Better Homes Magazine Apr'16

bhomes.com

Complimentary copy

COLOUR IMPACT Make a statement with dark hues this season

HANDY TOOLS Everything you need for your power tools kit

Penthouses to buy or lease - DĂŠcor ideas - Designer spotlight

April 2016

MAKE A statement WITHOUT

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Better Homes Magazine | WELCOME

WElcoME To THE APril iSSuE Summer is almost here – can you feel it? While there’s a difference in opinion about whether we like or despise the weather, indoors things seem to be quite relaxed. We’re noticing a lot of neutrals in décor at the moment, but surprisingly darker tones are being lauded this season too. A bit of a change is always refreshing. To find inspiration, take a look at the latest items on shelves (from page 14), or turn to page 22 for the hottest trends to covet.

Managing Director Victoria Thatcher Editorial Director John Thatcher Editor Nicola Monteath

Better Homes went Downtown this issue, to explore a revamped apartment boasting views of the Burj Khalifa (page 30), and discover the happenings in one of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods (page 44 and 47). Noticed you don’t have the equipment you require to put a table together, or drill screws for a frame? Read our Power Tools guide to get all the advice you need (page 36). This issue also covers inspiration for your spare room (page 35), a Thai dish to savour with the family (page 54), and help from the experts (page 50).

Art Director Andy Knappett Designer Emi Dixon Illustrator Andrew Thorpe

Better Homes reveals the top penthouses and skyscraper apartments on the market at the moment (from page 56). Take your pick, and experience the high life.

Production Manager Muthu Kumar

Happy reading.

Advertising Group Manager Sukaina Hussein

Nicola Monteat h nicola@hotmedia publishing.com

Senior Advertising Manager Shweta Praful To contact any of the above people, email firstname@ hotmediapublishing.com

bhomes.com Jan-Jun 2015 | 15,101 | 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.

facebook.com/betterhomespage

Tel: +971 4 364 2876 Fax: +971 4 369 7494 Cover: Image supplied by Crate and Barrel

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Better Homes Magazine | CONTENTS

HoME

14

on the stoRefRont

New collections and trending items to get your hands on

19

mooD of the month It’s all about earthy tones

30

16

shoP foR ...

Minimalist décor for a bachelor pad

18

st yLe fILes

Where does an interior designer shop for her own home?

21

steAL theIR st yL e

Revamp your space to mimic this stylish hotel room

22

on tRenD

Stem inspiration from this season’s hottest looks

36

35

DoWntoWn LIvIng

Explore an apartment within the vicinity

PoWeR tooL s

the hoW-to guIDe

The ultimate kit to have on hand when in need

Ideas for the spare room in your home

38

DesIgn InsPIRAtIon Get ideas for your next big home makeover

BETTEr liViNg

44

move to...

DoWntoWn

Explore this bustling community

50

Ask the exPe Rts

Our expert panel solve all your queries

47

the best of...

DoW ntoW n

Discover the offerings in this area

52

fAmILy AnD We LLbeIng Chef’s tips and advice

48

WhIch schooL?

Take a look at Foremarke School in Dubai

54

tRADItIonALLy thAI Celebrate Songkran with this tasty stir-fry

HouSE

56

PRo PeRtIes foR sALe

Invest in stylish penthouses and apartments

61

PRoPe RtIes foR Rent

Find your new home in one of these neighbourhoods

72

tRIeD AnD testeD

Find a new, creative way to eat vegetables

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66

on the mAP

Discover Dubai with our nifty colour-coded map

Better Homes Magazine | HOUSE Karma J Mirrors reveal a story, rather than just serving its purpose of being a reflective object. The brand, founded by Johanna Jonsson AbchÊe, speaks volumes through each piece, with carefully put together mirrors on backgrounds that mimic games boards like scrabble and backgammon. The rose gold tinted mirrors are probably our favourite, making you feel as though you have a tan whenever you gaze at your reflection – no need to pick Valencia for Instagram selfies. With pieces that speak to each individual, in the same manner art does, it only makes sense to have one in each corner of our homes.

Available at Galleries Lafayette.

HOME

iSensoric intelligence knows exactly what your laundry needs. siemens-home.com/ae Experience perfect laundry with the intelligence of iSensoric – an elaborate, self-regulating system which consists of numerous sensors and a smart software. With the touch of a button, its sensor-controlled technology recognises the amount of detergent, water and strength required, resulting in an excellent wash with minimum use of resources, including time. Thanks to speedPerfect, this technology adapts to the exact time needed for each load, increasing time saved by up to to 65%.

With iQdrive, reliability is at an arm’s length. Coupled with the antiVibration design and our 10-year guarantee, this specially designed motor is built to do your laundry, quietly and efficiently, for the next decade.

Impressive, for a washing machine that exceeds all expectations. For a life less ordinary.

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Better Homes Magazine | shopping

On the STOREFRONT Caparol Paints, as the brand has released their latest addition - CapaCare AirPurify – a paint fortified with Formaldehyde Conversion Technology (FCT). Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring organic compound, known to cause the highest concern while assessing indoor air quality.

The compound is the main reason you’re meant to stay out of a freshly painted room, as it can cause eye redness, skin irritation, and breathing issues. CapaCare AirPurify is now your go-to option, as it reduces the Formaldehyde concentration – by up to 68% within the first 24 hours – improving air quality over time.

i nvest in…

A t e r r ar i u m

M oss & Myrt le ’s d e l i c a te l y p l a nte d m i ni a ture gar d e n s are a go r g e o us na tur a l a d d i ti o n to a n y h o u s e h o ld . N o t o nl y a r e th e y l o w m ai n t e n a n ce , b ut th e y a d d a p e r s o na l to uc h to y o u r o f f ic e d e s k a nd h o m e , a nd i d e a l a s hous e - w a rmin g g i f ts to o . T h e te r r a r i um s are a v ailab le in f i s h b o w l s , a nd w i th l e a th e r stra p s - w h ic h e x ud e a n e d g y to uc h . O r d e r y ou rs at mos s a n dm yr t l e .f l e u r .a e

3 to buy

S o f t a c c e s so r ie s to transfo rm yo ur c o uc h

C o p i a c u s h io n, Dh s 1 5 5 a t Za ra H o m e

Cu s h io n, Dh s 8 4 0 a t Mo s a iqu e

Cu s h io n , D h s 5 5 0 a t Bu rgu n d y D e s i g ns

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Jumeirah Village Triangle Delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework of England

ADMISSION NOW OPEN FOR AGES 3 AND UP

Guiding young learners through exploration and communication

Multi-Sensory Learning

Stimulating Environment

“Our youngest pupils will use a range of senses, enabling them to make important connections and links within their learning.”

“The purpose-designed Early Years environment sparks imagination and stimulates interactive learning.”

Emma Gorman

Tia Linton

Foundation Stage Teacher

Foundation Stage Teacher

Kephren Sherry Head of Infants

Introduces

EARLY YEARS

EXPLORERS Lucy Horn

Foundation Stage Teacher

“Our programme promotes essential skills of reading, writing, speaking and number knowledge.”

High Expectations

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Social Growth

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Better Homes Magazine | shopping

SHOP For... a M iNi MaliST BaCHElO r paD

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1 . De sse r t sa uc e r, Dh s 270 at as tie r de V illate 2. Woode n calend ar, Dhs1 00 at Blo o m ingd ale’s - Dubai 3. Deco Tro lly with cigar le at h e r, Dh s3 ,0 9 0 at i n dig o liv in g 4. U n ika wa ll u n it, D h s25 ,999 at Chattels and Mo re 5 . Throw, Dhs4 1 9 at Zara Ho m e 6. l lad ro B e l l d e n ui t c o l l e c t ion lamp, D h s 4,50 0 at Ta n a g ra 7. S ilver tray with hand le, teapo t, and m ug, Dhs1 37 5 , Dhs1 280, and Dhs27 0 r esp e c t i ve l y, at Mo saiq u e 8 . imag e D’O rie n t c h a ir, D h s 8 ,5 5 0 at Blo o m ingd ale’s - Dubai 9. Brass table, Dhs1 ,300 at Blo o m ingville

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Better Homes Magazine | shopping

stylefiles th e h Ig h LIfe

D e c o rate yo ur p e ntho use w i th the se p i e c e s

g e t my Look

Mere te Br oe n , G e ne r a l Mana ge r a n d Co- fo u n d e r o f Ze n I n te r i or s

Desi gner gui l d, Dhs6 90 at bl oomi n gdal e’s Dubai

SIgNAtURe St yLe

i am drawn to modern and contemporary styles, as i love clean lines and timeless, minimalist designs. i prefer natural colours, and a calm and soothing palette for my own home, with white, greys, light blues and turquoise. i like bringing a sense of the outside in, and because i’m lucky enough to have a sea view from my window, these colours really work well. With clients’ homes, i’m drawn to natural textures; wooden floors, leather chairs, wood, and particularly walnut furniture pieces.

go -to StoReS

i could spend hours in maison d’art looking at their amazing selection of fabrics from Designer’s Guild, and the colourful variety from Christian Lacroix. i also enjoy The Rug Company designer collaborations – Paul Smith and Kelly Wearstler collections were some of my favourites so far.

ShoP foR wALLPAPeR At…

Elitis – they have a great selection of wall coverings, as does maison d’art.

it’s a subtle way of making a room even more interesting.

DéCoR tIPS

Assess the location you’re placing your rug in. in areas of high traffic, where people may be wearing shoes, such as a hallway, or living room, it needs to be easy to clean, with minimal shedding. in bedrooms, a deeper pile is often nice, as it feels luxurious on bare feet.

Quality has to be the most important factor though, in choosing a rug, cheaper carpets will become very thin and frayed much sooner than a robust, quality piece.

C r ysl ati a tray, Dhs1,500 at burgundy Desi gn s

foR PAINt, heAD to…

Kansai – they have a great selection of colours and fantastic coverage.

beSt home bUy

My TV unit from Poliform was a bit of a splurge at the time, but it really makes the living room complete. finding a piece of furniture that is not only functional, but also beautiful, is key when looking for investment pieces.

And i absolutely love this one.

b i r ds on branches Q uadr i ptych, Dhs1,999 at Indi go Li vi ng

@inspire_me_home_decor spend hours going through this feed, especially if you’re fond of design and architecture. The compilation here will make you swoon, and of course hit the stores to mimic looks. find inspiration for every room in your home, and take note of colour combinations, accessories, and layouts – especially of living rooms and open kitchens.

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Storage, Dhs8,500 at mar i na home

Better Homes Magazine | shopping

Mood o f t he m o nt h‌

earthy tones ChAt teL s & MoRe Is the DestINAtIoN oF ChoICe FoR UNIQUe PIeCes

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1 . table lamp tran s p/c og n ac brow n , D h s 1 ,629 2. Gustav sid etable so lid o ak , Dhs6,7 99 3. 1 low chair co pper a rms waln u t, D h s 4,199 4. Ca milla arm chair fabric, Dhs5 ,4 99 5 . Unika tV unit in o ak , Dhs1 1 ,4 99

Chattels & More

a homegrown furniture concept nestled in Umm hurair offers chic, contemporary style pieces that suit almost any home scheme perfectly. the mid-high range collection on offer comprises pieces sourced from vendors across europe. Find everything from coffee tables and statement chairs, to lamps, couches, and accessories at the 18,000 square feet showroom. the expansive space boasts muted hues, with complete room settings, to mimic the style, or mix and match pieces for your abode.

Call 04-6097555.

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Better Homes Magazine | shopping

Steal their Style GO PINK WITH INSPIRATION FROM REGENT POOL CLUB RESIDENCES

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1 . Th r ee s e ate r lig h t g re y ve lve t c ou c h , D h s6,5 90 at Ind igo L iving 2. Trid ent flo o r lam p, Dhs399 at Ho m e Centre 3 . Po r c e lain famis h bow l g old g laze d in te rio r, Dhs5 20 at Tse Tse 4 . Back chair, Dhs1 5 ,5 00 fo r a pair at Burgund y D e si g n s 5 . As tie r de V illate variou s th ou g h ts saucer, Dhs27 0 at Co m pto ir 1 02 6. Victo ria co ral cushio n co ver, Dhs24 9 at In dig o Liv in g 7. Marie Vas e fl eur vase/ cand le ho ld er large, Dhs24 0 at Villero y & Bo ch

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Better Homes Magazine | trends

On TREND I n s p I r at I o n fo r e v e ry room In the house

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Better Homes Magazine | trends

Living Room Crate and Barrel’s latest collection reveals dark colours are just as versatile as light hues. This elegant setting with a fur rug for texture, mixed materials seen on the couches, and vibrant art comes together beautifully.

Don’t be afraid to opt for dark colours this season, they can make a home look as chic, warm and cosy as possible.

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Better Homes Magazine | trends

Bathroom Duravit’s all-new C-bonded technology combines the furniture and washbasin in a complex process, virtually seamlessly with the vanity unit.

Ceramics and furnishings are fused to make a single object with a precise edged basin. The nude tone unit boasts space on the side for accessories, with LED lighting that gives the washroom a futuristic effect.

Kitchen Romantica, the sophisticated and classy scheme is functional, while being advanced in technology. The door moulding and decorative details are elegant, while the open-end units with gloss laquer white finish, and new bridge style handles add refinement to the setting. Personalise the space to your liking, with appliances and storage elements. Available at Platinum House.

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Charme 37 represents a new dynamic and open kitchen with comfortable living spaces, rational and minimalist design characterized by flat groove available in multiple colors and metallic finish, and a special door inclined at 37°Urban, architectural, flexible, Charme 37 bases its concept on particular open elements which give the model a strong formal and personal connotation. It is available in a wide range of colors and materials.

Febal Casa Platinum House CO. LLC, Umm Suqeim Road ,next to Kids HQ WHERE LUXURY MEETS TECHNOLOGY ITALIAN KITCHENS AND INTERIORS • SMART HOME SYSTEMS

e-mail: info@platinumhouse.ae - Tel: +971-48143800 - www.febalcasa.com

Better Homes Magazine | trends

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Better Homes Magazine | trends

Bedroom Indigo Living’s electric blue with gold scheme is a fun, laid-back, yet refined setting. With a bed that makes you want to jump and sink in, and fur rugs to keep the floor as lavish as the entire space, we think it’s well worth investing in the basics. White and gold hues are known to make the space airy, and bright, so if you’re looking to make a room appear more spacious, opt for these colours. And of course, a statement chair to sit back with a cuppa.

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Better Homes Magazine | trends

Dining Room This Draenert setting from Western Furniture, decorated by Cassanova, is an extendable, rectangular piece made of glass with two extension leaves. The base is made of steel in polished/matte chrome. The sleek chairs with a steel tube frame, and a covering of tricotage black or dark cigarro or leather, exude a contemporary vibe. The set-up is apt for those who prefer, or boast, a contemporary scheme.

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april 2016 | www.bhomes.com APRIL

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Better Homes Magazine | HOME TOUR

Downtown living Bernard Creek gives us a tour of his apartment filled with bargains and stylish pieces Words by nicola Monteath Photographs by Anique Ahmed

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Better Homes Magazine | HOME TOUR

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Better Homes Magazine | HOME TOUR

very once in a while I come across someone who has mastered the art of finding bargains, and interesting pieces from the most unexpected places.

Bernard Creek definitely fits the bill when it comes to this. When we arrived at his apartment at Rehan, near Al Manzil Hotel in Downtown, we were exposed to a bright, airy room flooded with natural light. This is one of the main reasons he bought the threebedroom apartment.

The Vice President of Finance at Dubai Duty Free has lived in the emirate for over 12 years, on and off. In between, he lived in the Caribbean, followed by New Orleans for a few years, before returning to his current job which he says he loves the most. “I love walking around and I can walk everywhere here.

There is a Spinneys downstairs, and gym close by. I literally leave my car in the parking lot the whole weekend,” says the Irish gentleman.

The home was a project that he and his interior designer friend Bonita O’Donnell enjoyed working on together. The living room is filled with great bargains,

The colour scheme of the home is white and light blue

repurposed furniture, and flooring that the two bought from a shopping mall. “A store in Dubai Mall was shutting down and we got this floor from there, because they have to give it back the way it was initially handed over. My friend and I went in and made an offer on multiple occasions. I bought it quite cheap, and got phenomenal craftsmen to fit it in,” says Bernard. While at first he never really thought about having a wood floor, he now absolutely loves it.

The colour scheme of the home is white and light blue, with hints of yellow and grey popping up from accessories. “I like neutral colours, it’s easy to live with, and looks great in the sunshine as well,” he says. Bernard tells us that he wanted the space to not only look beautiful, but be as comfortable as possible. The couch from Flamant is a stunning off-white piece, and Bernard tells us that it’s not just pretty, but comfortable too. The coffee table was an absolute bargain as well – he got three pieces for Dhs200, from the discount section at Pottery Barn.

When it comes to tweaking pieces, Bernard and Bonita are experts. The

dining table from Crate and Barrel came with a marble top that seemed a bit small for it. The marble was stripped down, split into two – for the customised office table and entryway console – and topped off with a large slab from a marble factory in Al Quoz. A mish-mash of chairs complement the dining table, giving it a retro, casual vibe. The look is matched with distressed looking cabinets and pieces in the living room. Bernard even picked up chairs from The Cellar, an old pub in Garhoud, and revamped it to change the velvet fabric, and colour of the stylish mini chairs. These sit at the dining table, and all over the home, and are of sentimental value to Bernard, reminding him of his days in Garhoud, where he first lived when he moved to the city.

The open plan kitchen is absolutely gorgeous too, and thankfully used often, when Bernard cooks up a delish Italian or seafood meal for friends and family.

He tells us at first it boasted a very 80’s vibe with brown wood cabinetry.

The pieces were sent to a factory to be painted, with tiles from Dragon Mart added in to make the splash back stand

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Better Homes Magazine | HOME TOUR

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Better Homes Magazine | HOME TOUR

out. “The grey tone cabinets changed the look of the kitchen completely.”

It’s hard to stop shopping for a home, and even though Bernard says he now has, a few months ago it was a completely different scenario. Bonita refers to these as “unauthorised purchases” he tells us. He also finds lamp shopping a mission here, and picked up a few from the States to match his décor scheme. The lighting fixtures on the other hand, are all from Dubai. His travels have also led him to finding works of art, and prints of the first Paris Expo, which hang on the entryway wall.

Other paintings in the home are from Bulgaria, and an art exhibition held in Dubai, at the painter’s home. The

painting from Irish artist, Paul Rattigan, is of Dubai, however not the landscape we’re used to seeing.

Paint and wallpaper are used on feature walls in the bedrooms, with the maid’s room boasting a giant flower print wallpaper, the office comprising a yellow ceiling, and the dining area wall featuring a retro-style grey wallpaper. “I got the wall coverings from Mr Perswall, a website which allows you to put up a picture of the wall, and explore options to see how it will look at home.”

To give the entire apartment a new lease of life, Bonita and Bernard changed the cabinetry all over the home. One of the bedrooms even boasts a soundproof window, in keeping with the room’s

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white and earthy tones. When Bernard works from home, or studies, it’s all from the home office with bright yellow and black colours – a striking contrast to the other rooms – and a daybed that makes for a great space to read and relax.

Most of the outdoor furniture is from Wysada, a lifestyle website that boasts everything from stylish vintage pieces to contemporary furniture and accessories.

At the moment, the home is complete, and Bernard says he’s stopped looking around for accessories. There’s only one thing he does though, to keep the interiors as is. “Bonita is great at merchandising so I take photos of the tableware in the cabinets, and make sure I put things back in the same place.”

Better Homes Magazine | Home

How-to: CONVERT YOUR MAID’S ROOM

STORAGE SOLUTIONS

You can never have enough space in a home. Transform this room to a place where you can store bulky home gadgets, unused appliances, and luggage. Hanna Karonen, founder of Simply Design Interiors recommends adding shelving, to keep it all neat and simple. “You can create and customise your own solution whilst using as little space as possible,” she says. If you don’t have built-in closets at home, integrate wardrobes or shelves into the room.

Combine storage units to fit your needs: drawers for folded items, hangers for dresses and suits, and boxes for odds and ends. Lighting is crucial, to ensure everything can be seen easily.

STUDY ZONE

“Use a minimalist wall-mounted desk accompanied by a comfortable office chair that fits well underneath,” says Hanna. Make the most of a wall by

furnishing it with a long wall-mounted shelving unit with lots of storage cubbies for books, and desk accessories. Elements such as cushions and a rug, create a cosier feel.

GYM

A workout space at home means you have no excuse not to keep fit.

Transform your space into an exercise spot within the comforts of your home.

Add mirrors to the walls, to give the effect of a larger space, and save a corner for a mini fridge, or cooler – for chilled water – fresh towels, and entertainment, to get you going through the workout.

Mats can be placed on the floor in one corner, for yoga or pilates.

PL AY ROOM

Hiding the toys away on a daily basis can be quite the chore. Why not create a space where children can have fun, and keep their toys all together? “A child’s

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playroom is a place of creativity and imagination, it is necessary to consider practical matters, such as storage and layout,” says Hanna. Make a giant canvas on one wall with chalkboard paint, to create one large drawing space for the kids to doodle and explore. Get crafty and make a tepee tent to give the room a playful, sophisticated look.

L AUNDRY SPOT

The aim is to make it look as cool, pleasant, and comfortable as possible, while being highly functional. Opt for light colours on the walls, to create a bright and airy space. For better space utilisation, consider putting a rail along with hamper or wall shelves. Hanna suggests installing a counter top above the washer and dryer, to create a smooth surface. It’s also a nice place to chill while doing laundry.

For professional design solutions, contact Simply Design Interiors on 04-5516072.

Better Homes Magazine | HOME

THE POWER OF TOOLS N o t s u r e w h at t o e q u i p y o u r h a n d y k i t

w i t h ? Th e ex p e r t s a d v i s e , s o y o u h av e everything when in need

Power tools are an essential for every household. Whether you want to build a table, or drill screws to hang frames, it’s vital to have a selection of tools on hand – even if you use it a mere couple of times a year. Here are some of the main pieces to invest in, instead of calling handymen, or borrowing from the neighbours:

J i g SAw

For those arbitrary curves, and custom shapes, the jigsaw is your tool. You can use it to custom shapes for art, repairs, fittings, and other projects around the home. It can be used on wood, metal, plastic or other materials – depending on the accessories used with the machine – and Dimitar states that nowadays it’s utilised in a more artistic fashion than other saws, although for straight cuts it can be quite tricky, as it requires certain level of proficiency for a user.

SA N D E R S

These are available in a multitude of shapes and functionality (Orbital, finishing, delta/palm). It can be used for virtually any job around the home that requires sanding, be it for preparation, removing splinters, or finishing jobs. Dimitar recommends using it to prep your wall for new paint, to maintain outdoor wood furniture before giving it seasonal treatment, and on anything that requires a smooth finish.

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i m pAc T D R ill

This gadget is increasing in popularity, and versatility. The drill is available in various sizes, and battery capacities, catering to specific demands. “The heavy, demanding jobs would require a corded one, where in a similar way you can choose from a variety of power and drill size capacity,” he says. From installing curtains and frames, to wall mounting TVs and securing furniture – the drill is a must for your home.

Better Homes Magazine | HOME

c o R D l E SS ScREwDRivER

This screwdriver has become an essential helper, even though most think the drill is the only item to have on hand. “The big thing in this category is the growing reliability and productivity of lithiumion batteries – and at the same time they are affordable – because such batteries can produce four times more energy than a regular battery of the same weight and volume,” says Dimitar Popov, Senior buyer of the DIY department at ACE. You can use it to drill, screw, and unscrew items.

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o S c ill AT i N g m u lT i -To o l

Whether it is corded, or batteryoperated, the name itself portrays that can be used for numerous jobs, with a specific range of attachment and accessories. There are possibilities to be used for sawing, sanding, rasping, grinding, scraping, cutting and polishing. Relatively much younger than the traditional power tools, this brilliant piece of equipment has rapidly grown in popularity, and become an irreplaceable new addition to the home workshop.

Better Homes Magazine | DESIGN INSPIRATION

d e s i G n i n s pirat i o n

Merging art with luxury V i o l e t a n d G e o r G e i n j e c t p e r s o n ali t y i n to a n apart m e n t at t h e l a n c as t e r s

P

icture this: an all-white private luxury residence of 77 apartments situated in the Bayswater area of London, looking out to Hyde Park. This ultraluxe building is known as The Lancasters – a sophisticated development with a Grade-II listed Stucco-fronted façade.

The Lancasters aren’t new, and many of you might recognise it as the tiered hotel it once was. Nowadays, the redeveloped building offers everything from a state-of-the-art gym to a pool, spa and concierge facilities.

Nicky Mudie, Director of Londonbased interior design firm Violet and George had the pleasure of working

on a client’s home at The Lancasters, fusing her passion and creativity with the client’s needs. “The main brief was to create a family home and a fun environment for a father to enjoy quality time with his four children - all under the age of 12 – with the focus being on play, fun and practicality.” Nicky brings with her a wealth of experience having studied in textile and print at art-college and university. “I was always drawn to the softer side of design: fabrics, pattern, print and colour.” After a stint as founding member of Godrich Interiors she found a niche in the market and launched Violet and George in 2009.

“We are proud to harness old traditions

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and dying skills, and use British skilled artisans to create curtains, lighting, upholstery and passementerie,” she says.

Upon entering the apartment Nicky reveals the master bedroom, kitchen, playroom and washrooms all exit from the entrance hall. The spacious living room boasts a staircase and mezzanine – where the children can do their homework within eyesight - leading to two rooms with ensuite bathrooms and a utility room. “We were asked to not make the home too grown up, and so we reflected this in the home by using a playful palette,” she says.

Nicky’s inspiration stems from colours and patterns like autumnal colours of

Better Homes Magazine | DESIGN INSPIRATION

trees, slate roofs on stone houses, a small hillside village in Provence, and the warm orangey glow of the lighting at bars in Prague during winter. “I went to Miami last year and was blown away by the design there. The intricate details of the Art Deco buildings are inspirational, and act as the perfect backdrop to the modern design in hipster areas such as Wynwood,” she says. Nicky also draws inspiration from the colours of spices such as cinnamon, sandalwood and cloves in the Middle East and India, and the creative details of intricate religious motifs in design and architecture taken from Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.

A look at the living room and you

will immediately notice the massive bookshelf – a piece the family already owned – and a family-size grey couch with blue and printed cushions. While most may think grey is a tricky colour to have at home, especially with little ones around, Nicky believes it works quite well in a space like this. “We decided on a neutral couch to balance the strong mixture of colours and materials sharing the same space,” she says. “The mid grey tone can easily get stained with small children in the home, so the fabric was Scotch-guarded to protect it from stains.” Vibrant art featuring cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck can also be spotted

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APRIL 2016 | www.bhomes.com

in the living room. Colour is injected everywhere you look, along with the designer’s personality to suit the client’s requirements. “Your house should always feel like it’s your own home, a space that reflects your personality unflinchingly.

Whatever a person’s hobbies or passion it should be a space for you to unreservedly explore them,” Nicky tells us. The art adds a significant amount of character to the house making it quirky yet stylish.

“Colourful cartoons of the art provided great inspiration for the accessories and tied the palette together,” she says.

“Cushions, vases and accessories reflect the accent colours in the paintings, and the grand Eskayel rug with its painterly

Better Homes Magazine | DESIGN INSPIRATION design continues the theme of art as influence.”

The art naturally paved the way for design in this case, with Nicky collaborating with contemporary artist Xenz – known for his distinctive urban Chinoiserie style – to create a butterfly and bird of paradise painted rainbow corridor leading to the kids’ bedrooms. Ben Allen, renowned for his controversial pop culture paintings loved by Jade Jagger and Stephen Dorff, was commissioned to create the handscreen printed panels in the dining room, using a stencil-masking technique of the family’s favourite animals such as rhinos and elephants. Traditional grass wallpaper from Turnell and Gigon was used in the guest washrooms.

The bedrooms are a child’s dream, with bursts of colours like pinks and purple reflecting their taste. “We were concerned that the children’s bedrooms were isolated from the master bedroom, and therefore created a Narnia-like space with woodland wallpaper which connects the bedrooms from the master

We invested in the best furnishings

room,” she says. The hand-painted rainbow corridor is decorated with butterflies and birds, making it a fun pathway to reach the bedrooms. The jewel-like glass bird sculptures hanging on the wall are from the Vessel glass art gallery in Notting Hill, and tie together the neutral walls of the living room with the explosion of colour in this corridor.

What’s also great about the children’s rooms is that they can easily be transformed as the kids’ grow older by revamping the wall colour and few accessories. “We invested in the best furnishings, which can be changed with bedcovers in the future.” Other elements like toys can be replaced with books or make up, and similarly the slide-bed for a more grown up bed,” says Nicky.

That said, the rainbow hallway with its graffiti mural of birds and flowers is a piece of art that the family will appreciate for years to come.

By the looks of it, the project really was focused on making the space as un-adult like as possible, which the children would love too. Colours are splashed around the entire home, from the blue/orange and black murals in

the dining room, to the bright cushions, rugs, copper panels, bespoke vases in electric blue, and curtains with zig-zag detail. “It’s great filling a home full of colour, vibrancy, pattern and texture, as the end result is then playful, youthful, and animated,” she says. Throughout the house, various textures are used, from the faux shagreen (a type of rawhide) of the entrance wallpaper, to the antique brass of the console, and the patinated copper panels in the living room. “Such a dramatic space demands not only colour but texture too. We wanted the space to feel tactile on every level,” Nicky goes on to say.

While the children’s bedrooms are as colourful as it gets, the master bedroom was toned down to create a mature escape. “It’s a space to relax away from the colour and drama of the rest of the apartment,” says Nicky.

Dark bold colours are paired with dark wooden floorboards, giving it a relaxed, calming ambience. All rooms are a piece of art in itself, however one of Nicky’s favourites is the guest washroom, which has come to be a conversation starter at dinner parties. At this home, the impact

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was created by layering a stenciled dazzle pattern over a textured grass wallpaper.” Bright, contemporary prints from Print Club London were also used.

Speaking of washrooms, Nicky says that she loves working on washrooms; the smallest room in the house, and the one washroom she recalls well was in a Bloomsbury townhouse for a lawyer and his wife. It featured a tiny disco with wall-to-wall mirrored mosaic tiles, a mirrored disco ball, disco lights, black sanitary ware and a sound system.

Design elements aside, a home can instantly change mood levels according to lighting, and at apartments with families you have to make sure it works for all age groups. “It was important to install dramatic lighting that wouldn’t be dwarfed by comparison to the size and drama of the main room,” she says.

“We visited Decorex together with the client to choose furnishings. I also took inspiration from Design Junction for lighting pieces. It had to be sculptural and bold to hold its own in such a strong architectural space,” she says of the final and most vital element at The Lancaster apartment.

Better Homes Magazine | BETTER LIVING LIVING IT UP DOWNTOWN Downtown Dubai has a plethora of culinary options, attractions, and family activities. Discover the area offerings, to plan your weekend in the vicinity well, or consider buying or renting a house in the area. Celebrate Songkran (thai new Year) with a traditional family recipe, or perhaps head out to thiptara for the newly launched brunch. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got nutritional tips, and expert advice to make living in the city as helpful, and convenient as possible.

better living

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Better Homes Magazine | better living

M ov e to

downtown dubai

“ Yo u a r e n e v e r f a r f r o m t h e centre of the action when y o u l i v e i n D o w n t o w n , ” s ay s Wa f a G h a n a m , R e s i d e n t i a l Sa l e s a n d L e a s i n g M a n a g e r at B e t t e r H o m e s B u s i n e ss B ay One of the world’s largest shopping malls (Dubai Mall), the tallest building (Burj Khalifa), a plethora of restaurants along Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, the iconic Dubai Fountain, and an impressive array of five-star hotels and spas, are just a few of the highlights of this vicinity. The Dubai Mall, nestled in Downtown, is a shopper’s heaven, with every imaginable brand under one roof, as well as a host of other attractions including a giant aquarium and an Olympic-sized ice rink. It is a huge draw not just for UAE residents but also for

tourists from all over the GCC, and across the globe, who travel not just to shop, but marvel at its sheer size and opulence as well.

Housing in Downtown district is roughly divided into two styles contemporary skyscrapers and the rather traditional Arabian style architecture of Old Town, and its’ island.

Many properties have fantastic views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains.

Accommodation is available in the form of studios – starting from 500 square feet – penthouses, and villas. Approximate rental prices range from Dhs75,000 for a studio, Dhs95,000 onwards for a one-bedroom apartment, and from Dhs140,000-Dhs400,000 for a two or three-bedroom home. The area is close to most of the attractions, but if you need to head out, the metro and bus stations are close by. Finding a cab isn’t tough either. The best part about these buildings, and villas, is that they boast great finishing, fully equipped kitchens and facilities for the residents.

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Better Homes Magazine | better living

Meet tHe neigHbourS

G a b i Sa m l i v e s i n a t h r e e b e d r o o m a p a r t m e n t, w i t h m a i d â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s r o o m , i n O l d To w n â&#x20AC;&#x153;This community is very quiet, convenient for families, and safe for children. Everything is within walking distance, from all the amenities and restaurants, to the metro, supermarkets, and entertainment. Everything else in Dubai is within 30 minutes reach. Rent is higher here than other areas, but it is worth spending money and saving time, as living in the heart of Dubai is one of the best experiences.â&#x20AC;?

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Better Homes Magazine | BETTEr living

THE BEST OF

DOwnTOwn DuBai

CATCH OF THE DAY

Seafood lovers can hotfoot it to Catch at Fairmont Dubai, to feast on a selection of delights from the sea and land. The retro backdrop, quirky art, and leather seating, coupled with old-school tunes, make it apt for a casual hangout with friends, or date night. Savour the Catch roll (with miso honey), the lobster rolls doused in truffle oil, succulent wagyu that you can cook at the table, and of course fresh fish – try Atlantic Char stuffed with potato.

Leave space for the moreish sticky date toffee pudding, and ‘Hit Me’ – a triple layer chocolate dessert that melts in your mouth. Call 04-3571755.

WEEKEND BRUNCHIN’

Fancy a curry? Mint Leaf of London at DIFC has revamped their brunch menu to offer a six-couse menu served directly to the table. Relish chaats such as south

indian sweetcorn and cheese cakes, tender, flavour-packed mixed meat grills, a delish butter chicken with fresh roti, curries, and a platter of desserts to end your meal on a sweet note. From Dhs195 per person, call 04-7060900.

MOLECUL AR GASTRONOMY

We hardly get to leisurely stroll around Dubai, which is why City Walk Phase 2 is absolutely gorgeous for a long walk, shopping, and a meal. Stop by Farzi Café, the famed Indian brand, which offers an International and Arabic twist to traditional fare. Tantalise tastebuds with infused mocktails, the deconstructed shepherd’s pie, selection of hummus (original, edamame) with duck samosa, succulent ghalouti lamb sliders, and devilled quails egg with chicken ragout and labneh zaatar quenelle – all of which are gorgeously presented in/on quirky

46 APRIL 2016 | www.bhomes.com

items like bottles, mini saving banks, and slates. Call 04-3942556.

RIDE THE TROLLEY

Why not act like a tourist for a day? Hop on the trolley, which moves at 10 km/ hour, offering access to Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, and other areas of Downtown.

The eco-friendly double decker transit system is perfect for families, and those looking to show people around town. It operates from 4pm-12am on weekdays, and 3-11pm on weekends.

KEEP AN EYE OUT

Canadian restaurant Weslodge Saloon is making its debut in Dubai this month, at the JW Marriott Marquis Tower B. Whet your appetite with lobster poutine, sharing-style platters, Canadian beef and bison, and contemporary American fare.

Call 052-9153355.

Iconic commercial building on Baniyas Road

ENBD Gold Building is a newly renovated commercial property located in the centre of Deira trading district. It comprises of G+9 floors with facilities for all tenants. ▸ Affordable rents from AED 80 per sq. ft.

▸ Applicable for DED licensed companies

▸ Flexible office sizes from 1,150 sq. ft.

▸ Creek view

▸ Shell and core

▸ Managed by Better Homes

For more information, please call 600 56 9992 0r email customercare@bhomes.com

Experience Better.

bhomes.com | 600 56 9992

Better Homes Magazine | better living

which school?

Naomi Williams, Headmaster of Foremarke School discusses the educational system and facilities SHorteN tHe ScHool ruN Thre e ho m e s w i thi n 15 m i nute s dri v e o f Fo re m arke Sc ho o l

Emirates Garden - Lavender 1 Jumeirah Village Circle

What sets your educational institution apar t from others in the city ?

We are enormously proud of our relationships with all members of the Foremarke family. Children are provided with the very best in education, with no more than 16 children seated per class. My colleagues and I have time for each individual, and provide them with opportunities to enjoy and develop interests in a wide range of activities, while being challenged and inspired academically. Whether it is learning a musical instrument in our conservatoire, a new language, or simply benefitting from a warm, nurturing and supportive environment. At the moment, the school goes up until Year 5, and will progress on to Year 6 in 2017.

Why should a parent enroll their child at your school?

At Foremarke School the emphasis is on strong academics, whilst ensuring children enjoy a wide balanced curriculum that provides every child with the opportunity to gain an extensive variety of skills.

Apar t from academics, what else does the school focus heavily on?

We pride ourselves on delivering a rich, broad curriculum that encompasses a range of linguistic opportunities including Mandarin, French, Arabic and Latin. Foremarke is the only school to offer a conservatoire where children learn a range of musical instruments;

have up to 3 ½ hours of PE per week, games and swimming; specialist music and PE from FS1, French from FS2 and art, IT, and Design Technology as the children move up through the school.

We are also proud of our ICT provision with full sets of iPads in each classroom.

All teaching staff are provided with a Macbook and iPad to use with their Apple TV’s. Whilst these elements are important, the key strength of our school is the promotion of the very best relationships across our whole community; relationships that are in the best interests of our children.

Does the school offer anything else in par ticular ?

At Foremarke we take great pride in offering the very highest standard of British preparatory school education here in Dubai, unique to this region. We are a school where children are allowed to be themselves, but we also place great emphasis on discipline, manners and courtesy.

Fabio Lombardi Ref No. AP331032

SJ Villa Barsha Wassim Abdallah Ref No. VI335075

AED 79,000 1 BR 1,007 sq. ft.

AED 13,000,000 6 BR 9,000 sq. ft.

SelecteD FAcilitieS

 Bright spacious classrooms  Multi-purpose sports halls  3G all-weather sports pitches  Dance and drama studio  Libraries  Music rooms  Private practice rooms  Language support rooms  Art studio  Science labs  ICT room and multiple shaded outdoor play areas

48 APril 2016 | www.bhomes.com

SMA Villa Barsha Ghada Ghannam Ref No. VI339216

AED 20,000,000

5 BR 12,423 sq. ft.

FOR

FOR

THE INQUISITIVE

FOR

THE ENERGETIC

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FOREMARKE - FOR ALL

SMALL CLASS SIZES

HIGH ACADEMIC STANDARDS

LOVE OF LEARNING

DEVELOPMENT OF CHARACTER

SPORTS, CREATIVE ARTS, OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Foremarke School offers an exceptional education. Our small class size and enriched curriculum allow children to excel academically, grow in confidence and discover a genuine love for learning.

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FS1 – Y6 LIFETIME FOUNDERS’ TUITION FEES START FROM *Terms and Conditions apply

AED 65,000

PER YEAR*

CONTACT US FOR YOUR CHANCE TO JOIN OUR HAPPY AND VIBRANT COMMUNITY AT FOREMARKE

·

·

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Foremarke School Al Barsha South Dubai UAE +971 (0)4 818 8600 • admissions@foremarkedubai.org • www.foremarkedubai.org

Better Homes Magazine | better living

Ask the experts

Household or c o m m u n i t y d i l e m m a?

Our skilled panel is here to help Q. I moved three months ago, and have noticed the rent for my apartment has dropped considerably low. Can I speak to my landlord or real estate agent within the 12 month period, or I have to wait until the year to end?

A. You will have to wait until the end of your tenancy period to reconsider the rates. In most cases, this would need to be submitted at least 90 days prior to the end of the tenancy contract, in writing to the landlord for his consideration.

Loshini Lawrence Q. My children love being creative, what activities are available for them in Dubai?

A. Dubai is a creative hub and there are plenty of activities available for

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340247

Better Homes Magazine | better living

THE EXPERTS

Lo S H i n i L aw R E n c E

Residential Sales and Leasing Manager at Better Homes

HaRkEE wiLSon

Founder of astheygrow.com

artists of all ages. Some of my favourite arty options include painting canvases at The Jam Jar in Al Quoz, or ceramic gifts at Cafe Ceramique, Jumeirah Centre. For organised craft workshops try Kenzibox’s workshops at various locations, Desert Patch’s decoupage workshops at the Dubai Garden Centre or woodwork, jewellery and bag making at Le Petite Palais’ Studio Art in Galleries Lafayette, Dubai Mall.

DUCTAC’s Manu Chhabria Art Centre at Mall of the Emirates also runs a wide variety of art courses for all ages, and Kidz Art runs North American art-based sessions across Dubai. For something a little different, ReMade DXB teaches sewing and craft workshops in their sewing parlour. For home crafts, I love Kenzibox’s themed craft boxes, which contain all ideas, materials and instructions needed for two to four

projects. With so many creative outlets available, I think they will be spoilt for choice. Harkee Wilson Q. I’ve recently moved to the city, and live in Dubai Marina – pretty close to my workplace in Media City. I’m unsure about buying a car, despite the fact that most residents say I will need one. Could you please help me make a decision?

A. Car ownership is a big commitment, and while settling into the city, car rental is a better option. With your location and proximity to work, you should look at options that are cost effective, and provide you with added value and flexibility. Chose an option that works for your budget, and the reality of the times you will need the car.

Hasib Khan

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APRIL 2016 | www.bhomes.com

H aS i B k H a n

Founder of U Drive

Fa R a H a L k H oj ai

Company Director, Pet’s Delight and Arab Land Trading

Better Homes Magazine | better living

ENTERTAINING & WELL-BEING

NutritioN advice, culiNary tips, aNd the treNdiest shoppiN g picks iN the market

top picks

vi ta miN iN take

1) Sticky stuff remover, Dhs30 at Lakeland 2) Welcome cup, Dhs69 at Pan Emirates 3) Dualit toaster, Dhs1,100 at Bloomingdale’s Dubai

A healthy diet is good enough for a child to gain vitamins and minerals from. However, if you have a fussy eater on hand, or perhaps one who doesn’t consume a well-balanced meal packed with whole foods, and strictly follows a vegetarian or dairy-free diet (to increase iron and calcium levels), supplements are vital. Here are a few to consider:

vitamiN a: To promote growth and development, tissue and bone repair healthy skin, eyes, and immune resources. vitamiN B: The family of B vitamins – B2, B3, B6, and B12 – aid metabolism, energy production, and healthy circulatory and nervous system. vitamiN c: Promotes healthy muscles, connective tissue, and skin. Good sources include citrus fruit, strawberries, kiwi, tomatoes, and broccoli. vitamiN d: Promotes bone and tooth formation, and aids the body in absorption of calcium. calcium: Helps build strong bones as a child grows. iroN: Builds muscle and is essential to healthy red blood cells. Iron deficiency is a risk in adolescence, especially for girls.

1.

2.

3.

Note: Large doses of vitamins (Megavitamins) aren’t always a good idea for children. The fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) can be toxic if kids overdose on excessive amounts.

s Nac k righ t

CHEF’S TI P

Detox Delight have released new additions to their snack family: pure veggie chips, apple cinnamon crackers, and coco choco crisps, so you no longer have to reach for a chocolate bar, deep-fried snacks, or whatever is in sight. The snacks are free of artificial dyes, preservatives, flavour enhancers and sugar additives, and are made of 100% organic ingredients.

Available for Dhs29 each at detox-delight.ae.

“ Sp i c e s sho ul d a l w a y s b e st o r e d i n a cool, dark place.

H um i d i t y , l i g ht a nd he a t w i l l c a use he r b s a nd sp i c e s t o l o se t he i r f l a v o ur ” Vivek Kashiwale, Head Chef at Mint Leaf of London 52

april 2016 | www.bhomes.com

Better Homes Magazine | better living

trADitiOnAllY tHAi celebrate Songkran with a family recipe from pawichada phakot, head c hef at thiptara

nua Phad Pri k Oh n (Stir fried wagyu beef with garlic, chilli, and young peppercorn sauce) Serves 4

1/2 cup young pepper corn, minced 4 tsp oyster sauce 2 tsp soya sauce 2 tsp seasoning sauce 10 tsp chicken stock 1.5 tsp white sugar 200g wagyu striploin, sliced 10g asparagus 15g red bell pepper, diced 15g green bell pepper, diced

16 tsp cooking oil 10g green chilli handful of pecan nuts, chopped handful of pak choi leave s Jasmine rice or stir fried thai noodles, to ser ve 1. Heat the oil in a deep saucepan. Fry pepper corn until fragrant and combine with oyster sauce, soya sauce, seasoning, chicken stock and sugar. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until you get a fragrant aroma.

the hypn o thai b run ch at thi ptara, palace down t own i s t he place t o he ad t o fo r a re laxe d se t t i n g co uple d wi t h vi e ws o f t he fo un tai n s. he lp yo urse lf t o salad s fro m t he b uffe t, an d e n j o y crab cake s, cri sp spri n g ro lls, an d d um pli n gs at t he tab le . a la car t e o pt i o n s fo r m ai n s fe at ure a cho i ce o f phad thai , thai g re e n curr y o r se afo o d , wi t h a d e sse r t b uffe t showcasi n g exo t i c frui t s, an d cho co lat e t re at s. from dhs260, call 04 - 4287961.

2. In a separate saucepan, heat cooking oil and add the minced garlic - fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the bell pepper, asparagus, and green chilli, and stir-fry together. Cook for 5 minutes and add the beef. Fry until the beef is 70% cooked, occasionally shaking the pan gently to distribute the heat. Add the sauce in, and garnish with chopped pecan nuts and pak choi leaves.

3. Serve with hot rice or Thai noodles.

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Better Homes Magazine | HoUSE SKY HIGH Skyscrapers are aplenty in Dubai. Whether you’re looking for one in the Marina, Downtown Dubai, or on Sheikh Zayed Road, they aren’t hard to find. Couples, singles, and small families can take a look at the stunning and spacious offerings in the city. It’s a great option for newly married couples, before they move into a large villa with space for children and pets.

HOUSE

Better Homes Magazine | HOUSE

FOR SALE

I f y o u l i k e w h a t y o u s e e a nd wa nt t o v ie w m o re , v i s i t b h o m e s . c o m o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

The Address Dubai Mall Downtown Dubai Ref No. AP324581 Sana Hajjar

23 Marina Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP325170 Rinku Sawlani

AED 2,100,000

Burj Khalifa Downtown Dubai

Studio 655 sq. ft.

Ref No. AP2856 Ghada Ghannam

AED 11,000,000

Horizon Tower Dubai Marina

4 BR 5758 sq. ft.

Ref No. AP165110 Jawad Motiwala

56 APRIL 2016 | www.bhomes.com

AED 3,000,000 1 BR 986 sq. ft.

AED 2,620,000 4 BR 2,451 sq. ft.

Better Homes Magazine | HOUSE

FOR SALE

I f y o u l i k e w h a t yo u s e e a nd wa nt t o v ie w m o re , v i s i t b h o m e s . co m o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

AED 21,500,000

Ocean Heights Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP322013 Rita Mouawad

5 BR 11,022 sq. ft.

AED 11,300,000

The Jewels Tower 1 Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP307427 Sunil Pravin Jhaveri

4 BR 9,076 sq. ft.

57 APRIL 2016 | www.bhomes.com

Better Homes Magazine | HOUSE

FOR SALE

I f y o u l i k e w h a t y o u s e e a nd wa nt t o v ie w m o re , v i s i t b h o m e s . c o m o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

AED 9,750,000

Princess TOwer

5 Bedroom Apartment, Dubai Marina

E xc E L L E n t vA L u E

The stylish penthouse at this sea-front facing building within Dubai Marina, boasts stunning views of the vista, and expansive lounge, dining room, living area, kitchen, maidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room, and five bedrooms â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all of which are en-suite. Storage space is aplenty in this home too. The apartment is ideal for those who love to live by the sea, within the happening side of the city, and just a few steps away from dining outlets, shops, nurseries, and recreational activities.

t h E D E tA i L S Approx size: 6,121 sq. ft.

Reference No: AP314881

Listed by Donna Apuhin

58 APRIL 2016 | www.bhomes.com

Better Homes Magazine | HOUSE

FOR SALE

I f y o u l i k e w h a t yo u s e e a nd wa nt t o v ie w m o re , v i s i t b h o m e s . co m o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

The residences 9 Downtown Dubai

Ref No. APM308469 Thomas Bunker

Attareen residence Old Town

Ref No. VI297747 Nick Nuziale

AED 7,500,000

Tajer residences Old Town

3 BR 2,598 sq. ft.

Ref No. AP72663 Ghada Ghannam

AED 16,000,000

signature Villas Frond L Palm Jumeirah

4 BR 3,826 sq. ft.

Ref No. VI335217 Rita Mouawad

59 APRIL 2016 | www.bhomes.com

AED 2,300,000 1 BR 996 sq. ft.

AED 29,300,000 5 BR 7,000 sq. ft.

Better Homes Magazine | HOUSE

FOR SALE

I f y o u l i k e w h a t y o u s e e a nd wa nt t o v ie w m o re , v i s i t b h o m e s . c o m o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

AED 1,971,438

ATTAreen resiDence 1 Bedroom Apartment, Old Town

OnE OF thE BESt DEALS On thE MARkEt This one bedroom apartment on the Old Town Island, might just be the perfect home for you and your loved one. With views of the lake, low-rise buildings all around, and tranquil surroundings that make you want to take a walk every evening, this apartment is just perfect the way it is. The upgraded house even includes a balcony, added in to the living room for extra space. If you need to head out for a bit of shopping, or a bite, Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar are just a walk away.

t h E D E tA i L S Approx size: 988 sq. ft.

Reference No: AP336366

Listed by wael Faidi

60 APRIL 2016 | www.bhomes.com

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FOR REnt

I f y o u l i k e w h a t yo u s e e a nd wa nt t o v ie w m o re , v i s i t b h o m e s . co m o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

Tajer residences Old Town

Ref No. AP333489 Anna Bulakhova

Al Bahar residences Old Town

Ref No. AP318671 Ghada Ghannam

AED 190,000

The Dubai Mariott Harbour Hotel Dubai Marina

2 BR 1,969 sq. ft.

Ref No. AP277794 Fabio Lombardi

AED 225,000

The waves Tower B Dubai Marina

2 BR 1,250 sq. ft.

Ref No. AP318523 Caleb Hall

61 APRIL 2016 | www.bhomes.com

AED 550,000 3 BR 4,303 sq. ft.

AED 350,000 3 BR 5,662 sq. ft.

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signature Villas

AED 800,000

Emirates Hills

5 BR 7,170 sq. ft.

Ref No. VI2624 Julieta Kitova

AED 315,000

Palazzo Versace Culture Village

2 BR 1,833 sq. ft.

Ref No. AP339584 Dorota Chudzik

62 APRIL 2016 | www.bhomes.com

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I f y o u l i k e w h a t yo u s e e a nd wa nt t o v ie w m o re , v i s i t b h o m e s . co m o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

AED 350,000

execuTiVe TOwer K 4 Bedroom Apartment , Business Bay

ExpERiEncE hEightS OF LuxuRy

Those who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make up their mind between living in a villa or an apartment will love this four-bedroom duplex penthouse located at the Executive Towers, just a few minutes away from the iconic Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the metro. The beautiful layout comprises a widespread living room and dining area with large windows that lend natural light to the space. The terrace offers views of the Business Bay lake, and Sheikh Zayed Road, and it has a private pool too. The master bedroom houses its own jacuzzi in the bathroom, while all three en-suite bedrooms include balconies with a view. Facilities include a pool, and gym.

63 APRIL 2016 | www.bhomes.com

t h E D E tA i L S Approx size: 6,645 sq. ft.

Reference No: AP309335

Listed by Binu Abraham

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I f y o u l i k e w h a t y o u s e e a nd wa nt t o v ie w m o re , v i s i t b h o m e s . c o m o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

central Park residential Tower DIFC

AED 250,000

Ref No. AP339513 Jean Ayoub

2 BR 2,037 sq. ft.

sapphire

AED 425,000

Ref No. AP304112 Kristina Titova

4 BR 5,150 sq. ft.

Palm Jumeirah

Burj Khalifa Downtown Dubai Ref No. AP295819 Alina Cercel

Oceana caribbean Palm Jumeirah

Ref No. AP303805 Ali Tabrizi

64 APRIL 2016 | www.bhomes.com

AED 450,000 3 BR 2,663 sq. ft.

AED 450,000 3 BR 2,280 sq. ft.

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FOR REnt

I f y o u l i k e w h a t yo u s e e a nd wa nt t o v ie w m o re , v i s i t b h o m e s . co m o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

AED 340,000

AL BAHAr resiDences 3 Bedroom Apartment, Old Town

p R E M i E R L O c At i O n

This Old Town Island fully furnished three-bedroom apartment is sited in a peaceful community, yet not far from the hustle and bustle of the Downtown area. A laundry room with washing machine, TV, guest bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen, and ensuite bedrooms, complete with wardrobes, make up the space. Housing in Downtown district is roughly divided into two styles - contemporary skyscrapers and the traditional Arabian style architecture of Old Town and Old Town Island.

t h E D E tA i L S Approx size: 2,578 sq. ft.

Reference No: AP318806

Listed by sana Hajjar

65 APRIL 2016 | www.bhomes.com

Better Homes Magazine | HOUSE Dubai Dubai Waterfront Waterfront

Arabian Arabian GulfGulf

The Palm The Palm Jebel Ali Jebel Ali

The Palm The Pa Jumeirah Jumeir

Jumeirah Beach Jumeirah Beach ResidenceResidence Dubai Marina

DubaiDubai Pearl Duba Marina Media Internet Media Int City City City C Jumeirah Jumeirah Jumeirah Jumeirah Lake Towers The The Lake Greens Towers Gree Heights Heights TECOM TE Gardens Gardens Emirates Emirates Hills Hills MeadowsMeadows Jebel Ali Jebel Ali DiscoveryDiscovery Village Village Gardens Gardens Jumeirah Jumeirah Islands Islands The LakesThe Lakes

Jebel Ali Freezone Jebel Ali Freezone Downtown Downtown Jebel Ali Jebel Ali

Jumeirah Jumeirah The Springs The Springs Park

Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi

Al Furjan Al Furjan Park

Jumeirah Jumeirah Village Village Triangle Triangle Green Green Jumeirah Jumeirah Jumeirah Jumeirah Village Village Community Community International International Golf Golf Circle Circle Media Media Estates Estates Dubai Dubai Production Production Investment Investment Zone (IMPZ) Zone (IMPZ) Park Park Dubai Dubai

Technology Park Technology Park

Dubai World Central

Better Homes BetterOffices Homes Offices Dubai Metro Dubai Metro Red line Red line Green line Green line Metro Stations Metro Stations

N

Sports City

Dubai World Central

Motor City

DubailandDubail

N

The price is right

See how property prices fare across the city with our at-a-glance guide

Villas

Villas

Sale

Rental

Community

arabian Ranches

Jumeirah Park

Jumeirah Village triangle

Palm Jumeirah

Bedrooms

average pricing

Sports City

Monthly

Quarterly

change

change

2

AED 2,073,304

-0.01%

-7.21%

3

AED 3,065,537

-0.02%

-2.58%

4

AED 4,399,468

-0.01%

-2.12%

5

AED 6,299,279

-0.01%

-2.12%

3

AED 4,099,127

-0.02%

-2.24%

4

AED 5,489,809

0.00%

-1.78%

5

AED 6,224,618

-0.01%

-2.55%

1

AED 1,484,454

-0.04%

-2.46%

2

AED 2,879,146

-0.03%

-2.29%

3

AED 8,099,385

-0.01%

-4.58%

4

AED 13,395,977

-0.03%

-4.17%

5

AED 15,599,764

0.00%

-2.49%

Community

arabian Ranches

Dubai Investment Park

Jumeirah Park

Jumeirah Village triangle Mirdif

Palm Jumeirah

Exchange rate service offering Save when changing your money. Get currency exchanged through Better Homes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; call 04 407 4600

66 APRIL 2016 | www.bhomes.com

Bedrooms

average pricing

Monthly

Quarterly

change

change

2

AED 148,674

-0.02%

-7.61%

3

AED 196,952

-0.02%

-1.51%

3

AED 213,974

-0.01%

-0.47%

4

AED 220,972

-0.01%

1.12%

3

AED 219,915

-0.04%

-3.03%

4

AED 274,976

-0.01%

-3.32%

5

AED 303,974

-0.01%

-3.03%

1

AED 114,976

-0.02%

-1.73%

2

AED 159,972

-0.02%

-0.02%

3

AED 134,975

-0.02%

-3.78%

4

AED 151,976

-0.02%

-3.79%

3

AED 329,971

-0.01%

-2.75%

4

AED 434,935

-0.01%

-3.14%

5

AED 469,925

-0.02%

-3.86%

The WorldThe World

Palm Deira The Palm The Deira

Better Homes Magazine | HOUSE

Dubai Dubai Maritime Maritime City City

Jumeirah Jumeirah

Umm Suqeim Umm Suqeim

Sufouh

Sufouh

Manara Manara

Safa

Safa

Al Wasl

Satwa

Badaa

Badaa

Bur DubaiBur Dubai

Hamriya Hamriya Deira

Umm Umm Hurair Hurair DIFC Trade Trade Karama Karama Downtown Centre Centre Downtown Oud Oud Zabeel Zabeel Burj Khalifa Burj Khalifa Metha Metha Business Business Bay Bay

Deira Wuheida Wuheida Mamzar Mamzar

DIFC

Al Quoz Al Quoz

Barsha

Al Wasl

Satwa

Barsha

Al Khail Al Khail Gate Gate

Culture Village

Al Nahda Al Nahda

Garhoud Garhoud Airport Airport Free ZoneFree Zone Twar Twar Culture Qusais Village

Sharjah Sharjah Qusais

Umm Umm Ramool Ramool

Bu Kadra Bu Kadra

Dubai Dubai Festival City Festival City

Meydan Meydan The The City Lagoons Lagoons City

otechDubiotech

Hor Al AnzHor Al Anz

Nadd Nadd Shamma Shamma

Ras Al Khor Ras Al Khor

Muhaisnah Muhaisnah

Nadd Nadd Al Hamar Al Hamar

bian Arabian ches Ranches

Mirdif

Al Barari Al Barari Living Legends Living Legends

Mirdif

Ghoroob Ghoroob Warqaa Warqaa

Al Waha y Community

Mizar

Shorooq Shorooq

Nad Al Sheba Nad Al Sheba International International City City

Layan Dubai Dubai Silicon Oasis Silicon Oasis

Mizar

Awir

KhwaneejKhwaneej

Awir

AcademicAcademic City City

Apartments

Apartments

Sale

Rental

Community

Downtown Dubai

Dubai Investment Park

Dubai Marina

Jumeirah lake towers

Jumeirah Village Circle

the Greens

Palm Jumeirah

Bedrooms

average pricing

Monthly

Quarterly

change

change

1

AED 1,759,000

-0.06%

-2.19%

2

AED 3,049,258

-0.02%

-2.96%

3

AED 5,399,325

-0.01%

-0.86%

1

AED 709,906

-0.01%

0.26%

2

AED 1,179,932

-0.01%

-1.46%

Studio

AED 467,946

-0.01%

-0.43%

1

AED 1,434,105

-0.06%

-4.03%

2

AED 2,499,185

-0.03%

-0.03%

3

AED 3,574,264

-0.02%

0.69%

1

AED 1,139,926

-0.01%

-2.81%

2

AED 1,539,559

-0.03%

-4.03%

Community

Downtown Dubai

Dubai Investment Park

Dubai Marina

© 2012 Better © 2012 Homes Better Homes

Monthly

Quarterly

change

change

AED 114,920

-0.07%

-0.03%

2

AED 164,950

-0.03%

0.03%

3

AED 254,950

-0.02%

-2.00%

1

AED 64,950

-0.08%

-0.81%

2

AED 98,020

0.02%

-1.89%

3

AED 136,890

-0.01%

-0.08%

1

AED 106,400

-0.09%

-0.54%

2

AED 149,920

-0.05%

-4.54%

3

AED 204,925

-0.04%

-0.50%

1

AED 87,928

-0.08%

-2.30%

2

AED 125,962

-0.03%

-3.79%

3

AED 158,980

-0.01%

-1.89%

Studio

AED 67,975

-0.04%

-2.89%

1

AED 68,465

-0.05%

-0.78%

2

AED 103,955

-0.04%

-0.05%

1

AED 87,452

-0.05%

-1.74%

2

AED 139,935

-0.05%

-2.90%

Bedrooms

average pricing

1

3

AED 2,309,188

-0.04%

0.37%

4

AED 3,999,377

-0.02%

-0.02%

1

AED 799,953

-0.01%

-0.01%

2

AED 1,209,922

-0.01%

-0.78%

1

AED 1,119,904

-0.01%

-2.45%

2

AED 1,859,137

-0.05%

-2.04%

3

AED 2,554,368

-0.02%

-3.39%

1

AED 2,499,527

-0.02%

-1.94%

1

AED 149,932

-0.05%

-0.05%

2

AED 2,599,209

-0.03%

-1.77%

2

AED 169,976

-0.01%

-1.14%

3

AED 3,949,418

-0.01%

-3.44%

3

AED 216,932

-0.03%

-1.36%

4

AED 12,699,354

-0.01%

-0.16%

4

AED 317,946

-0.02%

-0.02%

Jumeirah lake towers

Jumeirah Village Circle the Greens

the Palm Jumeirah

67 APRIL 2016 | www.bhomes.com

Tel: +971 4 2729532, Fax: +971 4 2729522 Mob: +971 50 8671559, 055 6133868 P.O. Box: 118843, Dubai, UAE Email: contact@hometalents.net

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TRIED & TESTED We review the latest gadgets o n t h e m a rk e t

VEGETablE SpIRalIz ER Swap pasta for spiralised vegetables with this easyto-use gadget. Whether you want to curl sweet potatoes, pair bolognese sauce with zucchini noodles, or add a twist to cucumbers in a simple salad, this machine is for you.

What we like? So simple to

use: just top and tail your vegetable, pop it on the holder, choose the blade you want to use and wind the handle with ease, you really can’t get it wrong.

Lightweight and unassuming, the blades are easily removed which makes cleaning a breeze. It’s also dishwasher safe and easy to clean.

What we didn’t like? The

inserts aren’t numbered so you need to look carefully at the shape of the blades to establish which one is which.

To buy: Dhs195 at Lakeland.

GEfu SpIRal SlI c ER SpIREllI Looking to eliminate gluten, or include more veggies in your diet? Spiralising is the way to go about it. Using this hand held slicer isn’t a cumbersome task at all. Not only is it absolutely trendy at the moment to eat ‘zoodles’ – zucchini noodles – it’s also nutritionally beneficial.

What we like? Choose a

vegetable you prefer – we love zucchini and sweet potatoes – and hold the slicer firmly as you twist the vegetable.

The blades work perfectly on raw vegetables, and you can eat it as is, or toss it in oil and add a pinch of chilli flakes.

Using it doesn’t require much effort either, which is why it’s

slicer, but all it takes is a few minutes to get the vegetable scraps off.

super handy to have this item within sight.

What we didn’t like? It can be quite tricky washing the

To buy: Dhs95 at Tavola.

72

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