Places - Design & Living (June 2016)

PLACES DESIGN & LIVING

PLACES ISSUE 10 JUNE 2016

Design & Living

Upcycling, recycling All in the name of passion In touch with furniture’s feminine side ISSUE 10 JUNE 2016

A female version of the bachelor pad

FEW AND FAR BETWEEN ROOFS WITH VIEWS OPEN SPACES

FOOD as ART & style THE DESIGN IN WHAT WE EAT

From farmhouse to family home CONVERTING THE CONVERTED

PLACES

THE BLUEPRINT

Design & Living

ISSUE 10 JUNE 2016

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MY DESIGN

THE PROJECT 10 The Best of Both Worlds Character meets contemporary 20 The Female Touch Soft, fresh, but no frills and fuss HOME DECOR 30 TRENDS Cottage Industry From shabby chic to steampunk to architectural salvage 35 ACCESSORIES Through the Looking Glass Light, reflection and refraction PROJECT PEOPLE 42 The Common Thread Layering and texture in lace 44 Cream of the Crop Design and decor in food BUILDING A BUSINESS 50 The Chilling Room Arch design curved in cork/Boat-building techniques for break-time area DOING IT UP: DO/DON’T 55 A Warm Reception Welcome to the guest house PROPERTY POTENTIAL 57 Up Market Stunning gardens and outside spaces 60 IDEAS & MORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS 62 Top End Taking roofs to new heights

ON THE COVER PHOTO: MICHAEL CALLEJA, STUDIO KONNECT See story on page 20

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PHOTO: SEAN MALLIA Mdina Glass lamp, €98.50 See story on page 35

MY DESIGN

PHOTO: BRIAN GRECH

I wAs planning on writing about food – yes, there is design in that too and it could be an art form – inspired by an interview with sean Mallia on food photography and styling [see page 44].

But I will let his words – and more than anything, his images – speak for themselves, while I continue to try to raise awareness among our readers of the rising buildings that are taking the destruction of this island to new heights.

Haphazard high-rise developments are rearing their ugly heads, but thank goodness not everyone’s vision for this island is to turn it into another Dubai. The problem, however, is that it is the priority of those ruling it right now, whose idea of progress is gaudy, in-your-face and flash.

Thank goodness for the NGOs that are standing up against those shameless people whose job it is to authorise and control development, safeguarding our rural areas, village cores, and the whole island for that matter; whose job it is to understand and promote aesthetics and heritage.

To push the NGOs’ cause, in my own small way, I quote from a press release that landed in my inbox from Din L-Art Helwa on a lija application for 27 apartments and its implications.

PlACEs lends a voice to the residents of this area and the lija local council, who are extremely concerned about the construction of five floors as opposed to three in an area consisting of single- and twostorey villas and terraced houses – what anyone in his right mind would consider excessive, out-of-context development.

In the eyes of the man in the street, this is downright, glaringly wrong. so why do the ‘experts’ fail to see this too? why do they always seem to be fighting for the wrong side?

June 26, 2016 | Issue 10 | PlACEs is a bi-monthly magazine | EXECUTIVE EDITOR Fiona Galea Debono | PUBLISHER Allied Newspapers ltd | PRODUCTION Allied Newspapers ltd | PRINTING Progress Press ltd | DESIGN Manuel schembri | ADVERTISING SALES Veronica Grech sant [2559 4706; veronica.grechsant@timesofmalta.com]

“The implications of such an approval are horrific not simply for lija, but for all Malta and Gozo,” DlH says. It would set a precedent for the development of five floors for any sites marked three.

Do the ‘experts’ need a heritage and environment NGO to point out that these new height limitations would result in the “fuelling of further demolition and rebuilding for developers to have more floor area for speculation with the resultant disturbance to the health and daily lives of the residents of the location”; that they would result in unprecedented density, which may not be sustained by the infrastructure of our towns and villages; that an increase in floors and density would result in the devaluation of property in the immediate vicinity? where is the contextual approach to planning? I point my fingers squarely at those who are interpreting policies in this manner, shamelessly green-lighting these projects to the detriment of all except the tasteless developers – the bane of our society – and their pockets.

These are quite simply the wrong people in one of the most important jobs on our islands right now. Their conscience should be pricking them and, if not, it may come back to haunt them in the future, despite the fact that they hide behind anonymous decisions at the moment.

Meanwhile, as we speak two Msida townhouses are destined to be dropped, despite a recommendation for the 19th-century buildings to be scheduled. The so-called authority responsible to dish out permits – and withhold them – has already granted approval to replace them by a block of apartments.

There goes yet another part of our heritage… and our identity.

For what?

This publication is being distributed as part of © 2016. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole, or in part, without written permission of the publishers, is prohibited.

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THE PROJECT

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The best of

both worlds This conversion of the already converted goes that extra mile to bring out the character of an original farmhouse, while adding those missing more modern features that today’s living looks out for. While enhancing the charm of the old by contrasting it with the contemporary, it caters for the lifestyle of a young family, with its open layouts, dining and living options and outdoor setting that simply call for entertaining.

PHOTOS: ALAN CARVILLE

THIS STUNNING Madliena property is the result of the conversion of an already converted farmhouse into a more than comfortable and tasteful family home, geared up for the entertainment of adults and kids alike.

While retaining the advantages – character, charm, uniqueness and old-world feel – of the original

farmhouse, the previous conversion has been built on and further remodelled to fit the lifestyle and entertaining needs of a young family, primarily through an extension to create a large open-plan space for kitchen, living and dining.

This, and other open areas, such as the doublevolume sitting room at the entrance, may not be

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THE PROJECT

THE ELEMENTS OF NATURE COME INTO PLAY. EARTH, WIND, FIRE AND WATER ALL FIND THEIR PLACE IN THIS OUTDOOR SPACE, WHICH WAS ALSO DESIGNED FOR A PLAY ON THE SENSES

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THE PROJECT

typical of farmhouses, but are almost essential for today’s lifestyle, with comfortable living, freedom of movement, massive sofas and a seamless continuation between inside and out being the order of the day.

The end result is the best of both worlds: a blend of the luxury of the new, accentuated by the unique appeal of the old, meaning this property is by no means a cut-and-paste version of other modern houses.

While capitalising on the benefits of the old farmhouse, its disadvantages were also acknowledged

and tackled. In fact, the modern extension was also aimed at creating an unobstructed connection to the outdoors – something farmhouses, with their typical small doors and windows to counter heat and cold, never catered for.

Large sliding apertures cleverly disappear into the walls, opening an L shape onto the garden, where the same flooring continues uninterrupted. The same gypsum ceiling also protrudes, forming a lip of the same height, so when open, it’s even harder to draw the fine line between inside and out – and the indoors suddenly grows.

Once outside, the idea is, again, to replicate the indoors, with a fully-fledged kitchen – down to the wood-burning oven and a smoker – as well as a shaded, spacious and elegant dining and living area, flanked by a lawn and a herb garden, complete with a fire-pit.

The elements of nature come into play. Earth, wind, fire and water all find their place in this outdoor space, which was also designed for a play on the senses, in particular smell, with the scent of lavender, citrus trees and other herbs emanating from custom-made metal

EVERYTHING REALLY REVOLVES AROUND THE POOL, WHICH, IN TURN, WAS PRACTICALLY REBUILT TO REVOLVE AROUND THE NEEDS OF LITTLE CHILDREN’S PLAY

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THE PROJECT

FROM THE VAULTED SEMI-UNDERGROUND CELLAR TO THE OPEN SITTING ROOM, WITH THE SKY FOR A CEILING, IT IS BACK TO ANOTHER ARCHED AREA, WITH CONTRASTING OLD STONE, HOUSING A READING CORNER ON ONE SIDE AND ANOTHER DINING ROOM ON THE OTHER, BEFORE LEADING ONTO THE NEW EXTENSION

planters that were left to weather for a month to achieve a rusty effect.

But everything really revolves around the pool, which, in turn, was practically rebuilt to revolve around the needs of little children’s play. It was imperative that it would have a shallow end and not just a couple of steps to enter and around which everyone ends up converging and cramming for practical purposes.

As it is, the pool enjoys an extensive slope, in the same marble flooring used throughout the house and garden, for the children to play on – but equally, for adults to chill out and keep fresh, drink in hand. In fact, although driven totally by child-friendly measures – “the shallow part was a major factor and the rest followed” – the overflow pool actually looks nothing like a kids’ zone and is cutting-edge, cool and comfortable at the same time.

Back indoors, this property, which was previously lived in, was gutted to shell form by the current owners and the whole configuration changed. A once disused cellar, with its vaulted ceiling, is now another

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living and dining room – one of the four of each that the house boasts.

The grand, double-height entrance, the whole ceiling of which is now a hi-tech skylight, was a poky open courtyard, surrounded by a corridor of rooms. From a closed-in feeling, it has expanded from every angle into a well-lit open space, with a sunken area for the sofas so that their backs are not the first thing in view on entering. On the contrary, the vast, split-level room, with a copper fireplace flue that is a feature in itself as it breaks through the glass ceiling, is a design statement.

From the vaulted semi-underground cellar to the open sitting room, with the sky for a ceiling, it is back to another arched area, with contrasting old stone, housing a reading corner on one side and another dining room on the other, before leading onto the new extension.

The house is large enough to clearly distinguish between everyday life and more formal areas, with dining arrangements for Christmas lunches for the entire family, more intimate settings, kitchen dinners and al fresco eating, while the same can be said of the living rooms too.

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THE PROJECT

Back to the open-plan extension: the most used part of the house, as always intended, it enjoys a concealed kitchen, where the appliances are smartly hidden behind closed doors and cannot be seen from the garden.

THE MOST USED PART OF THE HOUSE, AS ALWAYS INTENDED, IT ENJOYS A CONCEALED KITCHEN, WHERE THE APPLIANCES ARE SMARTLY HIDDEN BEHIND CLOSED DOORS AND CANNOT BE SEEN FROM THE GARDEN Because the idea was to have a large open-plan layout, the pantry and laundry are concealed behind the kitchen cabinets in what is not only a practical, but also a clever use of space. They are accessible through what would appear to be secret doors in the kitchen wall itself.

The exterior of the house also remains true to the design blend throughout, with old stone, glass and weathering wooden cladding making sure the modern intervention is not “synthetic” and remains rooted in a natural feel.

THE PROJECT

The female touch When two women, owner and interior designer, join forces to focus on refurbishing a home, the result is the female version of the bachelor pad – soft and fresh, but still, no frills and fuss.

PHOTOS: MICHAEL CALLEJA, STUDIO KONNECT

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THE PROJECT

THE STARTING point of this Sliema seafront project was an apartment with split levels, spaces that were sectioned off and a kitchen in a room of its own.

So the first step was to open it up to suit the lifestyle – and love for entertaining – of its owner, says interior designer Sandy Bonnici, entrusted with the job.

The main door now leads onto a spacious living, dining and kitchen area, with a wide ‘entrance hall’ between – as well as sensational sea views – built around the “social” aspect behind it.

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The soul is “French chic”, while modern touches, such as the bar stools, keep it contemporary – although their wicker seats add that trademark softness too – and American walnut in the TV unit and the custom-designed chunky dining table offer a contrast to the distressed and vintage-like pieces, adding more richness and warmth.

But what stands out the minute one steps inside is the feminine feel, best portrayed in the chosen “popup” colour on the facing feature wall that stretches

THE PROJECT

down the long, wide corridor to the bedrooms.

It’s hard to put one’s finger on it, but it could best be described as lilac, or a greyish purple.

It is a well-thought-out choice, which breaks the mould of light and neutral taupes and greys that dominate the scene – and lends the apartment its distinctly female touch.

It’s a touch that is also evident in other details, such as the choice of upholstery for the high-back armchair and particularly the scatter cushions in soft shades and textures, floral prints and patterns, that add accents to a neutral sofa.

IT IS A WELL-THOUGHT-OUT CHOICE, WHICH BREAKS THE MOULD OF LIGHT AND NEUTRAL TAUPES AND GREYS THAT DOMINATE THE SCENE – AND LENDS THE APARTMENT ITS DISTINCTLY FEMALE TOUCH The panelled doors, thick architraves and high skirting also contribute to that soft classical-contemporary look, Sandy points out, while the adjacent, shimmering, metallic, textured wallpaper continues to add the female touch.

But the overall image is “simple”, even in terms of soffits and architectural lighting, barring the occasional and more decorative chandelier in the dining area, the table lamps and wall lights in an antique-like silver with bronze shades that build shimmer into the neutral tones.

The oval backs of the Louis XV-style dining chairs, which were purchased raw and painted and upholstered in keeping with the surrounding shades, also push forward that subtle feminine agenda.

It’s a feel that clearly stems from the fact that the apartment is the fruit of an all-female collaboration – with no male interference!

Sandy and owner, Rebekah Satariano of Satariano – a household name, literally, which specialises in tiles, kitchens, bathrooms and home furnishings – go back a long way.

And when Rebekah embarked on this project, Sandy was the obvious choice. The two met on many fronts... and where they may not have, they were “easily swayed”.

Of course, Rebekah admits that working in the industry and having access to her needs at her fingertips did affect the whole nature of the project, making life that bit easier and also leaving its impact on her choices.

To start off with, unlike most other home owners, she did not have to waste time shopping around to settle on her preferences.

With access to kitchens, bathrooms, tiles,

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THE PROJECT

flooring and even furnishings galore, she was spoilt for choice from the comfort of her own workplace. In no way was she compromising: “Apart from being loyal to the brands, I love them!�

Being in direct contact with tiles, for example, on a daily basis, Rebekah always knew what she would use

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for flooring and had had her eye on a bathroom tile for a while.

The marble of the kitchen island and across the whole wall behind the countertop is another well-thought-out feature, which slightly sacrifices functionality for aesthetics by making a smart statement at the expense

WITH ACCESS TO KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, TILES, FLOORING AND EVEN FURNISHINGS GALORE, SHE WAS SPOILT FOR CHOICE FROM THE COMFORT OF HER OWN WORKPLACE

of hanging cupboards. Having said that, the cabinets along one wall have more than enough clever storage – apart from mirrored interiors and automatic lighting for convenience and style.

“It was important for the kitchen, which is part of the open plan and visible on entry, to be an attraction in itself.” As it is – predominantly white, with that soft bevelled detail and the almost geometric, veined, white marble – it is still not a distraction and has struck a balance between bold and discreet.

“We always wanted to make use of the back wall” – a blank canvas that had to be capitalised on.

When a particular patterned tile arrived at Satariano, Rebekah “fell in love with it” and just knew she had to incorporate it somewhere. But instead for the obvious choice of bathroom, or kitchen backsplash, an original, carpet-like design on the terrace floor was opted for.

It’s not surprising that the terrace is one of her preferred spots in the home, where she spends much of her time in summer. And it’s not just because of the sea view beyond, which can also be enjoyed from indoors, through the light sheer curtains, selected to play with that fresh, beachy, breezy feel.

Another of Rebekah’s personal favourites is the wall of black and white framed photos of family and friends. “I love my photos,” she says of the meticulously planned collage that she is considering extending along the well-lit corridor – another blank canvas, waiting to become an attraction and another testament to her social life.

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TRENDS

Cottage

INDUSTRY Upcycling old furniture may not be the latest trend on the international home decor scene, but the local market is slowly starting to bite, with the softness, sweetness and femininity of shabby chic interior design taking over a somewhat worn-out minimalist, clinical style. Meanwhile, Claire Falzon, who has redefined ageing gracefully in the furniture department, and embraced the art of wear, tear and wear again, is already moving into pastures new, with steampunk and architectural salvage.

PHOTOS: DARRIN ZAMMIT LUPI

IT ALL started quite unintentionally from her Naxxar shop, which was only selling crockery‌ To do it up, Claire Falzon used her own old pieces of furniture, upcycling them with a lick of paint and a lot of passion.

Before she knew it, customers were enquiring about the shop furniture and how it

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was made. Next, they brought their own pieces in to have them injected with a new lease of life.

That was only two years ago‌ But the concept has since outgrown the Naxxar shop and has recently been relocated to a warehouse, once a factory, in Birkirkara. Shabby Chic is packed solid with old furniture that has undergone cosmetic surgery and looks a whole lot fresher, as well as pieces that are in the

IT’S ALSO ABOUT REINVENTING A PIECE AND RECREATING SOMETHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT process of going under the paintbrush and others that stand alone, or need repairs.

Buried in this mountain are Claire and her new business partner, Alex Bonello, who takes care of the boring money matters, leaving the creative, whimsical arm to her.

Claire may not be the only one giving old furniture a second chance in life, but her interventions are marked by a sort of haphazard, rudimentary stamp. While every piece is treated, it is not necessarily restored to a pristine state, leaving the true character of the original untouched, while dressing it up for the occasion.

“Mine is a milder form of shabby chic,” she explains, defining the fine line between the more romantic and the American version, which is bombastic and over the top, with lace, pearls and flowers and not quite right for Malta due to the dust.

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TRENDS

I’LL MOVE WITH THE TIMES… I’LL START STRIPPING THE FURNITURE – AFTER ALL, WHAT LIES BENEATH THE PAINT IS THE REAL DEAL. IT CAN BE RECREATED AND YOUR KIDS CAN ‘RE-INHERIT’ IT Having said that, even in the case of the tamer version, the Maltese are still getting accustomed to it, with a more clinical interior design only phasing out gradually.

“We are about seven years late… But it’s already a big move for customers to come in and have their wooden furniture painted. In fact,

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Claire Falzon making her mark.

most go for whites, beiges and greys because they are still slightly cautious. Some panic because we’ve distressed the furniture ‘a bit too much’. For me, this can be limiting and uninspiring. It can get stale…”

But Claire still gets the opportunity to let her creative juices flow, splashing her chalk and milk paints around, and applying other techniques and effects, such as distressing and decoupage, hand-painting and stenciling.

She even gives classes. “It’s no trade secret and everyone can do it. Most are just afraid of making a mess, or are simply too busy.”

For Claire, who, if inspired, can finish 10 pieces in a day, but can spend days pondering on just one item, the fun part is when she gets to do things like turn a piano into a drinks cabinet, or a great piece of loose furniture into a kitchen island… Her store has quite an array of quirky bathroom vanities in the making.

“It’s also about reinventing a piece and recreating something totally different,” she says.

Shabby chic really picked up after the recession and is related to the economy. People opted to upgrade and refresh instead of buy new items.

“The truth is, you can do up a house with less like this. And at the end of the day, you have better

value and quality because these pieces are made of real solid wood and not MDF. “When clients ask me over, my first priority is to use what they already have. Then I move on to add the odd piece. Most people already have a whole house of furniture. It’s more a matter of mix and match…”

In Malta, according to Claire, it is the younger generations that are more into buying what others are getting rid of. The older are into selling, and about 10 people a day turn up at the shop to offload what others covet.

So what will happen when shabby chic goes out of fashion? “I’ll move with the times… I’ll start stripping the furniture – after all, what lies beneath the paint is the real deal. It can be recreated and your kids can ‘re-inherit’ it.”

Meanwhile, Claire is already going into steampunk, whereby old parts of, say, watches, nuts, bolts and screws, brass, metal etc… are attached to old pieces of furniture, giving them an industrial chic and masculine feel. And her next step is architectural salvage…

“In Malta, when a style finally sets in, it tends to stick for longer. First it trickles in… Now, we can already see, for example, the vintage feel taking over everywhere…

“So if the trend lasts around 10 years, maybe I’ll even manage to retire early.”

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LAMINATE FLOORING.

Prestigious Brands, Swiss Quality, Fantastic Prices.

358, Naxxar Road, B’Kara BKR 9040, Malta Tel: (+356) 21441328 | Fax: (+356) 21447188

www.bathroomdesign.com.mt www.facebook.com/bathroomdesignmalta

ACCESSORIES

THROUGH THE LOOKING

GLASS

Play on light, reflection and refraction for interior effects that are as ephemeral as they are effective.

PHOTOS: Sean Mallia STYLING: iRene ZaRB aDaMi LOCATION: MUSeUM OF TOOlS, TRaDeS anD TRaDiTiOnS, PalaZZO De PiRO

Plate, €165, Mdina Glass.

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ACCESSORIES

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[Clockwise from bottom right] Stylist’s own | €69.90, Form | €40, Mdina Glass | €90, Mdina Glass | stylist’s own | €70, Mdina Glass | €60, Mdina Glass.

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ACCESSORIES

Vase, €137.43, Fino.

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PLACES PROMO

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It also helps improve the efficiency of the operation of building systems, as well as results in a reduction in energy consumption and operating costs.

Here are some points to consider when installing a Vantage Home Automation System into your home: What do you need?

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Live with it and play with it Within the first few months, you will get to know your Vantage Home Automation System, discovering what you like and what you don’t. With simple touch screens, similar to your smartphone, it allows you to make changes, tweak and tweak again until you get the system just right for you.

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THE GOOD THING ABOUT THE VANTAGE HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM IS THAT IT CAN EVOLVE WITH LIFE’S CHANGES. WITHOUT ANY COMPLEX PROGRAMMING, OR THE NEED FOR A TECHNICIAN, YOU CAN ADD AND REMOVE FEATURES WITH THE SIMPLE SWIPE OF YOUR FINGER Your system can grow up too!

Your kids will grow up. You may have more, or you may add an ageing parent to your household.

The good thing about the Vantage Home Automation System is that it can evolve with life’s changes. Without any complex programming, or the need for a technician, you can add and remove features with the simple swipe of your finger.

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Should you need any further information, Elektra can help you through the process of understanding what you can achieve through automation, and what will be right for you and your project.

Elektra will be with you every step of the way, helping you run the system smoothly with other lines, lighting and wiring devices, all of which are also available at Elektra.

For more information, call on 2546 3553, or send an e-mail to info@elektra.com.mt JUNE 2016 PLACES

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PROJECT PEOPLE

The COMMON THREAD IT’S ABOUT TEXTURE AND LAYERING FOR NADETTE CLARE-TALBOT’S PHOTOGRAPHY THAT FOCUSES ON INTRICATE LACE. NADETTE Clare-Talbot always wanted to be a photographer; there never was a plan B for her. She started shooting as a teenager when her father helped her set up a little darkroom at their home in South Africa.

Since then, her magazine clients over the years have included marie claire, Glamour, Elle, Elle Decoration and Men’s Health.

Clare-Talbot’s passions have always been beauty, fashion and stills photography and her favourite photographers include Tim Walker and Paolo Roversi. She is further inspired by the work of make-up artist guru Pat McGrath and the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen.

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ENTITLED LACEY & LACE, IT CELEBRATES MALTA’S ICONIC CRAFT THROUGH THE LENS OF BEAUTY AND STILLS PHOTOGRAPHY AND SHOWCASES 18 WORKS ACCENTUATING LACE AS THE COMMON THREAD

From photographing A-listers like Oprah, with her students from the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy, the little girl with no plan B has come a long way!

Since moving to Malta in 2009, she has made the artistic decision to concentrate on creating one-off pieces that reflect her photography from a very personal aesthetic.

Her work is not incidental by any means, but extremely well thought out. Every last detail is considered – from the choice of the theme to the model, subject matter, styling, hair and make-up and post-editing work.

Clare-Talbot has recently launched her first Maltese exhibition at Le Meridien St Julian’s Hotel & Spa. Entitled Lacey & Lace, it celebrates Malta’s iconic craft through the lens of beauty and stills photography and showcases 18 works accentuating lace as the common thread.

“The concept for this exhibition was born from my love of lace,” says the artist. Lacey &

Lace features nine beauty portraits, each exploring a different theme and flavour and each paired with a complementary still.

Although the images are exhibited in pairs, each can still exist in its own right.

“My aim was to create images that were extremely textured and layered,” says Clare-Talbot. “As lace is the common thread, I explored the concept by integrating the fabric in the styling aspects of the subject matter, and then layering the images digitally afterwards by incorporating scanned-in pieces of the textile.

“It is my hope that the photographed lace and scanned lace are not obviously differentiated from one other, but viewed blended to create the layered effect.”

The Lacey & Lace photography exhibition runs until the end of August.

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TASTE

CREAM OF THE CROP Sean Mallia’s architecture studies inspire his food photography and the latter, in turn, influences both his design and interiors images. He says buildings have, after all, been inspired by fruit and seashells and this happens all the time in design.

For the visual artist, who has his finger in every pie and a lot on his plate, it’s just a matter of changing and applying scale appropriately.

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What are the ingredients for a good food shot in your view? What should it be aiming to achieve?

If I had to list the more important ones, a good food shot should be a combination of good composition, light, colour rendering and, of course, a creative twist. It is also about making the viewer pause and look. That is where styling comes in. The order and position of the food, as well as what to place next to it, has an important role in food photography. The truth is, each dish and product only have a few interesting angles. What is key is to focus on bringing out their most interesting features, so sharpness and depth of field are also important. The trick to making any food item look good is to bring out its texture – that shine in the liquid part of the dish, such as oily and juicy surfaces. It can be the most tedious task, but definitely the most rewarding.

How much is a good food shot a question of the dish itself as prepared by the chef, and how much is it about the way the photo is taken?

The food definitely needs to be of a certain quality; something genuinely good that looks good. There are many tricks and techniques to make food seem good, but I prefer working with the real thing. The photographer’s job is to document, represent and showcase the truth in the best light possible, bringing out the best angle, without any illusions. Of course, one always picks up the tricks of the trade, but I insist on using the more natural ones.

THE TRICK TO MAKING ANY FOOD ITEM LOOK GOOD IS TO BRING OUT ITS TEXTURE – THAT SHINE IN THE LIQUID PART OF THE DISH, SUCH AS OILY AND JUICY SURFACES. IT CAN BE THE MOST TEDIOUS TASK, BUT DEFINITELY THE MOST REWARDING How do you go about choosing the ‘props’ to style food without going overboard, being too obvious, or too in your face?

Having a stylist is always a plus, and a surprise, which keeps me curious until I arrive on the job. However, more often than not, clients ask me to style the

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TASTE

setting myself and this is where my work becomes super fun.

The props I go with are generally things I find on location. When styling a visual, you want to create something intriguing that attracts the most attention from viewers, but you also should keep in mind the context. Having little reminders and elements of the client’s brand and identity is a good idea when it comes to a marketing campaign – usually the aim behind these jobs. So I pick items from the location itself that interest me and I include them in the frame. Overdoing it is always a risk, but it is good to keep all the options open; you start to compose and then you remove what looks too cheesy, unbalanced, or extra.

How do you ensure that whatever you throw into the picture doesn’t detract from the subject itself [in this case, food]? Or should it?

Props should never take over completely, but should complement the product in terms of colour and be visually balanced in terms of scale. Having

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said that, I often make use of what we visual artists like to refer to as visual dynamics, or visual paths.

It is OK to temporarily distract the viewer from the primary subject as long as the eye eventually falls back onto it. The viewer’s attention can first be attracted by something bizarre, or out of place, which then leads the eyes to the main item.

Whole books have been written about food styling as an art. Is it? And are you self-taught?

I am self-taught – when it comes to all the forms of photography I do. I was never much of a reader. I do read blogs and watch online videos about new tricks and trends from time to time, but I rely mostly on experience, practice and a good eye.

There are two types of photographers: those who are born with and develop a good eye for visuals; and those who learn all the theory and tricks behind it. I seem to be the former.

As an architecture student, your passion and eye for photographing interiors and design is more

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TASTE

than understandable. But how, when and why did you get into food styling too?

When I started my architecture course, I used to work at a very good restaurant.

This also coincided with the time I took up photography. It was a natural progression that my love for food and everything to do with it developed into what I do today. I always try to pick up little things I learn anywhere and apply them somewhere else.

Specialisation often distracts us from the absorption of other knowledge and experiences, which may be useful. I like to think that architecture inspires my food photography and food photography inspires both my design and architecture photography. It may sound odd, I know…

Buildings were inspired by fruit and seashells before and this happens all the time in design. Anything can inspire us really; it’s a matter of changing and applying scale appropriately. The same visual principles apply to all things that are visual: colour, shadows, texture, light, orientation, order, form, shape, pattern, rhythm, proportions, tension, space, etc… We see these elements everywhere. We just have to look.

If you had to write a manual on food styling, what would the first three points be?

Composition: To achieve visual balance and make the image pleasing to the eye, one must take note of what to put, what not to, and where things need to be placed. The assembly, or setup, may need to change depending on the intended angle of the photo.

Selection of props: This is tricky as one needs to strike a balance between what is too mundane and what is too busy. Colour and form are two important factors to consider, but the style of the props also needs to be taken into account. All things new and contemporary are always great, but vintage and timeless objects tend to create a contrast and bring out the image more.

Light: If you master this, you can say you have mastered a vital pillar in photography. A good lighting setup will bring out your styling in the best way possible. The colours, form and texture need to be rendered appropriately, while importance also needs to be given to the type of shadow the objects cast.

When it comes to fashion and interiors, specific stylists normally intervene and do their job before the photographer starts his.

Do you feel you are better off preparing the shot for the camera yourself and why?

I don’t mind collaborating with other stylists as this makes the job move faster and I also

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get to learn a thing or two from people with different ideas. I also enjoy styling myself and this makes the shoot more fun for me.

I enjoy the fact that I am creating something on my own and using my own style and direction.

What do you think is your personal imprint when styling and shooting food?

I’d like to think that I have my own style of doing things, but I have no idea how to describe it. It could be the fact that I like to stick to the context and use the props I find on site; this makes each shoot unique and doesn’t allow my work to become too repetitive.

IN ARCHITECTURE, WE USE WHAT WE REFER TO AS EXPLODED DIAGRAMS TO PRESENT COMPLICATED DETAILS OF ASSEMBLY. I WANT TO TRY THIS OUT WITH A FOOD DISH What would you say are the pitfalls of and major differences between shooting architecture, interiors, fashion and food?

Which is more time-consuming and technical, in general?

Each genre has its own challenges and tricks to be mastered. However, I disagree with the notion that a photographer needs to stick with and specialise in one or two genres in order to be good. Yes, you do need to focus for a while on one thing to master the techniques, but trying out different things can be very beneficial as you pick up on several tricks from every field and then apply these to all.

And which is the apple of your eye?

Architecture and food are my favourite two, but there are many more areas to be enjoyed and through which my work can evolve.

Do you have a food image in your mind you’d really like to pull off but haven’t managed to get down to yet?

I have wanted to try out something for a while, but I know it will take some time to put together. In architecture, we use what we refer to as exploded diagrams to present complicated details of assembly. I want to try this out with a food dish.

Are you a foodie, do you cook, and if so, do you get into food presentation too?

I love food and enjoy dining out a lot. I don’t cook much... Food presentation is something I leave up to the chef, although I do suggest changes at times.

Sean Mallia recently launched Gastrografija, a book on food photography, part of the first set in a series, by EDE Photo Books, each one including 10 publications from 10 different photographers.

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BUILDING A BUSINESS

A SHELL THAT FOLLOWS THE SHAPE OF THE ARCHED SPACE WAS DESIGNED, PROVIDING SEATING, LIGHTING, POWER AND MULTIMEDIA FACILITIES

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THE

chilling room

The creation of this break pod is a collaboration between Chillischilli bespoke interiors and X,Y,Z Architecture & Design. It involved the craft of boat building and the discovery of an exciting new material – the cork covering used is designed to find its place in both commercial and residential projects.

PHOTOS: KAMY AQUILINA

THE CLIENT’S wish was to transform a dull and unused room at basement level into a vibrant chill-out and break-time area for employees.

The challenge involved translating the intended design into a functional construction, which maintained the required aesthetic criteria, while allowing for ease of use and durability.

The design was meant to complement the arched room with a low-profile structure that would dress it up, giving it a more dynamic look.

Being situated inside a palace of historic value, the existing building fabric was respected. A shell that follows the shape of the arched space was designed, providing seating, lighting, power and multimedia facilities. The shell was manufactured out of custom wooden ribs and finished in cork, blending smoothly with the natural colour of the building fabric.

MATERIALS The materials for the project were researched and a wide variety of international suppliers sampled, eventually leading to a product from the UK that has a durable formula and consistency. This, in

turn, needed particular adhesives, which also required further research and sourcing.

TECHNIQUE Due to the singularity of the room’s profile, with its arches, reference had to be made to the boat-building craft for construction around extreme curves, while maintaining adequate strength. Plywood was, therefore, used for the frame. This material was shaped in the same way as ribs are constructed in boat building.

The frame was covered with very thin and flexible engineered wood, which, when bent, would gain inherent strength from its shape.

MULTIFUNCTIONAL The space is designed to provide a number of layouts for different events, apart from the daily hour break. Space-saving multifunctional shells were designed, while the stools and beanbags are easily tucked away in the deep storage cabinets within the space itself.

The central area also provides space for a mini snooker table, or a game of table tennis,

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BUILDING A BUSINESS

which, on a daily basis, are folded away along the side walls.

The storage unit at the far back transforms into a bar – what seems to be a cabinet door lifts to form a bar-height table, with bar stools for post-work events. The cabinet forms a tunnel round an existing doorway and is clad in natural moss to add that much needed green touch to the space.

THE CABINET FORMS A TUNNEL ROUND AN EXISTING DOORWAY AND IS CLAD IN NATURAL MOSS TO ADD THAT MUCH NEEDED GREEN TOUCH TO THE SPACE

LIGHTING The lighting is integrated into the thickness of the shells to avoid any eyesores. The routed LED strips on the surface accentuate the existing curves, while concealed strips towards the edges of the structure light up the architectural features, providing the necessary reflected soft and warm light. It was also imperative that back lighting should be avoided.

FURNITURE

Including a bar in such a limited area posed demands on both construction and ease of assembly. A pivot locking system was engineered to allow the bar area to be set up and disassembled easily, depending on the occasion.

Care was taken to make sure that lines matched and enough storage space was allowed to be able to hide bar stools when these are not in use.

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Tables were constructed from a sprayed wood top over a solid metal plate base, the thickness of which required specialist machinery to be cut to shape. The weight of the base allowed it to have enough stability, however narrow its size.

INSTALLATION The installation involved the challenge of having to access limited spaces and openings with relatively large items. The inconvenience of stairs and winding halls had to be kept in mind when negotiating structure sizes for transport and access.

DOING IT UP: DO/DON’T

A warm reception Working on the design project for a guest house reception in Marsascala turned out to be a journey of discovery into some interesting details of Maltese architecture, says interior architect Antonella Riotto from Fino Interiors Design Studio.

THE BRIEF To create a modern and practical environment, but at the same time, distinguished by subtle touches of traditional Maltese elements; a space that is cosy, but not too overdone, where guests would feel comfortable and welcome; a place that is elegant, contemporary and timeless too.

THE FINAL AIM For the project to be a reflection of the client’s taste and the type of lifestyle he wants for patrons at his guest house. The initial proposals were, in fact, the result of an in-depth study of the client’s needs and desires, together with the findings of informal research into and analysis of Maltese decorative features.

THE CHALLENGES The first element that needed to be taken into consideration for a successful result was the length of the space – a layout that is common locally. This area is essentially made up of two main parts,

both rectangular in shape. The smaller area is close to the main source of natural light, while the inner part does not enjoy the same amount, but is larger and, therefore, offers a better sense of spatial freedom.

The idea was to locate the reception in the smaller area and to utilise the doorway opposite as the main entrance.

In so doing, the larger area remained independent and accessed through a second door only by those residing at the guest house.

FEATURES The separation of these areas created the need for an interesting feature – a glass partition, dividing the reception from the lounge. It offered more privacy to guests without foregoing the only source of natural light available. The glass partition can be opened and closed at will, and once opened, the whole space becomes one naturally illuminated hall.

The reception area is made up of a bespoke desk behind an up-lit counter and a comfortable waiting area with a monitor for guests’ entertainment.

Typical Maltese tiles create a carpetlike effect, which together with a limestone wall, contribute to the overall warm feeling. The same patterned flooring is repeated in the larger space, for stylistic continuity once the glass partition is opened.

The project was completed by the Fino Interiors Design Studio, using exclusive in-house manufactured products and high-end designer furniture.

LIGHTING Given that Marsascala was originally a small fishing village, metal lighting by Cattelan, a contemporary interpretation of fishing lamps, was used in the reception and lounge areas, as well as across the common areas on the higher floors.

COLOUR A white base is broken up by warm shades of walnut, brown and orange, with grey details cutting through. Sansevieria plants add a touch of greenery.

WWW.FINO.COM.MT

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PROPERTY POTENTIAL

Up market Are you the type of person who seeks the finer things in life? Do you enjoy outdoor living, entertaining and dining al fresco? If so, you fit the profile of the buyer of villas, houses of character and even apartments with stunning gardens and outside spaces. Julian Caruana from Frank Salt Real Estate Ltd’s Spinola branch picks the cream of the crop.

Considering that developers seem more intent on building apartment blocks, is there still a market for houses with outdoor spaces and pools, or has this dwindled?

Developers are more intent on developing blocks of apartments as this is the most straightforward and profitable solution. However, the second-time buyer market is also active and, normally, the main criteria is ideally a house with a sizeable outdoor area, including space for a pool, making it more of a family home.

WOULD you say that houses with gardens are hard to come by these days, with most being demolished to make room for apartment blocks? And does that make these properties even more prestigious and unique?

This very much depends on the local plan. Normally, a house with big gardens, situated in the village core, cannot be developed into apartment blocks, so its value is based on the fact that it will be sold as a home, which, sometimes, reduces the value of the land. It is still possible to find houses of character with sizeable gardens located in the village cores, mainly in the centre of the island.

Is it mostly non-Maltese residents who seek out these spaces, and are the locals more into modern, clean and convenient apartments that match their fast-paced lives and require less work?

In most cases, whether they are Maltese or not, the property purchased is dictated by the budget.

Locals are just as interested in old-world features and village life. However, these houses are normally in the mid to upper end of the market, which makes them unaffordable to the local first-time buyer, especially if the house in question requires restoration. It is possible to achieve a clean finish and a practical layout also with houses of character.

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Some apartments are selling for extremely high prices – practically the cost of a house with a sizeable outdoor space and pool and sometimes even more. Why is it not a no-brainer that a buyer would opt for the latter, given the price?

There are apartments in central London selling for the same price as a massive country mansion and that also applies to Malta. Although it is relatively small, we still consider Sliema and St Julian’s as the city centre, with offices and entertainment outlets within walking distance from residential blocks of apartments and townhouses. It is important to consider that a section of the population prefers to live in an apartment for

health and practicality reasons; land in the city centre comes at a much higher price compared to land in central Malta; and premium is obviously reflected in price per unit sold in the city centre.

When it comes to properties with views and private gardens, do you feel that buyers are often concerned that these won’t last forever and that they could be blocked in sooner or later, thus reducing their appeal?

Nothing is guaranteed in life, however, common sense prevails in these situations. A client can always refer to an architect, who, in turn, examines what the local plan dictates for that particular area, especially if the view is reflected in the price.

Views are few and far between in Malta. Generally, where are the properties with the best panoramas?

And are buyers more into seafront sights, or do they prefer to overlook the countryside, or important architecture?

Properties with views are normally located on high ground like Madliena, Gharghur, Mellieha and Rabat.

However, some localities close to the sea, including Sliema, St Paul’s Bay and Marsascala, tend to enjoy a view as well. Views of important monuments are found mostly in the capital city and harbour area. It is very difficult to find a good residence with unobstructed country views, which is not close to farms and fireworks factories. This, in my opinion, is one of the reasons why buyers looking for a view normally choose the safer sea view option.

What about roof gardens? Are they gaining in popularity? Given the apparent dearth of villas with pools, are home owners finally starting to use their roofs for leisure and entertainment, apart from enjoying the views?

I don’t feel roof gardens are being exploited enough. The reasons could be a lack of accessibility and the cost involved to create them. If not done professionally, they could cause severe damage to the property and third parties too.

IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND A GOOD RESIDENCE WITH UNOBSTRUCTED COUNTRY VIEWS, WHICH IS NOT CLOSE TO FARMS AND FIREWORKS FACTORIES. THIS, IN MY OPINION, IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY BUYERS LOOKING FOR A VIEW NORMALLY CHOOSE THE SAFER SEA VIEW OPTION

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Since they seem to be the more unique type of properties, do you see the value of houses with open outdoor spaces increasing with time, or do you envisage a continuous shift towards the apartment life?

There is a good momentum, and it is gaining ground, of a segment of the market that is choosing to move out of the city centre and searching for the tranquillity and serenity that the countryside and Maltese villages

PROPERTY POTENTIAL IDEAS & MORE

Picture it before Colour inspiration can be found just about anywhere; from a cushion, or a pair of shoes, to the flowers in your garden. Thanks to the dulux Visualiser App, it’s now easier than ever before to bring those colours to life in your home. The easy-to-use app lets you pick a colour from anywhere and, with augmented reality technology, allows you to see the colours live in your living space. And that’s not all. We’ll also offer you suggested colour schemes to help complete your look. The dulux Visualiser App is available to download on Android and Apple.

BBQ time

SInCe lAnd IS Very SCArCe In MAlTA, WHeTHer In A deVeloPMenT zone, or A VIllAge Core, PrICe Per SqUAre MeTre WIll AlWAyS go UP AS THIS FolloWS THe bASIS oF All eConoMIC rUleS: deMAnd And SUPPly

grandhall Maxim 4 burner + back burner gas built-in bbq can be purchased complete with island and side burner at €1,398. The 4 burner + back burner gas built-in bbq is also sold separately and can be inserted into any type of outdoor island at €799. It’s available from HomeTrends, Industrial estate, San gwann, and Mdina road, zebbug. For more information, send an e-mail to shop@hometrends.com.mt, or call on 2144 5654. Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hometrendscomplex; www.hometrends.com.mt

Seamless surfaces Staron by Samsung is a 100 per cent solid seamless surface, which is practical, aesthetically beautiful and functional.

Staron is a non-porous material, so it resists bacteria, mould and moisture from penetrating the surface. Since the colour and pattern are uniform throughout the product, scratches, chips and stains can be sanded out and the surface renewed, reconditioned and restored to its original finish. Call on 9944 6951 for a free quotation, or send an e-mail to jurgen@jtstrading.com. www.jtstrading.com

Let there be light

can offer. Since land is very scarce in Malta, whether in a development zone, or a village core, price per square metre will always go up as this follows the basis of all economic rules: demand and supply.

Do properties with vast gardens and views tend to come with inconvenient and distant locations? Is there a price to pay?

It all depends on the lifestyle of the individual. normally, families with young children choose to be closer to the Sliema/St Julian’s area, with Madliena being the closest location with fantastic views and large gardens. This is the reason why Madliena is associated with the upper end of the villa market and high-end sales of the last five years.

Featured properties are available from Frank Salt Real Estate. WWW.FrAnkSAlT.CoM.MT

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VCT is a family-owned company with the focus on light engineering and design. It is the market leader in the area of light engineering and design.

With a network of over 350 shops, VCT has recently been appointed distributor of HAUPA Projects, selling not just small parts of a programme, but also the complete range. This year, more products will be sold as a result of the new showroom and specified training to handle such products. For further details, visit VCT in Mosta [2143 2571].

A distinct home distinct Homes means you can finally afford quality furniture at the right price. relatively new on the local market, distinct Homes is slowly carving a name that means excellent products and a great personalised service. Its Attard showroom, opened only last year, is a natural evolution of the family business that started in gozo 28 years ago. Its Malta showroom, with more floors currently being added on, is an excellent showcase of Made in Italy kitchens and distinct Homes’ unique Home Package for just €7,985! In addition, its gozo showroom offers a wide display of sofas, bedrooms, living rooms and gozo’s largest bathroom and tile centre. www.distincthomes.com.mt

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Top end With views and gardens being few and far between, take a leaf from this roof pool deck and lounge area to see how you can capitalise on your own open space up above. Check out the practical tips to take the top of your property to new heights.

PHOTOS: BRIAN GRECH | ELSA ALLEN

Project: Upgrading Hotel Juliani’s rooftop pool lounge Design: DAAA Haus was entrusted with the turnkey project, from designing the new layout to passing new services, maintenance works and building of an elevated platform structure to get the decking in line with the pool for more space for sunbeds, tables and chairs, moving the outdoor bar, building new facilities, relining the pool and preparing for the finishes.

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Brief: After 12 years, the client wanted to upgrade this unique site that enjoys unobstructed views of Spinola Bay by creating a larger pool deck by day and an aperitivo lounge area by night.

Overall look and feel: An elegant, clean, fresh and Santorini-style look. Turquoise tones were used as the accent colour, apart from for the branding, and as hints on the bespoke outdoor floor lamps and metal furniture. Combined with the decking, fabrics in soft shades of grey, natural stone and white concrete finishes, the elegance Hotel Juliani is associated

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS

EVERYTHING HAD TO GO UP TO THE ROOF AND DOWN USING MASSIVE CRANES, WHICH IS NO MEAN FEAT IN AN AREA AS BUSY AS ST JULIAN’S

with was balanced with a fresh summer buzz, adding the playful element. While still based on blue tones, it is slightly exotic, with an Arabian and Mediterranean vintage touch, so it is elegant, has character, and yet, remains minimal. Succulent plants were also used to add that Mediterranean flavour.

What had to go and what could stay? Everything had to go. The original finishes were dated. A bespoke mosaic, produced in Italy, was designed to line a feature wall and for inside the pool.

What is the most rewarding feature of the space?

The floating decking, which was the first major transformation of the area, as well as the mosaic

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and the floor lamps, which were produced locally by a Maltese artisan, based on the DAAA Haus designs.

What’s the hardest part of working on a rooftop area? Preparing for a rooftop pool lounge for summer means carrying out works in winter and, therefore, the biggest headache is no shelter from the elements and still meeting deadlines despite the weather. Luckily, the winter was mild, with barely any interruptions to the work schedule. Working on the ninth floor of an operational hotel meant going to great lengths to ensure no disruptions.

Everything had to go up to the roof and down using massive cranes, which is no mean feat in an area as busy as St Julian’s.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

MOST HOUSES HAVE ACCESS TO THE ROOF FROM THE NIGHT QUARTERS LEADING TO THE WASHROOM, SO UNLESS THIS IS TAKEN CARE OF, PROBLEMS TO ENJOY THE SPACE ARE LIKELY TO ARISE

Any general tips when doing up a roof garden/lounge area? As with any project, planning and freezing the design before starting works is always important. However, working outdoors takes a little more planning. Depending on the sort of intervention, professional advice on the existing structure would need to be sought to make sure the building can take on additional weight, especially if adding planters and water tanks, like splash pools. In this case, the pool was already there, so the objective was to work around it.

When planning works up on a rooftop, it is also important to bear in mind that weather can be an obstacle. Wind and rain can stop the project for days, and materials and tools need to be stored under shelter to avoid damages.

From a design point of view, the most important things to consider when designing a rooftop lounge/pool deck area would be: Access: Most houses have access to the roof from the night quarters leading to the washroom, so unless this is also taken care of, problems to enjoy the space, no matter how beautiful it is, are likely to arise.

Scope/use: Before spending a lot of money on doing up a rooftop, evaluate its real scope and use. Will it be a haven for relaxation for a few people? Will it be used to entertain? How many times a year would it be used? Do you have time to take care of it? Do you have storage space to winter outdoor furniture? All these questions need to be asked before embarking on such a project.

Easy care and long-term maintenance plan: Unless you have the time, or contract third parties to take

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care of everything, remember that lush green gardens are lovely only when they are well taken care of. On renders and professional photos, everything seems great, but reality may be a different story. Maltese weather does not help either, and plants need to be watered daily in summer.

Shading and sun orientation: To enjoy an open space throughout the year, night and day, good quality shading that can withstand high temperatures and wind is very important. The installation of shading, known as “temporary structures”, also requires permits. Professional installers can give advice after inspecting the site. They look at the sun orientation and installation methods before they sell something.

They evaluate how open the space is for particular winds, so anchoring the shading well would be one of their top priorities. Today, several shading solutions exist, ranging from light structures like umbrellas to more complex, fully automated, all-included [light, sound, opening and closing etc...] structures, which withstand winds, rain and high temperatures.

Services: Water tanks, PV panels, satellites, irrigation systems etc… need to camouflaged to achieve good results.