Betterhomes Magazine - June'18

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June 2018

CITY RETREAT

A holiday home styled for memorable stays

NATURAL

WONDERS

Designs inspired by nature

MEDITERRANEAN CHIC ● KIDS’ BEDROOM IDEAS ● MOVE TO JUMEIRAH

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At the heart of Roman is the desire to be the best. It is Roman's vision to lead innovate in the Showering industry.

Bathroom, Kitchens, Building Products, Plumbing & Drainage

Dubai: +971 4 266 1291 Abu Dhabi: +971 2 674 1171 Al Ain: +971 3 721 1219

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WELCOME TO THE JUNE ISSUE

I

t’s now officially scorching. While we've been cranking up the A/C in our office, we’ve also been exploring interiors that transport us to a more forgiving climate: the Mediterranean. Our edit of nature-inspired pieces (page 18), including tableware that evokes a Spanish (page 13) or Italian coastline (page 25), are perfect for achieving a cool, breezy look.

Our favourite colour schemes this month are also inspired by all things natural. Nisrine El Lababidi, creative director of Harf Noon Design Studio, has decorated a City Walk apartment (page 36) in blues and greys, metallics and greenery for a light and elegant feel, while further afield in Miami, architectural firm SOATA has artfully integrated the interior with the lush green exterior for a serene, harmonious style (page 44). Turquoise, fresh mint and jungle hues dominate in our playful children’s bedroom special (page 32), too.

Finally, if you’re looking for a home in a desirable neighbourhood, with direct access to pristine white beaches, check out our guide to Jumeirah (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

E ditor lucy@hotmed iapublishing.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 Betterhomes Magazine.

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Cover image by Dan Forer

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CONTENTS JUNE 2018

PAGE 68

PAGE 44

PAGE 18

SHOP 14

SHOP TALK

Inspiration, innovation and need-to-know updates

18

A CUT ABOVE

Brighten up your home with some sparking glassware

AREA 24

51

Mona Chami, interior architect at Natuzzi Italia

Original Western expat community Jumeirah

STEAL MY STYLE

25

MOVE TO…

PAGE 18

BACK TO NATURE

PROPERTIES FOR SALE

Freshly picked ideas

Find your new home with our pick of properties to buy

30

FAMILY TREASURES

61

Designer India Hicks on mixing things up

IDEAS 22

54

PROPERTIES FOR RENT

32

Rent a home in a laid-back community

CHILD’S PLAY

Ideas to get kids inspired

64

STYLE A GUEST BEDROOM

36

Create a serene space

COLOUR CHIC

Inside a city retreat

Choose Nord Anglia International School Dubai

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44

68

Carla Conte answers your queries and shares her gems

A striking Miami home is a perfect playground

See yourself in a better light with our edit of pretty mirrors

ASK A DESIGNER

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WHICH SCHOOL?

MIAMI MARVEL

MOVING IN

PAGE 36

INTERIORSFURNITURE.COM Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Sharjah | Al Ain | Ras Al Khaimah InteriorsFurnitureUAE

InteriorsUAE

In your heart and home since 1968

SHOP To celebrate the vibrancy of summer, Jashanmal Home has launched four ranges that draw inspiration from around the world, including the palaces of Rajasthan and the bazaars of Turkey. We love the Coastal collection, featuring inky blues and sparkling white in soothing patterns that transport you to a Mediterranean beach.

Valencia, 83-piece dinner set, Dhs3,879, Coastal collection at Jashanmal Home

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SHOP | Betterhomes Magazine

SHOP TALK

The latest in homeware, interiors and design trends

FOLLOW NOW…

@adoredecordxb

Interior stylist, writer and mum of three Ash Young launched Adore Décor soon after moving to Dubai four years ago. She shares the spaces that inspire her, local interior finds and her personal decorating journey in her Instagram feed. “I’m a firm believer that a stylish interior doesn’t have to cost a fortune and that a home should reflect the people who live in it. More than anything else, interior styling is meant to be fun,” she enthuses. We love her choice of wall coverings – her Damac Hills villa dining room (pictured) features Palm Leaves wallpaper by Cole & Son.

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INTO THE BLOOM

Award-winning British fashion designer Christopher Kane has collaborated with The Rug Company (therugcompany. com) to create five handcrafted rugs and a cushion inspired by botanical illustrations that take us right back to school biology class.

NEW TO MIRZHAR

Whatever your taste, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for at the newly opened Pan Emirates store in Mirzhar.

Featuring an extensive range of affordable furniture, including traditional, classic, rustic, country and Victorian styles, the latest store covers 17,000 sq. ft.

TAKE TWO PRETTY PLATES

LOCALES TO MAKE YOU SMILE

Emirates Living (The Springs, The Meadows, The Lakes and Hattan, Greens, The Views, and Emirates Hills) heads up the list of happiest Dubai neighbourhoods, according to a study

by ServiceMarket, an online marketplace for home services. With a rating of 4.16 out of a possible five, due to its abundance of green spaces and amenities, it pips JLT, Jumeirah Park and Jumeirah Heights, with their rating of four, to the top spot.

SPLURGE

SLOW AND STEADY

Want to add a wow factor to your games room? Awardwinning designer Ron Arad has teamed up with quartz leader Cosentino to create 10 Layers, a ping pong table, made with 10 Silestone® quartz slabs in four different colours, stainless steel and bronze, that takes the game to a new level. “This ping pong table has a curved belly in its length,” Arad explains. “The idea was to slow the game down and make the rallies longer.”

Set of two Daisy Charger plates, Dhs1,175, LUISA BECCARIA for MODA OPERANDI

SAVE Ciao plate, Dhs26, H&M HOME bhomes.com | 15

Betterhomes Magazine | SHOP

Ethan Allen

A CUT ABOVE

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Brighten up your home with our edit of sparkling glassware

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5 3

4

1. Flower giftbox, Dhs48, MY GREEN CHAPTER 2. Glass candleholder, Dhs35, ZARA HOME 3. Glass serving bowl with wood stand, Dhs79, CRATE & BARREL 4. Glass platter, Dhs221, IVV PASHMINA for TAVOLA 5. Bangle vase in rose, Dhs184, LSA INTERNATIONAL at AMARA 6. Fabulos glass, Dhs12, IKEA bhomes.com | 17

SHOP | Betterhomes Magazine 1

1. Blue and white vase, Dhs199, ZARA HOME 2. Shangrilla table lamp, Dhs249, HOME CENTRE 3. Kasbah ink rug, from Dhs675 (GBP138), WEAVER GREEN 4. Various plants, MY GREEN CHAPTER 5. Barrow table, price on request, MARCEL WANDERS for NATUZZI ITALIA 6. Set of two water glasses, Dhs810, LUISA BECCARIA for MODA OPERANDI 6. Silo table pouffs, price on request, MARCEL WANDERS for NATUZZI ITALIA

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Pan Emirates

SET SAIL Egg chairhome in Burj Khalifa Bring a breezy Mediterranean look into your

“This style originated in countries north of the Mediterranean Sea, such as Spain, Greece, and Italy,” explains Hala Haddad, design manager at Pan Emirates. “Textured walls, polished hardware, and bullnose edges on countertops and fireplace mantels are most symbolic of this design. Start with making a floor plan and make a list of every piece of furniture that you need, taking into consideration a natural colour scheme. For a more Italian look, opt for warm terracottas, yellows and wooden furnishings. Recreate a Greek plastered wall by using tinted drywall compound and beeswax, or use mosaic tiles on walls and floors teamed with burnished hardware, filigree textures for light fixtures and coloured glass lamps for a Moroccan influence.

“Choose a Mediterranean look to complement the natural surroundings of your location. If you live near the beach, for example, you can bring in ropes and pretty seashells.”

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5

IDEAS

These characterful pieces team classic shapes with contemporary twists. The sofa combines an English arm silhouette with a sweetheart back and two loose t-cushion seats for sink-in comfort, while the mouth-blown glass table lamp, fitted with an antiqued brass collar and wiring rod, and the circular table, in antiqued gold, make ideal companions. Oxford sofa in Kent Emerald, Dhs17,340, Nolan table lamp, Dhs3,150, Belle table, Dhs2,770, Ethan Allen, ethanallen.ae

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IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine Crate & Barrel

Caire Rendalldesigned bedroom

Nolan table lamp, Dhs3,150 ETHAN ALLEN

SCENTS & SENSIBILITY

HOW TO...

STYLE A GUEST BEDROOM

Scented candles and fresh flowers will make your guest feel special

Pair of two Atollo pouffs, price on request, CALLIGARIS at WESTERN FURNITURE

Create the perfect space for welcoming guests

“Designing a room for your friends to enjoy can be a lot of fun,” says interior designer Claire Rendall. “Your guests may only be staying one night so make sure everything is at their fingertips, including double switching from the entrance to bedside for lamps and overhead lights, while a place to put their overnight bag and to hang clothes should be a given. I always make sure there’s a spare duvet or blanket and I suggest offering spare pillows, too. A Hälsa mattress, which combines organic materials with the latest technology, is a good choice, while mattress and pillowcase under covers make life easier.

“Be creative with the bedhead. I’ve previously used fabulously carved antique doors with sumptuous cushions.

“Place waste bins, a clothes rack or linen basket for wet towels, and position pretty glasses and some glass bottles of water on bedside tables. A full-length mirror and a dressing table are also essential. Finally, leave a set of clean towels for each guest and unwrapped soap for them in the bathroom.”

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Gold ceramic vase, Dhs149, ZARA HOME

Panther-shaped candle, Dhs119, ZARA HOME

Kasbah smoke basket, Dhs221 (GBP45), WEAVER GREEN

Betterhomes 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 WALLPAPER: I often work with our own graphic designers to create custom patterns that are tailored to our projects. Printing and installation of digital wallpapers is offered by a number of companies in the city. Try E-Walls (ewalls-s.com). Alternatively, Scandinavian concept store D.Tales (Jumeirah Beach Road) carries Mr. Perswall digital papers.

FOR FINISHING TOUCHES:

Michael Kruger Photography

Carla Conte, creative director and founder of Br&nd Creative What advice do you have for transforming a spare bedroom into a walk-in closet?

Firstly, discard any unwanted items and take an inventory of your clothing and accessories so that you have an idea of how much hanging space versus how many shelves you need.

I recommend creating a mood board of wish-list items, including storage solutions for handbags, shoes, jewellery, belts, scarves and hats – incorporating clever ideas for accessories can really elevate the space, giving it a luxurious and clutter-free look.

Ensure there is soft seating available for comfort, and dimmable lighting, with a feature pendant to add style and interest. Include fullheight mirrors and plan the height of all storage areas so you don’t overextend your reach or bend too often – ergonomics is important in such a personal space. The walk-in closet should be an extension of your bedroom so ensure there is flow through your choice of materials and details.

Small tactile details, such as lining

the jewellery shelving with velvet, will ensure you get the pampered experience you’re after.

I would like to create a feature wall in my living space that really pops – what do you suggest?

For paint and texture, I advocate simplicity. A paint colour that takes its cue from details in an artwork placed elsewhere in the room or a bold colour that contrasts a neutral space can really add impact. Accessories in the same colour will bring balance and harmony. While colour is one obvious direction, I’m also partial to selecting a special material finish to create focus. Bookmatched marble, speciality wood veneer panelling and mosaics can all add visual texture to a space. With these choices, the finish provides the artwork.

I’m looking for some statement lighting for the doubleheight entrance space – what should be my starting point?

Decide whether or not you want one continuous large piece or if you want to showcase a collection of similar singular pieces that are hung at multiple levels.

Selecting the right material is important as your entry space sets the tone for the rest of the home aesthetic. Crystal, glass and metal each have their own aesthetic.

Cities (citiesstore.com) and Mood (mood. ae) both have the type of décor pieces that are contemporary, interesting and whimsical, with curated collections of tableware, art, accessories and lighting offered at a variety of price points.

HIDDEN GEM: Tribe Dubai advocates products that are sustainable, handmade and fairtrade (such as the beehive pendant, pictured left).

DREAM BUY: My husband and I love to shop the souks in his home country, Morocco, for vintage Moroccan art and tapestries.

Br&nd Creative

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IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine

STEAL MY STYLE

CREDITS: WALLPAPER, OSBORNE & LITTLE; OTHERS, NATUZZI ITALIA

MONA CHAMI The senior manager and interior architect of Natuzzi Italia advocates an individual look for cosiness and comfort

ESSENTIAL BUY

Chairs, because they can be used in the kitchen, dining area or even in an entertainment corner; potted plants look great paired with other home accessories; and rugs are a crucial decoration for your floor.

WALLPAPER OR PAINT?

I prefer using wallpaper, as it adds instant personal style and gives any room depth. It can also disguise a wall’s imperfections and manipulate spaces with visual tricks.

MOST PRIZED POSSESSION Natuzzi Italia’s Melpot sofa.

COLOUR COMBO TO TRY

Pink and red, together, create warmth and the feeling of comfort.

SPLURGE ON A comfortable sofa and a beautiful floor lamp that can be used to easily illuminate a room or adjusted to light up a specific area.

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Betterhomes Magazine | IDEAS

BACK TO NATURE Celebrate all things natural with our freshly picked ideas

INTO THE BLUE

Evoking the clear waters and relaxed feel of the Italian coastline, H&M Home’s summer collection is designed to make sharing quality time with your nearest and dearest even better. Glass, Dhs26, tablecloth, Dhs149, bowl, Dhs129, blue plate, Dhs59, fish design cup, Dhs26, fish-shaped tray, Dhs99, H&M Home, hm.com/ae

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IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine

IN BLOOM

Featuring natural textures, metallics and earthen shades, Zara Homes’ florist collection has a sunny and serene feel. Decorative metal pots, from Dhs199, golden sphere side table, Dhs699, blanket, Dhs599, cushions, various prices, marble table with crossed metal legs, Dhs399, tall metal basket, Dhs399, Zara Home, zarahome.com/ae

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Betterhomes Magazine | IDEAS

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IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Designed by Filipino industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue, known for integrating natural materials with innovative handmade production processes, these fun vases capture the elegant stride and plumage of wild birds.

Pair of Kala vases, price on request, Kenneth Cobonpue, kennethcobonpue.com

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Betterhomes Magazine | IDEAS

WHITE LINES

We’ve found the perfect solution for combating the extreme heat that our homes in the UAE are subjected to during the summer without losing natural daylight: frosted film. The Window Film Company has easyto-apply solar control and anti-fade films for UV and heat protection, with a wide range of stylish patterns, from abstract to natureinspired and nautical designs. We’re coveting the cactus etching in vibrant white. White printed cactus frosted film, from Dhs150 (GBP30) per roll, The Window Film Company, windowfilm.co.uk

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FAMILY TREASURES Designer India Hicks on growing up with golden pheasants, decorating in the tropics and mixing things up Interview: Lucy Land

F

ormer fashion model, British aristocrat (her mother is Lady Pamela Mountbatten, while Prince Charles is her godfather and second cousin), design royalty (her late father was legendary interior designer David Hicks) and entrepreneur, India Hicks has a rich legacy and many experiences to draw on. Having recently released a follow-up to her bestselling book, India Hicks: Island Style, which explored her family enclave in the Bahamas, she focuses on her British heritage and how she has expressed it in her newly finished English country house in India Hicks: A Slice Of England. We speak to the design queen about her wonderfully bohemian sense of style…

What is your top tip for entertaining guests?

I always enjoy our parties. I have fun setting the tables in various ways, moving location, and thinking up new decorations, whether it’s a table sprinkled with lucky nuts that we have collected from the beach, or Eiffel Tower-sized vases with palm fronds, or a simple assortment of shells mixed with votive candles. I change the tablecloth from formal white to a stretch of coloured linen fabric left over from reupholstering bedroom chairs, or possibly an Indian mirrored bedspread.

I love to mix up the locations and the guests as much as I mix up the decoration. And David knows how to mix the drinks.

How would you describe your design philosophy?

When decorating in the tropics, neither my partner David nor I were ever drawn to slick materials, flashy fabrics or overly engineered designs. We always opt for those that more fittingly express the spirit of the place, such as the atmosphere of island life, captured by the faint suggestion of sand and seaweed, piles of well-thumbed books, simple dreams and the consistent echo of our English past.

What advice do you have for perfecting tablescaping?

My father claimed to have invented the word ‘tablescape’ and I have inherited his obsessive desire for collecting, organising and tablescaping. Find a starting point, whether it’s a picture frame or a stack of books and go from there. Let colour and texture be your guide. When arranged with precision, you’ll find the right mix, even if David Hicks wasn’t your dad.

How big an impact did your father have on you?

My father’s influence can’t help but seep into my style. We had golden pheasants as pets, breakfasted in tented rooms of scarlet fabric and travelled as a family, with matching turquoise and sunset orange luggage labels. I have inherited some of my father’s passion for trying to make the world a lovelier place and there are flashes of colour and hints of geometrics in my own designs.

What do you collect?

My father believed that one mediocre object on its own becomes something of interest when joined by others to form a collection.

We apply this view to almost everything in our home: shells, tree nuts I find on my morning runs, cricket balls, straw hats, books, and friends. We’ve actually collected so many friends that we built the cricket pavilion to house the overflow.

How have your travels influenced you?

I have met people of inspired taste, who have expanded my sense of how strange and marvellous the world really is.

Why do you think it’s important to repurpose things?

Shoestring decorating and the repurposing gene, inherited from my father, have stood me in good stead for island life. Without the luxury of department stores, fabric outlets or decorating boutiques, repurposing becomes fundamental.

How do you spend time at home?

I’m in my office more often than not, while the terrace off our kitchen is the heart of Hibiscus Hill – it’s where we sit as a family every evening when we are all together, with the dogs snoring on the warm flagstones beneath our feet.

What’s the most important thing to get right in the home?

A kitchen that functions well. I don’t cook, but I like to interfere.

And it’s nice when a bedroom feels like a sanctuary – mine does.

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How would you describe your home?

My house is simply a series of rooms. It is transformed into a home by its memories, objects, and most importantly, my family – without David and my five children, I wouldn’t have a home.

India Hicks: A Slice Of England by India Hicks is out now.

Photographs by Brittan Goetz

Betterhomes Magazine | IDEAS

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IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine

CHILD’S PLAY Create a cool den to get your kids inspired

If walls could talk

A non-toxic, environmentally friendly decorating wall paint is often top of the agenda to ensure offspring stay in good shape. Add to that a dirt resistant one and you’ve got the perfect paint. Available in 2,000 colours, the washable Mascryl range ticks all the boxes and gives a matt, smooth finish. We love this fresh mint shade that works equally well on a sensitive boy’s and a boisterous girl’s bedroom.

Mascryl acrylic paint, Dhs51.10 per gallon, Mas Paints, mas-paints.com

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Betterhomes Magazine | IDEAS

Room to grow

With a variety of options, from a jungle room packed with shelters and swings to a football setting and a fairytale princess palace, the FLEXA bed can easily be transformed into a playground or a cosy hideaway. All sorts of accessories and addons are available to help extend the bed and convert it into a setting that provides inspiration for play, a place for homework or a zone to chat with friends. FLEXA bed, Dhs1,679 for a single and Dhs3,358 for a double bed, IDdesign, iddesignuae.com bhomes.com | 33

IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine

New horizons

Bring out Ben 10 in your little one with this adventurous tree house bed.

It features a simple yet sturdy ladder, easy-to-use blinds and a fun lookout spot in its roof. Kendal Treehouse Bed, Dhs1,760, Home Centre, homecentre.com

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Betterhomes Magazine | IDEAS

THE ESSENTIALS

Unicorn table lamp, Dhs248.32, LITTLE WREN

Djungelskog rug, Dhs69, IKEA

Laurette night table, Dhs990, CARAMEL AND SUN

Gerbur Vision click vinyl in lemongrass, Dhs120 per sq. m., FLOORWORLD bhomes.com | 35

IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine

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Betterhomes Magazine | IDEAS

COLOUR

CHIC

This city retreat teams greys and blues, metallics and greenery for a cosy and elegant feel Words: Lucy Land

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K

nown for its variety of restaurants, murals from some of the world’s biggest street artist names, designer shops and central location, it’s no wonder that familyfriendly, pedestrianised neighbourhood City Walk was the chosen location for an apartment that would be used for short-term rentals. “The brief was simple: to furnish this apartment in an understated, modern and luxurious style yet on a tight budget,” says Nisrine El Lababidi, creative director of Harf Noon Design Studio.

Nisrine had six weeks to turn an empty shell into a gorgeous abode ready for its discerning guests.

Working with a bright and spacious interior, she decided to start with a neutral grey palette injected with colour, making it easy to update when needed. “We needed practical furniture

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that would work perfectly for a rental apartment without skimping on quality and comfort,” Nisrine reveals. “The solution was to carefully select the items needed to stand the test of time and accessorise with budget solutions that looked great and added character to the space.” She recommends starting with buying the big things first so that you know how much budget is left to spend on accessories. “I suggest beginning with the couches, rug and coffee tables. Once those are in place, it is much easier to fill in the rest.”

For the open living space, super comfy Turin grey sofas from Indigo Living were chosen. These were complemented with IKEA’s KOARP armchairs, plus glass coffee tables and a side table from Objects of Design. Accessories in metals, glass and greenery added liveliness. Rugs

Betterhomes Magazine | IDEAS

WE NEEDED PRACTICAL FURNITURE THAT WOULD WORK PERFECTLY FOR A RENTAL APARTMENT

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from Carpet Centre completed the space and added elegance to it. A beautiful wooden table, sideboard and modern comfy dining chairs furnished the dining room, while simple, sheer drapes flooded the space with light. Sputnik lights and artwork from THE One provided the finishing touch. The outdoor balcony was also furnished with a modern sofa to ensure memorable stays.

Warm greys were chosen for two of the three bedrooms. In the master bedroom, an Indigo Living

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bed, wooden sidetables and a dresser were contrasted with a rich ochre yellow Crate & Barrel rug and throw pillows, while the art was sourced from Gallery One. Another bedroom was accented with sophisticated, lush blue velvets and black accents, while another featured lighter shades of washed whites, beiges and brick colours held together with metal accents. A mix of items from Zara Home, Indigo living, IKEA, THE One, West Elm and Home Centre helped to achieve the serene look.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DETAIL — EVERY PIECE IS PLACED EXACTLY WHERE IT SHOULD

Betterhomes Magazine | IDEAS

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Betterhomes Magazine | IDEAS

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DETAIL — EVERY PIECE IS PLACED EXACTLY WHERE IT SHOULD

Nisrine’s selection of easy-to-carefor blue and metal pieces repeated throughout the apartment gave it a relaxed and elegant vibe. “It’s all about the detail – every piece is placed exactly where it should. The artful mash-up of materials, textures and colours lent soul and vibe to the apartment and gave an authentic yet cool and intimate feel to it,” she says. There is a method to her accessory grouping: the rule of three. “I love repeating an item three times – it creates an artpiece.

Imagine three vases with the same flower, three votives or three metallic urchins – the options are endless.”

Providing a focal point in the long corridor, an artwork by Khalid Shahin, which was in the homeowner’s previous home, strikes a perfect balance of colours and shapes, with a hint of Arabian culture. “His integration of Arabic calligraphy with his abstract painting reflects fluid spaces and endless boundaries, while its abstract style allows you to create your own interpretation.”

Nisrine’s contemporary styling has created an inspiring home away from home. Allowing plenty of light to enter, the space is bright and welcoming, while the comfortable furnishings and medley of accessories offer a cosy yet fresh feel.

GET THE LOOK Francis mirror, from Dhs1,785, PETITE FRITURE at COMPTOIR 102

Marine-shaped ceramic vase, Dhs199, ZARA HOME

Venere bedside table, price on request, NATUZZI ITALIA

Harfnoondesignstudio.com

HOME COMFORTS My top home décor tip is…

Always style your home with elements that bring you happiness, such as collectibles from your travels.

Get rid of any clutter.

It will only attract negative energy and dust.

Add an unexpected twist to your space.

If most of your furnishings are traditional, try incorporating a few pieces with modern lines.

This will give personality and a collected feel to your space.

Home is…

Where you can completely unwind and be your truest self.

Blue metal vase, Dhs199, ZARA HOME

Allah Akbar, from Dhs895, GALLERY ONE

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IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine

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Betterhomes Magazine | IDEAS

By bringing the outside in, the team behind this striking Miami home has created a perfect playground Words: Lucy Land Photographs: Dan Forer

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IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine

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amed for its beautiful weather and beaches that stretch for miles, Miami is all tropical elegance and glamorous style so it’s not surprising that the location provided the starting point for this sprawling six-bedroom family home. Situated between the Indian Creek Canal and Pine Tree Drive in Collin’s Waterfront district, the house is set on a strongly linear proportioned site, which led to a design that swept across it.

To reinforce a consistent approach to the building, uniform and subtle materials were chosen, while its expansive and open-plan layout blends the surrounding landscape into the interior of the house to create a greater sense of space. What’s more, the lightness of the materials allows the nature to stand out.

The house includes a number of internal and external courtyards and boasts views in two directions from

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almost any point in the house, creating a tangible and immediate relationship with the outdoors. The grounds, meanwhile, include water features that cover roughly half the size of the house – the unique Miami experience of living on the water, with its year-round warm climate, was something that architectural firm SOATA sought to emphasise.

“A great deal of effort went into the design of the pool courtyard,” says SAOTA’s director Mark Bullivant. “Time was spent understanding the use of the spaces, including how and when the pool will be used. The outdoor area is animated by a series of features, including a hot tub, barbeque, bar and a two-storey waterslide. The waterslide forms a focal point at the pool pavilion and makes the space appealing for entertaining.”

With one side of the house being located on a busy street, the design team

had to contend with issues of noise and privacy at the rear of the property.

Consequently, screens were installed to cloak the building. The screens also provide solar control, but evolved to something far more significant – the punched anodised aluminium also acts as architectural jewellery. Heightening the experience of enclosure and transparency, they play with the light.

“The design is as much about containment as it is about the views through the many living spaces, towards the Atlantic Ocean and world-renowned Miami Beach,” adds SAOTA director Philip Olmesdahl. “While the overall contemporary architectural design is a key focus of the SAOTA design team, the use and connectivity of the spaces – how the house lives – is the primary driver.”

The screens have multiple functions; in some instances they define spaces,

Betterhomes Magazine | IDEAS

TIME WAS SPENT UNDERSTANDING THE USE OF THE SPACES as seen with the double volume nature of the entrance, and in others they facilitate the creation of private protected sanctuaries, as seen in the bedroom where the terraces can be screened in to become part of the room. A limited number of materials combined with a controlled and continuous palette were used throughout to ensure cohesion between various spaces, creating a home that is refined and comfortable.

Natural lighting played a strong role in the design, with glazed openings to the side of the house flooding the interior with natural light. The outdoor terrace is also designed to take full advantage of the Western sun, late into the afternoon. “Landscape architect Raymond Jungles’ relaxed, confident and freehand approach resulted in a natural environment that truly reflects Miami.

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IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine

exterior spaces allows lush greenery to invade the home in a structured way,” says Mark.

Designed by Nils Sanderson, the interiors are serene and harmonious; the fluid finishes creating a sense of respite from the pace of city life. Delicate manipulations of patterns and textures, warm tones and stunning lighting by Lux Populi produce a calm feel in the sun-filled spaces. The sense of tranquility is further enhanced by the various materials, including grey limestone, callacutta and walnut flooring. “Specialist plaster embedded with granules of sea shells were used for the walls, providing

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a lovely reference to the coral stone that cloaks the buildings in Miami,” Mark reveals. “And along with the internal screens, area rugs were also introduced to define and emphasise the intimacy of the seating areas.”

Working with DVice as the architect of record and Brodson as the construction company, SAOTA captured the yearround, warm Miami climate and tropical landscape to create an effortless design that emphasises the outdoors and the home as an extension of a playful, alluring Miami lifestyle. saota.com

HOME COMFORTS Miami homes on the water are unique.

This house takes the experience even further by creating the sense of water coming inside it.

Key furniture pieces include…

Artifacto’s Milpa cocktail table, sourced from Brazilian oak – it seems to sprout from its glass base.

Home is…

Life enhancing – relaxed, considered and warm.

Betterhomes Magazine | IDEAS

GET THE LOOK Steel with red stone decoration, Dhs520, AL HUZAIFA

Egg sphere black and copper bowl, Dhs1,199 (GBP240), 5MM DESIGN

Saldana almond cushion, Dhs179, CRATE & BARREL

Metal and marble lamp, Dhs1,100, AL HUZAIFA

Venere chest of drawers, price on request, NATUZZI ITALIA

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Wellness Hours at Saray Spa. Renew for the journey ahead.

Rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.

Book any massage and receive 50% off at Saray Spa. Available weekdays from Sunday to Thursday, between 9am to 2pm.

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai | Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE T +971 4 414 6754 | mhrs.dxbjw.spa@marriott.com | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com *Terms and conditions: Offer is subject to availability and advance reservations are required. This offer is valid until 31st August 2018.

AREA The name Jumeirah means beautiful in Arabic and, true to form, the beachfront homes in this community provide gorgeous views and are surrounded by lush gardens, with easy access to pristine white beaches. Browse our selection of townhouses and villas to rent in this popular central location.

M OV E TO

JUMEIRAH

Katie Forbes, Residential Consultant at Betterhomes, on her favourite neighbourhood

“Once home to Emirati fishermen, pearl divers and traders, the low-rise villa district of Dubai, Jumeirah (the beachfront was previously named Chicago Beach after the site of the former Chicago Beach Hotel) developed into the original Western expat community in the 1960s and is still a very desirable place to live today.

Divided into three neighbourhoods (Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah 2 and Jumeirah 3), the community attracts families and tourists alike, drawn to its beach vibe.

“Currently sharing a villa in Jumeirah 3 with friends, I absolutely love living in this area. I walk the beach track to keep fit at least three nights a week and meet friends for breakfast on Jumeirah Street on Friday mornings before heading to the beach for a day of rest and relaxation. The locale always offers something exciting, whether it’s finding a new coffee shop or an art gallery hidden in a commercial villa – it’s a cross-cultural hub that thrives off its community atmosphere.

“With its central location, Jumeirah boasts some stunning sights, including what is arguably the most photographed mosque in Dubai. Jumeirah Grand Mosque was built in the traditional Fatimid style in the ’70s. The neighbourhood is also home to one of the most historical archeological sites in the UAE: Jumeirah Archeological Site, which boasts treasures, such as pottery, coins and tools from the Abbasid era.

In contrast, there’s a very modern gem here, too: the world’s only seven-star hotel, Burj Al Arab, located in the Umm Suqeim area of Jumeirah. Other iconic hotels include family-friendly resort Jumeirah Beach Hotel and those located in Arabian mini-city Madinat To rent Two-bedroom townhouse Three-bedroom villa Four-bedroom villa Five-bedroom villa

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Jumeirah: Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam and Jumeirah Al Naseem, while Jumeirah Street is famed for its abundance of shops, restaurants and hotels. It’s also the locale to find Wild Wadi Water Park, and hip retail, dining and entertainment enclaves such as BoxPark, City Walk and food truck friendly Jumeirah Corniche.

“Public beach destinations include Jumeirah Beach Park, Kite Beach and the latest development from Meraas, La Mer, which offers a variety of eateries, smart shops, an inflatable playground for kids and newly opened Laguna Waterpark.

“Properties in Jumeirah comprise mainly of independent and compound villas, though, with expansion, there are also townhouses and apartments that appeal to smaller families, couples and single professionals. Renowned for its villa communities, it’s the ideal choice for those looking for extra space, with properties boasting approximately 3,000 sq. ft. to 6,000 sq. ft, though even larger, more luxurious properties with extensive amenities are also available.

Most villas come with spacious gardens, while some have private pools. As only UAE nationals are allowed to buy in this popular neighbourhood, very few properties become available to buy and rent is among the highest in the city.

“With easy accessibility via taxi and car, and a vast array of nurseries and schools known for their outstanding results (including GEMS Jumeirah Primary School, British Orchard Nursery and Jumeirah International Nursery), many parents, who live outside the area, take advantage of the excellent education facilities available in Jumeirah.”

Approximate price From Dhs140,000 From Dhs170,000 From Dhs200,000 From Dhs230,000

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AREA | Betterhomes Magazine

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

City Walk Jumeirah

Ref No. AP358108 Scott McGeachy RERA Permit No. 1851981497

Athaar Villa Jumeirah

Ref No. VI174541 Sana Hajjar RERA Permit No. 1565109400

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AED 2,150,000 1 BR 1,181 sq. ft.

AED 13,000,000 5 BR 6,000 sq. ft.

Betterhomes 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

Umm Al Sheif Villas Umm Suqeim

Ref No. VI348112 Behzad Torabi RERA Permit No. 0243779269

AA Villas Al Wasl

Ref No. VI336745 Simona Mariana Barbulescu RERA Permit No. 0899793158

AED 14,000,000 5 BR 11,076 sq. ft.

AED 25,000,000 5 BR 11,000 sq. ft.

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AREA | Betterhomes Magazine

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

SHA Villa Umm Suqeim

Ref No. VI352591 Rasha Moslyh RERA Permit No. 0986857419

AHD Villa Jumeirah

Ref No. VI356609 Simona Mariana Barbulescu RERA Permit No. 0066872512

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AED 8,500,000 6 BR 8,000 sq. ft.

AED 15,000,000 5 BR 11,000 sq. ft.

Betterhomes 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

AKARS VILLA 6-Bedroom, Al Manara

A PLACE TO CALL HOME This is your chance to own a truly inspiring home in Al Manara, a prestigious location bordered to the north by Umm Suqeim.

This two-storey, upgraded villa has a large outdoor swimming pool, barbeque and seating area as well as a driver and a maid’s room in its elegantly landscaped grounds. There are also four covered parking spaces. Inside, each room has marble arches. There is a large living and separate dining area, a modern closed kitchen, two bedrooms downstairs and another four upstairs, all with ensuite bathrooms. Also upstairs, is a large family area and pantry room. The villa is available beautifully furnished, although furniture can also be removed at your request.

AED 19,900,000

T H E D E TA I L S Approx size: 6,458 sq. ft.

Reference No: VI356138 RERA Permit No. 0133032946

Listed by Jean Ayoub

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FOR RENT

I f y o u l i k e w h a t y ou 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

MKA Villas Umm Suqeim

Ref No. VI344046 Sana Hajjar RERA Permit No. 1944941649

Splendour Villas Al Safa

Ref No. VI204421 Jean Ayoub RERA Permit No. 1511918194

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AED 315,000 5 BR 7,000 sq. ft.

AED 300,000 4 BR 3,286 sq. ft.

Betterhomes 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

Umm Suqeim 3 Villas Umm Suqeim

Ref No. VI352639 Jean Ayoub RERA Permit No. 1614115682

Al Ferdous Building 1 Al Safa

Ref No. AP357372 Gemma Walsh RERA Permit No. 0476394248

AED 1,000,000 5 BR 16,000 sq. ft.

AED 130,000 2 BR 1,539 sq. ft.

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FOR RENT

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

Roda Boutique Villas Umm Suqeim

Ref No. VI353280 Katie Forbes RERA Permit No. 2051375255

AAM Villa Jumeirah

Ref No. VI353484 Katie Forbes RERA Permit No. 0005766239

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AED 365,000 3 BR 3,240 sq. ft.

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

Betterhomes 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

AM VILLA 6-Bedroom villa

O N E O F TH E B E S T D E A L S O N TH E M A R K E T This gorgeously luxurious, six-bedroom villa is located in Jumeirah 2 and stands on an impressive 15,000 sq. ft. plot. An independent villa, it boasts a maid’s room, driver’s room (outside the main building), two spacious kitchens, gym, sauna and a beautiful swimming pool in a professionally landscaped garden, which also has a fountain and many fruit trees. There is a covered garage, too. A stunning entrance with double stairs greets you on arrival. On the ground floor, there is a large living room area, one formal dining salon, an open American-style kitchen with branded kitchen appliances along with an entrance from the back of the house. On the first floor, there is a large, cosy family room, four en-suite bedrooms and a master bedroom with a dressing area and a terrace.

AED 750,000

T H E D E TA I L S Approx size: 11,000 sq. ft.

Reference No: VI358710 RERA Permit No. 2140997362

Listed by Simona Barbulescu

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FOR RENT

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AAJ Villa Umm Suqeim

Ref No. VI358201 Sana Hajjar RERA Permit No. 0848845442

HM Villa Umm Suqeim

Ref No. VI358091 Simona Mariana Barbulescu RERA Permit No. 0406607056

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

SSKIL Villa Jumeirah

Ref No. VI357344 Katie Forbes RERA Permit No. 0738057224

Villa AED 255, 000 AAAM Jumeirah 3 BR 5,000 sq. ft.

Ref No. VI358117 Urvashi Sidhapara RERA Permit No. 0046851312

AED 200,000 3 BR 5,000 sq. ft.

AED 280,000 5 BR 5,000 sq. ft.

Betterhomes 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

KAQ VILLA

5-Bedroom villa, Al Safa

S U P E R I O R LO C ATI O N Offering a majestic villa in Al Safa with a grand interior design, lush, landscaped garden and a classic ambience, this is one of the best properties Jumeirah has to offer. It boasts five uniquely designed bedrooms, seven Italian marbled bathrooms, two custom-made kitchens (one inside the main villa and one in its grounds), indoor and outdoor living rooms, a dining room that is designed in a French Baroque style, a maid’s and a driver’s room in its grounds, a large garden and an elevator to the first floor.

Jumeirah is one of Dubai’s oldest communities and has always been in high demand. Jumeirah Beach Road runs parallel to Al Wasl Road, which connects the community’s residents to the local beach, shopping malls, independent retail and food outlets, schools and services.

AED 390,000

T H E D E TA I L S Approx size: 7,000 sq. ft.

Reference No: VI338953 RERA Permit No. 0649229758

Listed by Natalia Matveev

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AREA | Betterhomes Magazine

SHORTEN THE SCHOOL RUN

Three homes within 15 minutes’ drive of Nord Anglia International School Dubai

WHICH SCHOOL?

RES Villa Al Barsha Rasha Moslyh Ref No. VI335954 RERA Permit No. 1650595901

AED 25,000,000

6 BR 9,980 sq. ft.

Matthew Farthing, principal of Nord Anglia International School Dubai, on offering a friendly, open and globally aware environment What sets your school apart from others in the city?

The students and staff – with their positive, lets-havea-go attitudes, their obvious commitment to an internationally minded, globally aware education and a commitment to universal codes of courteous behaviour and politeness – drew me to Nord Anglia International School Dubai (NAS Dubai) two years ago.

NAS Dubai is a really friendly place.

I appreciate our relative newness and the high expectations for continuing success that were realised last year with our distinguished GCSE results – a 71% A* to A pass rate – and our ‘very good’ and ‘outstanding’ ratings in our first KHDA inspections.

Belonging to a global community of 55 Nord Anglia Education schools around the world adds further value.

Our students and teachers are connected through sophisticated online platforms where ideas and materials are shared and training takes place. We also have significant partnerships with institutions, including Juilliard School of Performing Arts, which delivers a curriculum that fosters creativity; with M.I.T., as we look at integrating learning and developing STEAMbased approaches in the middle years

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of the school; with the UN and our commitment to sustainability; and with King’s College London where our teachers can embrace an MA programme especially developed for our teachers across the globe.

Tell us about your team…

Passionate about their subjects and the craft of creating learning, our staff truly enjoy being with young people and serve as crucial role models, understanding that a teacher affects eternity; s/he can never tell where her/his influence stops.

Is there anything else parents should know about?

AS Villa Al Barsha Simona Barbulescu Ref No. VI358627 RERA Permit No. 0488747181

AED 200,000

5BR 6,000 sq. ft.

The culture at NAS Dubai is one of openness and transparency. I recommend visiting us, knowing that in many year groups we have waiting lists. Also, we will always abide by our start-up pledge of never having more than 20 students in a form.

What do your key facilities include?

In terms of facilities and educational hardware, we have everything one would expect from a top quality school.

We offer an amazing environment, but we are not complacent and continue to invest in the school. This year, we built an additional full-sized 4G rugby pitch and a second swimming pool as well as a learner pool for Early Years, plus we have further proposals in the pipeline.

AAAAA Villa Al Barsha Sharfuddin Mohammed Ref No. VI358268 RERA Permit No. 0910642919

AED 285,000

5B + Maid’s Room 6,568 sq. ft.

SHOP | Betterhomes Magazine 1

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MOVING IN See yourself in a better light with our edit of pretty mirrors

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1. Twiggy mirror, price on request, KENNETH COBONPUE 2. Pomax mirror, Dhs600 COMPTOIR 102 3. Deco wall mirror, Dhs129, PAN EMIRATES 4. Metal mirror, Dhs1,905, AL HUZAIFA 5. Vikersund mirror, Dhs129, IKEA 6. Ronald mirror in gold, Dhs3,195, THE ONE 7. Handheld mirror, Dhs149, ZARA HOME 8. Znori mirror, price on request, KENNETH COBONPUE

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