Better Homes AUH Oct'14

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Abu Dhabi

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Oct-Dec 2014

New heights of luxury Gate Towers offers the ultimate penthouse lifestyle

Hot winter trends Š Get a glam garden Š Feel fashionably festive

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Welcome The end of the year is by far the most exciting season, with cooler weather and festivities galore, from the F1 to National Day and going out with a bang on New Year’s Eve. Now we can enjoy being outside again we’ve got the lowdown on what’s hot in the home for winter, expert outdoor painting tips and some unique and colourful options for the garden. If you caught cabin fever while you were locked in over summer and want to change digs, take a tour of the stunning penthouse suite at Gate Towers, or soak up a sense of village life in close-knit Al Reef. Whatever you’re wishing for this winter, you’ll find it here.

Managing Director Victoria Thatcher Editorial Director John Thatcher Editor Eleanor Joslin Senior Designer Adam Sneade Designer Andy Knappett Production Manager Chalitha Fernando Advertising Manager Shweta Praful Photography Helen Riley, helen-riley@ hotmail.co.uk To contact any of the above people, email firstname@ hotmediapublishing.com

Eleanor Joslin Jan-Jun 2013 | 15,227 | BPA Consumer Audit Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from HOT Media Publishing is strictly prohibited.

HOT Media Publishing does not accept liability for omissions or errors in Better Homes magazine.

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Cover: Shot

by Helen Riley on location at Gate Towers, Al Reem Island

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Contents 11. The Design Digest

14. Designer Spotlight

22. More Than Green Fingers

30. Property of the Month

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

Look at Hansgrohe’s original and sustainable bathrooms

Love these new garden ranges blooming with colour

This three-bed apartment has many unique features

12. One to Watch

15. Through the Keyhole

24. New-Season Style

31. Move to... Al Reef

Taste the finest teas with The East India Company

Reach new heights in Gate Towers’ penthouse suite

These hot winter trends will end the year with panache

Why this community is like an Arabian village in the city

13. Winter Wishlist

21. Ask the Experts

28. How Berry Refreshing

33. Property Listings

These bright accessories will make your garden gorgeous

Get your walls in tip-top shape with the right paint

Welcome winter with this classic summertime recipe

Find your perfect place with these homes for sale and rent

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Hello, winter The more the heat drops, the livelier winter looks. Head outside with neon floor cushions, lime green and pink melamine platters and bright chevron rugs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; creating a vibrant, sociable living area on the sunny side of your patio doors.

Sun loungers are no longer a boring white this season â&#x20AC;&#x201C; add excitement to the poolside with classic boardwalk-style deck chairs or purple padded loungers. BH loves the rich colour schemes Karaca Home has unveiled for the season, such as saturated indigo (pictured), burnt ochre and cherry red, mixed with rustic woods and metals, delicate flowers and elegant metallics.

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

Going back to basics > Thomas Lundgren – the brains behind THE One – loves to put on a show. And what a show it is. Everything about THE One is theatrical, from Thomas’ title as Creative Empowerment Organiser (CEO) to the opulent home fashions in the shops – aka ‘theatres’.

In an exclusive interview with Better Homes Magazine, Thomas unveiled the next performance – going back to basics. THE One Basics harks back to the early years, to the original store concept in 1996, with price points that will compete with the likes of IKEA and Home Centre.

“I’m starting something top secret called THE One Basics, which will hit lower price levels,” he revealed. “If we play the price game then we need to be smart so we are working very closely with a lot of factories, using different materials and smaller sizes, plus consignments to produce special products. We are also bringing back some older stuff that was cool and sold well, such as a porcelain range from eight years ago.”

Branching out from his eclectic theatres, he described the upcoming 4,000-square-metre flagship store in Yas Mall as more like a Cashand-Carry – with pared back customer service and fewer sales people, for a fuss-free shopping experience. The launch date is still to be announced, but look out for THE One Basics on Yas Island from November onwards. theone.com

> With ‘sustainable’ fast becoming a trendy buzzword in the UAE, Delta Faucet Company has gone from strength to strength. Following the success of a regional store in Dubai last year, the pioneer of water-saving products for kitchens and bathrooms will soon open a state-of-the-art showroom in the city. deltafaucet.com

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SOMETHING SMELLS GOOD > O’de Rose, one of Dubai’s favourite ethno-chic boutiques, has arrived in House of Fraser. Take a look if you like oriental, eclectic and colourful home accessories and jewellery. World Trade Centre Mall; o-derose.com October 2014

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One to watch See who’s catching our eye in Abu Dhabi

A pot of gold, filled with tea We’re a nation that loves a nice cup of tea. There’s nothing better than an invigorating morning brew before work, or a sociable afternoon get-together around a steaming pot in the garden.

Tea addicts can now enjoy a cup of the finest leaves with the launch of The East India Company at Etihad Towers, the very first store in the UAE. The

renowned British company has a rich heritage spanning centuries, plus a royal seal of approval. After it was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I in 1600, The East India Company travelled far and wide to find the very best blends, establishing trading ports in Singapore, Hong Kong and Mumbai. Now you can take

these exotic fusions home with you, as well as the company’s handcrafted bone china and porcelain crockery luxuriously finished in 18-carat gold, and sip tea fit for a king. An expert Tea Master has personally selected each tea and coffee for the new store, so your taste buds are in safe hands. theeastindiacompany.com

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Winter wishlist These bright accessories will make your garden look gorgeous

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1. Kawa Pendant 5 lantern, AED14,600, bespokeglobal.com 2. Outdoor umbrella, AED1,799, Danube Home 3. Solar glass light jar, AED39 each, ACE 4. Picnic hamper, AED535, Flamant 5. Mysingsรถ beach chair, AED145 each, IKEA bhomes.com

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Designer spotlight With Downtown Design attracting international luxury labels to Dubai at the end of October, BH talks to Hansgrohe about sustainability and original design. Dirk Schilmoeller, Hansgrohe’s Middle East sales director, reveals all.

Axor by Philippe Starck, for Hansgrohe

How does Hansgrohe comply with the show’s Original Design theme?

This year’s theme of ‘Original’ is very close to our brand’s philosophy. All our collections (from the hugely successful Select range that promises showering pleasure from just one touch, to the revolutionary washbasin mixer from the Axor Starck V range) reflect the vitality and emotionality of water, and demonstrate our focus on innovation and originality in technology, design and sustainability – making our products stand a class apart.

also display the recently launched Axor Starck V, the brand’s first transparent mixer, which was brought to life in collaboration with Philippe Starck and has been a major global and regional success. Shower products by Nendo and Front will also be featured, showing how traditional living and bathing spaces can merge creatively to redesign the bathroom in a new and interesting way. We will also unveil a unique specification tool for designers, developers, architects and the audience at large to use.

What innovations is Hansgrohe bringing to the UAE? Axor, the designer brand from Hansgrohe, will showcase its newest collection for the first time in the Middle East, following its global launch in September. Along with this, we will

Are customers becoming more aware of sustainable design in the bathroom?

Yes, absolutely. Sustainability is an important source of inspiration for us.

It is deeply rooted in the company’s culture and we are constantly bringing out new, innovative products

to the market, which are setting high standards in terms of resource conservation and environmental protection. As a champion of the value of water, Hansgrohe has always adopted a pioneering role in dealing with this precious resource. Our mixers and showers are fitted with EcoSmart technology and use up to 60% less water in comparison with conventional products – yet without any loss of comfort. Lower hot water consumption means lower energy requirements, and therefore lower household bills, too. We have been treading the path of sustainability in all areas of the business and setting standards with environmentally-friendly concepts, like the state-of-the-art Solar Tower in Germany, which has been built for careful consumption of resources and the use of renewable energies.

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LIFE E H T T A TOP

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Life at the top is heady, especially if you live in the world’s highest residential penthouse bridge. Soaring over 820 feet into the sky, the prestigious Penthouse Collection at Gate Towers dominates the city skyline and soaks up stunning panoramic sea views of Al Reem Island and the glittering Arabian Gulf. The Collection truly is luxury living at its peak.

The 64th and 65th floor, known as the penthouse bridge, are home to 21 duplex suites that range in size from 1,378 square feet to 3,254 square feet, and boast private swimming pools, spacious living areas and state-of-theart kitchens. The Signature Penthouse is the most luxurious of the group with a huge indoor ‘garden’ terrace of floorto-ceiling windows offering unrivalled views over the developing Shams Abu Dhabi area and surrounding coastline.

Aldar Properties, the developer behind the iconic Gate District, invited Better Homes Magazine to sample the prestigious five-bedroom signature suite, and get a taste of the highlife.

Open the heavy wooden door and

you’re immediately transported into your very own oasis in the clouds. “I wanted the design to be formal, elegant and simple without compromising the feeling of luxury and sophistication, which is the essence for a penthouse,” explains Karima Ould-Ali, architecture manager at Aldar Properties. The grand entranceway greets you with a high-vaulted ceiling – a noticeable

The most challenging task was the Winter Garden feature throughout the apartment and one that enhances the open, spacious feel of the place. From here the apartment splits off into an elegant guest bedroom, a cosy family room with an eye-catching striped Missoni Home sofa, a fully-fitted kitchen with

glistening black granite worktops and sleek white-lacquer-fronted units, and a large living room with ample space for the Roche Bobois living and dining furniture and stately Pearl River grand piano. An internal window gives you a glimpse of the vast indoor terrace, one of the main attractions and possibly the best, even beating the indoor swimming pool, opposite. Step through the sliding doors and a light-filled, cavernous conservatory spills out before you, wrapping around a glass-fronted ‘hole’ in the podium, which gives you a unique bird’s-eye view of the swimming pools and landscaped gardens below – and makes you feel on top of the world.

“The intention of the multiple living areas was to create diverse ambiences for different categories of people living inside the penthouse,” explains Karima.

“However, the most challenging task was the huge, double-height suspended space, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

For me, it was a ‘Winter Garden’, a place where family and friends can party and gather, and everyone can relax and enjoy the stunning views of

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Al Reem Island. I imagined this space furnished with many tropical trees, lazy chairs and water features. A place of tranquility. Everything you cannot find in the formal spaces of the penthouse.”

Despite this last comment, there is a similar sense of indulgent relaxation inside, especially upstairs in the snug majlis. “The formal majlis was furnished with elegant branded and unique pieces of furniture,” says the designer. She chose Baker armchairs and sofas from Obegi, paintings from Four Seasons Ramesh Gallery, and lights from Huda Lighting, all located in Dubai. “I wanted to create an appealing space, rich enough to satisfy the expectations of any firsttime visitor, but sober and purified at the same time to reflect the high taste of the occupant. The colour palette throughout the majlis is of soft whitegold and natural shades, like mustard yellow and zesty orange. The artwork, sculpture and ceramics play a vital role in adding soul, depth and character.”

The first floor also has an elegant ballerina bedroom, a blue-and-red motor-mad boy’s room and a sumptuous master bedroom, designed to be one of the more thought-provoking areas, says Karima. The master bedroom is exquisitely furnished with a bespoke bed, ottoman and sofa, in shades of white-gold and burgundy, antique glass

It’s fast become the most soughtafter location to live in bedside tables and chests, a quilted headboard and heavy drapes in soft mushroom tones.

Built-in wardrobes lead back towards the bathroom, where a stand-alone oval tub, walk-in shower and his-and-hers sinks add to the luxurious lifestyle.

Each bedroom is en-suite, including the maid’s quarters, which features one of the largest maid’s bedrooms on the market. Here, floor-length windows take in the ever-changing Abu Dhabi cityscape, like each and every room in this deluxe apartment.

But do such lofty residences command elevated prices, too? Quite the opposite – the Penthouse Collection is surprisingly great value for money.

The four-and five-bedroom apartments are priced between AED7.1million to AED11.2million, a lot less than their

counterparts in Dubai Marina, just a 45-minute drive away. Here, fivebedroom penthouse suites start from AED11million and can reach a dizzying AED30million. Sure, they have the coveted marina views, but they don’t have access to one of the world’s largest landscaped rooftop gardens, exceeding 144,357 square feet.

Here, residents have exclusive access to swimming pools with ambient waterfalls and a lazy river, shaded kids’ pools, jogging tracks and walkways, tennis courts, secluded lawns and children’s playgrounds. Membership to these unparalleled facilities is free to penthouse owners for the first three years. Travel down to ground level and residents enjoy a wide range of amenities. A retail podium features the well-known upmarket shopping mall Boutik Gate, plus a number of health, fitness and leisure facilities.

The impressive concrete megalith of Gate Towers forms the gateway to Shams Abu Dhabi, a vibrant, new community that has fast become the most sought-after location to live in.

Bridging the gap between old and new Abu Dhabi, this is a major part of the island’s downtown area on the northern side, bringing to life the innovative vision of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. While the Shams neighbourhood is not yet complete, this award-winning gateway to the area, designed by the UAE’s Khatib & Alami and US firm Arquitectonica, is already iconic. Along with the Stonehenge-inspired pillars of Gate Towers, Aldar Properties has erected three other landmark buildings – the sweeping monolith of The Arc and prominent twin towers Sun & Sky. The district is already a sophisticated, cosmopolitan and diverse area for professionals and families alike.

Other key districts on the island will include Shams Marina and Shams Park, which will add to the distinct and vibrant nature of the island, in what is tipped to be the new centre of the capital. Looking at the bigger picture, the wider area of Al Reem Island will satisfy the lifestyles of many diverse personalities, with a wide range of entertainment and shopping outlets, a stunning marina for yachting enthusiasts and six kilometres of nature walks, carefully created along the island’s scenic coastline.

There really is something for everyone on the island, but for the absolute best you have to look up.

To view the Penthouse Collection at Gate Towers, contact Aldar Properties on 800 25327 or visit gatetowers.ae. bhomes.com

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BUY THE LOOK Live the lofty lifestyle with these penthouse-perfect pieces

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For the penthouse princess

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1. Catalina collection with Claire bedding, prices vary, Pottery Barn Kids 2. Ivory Malabar rug 1.83m x 1.22m, AED2,620, The Rug Company 3. Philippe Starck Charles Ghost chair, AED1,836, Kartell 4. Decorative toy rabbit, AED95, Zara Home Kids 5. Carved stone box, AED240, Ethan Allen 6. Little flowers doorknob, AED40 for two, Zara Home Kids

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7. Lavanda daybed, POA, Fiore Rosso 8. Two-bird bowl (small), AED195, virgule-shop.com 9. Bedeck cushions, from AED95 to AED525, Bloomingdaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home 10. Sundeck hot tub, POA, Duravit

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Ask the 0utdoor experts

“I need to repaint my villa and garden ready for the cooler months. What do you recommend?” Amber Jones Sanjay Nair, regional category manager for exterior decorative paints at Jotun MEIA, suggests waterborne topcoats In the UAE, as long as you avoid painting in the period from June to August you should get good results.

Weather plays an important role in the performance of the paint. Countries that experience heavy rain are prone to algal and fungal formation on the paint surface while the harsh sun in this region can cause cracking, flaking and discolouration. New generation paints are formulated to withstand the sun and rain. Furthermore, there are superior exterior paints that are heat reflective, which reduces the temperature inside your house while also protecting against sand, dirt, rain, bhomes.com

moisture, fungal and algal.

It is important to use paints specifically made for the house exterior.

If you use any other paint its film will not be able to withstand the harsh weather conditions. It is also very important to use materials that are designed to handle a lot of sunlight and UV otherwise the paint will fail and colours will fade.

Since most walls are concrete, I recommend using waterborne topcoats or textured paint depending on the finish you want. For metals, you can use alkyds and for wood there are specific exterior wood stains. With high-quality paint you’ll gain concrete protection, better colour retention (quality exterior paints keep their ‘new’ look for twice as long as lower

grade paints), more dirt resistance (superior paints won’t pick up airborne impurities), maintenance reduction, plus less blistering, chalking and flaking. Some paints won’t even last a year because they use low-quality raw materials. Today, paints can last eight, twelve and even twenty years.

When choosing colour, for a traditional house I recommend a combination of brown and beige to create a feeling of legacy and luxury (pictured). For a house with modern architecture, vibrant colours like teal and navy or lime and turquoise would create a striking look. For larger homes, I recommend royal colours for an air of imperial indulgence – vibrant blue, with red or green for the trims and pastel shades for the body.

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More than green fingers…

You’ll find plenty of colour in this year’s new garden ranges This year the garden will become the real fun zone of the home. Forget white wicker and traditional rattan seats – this year we’re embracing colour and customisation. Fiore Rosso has just launched the interactive MyYour range, which has proved popular in Europe for the last six years. Now the collection has travelled to the GCC as residents here increasingly become more adventurous with their home design and braver with their colour choices. After six years you might not think there’s anything ‘new’ about this range, but it goes to show just how much we’re playing catch-up out here in the desert.

“The MyYour range is a completely new Italian concept for the market here,” assures Mahan Pourghorban, general manager at Fiore Rosso. “Its true innovation lies in the base, which is made from polyeasy – a recent breakthrough material for the industry as it can be produced in any colour and can be cleaned, unlike polyethylene, which is a frequently used material here.”

The collection includes tulip-shaped lights, lily-style chairs, stools with skulls, LED tables and interchangeable seats. The Modi chairs in particular have been designed with versatility, customisation and play in mind. Customers can choose the colour of the plastic base and the supple leather seat segments – from red to monochrome or multi-coloured. This accentuates the concept of sociable outdoor living spaces and of personalised furniture arrangements.

“Modi is like a Lego jigsaw,” explains Mr Pourghorban. “You can play with the chair and its colourways by moving the pieces that make up the seat, the back and the arms. GCC locals like seats that are larger than European sizes, and with Modi you can keep adding pieces to make the

seats longer or to change its shape.

Varaschin is bringing a burst of bright orange into its trademark monochrome and beige ranges. The new Chapeau collection, designed by Monica Graffeo, combines comfort, practicality and poetry through its contemporary form; and despite its skinny frame the padded quilted seat is deceptively comfortable – much like Matteo Nunziati’s Allure armchair for Molteni&C (both sold in the UAE via Finasi).

Graffeo was inspired by the chairs of fishermen, as they sit and enjoy the natural world that surrounds them while patiently waiting for the first bite. This is evident in the parallel stitching on the seats, sewn in the manner of a fisherman’s hat. Suitable for both outdoor and indoor use, Chapeau also draws upon the popular concept of merging indoor and outdoor living spaces.

While last year championed outdoor living rooms, this year kitchens are the new sociable hub in the garden. Gone are the days when you wheel out the coal-fired barbecue from the cobwebbed shed and go back and forth indoors, ferrying plates, salads and par-baked drumsticks.

Nowadays garden landscapers are increasingly being called upon to incorporate a fully-fledged kitchen area, reports Miguel Avila, project director at Toscana Landscaping & Pools.

Built-in barbecues and pizza ovens are the most popular requests, he says, from al-fresco chefs keen to take advantage of the amiable weather.

That’s not all – granite worktops, chrome faucets, backlit shelves and limestone flooring transport all the trappings of an interior kitchen outside, creating a versatile cook station to rival its indoor counterpart. With a kitchen that good, you won’t cook inside for months.

Clockwise from top: Fiore Rosso; Toscana Landscaping & Pools; Varaschin via Finasi

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New Season STYLES While the rest of the northern hemisphere starts to wrap up for winter, here in the UAE we’re embracing the comfortable weather by creating cool, contemporary spaces – inside and outside the home. Here, BH looks at the lust-have trends that are tipped to end the year in style.

Go glam in October Metallics, mirrors, velvets, animal prints and furs – winter 2014 is outrageously glam yet tantalisingly snug.

In Europe and America the transitional autumn season is alive with intense colours – burnt orange leaves, purple heather hillsides, pink sunsets and auburn woodlands. In cold climates layering soft textures in the bedroom and living room creates a ZDUP DPELHQFH WR ÀJKW RII WKH LQYDGLQJ LF\ JULS Such colours and concepts can be translated into the UAE’s warmer winter climate with ease. While we don’t need high tog counts, eiderdowns and thick throws on the bed (unless you’ve got your AC set to ‘Scotland’), layering evokes a sense of comfort as well as opulence.

The new Glamorama collection from THE One’s autumn/winter range combines extravagant metallics, animal magnetism and masculine lines to crank up the glitz and lay on the charm. The key is in rich accessories and reaching the right balance between bold prints and textures. You want drama, not kitsch. Fill your boudoir with lavish creature comforts by fashioning leopard- or zebra-print cushions and faux-fur throws on the bed, while keeping the surrounding furniture lines clean and uncomplicated.

Ethan Allen is also championing masculine lines and metallics with its signature autumn/winter pieces. These include a Glamour Starburst Mirror in antique silver leaf; a black-leather Parker wingback armchair; and Joelle carved console in vintage black, with hand-carved detailing and cabriole legs. Here, drama is created in the simplicity of the lines, the attention to detail and UHÀQHG FRORXU SDOHWWH Key colours for the season include black, yellowgold and silver, plus cobalt blue and indigo – opt for berry-red for the festivities in December.

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Glamorama, from THE One

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Remember remember a colourful November Winter isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all about moody hues and cosy layers.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a brighter side to the months ahead, with vibrant colour palettes and fun patterns resonating with our long-awaited escape from RXU DLU FRQGLWLRQHG FRQĂ&#x20AC;QHV .DWKHULQH 6WHDOH\ 7UDQWHU IRXQGHU DQG LQWHULRU GHVLJQHU DW .67 Interiors, reveals the exciting looks that will revitalise your home this season: Tartan: This is the most surprising trend to come here from Europe. Even though the traditional wool weave isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ideal for the UAE it can still be incorporated indoors through cushions and throws, or smaller armchairs and poufs upholstered in a feature tartan fabric â&#x20AC;&#x201C; colourways are either bright and clashing or more neutral shades. Warwick Fabrics from Australia has a good range of non-scratchy tartans.

Indigo: The hot colour from the summer, blue â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in all shades â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is still trending but going into the cooler months the inky shades of indigo will take a leading role. Light plays on indigo-tinted glass wonderfully, while accessories update your home in an instant.

Neons: Bright colours remain popular but instead of using multiple colours to clash you should use one or two and pair with dark grey, which will FRPSOHPHQW WKH DFLGLW\ RI WKH QHRQ WRQHV .HHS this in mind when choosing your tartans!

Chevron: This is a huge pattern in all the new fabric collections (see Osborne and Little, Designers Guild, for example). No longer just two-tone, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s become much more playful by using several colours and integrating stripes. This is an easy way to introduce both colour and pattern to your home.

Ethnic prints: 6WLOO KDQJLQJ LQ WKHUH DV D GHVLJQ trend for A/W but with an enhanced fusion that hints of ethnicity rather than all-out tribal. Go for dark timbers, natural woods and kilim rugs.

Natural neutrals: Relaxed cottage meets the +DPSWRQV ² D ORRN WKDW¡V PRUH UHĂ&#x20AC;QHG WKDQ shabby chic. Think painted plantation shutters, worn leathers and neutral colours, with interest built up through layers of texture rather than multiple colours.

Jonathan Saunders Herringbone rug, The Rug Company

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ACE festive collection 2014

December feels fashionably festive

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This year, create a contemporary look for the holidays by adding a twist to traditional elements, says interior designer Ellie Wauters.

Contemporary dĂŠcor thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not overtly festive will last longer than the customary 12 days (with no bad luck cursed upon you afterwards) and will work with existing schemes quite easily. Get the ORRN ZLWK (OOLH¡V WRS Ă&#x20AC;YH WLSV

branch to create a glittering vignette that will look beautiful well into the New Year.

Â&#x2021; 7KLQN RI D WKHPH ² FRQWUDVWLQJ LGHDV FDQ EULQJ opposites together. A desert theme mixing neutral shades with intense reds and corals will create a ZDUP EXW IXQ LQWHULRU $ PHWDOOLF FRORXU ZLOO Ă&#x20AC;QLVK the look nicely, and items like pine cones, thistles and dried fruit will create a festive ambiance.

Â&#x2021; 0DNH VRPH VHDVRQDO FXVKLRQV IRU WKH SDWLR LQ patterns such as tartan, which is a big trend for WKH ZLQWHU 2U WDLORU PDNH ODUJH Ă RRU FXVKLRQV with reindeer motifs for children to sit on. Warm weather may feel unconventional but it shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop you from spreading festive cheer outside.

Â&#x2021; ,QVWHDG RI EX\LQJ D WUHH DQG GHFRUDWLQJ \RXU house like you do every year, try a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;beautiful branchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; instead. Firstly, salvage a found branch, take an off-cut from your garden or buy a couple of logs from your local garden centre. Crudely spray-paint in silver or gold and lie it across a windowsill, shelf or side table. Cluster ornamental birds, candles and a few baubles around the

Â&#x2021; 6HW WKH WDEOH IRU D IDPLO\ IHDVW RQ 'HFHPEHU 25 with pinecones, candles and small ornamental camels and deer decorated with glitter. These are simple yet effective decorations for the table.

While reindeers are the traditional four-legged symbol of the holiday season, camels play a leading role in the festive story and are a fun nod to the desert we live in.

Â&#x2021; 8VH IDLU\ OLJKWV DURXQG WKH JDUGHQ EXW PDNH sure you buy lights with personality, such as wicker birds or small paper lanterns. Not only will they add a twinkle to your trees but they can be reused for garden parties throughout the year.

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HOW BERRY REFRESHING Welcome winter with a summertime favourite We might not have Wimbledon, Cornish clotted cream or quaint riverside parks to go with this quintessentially English summer dish, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect time of year to indulge in a mouthwatering bowl of strawberries and cream.

Now we can head outdoors once again this is a dish best enjoyed outside, as a refreshing snack E\ WKH SRRO RU D GHOLFLRXV JUDQG Ă&#x20AC;QDOH WR D IDPLO\ picnic on the lawn.

While English strawberries are in-season from June to August, the States are known for delicious fall and winter crops. Look for punnets bearing a California or Florida stamp of origin.

Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, located halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotels and Resort, gives this classic summer dish a contemporary twist with a white balsamic and sugar marinade and a juicy dollop of sweet ricotta cheese. This creamy, mild and white cheese has a soft texture and a slightly sweet Ă DYRXU PDNLQJ LW SHUIHFW IRU GHVVHUWV DQG D JUHDW alternative to clotted cream. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best dishes are the ones that are simple and fuss-free as long as fresh, high-quality ingredients are used,â&#x20AC;? says head chef Mahmoud Turkmani. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To make fruit-based dishes more enticing you can add nutmeg, all spice powder, cinnamon, cardamom or vanilla as the sweetness of the fruit mixes nicely with such spices. Finish with a blob of yogurt or cheese like mascarpone and ricotta. Again, simplicity is key.â&#x20AC;?

For more daring home cooks, why not whip up a strawberry foam for an added burst of colour, Ă DYRXU DQG WH[WXUH 7KLV LV JXDUDQWHHG WR LPSUHVV guests at dinner, while serving as a light dish to end an evening feast with friends.

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Marinated wild strawberries 130g strawberries 5g white balsamic 30g sweet ricotta cheese 1tsp sugar Rinse the strawberries then hull by pulling the stem and leaves off with your fingers. Cut in half or quarters, if the strawberries are large. Stir the balsamic and sugar in a mixing bowl, then add the strawberries; toss them in the bowl to coat them with the mixture.

To serve, arrange the strawberries in a bowl and add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top. Drizzle on any remaining strawberry jus from the mixing bowl â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or blend with the ricotta first to colour the cheese pink, if you wish. A sprig of mint and grated dark chocolate will finish off the presentation nicely.

bhomes.com

October 2014

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Property of the month With many unique features, this exceptional three-bedroom apartment in Al Muneera is a sound investment for any discerning homeowner. Storage is often overlooked but the entrance hall has a significant amount of built-in storage space â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a much-needed asset yet rare to find in many apartments.

Other notable features include ensuite bedrooms, a maidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room and views of the swimming pool and sea.

The apartment has benefitted from a number of upgrades, such as remote-

controlled curtains and mood lighting along the curtain rails. The property enjoys views of the community pool and the wonderful coastline stretching away from Al Raha Beach, seen from a number of rooms plus the balconies in the living room and master bedroom.

Here, the en-suite master bathroom has his-and-her sinks and built-in wardrobes. Owner occupied for the last 18 months, this apartment has been well looked after and maintained to the highest standards.

House

Need to know Where? Al Raha Beach What? Three-bed apartment Size? 2,238 square feet Cost? AED3,400,000 Best for? Families Like what you see? Call Better Homes consultant Imran Ellam on 600 52 2212 with reference code AP303609

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Move to... Al Reef It’s like a peaceful village in the city, says Better Homes’ Maria Joao Beire

For families seeking a peaceful life within a well-established community then the search is over. Al Reef is like an Arabian village in the city, where kids can safely play outdoors and everyone has swimming pool access; the beach is nearby yet the hustle and bustle of the city is a nice distance away.

With the residential side of Al Reef complete, the area is a great place to set up home in Abu Dhabi – and there are plenty of options as the villas, townhouses and apartments can house up to 16,000 residents. Al Reef is split into five distinct areas and styles: Al Reef Downtown, Arabian Village, Contemporary Village, Desert Village and Mediterranean Village. While Downtown is apartment-only, with 46 buildings offering studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom options, the four villages are home to villas and townhouses with a range of plot sizes and architectural features. bhomes.com

“It’s a lovely family community so there are mosques and children’s’ play areas,” confirms Maria Joao Beire, leasing and residential agent for Better Homes. “Each village cluster shares a swimming pool, gymnasium and a community play area – great for kids and for adults enjoying downtime at the weekend.”

The average BUA is to be expected: between 872 square feet and 1,151 square feet for a one-bedroom apartment, and up to 2,120 square feet for a three-bed. Meanwhile, a two-bedroom villa has a BUA of 1,832 square feet upwards, and the larger five-bedroom villas average 3,749 square feet.

While it’s a great place to live it is not entirely finished. The community lacks general amenities, such as convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants and retail. Nevertheless, a supermarket is set to open soon, assures Maria. “While there are no restaurants, cafés or shops

at the moment, they are planned,” she says. “Because Al Reef is in a good location access to lots of facilities are just a short drive away, with schools nearby in Khalifa City A, beautiful Raha beach is very close, as is the airport, and the heart of the city is only 20 minutes away.”

Al Reef was the first planned community in Abu Dhabi, developed

by Manazel Real Estate, but – like all construction in the UAE – it was hit by the recession. Since then development has been gradual: the first units were handed over in 2009 and residential construction finished last year. The commercial side will take longer, but hotels, restaurants and plazas were all part of the initial plan.

For those looking to rent, prices start from AED55,000 for a studio apartment and AED95,000 for a three-bed; a twobedroom villa starts from AED108,000 and the larger five-bedroom family homes start from AED180,000.

October 2014

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Property picks Modern families should look at these well-located apartments For sale Bain Al Jesrain is the most soughtafter residential address, with the area home to world-renowned hotels and gorgeous beaches. This extensive sevenbedroom villa is located on a large plot with the highest quality finishes throughout, modern lines and ample space â&#x20AC;&#x201C; providing an exclusive home for a large family. There are 15 bathrooms, a huge open-plan living/dining area plus further private lounge rooms, an opulent majlis, a large study, fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities plus a stunning sweeping marble staircase. Upgraded features include ambient lighting, deluxe bathroom tiling, bespoke built-in bedroom headboards and parquet flooring.

Outside, high terraced balconies overlook the gated driveway and patio.

Need to know Where? Al Reef What? Seven-bedroom villa Size? 25,980 square feet Best for? Affluent families Cost? AED15,000,000 Like what you see? Call Better Homes consultant Cheffie Melhem on 600 52 2212 with reference code VI328226

For rent This extravagant apartment spans an entire floor in Al Manara Tower, Al Bandar. After entering the front door from your own private lift lobby, you walk into a spacious white marble living room where floor-to-ceiling windows greet you with stunning views of the marina. This room opens into a large dining/kitchen/family room with panoramic views of the sea and islands beyond. A master bedroom and en-suite bathroom directly overlook the sea, with the bath placed in a full-height window for an indulgent vantage point.

The apartment has a further three ensuite bedrooms, a separate maidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room and laundry room.

Need to know Where? Al Raha Beach What? Four-bedroom apartment Size? 4,058 square feet Cost? AED450,000 Best for? A modern family Like what you see? Call Better Homes consultant Maria Eduarda Silveira on 600 52 2212 with reference code AP326725

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Saadiyat Island FOR SALE

Saadiyat Beach Saadiyat Island A prestigious address Sherif Nabil (Ref # VI328831)

AED 6,500,000 4 BR 3,360 sq. ft.

FOR SALE

Saadiyat Beach Golf Views Saadiyat Island Premier location Marie DeGuiche (Ref # VI326789)

FOR RENT

Saadiyat Beach Golf Views Saadiyat Island A stunning family home Marie DeGuiche (Ref # VI326789)

AED 1,000,000 6 BR 12,217 sq. ft.

AED 28,000,000 6 BR 12,217 sq. ft.

FOR SALE

Saadiyat Beach Saadiyat Island

AED 6,000,000 4 BR 4,036 sq. ft.

'HVLJQHG DQG ÀQLVKHG WR WKH KLJKHVW VWDQGDUGV Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # TH306964)

FOR RENT

Saadiyat Beach Saadiyat Island The lap of luxury Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI321982)

AED 750,000 5 BR 5,191 sq. ft.

FOR RENT

Saadiyat Beach Saadiyat Island Sophisticated waterfront community Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI321981)

AED 800,000 5 BR 12,491 sq. ft.

Ask the agent Cheffie Melhem, residential and commercial consultant, Abu Dhabi office Saadiyat Island (meaning ‘Island of Happiness’) is a large, low-lying island, 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi.

The 27-square-kilometre island is undergoing remarkable transformation into a world-class leisure, residential, business and cultural hub of global proportions, housing the world’s largest single concentration of premier cultural assets.

Home to the Guggenheim and Louvre museums, the esteemed New York bhomes.com

University, a Gary Player 18-hole championship golf course and golf academy on the beach, parks, wetlands, and so much more, Saadiyat Island promises to be the premier place in Abu Dhabi.

Saadiyat Island will eventually house around 150,000 residents and connect to Abu Dhabi via two ten-lane causeways.

It currently has great access and is just seven minutes from downtown and 20 minutes from the airport.

October 2014

34

Al Raha Beach for sale

Al Barza Al Raha Beach Affordable luxury Imran Ellam (Ref # AP329931)

Al Muneera Al Raha Beach Enchanting sea views Imran Ellam (Ref # AP303609)

Al Zeina Al Raha Beach Experience heights of luxury Marie DeGuiche (Ref # TH327940)

AED 3,550,000 2 BR 1,774 sq. ft.

Al Zeina Al Raha Beach

AED 3,400,000 3 BR 2,238 sq. ft.

Al Barza Al Raha Beach

An investorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream Cheffie Melhem (Ref # AP324827)

A place to call home Imran Ellam (Ref # AP301647)

AED 4,050,000 4 BR 3,239 sq. ft.

Al Muneera Al Raha Beach

AED 3,450,000 2 BR 1,775 sq. ft.

Al Zeina Al Raha Beach

AED 4,250,000 3 BR 3,476 sq. ft.

Al Naseem C Al Raha Beach

High rental yields Imran Ellam (Ref # AP320384)

A place to call home Imran Ellam (Ref # AP234935)

An investment for capital growth Cheffie Melhem (Ref # AP328274)

AED 2,000,000 2 BR 1,569 sq. ft.

AED 1,475,000 1 BR 936 sq. ft.

AED 2,750,000 2 BR 1,387 sq. ft.

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Al Raha Beach for rent

Al Manara Al Raha Beach Prized location Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP326725)

Al Zeina Al Raha Beach A desirable address Marie DeGuiche (Ref # AP329178)

Al Muneera Al Raha Beach Excellent value Maria Joao Beires (Ref # AP307525)

bhomes.com

AED 450,000 4 BR 4,058 sq. ft.

Al Naseem B Al Raha Beach

AED 115,000 1 BR 950 sq. ft.

Al Zeina Al Raha Beach

A prestigious address Imran Ellam (Ref # AP293952)

Ready to move in Imran Ellam (Ref # AP234935)

AED 165,000 2 BR 1,195 sq. ft.

Al Naseem B Al Raha Beach

AED 115,000 1 BR 936 sq. ft.

Al Zeina Al Raha Beach

Ready to move in Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP329508)

Beachfront living at an attractive price Imran Ellam (Ref # VI330436)

AED 240,000 3 BR 2,399 sq. ft.

AED 425,000 5 BR 11,846 sq. ft.

AED 110,000 1 BR 896 sq. ft.

October 2014

36

Al Reem Island for sale

The Gate Tower Al Reem Island Brand new luxury apartments Imran Ellam (Ref # AP329280)

AED 2,940,800 3 BR 1,838 sq. ft.

The Gate Tower Al Reem Island Brand new luxury apartments Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP329100)

AED 1,914,768 2 BR 1,299 sq. ft.

Beach Towers Al Reem Island Attractive investment opportunity Marie DeGuiche (Ref # AP329071)

Sun Tower Al Reem Island An investment for capital growth Marie DeGuiche (Ref # AP328879)

Marina Bay Al Reem Island Affordable luxury Thomas Peter Willams (Ref # AP319706)

AED 2,000,000 2 BR 1,432 sq. ft.

Tala Tower Al Reem Island One of the Best Deals on the Market Marie DeGuiche (Ref # AP328637)

AED 1,593,800 1 BR 1,226 sq. ft.

AED 1,499,880 1 BR 970 sq. ft.

AED 2,200,000 2 BR 1,528 sq. ft.

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Al Reem Island for rent

The Gate Tower Al Reem Island Brand new luxury apartments Wissam Al Hamoud (Ref # AP326667)

The Gate Tower Al Reem Island Ready to move in Maria Joao Beires (Ref # AP329802)

The Gate Tower Al Reem Island Fully furnished with style and class Thomas Peter Willams (Ref # AP329432)

bhomes.com

AED 135,000 2 BR 1,317 sq. ft.

Al Maha Tower Al Reem Island

AED 90,000 1 BR 771 sq. ft.

Mangrove Place Al Reem Island

A prestigious address Maria Joao Beires (Ref # AP315954)

Ready to move in Maria Joao Beires (Ref # AP329787)

AED 110,000 1 BR 923 sq. ft.

The Gate Tower Al Reem Island Privileged location Wissam Al Hamoud (Ref # AP92189)

AED 90,000 1 BR 893 sq. ft.

AED 90,000 1 BR 700 sq. ft.

AED 135,000 2 BR 1,206 sq. ft.

October 2014

38

Al Reef FOR SALE

Building 26 Al Reef Assured rental income Marie DeGuiche (Ref # AP329683)

AED 1,500,000 3 BR 1,657 sq. ft.

FOR SALE

Arabic Community Al Reef A stunning family home Imran Ellam (Ref # TH314859)

FOR RENT

Mediterranean Community Al Reef Ideal family living Cheffie Melhem (Ref # TH306418)

AED 185,000 5 BR 3,749 sq. ft.

AED 2,700,000 4 BR 2,858 sq. ft.

FOR SALE

Desert Community Al Reef An investment for capital growth Jorim Omollo Amadi (Ref # TH326296)

FOR RENT

Mediterranean Community Al Reef Ideal family living Hinal Kiran Gajjar (Ref # TH300546)

AED 130,000 3 BR 2,424 sq. ft.

AED 1,615,000 2 BR 1,832 sq. ft.

FOR RENT

Desert Community Al Reef Vibrant urban landscape Imran Ellam (Ref # TH295315)

AED 110,000 2 BR 1,832 sq. ft.

Ask the agent Jorim Amadi, residential and commercial consultant, Abu Dhabi Al Reef Villas is Abu Dhabi’s first integrated residential community.

Developed by Manazel Real Estate, one of the UAE’s leading developers (the company’s completed projects include Dunes Village in Dubai) it is a visionary project for the area.

Al Reef has always been a refuge for those looking for a mix of communal living and affordability. The variety of apartments and spacious yet well-priced townhouses grant tenants the best of

both worlds: a comfortable lifestyle and a convenient location that doesn’t break the bank.

A direct connection from Al Reef to the Shahama Freeway links the development to the main entrance into Abu Dhabi (over Yas and Saadiyat Island) resulting in a 25- to 30- minute commute from home to central Abu Dhabi. It’s also close to Al Raha Beach and Abu Dhabi International Airport.

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Other communities FOR SALE

Al Ghadeer Al Ghadeer Traffic-free environment Marie DeGuiche (Ref # TH321528)

AED 1,970,546 3 BR 1,990 sq. ft.

FOR RENT

FOR SALE

Al Ghadeer Al Ghadeer Traffic-free environment Marie DeGuiche (Ref # TH321525)

AED 1,970,546 3 BR 1,990 sq. ft.

Samra Al Raha Gardens Ideal family living Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # VI330038)

FOR RENT

SE 39 Villa Khalifa A Understated luxury Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI329929)

AED 280,000 4 BR 3,389 sq. ft.

FOR RENT

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

FOR RENT

KKS Villa Khalifa A A place to call home Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI308696)

bhomes.com

AED 230,000 5 BR 7,000 sq. ft.

Al Ghadeer Al Ghadeer Excellent value Cheffie Melhem (Ref # TH330404)

AED 90,000 2 BR 1,188 sq. ft.

October 2014

BH lust-have

ACE

House

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The future looks bright The next issue of Better Homes Magazine Abu Dhabi will mark the start of a brand new year – and it certainly won’t be dull. The recession is well behind us, and, as we mirror the property market boom, more and more of us are starting to redecorate

our homes with a similar sense of prosperity and confidence. Welcome the New Year in with a vibrant carnival of colour by decorating your house and garden with an array of colourful cushions, golden tableware and shimmering lanterns – a glittering

display with enough energy to rival the country’s world-class fireworks.

If you’re also celebrating the festive holidays in December, bright baubles and hanging ornaments will add to the party mood effortlessly. The future looks bright – especially at home.

The Penthouse Collection at Gate Towers

Live at the most unique address in the capital.

Overlooking the tranquil azure waters of the Arabian Sea, The Penthouse Collection at Gate Towers, Abu Dhabi is a unique and truly exclusive opportunity providing bespoke interiors and majestic elevated views of the Capitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skyline and the Arabian Gulf.

The Penthouse Collection at Gate Towers, Reem Island: your gateway to modernity, exclusivity and convenience. Prices for these exclusive homes start from AED 8 million.

For more information please call 800 ALDAR or visit aldar.com