we start with the client’s views on what they want the space to be and how they want it to look, and then create a 3D design of this. For a walk-in wardrobe, for example, we would then make and install the fitted wardrobes and furniture to fit the exact space. This is quick, easy and not very disruptive. The beauty of it is that you can create the storage space to you and your family’s exact specifications and needs. “What makes a maid’s room suitable
or unsuitable for remodelling really depends on the supporting walls and any air conditioning units or plumbing. Each space needs to be evaluated for what can be achieved, but every space can be redesigned for better use. “With regards to ease and duration, each project is different but these types of projects are relatively straightforward. Depending on the complexity of what is being requested, it should only take between five and ten days to complete. “However, it is very important to factor in design and approval time – approvals from your developer are critical if you intend to undertake any structural remodelling in your home as they may affect your ability to sell your home later. However, all reputable contractors would obtain these necessary approvals for you and would not commence work without them.”
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“I want to buy a two-bedroom apartment and I have a budget of AED2.6million, with a mortgage. I would like to be close to restaurants, shops and parking, as well as have nice views, if that’s possible. What are my options?” - Moudan Rasheed
Al Raha Beach and Al Reem Island offer a great lifestyle Imran Ellam, senior sales and leasing consultant at Better Homes “In Abu Dhabi, the options of purchasing high-quality apartments are fairly limited to Al Raha Beach apartments and those on Al Reem Island. “Al Raha Beach is slightly out of the city but offers a lifestyle not available before in Abu Dhabi. There are three developments there, Al Zeina, Al Muneera and Al Bandar, and the latter two offer a range of restaurants, stunning views and easy parking. Al Zeina will have restaurants, cafés and
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other amenities in six to 12 months time but it does currently have a large Waitrose supermarket. “Al Reem Island, located in the heart of the city, has a range of buildings to choose from. However, if you are looking for those with restaurants, cafés and parking for multiple visitors, the choices are limited to Sky and Sun Towers, The Gate Towers and Marina Square. Sky and Sun, and The Gate, have walking access to Boutiq Mall where there is fine dining, Waitrose and La Brioche plus retail shops. “Prices in Al Raha Beach for a twobedroom residence can range from AED1.85million to AED2.4million. “There is definitely something to suit all budgets across the three developments in Al Raha Beach but if you want space, Al Zeina and Al Muneera are the best options. If you
want exclusivity, then Al Bandar should be your first choice. Each is in high demand and has something great to offer. With Al Muneera and Al Zeina, residents have access to a beach less than five minutes walk from your apartment. “For mortgages, it is always best to shop around. However, it’s important not only to look at the interest rate. When it comes to mortgages, you will have a long-term relationship with the lender so, for me, customer service is vital. Also, read the small print and ask as many questions as you can. “For example, look to see if there is an early payment penalty, see what happens if you were to move abroad and whether you can rent the property out if your circumstances change. These are some of the questions you should ask your lender.”
January 2014
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Home Centre makeover: After
Home Centre
Get a new look for the New Year It’s the perfect time to revamp your home with a makeover A new look is certain to change the way you feel and react to a room, and will boost the amount of time you spend there and the enjoyment you gain from doing so. Remember that a makeover doesn’t have to involve a complete transformation. An easy yet effective solution is to rearrange your existing furniture or swap them with those in another room. Similarly, buying new artwork, lighting, cushions, rugs and flowers can change a room dramatically and give furniture and colour schemes an instant lift. Before:
Remember that a neutral colour base is the most versatile It’s that time of year again, when we take a good long look at our home décor and realize it’s not as exciting as it once was. The New Year brings with it a sense of vitality, a fresh perspective and anticipated plans for the coming year. So it’s the ideal time to revamp those dull rooms with a makeover. Take a look at the dramatic change in the AlQawasmeh family’s living room in Al Markaziyah (above and left). After 11 years, mumof-three Amani was fed up with the old colour scheme and furniture but with young boys to raise she couldn’t find the time to shop for a more modern look. Thanks to winning Home Centre’s annual Room Makeover Contest, the family can now enjoy a sophisticated open-plan living room and dining room furnished with a mature colour palette and interesting ethnic accessories. Home Centre stylist Hanne Gokstad says: “The challenge was to create a new room that is more vibrant and inviting, yet without using loud combinations or drastic changes. Another task was to choose the right furniture suitable for adults and children, and create enough space for entertaining her friends and family. “Style-wise, something family-friendly and down-to-earth was required. So we chose a subtle green wall paint and our neutral Daffodil sofa suite to start with, and dark wooden furniture to give the room a warmer, cosier look.” bhomes.com
When redesigning a room, the first thing you should do is assess the space available. This will set the functional and social parameters and will influence your choice of furniture. With living rooms and dining rooms, you also need to think about how many guests you will regularly entertain there, or whether it will predominantly be a family space. After this, you can look at your own personal preferences for colour, style, accessories and focal points. Play a game with the kids and ask each other what your favourite colours and patterns are so that everyone has an input. Remember that a neutral colour base is the most versatile. A light-coloured canvas will allow for greater freedom in your accessories and feature walls. Furthermore, it will be much easier to update the room with new colours, decorations and paint in the future.
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SIMPLY THE BEST Just two ingredients produce authentic Italian cuisine: simplicity and freshness Federico Parravicini, chef de cuisine at BiCE, presents only the freshest, most authentic dishes that are strikingly simple yet complex in flavour. He has perfected the art over a 25year career immersed in the creation and gastronomic development of Italian cuisine. A native of Giussano in the province of Lombardy, Italy, he worked at a number of leading Italian restaurants across Europe before joining BiCE in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in 2012. “I am constantly looking for ingredients from my motherland,” he confirms. “Italy is a country with a wide variety of biodiversity, and it is this that I like to present respectfully on a plate. In the kitchen, we use culinary styles, specialties and techniques from all corners of the Italian peninsula.” Federico highlights insalata di aragosta alla Siciliana – a succulent
salad of poached lobster with Sicilian caponata, crispy fennel and orange – as a wonderful expression of authentic Italian gourmet cuisine. He says: “This particular dish is an interpretation of Sicilian caponata, which uses purple eggplant from Sicily, united with another Italian classic:
fennel and orange salad. I add lobster as the perfect accompaniment to these ingredients. “I love its colour, and the way that it combines a variety of ingredients that are traditionally Italian; it is fresh and vibrant, engaging and delicious.” jumeirah.com
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Insalata di aragosta alla Siciliana
1 lobster (600-800g) 40g green zucchini 40g yellow zucchini 40g red capsicum 40g yellow capsicum 80g Italian eggplant 40g fennel, thinly sliced 80g Tarocco blood orange 10g basil, finely chopped Lemon juice Extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper Boil the whole lobster for eight minutes. Plunge it into iced water to cool, then cut it in half and remove the meat by beating the claws gently with a meat hammer. For the vegetable relish (caponata), dice the capsicums, zucchini and eggplant into 5mm cubes, then brown them in a hot frying pan with plenty of extra virgin olive oil. Allow the vegetables to cool, drain the oil and pat dry, then add the basil, salt and pepper (to taste). Place the cold caponata into a serving dish as a base for the lobster. Dress the lobster with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper, and place on top of the caponata. Chop the orange and mix with the fennel, a dash of lemon and oil, and use to garnish. bhomes.com
January 2014
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Culinary concepts Authentic Italian cuisine is made easy with these simple utensils
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1. Pasta machine, AED 170, Lakeland 2. Gold cutlery, prices vary, Zara Home 3. Artesano Original tray stand, AED717, Villeroy & Boch 4. WMF colander, AED180, Bloomingdale’s Home
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Property of the month This coastal apartment boasts the best views in the city The luxurious Al Bandar isle of residences is completely unrivalled in the city. Not only does the unique development boast seafront homes and a stunning high-end retail boulevard, but the apartments here have been architected to offer the most stunning coastal views that are sure to impress even the most jaded of residents. This two-bedroom apartment by Al Raha Beach, within Al Barza Residences, is no exception. From this elevated and encompassing position you can enjoy both the cityscape and seascape surrounding Abu Dhabi. Windows stretch floor-to-ceiling and wall-towall to provide beautiful panoramic views from the open-plan living room and kitchen. This spacious room opens up further onto a balcony that is perfect for al fresco dining, looking out over the calm waters. The apartment is finished to the highest standards, with Bosch appliances in the kitchen, wooden flooring and doors, and fitted wardrobes in the bedrooms. The two bathrooms have mosaic-tiled walls, contemporary suites and wooden vanity units for a sleek and stylish look. The building itself offers more luxurious facilities, including a beautiful infinity pool by the ocean’s edge. Around the corner, the retail boulevard has everything you could want on your doorstop, from high-end shops to local restaurants. With such accessible amenities, first-class design and stunning views, it’s easy to see why this apartment is praised as an investor’s dream.
Where is it? Al Bandar How big? 1,775 square feet Bedrooms? Two How much? AED2,699,999 How can I find out more? Contact Better Homes consultant Maria Eduarda Silveira on 600 52 2212 and quote reference number AP301646
House bhomes.com
January 2014
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Area review
Three’s a charm at Al Raha Beach Take a look at this tantalizing trio of high-class beachfront communities Superbly situated on the scenic shores of Abu Dhabi, the communities in Al Raha Beach are in an enviable position. Residents here enjoy farreaching views that stretch out from the golden sands glistening on the doorstep, over Yas Island and across the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. “Al Raha Beach, which is located on the beachside leading to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, is a mix of residential and commercial buildings which will eventually house up to 120,000 residents,” explains Nada Jaouhar, assistant manager at Better Homes, Abu Dhabi. “Al Bandar, Al Muneera and Al Zeina are the main projects located here, offering a mix of luxury apartments and townhouses with waterfront and canal views. “The mix of the apartments located in these three Al Raha Beach projects consist of one, two, three and fourbedroom apartments as well as distinctively designed multi-storey apartment buildings, townhouses and beach villas.
“They all feature modern, highquality finishes, en suite bedrooms and fitted kitchens. Most of the apartments have wonderful sea views and overlook Yas Island and Yas Marina.” Like its larger neighbour Al Muneera, Al Bandar is built over an island and mainland precinct, offering residents a sense of seclusion and close community living. In the middle of the trio, Al Muneera consists of 1,286 apartments and a further 159 homes that are available as either four-bedroom townhouses or five-bedroom deluxe beachside villas. All traffic is diverted underground – a genius point of planning which enhances the pleasant ambience and scenic nature of the island’s layout. There are two bridges that link Al Muneera’s island residents with the mainland (Al Bandar has one bridge). They provide a scenic passageway and convenient access to retail areas with shops, restaurants and cafés. Wherever you live, the beach is just a short walk away. To the right, Al Zeina is on the shore of the mainland where available properties with uninterrupted sea views and direct access to the beach are highly sought-after and rarely come onto the market.
“Residents can enjoy a different kind of lifestyle within the community here,” adds Nada. “There are childcare areas, a retail high street with local supermarkets and shops, restaurants and cafés and luxurious shared gardens and open spaces. Facilities within the apartment buildings themselves include swimming pools, gymnasiums and 24hour concierge.”
Apartment prices: For rent One-bedroom: AED105,000 – AED130,000 Two-bedroom: AED130,000 – AED160,000 Three-bedroom: AED180,000 – AED200,000 Four-bedroom: AED200,000 – AED230,000 For sale One-bedroom: AED1.3million – AED1.6million Two-bedroom: AED1.85million – AED2.4million Three-bedroom: AED2.5million – AED3million Four-bedroom: AED3.50million – AED6million
Property picks
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Al Muneera offers residents unrivalled beachside living For rent This beautiful three-bedroom apartment has amazing waterfront views from its position in Al Muneera, a neighbourhood with a mix of luxury buildings and villas, scenic canals and beaches. Enjoy the spectacular coastal views from the balconies in the master bedroom and open-plan living and dining room. The generous floorplan also provides an open-plan kitchen, three bathrooms and a cloakroom. The leaseholders will also have use of two parking spaces as well as the communal swimming pool and the landscaped gardens which surround the building. How big? 1,939 square feet How many bedrooms? Three How much? AED185,000 How do I find out more? Contact Better Homes consultant Wissam Al Hamoud with reference number AP324558
For sale With a guaranteed return on investment, this scenic two-bedroom apartment is a smart purchase. Located on the shores of Al Muneera, in Al Raha Beach, the area boasts stunning views of Abu Dhabi’s coastline, Yas Island and the Arabian Gulf. The apartment has two bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, two bathrooms, a cloakroom, a balcony and parking. The kitchen is conveniently equipped with an oven, refrigerator and dishwasher, and there is a washing machine, too. The building itself offers further facilities, such as a swimming pool, landscaped gardens and ample parking plus convenient beach access. How big? 1,480 square feet How many bedrooms? Two How much? AED1,950,500 How do I find out more? Contact Better Homes consultant Marie DeGuiche with reference number AP323623
bhomes.com
January 2014
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Abu Dhabi District FOR SALE
Al Muneera Al Raha Beach Ideal family living Alfiya Musina (Ref # AP303094)
AED 2,400,000 3 BR 1,939 sq. ft.
FOR SALE
Al Bateen Park Al Bateen An enviable location Marie DeGuiche (Ref # VI318594)
AED 10,000,000 6 BR 6,424 sq. ft.
FOR SALE
Marina Royal Marina Village Beautiful waterfront setting Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # VI308436)
FOR RENT
Al Bateen Park Al Bateen The kind of home you dream about Cheffie Melhem (Ref # AP321257)
AED 240,000 3 BR 5,563 sq. ft.
FOR RENT
A host of facilities Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # AP315975)
AED 95,000 1 BR 1,054 sq. ft.
AED 192,500 3 BR 1,818 sq. ft.
Marasy Building Al Bateen A premier location Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # AP318032)
FOR RENT
Guardian Towers Danat Abu Dhabi
AED 23,500,000 4 BR 6,014 sq. ft.
FOR RENT
Bateen Villa Al Bateen A desirable address Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # VI319678)
AED 400,000 6 BR 3,749 sq. ft.
FOR RENT
MM Villa Al Zaab A stunning family home Cheffie Melhem (Ref # VI318800)
AED 280,000 4 BR 4,500 sq. ft.
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Saadiyat Island FOR SALE
Saadiyat Beach Saadiyat Island Designed to the highest standards Natalya Sapronova (Ref # TH297196)
AED 5,539,875 3 BR 3,950 sq. ft.
FOR SALE
Saadiyat Beach Saadiyat Island Ideal family living Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # TH316156)
FOR RENT
Saadiyat Beach Saadiyat Island A luxurious lifestyle on offer &KHIÀH 0HOKHP (Ref # VI319985)
AED 550,000 6 BR 9,871 sq. ft.
AED 6,000,000 4 BR 4,101 sq. ft.
FOR SALE
Saadiyat Beach Saadiyat Island Quintessential luxury living &KHIÀH 0HOKHP (Ref # VI318931)
FOR RENT
Saadiyat Beach Saadiyat Island A wonderful place to live Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # VI319881)
AED 450,000 5 BR 8,073 sq. ft.
AED 25,500,000 6 BR 12,217 sq. ft.
FOR RENT
Saadiyat Beach Saadiyat Island A stunning family home Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # VI318157)
AED 300,000 4 BR 3,950 sq. ft.
Ask the agent Cheffie Melhem, residential consultant Saadiyat Island is set to be Abu Dhabi’s most prestigious address and one of the world’s most exciting destinations. This multi-faceted island destination features a wide range of luxury-based experiences, including hospitality, leisure, and retail, while also providing a top-quality address to call home. There are also world-renowned museums and educational opportunities nearby – just 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi and less than an hour’s drive from Dubai. bhomes.com
January 2014
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Al Raha Beach for sale
Al Zeina Al Raha Beach Attractive investment opportunity Cheffie Melhem (Ref # AP321697)
Al Muneera Al Raha Beach Ideal family living Alfiya Musina (Ref # AP303094)
Al Naseem C Al Raha Beach Stunning view of the sea Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP291136)
AED 1,324,650 1 BR 950 sq. ft.
Al Naseem A Al Raha Beach
AED 2,400,000 3 BR 1,939 sq. ft.
Al Barza Al Raha Beach
A resort style community Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP315084)
An investor’s dream Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP301646)
AED 3,950,000 3 BR 2,400 sq. ft.
Al Muneera Al Raha Beach
AED 2,699,999 2 BR 1,775 sq. ft.
Al Zeina Al Raha Beach
AED 6,000,000 4 BR 3,671 sq. ft.
Al Muneera Al Raha Beach
Enchanting sea views Marie DeGuiche (Ref # AP303942)
In a wonderful location Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP300670)
Live with a view to inspire Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP237148)
AED 1,300,000 1 BR 896 sq. ft.
AED 1,760,000 2 BR 1,431 sq. ft.
AED 2,575,000 3 BR 1,938 sq. ft.
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Al Raha Beach for rent EXCLUSIVE TO BETTER HOMES
Al Zeina Al Raha Beach A spacious apartment Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # AP323610)
Al Zeina Al Raha Beach Ideal family living Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # AP323607)
Al Muneera Al Raha Beach A place to call home Marie DeGuiche (Ref # AP323028)
bhomes.com
EXCLUSIVE TO BETTER HOMES
AED 225,000 4 BR 3,131 sq. ft.
AED 190,000 3 BR 2,174 sq. ft.
Al Zeina Al Raha Beach
AED 200,000 4 BR 2,369 sq. ft.
Al Naseem B Al Raha Beach
AED 185,000 3 BR 2,104 sq. ft.
Beachfront living at an attractive price Thomas Peter Willams (Ref # AP320296)
The kind of home you dream about Cheffie Melhem (Ref # AP319144)
AED 350,000 3 BR 3,174 sq. ft.
Al Naseem A Al Raha Beach Assured rental income Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP301668)
AED 260,000 3 BR 2,369 sq. ft.
January 2014
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Al Reem Island for sale
The Gate Tower Al Reem Island
AED 2,500,000 3 BR 1,641 sq. ft.
In a class by itself Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # AP323755)
The Gate Tower Al Reem Island
AED 2,540,000 3 BR 1,724 sq. ft.
In a privileged location Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # AP323754)
Sky Tower Al Reem Island
AED 2,750,000 2 BR 1,719 sq. ft.
Open to offers Cheffie Melhem (Ref # AP51899)
RAK Tower Al Reem Island Affordable luxury Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP319110)
AED 2,000,000 2 BR 1,647 sq. ft.
Marina Heights II Al Reem Island A host of facilities Alfiya Musina (Ref # AP309348)
AED 1,180,000 1 BR 915 sq. ft.
The Gate Tower Al Reem Island Truly stunning design Imran Ellam (Ref # AP322029)
AED 2,150,000 2 BR 1,485 sq. ft.
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Al Reem Island for rent
Beach Towers Al Reem Island Scenic water views Marie DeGuiche (Ref # AP322985)
Mangrove Place Al Reem Island In a great location Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP321920)
Oceanscape Al Reem Island A wonderful family home Thomas Peter Willams (Ref # AP319811)
bhomes.com
AED 160,000 2 BR 1,799 sq. ft.
Marina Bay Al Reem Island
AED 160,000 3 BR 2,183 sq. ft.
Marina Bay Al Reem Island
AED 120,000 2 BR 1,600 sq. ft.
Marina Bay Al Reem Island
Affordable luxury Alfiya Musina (Ref # AP322980)
A lovely place to live Thomas Peter Willams (Ref # AP321727)
Understated luxury Thomas Peter Willams (Ref # AP319541)
AED 80,000 1 BR 895 sq. ft.
Mangrove Place Al Reem Island An exclusive property Cheffie Melhem (Ref # AP321975)
AED 100,000 2 BR 1,078 sq. ft.
Oceanscape Al Reem Island
AED 115,000 2 BR 1,456 sq. ft.
Sky Tower Al Reem Island
An attractive family home Thomas Peter Willams (Ref # AP321511)
Stunning view of the sea Cheffie Melhem (Ref # AP298632)
AED 120,000 2 BR 1,034 sq. ft.
AED 115,000 2 BR 1,647 sq. ft.
AED 240,000 4 BR 2,587 sq. ft.
January 2014
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Al Reef FOR SALE
Mediterranean Community Al Reef With authentic Arabian style Imran Ellam (Ref # TH303817)
AED 2,850,000 5 BR 3,749 sq. ft.
FOR SALE
Desert Community Al Reef Relaxed ambience Imran Ellam (Ref # TH294548)
FOR RENT
Desert Community Al Reef A place to call home Imran Ellam (Ref # TH312653)
AED 110,000 2 BR 1,832 sq. ft.
AED 2,550,000 4 BR 2,858 sq. ft.
FOR SALE
Arabic Community Al Reef A great community feel Marie DeGuiche (Ref # TH263089)
FOR RENT
Mediterranean Community Al Reef Ideal family living Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # TH323727)
AED 110,000 2 BR 1,832 sq. ft.
AED 1,450,000 2 BR 1,832 sq. ft.
FOR RENT
Desert Community Al Reef A great family option Imran Ellam (Ref # TH295322)
AED 110,000 2 BR 1,832 sq. ft.
Ask the agent Imran Ellam, residential consultant Al Reef Villas is Abu Dhabi’s first integrated residential community, developed by Manazel Real Estate, one of UAE’s leading developers (the company’s completed projects include Dunes Village in Dubai). Al Reef is one of the most popular and affordable neighbourhoods at the moment. Villas in the Arabic and Desert phase are completed and already have a vibrant community and family atmosphere. Once fully completed, with the trendy Al Reef Downtown precinct, too, this community will offer nurseries, schools, community
pools, recreational areas and landscaped gardens. The Downtown section will also have restaurants, cafés and a number of excellent retail shops. A direct connection of Al Reef to the Shahama Freeway links the development to the main entrance into Abu Dhabi (over Yas Island and Saadiyat Island) resulting in a 25 to 30-minute commute from home to central Abu Dhabi.
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Other communities FOR SALE
Townhouse Hydra Village Ready to move in Marie DeGuiche (Ref # TH323329)
AED 1,100,000 2 BR 1,884 sq. ft.
Al Ghadeer Al Ghadeer Traffic-free environment Marie DeGuiche (Ref # TH321529)
FOR SALE
Hills Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Gate City Beautiful waterfront setting Marie DeGuiche (Ref # VI309190)
AED 25,000,000 5 BR 13,800 sq. ft.
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
AED 1,970,546 3 BR 1,990 sq. ft.
KKS Compound Khalifa A High rental yields Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI320609)
FOR RENT
FOR RENT
SSH Villa Khalifa A Excellent value Marie DeGuiche (Ref # TH320741)
AED 160,000 6 BR 5,500 sq. ft.
HA Villas Mohammed Bin Zayed City Ideal family living Cheffie Melhem (Ref # VI318308)
FOR RENT
Hemaim Al Raha Gardens A lush oasis Alfiya Musina (Ref # VI323352)
bhomes.com
AED 220,000 4 BR 3,000 sq. ft.
AED 18,500,000 25 BR 20,000 sq. ft.
AED 200,000 5 BR 6,500 sq. ft.
FOR RENT
Seashore Villas Abu Dhabi Gate City Dynamic development Marie DeGuiche (Ref # TH316286)
AED 180,000 3 BR 3,112 sq. ft.
January 2014
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BH lust-have West Elm
Get into shapes A New Year’s promise we really can keep One of our favourite trends this winter is geometric pattern. This tactile micro trend has picked up its pace in recent months and can now be seen on more than just an accessorising cushion. The fashion for cut-out silhouettes has taken it one step further – take a look at West Elm’s geometric cut-out rug and chair. Teamed with the sharp shapes imprinted upon the table top, lightshade and cushions, this layering of pattern strikes a pose and adds interest without being over-the-top. westelm.me
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