Betterliving Magazine - March'19

SHOP | Betterhomes Magazine

March 2019

Complimentary copy

The magazine of Betterhomes

HOME RENO

Brightening up an Emirates Hills villa

REA HOMELS

INTERIO INSPORS

10

WAYS TO CURATE A GALLERY WALL TOP TIPS

Streamline your next home move

How to design a swimming pool that wows 2 | bhomes.com

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Editor’s letter | CONTENTS

SHOP 10-19

Managing Director Victoria Thatcher

New finds, homeware news, a must-shop store focus and steam machines we rate

Editorial Director John Thatcher Managing Editor Faye Bartle Editor Lucy Land

INSPIRE 21-58

A stunning Emirates Hills living room transformation, home and garden tours with stylish residents, and how to incorporate the latest trends into your home

Art Director Kerri Bennett Senior Designer Hiral Kapadia 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 Living magazine.

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

MOVE 60-68

How to streamline your exit strategy, a guide to Al Barsha with advice from the agent and the local’s view of the area, plus must-see properties with amazing kitchens

bhomes.com

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

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UPDATES | March wish list itor

Lucy La

nd ,

Ed

Editor’s picks Five finds on my radar…

1 Looking for some Mother’s Day gift ideas that last a little longer than fresh flowers? Pick some pretty floral patterned homewares. Poppy print print plate, Dhs26, H&M Home, ae.hm.com 2 The latest accessories at concept store Home & Soul Dubai have been sourced from Bali. Beautifully handmade from natural materials, they eschew a lovely bohemian vibe. Apple décor in gold, Dhs45 for size medium, Home & Soul Dubai, homeandsouldubai.com 3 The go-to for keeping our homes bang up-to-date, Zara Home’s latest colourful collection is no exception.

Multi-coloured wool and cotton blanket, Dhs699, Zara Home, zarahome.com 4 With its beautiful ’60s-inspired design, this seat brings a classic look to your living or bedroom. It’s available in different fabrics and colours – we’re coveting the bold red leather option. Osaka footstool, Dhs3,040, BoConcept, boconcept.com 5 Add a feminine touch to your living space with this glamorous light pink and gold number. Ella bar stool, Dhs3,300, Chattels & More, chattelsandmore.com

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UPDATES | Trending

This month’s

Pinboard Our round-up of the latest in homewares, news and interiors trends

TAKE A SEAT

We love the flexibility and simplicity of the recently released London bench

by Danish designer Morten Georgsen for BoConcept.

Available in two sizes and with a choice of 100-plus fabrics and leathers, it can be used in a variety of ways around the home, such as at the foot of the bed, in the entrance hall or at the dining table.

On our radar

Kitchen upgrades we rate

Beautiful blooms

Looking for a gorgeous floral arrangement for Mother’s Day? Let Mandy McMechan and her team at Plaisir Cadeaux et Fleurs (plaisircadeaux.com) fill a plush velvet box with fragrant blooms or create a pretty floral cone.

They also offer rare roses, which last for up to a year.

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ENSURE PERFECT TIMING AND THE EXACT TEMPERATURE, with the latest stylish induction hob by Teka. It offers easy-to-use, absolute precision control, while an independent programmer and display for each cooking zone allows you to control their individual time and temperature. IKNOB induction hob by Teka, teka.com

DESIGNED TO FIT EVERY TYPE OF KITCHEN, Grohe’s sinks can be installed in minutes. We like their smart features, such as noise-reducing insulation and automatic waste, which means never plunging one’s hand into dirty water again. There are eight different designs to choose from.

Shown here is the kitchen mixer K7 Pro. Grohe, grohe.com

SLEEK AND CHIC Minimalist fans will love SieMatic’s latest collection, which includes a 2cm frame that surrounds integrated elements of the kitchen, creating clear boundaries while simultaneously opening up new spaces for additional configuration and design options, from shelves to cabinet ensembles. PURE collection by SieMatic, siematic-uae.com

TAKE TWO BRIGHT CUSHIONS

SAVE

Lilac cushion, Dhs119, Zara Home

Peking Greek key cushion, Dhs422 (GBP88), Jonathan Adler

Splurge

Save

SPLURGE

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SHOP | Must-shop

WHAT’S IN STORE

ICONIC HOME THE STORY SO FAR: Having successfully run luxury kitchen and bathroom showroom Kohler Kitchen & Bath Gallery for 30-plus years, the owners cast their discerning eye on high-end heritage brand, Baker Furniture, opening Iconic Home, the largest mono-brand showroom in the region at the end of 2017.

THE LOOK: Timeless, handcrafted and elegant designs. Baker’s style is more traditional than its sister brands Milling Road and McGuire (also available at Iconic Home).

WHAT TO CHECK OUT NOW: Iconic pieces include Jean-Louis Deniot’s Carnelian curved sofa; Laura Kirar’s Guernica lounge chair, which requires 3,500 carefully-made holes in the honeycomb caning to thread through the leather lace fringing; and Bill Sofield’s Kiosk Butlers cabinet, which is lacquered in a gilded, rice-textured finish. Also, look out for the elaborately decorated limitededition commode from the Stately Homes collection. Hand-gilded with 24-karat gold, it was originally designed by Sir Humphy Wakefield in the 17th century.

GOOD TO KNOW: The d3 showroom aims to be different to any other Baker showroom in the world, with its emphasis on unexpected finishes. Jean-Louis Deniot’s Helidor decorative chest, for example, usually comes in an ivory gloss finish but at Iconic Home, you can find it with an ebony gloss and antique bronze gilded finish for a super glamorous look.

DELIVERY DETAILS: If you fall in love with a piece you see on the showroom floor, delivery can be organised immediately. Otherwise, all pieces are made to order, with an average lead time of six to eight weeks’ production time, plus delivery.

Building 8, Dubai Design District (d3), 04 55 22 920, iconichomeuae.com

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WHY WE RATE IT

It’s the go-to store for furnishing the region’s stately homes and palaces. If it’s good enough for the royals…

FAVOURITE FINDS

Golden Pod, Dhs1,735, by Barbara Barry for Baker

Tensley small jar, Dhs2,480, by Daryll Carter for Milling Road

Viridine round accent table, price on request,

by Jean-Louis Deniot for Baker

SHOP | Cutlery Cushions

CUTTING EDGE

Elevate your table setting with some fashionable flatware

Clockwise from top: Goa salad set in black and gold, Dhs322, Cutipol at Amara; Merdi Swirl 16-piece cutlery set, Dhs205, Home Centre; Aurora 16-piece cutlery set, Dhs120, Namshi; Icon stainless steel mirror 68-piece cutlery, Dhs2,895, Cutipol at Jashanmal Home; Serving fork, Dhs129, knife (below), Dhs39, Zara Home; Dune all gold 78-piece cutlery, Dhs3,695, Herdmar at Jashanmal Home Duna copper mirror 68-piece cutlery, Dhs5,495, Cutipol at Jashanmal Home

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

Better buys | SHOP

STEAMERS

Ensure your clothes look their best with our guide to steam machines THE EVERYDAY HERO

This heavy duty design, with its ergonomically-designed handle makes for an easy glide. Plus, the large soleplate helps cover a wider area. It also has a 30 g/min power shot steam system, allowing large quantities of concentrated steam to penetrate deeply into the fabric so that it doesn’t lose its texture.

Panasonic Steam Iron, Dhs315. Available from Al-Futtaim ACE, aceuae.com

THE NO-MESS ONE

Forget watermarks: this one’s designed for optimum steam distribution, with its integrated anti-drip function that ensures the water flow is controlled in accordance with the temperature. Siemens Steam Iron, Dhs125.

Available from Better Life, betterlifeuae.com

THE SPACE SAVER

Fed up of setting up an iron and ironing board?

Ready in 45 seconds and compact in design, this handheld steamer saves time and space.

It has an adjustable tank and steam, plus its bottle connector optimises the space in your cupboard or suitcase. S-Nomad Handheld Steamer 1600W, Dhs399, Steam One. Available from Jashanmal Home, jashanmalhome.com

THE POWERFUL ONE

With its 1900 watts, this is the most powerful home steamer on the market. It has an ergonomic steam head and it automatically switches off when the water tank is empty. Unilys Garment Home Steamer, Dhs1,499, Steam One. Available from Jashanmal Home, jashanmalhome.com

BEST FOR TRAVELLERS

This is the first steam iron that you can use everywhere, from the ironing board to the clothes hanger. Its powerful steam destroys bacteria that resist warm wash cycles (40°C). Laurastar Lift Plus Pinky Pop Steam Generator, Dhs2,624. Available from Better Life, betterlifeuae.com

BEFORE YOU BUY...

“To make ironing less of a chore, go for a higher wattage steam iron to tackle the toughest wrinkles. Make sure, however, that heat can be adjusted to safely smooth out delicate fabrics. As one of the most important parts of the steam iron, the soleplate should deliver an even and smooth performance. Choose one with a wider width as it works wonders on stubborn creases in fewer strokes. A soleplate with a pointed tip is handy too, as precision tips are great for reaching the the trickiest spaces. Key consideration should be placed on the number of steam holes – more steam vents mean more steam and easier ironing. Well-distributed vents around the soleplate matter so make sure to check on this as well. Finally, always consider the comfort of the handle,” advises Tomoyuki Yokota, Panasonic product manager.

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Trends | INSPIRATION

GET IN SHAPE

Jonathan Adler

Add some playful geometrics to give your space another dimension

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Shine on

Create a sophisticated sparkle by combining brilliant jewel and gem tones, such as amethyst, citrine and turquoise with simple patterned prints and bold accessories. Among the pieces below is the Nizwa cabinet designed

by British designer Bethan Gray – it is inspired by the architectural patterning of a fort in Oman.

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Fabrics by Harlequin and Zoffany. Available from Style Library

Trends | INSPIRATION

TIP

“Use clean lines and geometry to enhance features and break up focal points in a busy, colourful room,” says interior designer Gabby Garvey.

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INSPIRATION | Trends

Cool walls If you’re looking to make your home interiors pop, look to the walls as a place to be daring. Optically illusive designs create depth and movement.

Mr Perswall at D.Tales

TIP

“Allow geometric wallpaper to make the statement in the room and keep the rest of the furnishings and accessories subtle,” says interior designer Rhian Clarke.

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UAE’S CHOICE

All Hard Floors

Water Saving

Clean Process

WASH AND REVITALIZE YOUR FLOOR, THE EASY WAY! THE NEW KARCHER FLOOR CLEANER FC5: A REVOLUTION IN CLEANING

The FC5 hard floor cleaner is the easy way to vacuum up light debris and wash your floors simultaneously & efficiently. Direct contact of the microfibre rolls spinning at optimum speed gives you results never seen before.

For more Information: www.karcher.ae | 800-5272437 | customercare@ae.kaercher.com

2019

PICTURE PERFECT

IDdesign

Show off your curated collection with our gallery wall ideas

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“LOOK AT WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE, CHOOSE A COLOUR SCHEME AND STICK TO A THEME WHILE SEARCHING FOR ADDITIONAL PIECES TO ADD TO YOUR PICTURE WALL GALLERY,” ADVISES INTERIOR STYLIST ASH YOUNG, WHO LIKES TO BROWSE DRAWDECK, ROCKET ST GEORGE, ETSY AND SOCIETY6 FOR INEXPENSIVE, CONTEMPORARY PRINTS.

Gallery walls | INSPIRATION

2 Get creative by stringing up your pics and securing them with a clipboard clip for a pretty garland-style gallery.

Add fairy lights for a magical effect.

3

Use display boxes, wall decorations and sculptural lights, as well as mirrors in different shapes and sizes to add another dimension.

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HK Living at Urban Nest

IKEA

4 Urban Nest wall hanging in a Kaiser kitchen

Personalise your kid’s bedroom, with some f ramed artworks made by them. A nd forget the hanging between 57and 60 inches f rom the floor rule. Get the little ones involved in hanging up their masterpieces, too.

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WALL HANGINGS ARE HAVING A MOMENT RIGHT NOW. PLUS, THEY’RE GREAT FOR COVERING UNSIGHTLY LIGHT SWITCHES AND A/C CONTROL PANELS.

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THINK BEYOND A SAFE-BET BLACK AND WHITE FRAMED GALLERY. MIX UP THE ARTWORKS, FRAMES AND MEDIUMS TO LET YOUR PERSONALITY SHINE.

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Gallery walls | INSPIRATION

IDdesign

7

Pinterest also has plenty of ideas for themes, f rom a stair incline arrangement to a jigsaw-style setup (left) that’s a foolproof DI Y option.

10

If you’d like to make a statement with one large piece of art without breaking the bank, get creative. Frame some pretty wallpaper, a textile with a beautiful motif, or hang a rug on the wall.

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MAKE THE MOST OF A WALL RECESS BY CREATING YOUR OWN CURATED CORNER OF ARTISTIC ACCESSORIES, SUCH AS BEAUTIFUL VASES, POTTED PLANTS AND SCULPTURES.

IKEA

9

HEAD TO IKEA FOR SOME NARROW FLOATING SHELVES – THEY’RE SLEEK AND CHIC, PLUS THEY ALLOW YOU TO INSTANTLY CHANGE AND REARRANGE PHOTOS AND ARTWORKS.

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MARINA HOME launches

TIMOTHY OULTON in Abu Dhabi

Looking for a bold, modern take on British heritage? Head to the new 2,200 sq. ft. Timothy Oulton Gallery in luxury contemporary home furniture destination Marina Home

D

efined by its modern approach to meticulous handcraftsmanship, the Timothy Oulton Gallery within Marina Home is a feast for the senses, showcasing the company’s signature relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic.

The storied collections of furniture, lighting and home accessories includes a selection of antiques from Rare by Oulton, procured and curated by Tim, which speaks of his early days and ongoing involvement in the antiques trade, and includes a range of rare and irreverent pieces. The collection also includes the pioneering use of rock crystal. Almost supernatural in appearance, rock crystal is the colourless, purest and rarest form of quartz, sourced from the earth’s crust.

Every piece of rock crystal in the collection has been selected, cut and polished using simple tools and the touch of the craftsmen hand.

Commenting on the launch, Oulton says, “Abu Dhabi has been on our radar for a while so we’re really looking forward to bringing our most iconic pieces to the capital of the UAE. What we offer is very unique and Marina Home is the perfect place to showcase our collections; we both see furniture as more than just great design, but as a way to create an experience that touches people.”

The Timothy Oulton Gallery is located inside the Marina Home showroom at The Abu Dhabi Mall and Barsha, Dubai.

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Night rod, Dhs7,950, Timothy Oulton for Marina Home

Marina Home | PROMOTION

Bio Hazard, Dhs9,350, Timothy Oulton for Marina Home

Pixel chair, Dhs8,950, Timothy Oulton for Marina Home

Aces Hearts Cards art, Dhs2,550, Timothy Oulton for Marina Home

Painted Celing Mimi chair, Dhs2,100, Timothy Oulton for Marina Home

Globetrekker trunk, Dhs4,725, Timothy Oulton for Marina Home

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INSPIRATION | Ask the designer

Ask the

DESIGNER Interior designer and stylist Rhian Clarke on designing a swimming pool that wows

the rest of the outdoor space, with its different zones, plus its monochrome and geometric touches came together afterwards.

Imagine the view. When I was working on the home’s interior, we swapped the patio doors for large arched windows, with the idea that the view beyond needed to be quite special and the windows would act as frames. I would sit on the sofa and imagine what I wanted to look at. An infinity-edged pool usually flows away towards the back of the garden over a back wall but I opted for water flowing towards me, so I could see and hear it.

Check the direction of your house. We almost bought the property opposite. It was a carbon copy of this villa, including being unmodified (which I was looking for), and it was on offer for the same price. However, we chose this property because it has a north-facing garden. This means that the sun falls on the front of the house in the afternoons so when the children come home from school they can swim in the pool – it’s warm but they won’t suffer from sunburn, whereas we would have had a different situation if we’d bought the other house. @rhianclarkehome

TIP

Don’t just opt for a rectangular shape on one level of the ground. Be brave, be ambitious and create interest through the colour and/or shape of the pool, plus key design features like the infinity edge.

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Rhian Clarke at her home in Victory Heights

The starting point needs to be deciding how you want to use the pool. Consider how you live, how you want to live, how you entertain and how you want to entertain.

I wanted to create a multi-functional space so I chose an off-rectangular shape to accommodate its different functions. You can swim laps in it and there is also a sunbathing ledge in the shallow end, plus a wet bar located in the section just off the lap area. The wet bar is close to the dry bar and both are situated under the half-covered part of the L-shaped gazebo, which offers some shade while also providing a view of the sky. I’ve discovered that generally men prefer to sit in the pool to enjoy a drink, while the women mostly enjoy sitting in the bar area outside the pool when they’re beautifully dressed and made up.

There has been a big trend towards white tiled swimming pools. I wanted to do something different so spoke to the contractor about creating a black tiled swimming pool – it’s a really dramatic tone. I adore a monochrome palette and I’m strongly drawn to anything with a geometric pattern. The black swimming pool became the focal point for the garden and the design of

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At home with | INSPIRATION

This bright Al Barsha villa is styled for a balanced and calm feel “As soon as my husband, Badru, and I walked through the gate, we knew this was the one,” enthuses interior designer Masoomeh Hilal, referring to the lightfilled, spacious single-storey villa that the couple share with their two children, 13-year-old Laila and 10-year-old Saif, plus their cat Jinx and Maltese dog Trixi.

Having previously lived in Dubai for seven years before moving to Beijing for three years with her family, Masoomeh was looking for a different experience to their initial Dubai life based in Arabian Ranches. “As the children were bhomes.com | 35

THIS PERSIAN WOOL AND SILK RUG IS FROM MASOOMEH’S CARPET DEALER IN PAKISTAN. “I FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS IMMEDIATELY – IT’S QUITE UNIQUE, WITH ITS ANIMAL, AS WELL AS FLORAL, MOTIFS.”

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At home with | INSPIRATION

““I love the light in this

home – no matter which window I look out of, I can see the garden”

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INSPIRATION | At home with

“The table lamps, which

I had bought from China, provided the starting point for my bedroom”

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At home with | INSPIRATION

older, we thought we could live in an independent villa that isn’t located in a gated community on our return – and I liked the idea of not being part of a cookie-cutter neighbourhood.” The villa ticked a lot of boxes: it’s located close enough to Badru’s workplace in Downtown Dubai; it’s near to Mall of the Emirates; and its spacious layout, with its wraparound garden, offering privacy, reminds her of houses from her home country, Pakistan.

Masoomeh started collecting contemporary artworks when she married 15 years ago, so these are often the starting point for styling each room.

“I choose art that I fall in love with, and never with a particular space or style in mind.” Much of her modern art

“THIS IS THE ONLY PIECE OF ARTWORK THAT MY HUSBAND HAS CHOSEN, PLUS HE GAVE IT TO ME FOR MY BIRTHDAY SO IT HOLDS A SPECIAL MEANING”

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“ “The garden is an

extension of our home. When we entertain, we set up shisha , and we bring an A/C unit outside in the summer” collection is colourful so she keeps her sofas and much of her furniture neutral to allow the art, rugs and accessories, which she picks up during travels, to stand out. “I love playing with soft colours, and it’s always more fun using them in plenty of space.”

With her soft colour scheme, artful mix of clean, modern lines and vintage pieces, plus her use of symmetry, Masoomeh has created a strong sense of flow between the living spaces, dining area and TV room. “I like having two sofas and two armchairs to complete a seating arrangement,” she says. “You can play around with other pieces in a room that don’t have a balanced look, but I like symmetry for a calm effect.”

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At home with | INSPIRATION

Paris art on paper, Dhs999, BoConcept

Epime cushion, Dhs230, Indigo Living

Edel vase, Dhs299, BoConcept

GET THE LOOK Jacques table lamp, Dhs3,771 (GBP795), Jonathan Adler Versailles Cubes urn, Dh2,125 (GBP448), Jonathan Adler

Caracas ottoman, Dhs4,638 (GBP978), Jonathan Adler bhomes.com | 41

INSPIRATION | home renovation

A GARDEN FOR ALL REASONS Sejal Nagjee turned a blank canvas into a showcase for her design talent, and a dream space to entertain Photographs by: Kerri Bennett and Hiral Kapadia

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INSPIRATION | outdoor space INSPIRATION | home renovation

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INSPIRATION | outdoor home renovation space

EVERY PIECE OF FURNITURE WITHIN SEJAL’S GARDEN HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND MADE

BY HER IN-HOUSE TEAM

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Outdoors space | INSPIRATION INSPIRATION | home renovation

MADE FROM NO-MAINTENANCE COMPOSITE WOOD, THE DURABLE

“ Every day, I sit outside for my morning coffee”

W

hen Sejal Nagjee of Milestone Landscaping LLC moved into her Jumeirah Park villa with her husband Rajesh and son Jay four years ago, the garden consisted of sand, interlock bricks and manholes.

However, its barren beginnings suited Sejal, who was looking for a blank canvas on which to display her work. “Before I could showcase my own home and garden, I would have to call up clients to arrange viewings, which could be annoying for my clients, plus they had often made changes to my designs so I may not necessarily be showing an accurate representation of my work,” Sejal reveals.

With its large kitchen and dining area, pergola-covered patio, a bar, barbecue counters and multiple seating areas for up to 50 people, Sejal’s garden is an entertainer’s dream. Functionality is key throughout its design, from the layout that creates a sense of flow to the concrete seating to maximise space

and low-maintenance artificial lawn.

Interest is created through the artful use of materials; clever lighting; varying levels (including vertical gardens and sculptural artworks); and dramatic fire and water features.

With its own filtration and chiller system, a small fishpond is surrounded by plants, such as bamboo, which cast shade. There are also herb, vegetable and fruit gardens that Sejal enjoys tending to during her spare time, while the borders are planted with a variety of flowering and fruit trees.

Indeed, Sejal’s garden beautifully illustrates how to make the most of your outdoor space. “Every day, I sit outside for my morning coffee, with a newspaper, surrounded by greenery and with the sound of running water,” she enthuses. “We cook a lot; we love to entertain, and I use the lawn for my exercise routine.” landscapingdubai.com

SEJAL’S GARDEN DESIGN TIPS Consider how you want to use your space, whether it’s for dining, meeting with friends, sitting with a coffee, working or entertaining the kids.

Keep maintenance costs down by bearing the UAE climate in mind, with your choice of planting and materials.

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Doors | INSPIRATION

KNOCK KNOCKKNOCK KNOCK

Mosaico

Whether you want to reveal or conceal a space, choosing the right internal door is key

If you’re looking to make an impact with your entryways, save space, or maximise the light in your home, choosing the right style of door can help you achieve your goal. A doorway should introduce each space as you move from room to room, while being functional and stylish at the same time. Here are some options we rate…

Pocket

How it works: Using a wheel-andtrack system, the door slides out of sight into a hollow cavity in the adjacent wall.

Perfect for: Cramped rooms or anywhere a hinged door won’t fit. Unlike swinging doors, which encroach on a room when opening and closing, pocket (also known as cavity) doors don’t obstruct furniture or impede on the floor or space. Go for a full steel construction, which eliminates issues with humidity.

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Be different “We had this barn door made from scratch,” says interior stylist Ash Young, referring to the stunning entrance to her Kaiser kitchen in her Damac Hills family villa. Its rustic look introduces the cosy space and makes a lovely divide between the living room and kitchen.

BARN How it works: Barn doors are usually made from one or two large wooden panels, hung from a heavy bar mounted above the floor, either by inches or by a foot or more, depending on where they are used.

Perfect for: Just like a pocket door, a barn door slides out of the way instead of being swung open, meaning no usable space is lost. What’s more, these doors are virtually noiseless, as long as their rollers and track are kept well lubricated.

Tip

Kaiser Kitchens

THE ONLY LIMITING FACTORS ARE WEIGHT AND WHAT YOUR WALL WILL SUPPORT FOR HARDWARE BEFORE BUCKLING SO MAKE SURE YOU CALL IN A PROFESSIONAL

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Doors | INSPIRATION

Tip

CHOOSE AN INTERNAL DOOR THAT WILL ENHANCE THE SENSE OF FLOW IN YOUR HOME

Bi-fold

How it works: Comprising a series of individual folding door panels, which can open inwards or outwards, bi-fold doors can be pushed to one, or both sides.

Perfect for: Choose these doors when you want to reduce noise, hide the contents of pantries and closets or separate rooms. Glass bi-folds are great for the back of the house.

Dubai real home solution Brief: To create a stylish kitchen, with an extension into the garden that creates a huge space for the family to enjoy.

Location: Victory Heights Company: Hacker Kitchens and Origin Doors and Windows The details: In order to meet the brief, it was important to create a sense of flow between the kitchen and the garden. The Origin bi-fold doors ensure the space is light and airy, beautifully bringing the outside in. Hacker Kitchens used gloss white handless cabinets, while the central island, with its Silestone worktop in Black ‘Volcano’, add contrast. Lighting is used to pull the design together, making the island a focal point.

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THE X FACTOR Interior designer Ellen Søhoel brightened up a dull Emirates Hills villa with a stunning makeover

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Home renovation | INSPIRATION

P

THE LEATHER WALL CLADDING GIVES THE SPACE AN ELEGANT FEEL

reviously dark, with lots of wooden features, black-painted doors and heavy curtains that blocked out a lot of the light, Ellen Søhoel and the team at interior design and architecture consultants XBD Collective were tasked with transforming this 1,208 sq. m. Emirates Hills villa into a light, open and luxuriously glamorous space.

With painstaking attention to detail, Ellen and the team ensured the entrance flowed into the connecting living space, with a design that included demolishing the original ceiling, replacing the bulky doors with pocket doors, relocating the A/C grill, and putting a lighting plan in place that incorporated a stunning crystal glass chandelier, and highlighted the room’s beautiful features.

The dark wood wall paneling on the main living space wall was replaced with tactile leather cladding, plus metal dividing lines to create a softer effect and enhance the luxuriousness of the overall design in the room. Similarly, the pocket doors were covered in mirrors and backlit to elevate the overall effect. The Fendi piano, which also serves as a champagne bar, is a statement piece, with its glossy ivory lacquered wood interspersed with crocodile leather. The wall surrounding it, with its backlit angled dark grey mirror, clear glass mirror, satin mirror and backlit crushed glass creates a magical illusion. What’s more, the linear elements of all the walls align the space with perfect symmetry, framing the soft furnishings and accessories in the space. The existing elegant furniture was swapped around and added to, ensuring it didn’t block the view of the swimming pool outside and to create a sense of symmetry and balance.

Before TIME TAKEN: 6 months

Turn the page to read our tops tips on planning a similar renovation in your home ➤ bhomes.com | 51

INSPIRATION | Home renovation

THE MIRRORED POCKET DOORS ADD TO THE STREAMLINED, LUXE LOOK

THE VERDICT “This is truly a one-ofa-kind design - we were handed over a stunning residence that exceeded our expectations” the homeowner

All of the lights Want your own bright living space? Follow Ellen Søhoel’s top lighting tips

1 When designing your interior lighting scheme, always remember the three main layers: ambient for overall room illumination; task, which is targeted light for specific function; and accent to highlight and draw attention to a single object. Each layer has its own individual function but all three work together, creating the perfect lighting solution.

2 When choosing your architectural lighting (spotlights and LED contour strips) for any space, make sure you choose the correct colour temperature in order to achieve a warm yet natural ambiance.

3 Use wall washers (which should normally be placed half a metre from the wall) to highlight various objects, artwork and/or feature walls.

4 Flip it! Don’t limit yourself to downlighting; consider uplight techniques to create a soft and creative vibe.

5 Always make sure that the interior designer/ lighting consultant you are working with keeps all technical specs in mind.

6 Always consider the size of room, height of ceiling, scale of fixture and fixing detail of the ceiling when choosing a chandelier.

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THE ANGLED WALL WAS MANUFACTURED OFF SITE

INSPIRATION | home renovation

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Family life | INSPIRATION

Garden Gathering Maximise your time in the great outdoors with these top tips for a stand out yard

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Family life | INSPIRATION

W

hether you’re throwing a party for a large group of friends or want to create an intimate coffee corner for two, we’ve caught up with the landscaping experts and interior designers to get the lowdown on how best to transform your garden into a welcoming space…

ZONING OUT YOUR GARDEN Your outdoor eating area is a good starting point for mapping out your outdoor space. “Consider where your indoor kitchen is and see if you can have your outdoor dining and/or barbecue area located close by to keep the walk, carrying hot dishes and tableware, to a minimum,” advises interior designer Rhian Clarke. “You will also want to offer shade over the eating area, whether that’s with a pergola or an umbrella.” If you plan to grow your own herbs or have your own vegetable patch, it also makes sense to choose a location close to the kitchen. “However, you’ll also need to plant according to where the sun

“If you’re on a budget, consider creating your garden in stages,” says Heather Drake and shade falls in your garden,” advises Meadows 7 resident Heather Drake.

If space and funds allow, you will want to consider the location for a swimming pool, whether it’s a focal point in the garden or hidden at the side of your villa. “If you’re on a budget, consider creating your garden in stages,” says Heather. “We put in a lawn to begin with, while we saved up for our swimming pool.” Meanwhile, your borders will be the perfect spot for growing trees, bushes and plants to hide unsightly walls, create privacy and make a beautiful backdrop. It’s also the perfect location to add lighting.

LET THERE BE LIGHT “If your garden is dark at night, it

won’t get used once the sun goes down simply because it’s not pleasant to sit in the dark,” cautions Rhian.

To that end, consider illuminating your garden as you would your home interior. That perfectly positioned pergola, which casts shade over your dining area during the day, is also the perfect spot for hanging a pendant. Add a dimmer switch for mood lighting. The pillars of your pergola and boundary walls are good places for spotlights, too.

You can light up trees with spotlights or fairy lights, as well – consider using solar-powered lighting, which is low-maintenance, eco-friendly and will come on automatically.

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INSPIRATION | Family life

TAKE A PEW When it comes to your seating area, arrangement is key to ensure ease of movement around it and in between different zones of your garden, inspire conversation and aid hosting. Plus, there are plenty of creative options. A rustic daybed repurposed as a chaise longue, a built-in bench, a banquette strewn with colourful cushions, a suspended lounger or a hammock hung between two trees create intimacy, make clever use of space and are conversation starters in their own right.

It’s worth investing in durable materials for your bigger pieces of furniture so that they withstand the harsh UAE climate, while accessories can be the budget items that can be updated, as trends, seasons and your personal preferences change.

FIRE AND WATER You can’t beat the sound of moving water for creating a serene ambiance and a water feature will add a pleasant contrast to our desert locale. Meanwhile, a fireplace will give guests something warm and cosy to gather around during the cooler months of the year. “I love to play card games, and enjoy drinks and nibbles around the fireplace with my husband and friends,” says interior designer Lilly Engelbrecht.

Light it up

Stylish pieces to illuminate your outdoor space…

From left to right: Solar Stargazer border light, Dhs49, Dubai Garden Centre; Home zone electronic round rattan basket in medium, Dhs40, Steinel L15 outdoor sensor light, Dhs179, Solar pendant lamp, Dhs159, all Al-Futtaim Ace; Tacma solar light, Dhs75, Dubai Garden Centre.

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Should I stay or should I go?

Moving out or selling up? Streamline your exit strategy

ADVICE FOR RENTERS

renewal 90 days out. If you’re on your way out, here’s how it goes…

So your tenancy contract is coming to an end and it’s time to decide whether to stay or go. Most landlords or management companies will send out a renewal notice (with updated terms) well ahead of time, but tenants are required to give notice or confirm

DONE AND DUSTED Normal wear and tear aside, you’re legally required to hand over your apartment or villa in pristine condition. That means the walls need to be restored to their original colour and condition (by

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patching up holes created by drilling to hang pictures, for instance), and that everything generally is in good working order. Unfortunately, failure to do so could see you lose a chunk of your security deposit.

READY FOR INSPECTION The landlord, management company or appointed agent will inspect the

Home security | PROPERTY

property to make sure all is in order.

The final step is to hand back the keys, at which point your deposit should be returned.

CUT THE CONNECTION On the day your tenancy expires you need to either call or put in an online request to DEWA to let them know you’re moving out and to prepare the final bill. This usually takes 24 hours.

There’s a Dhs120-320 disconnection charge (excluding VAT) plus final bill amount. Any DEWA deposit will be refunded to a specified bank account or by cheque. If you already have a new pad, you can transfer your account through the online ‘Move To’ service.

With Empower, it’s a similar process but you’ll also need to visit their offices in person to make the final payment and get clearance.

PLEASE HANG UP For Du, call their customer care line (800 155) at least three days prior

to moving out to request a 72-hour callback to explain the process, then pop into one of the customer care centres to pay your final bill (and collect any monies owed). It’s a similar story with Etisalat (800 101). If you have an eLife package, don’t forget to read the small print, as you’ll probably be locked into a contracted period with penalties for early cancellation, plus there’s also a standard 30-day cancellation notice period.

MOVING WITHIN DUBAI? Accounts can be transferred fairly easily, call the helpline at least four working days before you relocate to set the wheels in motion and schedule a technician visit to your new place (fees apply). Same as moving in, some communities will require you to obtain a moving-out permit. Some buildings may also request a landlord no objection certificate/letter (NOC).

Words: Claire Malcolm

NOTICE OF EVICTION An unexpected eviction notice can be a shock to the system, so be aware of your rights. If your landlord wants to move into the property himself or sell it, a written 12-month notice period is required. Eviction (upon expiration of current contract) is only possible if the landlord plans to demolish the property or if it needs serious maintenance/ renovation (Dubai Municipality technical report required).

DUE TO RENEW

Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you check: 1 What’s going on in the ’hood?

Any major construction projects coming up that could drive you crazy noise wise or potentially affect your home, such as blocking out natural light.

2 The RERA Rental Index to make sure that you’re paying a fair rate for the area. Find it online at dubailand.gov.ae.

3 If you think you’re paying over the odds, negotiate! If the situation isn’t resolved and the RERA Rental Index is in your favour, you can consider filing a complaint with the Dubai Land Department’s Rental Dispute Settlement Centre. A 3.5% fee (based on total annual rent) is payable, but if you win the case this is refunded. Other fees may also apply.

4 It’s also worth negotiating terms and conditions if you are looking for a better deal, such as paying in four rather than two cheques or asking for an extra parking space.

BREAKING YOUR CONTRACT

Need to cut short your tenancy contract? Check the small print for early exit penalty clauses. Also, don’t forget that your current Ejari contract remains live until all issues are resolved. If you have issued post-dated cheques, ask for them to be returned or written confirmation of non-encashment.

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HOMES WITH AMAZING KITCHENS

Six of the best Bring out your inner MasterChef skills with these sleek cooking spaces

FOR SALE

Beds: 5 Bath: 6 Parking: 2

AED12 million

1

W I L D F LO W E R , J U M E I R A H G O L F E S TAT E S

Forget his ‘n’ hers sinks: this luxurious five en-suite-bedroom villa features two designer kitchens, with appliances. It’s the largest front plot in the

community, with a high-end finish throughout. Located on a raised, 9,301 sq. ft. plot in the heart of Wildflower, this family home boasts open-plan living

areas, vaulted ceilings, an internal skylight in each room, an internal pond, a private infinity pool and golf course views.

For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: VI357075, RERA Permit No. 0257037144. Nearby school and nursery: Victory Heights Primary School; The Wonder Years Nursery

FOR SALE

Beds: 5 Bath: 5.5 Parking: 2

AED5.5 million

2

THE VILLA

This custom-built, five-bedroom villa is beautifully laid out, with large rooms and living areas. The kitchen area has been totally upgraded

with a built-in bottle cooler, fridge and water filtration systems, two

convection ovens, a microwave and quartz counter tops. The 11,524 sq. ft. plot also includes a temperature-controlled swimming pool, barbecue facilities and subtle outdoor lighting.

For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: VI314866, RERA Permit

No. 1575459277. Nearby school and nursery: Repton School Dubai; Chubby Cheeks Nursery

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FOR SALE

AED7 million

3

A L M A N A R A , A L R A H A B E AC H

The expansive, open-plan living room, with floor to ceiling windows, leads onto the kitchen and dining room, which is spacious enough

for an additional family room. The apartment, taking the full 12th floor, allows

plenty of natural light into all of the rooms, with sunset views over Al Bandar Marina. In addition, all residents have access to all three of the community swimming pools, tennis courts, saunas and the gym.

For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: AP318748. Nearby school Beds: 4 Bath: 4.5 Parking: 2

and nursery: Raha International School; Yellow Submarine Nursery

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SHOP | Betterhomes Magazine

FOR SALE

Beds: 5 Bath: 5.5 Parking: 4

AED27 million

4

A A V I L L A S , A L WA S L

Located in one of Dubai’s oldest

communities, this brand new five-

bedroom villa has a main living room,

dining area, entrance hall, family living

space, breakfast room, office and family kitchen located on the ground floor. On the first floor are the master bedroom

and four bedrooms (all en-suite), service block, the maid’s room, laundry, outdoor kitchen, store room, swimming pool,

pantry, multipurpose room, driver’s room and garage for four cars.

For further details, call 04 409 0998

and quote REF: VI336745, RERA Permit No. 0443656625. Nearby school and

nursery: Emirates International School; Tiny Home Nursery

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FOR SALE

Beds: 4 Bath: 4.5 Parking: 3

AED11.5 million

5

MARINA RESIDENCES 3, PALM JUMEIRAH

An airy, fully equipped closed kitchen with marble tops, Miele cooking

range and all other white goods, such as an oven, double door refrigerator,

dishwasher, washing machine and dryer are included in this stunning four-bedroom duplex penthouse. Boasting wonderful views, parquet flooring throughout, except for

the marble flooring in the bathrooms, plus walk-in closets in every room, this property has a fantastic floor plan, with three different areas for a living room, dining room and entertainment room.

For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: AP325300, RERA Permit No. 1476641084. Nearby school and nursery: GEMS Wellington; Asya’s Nursery

FOR SALE

Beds: 5 Bath: 7 Parking: 5

AED25 million

6

PGTL VILLA, AL SAFA

The kitchen is a stand-out feature of this charming villa, with its built-in

appliances and Spanish wood design. The villa is situated in a family friendly

community next to Al Safa Park, overlooking Burj Khalifa, and also has an outdoor

swimming pool and large basement offering access to a gym and a bedroom with a large sitting area.

For further details, call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: VI363257, RERA Permit No. 2117211029.

Nearby school and nursery: Kangaroo Kids Nursery, Little Scholars Academy

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THE PLACE TO MOVE TO

Al Barsha

Affordable and convenient sums up Al Barsha in a nutshell. From high-rise apartment living with all you need on the doorstep in Al Barsha 1 to Al Barsha South’s mixed bag community of spacious villas and townhouses delivering more bang for your buck than other pricier Dubai communities, the area has something for everyone.

WHY MOVE THERE?

A huge area bordered by Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, access to the city’s major highways is a plus, as is the handy trio of local malls, anchored by Mall of the Emirates. Value for money rental rates seal the deal, with location-price cost benefits winning out against other indemand residential communities.

THE COMMUNITY

Al Barsha 1 is defined by its profusion of apartment buildings popular with singles, couples and small families while Al Barsha 2 & 3 is largely independent villas. Emerging Al Barsha South is a mix of low-rise compound living, townhouses and the odd highrise. The need for community green spaces is satisfied by two parks with Dubai Miracle Garden also nearby.

TRANSPORT

Nestled between the E11 and E311 with Al Khail Road splitting it straight down the middle, Al Barsha’s road links are second to none. The metro stations at Mall of the Emirates and Sharaf DG are also within walking distance for Al Barsha 1 residents.

Meet the neighbours

SCHOOLS

Al Barsha is well served by educational facilities. A sampling includes Kings’ School Al Barsha and Foremarke located in Al Barsha South, GEMS World Academy on Al Khail Road and American School Dubai in Al Barsha 1. Nurseries include Little GEMS International, Dewdrops Nursery and The Children’s Garden.

SHOPPING Mall of the Emirates,

Al Barsha Mall and My City Centre Al Barsha deliver on everyday essentials and lifestyle whims across the different subcommunities while soon-to-open Galleria Al Barsha will house the American Hospital Dubai community clinic and 40+ retail stores.

Claire Malcolm has lived in her rented Al Barsha 1 one-bedroom apartment for 10 years I’ve thought about moving for a change of scenery but I have a good rental deal and great sized apartment. I love that Al Barsha Pond Park, with its jogging track and exercise spaces, is on the doorstep and I’m on cheery “hello” terms with other morning parkgoers and the cat-bird-duck community. Having Mall of the Emirates within walking distance is also super handy.

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Area guide | PROPERTY

Ask the Agent

OFF-PLAN PROPERTY FOCUS Arabian Ranches III

Lauren Hutton is the Al Barsha expert at Betterhomes. If you would like to contact her to arrange a showing or to learn of any ‘open house’ dates in the area, call 04 408 1000 Established in 2000, Al Barsha is a collection of four sub-communities (Al Barsha 1, 2 & 3) with Al Barsha South the latest addition to the area. Al Barsha 1 is where you’ll find most of the apartment buildings, shops and restaurants. Al Barsha 2, 3 and Al Barsha South are predominantly villa communities. The area has expanded significantly over the last 10 years and with plenty of schools and hospitals within easy reach, ample shopping destinations and the popular Al Barsha Pond Park, it’s easy to see why growing families flock here.

It’s also popular among young professionals looking for value for money rental properties, with studios starting from AED40,000 and a good selection of standalone and compound villas starting from around AED150,000 per annum. In terms of property sales, transaction numbers are moderate compared to other developments due to the large resident community of Gulf nationals.

The streets in Al Barsha 2, 3 and Al Barsha South are wide and villas often come with their own private pools and barbecue areas for entertaining. Residents opting to live here enjoy easy access to everything they need while benefiting from the peace and quiet of being away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

There’s a good selection of public transportation options too, including two metro stations close by, as well as buses, official taxi stands and plenty of opportunity to hail a cab on the street.

4

different communities collectively make up the Al Barsha area

PROPERTIES IN AL BARSHA

WHAT IS IT?

A gated community consisting of three- and four-bedroom townhouses set around a 7.5-acre central park and lifestyle hub, this is the third iteration of Emaar’s hugely successful Arabian Ranches residential development.

WHERE IS IT LOCATED?

Situated in Dubailand between Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Emirates Road, Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport are just 20 minutes’ drive away with the under-development Expo 2020 Dubai site, Global Village, Al Qudra Cycling Track and Arabian Ranches II only five minutes away.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES?

In addition to its green centrepiece, the community will boast a four-kilometrelong boulevard, lazy river, clubhouse parkour and skate park, botanical garden, barbecue area, cricket pitch jogging track and gym plus ample retail and dining facilities and mosque.

WHAT IS THE STARTING PRICE?

From AED1.2 million for a three-bed townhouse and upwards of AED1.6 million for a four-bed property.

WHAT IS THE EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE?

April 2022.

IS THERE A PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE?

For Sale Price on request. Al Barsha South, 4-bed villa

For Rent AED86,999 annually. Zee Zee Tower, 2-bed apartment, unfurnished

The 5% booking down payment is followed by scheduled 5% instalments spread across six years with the final 10% due in 2025.

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BACK PAGE | Search for a home

Home reno heroes

If you’ve upgraded your home, with magazineworthy results, we want to hear from you FIXER UPPER Have you recently redesigned your entire home or radically improved one room within it? Whether you’ve knocked down walls to upgrade your living space, created a new room in a previously unlivable space or changed an awkward, dark bathroom or kitchen into a sleek, light-filled room that’s the envy of your neighbours, then drop us a line and tell us about it. Or perhaps you’re a contractor, who has worked on a roster of home makeovers that you think could inspire others to transform their own homes.

If we choose your project, our professional team will photograph your home to appear in an issue of Better Living in 2019.

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Before GET IN TOUCH To be in with a chance of being featured, send us one or two ‘before’ images of the renovation space within your home, along with a selection of photos showing the completed look. Send the photos to faye@hotmediapublishing. com and include ‘Reno’ in the subject line. We look forward to hearing from you!

LAMB ANTRIKOT

Doors Freestyle Grill is an exceptional steakhouse restaurant located at Al Seef alongside the historic Dubai Creek. With a welcoming and open front entrance terrace overlooking the waterside, the blend of urban sensuality and luxurious, traditional classic food and drinks provide an exquisite dining experience for residents and visitors to Dubai alike. Inspired by the world’s finest gastronomies, our internationally acclaimed Chef Kemal Ceylan has created a Turkish fusion menu offering: handcrafted mocktails; globally sourced finest quality beef; seafood; and the widest selection of lamb cuts.

Our hospitality is second to none with dishes prepared and served at your table in a truly magnificent theatrical style, just at the right pace between courses.

Offering Versace and Bentley inspired designer style dining and breathtaking al fresco on the ground floor and rooftop where shisha is also enjoyed for after dinner relaxation with the finest coffee and fresh fruit fermented tea.

STEAMED SEABASS

Welcome to Dubai’s Finest Culinary Theatre!

For reservations, CALL +971 50 700 0375

@doors.dubai

@doors.dubai

www.doorsdubai.com

@doors.dubai

@doors_dubai

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