Better Homes Magazine - March'18

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Complimentary copy

March 2018

“I look at how a room needs to feel” Amy Howard on transforming homes

in perfect

shape

Geometric designs to make your space pop

characterful kitchens ● upcycled furniture ● move to emirates living

KINGS’ EDUCATION The Best By Every Child

To find out more contact admissions at:

To find out more contact admissions at:

To find out more contact admissions at:

KINGS’ SCHOOL DUBAI

KINGS’ SCHOOL NAD AL SHEBA Tel: + 971 4 237 5555

KINGS’ SCHOOL AL BARSHA Tel: +971 4 356 6800

Tel: +971 4 356 6800

OUR VALUES GO BEYOND THE CLASSROOM At Kings’ Schools we believe in a holistic approach to education that works alongside academic rigour. Our British heritage allows us to cultivate a vibrant and international community across three campuses, where students and families alike feel valued.

kings-edu.com

Welcome to the mARch issue

I

t’s always good to get a fresh perspective, and this month we were lucky enough to get a tour of Husna Jilla’s Dubai Marina apartment (page 38), which affords stunning views of the sea and Palm Jumeirah (which is where I live). Husna advises playing with colour and pushing our own style boundaries because if we can get away with more anywhere, it’s in these bright, sunny climes.

The last few weeks have seen plenty of spring/summer furniture collection launches. Indigo Living transformed a home in Mohammed Bin Rashid City, District One in celebration of theirs, which features plenty of rich textures and bold accessories to break up neutral palettes. Meanwhile, Danish brand IDdesign’s new range includes tactile fabrics in greys and jewel tones, plus metal and ceramic accessories.

It seems that the UAE can’t get enough of Scandinavian style.

Another Danish furniture brand, JYSK (pronounced ‘yusk’), has just opened its flagship store in Dubai. Located on Umm Suqeim Street, close to Mall of the Emirates, the new branch is offering 50 days of great deals to mark the UAE being JYSK’s 50th country to open for business in.

In this issue, discover the latest trends, from upcycled furniture (page 19) to geometric designs (page 27). And, if you’re looking for a new home in a family-oriented, exclusive neighbourhood, check out our guide to Emirates Living (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 bhomes.com

bhomes.com

Complimentary copy

March 2018

“I look at how a room needs to feel” Amy Howard on transforming homes

facebook.com/betterhomesuae @betterhomesuae @betterhomesuae linkedin.com/company/better-homes-llc

IN PERFECT

SHAPE

Geometric designs to make your space pop

CHARACTERFUL KITCHENS ● UPCYCLED FURNITURE ● MOVE TO EMIRATES LIVING

Cover image supplied by Indigo Living

bhomes.com | 11

CONTENTS

pagE 72

MaRCh 2018

pagE 24

pagE 72

pagE 24

ShOp 16

ShOp Talk

Inspiration, innovation and need-to-know updates

STylE filES

27

iN pERfECT ShapE

Play with geometric designs

Soft furnishings

32

REbEl wiTh a CauSE

Interior design expert Amy Howard transforms lives

idEaS 24

dECORaTiNg SChOOl

Create a beautiful space under the stairs

34

ChaRaCTERful kiTChENS

Give your space personality

38

COlOuR aNd SplENdOuR

25

A grand Dubai Marina home

Yasmin Farahmandy answers your queries

fROM ThE TOp

aSk a dESigNER

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51

Gabby Umarova, founder of Style ME Interiors Dubai

20

ShOp fOR…

aREa

26

44

A Sydney home with views

MOVE TO…

pagE 19

Exclusive Emirates Living

54

pROpERTiES fOR SalE

Find your new home with our pick of properties to buy

61

pROpERTiES fOR RENT

Rent a villa in a familyoriented community

68

whiCh NuRSERy?

Indigo Valley Nursery offers a holistic approach

72

MOViNg iN

Add sparkle to your space with our edit of glass lighting

INTRODUCING OUR

2018 COLOUR TRENDS

To see our latest collection, visit a Jotun store or visit Jotun.com/me

Wonderfully together Frames by Franke unites the essential elements of every kitchen – sink and tap, oven, hob and hood – into a single, intelligent system. Full of small yet trailblazing innovations, this stunningly crafted modular system offers 67 separate elements that work together in any combination. So fill your kitchen with innovative technology and let your creativity flow.

Discover Frames by Franke at Franke.com

shop Featuring classic beadboard panelling, this bed suits a variety of styles, from coastal to country cottage and contemporary. What’s more, its hardwood frame and hand-painted frame means it will last a lifetime of seasonal updates.

Beadboard bed in weathered white, full size Dhs2,150, queen size 2,490, Pottery Barn, potterybarn.me

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Shop Talk

The latest in homeware, interiors and design trends

DeSigneD for you

Better Homes magazine is hosting a stand at INDEX exhibition (indexexhibition.com) from 26 to 29 March so do pop by and say hello. This year’s event will focus on design for self-expression. It will feature leading local and international designers (including OFIS, pictured) and bespoke live features.

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Better Homes Magazine | shop

SuSTainable Shopping

Fair trade home dĂŠcor store Tribe Dubai (tribedubai.com) has launched a new collection of wall hangings from Dharma Door. Made from woven jute, all the products (starting from Dhs495) are handmade in villages in Bangladesh.

Tap for inSpiraTion

Choosing the right hues for your home just got easier. Leading paint manufacturer Jotun recently released the ColourDesign app, which allows you to upload a photo of your space and visually apply your choice of shades on the photo of your walls. The result: a realtime view of how your home would look before you paint it.

TAKE TWO Table lamps

SpLurgE Vico lamp in gold, Dhs5,450, natuzzi

TrèS chic

Inspired by Parisian interiors, furniture store Pan Emirates (panemirates. com) has recently launched its Vintage Vignette collection. Featuring gold filigree over book cases, Mediterranean-style installations and pieces in shades of blue, metallic, peach, pink and cream, the range boasts bold shapes and striking designs.

SAvE Alzir metal lamp with agate, Dhs349, Home Centre bhomes.com | 17

What difference is one set of water filters going to make?

- SAID 8 BILLION PEOPLE

For a better home and a better planet choose filtered drinking water.

At Liquid of Life we work with providing a range of drinking water filtration solutions that help to eliminate/reduce plastic bottled water. Enjoy fresh filtered drinking water directly from your tap or from one of our bottle-free drinking water dispensers. Contact us to learn more and schedule an installation.

MAKE YOUR HOME PLASTIC BOTTLE FREE! The filters are tested and accredited by NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and meet Municipality and World Health Organisation Standards for drinking water. Filters are genuinely manufactured in the US.

www.liquidoflife.net | imthirsty@liquidoflife.net @liquidoflifedxb | 04 441 9236 / 055 235 3518

Better Homes Magazine | shop

5

1

Waste not, Want not Shop ethically with our edit of upcycled pieces

4

Trilium by Dekton at Consentino

3

2

1. Reclaimed wood industrial coffee table, with eight drawers and quirky wheels, Dhs1,450, Allure ColleCtives 2. Jerry can lamp, Dhs960, urbAn nest 3. Reclaimed wood dining table, with four chairs and a bench, Dhs3,250, the AttiC 4. Original bomb crate, Dhs750, the AttiC 5. Boat book shelf, Dhs1250, Allure ColleCtives bhomes.com | 19

shop | Better Homes Magazine

Shop for…

Soft furniShingS How to select the right fabrics for your home

Sedar Global

Present Time floral cushion, Dhs90, naMshi

Pontoise Blossom from the Giardino Segreto fabric collection, Dhs680 per metre, Designers guilD at Maison D’art

Paul black sheepskin stool, Dhs1,499, Chattels & More

Grey armchair, Dhs5,505, John lewis at robinsons

ASk the eXPert “Initially, you will be influenced by your personal preferences.

If you like a country style, for example, you will like natural fabrics, such as cottons and linens in earthy colours. Sofas might include rollover arms and skirting, while scatter cushions may include motifs from nature,” says Sharon ConneelyDonaldson, creative director

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and tutor at Full Circle Design FZLLC (fullcircledesign.com).

“However, you should also take into consideration the architecture of the home and the location. For example, a sleek contemporary, high-rise apartment in Downtown Dubai suggests soft furnishings that are simple and devoid of much decoration, such as geometric

sofas with low backrests and stainless steel legs.

“Go for rich jewel colours in satins, silks, jacquards and velvets with lots of patterns and embellishments if you want an opulent, moody look. Alternatively, light, airy neutrals with solid fabrics without a sheen, such as cottons and leathers are better suited for a contemporary look.”

We see genius in every child.

Einstein said, “Every child is born a genius�. We agree.

And we believe that a quality education is the key to unlocking the genius in every child.

We see genius in every child

Promotion

how to style the PeRfect kitchen

Embrace the best of design and technology, whatever your space and budget

Ask the eXPeRt “Designing a kitchen can be a complicated and daunting process, so clients often don’t know where to start,” says Tarek Dawood, designer at Kaiser German Kitchens, Innerspace. “My job is to guide and support them through the process, so they quickly find that designing their dream kitchen is easy and hassle-free. From the initial briefing meeting to the final design, the whole process is very interactive – we see it as a collaboration.”

Tarek and his team start by taking a detailed brief from the client, getting to know and understand them, their culture, background

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and the overall feel they are trying to achieve. They discover how they will use the space. For example, if they are passionate about cooking, then design will become even more important; while families may need lots of storage and more practical features.

One of the most popular choices is proving to be a sleek white kitchen with a grey or off-white worktop.

Kaiser German Kitchens’ worktops are made of Silestone, a natural quartz surface, with a unique antibacterial protection that won’t stain or mark.

“When combined with a beautiful white finish, it’s the ultimate in form and function,” Tarek enthuses.

Shown here is an unusual hexagonal-shaped kitchen in a Shoreline apartment on Palm Jumeirah. “We had to work really hard to make the best use of space,” Tarek says. “Every corner is utilised, with the clean look benefiting from details, such as modern stainless steel handles and Siemens appliances. The rich, yet light hues of the cabinets give a luxurious feel, with the taupe and silk grey oak cabinets contrasting perfectly with the Blanco Norte worktop, while the stylish subway tiles complete the look.”

Kaiser German Kitchens, Umm Sequiem Street, Dubai; 04 399 5352; kaiserme.com

TArek’s Top 3 kITchen essenTIAls

1

. Lighting: Under cabinet lights make a huge difference, as they bring a different light source into the mix. You can switch them separately for mood lighting for anything that doesn’t require full task lighting.

2

. MieLe CoMbination SteaM oven: It’s a versatile, healthy way of cooking that ensures that food retains its flavour.

I couldn’t be without mine!

3

. SouS vide: An amazing water bath product, which originated in professional kitchens and is now a must-have appliance.

ideas

We love a piece with a great story, so we’re happy to discover these elegant rugs from eco brand Armadillo&Co. Made entirely from recycled bottles, these beautiful, versatile rugs are resistant to sun, rain and water. They also feature subtle patterns and neutral colours, so they work just as well indoors as outside. Indoor Outdoor rugs, from Dhs1,500, Armadillo&Co at Tribe Dubai, tribedubai.com

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IDEAS | Better Homes Magazine

JYSK

Bookcase ladder, Dhs2,620, John lEwIs at robInsons

keep it light

Choose pale woods mixed with bright accessories Duncan throw, Dhs139, homE CEntrE

Norraker bench, Dhs225, IKEA

Lantern, Dhs299, ZArA homE

Decorating School

Paperweight, Dhs280, John DErIAn for AstIEr VIllAttE at ComptoIr 102

creating an unDerthe-StairS nook

Transform an awkward space into a useful part of the home “Firstly, decide what you would like to use the space under the stairs for,” says Carol Sukkar, founder of Home and Soul. “Would you like extra storage or a decorative feature, both of which are good options for awkward places.

“You can easily transform the space, from cramped to cosy, by creating a little reading nook, with a comfy throw and pillows on a bench.

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Alternatively, combine beautiful shelves, picture frames and candles for a creative area in your home or you can add cupboard doors that fit nicely with your stairs for extra storage. Depending on how big your space is, adding a desk with a few shelves makes the perfect working area.

“I recommend sticking to a light and fresh colour palette, with tactile materials, as this space usually lacks natural light. Remember that awkward spaces in your home offer an opportunity to get inventive.”

Better Homes Magazine | ideas

Ask A designer Our interiors expert answers your queries and shares her hidden gems in the city

Yasmin Farahmandy, interior designer My new villa needs furnishing. Where do I start and how should I allocate budget?

First, you need to decide which space is most important to you. Is it the living room or your master bedroom?

Or do you love cooking, so spend most of your time in the kitchen? Once you’ve worked this out, you can then start allocating space and budget proportionately to that which means the most to you.

To create a space that is timeless, go for monotones and neutral shades for your sofas and armchairs. If you want to play with colour, do so with the cushions and rugs. Accessories give you the freedom to change the scheme whenever you want. To create more of a dramatic feel, chandeliers always hit the mark, so spending money on your lights (Marina Home, pictured) will create a wow effect.

What tips do you have for dressing a large entrance space?

I’d like to add drama and give it a luxury hotel feel.

One of the most dramatic components in hospitality design is a feature table directly ahead of the main entrance, making it unquestionably the first thing you see when you walk in. If you have a double height ceiling, then style it with a large chandelier.

If not, enrich it with a floral arrangement. Adding some armchairs, side tables and a console with a large artwork and beautiful soft carpet also evokes a sense of drama. If budget permits, clad the walls with wood or mirror, which adds warmth to the entrance.

Yasmin Farahmandy, interior designer at Gensler and the winner of the 2017 INDEX Rising Star award, will be showcasing her debut furniture range at this month’s INDEX exhibition (indexexhibition.com).

Any more COpy

My little black book For hoMe scents: Scent is a critical component of a beautiful home. It is like styling an outfit – you need perfume to leave a trace when you walk into a space and to leave an impression. My favourites are from Jo Malone.

For rugs: My favourite store is Iwan Maktabi. It has beautiful, contemporary rugs that still manage to pay homage to the traditional. They carry one of my favourite designers, Hossein Rezvani, who is a true master of his art.

DreaM buy: My dream is to be an art collector.

Whether it is modern or classical, art adds to the whole feel of your interior and is a great investment.

We are so lucky to be in a region with a huge creative scene.

Interior design by Yasmin Farahmandy

I have a large open-plan space that can accommodate kitchen, dining and living areas. What advice do you have for creating distinct zones, while ensuring flow between each area?

Partitions. They should be used as either part of the millwork or bought as beautifully decorated portable pieces. What is so great about them is the option they give to either close the space for more intimacy, or open it up completely. Partitions are versatile and give you the flexibility to play around with the room you have.

Again, dividing the space goes back to personal preference. For example, if you love food, allocate more kitchen area. If you regularly host, then make the living room your most dedicated space, with a dining partition between the living room and kitchen. bhomes.com | 25

ideas | Better Homes Magazine

style files

Take your cue from those in the know

the wallflowerS

Steal my Style Gabby Umarova, interior designer and founder of Style ME Interiors Dubai

Design DNA

Always try to make your house a home, no matter the length of your stay as an expat. Small finishing touches make a huge difference in how your home feels as a whole.

Wallpaper or paint?

I love working with both. I am not one to shy away from bold prints and patterns or deep, dark colours mixed with fun or neutral palettes. On my Instagram account (@stylemeinteriorsdubai), you will see that I mix bold printed, custom-made dhurries with equally striking prints on wallpaper. Be bold and have fun – you can always remove wallpaper or re-paint walls.

Go-to furniture stores

I love picking up pre-loved, interesting pieces of furniture through local websites, art fairs and markets. These pieces – that travelled the world and found their way here – tell stories.

It’s great to see amazing new and old interior shops upping their game, too, including Home Centre, Home and Soul, Cozy Home, Aura Living, and Brands for Less.

For décor inspiration

It all depends on the space and the person

I’m designing for. One client had a beautiful painting of autumn that she wanted to display in her living room, so its colours and movement inspired our design direction.

Another client had a huge library of books in various colours, so the previously uninspired entrance hall was transformed into a gentlemen’s country club library, with an English club chair, reading lamp, maps, stag’s head and an antique bookcase, as some of the design features.

Stylish designs for your walls

For home scents

Diamantini & Domeniconi Butterfly wall clock, Dhs941, AmArA

I have a weakness for scented candles – MOR and Dyptique are my favourite brands. I also spray napkins with my favourite perfumes and leave them in various cupboards.

Colour combo to try

I’m currently obsessed with teal and dusty rose. As an interior designer and a fashion stylist, I love mixing unconventional colours together, both when styling people and decorating their homes.

Octagonal wooden mirror, Dhs3,651, Thouqi

Most prized possession

A photograph of my husband and me, in a silver frame. It is the very first thing we bought as a couple when we moved in together nearly 15 years ago, and it has travelled the world with us.

Household essentials

Kitchen Aid – an appliance that does everything. Also, a house, for me, isn’t a home until you fill it with natural plants.

Urchin wall light in black, Dhs950, Tribe DubAi

fOllOW NOW…

@just.good.design

Art director and designer for contemporary Spanish furniture brand STUA, Jon Gasca approaches his Instagram account like a curator approaches a gallery space, while his choice of images is inspired by many creative sources, from musicians to illustrators. Shown here is a house in LA that has been furnished with STUA pieces. His definition of good design? “Life is full of beautiful things. They do not need to match; they just fit in”.

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Better Homes Magazine | IDEAS

Another dimension

Make your space pop with a geometric design

ClassiC Craft

Drawn by hand, this motif is inspired the fretwork designs of hand-carved wood patterns applied to paneling in the 19th century. It evokes both a magnificent exotic pavilion and a contemporary tile design.

Fretwork in navy, Dhs1,514 (GBP295) per 10m roll, excluding VAT and shipping, Kit Miles, kitmiles.co.uk

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Better Homes Magazine | IDEAS

singing the blues

This sophisticated wallpaper design combines pattern with texture, via a smooth, marbled background. It is complemented by a tailored, cut velvet, with a distinctive geometric design, on the sofa and side chairs, and heavyweight linen curtains from the Brera Moda collection.

All designs are available in a variety of colours.

Brera Moda fabric, Dhs670 per metre, Jourdain wallpaper, Dhs580 per roll, Chareau fabric, Dhs615, Chareau rug, Dhs7,200, Designers Guild at Maison d’Art, maisondart.ae

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IDEAS | Better Homes Magazine

look at me

Homegrown brand Chattels & More has sourced some unusual sideboards to add personality to your living space.

The Devina Nais, named after its Italian designer, features an eye-catching decorative tattooed surface. Devina Nais sideboard, Dhs15,750, Chattels & More, chattelsandmore.com

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all that jazz

This sculptural console is made from laminated and lacquered goatskin with ebonised wood for a super luxe, piano-hued look. It is shown here with the dynamic Puzzle mirror, which is inspired by a house of cards; a galactic chandelier; and some glam objets d’art. Trocadero console, Dhs6,592 (USD1,795), Puzzle mirror, Dhs7,161 (USD1,950), Jacques sputnik chandelier, Dhs8,263 (USD2,250), Jonathan Adler, jonathanadler.com

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A rebel with A cAuse Interior design expert Amy Howard on transforming homes, furniture and lives Interview: Habiba Azab After decades of overseeing furniture makeovers for her clients and running her own business, Amy Howard Collection, which makes one-of-a-kind handcrafted furniture, Amy Howard has created her own line of artisanquality paint, Amy Howard At Home, and training products. We catch up with the DIY star following her home décor workshop at Al-Futtaim ACE Dubai Festival City…

What was the pivotal moment that sparked your passion for interiors?

As a child, my mother gave me the opportunity to redo my room, move my furniture around and paint my walls, so it really started with wanting to personalise my space in different ways.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

Traditional with a twist. I like something a little bit unexpected, such as a piece of modern or abstract art in a room, with a very traditional sofa.

I love mixing textures, either with art or surface finishes.

When transforming old home décor pieces, what are the most important factors to consider?

Its shape, scale and bones. Something can have an undesirable finish or colour but if the ‘skeleton’ is good, it can become truly amazing.

What’s been your favourite work so far?

I love transforming homes and furniture, but I’m most proud of working with women. I see the transformation of women, who have been involved in human trafficking – arts and creativity allows them to hope and dream again.

Is functionality or visual appeal more important in your projects?

I am respectful of functionality but I focus on aesthetics and work functionality around a project. I look at the function of a room and how it needs to feel. How a room feels – its colour and texture – is as important as the functionality of the room.

What do you think is the next big thing in home décor for spring/summer 2018?

Mixing all types of metallic, such as copper, silver and gold, together in one room. And playing with colour, which is what I love about my product line, especially the lacquers – you can

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spray a lamp, for example, with a pop of colour for one season and change it to another shade for the next.

How do you keep developing your own techniques?

Sometimes I work with a piece of furniture or on a residential project and I can never repeat the results. It’s like a painting – you can do it once and it will never be the same on a second attempt.

However, I build on the experience.

Every time I experiment with processes, such as waxes or mixing paints, pigments and plasters, for a project, my aesthetic level raises. Developing my techniques and building on my experiences gives me the freedom to get a little bit bolder each time.

What edge does your book, Rescue, Restore, Redecorate, give your audience that’s different to your other platforms?

I have created a lot of techniques for the book that I’ve never done before because I wanted the book to be very special. Also, I worked with Quentin Bacon on the project – his photography is very moody and beautiful. We showed the journey of each transformation. Each piece has a story to tell and there’s not another one like it – that’s something I really love about rescuing and restoring furniture.

Who do you admire in the interior design industry?

Kelly Wearstler is a renegade of sorts. She really pushes the envelope of interior design – she places really quirky things in a room in such a way that it takes your breath away, and mixes different styles and periods in ways no one else would have thought of.

Do you like to work with interior trends?

I find inspiration in older pieces found in flea markets, but for trends, I like to see what people are aware of when they go shopping, and then I like to turn that discovery on its end and create it myself. When I started gilding and putting typography on books, for example, I noticed people started picking up on the idea, sharing what they’d created on social media and the idea grew. I like starting a trend rather than following one – that’s the rebellion in me.

A selection of Amy Howard at Home products are available at Al-Futtaim ACE, aceuae.com

Better Homes Magazine | IDEAS

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ideas | Better Homes Magazine

CharaCterful kitChens

Give the heart of your home a distinct personality

The easy life

Self-cleaning oven? Tick. Time-saving induction cooktop for perfect cooking?

Tick. And a bottom freezer concept fridge, so you no longer have to bend down to reach your regular fruit and vegetables? We hadn’t thought of that simple solution either. Siemens’ approach to functionality means you spend less time with home appliances and more time enjoying your kitchen space. Siemens appliances are available from Better Life showroom, Mall of the Emirates; 04 341 4868 or 04 341 0716

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Better Homes Magazine | ideas

Calm comfort

Combining dynamic forms, Corian and hand-veneered oiled solid wood, burnished brass and highly resistant lacquer finishes, the Rossana collection draws inspiration from living room furniture. The oval breakfast bar comes in heat-treated acacia wood, the tall unit doors are handleless, the hi-tech extractor hood features decorative panels and the sinks are designed for optimum hygiene and functionality.

Hd23 kitchen from the Rossana collection, Platinum House, platinumhouse.ae

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ideas | Better Homes Magazine

The white room This elegant, handleless kitchen from Franke features hi-tech functionality with a sleek design, including a Swissmade stainless steel mixer and sink from Centinox; an induction hob for speedy, accurate cooking; and a spacious double door freestanding fridge.

Franke, franke.com/meas

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Better Homes Magazine | ideas

The essenTials

Artisan stand mixer in green apple, Dhs3,148.95, Kitchenaid at tavola

The Flex, price on request, QuooKer

Countertop coffee machine CM 6350, Dhs5,900, Miele

A 90cm electric oven (model HLF 940) from the WISH range, price on application, teKa bhomes.com | 37

IDEAS | Better Homes Magazine

Colour and splendour

There’s nothing predicatable about Husna Jilla’s approach to styling her grand apartment Words: Lucy Land

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Photographs: Muthu Kumar

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IDEAS | Better Homes Magazine

“I

love everything about this apartment,” enthuses Husna Jilla, regarding the 8,000 sq. ft. Dubai Marina apartment that she has enjoyed with her husband, Adil, since 2011. “I adore the view, size of the rooms (even the maid’s room is large), light, storage space and the double-height ceilings”.

Adil had been wanting to move from England to Dubai for years, but it took the couple’s son’s move to persuade Husna to make the leap. “Adil’s business brought us to Dubai, and when our son joined the family business here, he said he loved the city so much that he didn’t intend to return to England.”

Their two daughters moved out a year later and, for some time, eight family members were living in the Dubai Marina residence. “They have all since moved out, but we regularly receive a lot of visitors, plus we travel frequently – Dubai is perfectly located in the middle of many family members.”

Since the children left home, Adil suggested downsizing their space.

“Because I didn’t originally want to move here, I’ve insisted on staying in this apartment,” Husna smiles. Her initial preferance for a villa was thwarted by her husband, who persuaded her of the merits of a secure apartment, considering their regular travels, before they viewed their palatial home.

The large space proved challenging, however. Some of the original furniture brought over from their previous home was too small for their new abode. With its amazing sea view, the intended secondary living space became a dining area, where a square table fits perfectly, while the intended dining room was transformed into a TV room. The seating in the main living space, with its view overlooking Palm Jumeirah, evolved over time. “I wanted two lots of seating but I didn’t want to segregate them because I like to keep everyone together when we entertain.”

To ensure that the interior didn’t detract from the Palm Jumeirah and sea vista, Husna chose low-back, comfortable seating and kept window dressings neutral and simple. She is a fan of colour, though. “If you keep the base neutral and layer with textures and colours, you can get away with at least five hues, as long as you spread them out over enough space,” Husna advises.

Meanwhile, the kitchen was completely renovated, and the original cupboards and sinks were moved to the laundry room. Husna was very sure about what she wanted to achieve with the space, which includes a large island

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I don’t like a matchymatchy look, plus I get bored easily in the middle that backs onto banquette seating; a round glass table; while the broom cupboard was transformed into a book case. “I don’t like any nooks and crannies where dirt can get in, so everything has to be wall-to-wall fitted without gaps in the kitchen,” she explains. With the floral Crate & Barrel chairs picking up the colours in the worktop and ceramic wall tiles, she has achieved a clean, yet warm look.

Husna isn’t afraid to mix things up, however. If a chandelier doesn’t work in one space, for example, she’ll move it into another room. “I don’t like a matchymatchy look, plus I get bored easily,” she reveals. Indeed, each bedroom has a totally different look, from the romantic Victorian-influenced pink bedroom to a bold, masculine bedroom and a

Better Homes Magazine | IDEAS

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Better Homes Magazine | IDEAS

contemporary-meets-Arabesque cream and blue master bedroom. “As long as the floors throughout are the same, each room can look totally different to the next”. Husna’s attention to detail is evident in the pink bedroom. She added height to a teacup-themed lamp with a cake stand and commissioned a designer from Victorian-styled restaurant Shakespeare and Co. to create a lacefringed shoe box-come-ottoman, tissue box, and to embellish the lamp.

She also enjoys pushing her own boundaries. “I don’t mind wearing checks and stripes, but I don’t like them in my own home.” Nevertheless, she put striped curtains in one of the bedrooms, along with a blue and gold bird print wallpaper. She isn’t pleased with the resulting look and intends to change the room’s décor. “It’s too dull for Dubai. With the light in the UAE, you can go brighter and more theatrical.” Plans are also afoot to create an extra dressing room in the master bedroom’s en-suite bathroom.

Husna and her husband are art aficionados, with a collection that includes paintings by British-Indian artist Sacha Jafri (Barack Obama, George Clooney and Bill Gates are among his fans), Spanish artist Alejandro Hermann, street artist Francisco de Payan and lesser known international artists. However, there’s also a colourful family portrait by Adil’s sister and mosaic pieces by Husna.

It’s clear that a creative streak runs throughout the family, and Husna’s colourful, inviting home reflects both its owners and its guests.

HomE comfortS my personal style is contemporary classic.

I don’t like minimalism or an overly crowded look. find pieces that you love.

You can always rearrange until you find the right place for them.

Home is…

A welcoming, enjoyable place to live in. bhomes.com | 43

Taking his cue from the stunning view, property tycoon Zaki Ameer’s Sydney home is comfortable and colourful Words: Lucy Land

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Better Homes Magazine | IDEAS

O

riginally from Sri Lanka, entrepreneur Zaki Ameer migrated to Australia at the age of 18. He previously lived in elegant Mosman, Sydney’s Lower North Shore suburb, known for its manicured storefronts, smart mansions and beloved Balmoral Beach, for seven years. However, the pull of the eastern suburbs of Sydney proved enough to make him swap enviable ocean views for a harbour vista from his Potts Point apartment, with his wife Nour Gazal Issa. “Rather like my stays in Dubai, I wanted to be in the most vibrant part of Sydney,” he enthuses. “My new address is close to Kings Cross, which is the entertainment hub of Sydney, yet boasts beautiful views of Sydney Harbour.”

During one of their Dubai trips, Nour chose the décor and furniture for their new Australian home, without even seeing it. “One Saturday, she looked at a floorplan for 20 minutes, drew up the rooms and bhomes.com | 45

after two days of brainstorming, she had a complete moodboard,” he says, proudly.

“Within 24 hours, she walked into a few stores, such as Marina Home, THE One, and Homes R Us, and bought everything, from our huge bed to the teaspoon that I’m currently stirring my tea with.” She even managed the shipping system from the UAE to Australia, while standing at a counter of a furniture store.

Zaki’s previous home, where he lived before meeting his wife, was very minimalistic in style, with white and red being the predominant colours. In contrast, Nour injected personality into their Potts Point apartment, taking the stunning view as a starting point.

“I showed photos of the apartment to Nour, and its incredible view wowed us

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– it was the reason we chose it.” Nour’s choice of colours were taken from the vista, such as blue (from the ocean), oranges and pale red (of the rooftops) and bright yellow (from the sunshine), while white provided the base.

“White symbolises our pure hearts,” Zaki reveals. “As I’m island-born and Nour is a beach soul, we like a good mix of things, and we chose happy colours to reflect a happy life.”

Their selection of furniture, meanwhile, reflected the couple’s heritage and interests. In their spacious living room, with its panoramic view of Sydney Harbour, their love of nature is reflected in the wood shelving system and large dining table, and in the artworks of colourful birds on the walls. There are

The apartment’s incredible view wowed us – it was the reason we chose it

Better Homes Magazine | IDEAS

bhomes.com | 47

bright Moroccan cushions on the oversized, neutral sofa, while a blue Moroccan coffee table, which anchors the room, also adds an Arabic touch. Two blue chairs, one at either end of the dining table, match the coffee table, bringing the separate dining and living areas together. A dog sculpture, a horse’s head artwork, a chess board and French armchairs are on show, too.

“Our choice of pieces reflects our backgrounds, with Nour coming from Lebanon, a former French colony; and as Sri Lanka is a former English colony, our home reflects both of our cultures, combined with my Moroccan heritage.”

Art was chosen to complement the

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Better Homes Magazine | IDEAS

There are many layers of fabrics and treasures that have accum

HomE comfortS my top ome décor tip is…

Choose accessories and artworks that you and your family connect to or that reflects your personalities. my style rule is…

Keep it simple and ensure there is space for creativity, conversations and flow of energy.

Home is…

A place to rest, refresh and be creative.

light and moods of different spaces.

For example, the darker hallway is given an autumnal feel, with a dark blue console and an orange painting.

A second painting was bought at a charity event auction, and is filled with thousands of wishes, written in bright colours, by children under the age of 10.

To create a calm space, Nour gave the home office a beach vibe, with a colour scheme of blue, white and taupe. “I’m a bit of a workaholic,

especially as I work in two time zones: Australian and Emirati,” Zaki admits.

The master bedroom also offers a tranquil atmosphere, with its huge turquoise and off-white French mirror and window that frames the park and marina, while Nour has placed the bed strategically to maximise the views.

“The quiet room is perfect for relaxing and simultaneously being creative”.

It’s clear that Zaki and Nour’s home is a place of comfort and inspiration. bhomes.com | 49

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AreA The first large-scale gated villa community of its kind in the Middle East, Emirates Living includes the exclusive Emirates Hills, known as the ‘Beverly Hills of Dubai,’ with the family-oriented communities of The Lakes and Hattan, The Meadows, and The Springs.

Check out our choice of townhouses and villas to rent and buy in these desirable neighbourhoods.

M ov e to

eMirates Living Rasha Moslyh, Elite Senior Sales and Leasing Consultant at Better Homes, on living in an exclusive development

With a wide variety of villa sizes and styles, all set amid lush, landscaped grounds, including paths around lakes, the tree-lined neighbourhoods of Emirates Living offer serenity, yet are located close to the bustle of the city.

Although its developer, Emaar Properties, initiated the idea of freehold property in the city, Emirates Hills is its only project where land was sold per square foot to individuals to build the house of their choice.

Consequently, Emirates Hills is known for its huge, individual palatial abodes and its wealthy residents. There are some signature villas built by Emaar Properties, too. As well as overlooking the championship standard fairways and greens of the Montgomerie at Emirates Hills Golf Course, there are 17 lakes and three landscaped parks within Emirates Hills. Facilities include Springs Town Centre and the Greens Centre for shopping; numerous spas; and a wide choice of restaurants.

The Springs is the largest of Emirates Living communities, with two- to fivebedroom townhouses and villas, all of which come with a private garden and dual car port, while some come with pools. The neighbourhood offers plenty of communal areas, from lakes and children’s playgrounds to swimming

pools, tennis courts, basketball courts and barbecue areas. There are also mosques, and shopping centres with everything squeezed in, from Spinneys and Choitram to spas and gyms.

The Meadows offers spacious independent two-storey villas with three to seven bedrooms, many of which have lake or park views. Most come with garages; luxurious finishes, such as marble stairs; and generous private gardens, some with private pools. The neighbourhood has two well-served community centres.

The Lakes includes three- to fivebedroom villas, plenty of facilities and shares a huge football field, incorporating a full-sized basketball court, two full-sized tennis courts and a children’s playground with the neighbouring community of Hattan.

There are a number of excellent nurseries to choose from, including Raffles International Nursery and Jebel Ali Village Nursery. The Emirates International School – an IB World School taking children from four to 14 years – is located right in the heart of The Meadows. The Dubai British School, educating children from 3 to 18, can be found in The Springs, while Dubai International Academy can be found at The Lakes.

The Springs Two-bedroom townhouse or villa Three-bedroom townhouse or villa Three-bedroom plus maid’s room villa

Approximate price to buy Dhs1.6 million to Dhs1.9+ million Dhs2 million to Dhs2.7 million Dhs2.7 million to Dhs3.2 million

The Meadows Three-bedroom villa Four-bedroom villa Five-bedroom villa Six-bedroom villa

Dhs3.4 million to Dhs4.1 million Dhs3.8 million to Dhs4.3 million Dhs4.2 million to Dhs5.9 million Dhs5 million to Dhs8 million

Emirates Hills Four-bedroom villa Five-bedroom villa Six-bedroom villa Seven-bedroom villa

Dhs25 million to Dhs27 million Dhs22 million to Dhs35 million Dhs26 million to Dhs45 million Dhs35 million to Dhs90 million

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area | Better Homes 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

Deema 2 The Lakes

Ref No. VI154654 Rabih Hankir RERA Permit No. 11597

Heritage Large Jumeirah Park

Ref No. VI246189 Fadi El Fares RERA Permit No. 11597

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AED 5, 299,000 4 BR 3,700 sq. ft.

AED 3, 700,000 3 BR + Maid’s Room 3,527 sq. ft.

Meadows 7 Emirates Living

Ref No. VI324132 Simona Mariana Barbulescu RERA Permit No. 11597

Regional Large Jumeirah Park

Ref No. VI354978 Sherif Nabil RERA Permit No. 11597

AED 1 1,500,000 5 BR + Maid’s Room 6,151 sq. ft.

AED 4, 700,000 4 BR 4,350 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

Al Alka 1 Greens

Ref No. AP337116 Tauseef Khan RERA Permit No. 11597

Arezzo 1

Jumeirah Village Circle Ref No. AP347069 Moin Jehanzeb RERA Permit No. 11597

Price on re que st 1 BR 791 sq. ft.

AED 750,000 1 BR 1,043 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

AED 9,950,000

A ViLLA

6-Bedroom Villa, Al Barsha

P RiME LO C ATi ON This amazing six-bedroom villa includes two kitchens (external and internal), three lounges, two majlis, a dining room, an office, a gym, play rooms, three store rooms, two maids’ rooms and a service room.

Al Barsha is a collection of sub-communities that include Al Barsha First, Second, Third, and South. It is a residential, commercial and retail community of villas, apartments, offices, shopping mall and retail outlets, relatively less densely populated than other residential communities of Dubai. Properties are available for rent and for sale in a variety of floor plans and styles, from studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments to three-, four-, five-, six- and seven-bedroom villas. Many of the villas include large gardens and are located in and around quiet, suburban streets, while the residential apartment buildings are speckled with cafés, restaurants and a bustling trading atmosphere.

T h E D E TA i L S Approx size: 11,000 sq. ft.

Reference No: VI351300 RERA Permit No. 11597

Listed by Simona Mariana Barbulescu

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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

Springs 1 Emirates Living

Ref No. VI327618 Sharfuddin Mohammed RERA Permit No. 11597

AA Villa Al Barsha

Ref No. VI336469 Simona Mariana Barbulescu RERA Permit No. 11597

AED 2,800,000 2 BR 1,989 sq. ft.

AED 9, 310,000 7 BR + Maid’s Room 8,100 sq. ft.

Meadows 2 Emirates Living

Ref No. VI354900 Zena Aboud RERA Permit No. 11597

The Links West Tower The Views

Ref No. AP226451 Urvashi Sidhapara RERA Permit No. 11597

AED 4,995,000 5 BR 5,813 sq. ft.

AED 1,850,000 2 BR 1,315 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

AED 3,800,000

LegAcy LARge

3-Bedroom Villa, Jumeirah Park

EXCEPTiONAL DEAL Better Homes is proud to offer this spacious three-bedroom Legacy Large style villa in Cluster Q, Jumeirah Park. It boasts bright bedrooms and a kitchen opening out onto a lounge-come-dining area. An ideal family home, this villa is in a good location, away from electrical cables and will be vacant in July 2018.

Jumeirah Park is the closest villa community to Sheikh Zayed Road and is the first choice in terms of location, layout and design among its residents and investors. It is a fast-evolving, quiet and peaceful community and, when complete, will be one of the most beautiful, green and eco-friendly areas to live in Dubai. The landscaping is in progress, proven by the growing number of parks across 350 hectares and green spaces. Jumeirah Park is a family-orientated development, with villas for both sale and lease. The villas have large gardens for kids, with community play areas in the pipeline.

T h E D E TA i L S Approx size: 3,527 sq. ft.

Reference No: VI354701 RERA Permit No. 11597

Listed by Syed Wajih Uddin Ahmed

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FOR RENT

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

Legacy

Jumeirah Park

AED 250,000

Ref No. VI330647 Sharfuddin Mohammed RERA Permit No. 11597

4 BR + Maid’s Room 4,335 sq. ft.

APi 43 Villas

AED 170,000

Al Barsha

Ref No. VI257155 Dimple Hitesh Raygangare RERA Permit No. 11597

4 BR + Maid’s Room 3,400 sq. ft.

Lake city Tower Jumeirah Lake Towers

Ref No. AP236986 Sana Hajjar RERA Permit No. 11597

Lake city Tower Jumeirah Lake Towers

Ref No. AP308617 Abdelkarim Al Nabulsi RERA Permit No. 11597

AED 55,000 Studio 409 sq. ft.

AED 69,000 1 BR 729 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

APi 46 Barsha Villas Al Barsha

Ref No. VI220089 Dimple Hitesh Raygangare RERA Permit No. 11597

Saba Tower 3 Jumeirah Lake Towers

Ref No. AP257546 Urvashi Sidhapara RERA Permit No. 11597

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AED 200,000 4 BR + Maid’s Room 4,100 sq. ft.

AED 100,000 2 BR 1,212 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

SPRingS 9

4-Bedroom Villa, Emirates Living

A h O S T O F FAC i LiTi E S This fully-furnished, four-bedroom villa in Springs 9 comes with kitchen appliances and other furniture, plus a large garden.

It is also within easy walking distance of the community area, which includes shops, schools and easy access to the main traffic routes.

This well-established community forms part of the Emirates Living district that also includes the communities of The Lakes, The Meadows and Emirates Hills, all developed in and close to 1997 by Emaar Properties. The environment is secure and boasts verdant vistas and scenic walking paths. Residents have access to swimming pools, parks, cafĂŠs, restaurants and state-of-the-art fitness facilities through the Springs Town Centre, as well as 24/7 community security. Located south of the Meadows, The Springs is close to Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Lake Towers and Dubai Marina.

AED 265,000

T h E D E TA i L S Approx size: 3,079 sq. ft.

Reference No: VI176410 RERA Permit No. 11597

Listed by Richard Beaumont

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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

Springs 4 Emirates Living

Ref No. VI264796 Sherif Nabil RERA Permit No. 11597

Al Samar 4 Greens

Ref No. AP168027 Abdelkarim Al Nabulsi RERA Permit No. 11597

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AED 1 10,000 2 BR 1,857 sq. ft.

Springs 10 Emirates Living

Ref No. VI285042 Sharfuddin Mohammed RERA Permit No. 11597

Villas AED 75,000 nova Jumeirah Park 1 BR 768 sq. ft.

Ref No. VI356526 Zena Aboud RERA Permit No. 11597

AED 150,000 3 BR 2,450 sq. ft.

AED 185,000 4 BR 4,893 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

AySA

6-Bedroom Villa, Al Barsha

A F FO R DA B LE LuXu Ry Located in Al Barsha South 1, which is close to Sheikh Zayed Road, this six-bedroom villa is close to the community centre and affords easy access to the main road. It is well maintained, and includes a large kitchen, ample living room, en-suite bathrooms, excellent finishes, a driver’s room, and a maid’s room, plus a large garden and car parking spaces.

The community is close to schools, such as Dubai American Academy, American School of Dubai, Gems Academy, Al Mawakeb School. Al Barsha is a collection of newer residential developments, and is located in west Dubai, south of Al Sufouh. Al Barsha is bounded by Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road. Its various sub-communities include Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha 2, Al Barsha 3, Al Barsha South 1, Al Barsha South 2, Al Barsha South 3.

AED 245,000

T h E D E TA i L S Approx size: 5,500 sq. ft.

Reference No: VI355856 RERA Permit No. 11597

Listed by Rasha Moslyh

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Luxurious apartments for rent at affordable prices 2 bedrooms from AED 80,000 3 bedrooms from AED 90,000

bhomes.com/21

21st Century Tower Now leasing 2-3 bedroom apartments on Sheikh Zayed Road next to the Financial Centre metro station.

Featuring beautifully refurbished units starting from AED 80,000, this property offers fantastic sea and Burj Khalifa views. It boasts an upgraded swimming pool, children’s play area, and a fully-equipped gym to match your active lifestyle.

Features

Spacious rooms

Six high-speed elevators

Elegant reception floor

Direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road

Surrounded by cafés and restaurants

24-hour security and CCTV monitoring

Don’t miss out on these affordable apartments on Sheikh Zayed Road!

Contact us on +971 04 409 0996 or customercare@bhomes.com to view now.

RERA 11597

+971 4 409 0996

Behind the school gates at Kings’ Nad Al Sheba D

ubai’s unhurried expansion beyond its original coastal strip is creating new pockets of community and Kings’ School Nad Al Sheba is an educational anchor point spread across 1.3-million-square-feet of privately owned land. It more than comfortably encompasses the school and its impressive facilities, with plenty of room to expand in the future.

The first thing that strikes you about Kings’ School Nad Al Sheba is the welcome at the gates, where Darren Gale, the school’s principal, and his team, greet every child by name – often taking time to ask them about something they’re working on or family news.

This level of personalisation – and attention to detail – extends throughout the school, from the school café, where parents swap notes over a latte or healthy fruit salad (there’s a clear nutritional mission that includes the

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grown-ups as well as their offspring!) to the admin staff, who are simultaneously unflappable and warm.

Foundation Stage 1 and 2 is a riot of colour and activity, where the learning through play philosophy is brought to life across every square inch of space, from the indoor garden and interactive central construction site-themed area designed to help children develop fledgling motor and communication skills to the Emirati cultural majlis and wall art showcasing personal performance and class projects.

And those children requiring one-toone support or quiet time, also have their own activity spaces as part of the King’s inclusion policy.

The hands-on vibe pervades through the classrooms, with each connected to a second classroom to encourage socialisation and expand friendships, and on into the shaded interconnected

outdoor spaces. A key Kings’ focus is to seamlessly integrate learning with play.

For the child who struggles with maths, get them to hop on a tricycle and find the number two parking spot (marked with two dots) instead. Same outcome, different approach.

It’s not unusual to find yourself grabbed by the hand and dragged into a classroom by an enthused four-yearold, who just has to show you the time machine they’re building or the lantern they’ve made for Chinese New Year as part of an art week project.

There’s also a brief moment of wanting to turn the clock back when the door opens up on either of the two temperature-controlled swimming pools where children learn to swim or get their first taste of aquatic competition; and the sports hall, dance studio and outdoor sports field only add to the flash of envy.

Parents can relive their school days

Promotion

with a monthly early morning outdoor ‘wake and shake’ exercise session for all the family, and occasional dance/ drama workshops. In fact, the parents at Kings’ School Nad Al Sheba are incredibly involved in the ‘edutainment’ side of school life, with the Friends of Nad Al Sheba School group organising everything, from Zumba lessons to international days and regular school decoration projects.

But when it comes to facilities, it’s the STEM building that really differentiates Kings’ School Nad Al Sheba from other

FS/Primary options. Something you’d traditionally expect at senior school level, the dedicated block houses its own black box theatre (with a green room to boot), there’s a domestic science area, space with sewing machines for aspiring fashion designers, and access to metal and woodworking. And did I mention the eco garden?

The school, and the wider Kings’ community of schools, offers access to a remarkable programme of more than 85 extra-curricular activities. Children are encouraged to try new things and get

involved, either on their own campus or at the other Kings’ campuses.

Cross over to the Primary side and it’s a mirrored experience in terms of building design, but covering two floors.

A purpose-led design helps with the transition of FS2 children to Primary, and even before they’re ready for Year 1 they get to use the ‘big school’ library and periodically hang out at snack time or use the climbing frame; plus the Year 6 students act as ambassadors, helping the younger children with their reading and writing as part of the school’s responsible citizens programme.

Memories of growing up in the UK and the school ‘house’ system are alive and well at Kings’ Nad Al Sheba where children are split between four royal houses with a fun performance and attitude token rewards system. Weekly assemblies are a high point for mini Tudors, Windsors, Stuarts and Hanovers eager to find out if their house will reign supreme for the next seven days.

Impeccable behavior during lunchtime also equals points, with the end of term ‘best table manners’ winners enjoying a VIP experience with the teachers as waiters and a special foodie treat such as ice cream and fruit salad.

Up in the library, reading is anything but a chore with visiting authors.

A ‘have you been caught reading’ programme with prizes for reading in your own time, and the ‘mystery checkout book’ initiative, where children pick plain brown paper-wrapped book to take home, aims to expose them to different genres.

While Primary level education gets a little more serious than the FS years, the learning process is a world away from what many of us experienced at the same age. The ICT suite has virtual reality facilities and its own 3D printer with Year 1 children already coding (the school also ran coding lessons for parents just so they could keep up!). A Dragons’ Den initiative was another big hit last year. Based around a chocolate factory visit, the children then had to write about how chocolate is made, make their own chocolate, incorporating maths and science skills, and then present their project to an audience of dragons (also known as the teachers).

The Kings’ Nad Al Sheba core value is to do ‘the best by every child’, and a tour of Kings’ School Nad Al Sheba definitely walks the talk.

For more information, contact Irena Jones, registrar@kingsnas. com; +971 4 237 5555, extension 715 bhomes.com | 67

area | Better Homes Magazine

Shorten the School run

Three homes within 15 minutes’ drive of Indigo Valley Nursery

FRAA Villa Al Warqa’a

Which nurSery?

Sana Hajjar Ref No. VI355094 RERA Permit No. 11597

AED 270,000

5 BR 5,000 sq. ft.

Rola Touckly, manager of Indigo Valley Nursery, on its holistic approach and secure environment What sets your nursery apart?

Indigo Valley Nursery, which belongs to Beautiful Minds Nurseries’ group, founded

by Bernadette King-Turner, is located in Al Twar 2, Deira. It provides a safe and nurturing environment for babies and children, between the ages of 45 days to four years old. Being an eco-conscious, Reggio Emilia-inspired nursery, while following the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, the classrooms and outdoor spaces are carefully designed to support the children’s holistic needs.

Tell us about your team…

Our team of professional women view their teaching careers as a lifestyle. They are mindful of the impact they have on the children’s lives, and therefore respect the choices that children make and listen to the verbal and non-verbal communications that children share, with an open mind.

Children’s curiosities, questions and ideas are fostered. The children take ownership of their learning, while collaborating with others. Throughout the academic year, each class embeds itself in different child-initiated

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projects that are carefully documented, so that learning is made visible to the children and parents. Through various projects, the teachers encourage children to engage in all areas of quality learning, including science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths (STEAM).

Is there anything else parents should know about?

We value the partnership we have with parents and take pride in the dialogues that take place frequently. Everyday rituals, such as eating and sleeping, are respected and we ensure that the children receive optimal care, just as they would at home. There are also many opportunities for the parents to be involved in their children’s nursery days, and we plan several events and parent meets throughout the year.

Al Badia Residences Dubai Festival City Sana Hajjar Ref No. AP340041 RERA Permit No. 11597

AED 2,950,000

3 BR 2,166 sq. ft.

What do your key facilities include?

In addition to the spacious classrooms, we have two beautiful child-planted organic gardens, a community neighbourhood garden, large outdoor play areas, a tennis court renovated by the children, several indoor play areas, an art atelier, a construction zone, a Ray of Lights room, two dining rooms, a kitchen in which daily healthy meals are prepared, and a multifunctional hall for drumming, ballet, Kung Fu and other activities.

Al Mizhar Al Mizhar Sherif Nabil Ref No. VI345174 RERA Permit No. 11597

AED 10,500,000

8 BR 15,000 sq. ft.

Yellow Brick Road Al Garhoud

Crystal Valley Al Mizhar

Indigo Valley Al Twar 2

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Hot Water Limiter

With its simple, clear-cut, yet modern lines, Ceraflex® is designed to complement any bathroom or kitchen, although the big difference is what‘s inside. At the heart of Ceraflex® is our brand new ceramic cartridge, Firmaflow®. Our best cartridge ever, it delivers substantial cost savings because it saves water and lasts almost twice as long as the industry standard, giving you 10 to 15 years of regular daily use.

QATAR: MOHAMMED YOUSUF KAFOOD & SONS Doha +974 4 463 7777 www.kafood.com IRAQ: AL TAIBOON GROUP Baghdad +964 7 901 364026 www.altaiboon.com

KUWAIT: ALSHAYA ENTERPRISES™ Kuwait +965 2 224 2299 www.alshayaenterprises.com LEBANON: ETS. ABDULRAHIM DIAB S.A.L. Beirut-Unesco +961 0 186 8146/7 Beirut-Jdeideh +961 0 125 4294/5/6 www.abdulrahimdiab.com

SAUDI: AL-GHAMDI CO. FOR SANITARY WARES Riyadh +966 11 4646279 Jeddah +966 12 6696263 Dammam +966 13 8340248 www.amghamdi.com BAHRAIN: MARMARA TRADING Co. Bahrain +973 1773 7735 www.marmaratrading.com

SYRIA: ALHAYAT FOR BUILDING MATERIALS Damascus +963 11 231 3243 www.alhayat-sy.com OMAN: MAIN DISTRIBUTOR BAHWAN BUILDING MATERIALS LLC Muscat +968 2 465 0000 www.suhailbahwangroup.com DISTRIBUTOR ALSHAYA ENTERPRISES™ Muscat +968 2 461 9681/3 www.alshayaenterprises.com

IDEAL STANDARD GULF FZCO Jebel Ali, Dubai, P.O. Box 261559, United Arab Emirates, Tel. +971 4 804 2400, www.idealstandardgulf.com IDEAL STANDARD DESIGN BATHROOM CENTRE Flash Star Sanitary Ware Trading LLC, Jabal Ali Bldg., Al Quoz 3, Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai, P.O. Box 38430, United Arab Emirates, Tel. +971 4 309 6000

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UAE: SULTACO Dubai +971 4 338 5929 Abu Dhabi +971 2 633 4425 Al Ain +971 3 763 1609 Sharjah +971 6 575 9878 www.sultaco.com JORDAN: AL MUNA Co. Amman +962 6 554 8851 www.al-munaco.com