Better Homes Magazine - April'18

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April 2018

the new neutrals Modern shades for spring

a life in art

At home with artist and rug designer Cecilia Setterdahl

how to style a hallway â—? design a sleek bathroom â—? move to dubailand

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Welcome to the APRIl Issue

A

good spring clean is always in order at this time of the year. Amid the tidying up and clearing out, we’ve decided to give Better Homes magazine a little revamp, too. As a fresh look is the epitome of modern living, we’ve kept it simple, with a few subtle additions.

Master builder Lucinda Sanford took a similar approach to renovating her mother’s inherited family home in London (page 44), selecting the best furniture from the family collection with some fresh pieces for a new lease of life.

Elsewhere in this issue, we celebrate colour, with a tour of Cecilia Setterdahl’s Jumeirah Islands villa (page 36). The artist and co-founder of Carpets CC has completely renovated her home, opening up the space to allow more light in and painting the walls white to provide a canvas for her collection of art.

For those looking for an alternative to stark white, we present some bolder neutrals with a calming quality (page 25). We’ve also gleaned expert advice from the likes of Gregg Sedgwick, CEO and founder of Gallery One, who advises on choosing stand-out designs (page 18); and Medy Nevani, founder of Design Haus Medy, who reveals how to style a hallway (page 22).

Finally, if you’re looking for a gorgeous, affordable home in a family-friendly neighbourhood, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Dubailand (page 51).

Managing Director Victoria Thatcher Editorial Director John Thatcher Managing Editor Faye Bartle Editor Lucy Land Art Director Kerri Bennett Designer Jamie Pudsey Production Manager Muthu Kumar Advertising Group Manager Sukaina Hussein +971 50 515 9691 To contact any of the above people, email firstname@ hotmediapublishing.com 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.

Tel: +971 4 364 2876 Fax: +971 4 369 7494

Editor lucy@hotmediapublishing.com

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Cover image by Muthu Kumar

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CONTENTS

PAgE 17

APRIL 2018

PAgE 22

PAgE 25

ShOP 14

ShOP TALk

Inspiration, innovation and need-to-know updates

18

bE bOLd

Be brave to create an individual look

AREA

24

STEAL My STyLE

51

Sahar Vakil, head of brand development for Marina Home Interiors

MOVE TO…

Family-oriented Dubailand

25

54

COLOuRS Of CALM

The new neutrals for spring

30

PAgE 22

hEAd Of ThE TAbLE

22

STyLINg A hALLwAy

Make your entrance warm and welcoming

23

ASk A dESIgNER

Rasha Abdou answers your queries and shares her gems 10 | bhomes.com

PROPERTIES fOR RENT

32

Rent a home in a familyoriented community

...ANd RELAx

Fresh, smart bathrooms

36

bRIghT SPARk

Inside a newly renovated Jumeirah Islands villa

44

A fAMILy AffAIR

A transformed family home

Find your new home with our pick of properties to buy

61

Samar Habayeb on beautiful and functional homewares

IdEAS

PROPERTIES fOR SALE

64 PAgE 68

whICh SChOOL?

Choose Jumeira Baccalaureate School

68

MOVINg IN

Add contrast to your room with our edit of side tables

shop Looking for a classic, elegant sofa? Check out this hand-tailored three-seater, with its clean lines and Regency-style sloped arms.

Shown here in brax ivory, it’s available in a variety of neutrals and finishes. Emerson sofa, Dhs11,410, Ethan Allen, ethanallen.ae

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SHOP | Better Homes Magazine

Shop Talk

The latest in homeware, interiors and design trends

StyliSh SavingS

Make your interiors budget work harder by heading to the newly opened Innerspace Outlet at Dubai Investments Park, which brings together German brands, such as Hacker and Kaiser Kitchens, Rolf-Benz and Hulsta, all with savings of up to 70%.

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la grande bellezza

The design studio of Marcel Wanders has created two new collections, agronomist and Oceanographer, for Natuzzi. each celebrates the geography and landscape of Puglia, Italy, an essential part of the brand’s identity (it was founded in the region in 1959). “When we are able to incorporate the local culture and natural beauty of a location, it allows the furniture to then create a sense of place,” says Dutch designer Marcel Wanders.

The pieces are inspired by everything, from the white houses of Ostuni and the grey stone of the trulli houses to the warm brown of the fertile earth and the silvery tints of the olive groves.

dinner party trend

Want to know what the future tablescape looks like? It will reflect its function as the centre of conviviality, according to La Tavola. Think a minimalist dining table, with built-in functions to keep dishes warm or cold (such as the Cesar dining table, pictured below), so the host can spend more time catching up with guests.

MIMA collection by John Eadon

FOllOW nOW…

@clerkenwelldesignweek

Get a feel for London’s emerging design trends from afar by checking the Instagram account for the UK’s leading independent design festival, which returns to East London next month for its 9th edition. Clerkenwell Design Week will feature talent from the area and beyond, including entrepreneurial start-ups and long-established design practices alongside fringe events, workshops, talks and installations.

taKe tWO NaTure-iNspired serviNg TraYs

SPlurge

Save

Botanic garden sandwich tray, Dhs221, Portmeirion at tavola

Leaf print tray, Dhs45, Zara Home bhomes.com | 15

Better Homes Magazine | shop

1

JYSK

2

3

Grey matters The go-to backdrop dĂŠcor shade, grey is here to stay

4

6

5

7

1. Gamfs hanging light, Dhs1,000, ZenZa Home at InterIors FurnIture 2. Grey lamp, Dhs595, Zara Home 3. Stonewashed waffle throw, Dhs1,155, Bea e martIna 4. Daisy chair, Dhs7,550, nakkasH Gallery 5. Leon coffee table, Dhs1,310, tHe Home 6. Espinoza cabinet, Dhs20,800, BernHardt at InterIors FurnIture 7. Plica wallpaper, from Dhs780 per metre, antHoloGy at style lIBrary

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shop | Better Homes Magazine

1 3

2

Gallery One

8

7

1. Sofia armchair, Dhs15,500, Nakkash Gallery 2. Foto pendant lamp, Dhs59, Ikea 3. Leaf frame, Dhs45, MaIsoNs du MoNde 4. Green lamp, Dhs1,315, PetIte FrItule at CoMPtoIr 102 5. Kiki sofa, Dhs48,500, Nakkash Gallery 6. Nodo side table, Dhs439, kare 7. Livslang vase, Dhs29, Ikea 8. Bon bon pink ashtray, Dhs1,350, INdIa MahvadavI at CoMPtoIr 102

4

6

Be Bold

Be brave to create an individual look “Firstly, select one inspiration, such as a colour, mood, painting, rug, or an artwork. This can be your starting point for decorating a room,” advises Gregg Sedgwick, CEO and founder of Gallery One. “Next, use it to influence your choice of furnishing, finishes and fixtures for a result that’s coordinated, logical and unified. Keep things simple, don’t try to fill every space and remember to let your personality, your travels and your experiences inform your selection process. Use art to tell stories about your life and your experiences – it will engage your guests and always remind you of a place in time.”

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5

1817-2017.

200 YEARS DURAVIT. RE YOUR FUTUR BATHROOM.

Luv. Nordic elegance.

The design of Cecilie Manz‘ bathroom series Luv combines Nordic purism and timeless, emotional elegance. Soft shapes follow a stringent geometry. The result is a new unique design language with precise, clear and fine edges. Duravit Middle East SAL (Off-Shore), info@lb.duravit.com, Telephone +961 1 283429, Duravit Middle East SAL Off Shore - UAE Rep Office, info@ae.duravit.com, Telephone +971 4 4274080, Duravit Saudi Arabia LLC, info@sa.duravit.com, Telephone +966 12 66 580 54 / +966 12 66 410 38, www.duravit.com

ideas Create a sense of serenity with this wallpaper, featuring a pretty beaded sea plant design in a watercolour effect. It’s stunning paired with this delicate dip-dyed effect linen.

Chaconia Shimmer wallpaper, Dhs510 per roll, Anthozoa collection

by Harlequin, and Moramo linen in dusk, from Dhs495 per metre, Harlequin. Available from Style Library, stylelibrary.com

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IDEAS | Better Homes Magazine Above and Beyond artwork, from Dhs5,138 (GBP950), mICHaeL waLLner Harlequin

Pink rose and camellia arrangement, Dhs1,206.45, IndIgo LIvIng

Fragments square mirror, Dhs24,500, nakkasH gaLLery

Lantern, Dhs299, Zara Home

HOW TO...

StylE a hallway Make your entrance warm, welcoming and individual

“Designing a space is like tailoring a suit: it is important to find the best way to flatter the appearance, accentuate the best bits and hide any flaws,” says Medy Navani, founder of Design Haus Medy. “Firstly, get a grasp of the hallway’s potential and ways to emphasise its best features. For example, if the hallway is very long, with few doors and a large amount of plain wall, play to the length by placing a series of artworks along it.

A hallway with high ceilings provides an opportunity to place decorative wall elements, such as mock columns or arches, in order to create depth, while a space that has plenty of width is predestined for a round centre table, with a flamboyant flower arrangement.

“The hallway should be a smooth gateway to the rest of the house, with a calming atmosphere. I love to use floor lighting in our projects. It allows us to wash the walls with a warm glow and can also focus or highlight different elements throughout the space. I also believe a hallway should tell a story, best expressed with artworks and photographs. It allows for a common look and feel between the different rooms.”

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Lien console, Dhs3,695, THe one

Avoid clutter

Keep coat racks and shoe stands out of the hallway

Lord armchair, Dhs2,995, THe one

Anya floor lamp, Dhs6,920, IndIgo LIvIng

Better Homes Magazine | ideas

Ask A designer

Our interiors expert answers your queries and shares her hidden gems in the city Any more COpy

My little black book For lighting: I recommend the Zuberi lamp from Uttermost (pictured, right) – it is a piece of art but doesn’t draw attention away from any other features in the room.

For rugs: A textured – either using different material elements or colour depths – rug can add a homely feel to any room.

I love the striking Gleam rug from Nourison.

For hoMe scents: Rasha Abdou, senior interior designer at Interiors Furniture My style is contemporary classic. What bed and headboard shall I choose for my new apartment?

Blending modern trends with timeless elements enlivens any space. For the bedroom, I would advise going with either a fabric-covered or tufted headboard paired with a contemporary dresser and night tables. The room can be further enriched by adding classical elements, such as a side armchair, an accent piece or elaborate draperies around the windows. Create a theme or colour palette for the room and tie the bedding into this.

I’d like an accent chair for my entrance. What should I consider?

Firstly, think about the style and scale you would like, while taking into account other furnishings in the area that you need to work with.

Consider if you want this accent

chair to complement or contrast with your décor. Whatever style you choose, make sure the chair is positioned in a way that doesn’t interrupt the flow of movement in the entrance space.

Consider designs that invite you to take a seat, such as a padded slipper chair. Similarly, a wing back chair offers a cosy embrace and brings a traditional feel to a room, with its classic form.

I love the Driscoll chair from Bernhardt (pictured, below), which manages to combine both styles in one.

My husband and I have different interior styles – he’s a minimalist whereas I’m a maximalist. What advice do you have for helping us reach a compromise?

It’s really important to start with your colour scheme. The first step is creating a palette and working from there.

I would advise keeping the ceiling and wall colours light and neutral to ensure each area maintains an organised feel.

Choose modern furnishings with a few twists that will add extra vibrancy, like adding a large textured rug or a combination of different artworks with some accent pieces in bold shades within the same colour family.

For bedroom scents, look for lavendar or chamomile, both of which promote sleep and relaxation.

For the living room, choose cedarwood or sandalwood with a hint of vanilla for a comforting, agreeable atmosphere.

DreaM buy: The handmade Roger dining table from Cornelio Cappellini (pictured, below).

It’s a truly iconic piece and has a base made of Murano glass bricks, created one by one, while the gold hand-engraved finishing on the top reproduces the natural surface of a coarse tree cortex in a geometric pattern.

Interiors Furniture

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ideas | Better Homes Magazine

Steal my Style credits, from top: Wallpaper, Zoffany; others, marina Home interiors

Sahar Vakil The head of brand development for Marina Home Interiors reveals her inspirations for her household of 10

Wallpaper or paint?

For the most part, I prefer paint for its versatility. With warm shades of taupe being a personal preference, I find it takes a few rounds to get right. However, in occasional rooms, such as formal dining, the drama of minimalist graphic print or textured wallpaper is just extraordinary.

Homely essentials

Our large, cosy sofa that fits us all on for movie nights; durable toxin-free plastic dinnerware and cutlery in every colour and size for my kids (and their cousins); and a built-in trampoline in the backyard that keeps my children (and dogs) entertained for hours.

most prized possession

Aside from my grandmother’s passeddown antiques, it would be mementos from my daughter. Plus, a lifetime of photographs.

The best things in life are the people you love, the places you go and the memories you make.

splurge on

Quality, statement furniture that lasts, and mood lighting, inside and out, to highlight your home in the evenings. And if you love to host, there isn’t such a thing as having too much tableware.

24 | bhomes.com

top dĂŠcor tip

Decorate only for your sensory pleasure. Intensify neutrals with raw textures on ceilings, surfaces or accessories. To add theatre when accessorising any surface, mix rather than match and for an instant fresh look, go white on doors and rooms.

Better Homes Magazine | IDEAS

Colours of Calm Forget shades of white, the new neutrals are bold yet soothing

into the Grey

This light charcoal contemporary daybed is guaranteed to help you unwind. Surround it with a wealth of rounded forms and soft-edged furniture and accessories for a seamless look. Bennett velvet daybed, Dhs9,230, Bessie side table by Kelly Hoppen, Dhs7,340, Tarantino floor lamp, Dhs2,624, Crawford mirror, Dhs2,624, and Sting bar cabinet by Kelly Hoppen, Dhs26,240, Indigo Living, indigo-living.com bhomes.com | 25

IDEAS | Better Homes Magazine

everythinG’s rosy

Add warmth to your room with this soft-touch, aubergine-hued sofa, which is complemented by a nature-inspired rug, a minimalist, antique brass floor lamp and a luxurious coffee table, with white marble print on glass. The Cloud three-seater sofa, Dhs10,099, Krika floor lamp, Dhs1,099, IDdesign, iddesignuae.com

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MiaMi vibes

An update on the glamorous, retro Miami-inspired palette, the new tropical sun-bleached hues, featured in the Contemporary Restyled collection, are balanced with a bold South Beach design. Palm Jungle wallpaper in teal, Dhs570.70 per roll, Contemporary Restyled collection by Cole and Son. Available from Lelievre Middle East, lelievreparis.com bhomes.com | 27

IDEAS | Better Homes Magazine

Get in line

Exploring the interplay of light and shadow, the Entity collection transforms natural silhouettes. Get the look with Rene wallpaper, which features a looselydragged stripe, embellished with a grit texture and metallic. It’s available in five colour combinations – we love this cool blush and steel mix. Rene wallpaper, from Dhs320 per roll, Entity collection by Harlequin. Available from Style Library, stylelibrary.com

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Cosy CoMfort

This warm and woody hue from leading paint manufacturer Jotun is perfect for the bedroom. And if you’re not convinced, download the ColourDesign app, upload a photo of your space and click to apply the colour to the walls for a handy preview. Et voilà !

Soft Skin 10580 in Fenomastic My Home rich matt finish, Dhs15 per litre, Jotun, jotun.com/me

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Head of the table Samar Habayeb on bringing beautiful homewares to everyday life Interview: Lucy Land

W

hen Samar Habayeb’s mother, Reem, and aunt, Rula Atalla, decided to step down from the family ceramics business just over a decade ago, Samar was completing a degree in architectural design and economics, with the intention of becoming an architect. Instead, she stepped up to the challenge and took a master’s in ceramic design. Now the CEO of Silsal Design House, she reveals her vision for the company…

Tell us the story of Silsal...

Reem and Rula founded the company as a way of preserving the tradition of pottery, while also empowering Jordanian women. Back then, we nurtured an artisanal process, where pieces took weeks or months to make.

I had huge appreciation for the company’s values and the artwork they produced. However, the method of production had no scalability potential, so it simply wasn’t sustainable. I joined Silsal Ceramics in Jordan because I saw great potential in it and had a vision of what it could become.

In 2013, I established Silsal Design House in Dubai Design District (d3), and started designing and sourcing homeware, tableware and home accessories from around the world.

Besides quality, my main focus was scale. Therefore, I had to target lower production-cost countries that offered highquality products, with enough packaging and production know-how to allow us to source large quantities.

Why did you move your headquarters from Jordan to Dubai?

There is an increasing demand for unique homewares here.

With d3 in particular, there has been a lot of support from the community, in helping to promote the business.

What direction have you taken the family business?

I want to create a business that grows in a sustainable way, a business that inspires, with products that come with stories. I also aim to continue creating jobs on a regional and, hopefully, international level.

Tell us about the collections…

They are all inspired by the arts and aesthetics of the Islamic world, which can be found far beyond the Middle East, from

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China to Spain. Calligraphy plays a major role in our work, but elements found in architecture and other art forms are also important. Our Ramadan 2018 collection highlights the the unique geometry found in prominent mosques and Islamic monuments across the world.

Describe your design ethos...

Our tableware and home accessories pair functionality with beauty. We believe everyone should have some beauty in their lives: not only on their walls, but also throughout their homes, across their tables and on their shelves. Our aesthetic is inspired by the Middle East’s deep cultural heritage. We draw upon Islamic art from bygone eras, and reimagine it for the contemporary eye.

What are you most proud of so far?

I’m immensely pleased to have built a great team that I truly enjoy working with. As a team, we are also really honoured to be partnering with Emirates airline to create bespoke pieces for them. Most of all, I’m proud of having created a regional brand that produces exquisite-quality products and partners with leading retailers across the region, tackling all the challenges that come our way.

What’s your top tip for hosting a dinner party?

Always mix formal and casual tableware items to create a fun and unique look. Make sure you think outside the box and don’t be afraid to redefine or reinvent items. Who says you have to serve coffee in a coffee cup, or place your flowers in a vase? What else could you do instead?

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

There are so many inspirational people that I’d like to meet that it is very difficult to answer this question. Everyone has a story to tell and I love meeting new people.

What’s next?

There’s an exciting new project with Emirates being launched soon. We’re also working hard on product development, growth through new partnerships and improvements in our operations to make the customer experience a superior one.

The possibilities are endless: we’re taking baby steps along the way.

Silsal Design House homewares are available from Thouqi.com

Better Homes Magazine | IDEAS

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ideas | Better Homes Magazine

…And relAx Choose a sleek, hi-tech design for a fresh, smart bathroom

Rain on me

Why choose between a relaxing rain shower and an invigorating massage shower when you can have both? Two new models in Ideal Standard’s Idealrain range – Evo and Evo Jet – are just the ticket for a spa-like experience.

In addition to the existing rain and massage modes, the Evo model also features an aerated rain spray mode, which sucks in air and mixes it with the water to produce a gentle, yet cleansing mist.

Drop Jet, available exclusively on the Evo Jet, delivers a soft droplet-like experience. Evo and Evo Jet, Ideal Standard, idealstandardgulf.com

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Better Homes Magazine | ideas

Feelin’ fine

“Emotion is the key driver for people, in every decision. I am convinced that consumers choose products that make them feel good,” says designer Christian Werner, who worked on the latest range from Duravit. With slender cabinet frames that form the edges of furniture and mirrors, the Brioso bathroom range offers a contemporary look and a variety of design options, from handles and feet matching the colour of the cabinet to finishes combining chrome and wood. It can also be mixed with a number of other design series – our favourite is ME by Starck (pictured here). Brioso with ME by Starck, Duravit, duravit.com

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First class seat

Forget a separate bidet: Grohe has developed an innovative, award-winning shower toilet, with plenty of smart functions for optimum hygiene and comfort. Its elegant design includes a discreet night light and an automatic open and close lid feature. Sensia Arena shower toilet, Grohe, grohe-middleeast.com

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Better Homes Magazine | ideas

The essenTials

Hand-held shower porter unit, aXOR

Euro Ceramics basin, gROHe

Koy mixer, BagnOdesign

Shower set soap dish, HansgROHe bhomes.com | 35

Cecilia Setterdahl has mastered the art of mixing and matching colour and pattern, old and new, in her Jumeirah Islands villa Words: Lucy Land Photographs: Muthu Kumar

“T

his was the 60th house we looked at, with the same agent,” smiles Cecilia Setterdahl, artist and co-founder of Carpets CC. “He must be the most patient man in Dubai.”

Originally from Sweden, Cecilia previously lived in Neuchâtel, Switzerland for 26 years with her husband, Michael, and their two children, Henrik and Karl. With the children leaving home, the couple decided to move to Dubai (with their dog, Magnus, and cat, Brasse) to launch their rug company at Dubai Design District (d3) just over two years ago.

The couple needed a garden for their pets, but also wanted to be close to

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a buzzy neighbourhood. “We liked the houses in Jumeirah Islands due to their high ceilings and the design possibilities they present,” Cecilia explains. It meant the couple could make structural changes to their new home interior.

They took full advantage – tearing down walls, replacing small doors and windows with larger ones, plus adding more windows and extending them to include seating. The stairs were also widened by replacing ironwork with glass and steel supports.

“It was like turning on a huge light as soon as we took down the wall dividing our living space,” Cecilia recalls.

The walls and floors were transformed from brownish-beige

Better Homes Magazine | ideas

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ideas | Better Homes Magazine

This was the 60th house we looked at, with the same agent

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Better Homes Magazine | ideas

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ideas | Better Homes Magazine

Scandinavians are used to making the most of the light

and pink to white; the sleek Hacker Kitchen was opened up; a new maid’s room, ensuite bathroom and laundry room were added, with a separate home entrance; and the formal dining room was changed into a bright studio space.

“Scandinavians are used to making the most of the light, and everyone who visits us says, ‘It’s so nice and light’”.

The bright and airy villa is decorated with the couple’s collection of pieces bought for their previous and current homes, including design classics, such as Diamond chairs by Harry Bertoia, which Cecilia reupholstered in bright yellow fabric, Fjord Relax chairs by Patricia Urquiola and Victoria Ghost

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chairs by Philippe Starck; a vintage commode bought in an auction in Copenhagen; and glass and pottery from the ’50s and ’60s bought at flea markets in Sweden. There’s a blue interpretation of a Picasso bought in Sweden from a former refugee; quirky lamps, including one purchased at Design Days Dubai (now Dubai Design Week); a mosaic chaise longue by Paula Canestrini bought at an exhibition in Qatar; a sculpture by Etienne Krähenbuhl; and furniture handed down from relatives, while other pieces are from the likes of IKEA, THE One and Dragon Mart.

Cecilia’s own striking artworks, which reflect the various themes she

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ideas | Better Homes Magazine

I like to create a homely feel by having old things around me

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Better Homes Magazine | ideas

has explored over the years, and their complementary handmade rugs, give their home a wow factor. The zig-zag motif, which is on Cecilia’s business card, has been replicated in the marble floor in the entrance; there are mannequins that have been given colourful, geometric makeovers; and one huge rug, called Folded, is beautifully displayed in the living room. Indeed, the white walls and floors provide a canvas for the couple’s varied collection of paintings, rugs and sculptures.

Cecilia’s secret to nailing her look is mixing vintage pieces with new. “I like to create a homely feel by having old things, such as items that my kids made years ago, around me. And in Switzerland, we always went to flea markets,” she says. “If you just have new things, your home looks like a

furniture showroom.” She compares home décor to the traditions associated with decorating a festive tree. “When I was small, we had decorations from grandma and decorations made at school, but these days festive trees look like they have come straight from a department store, and lack personality.” Another key element of Cecilia’s style is grouping colours together. For example, a red sweater in a painting in the entrance is paired with a pink bowl on the console below.

One of Cecilia’s most prized possessions is a memory box, containing a half-finished wooden heart made by her son, a memento from a holiday where she met her husband and a little doll from her childhood. “When it starts getting empty up here,” she smiles, tapping her head, “I can look inside this box.”

Get the look

Vintage armchair, Dhs7,140, the odd piece

Regatta stripe, Dhs400 per roll, coLe and son at LeLievre MiddLe east

Aubrey round chairside table, Dhs5,888, bernhardt at interiors furniture

hoMe coMforts My top décor tip is…

Choose the right spot for your artworks. A perfect painting in the wrong spot becomes bad but if you put it in a good spot, the space and the painting are lifted.

My style rule is…

Don’t be afraid to put something odd in your home – strange pieces create a sense of homeliness. home is…

Where our own things belong.

Metal chair, Dhs4,620, harry bertoia at the odd piece

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Master builder Lucinda Sanford has transformed her mother’s inherited London house into a stylish contemporary classic home Words: Lucy Land

“M

y late grandparents bought a 60-year lease on the house in the late ’50s,” reveals Lucinda Sanford, referring to her family home in Primrose Hill, London, which her mother inherited in 2009. The property had fallen into a complete state of disrepair by then, though its elegant architecture shone through. “It was rather like a lady with fine bone structure – still beautiful, but old and wrinkled,” she says.

What’s more, the lease was very short, so Lucinda’s parents sold the home that they had lived in for over 35 years and used the proceeds to buy the freehold for the Primrose Hill house.

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Lucinda and her team took on the challenge of design and build to restore it to its former glory. The house was rewired, replumbed, replastered and modern conveniences were installed, while extra care was taken not to disturb the original plasterwork and its characteristics.

Lucinda takes a practical approach to design, considering every detail, from where a family likes to eat and watch TV to their style of cooking and where every belonging can be given space. “A home should be a home and that means a real reflection of the people who live there and how they live in it,” she says.

Better Homes Magazine | IDEAS

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IDEAS | Better Homes Magazine

A home should reflect the people who live there and how they live in it

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Knowing her mother all too well, Lucinda encouraged her to focus her mind. “I am chronically indecisive,” her mother, Susanne Nedas, admits.

“My daughter filtered my ideas and I loved her enthusiasm for transforming the spatial arrangement of the home.” Eves were pushed back to make a new cupboard appear, while another cupboard became a goodsized bathroom, with a bath and separate shower. Once complete, four new bathrooms had been created.

Lucinda also went through her parents’ belongings, dividing it for different storage areas and even encouraged her parents to try out different bath tubs to ensure the most comfortable one was chosen.

“I grew up with antiques, silk and chintz and was not quite prepared to go starkly modern,” Susanne says.

“However, the use of grey was inspired by my memories of visiting the Dior showroom – I remember seeing yards of grey carpet and walls, as a child.”

“Our family doesn’t like to waste anything either,” Lucinda adds. “My mother was moving from a house filled with knick-knacks and antique furniture collected over the years,

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I grew up with antiques, silk and chintz and I wasn’t prepared to go starkly modern

while also inheriting a house full from my grandparents.” To that end, Lucinda selected the best pieces from the family’s collection, with some new additions to give the home a fresh lease of life.

“I particularly love my dining room, which is very dramatic, with its brown, fuchsia and burnt gold wallpaper

by Cole and Son that my daughter chose,” Susanne enthuses. It’s a new take on a similar style used in her previous home, in traditional aqua and green hues. “To see such a modern reincarnation is very reassuring.”

She also adores the bunk-bed room

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for the six grandchildren. “It looks so charming when it is perfectly tidy when they arrive and has a different charm when they have had their pillow fights and made a total mess of it.”

The kitchen and connecting orangerie, where the family dining room is located, is bright and modern.

“It’s where we all seem to congregate,” she says. “We love that space along with the huge communal garden that our own garden leads onto – I love watching the grandchildren having fun there.” lucindasanford.com

HomE comfortS my aesthetic for this home is…

Classic with a modern twist. my approach to design is…

A good layout. I love nothing more than working and reworking floor plans to make them suit each family.

I love colour.

There is a place for neutrality, but colour and pattern are something that people often miss out on.

Better Homes Magazine | IDEAS

Get the look

Mihiko dog decoration, Dhs349, tHE onE

Akilah box, Dhs159, tHE onE

Madras Violet wallpaper, Dhs514.50 per roll, coLE AnD Son

Greyhound chair, Dhs1,950 (GBP375), AnDrEw mArtIn

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AreA Whether you want to live in a green community right next to Dubai’s premier racing track or overlook the fairways of a championship golf course, one things for certain when choosing Dubailand: every neighbourhood has plenty of family-friendly facilities and offers value for money. Browse our selection of luxurious townhouses and villas for rent and sale.

M ov e to

DubailanD Neveen Haddad, Senior Property Consultant, on living in an affordable, familyfriendly part of the city

Encompassing numerous varied communities, Dubailand is a large area still under development, stretching along Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road.

Offering affordable villas, townhouses and apartment blocks in family-oriented areas, each neighbourhood has multiple pools, parks and playgrounds. Dubailand is also known for its good schools.

Jumeirah English Speaking School has a campus in Arabian Ranches. Greenfield Community School and the International School of Choueifat are both located in nearby Dubai Investments Park, while Building Blocks Nursery, in MotorCity, takes infants and toddlers.

The hotspots Currently, the most popular locale to move to within Dubailand is Mira, followed by Remraam, Mudon and The Villa. These relaxed neighbourhoods offer more affordable housing than very established areas, such as Dubai Marina, yet have lots of modern features. On top of its retail plazas and local schools in a landscaped environment, Mira, for example, features a desert botanical park, camping facilities, sand surfing and camel riding trails, a go karting track, dune buggies, a rock climbing wall, and a skate park.

Time to tee off If easy access to a golf course is high up on the agenda, Jumeirah Golf Estates is a clear winner. Home to the DP World Tour Championship, its luxurious villas offer views over the fairways, and unlimited access to first-class golf courses designed by the pros. Central to this community

is the Norman Country Club, with a leisure centre, bar and restaurants, tennis academy, lap pool and a kids’ play area. DAMAC Hills also offers beautiful properties, some of which are located on Trump International Golf Club Dubai, an 18-hole, par 71 championship course designed by 2016 Olympic Games course architect Gil Hanse. And desertstyled Arabian Ranches is an all-villa neighbourhood set among lush greenery with lakes on an 18-hole championship golf course and the Dubai Equestrian & Polo Club close by.

On the fast track Another top attraction is Dubai Autodrome in MotorCity, offering access to first-class racing action amid the smart medium-rise apartments, cobbled streets and plenty of greenery. As well as being home to the 5.39km motorsports circuit and two residential communities, its latest attraction, First Avenue Mall, is designed as a modern, environmentallyfriendly European-style mall, with an indoor-outdoor boulevard and Arabesque influences.

Meanwhile, Dubai Sports City is home to five major sports venues and features a number of sports academies.

One of the great advantages about Dubailand is the property prices, which are very attractive for both buyers and tenants. It’s one of the few areas in Dubai where you can possibly own a new threebedroom plus maid’s room townhouse for as little as Dhs1.7 million, and for just Dhs1 million for an off-plan property.

What’s more, properties are spacious, with a good variety of layouts.

To rent Two-bedroom townhouse Three-bedroom villa Four-bedroom townhouse

Approximate price From Dhs100,000 From Dhs120,000 From Dhs150,000

To buy Two-bedroom townhouse Three-bedroom villa Four-bedroom townhouse

Approximate price From Dhs1.5 million From Dhs1.6 million From Dhs2.4 million

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MotorCity

Better Homes Magazine | area

Arabian Ranches

Layan Community

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area | Better Homes Magazine

FOR SALE

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Whispering Pines Jumeirah Golf Estates

Ref No. VI350247 Pravin Patrick DMello RERA Permit No. 1696947723

Marbella The Villa

Ref No. VI333300 Sana Hajjar RERA Permit No. 1500392411

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Area AED 5,000,000 Townhouses Green Community

AED 3,450,000

4 BR 3,842 sq. ft.

Ref No. TH158306 Rasha Moslyh RERA Permit No. 1426909198

4 BR 4,175 sq. ft.

AED 8,000,000

Jasmine Leaf 3

AED 13,500,000

5 BR 8,400 sq. ft.

Al Barari

Ref No. VI315620 Wael Gomaa RERA Permit No. 1299639482

7 BR 13,299 sq. ft.

Better Homes Magazine | AREA

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

Granada The Villa

Ref No. VI355078 Gupesh Sharma RERA Permit No. 0466063809

Cordoba The Villa

Ref No. VI356395 Wael Gomaa RERA Permit No. 0769277584

AED 4, 750,000 5 BR 6,600 sq. ft.

AED 4, 300,000 4 BR 5,128 sq. ft.

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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 om o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

LA CoLeCCioN 1

4-Bedroom + Maid’s Room Villa, Arabian Ranches

AFFORDABLE LUXURY This impressive four-bedroom plus maid’s room villa sits on a huge 12,000 sq. ft. plot and offers a built-up area of 4,096 sq. ft.

Located in La Coleccion, one of the most prestigious communities within Arabian Ranches, this elegant and spacious type 14 villa is in an excellent location. Its beautiful, landscaped garden comes with a private swimming pool and Jacuzzi. There is also an outdoor shower and shed, while the garage has an automatic door.

Inside, the layout is excellent, maximising the space and allowing plenty of light in. Downstairs, there is a large dining and living area as well as a spacious family room opposite the kitchen. There is also a separate maid’s and laundry room. Upstairs, there are four large bedrooms, two of which are ensuite and two shared bathroom.

The villas in La Coleccion overlook the desert course of the Arabian Ranches Golf Club. Designed by Ian Baker-Finch and Nicklaus Design, the homes are a tribute to Spanish craftsmanship. They offer exceptional finishes and 10 ft.-high ceilings.

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AED 5, 200,000

T h E D E TA i L S Approx size: 4,096 sq. ft.

Reference No: VI298174 RERA Permit No. 2084876406

Listed by Neveen Abdulahad

Better Homes Magazine | AREA

FOR SALE

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Townhouses Area Green Community

Ref No. TH2977 Katarzyna Zietara RERA Permit No. 1370327840

Lila Villas Arabian Ranches

Ref No. VI351092 Sherif Nabil RERA Permit No. 1184762852

Pines AED 3,095,000 Whispering Jumeirah Golf Estates 4 BR + Maid’s Room 4,176 sq. ft.

Ref No. VI348274 Nina Pekina RERA Permit No. 0886271265

AED 4, 200,000 Aegean Falcon City of Wonders 4 BR 3,631 sq. ft.

Ref No. VI353104 Gulshan Ara RERA Permit No. 0388404351

AED 5, 200,000 4 BR + Maid’s Room 3,784 sq. ft.

AED 4, 300,000 5 BR + Maid’s Room 6,500 sq. ft.

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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 om o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

SAheeL 2

5-Bedroom + Maid’s Villa, Arabian Ranches

EXcEpTiOnAL SpAcE

T h E D E TA i L S Approx size: 8,850 sq. ft.

Reference No: VI356458 RERA Permit No. 2001159793

This fabulous five-bedroom plus maid’s room villa includes an exceptional extra-large plot of 15,339 sq. ft. It is a popular type four, corner villa, beautifully located next to the park and swimming pool. It has been wonderfully upgraded and offers an excellent layout, with plenty of open-plan, spacious and bright living space.

Arabian Ranches is one of Dubai’s most sought-after residential communities and the go-to development for those seeking a peaceful neighbourhood with good-quality family housing. Each neighbourhood has a swimming pool, dedicated barbecue area, tennis and basketball courts as well as lovely landscaped parks and footpaths. The Ranches is divided into distinct communities of tree-lined streets and quiet cul-de-sacs , offering a very pleasant and scenic place to live. A village community centre boasts more than 20 retail outlets, cafés and restaurants and there are plenty of open spaces, bicycle trails and footpaths, making a healthy outdoor lifestyle possible.

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AED 5, 200,000

Listed by Suraiya Nawab

Better Homes Magazine | AREA

FOR REnT

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Al habtoor Polo Resort and Club – The Residences Dubailand

Ref No. VI350562 Ben Price RERA Permit No. 0593988839

Alma 1

Arabian Ranches Ref No. VI355191 Jawad Motiwala RERA Permit No. 0809181859

AED 200,000 4 BR + Maid’s Room 3,077 sq. ft.

AED 190,000 3 BR + Maid’s Room 2,788 sq. ft.

Naseem Mudon

Ref No. VI352310 Fabio Lombardi RERA Permit No. 0611329071

Valencia The Villa

Ref No. VI355517 Wael Gomaa RERA Permit No. 1000804163

AED 170,000 4 BR 3,468 sq. ft.

AED 225,000 5 BR 8,000 sq. ft.

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FOR REnT

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Shakespeare Circus 2 Motor City

Ref No. AP356183 Urvashi Sidhapara RERA Permit No. 0604063382

hattan 2 The Lakes

Ref No. VI319393 Urvashi Sidhapara RERA Permit No. 1236084482

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AED 135,000 3 BR 1,999 sq. ft.

AED 450,000 5 BR 5,600 sq. ft.

Better Homes Magazine | AREA

FOR REnT

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eLeMeNT Me’AiSAM 1-Bedroom Apartment, IMPZ

A LO F T A n D E LE m E nT S Elements Hotels offer comfortable, loft-inspired rooms and a vibrant social scene. With spacious guestrooms, spa-inspired bathrooms and the iconic Heavenly Bed, these hotels have everything you need for a productive stay. This hotel is located at the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ).

Dubai Production City, formerly known as International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), is a free zone and freehold area that caters to media production companies in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Home to qualified business professionals from around the globe, Dubai Production City is a holistic community, offering a business, retail and residential lifestyle. IMPZ offers plots for investors to construct residential provisions for families as well as for businesses, community facilities and various recreational amenities. Nearby, are the major sports venues of Dubai Sports City and the first-class courses of Jumeirah Golf Estates.

AED 95,000

T h E D E TA i L S Approx size: 549 sq. ft.

Reference No: HA355459 RERA Permit No. 0949901959

Listed by Fabio Lombardi

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FOR REnT

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elite Sports Residence 7 Dubai Sports City

Ref No. AP347947 Urvashi Sidhapara RERA Permit No. 1772791941

Golf Panorama

DAMAC Hills (Akoya by DAMAC) Ref No. AP356731 Rima Manjunath Shenoy RERA Permit No. 1727106011

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AED 95,000 3 BR 1,420 sq. ft.

elite Sports Residence 10 Dubai Sports City

Ref No. AP356699 Gulshan Ara RERA Permit No. 0650762409

AED 40,000 estella Dubai Sports City Studio 331 sq. ft.

Ref No. VI319516 Urvashi Sidhapara RERA Permit No. 1698033424

AED 39,000 Studio 423 sq. ft.

AED 240,000 5 BR 3,207 sq. ft.

Better Homes Magazine | AREA

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

hATTAN 2

5-Bedroom Villa, The Lakes

A F FO R DA B LE LUXU RY Designed and finished to the highest standards, this gorgeous type E2 villa has been completely renovated in a contemporary design. Feel like royalty while walking through a 450-year-old Indian palace door to enter the ground floor, complete with grey architectural tiles. Creative storage spaces, an open-plan kitchen, a library area, a wine cabinet and full-height windows make the living areas bright and spacious. On the first floor, there are four spacious bedrooms, all with en-suite washrooms. The second floor features a spacious bedroom, which can also be used as a home office. Outdoors, the private swimming pool is of a good size with Jacuzzi jets and the garden has been tastefully designed, with LED lights and a wooden deck. There is also a barbecue area next to the pool, with a mini-kitchenette and a pergola for lavish outdoor entertainment. If it is style, luxury and excellent finishes you are looking for, then this is the place for you.

AED 450,000

T h E D E TA i L S Approx size: 5,600 sq. ft.

Reference No: VI319393 RERA Permit No. 1236084482

Listed by Syed Wajih Uddin Ahmed

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area | Better Homes Magazine

Shorten the School run

Three homes within 15 minutes’ drive of Jumeira Baccalaureate School

Which School?

AHD Villa Jumeirah Simona Mariana Barbulescu Ref No. VI356609 RERA Permit No. 0723285493

AED 15,500,000

5 BR 11,000 sq. ft.

Richard Drew, principal of Jumeira Baccalaureate School, on preparing students to become leaders What sets your school apart from others in the city?

Located in Jumeira 1, Jumeira Baccalaureate School (JBS) is one of only a handful of schools in the UAE authorised to offer all four international baccalaureate programmes: Primary Years (PYP), Middle Years (MYP), Career-related (IBCP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). Research shows that IB students are more strongly prepared for a university education and progress faster in their careers because of the skills the IB curriculum taught them.

Its focus on independent enquiry prepares students to be the leaders of the future, and for jobs that are yet to be imagined.

Every single one of our students has passed the IB diploma programme and Career-related programme for the last two years, going on to study at some of the world’s top universities.

Tell us about your team…

With a staff body that comes from all over the world, our teachers are dedicated, experienced and passionate.

The school also has a major focus on wellbeing and positive education.

We were one of the first schools to take part in the pilot for the UAE’s new Teacher and Educational Leadership Standards and Licensing programme, and we ensure that all our teachers

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operate within a set framework, with clear expectations in regards to pedagogy and standards of learning.

Is there anything else parents should know about?

English, French and Arabic are at the heart of our curriculum and our French programme for native speakers gives students the opportunity to excel in their mother tongue, while being integrated in an international community.

Alongside languages, extra-curricular activities are also an essential part of life at JBS. Teams regularly outperform many of their rivals on the sports field.

Secondary students also benefit from our Week Without Walls programme, which fosters international mindedness, risk-taking and reflection outside of the classroom environment.

Umm Suqeim 2 Villas Umm Suqeim Anna Rosa Vingo Ref No. TH300873 RERA Permit No. 0051029567

AED 400,000

5 BR 5,500 sq. ft.

What do your key facilities include?

Our amenities include a large, multipurpose auditorium and primary gym; a senior indoor sports hall; cricket nets; an ICT library; well-equipped design and technology rooms; science labs; an Early Years indoor playroom; a 25-metre shaded swimming pool; two rooftop tennis courts; extensive grass sports pitches; art, dance and music studios and performing arts suites; an extensive two-storey learning resource and media centre; indoor and outdoor shaded learning spaces and playgrounds; cafeteria; and a health centre.

City Walk Building 9 City Walk Sana Hajjar Ref No. AP355656 RERA Permit No. 0519095716

AED 235,000

3BR + Maid’s Room 2,266 sq. ft.

To advertise in the UAE’s highest-circulating homes magazine, contact Sukaina Hussein on 050 515 9691

shop | Better Homes Magazine

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Add contrast to your room with our edit of stylish side tables

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