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& mind As Europe’s leading brand Ideal Standard brings together a special collection of products representing the highest quality design and the latest technology and engineering from across Europe. Each piece, only available from selected retailers, is the culmination of a lengthy design process involving many award-winning designers providing excellence in form and function.

The elegant, linear design of Ventuno combined with the creative genius of award-winning designer Franco Bertoli, embraces all the qualities of a design classic for the 21st Century

122, Valley Road, B’Kara

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T 2149 2149

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MODERN aND affORDablE KitchENs Cucine Lube offers a wide variety of kitchen ranges to suit your taste – whether your style is contemporary, modern or classic. With our experienced team and the flexibility of our products, the possibilities are endless.

Visit us today and make your dream kitchen a reality!

Valley Road, Birkirkara Tel: 2147 2882 Email: info@carmelodelia.com www.carmelodelia.com

the home of luxury living

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CONTENTS

ISSuE 42

030

023 011 013 017 019 022 030 038 048 055 073 079 085 089 095 100

COMPETITION HOME NEWS HOME TRENDS GREENWORKS BATHED IN LIGHT 180ยบ TuRNAROuND A COuRSE IN CONvERSION fLOORING fEATuRE HOME IDEAS HOMEWORKS Tv LIvING ROOM HOMEWORKS Tv KITCHEN HOMEWORKS Tv BEDROOM LAYING DOWN THE LAWN CuISINE AND WINE WITH DELICATA HOMEWORKS A-Z Of SuPPLIERS

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10 14:50

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Welcome to issue 42. It’s obvious why the owners of the Madliena duplex fell in love with their penthouse at first sight – a view of the pool, countryside and open sea greets you before you even open the front door. It’s a home that has freeflowing light from front to back and that really feels one with the outdoors. We also feature some of the beautiful room makeovers which had featured on HOMEWORKS Tv by designers Katja Wiedersum and Henry Borg Barthet. There is also a ‘before and after’ element in two of the properties in this issue. Nick Bilocca took his apartment from rustic to chic, while Karl farrugia transformed an old property in Lija, going through many of the challenges faced by HOMEWORKS readers regarding dampness and cracked masonry. Our garden feature takes us through the creation of a lawn, that patch of green that represents relaxation and calm like nothing else. And speaking of green, we are starting a regular feature called GREENWORKS in which we look at energy-saving issues relating to home design. This month’s recipes feature ingredients that can be found in the countryside: borage, asparagus, chamomile, fennel, oranges, orange blossoms and carob. Believe me when I say that Claude’s recipes are sublime, and I fully recommend that you give them a try. The work involved in sourcing wild ingredients is well worth it. Enjoy.

HOMEWORKS is published by writeon ltd. every two months on Sundays with an audited circulation of 39,500 copies distributed with The Sunday Times of Malta.

EDITOR ZILLAH BUGEJA

IMAGE EDITOR JULIAN KNIGHT

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the Publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor no publisher accept responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. While we endeavour to ensure that firms and organisations mentioned are reputable, the editor can give no guarantee that they will fulfil their obligations under all circumstances. © 2010

EXECUTIVE EDITOR LISA BORAIN

PHOTOGRAPHY ALAN CARVILLE JULIAN KNIGHT MAS ALLEN VENABLES

PUBLICATION COORDINATOR TROIKA ZAMMIT ART DIRECTION CHRIS PSAILA DESIGN CHRIS PSAILA OLGA PRINKU MAS COMMUNICATIONS

TM

CONTRIBUTORS MELOSAUL BALZAN LISA BORAIN HENRy BORG BARTHET CLAUDE CAMILLERI BILL HERMITAGE GUy LAGUENS KATJA WIEDERSUM

SALES & MARkETING STEFFI PORTELLI 2133 9999 PRE-PRESS & PRINTING PROGRESS PRESS POSTAL ADDRESS / E-MAIL WRITEON LTD. AIRWAyS HOUSE, LEVEL 5, HIGH STREET, SLIEMA SLM 1551 MALTA info@writeon.com.mt

IS A REGISTERED TRADE MARK OF WRITEON LTD.

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ISSUE 42

ISSUE 42 APRIL

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COMPETITION WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACk. fORWARD YOuR IDEAS OuTLINING WHAT YOu WOuLD LIKE TO SEE PuBLISHED IN HOMEWORKS. THE PERSON SuBMITTING THE MOST INTERESTING IDEA OR CONCEPT WILL RECEIvE TWO BEDSIDE LAMPS WORTH €32.60 COuRTESY Of BIG BEN INTERIORS, BIRKIRKARA. Send your ideas to: HOMEWORKS feedback, Level 5, Airways House, High Street, Sliema SLM 1551 or email: info@writeon.com.mt

ISSUE 41

wINNER

LOUIS PACE IS THE WINNER OF THE DESIGNER GUILD REVERSIBLE CHENILLE CUSHIONS, COURTESY OF DESIGN HOUSE, DINGLI STREET, SLIEMA LOUIS PACE “During the past years your ideas have inspired me to furnish two homes and I am presently furnishing my own home. I prefer modern and practical styles but would also love to include some antiques to really make the most of my imagination and skill. I would appreciate if you could include some expert advice about antique pieces, particularly clocks, carpets, lighting and furniture.”

HOMEWORkS NEEDS YOu! Readers are invited to submit interesting photographs and a brief description of their homes, which may be distinct in their architectural design. Of particular interest are homes that offer outstanding elements of both interior and exterior living spaces.

HOMEWORkS will select the best submissions for future features. Send a photo and information for the attention of: The Editor, Writeon Ltd., Airways House, Level 5, HIgh Street, Sliema SLM 1551 or info@writeon.com.mt (photos will not be returned)

READERS WROTE: CAROL FARRUGIA “Hello HOMEWORKS, always a pleasure to read you! I was wondering if you could possibly do an article on conversions, for example, when the last child leaves the nest and you consider transforming the adjoining spare bedroom into a walk-in wardrobe (always a dream of mine). This is always a valuable extra if you wish to sell the property in the future.”

FRANk TABONE “first and foremost, well done for every issue! It is really informative and it is a great pleasure to indulge in its wide-ranging articles. I would suggest a HOMEWORKS edition in which readers are exposed by illustrations to various styles of home decoration from a historical perspective; on decorating a room or an entire floor in a particular historical theme or phase of our history. What would be the starting point? How can one reach a style compromise while remaining faithful to the epoch? Which sources, printed and non-printed, are available for successfully achieving a historical home dressing?”

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NEwS

hOME NEwS Fino SOuTh wINg NOw OPEN

The South Wing of the fino Showplace in Mriehel houses new brands from some of the finest furniture houses in Italy and france. Complementing the designer brand Ligne Roset, four high-end Italian brands have been added as well as new home furniture and lighting from Italy and france, including Salvarani, Ivano Redaelli, Prolicht and Adriani & Rossi. Highlights of the South Wing include Redaelli’s circular bed, day and night furniture from fEG, walk-in wardrobes in glass, wood and aluminium and three Salvarani kitchens. Pictured: The Wavy modular asymmetric bookcase system from Italian designer Alivar represented by fino.

Carmelo Delia gzIRa ShOwROOM REvaMP

FineStral NEw wEaThERPROOf COvERINgS

Carmelo Delia has recently re-opened its showroom at The Strand, Gzira after revamping and adding new product ranges. Kinetic is the modern living and accessories brand which was launched earlier this year. Maiso living and dining furniture can also be viewed at the Gzira showroom.

finestral of Zebbug has a new range of madeto-measure conservatories and pool covers in stock. Living space in the garden or on the roof can easily be increased with these insulated and weatherproof coverings.

U-Store SELf-STORagE LauNCh lUX-it lighting NOw OPEN LuX-IT Lighting offers a range designed to bring style and elegance to any surroundings, while also specialising in energy-saving solutions.

The outlet offers Luminux LEDs at unbeatable prices. The LuX-IT shop is in Luqa Road, Paola.

u-Store has launched mobile self-storage in Malta. The procedure is that a customized, modern trailer containing a wooden vault is brought to the customer’s premises. Once loaded, the customer locks it with their own padlock and u-Store will collect it. The vaults are then stored in the u-Store secure warehouse with 24/7 CCTv, fire and smoke alarm and full insurance cover.

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NEwS

mCe ltD SOLaR waTER hEaTINg MCE Limited of Qormi announces the new range of solar water heating systems by Elsol Solar Energy Systems Ltd. These units are manufactured using over 60 years of experience combined with the latest technology from Israel. Rand boilers have a five year guarantee. They are internally coated with glass enamel, have a stainless steel jacket and vertical water tanks for better heat control of water.

SeamleSS SOLID SuRfaCE SOLuTIONS NEw RaNgE

The new HANEX range from Seamless Solid Surface Solutions offers 100% acrylic solid surface kitchen tops, vanities, countertops for bars and laboratories, wall cladding and other innovative creations. The finished product is hygienic, antibacterial and resistant to stains.

JoSieS ShOwROOM REfuRbIShMENT Josies Bathroom Centre has just completed the refurbishment of its showroom in Lija. Over 50 bathrooms are now displayed over two floors.

Tiles, sanitary sets, mixers and accessories from leading brands such as Gala, Roca, valentino, Refin & Casalgrande are all exhibited.

elektra ltD NEw RaNgE

Elektra Ltd of Qormi announces the arrival of Artemide Tolomeo Mega Terra, a new range of classic floor lamps with matching table lamps, wall lights and pendants.

The lamps have a polished aluminium base and a diffuser in parchment or silk satin fabric on a plastic frame.

artiSan SOfaS NEw wENTwORTh RaNgE The new collection at Artisan Sofas has a classic scroll arm offering superb comfort.

The simple lines offer great flexibility of style; whether contemporary or made more traditional by using an alternative cover or by adding a valance.

PoliForm anD Varenna aT MaISON & ObjET

This year Poliform was one of the principal players at the international fair MAISON&OBJET, featuring two varenna kitchens: Twelve, whose looks are based on minimal horizontal thicknesses and Kyton, a completely new project that allows the creation of original modular solutions. The two stands included the free sideboard, the Wall System bookcase and the Air and Zeus tables. The Poliform collection can be viewed at Onepercent, Msida.

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STYLISH DESIGN & ABSOLUTE QUALITY

Visit the new Carmelo Delia Showroom & discover some of the world’s leading brands, all under one roof! View the extensive range of FAER bedrooms & spare bedrooms, all made to measure with unlimited combinations. The quality of finish and the choice of materials has made FAER Malta’s favourite brand for bedrooms, not only for the discerning buyer who is looking for value and safety but most especially for their children, who love the quirky colour combinations and unique features. Come view the extensive FAER range today!

Take advantage of our one-stop shop concept offerings, starting from tiles, bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, living and dining

Valley Road, Birkirkara Tel: 2147 2882 Email: info@carmelodelia.com www.carmelodelia.com the home of luxury living

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SuRREaL, MORPhINg, LuMINOSITy

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2:10:05

TRENDS

TV FIREPLACE: The latest fireplace for the modern home is the Scenario from MCZ, the first of its kind. It offers safe, cost-effective performance by meeting all the environmental norms, and it also ensures safety and savings in terms of use and impact. This cool fireplace Tv offers a prime viewing platform for HD movies and can also be connected to the internet.

LENzING INTERIORS TRENDS FOR 2010: ILLUSION In this theme, patterns are a visual illusion, playing with transparencies and opaqueness. Textiles

THE LENzING COLOURS ILLUSION PALETTE FOR INTERIORS 2010

are fluid, airy, layered and unexpected 3D as to accentuate the illusion. Textures are created using modern illuminating techniques.

Tones are light-enhanced; shades are absorbed, blurred and altered. Colours take on high-shine lacquers and patents for pale and earth tones. Metal shine is back as metal, not as lurex, with gold, silver and copper in the fore.

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GREENwORKS a SPOTLIghT ON ENERgy-SavINg aND SuSTaINabLE INTERIORS TRENDS aND PRODuCTS

What iS ‘UPCyCling’?

We’ve all heard of recycling, but what is upcycling? Coined by William McDonaugh and Michael Braugart in their book on ecologically intelligent design, ‘Cradle to Cradle’, upcycling is the practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value, such as champagne jeroboams being turned into table lamps. Examples of stylish upcycling can be seen in this issue, in Karl farrugia’s coffee table and Katja Wiedersum’s bin lid wall decoration.

PV SyStemS: Free eleCtriCity For 25 yearS?

BamBoo – groWing in FaVoUr Not just for traditional roller blinds and baskets, bamboo is hitting the big time worldwide as an alternative to wood – in all of its applications – and also replacing cotton for textiles. It is increasingly being used in wallpaper, kitchen cabinets and countertops, as well as for flooring.

Bamboo fabric is surprisingly soft, as soft as cashmere, and is being used in the manufacture of bed linen, towels, tablecloths, rugs and doormats.

It sounds too good to be true, but householders who install a photovoltaic system to generate electricity from the sun could have free electricity for 25 years. If the initial outlay is offputting, check out the government grants. A lucky few households can be eligible for a government grant that covers 50% of the costs, up to a maximum of €3,000. An eco-loan can then be taken out from any local bank to pay for the remaining 50% of the cost over 5 years.The perception about photovoltaic systems is that you have to have a large roof.

The average panel is 8 to 10 square metres, approximately 2 x 5 metres, costing around €6,000. Based on an average of 4.5 hours of sunlight a day, it is estimated that the return will be an average of 1.44 kilowatts per hour, which can peak to 7 k/h. This can be more than sufficient for the average household, providing that other energy-saving measures are carried out, such as using PL lights.

According to information at time of print, the new government scheme giving a grant on the purchase of photovoltaic systems will be launched in May. More information and application forms from www.mra.org.mt

yoUng enterPriSe go green Junior Achievement Young Enterprise (JA-YE) Malta has this year focused on promoting a green environment, giving the students direction towards the use of recyclable materials or promotion of recycled finished goods. Could the participating companies be an example to the business world by proving that a green business can be profitable?

One of the green products created by a JA-YE company this year is Re-Hydr8 by Re-Cre8. It is placed in the soil next to a plant and when the LED lights up, it’s time to water the plant. Re-Hydr8 measures the moisture in the soil using the principle of the resistance induced by water.

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Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

020

Model LA BELLE

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EXOTIC

STYLE Individual Design

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BATHED

IN LIghT

A MADLIENA DuPLEX PENTHOuSE IS A BREATH Of fRESH AIR. CLEvER DESIGN OPTIMIZING NATuRAL DAYLIGHT, fLOOR-TO-CEILING GLASS APERTuRES AND BREATHTAKING vIEWS EQuALS AN INvIGORATING HOME. WORDS: GuY LAGuENS PHOTOS: ALAN CARvILLE

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This page, on the ground floor, the dining room enjoys centre stage, overlooking the infinity pool.

The master bathroom has the luxury of enjoying a unique vista as well as having the necessary privacy.

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Every element of the home has been considered as a whole to maximize the flow of natural daylight throughout.

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T

he journey up in the glass-enclosed lift

The home has been designed very differently

this feeling while echoing the waved curve in the

with its stylish glass nugget floor gives

and cleverly, in comparison to some penthouses

kitchen ceiling.

a hint that you are about to experience

which tend to be either long and narrow (and

something special, and different. The owners

therefore dark), or are a replica of many others.

The kitchen is placed centrally, opening out onto the living room. This is where the use of natural

both liked the apartment on first viewing, immediately before entering it, from its attractive

In many homes the architecture of the rear

light is most evident: the kitchen soffit curves up

street level entrance, in fact.

façade is not given due importance – in this

to a higher level, well over the top cupboards,

case every element of the home has been

crossing the corridor and over the bedroom

What a delight that before even entering the

considered as a whole to maximize the flow of

ceilings, allowing natural light in from these high

home’s front door, the infinity pool can be seen

natural daylight throughout.

level feature windows. A large opening in the kitchen wall, once again allows a view of the

through the glass door, carrying the eye out far The property’s main feature is the use of

sea from the corridor and bedrooms, as well as

expansive doors and windows on both facades

light to shine through. A metal frieze on the top

The owner: “I am a keen sailor and having been

to bring in the natural daylight. The white marble

kitchen cupboards also catches the light.

brought up on Tower Road, it was my wish to

flooring throughout helps to bounce light and

once again live somewhere with a sea view.

give an added feeling of expansiveness. Its

An open plan living and dining room enjoy the

My wife specifically wanted a modern duplex

square footprint allows it to more easily benefit

splendid views of the coastline. The swimming

apartment, after having lived in a 300-year-old

from natural light due to its exposure on two

pool can be viewed from indoors too, and a

house of character, and this property ticked all

streets. The frontage enjoys views of the open

circular opening in the terrace on the upper

the right boxes.

sea through an immense expanse of glass from

level above it also allows more light to stream

wall to wall and floor to ceiling, whilst the large

through.

over the sea.

“Being an interior designer myself, I was thrilled

terrace with clear glass railings spans the width

to find a home that was ready to move into,

of the premises once again.

Although the whole penthouse has a stunning disposition, it may be the main bathroom that is

a home away from work... I didn’t want to have my own project to complete too. It was

The owners take particular pleasure in being

the most spectacular. Nestling behind the glass

wonderful to find that there was very little we

able to enjoy the weather in all of its extremes.

frontage, on the upper level, also enjoying the

could improve on. The selection of materials

It is no wonder that the mistress of the house,

most spectacular views, who needs to go to a

throughout are of a very high quality, from the

an artist by passion, finds this the ideal

spa to unwind?

white marble flooring, the detailing in the joinery

environment in which to paint, having light,

in particular, and the large expanse of glass

silence, the beauty of countryside and the sea

apertures.

for inspiration.

“The main task we were faced with was that

There is both a nautical and art deco flavour to

of creating a fourth bedroom and ensuite

the home, reminiscent of the interior of a luxury

bathroom and we had to introduce a dining

motor yacht. The original detailing in the curved

room table and chairs.”

door jambs, with stainless steel inserts, gives

This page left to right: glass floor and doors within the landing before the entrance to the penthouse; the white marble internal staircase with textured stone and woodenclad columns; on the top floor, the master bedroom spans the whole width of the property; glass has been introduced in the wash basins to further accentuate the spatiality.

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180 TuRNaROuND ThE yOuNg PROfESSIONaL'S INTENTION whEN MOvINg INTO ThE ST. juLIaN’S aPaRTMENT waS TO RETaIN ITS RuSTIC, COMfORTabLE STyLE. aS TIME PaSSED, SO DID hIS TaSTES, whICh MEaNT RENOvaTINg ThE ENTIRE aPaRTMENT TO a 180-DEgREE DEPaRTuRE fROM ThE COTTagE STyLE ThaT IT waS. PHOTOS: ALAN CARvILLE WORDS: LISA BORAIN

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“The overall plan was to create a better sense of space, improve the use of light and have a balance between functionality and aesthetics.”

It’s all about zones: the living and dining area is divided through different tiling, while a subtle waved effect in the stepped gypsum ceiling also creates an ambience through moody lighting. Achieving the curve in the soffit above the dining area was one of Nick Bilocca’s biggest challenges.

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The owner converted his whole home in a speedy three months. The exercise was as much a learning curve in balancing budgets as it was in coming up with solutions to design dilemmas.

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Opening page: a three-tone colour scheme was used in the new bathroom. This page: the kitchen and dining areas are now a chic fusion of natural tones and touches of red; the wall unit clearly delineates the living room; the spare bedroom was turned into a study and a bright green wall added to offset the lack of natural light.

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“I had to volunteer solutions for most of my ideas and convince everyone that they could work.

It took a lot of persuasion to get some of the workers on board.”

before

“I

t has to be ready by December,” Nick

wood wall-unit over an entire wall of the living

room was very difficult because the supplier

Bilocca tells me in September. He’s

area, making it clear that this is the living zone.

told me at first that they didn’t do that. I had to

serious – he really thinks he’s going

The most radical change in the space was the

question why, volunteer solutions and convince

to renovate the living area, kitchen, hallway,

kitchen. What was once cottage not-so-chic,

everyone that it could work. This was the case

bathroom and two bedrooms in just over two

is now a very chic fusion of dark neutral tones

for most of the ideas here and it took a lot of

months. “And it has to be done exactly the way

with accents of red. The layout was changed

persuasion with some of the workers to get

I want it.”

to directly cater to Nick’s lifestyle. The bar now

them on board.”

faces the living and dining areas, so that while In September, the living area was one small

Nick is preparing he can still be part of the party.

Nick’s budget was €35,000 and he went

square room with a window at the far end that

The result of the colours and materials, as well

over by more than €10,000 ‘and still

led out to the balcony. There was no dining area

as the layout chosen is a highly functional, a no-

counting’.“Some things are really important

as such, but there was a bar dividing the living

frill/no-nonsense stylish cooking zone.

to invest in. I had to decide whether to go for aesthetics or practicality and see where I

area from the dark-wooded highly rustic style kitchen. The only problem with it was that it

The hallway presented a typical dilemma:

could compromise. for instance, the flooring

didn’t face the living area, but was adjacent to it.

a long, narrow and dark corridor. Since the

throughout is really good quality – things that

The kitchen led on to the long dark hallway,

bedrooms leading onto the hallway have large

have to endure a long wear are important to

with the rooms off to the left side. The first room

windows and apertures, Nick used this sunlight

spend on. The same applies to the kitchen and

was the bathroom – a small space with a tired

to light the hallway by changing the wooden

living. I also used the internet – the chrome light

Perspex shower that took up a large part of the

doors to opaque glass, allowing the light to

switches, for example – these were a quarter of

little space. The next two rooms were bedrooms

come through, but still retaining privacy. To add

the price online to what I could find anywhere

– first, the spare with very little available natural

to the lighting in this area, Nick installed subtle

in Malta.

light and then, the master, with much more light,

built-in wall-lights: below to light the floor, and

but absolutely no concern for soft furnishings or

above to light the ceiling.

“It helped to use suppliers with different budget ranges. When there was something that I really

spatiality.

The spare bedroom was transformed to

wanted, something I felt the room could be

Nick’s overall plan was to create a better sense

become home to his books and knick-knacks,

designed around even, I made sure I invested

of space, improve the use of light and have a

as well as his desk and computer. The lack of

in it.

balance between functionality and aesthetics.

light in the room was offset by a bright green

The young professional equates his home life

colour on the walls.

“There were things that went wrong and when you’re on a tight deadline, you get so anxious

with entertaining friends, so it was imperative to have a clearly zoned dining area. His solution

The bathroom was dramatically changed with

that you find it hard to assess whether things

was to create a subtle wave effect, dividing the

new materials and colours, making the most of

are as you had initially envisioned them. very

living and dining area through different tiling, and

the small space. The window was innovatively

often, things have to be done in sequence, so

a stepped gypsum ceiling inclusive of accent

widened, creating a half window/half door,

you can’t move on something else until you’ve

lighting to not only create an ambience through

offering the room an added spin. A three-

completed this… It can be frustrating and this

moody lighting, but also to make this divide

tone colour scheme was used for the tiling to

is the danger of throwing your hands up and

clear without having to create any obstructions

enhance the dynamics and give the room a

saying, ‘it’s good enough, let’s just move on’.

that might suffocate the space.

larger sense of space.

My advice is to try not to do this. Don’t let your

To face-lift the overall area, Nick included a

Nick did make his deadline. “The curve to divide

your home. I would also recommend giving a full

contrasting white lacquered and dark rovere

the two zones between the living and dining

renovation longer than two months!”

own ideas get sidetracked. ultimately this is

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Malt

5:42:39

Living bathrooms. Sanitary ware, bathroom furniture, showertrays, bathtubs and whirl- and wellbeing systems: Duravit is leading the way to the complete bathroom. Come and visit CREATIONS Showroom in Malta, Liland Buildings, Mdina Road, Attard ATD9036. For more details call (+356) 21 41 15 41 or (+356) 21 41 76 16, www.creationsomni.com, johann@creationsomni.com. www.duravit.com

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16.03.2010 8:14:04 Uhr 07/04/2010 18:40

a COuRSE IN

CONvER S ION WORDS: ZILLAH BuGEJA PHOTOS: ALAN CARvILLE

ARCHITECT KARL fARRuGIA SPENT SEvEN MONTHS CAREfuLLY RESTORING HIS LIJA HOuSE Of CHARACTER. HE HAS CREATED A COSY AND WELCOMING SPACE THAT IS A MIX Of SOME THINGS OLD, SOME THINGS NEW AND MANY THINGS fROM HIS TRAvELS.

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I

t’s as though Perit Karl farrugia had been subconsciously preparing for this house for years. Even before he had bought it, he had picked up items on his travels, such as cushions,

the tablecloth, paintings and the collectibles that now all combine beautifully. “Many of the old knick-knacks are my grandfather’s, some I picked up and others were bought.”

Thanks to meticulous planning, he managed to renovate the property within seven months, moving in just before Christmas 2009. “I had the furniture, kitchen and windows ordered before I even had the keys.”

The question that was foremost in Karl’s mind throughout the conversion was, ‘am I going to do this the right way?’ The answer was a definite yes. Existing openings were retained.

When opening up the new window in the dining room, Karl opted for the traditional method of using ‘kunjardi’: diamond shapes cut in between the stones with a wooden square wedge hammered in that enables a window to be opened up underneath, in the same way that a beam is used today. Semi-polished local hard stone was used for the window sills.

Located in the Lija village core, Karl farrugia’s painstaking restoration is a relaxed and tastefully appealing home whose small scale imparts a welcoming environment. This twostorey corner property features details such as a spiral staircase, a unique double corbel and a ground floor layout that allows for free passage and visibility from each room.

ENTRANCE 041

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“Because Bed-time should be a Joy, not a chore...”

Notabile Road, Attard ATD 9039 ~ Tel.: - 2143 6405 / 7 ~ Fax: - 2143 6360 ~ EMail: - info@bondsmalta.com

www.bondsmalta.com

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“MaNy Of ThE OLD KNICK–KNaCKS aRE My gRaNDfaThER’S, SOME I PICKED uP aND OThERS wERE bOughT. ONE MaN’S TRaSh IS aNOThER MaN’S TREaSuRE.”

Common problems encountered in conversions are dampness and cracked stone slabs. The walls which needed plastering and that suffer humidity problems were dealt with using DELTA®-PT, a studded thick plastic membrane which is nailed to the wall using nylon dowels and then plastered over.

Instead of replacing cracked stone roof slabs, repairs were carried out using Sika adhesive and resin.

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“I wanted very clear lines and nothing too cluttered, so that everything could really stand out.”

Restoration of the old property

hydraulic lime because of its high

involved replacing the stone

resistance to salts and moisture.

ceiling and beams in one of the

The joints between each stone

rooms, applying membrane on

were recessed to give the home a

the roof and installing new water

more traditional look. The original

ducts (mizieb) to allow rain water

plan was only to open up and

to drop from one level to another.

re-point the joints on the first three

blue Buddha picture I bought in

stock. I opted for 10mm float

Some cracked stone roof slabs

courses of the ground floor, but

vietnam created a real contrast.

glass which has worked well.

(xorok) were repaired instead

eventually the joints in the walls

“White was chosen for the walls in

I chose green instead of clear

of being replaced, by being

were opened up all over, which

the living room to give the feeling

because it gives depth and shows

pressure-injected with Sika epoxy

made the cost shoot up.

of airiness and light. The window

that it is there without being too

frames are indigo blue on the

transparent. The glass is attached

for the lighting scheme, Karl

outside and white on the inside so

to the wall with studs that are

living room, which created free

used task lighting, halogen lights,

as not to compete with the space.

normally used for PvC signs.”

movement within all the ground

“nothing too bright, no glare” and

Translucent glass in the windows

floor. “You can see through to

neat uplighters to expose the

helps with privacy especially on

Other innovative features – and

the three rooms at once, from

rough masonry. The fabric choice

the lower floor.

also clever exercises in upcycling

any given point downstairs. The

for the black and white living room

triangular theme really works

lampshade picks up the black of

“The parquet floor is one of the

needed a coffee table and while

well and I will use it in future

the sofas while still allowing the

things that people make the most

bringing down an old washing

properties. It especially allows for

light through.

favourable comments about. I

machine left by the previous

chose oak-finish parquet laminate,

owner, I realized that the stainless

As for the interior décor, Karl

which gives a natural-looking

steel drum was in good condition

To combat the dampness on the

had a clear idea about the kind

finish. I wanted a flooring that

and could be reappropriated for

vertical wall surface in the living

of colour schemes he liked, but

would neither compete with the

something. I added a wooden top

room, Karl applied a studded

while working on the property

building nor get lost in it. The

and the result is a table that looks

plastic membrane called Dorken

found that he was influenced by

flooring type I picked isn’t exactly

like it was shop-bought.

DELTA-PT, which leaves a gap

the characteristics of each room.

cheap, but it was worth every

between the plaster and the

“When it came to choosing a

penny. If you drop anything on it,

I built the two occasional tables,

stone, thus allowing the stone

paint colour underneath the spiral

like red wine, it doesn’t stain or go

using the postform cut-offs

to breathe. The membrane was

staircase, I wanted to pick one

through the joints.”

from the kitchen sink and hob.

hammered on to the wall with

that contrasts with the stone,

nylon nails and then plastered on

hence the red, which was a bold

In the kitchen, the glass hob

worked with the exposed texture.

top. The only downside to this

move. I found that it lit up the

splash back is an innovative

I complemented it with white ash,

system is that the plaster took

stairway beautifully, especially at

feature. Karl explains that glass

built up the legs, screwed them

over a week to dry out.

night, and the colour would reach

can be difficult to use behind

to the cutoff top, applied stain,

out into the rooms. I then took red

a hob. “I consulted with glass

and the final cost was just around

Throughout the home, the joints

as the starting point for the colour

producers to understand what

€100 for both tables. They are an

in between the stones were

scheme. I specifically wanted a

thickness would be best since

example of one man’s trash being

opened and re-pointed using

red picture and found that the

heat-resistant glass was out of

another man’s treasure.”

and resin. A door was opened from the dining room into the

interaction when entertaining.”

– were the living room tables. “I

Instead of finishing the edges I

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D Special offers on all kitchen brands extended till the end of April.

Benefit from free appliances, gift vouchers and great discounts.

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Discover your kitchen.

Discover Joinwell.

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fLOORINg fEaTuRE

hORIzONTaL MOVES

THINKING Of BuYING NEW fLOORING? MANufACTuRERS ARE CONSTANTLY REACHING BEYOND THE NORM TO DISCOvER INNOvATIvE MATERIAL MARRIAGES AND fINISHES. ON THE fOLLOWING PAGES WE BRING YOu SOME Of THE TOP TRENDS EXPERTS ARE PREDICTING fOR 2010

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fLOORINg fEaTuRE

THE kEY ELEMENTS FOR THIS YEAR ARE: ENvIRONMENTaLLy fRIENDLy, ECONOMICaL aND STyLIShLy ECLECTIC

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krono flooring, German ‘laminatparkett’: high quality, beautifully reproduced wood grain that reduces reflected sound by 50%. A new panel concept with seamless joints which creates endless beauty, has intense colour, natural surface structures and special brilliance.

Hardware Merchants, Qormi. Tel: 2148 5215.

Arquati House, Lija. Tel: 2143 8245. Prices, colours from outlets and website: www.hml.com.mt

2

Metallic decor finish parquet floor: €35 per m2, available from Parquet Warehouse, 21st September Avenue, Naxxar. Tel: 7949 5575

3

Black walnut is one of the beautiful colours in the new HDM Elesgo Superglanz laminated flooring range found exclusively at Portelli & Brincat Ltd. Tel: 2148 8119 or www.portelliandbrincat.com.mt

HARDWOOD. Hardwood stains will be more mid-toned, leaning towards caramels and greys. Texture will be big, with wire-brushed, hand-scraped and distressed looks continuing to be in demand. Herringbone and parquet patterns will make a comeback, used mainly with heavily grained woods, such as oak and ash.

TILES. Large-format ceramic floor tiles in sizes such as 50cm x 100cm and 60cm x 60cm will become increasingly popular, often with small mosaic accents in contrasting textures and colours. Tiles that simulate hardwood, natural stone, textiles, leather and concrete will

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Luxury flooring you can walk on, vinyl flooring will never bow, chip or crack and maintains its appearance through time. Prices starting from €22.20 per m2. From Better Living Centre, Mardor Buildings, Triq Il-Mimosa, G’Mangia. Tel: 2124 2200/11, 7987 6725. info@odomd.com

continue to be in demand, as will high-gloss tiles that resemble polished travertine and marble. Textured tiles with metallic finishes in charcoal and copper will also be strong. The trend will lean more towards urbane, smooth, polished and square-edged styling.

CONCRETE. Decorative concrete floors are an almost seamless option that is sustainable, durable and chic, with the added benefit of being cost-competitive. They provide freedom of design, artistic potential and architectural versatility. In a new build, the concrete floor slab can now be the flooring itself.

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Ecoliving tile by Marca Corona 1741: a fine full-body Gres tile, manufactured to high specifications and exceptional style. Available in different sizes, five different colours and with a matt or reflex finish. The Ecoliving tile has been rated as a leader in energy and environmental design due to its eco-sustainable manufacturing parameters. Available only from: Ceramax Domestic and Industrial Tiles, 21st September Avenue, Naxxar. Tel: 2142 0536. s.muscat@ceramax.com.mt www.ceramax.com.mt

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fLOORINg fEaTuRE

1

Resin bonded glass aggregates for floor features and tree surrounds. Price depends on composition. Exclusively available from Vellmann Ltd Pantar Estate, Pantar Road, Lija. Tel: 2142 4990/1. www.vellmann.com

POLISHED SURFACES – whEThER STONE OR CONCRETE – aRE aLSO INCREaSINg IN POPuLaRITy CARPET. Carpet styling trends

LINOLEUM. Natural linoleum will

will continue to be in the cut-and-

continue to be popular because

loop patterns and highly textured

of its sustainability, durability and

friezes. Broadloom carpet will

range of colours. Linoleum now

remain mostly in the neutral tones,

comes with a protective no-wax

but with a greying of the palette.

topcoat, making it even more

for those who prefer a simpler

appealing. The most sought-after

approach to their flooring, plain

colours are those that simulate

carpets are popular, particularly

buttery leathers and worn

those in grey, pale pink, beige

concrete.

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Bianco Carrara marble floors: a one-time investment in appraising your property. Found exclusively at Meli Bugeja Ltd., Mill Street, Mriehel by-pass, Qormi.

Tels: 2148 5801 / 2144 4348. info@melibugeja.com. www.melibugeja.com

and muted blues. Do you like the elegant and old feel of traditional

VINYL. vinyl sheet flooring

Persian rugs but have minimalist

will continue to gain popularity

furniture? Select a rug that

because of technological

complements your furniture and

advancements in imagery and

other interior design elements.

improvements in durability. vinyl

2010 is also all about consuming

sheet flooring offers warmth

the environmentally friendly way.

and bounce-back. Cushioned

When buying Persian rugs, you

vinyls are gaining popularity and

can make the greener choice

are extremely gouge and tear

by choosing something that’s

resistant. Digitally enhanced

handmade from naturally sourced

imagery has rendered some of

materials and dyes rather than

the patterns strikingly similar to

synthetic.

those of real stone, ceramic tile, hardwood, concrete and cork.

RESIN. The glossy finish of a resin floor works beautifully in large,

MARBLE. Natural marbles have

open-plan spaces and is ideal

veins which may not match from

for awkward areas as it comes in

one slab to another but this is the

liquid form, which is poured onto

characteristic of a natural material

the pre-prepared base. Make sure

that makes it unique. Should you

you ask for a non-slip, scratch-

prefer consistent graining, you can

proof finish. for added glamour,

opt for composite marble slabs or

opt for an inset glass beaded

tiles.

3

Jatoba Natural: a matte lacquered luxuriant wooden floor offering natural beauty and timeless comfort.

Special offer price: €45 per m2. GRF. Tel: 7942 4422 or joe@grfmalta.com

4

Ulta Versailles designer area rugs, a fusion of Gobelin tapestries and Sisal rugs with matching cushions. Sizes from 70cm x 140cm to 200cm x 285cm. Prices starting from €50. Available only at David Interiors, 161, St. Edward Street, Qormi.

Tel: 2144 3859. info@davidinteriors.com

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Mirage red rug is hand-knotted using yarn that is hand spun from wool and mohair, which gives it an exceptionally soft pile. The design is taken from an antique rug, that has been updated by designers with contemporary colours. Prices start from €495. The Rug Gallery.

finish.

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HOMEIDEaS vara is the latest umbra wall-mounted multi-colour collage frame. Price: €149, exclusively from Gifts&More, Topline, St. Andrew’s and Cornerstone Complex, Mosta. Tel: 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.com.mt

Mediterranean fresh, the Lasulli collection by carréblanc presents beautifully designed duvet covers, pillow cases, towels and bathrobes. A king size duvet cover offers excellent value at €102. Exclusively from carréblanc at Biggie Best, Tal-Balal Road, San Gwann. Tels: 2138 8880, 2738 8880.

Hammerite forged is a tough and hardwearing metal paint in black and brushed steel that comes with a beautiful, modern metallic textured finish. Hammerite forged can be applied direct to metal and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Available from all leading hardware stores. Enquiries: Vee Gee Bee Wholesale Ltd. Tel: 2138 9690.

Wall-washing effect by Dimco.

Prices: from €40, 40, available at the new showroom opening April 2010. VCT Ltd,, Light & Design, Ponsomby Street, Mosta.

Tel: 2143 2571. info@vct.com.mt

Stainless steel pots: prices starting from €23.80. Artificial green ball plant: prices starting from €8.80. Asia Arts. Tel: 2133 5688.

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hOME IDEaS

Cool cat figures, a must for all cat lovers, starting at €30.75, available from Contemp Interiors, 119 Naxxar Road, Birkirkara.

Tel: 2144 2116. info@contempinteriors.com

Experience the new world of leather articles in a vast range of shades for home decoration designed by Creanza, which bring light and beauty into your lives. Prices starting from €8.25 Creanza Design. Tel: 9949 9160. www.creanzadesign.com

Smooth and sophisticated from carréblanc, Blason makes a tasteful contrast of deep rich chocolate with fresh clean white. 100% cotton duvet covers and pillowcases; excellent value with a hand towel priced at €8. Only available from Biggie Best, Tal-Balal Road, San Gwann.

Tels: 2138 8880, 2738 8880.

Exclusive range of Rasch Wallpaper at Portelli & Brincat Ltd. Tel: 2148 8119. sales@portelliandbrincat.com.mt

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hOME IDEaS

Wine bottle holder ‘flame’ in polished aluminium l40cm x 247cm.

Price: €75, available from Contemp Interiors, 119 Naxxar Road, Birkirkara. Tel: 2144 2116. info@contempinteriors.com

Windlights vases in metal and glass, a cool, summer look ideal for both outdoors and indoors. Prices: start from €55.75, available from Contemp Interiors, 119 Naxxar Road, Birkirkara.

Tel: 2144 2116. info@ contempinteriors.com

visit www.camelotpictures.com to view a virtual shop of stunning pictures and superior quality prints. featured picture priced: €143, available from Contemp Interiors, 119 Naxxar Road, Birkirkara. Tel: 2144 2116. info@contempinteriors.com

versailles designer ulta v area rugs: a fusion of Gobelin tapestries and sisal rugs with matching cushions, in sizes from 70cm x 140cm to 200cm x 285cm. Price: starting from €50. Available only Interiors, at David Interiors 161, St. Edward Street, Qormi. Tel: 2144 3859. info@davidinteriors.com

Innovation and tradition form a unique breeding ground from which Rosenthal has developed. It is now one of the leading international brands of contemporary table and living culture, offering the best in design in every era. Rosenthal homeware now available at Victor Azzopardi Jewellers, St. Anne Street, floriana.

Tels. 2123 3715 / 2122 2949.

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hOME IDEaS

Solid, custom-made two-inch hardwood doors from only €399 including installation.

Available in walnut, oak, mango, rosewood, beech, mahogany and teak. various designs; punctual delivery guaranteed. Tikams, Seafront, Msida.

Tels: 2122 5348, 2722 5348 Extendable glass dining table by Kinetic, which comes in any colour.

Price: starting from €650. Available from Carmelo Delia, valley Road, Birkirkara and The Strand, Gzira. Tel: 2147 2882 (B’Kara) and 2134 4675 (Gzira). www.carmelodelia.com, info@carmelodelia.com

Kinetic extendable dining table with glass white lacquered top, MDf extension and steel legs with silver-powder coated finish. Price: starting from €420. Available from Carmelo Delia, valley Road, Birkirkara and The Strand, Gzira. Tel: 2147 2882 (B’Kara) and 2134 4675 (Gzira). www. carmelodelia.com, info@carmelodelia.com

The vIMAR By-me system controls the electrical system: lights, roller shutters, heating, air-conditioning, irrigation, burglar alarm and access control as well as acting as alarm detector for gas, water, smoke and abnormal temperature. A single control unit allows maximum comfort, security and savings. ECO Group Malta, Industrial Estate Bulebel, Zejtun. Tel: 2099 8979. info@ecogroup-mt.com

Our home speaks about us, about our way of being and living. By-me speaks the language of the future. It integrates video door entry, automation and burglar alarms in a single system simply and immediately. To have scenes where lights, blinds, climate control and burglar alarm systems communicate with each other. With the possibility of mobile phone control. In Kinetic Idea diningand chair, in hard three different residential series: Eikon, Plana.

If the future is already your lifestyle, in your home say it with By-me.

PvC and wrapped steel.

Price: starting from €95.

Available from Carmelo Delia, valley Road, B’Kara and The Strand, Gzira. www.vimar.eu/enTel: 2147 2882 (B’Kara) and 2134 4675 (Gzira). www.carmelodelia.com, info@carmelodelia.com Eco Group Malta BLB 13C

Industrial Estate Bulebel, Zejtun ZTN3000, Malta - Tel: +356 20998979, Mob: +356 79808086 - Fax: +356 21636389 - e-mail: info@ecogroup-mt.com - www.ecogroup-mt.com

ADV By-me Fiori 210x148 mm_EN.indd 1

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Tralala from carréblanc - a totally fun children’s range of duvets and pillowcases with matching towels, bathrobes and dressing gowns.

Durable, washable and 100% cotton with a single duvet cover at €57, exclusively from Biggie Best, Tal-Balal Road, San Gwann.

Tels: 2138 8880, 2738 8880.

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Bella Vista Street, San Gwann Tel: +356 2137 1891 Email: info@the-tile.com www.the-tile.com

Our products are distinguished by the unmistakable quality of the best Italian traditions: timeless style & elegance 062

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hOME IDEaS

Wall-washing effect by Dimco. Price: from €40, available at the new showroom opening April 2010. VCT Ltd, Light & Design, Ponsomby Street, Mosta. Tel: 2143 2571. info@vct.com.mt

Glass mosaic sculptures in various shapes and colours with unlimited design possibilities. Ideal for enhancing bathrooms or other areas. Price according to chosen design. Exclusively from Vellmann Ltd., Lija.

Tel: 2142 4990/1. www.vellmann.com

Open screen by SAMO with 8mm tempered glass in transparent grey starting from only €577 – visit www.bmsupplies.com or B&M Supplies, Birkirkara bypass, Birkirkara.

A contemporary and functional foldable dish rack. Will not rust; has a movable cutlery holder and draining tray and can hold even the most delicate champagne glasses upright. Also available in lime and sage. Price €57.50.

Exclusively at Gifts&More, Topline, St. Andrew’s and Cornerstone Complex, Mosta. Tel: 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.com.mt

Simplyu is the latest cuttingedge design from Ideal Standard. Choose from the soft pebble-shaped natural basin or the sleek minimalist dynamic basin, both available in a range of sizes. view the latest collections at Satariano, 122, valley Road, B’Kara. Tel: 2149 2149.

Martival ‘la cuisine qui èveille les sens’, kitchens to arouse the senses.

Only from Bonds, Notabile Road Attard. Tel: 2143 6405 / 7. info@bondsmalta.com 063

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hOME IDEaS

very unusual and rare pair of victorian Pier cabinets in Burr Walnut.

Excellent condition. Price on request. for further information contact C. Azzopardi Antiques Shop No.1, The Westin Dragonara Resort, Dragonara Road, St. Julians Tel: 2138 1839. 33, St. Anne Street floriana.

Tel: 2123 6827.

This sculptural wall-mounted wine rack is finished in brushed stainless steel and will hold up to eight bottles using minimum space. Price: €61.95. Exclusively at Gifts&More, Topline, St. Andrew’s and Cornerstone Complex, Mosta. Tel: 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.com.mt

The Cane-line collection offers sofas, lounge and dining chairs, tables and sunbeds in different styles and colours, all made from Hularo fibres.

A five-year guarantee against bleaching and fading of the fibre and breakage of frames. Hampsted armchair €362, exclusively at 240 Limited, Zabbar Road, fgura. Tel: 2367 6100. info@240.com.mt, www.240.com.mt

Elegant and modern lampshade with coloured glass spheres.

Comes in green, red and in a smaller size. Price: €105.

Gifts&More, Topline, St. Andrew’s and Cornerstone Complex, Mosta. Tel: 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.mt

SATARIANOHOME introduces Arte – innovative wall coverings for the ultimate in refinement, from sumptuous classic interiors to the minimalism of avant-garde interiors. Available in a wide range of colours, patterns and textures.

SATARIANOHOME, Marina Street, Pieta. Tel: 2149 2149.

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BOV Personal Loan

boat loans to your requirements Own that boat you’ve been waiting for.

Talk to us now for quick access to a truly personal loan.

BOV 25884

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www.bov.com - Apply online NOW.

Personal Loans are subject to normal Bank lending criteria and final approval from your BOV branch. Terms and conditions apply.

Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Zachary Street, Valletta VLT 1130 - Malta

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hOME IDEaS

Aluminium pole lighting ideal for patios. Price: €116, available at the new showroom opening April 2010. VCT Ltd, Light & Design, Ponsomby Street, Mosta.

Tel: 2143 2571. info@vct.com.mt

Solar Solutions can half your yearly electricity costs. Install a solar water heater and a small Pv system, and a family could reduce over half of its yearly consumption of electricity. Prices for such packages start from €2,639 (after Government grant). Available from Solar Solutions, 2–3 Tal-Balal Road, Xwieki (Limits of Gharghur). Tel: 2142 4750, 2742 4750. www.solarsolutions.com.mt

Warmup heated towel rails in highest quality stainless steel.

No liquids inside means no maintenance and economical to run, equivalent to just one light bulb. Double-insulated resistance heating element gives all-round warming. Easily installed into new or existing homes. Prices from €200. Tekno Air Conditioning Ltd., Triq tal-Qares, Mosta.

Tel: 2132 2553/4. manager@tekno.com.mt The new Country Collection creates an evocative and fresh sanctuary. floral prints mixed with modern rustic tones of natural washed linens, voile ramie pillow cases, linen tablecloths with lace trims or delicate embroidery create a sense of indulgence and relaxation, while the colour combinations really invigorate the senses. zara Home (first floor) – Zara, 1 Tower Road, Sliema. Tel: 2258 2951/2. zarahome@zaramalta.com.

A large antique victorian extendable dining table and chairs. various sizes available and also different sets of dining chairs. A new stock of antiques just arrived at C. Azzopardi Antiques Shop No.1, The Westin Dragonara Resort, Dragonara Road, St. Julian’s. Tel: 2138 1839.

33, St. Anne Street, floriana. Tel: 2123 6827. info@c-azzopardi.com

The Multimodulo range is a permanent formwork for ventilated floors whose dome shape makes it ideal to protect floors against damp or water ingress, to thermally insulate roofs and to raise floors without adding excessive weight on the structure. Available from 3cm up to 70cm, priced accordingly. Exclusively available from Vellmann Ltd., Lija.

Tel: 2142 4990/1. www.vellmann.com 067

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s&s_homeworks_print_01.pdf

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a Mosta Road, Lija. LJA 9012, Malta. t 21 412 222, 27 415 694, f 21 413 574. w www.ssbathrooms.com

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The nature of art.

The beauty of colour.

Elegant, modern and stylish, the prestigious line of handmade objects by Mdina Glass will add an extra dimension of light and colour to any part of your home. Glassblowing, lampwork and fusion at its finest.

Mdina . Ta’ Qali . Valletta . Bugibba . Valletta Waterfront . Victoria (Gozo) t: 2141 5786 . www.mdinaglass.net

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MaKEOvERS

A kIND OF MAGIC TRuE TO ThE SPIRIT Of ThE MagazINE, ThE hOMEwORKS Tv TEaM bROughT vIEwERS a SERIES Of aMazINg ROOM MaKEOvERS. ThIS ISSuE fEaTuRES ThREE Of ThE SPECTaCuLaR TRaNSfORMaTIONS.

THE LIVING ROOM Elaine Bonello’s bedroom became an enchanting Bedouin-inspired living room. Design by katja Wiedersum.

THE kITCHEN Christine Apap’s kitchen got a fresh and very streamlined face-lift. Design by Henry Borg Barthet.

THE BEDROOM Pauline Dingli’s bedroom was turned into a true oasis of calm. Design by Henry Borg Barthet.

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Tv ROOM MaKEOvER

thelivingroom INTERIOR DESIgNER KaTja wIEDERSuM TRaNSfORMS ELaINE bONELLO’S bEDROOM INTO a COSy LIvINg ROOM wITh a NORTh afRICaN ThEME. PHOTOS: ALLEN vENABLES WORDS: ZILLAH BuGEJA

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Tv ROOM MaKEOvER

“The colour on the walls was built up in stages. On top of that we did a gold finish, which allowed the walls to have a slight glisten.�

Texture, fabrics and colour abound in this living room that appeals to all the senses. A Bedouin theme was inspired by the Maltese floor tiles that were in pristine condition.

The sofa bases were custom-made and the coffee table refinished with a mirror insert.

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Tv ROOM MaKEOvER

before To conceal the TV when not in use, a roller blind was installed and a lambrequin effect created to hide the visible gaps.

A fabric canopy over the sofas can be removed for washing, as can the laced lampshade cover.

T

he room was originally a

the wall lights, this time using two

opened inwards, and the owner

“There is a play of colour and

bedroom with white walls

tambourines, which I framed.

wanted to conceal the Tv beneath

textures throughout the room.

it. A Roman blind was the ideal

The bamboo carpet is in keeping

which the owner wanted

to use as a living room. Its original

“A Moroccan room has to have low

solution, but for this to work, a

with the theme of using raw

Maltese floor tiles were in excellent

seating. I had seating bases done

pelmet had to be used which then

materials and a long ribbed vase

condition and their pattern provided

in dark stained wood and carved

would leave gaps in the sides.

of carved wood brings in texture

inspiration for the new décor. The

out with square motifs to create

The solution: a lambrequin, a stiff

and roughness while giving the

room’s compact dimensions also

a balance between the geometric

fabric-covered window dressing

room a bit of height. A beaded

lent themselves to the feeling of a

shapes in the square edges of the

that forms a complete frame for

curtain in the open doorway gives

Bedouin tent, hence the Moroccan

wood.

the window, installed in front of the

a feeling of the Middle East, letting

blind. Its sides would fill the gaps

light through. I introduced red

“A coffee table was also designed

while perfectly blending with the

glass to warm the room up. I like

Katja Wiedersum: “We mainly

to be chunky and heavy; however,

ethnic theme. The minaret motif, in

the way natural wood can create

used terracottas, oranges, browns

a reflective mirror in its centre gives

felt, was used in the pelmet.

irregularities, giving each item

and dark wood. The colour on the

it a lighter quality. The corner table

walls was built up in stages: the

was designed to be the same

“fabric choices in any room play an

darker terracotta colour first, then

height as the seating bases so that

important role, offering a multitude

the lighter one, which allowed the

it could be utilized as an extension

of possibilities and allowing the

darker colour to show through in

of the seating and also to create a

most original effects. I used a plain

places. On top of that we did a

corner seating arrangement.

fabric for the Roman blind, silk on

theme.

originality.”

the bolster cushions, hand-painted

gold finish in a few areas, which allowed the walls to have a slight

“A canopy in a sheer fabric was

cotton for the scatter cushions and

glisten.

hung across the room from the

Designer Guild suede microfibre for

window to the opposite side

the large cushions on the seating.

“for the décor, the idea was to

which mimics the width of the

be as creative as possible. On the

window. The canopy ties to the

“for the lampshade, a loose cover

walls, the circular motif inspiration

wall, allowing it to be removed for

was made to go over the original

came from the owner’s antique

washing.

shade, finished with a large crossstitch lacing which allows the cover

sifter. We hung this with candles behind it.

“underneath the canopy and

to be removed, while again, adding

around the perimeter of the room, a

a touch of home-made ethnicity.

“We wanted to go with round

minaret motif was stencilled, which

shapes, so I found a tank lid,

instils the idea of the Bedouin tent.

Many thanks to the following suppliers who participated in this HOMEWORkS TV living room makeover: Top Drawer Ltd - sofa base, floating shelves, Tv shelf Macmed - paint and painting Design House - bamboo rug, lamps, fabrics, soft furnishings, lighting, accessories and making of sofa cushions and Roman blinds

“A small pouffe acts as a side table and can double-up as seating,

painted it orange and gold and hung it opposite the sifter. I

“The window posed a particular

while a cowhide pouffe contrasts

continued with a similar motif for

design challenge: the window

with the plain fabrics.

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thekitchen

hENRy bORg baRThET gIvES ChRISTINE aPaP a fuNCTIONaL KITChEN, PERfECTLy SuITED TO hER LOvE fOR COOKINg. PHOTOS: MAS WORDS: ZILLAH BuGEJA

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DiningÊ |Ê LivingÊ |Ê SleepingÊ |Ê SittingÊ |Ê OutdoorÊ Furniture ST PAUL STREET NAXXAR | TEL: 2143 7945/4 H. DECOR MGARR ROAD GOZO | TEL: 2156 3235 EMAIL: infor@studio9.com.mt

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Tv ROOM MaKEOvER

“for the units, we chose a stylish grey-brown. I didn’t want a cliché colour. ”

Previous page: three’s company – leaning against the wall, a square table perfectly suits the kitchen layout.

Drawers were used instead of doors throughout, with different countertop levels for each function. Ample storage was created for the owner’s collection of spices and cookery books.

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H

enry Borg Barthet: “I chose this kitchen for the Tv project because I like the challenge of a square configuration. It was a 10ft x 10ft kitchen with cupboards dating back to 1960.

“The client had several requirements: the height of the units was paramount because she is slightly shorter than average. first, she wanted to retain the stove top height she was used to and requested varying heights of countertop to match different functions, such as a lower height for washing dishes. An avid cook, her second request was for storage for her wide selection of spices and cookery books.

“The colour of the units was important to me. I didn’t want a clichéd colour and was inspired by the wall tiles. for the units, we chose a stylish grey brown water-based kitchen paint, in a slightly darker shade than the tiles. The units were oak veneer custom-made by JDS. “The countertop is white Corian, with pop-up power points. A 60cm x 60cm gres tile in white was chosen for the flooring, which I echoed by using white on the ceiling. The soffit was designed in three tiers with spots and hidden lights, to create a feature.

“Instead of top cupboards, we installed a single shelf that holds the everyday cookbooks over the prep area.

“Working with the concept of specialized zones, we created a storage zone using drawers for pots and heavy plates in the lower units. A recess provided the ideal place to hold a double oven and storage.

“We used drawers throughout instead of doors, either touch-operated or motorised. A breakfast table with Corian top and wooden base with high stools is ideal for three people and fits perfectly into the space.”

Many thanks to the following suppliers who participated in this HOMEWORkS TV kitchen makeover: Spot On - lighting JDS - kitchen carcass The Tile - 60cm x 60cm glazed floor and wall tiles Dulux & Crown - paint T&H Distributors - blum drawers, runners, hinges, storage accessories Weller - fittings, pull-out racks and handles Shaker - kitchen countertop Vinci - stainless steel kitchen utensils Xuereb Installations - gypsum ceiling and gypsum plaster on walls Phoenix - oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, extractor and cooker hob

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thebedroom

hENRy bORg baRThET CREaTES a DREaMy bEDROOM fOR PauLINE DINgLI REMINISCENT Of a CLOuDy SuMMER SKy. PHOTOS: MAS WORDS: ZILLAH BuGEJA

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Transform your bathroom into a work of art.

Blue Grotto Avenue, Zurrieq, ZRQ 4015 T: 2164 2396 F: 2168 9745 E: info@farellbathrooms.com

1411 - Farell Homeworks 305x230.indd 1 HOMEWORKS 42.indb 86

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Tv ROOM MaKEOvER

Placing the bed in an unusual orientation allowed for the creation of a walk-in wardrobe behind it. The parquet floor boards and the recess in the soffit also follow this orientation.

Bedside tables with drawers appear to float, adding to the ethereal effect. Softly billowing drapes are all that were needed to add drama to the windows. Below: the walk-in wardrobe.

T

he designer was given a free hand during this makeover. The room was large, with a Queen Anne type bed. The owners’ requests were for the colour scheme to be light in feel and colour,

and for them to be able to watch Tv in bed.

Henry Borg Barthet: “What makes this bedroom stand out is the orientation of the bed. I didn’t want to do the usual thing.

“The challenge of the placement of the Tv was the only restriction and in turn influenced the room’s layout. By placing the bed at an angle, which allows it to be opposite the Tv, I was able to create a walk-in wardrobe behind it.

“I laid the parquet diagonally, to reinforce this angular orientation of the bed. The soffit was also zoned to mirror the placement of the bed.

“The colours chosen are light and dreamy, reminiscent of a tranquil summer’s day. The custom-made bed has a mirrored plinth all round which makes it appear to be floating. The bedside tables also enjoy this floating quality.

All of the furniture was custom-made, sprayed white with wood drawers.

Everything has curved edges, slightly reminiscent of Art Deco.

“More light and feminine details are found in the dressing table and oval mirror, as well as the curtains that are a soft grey sheer that fall in swathes on the floor. Lighting is used to enhance the dreamy quality.

Many thanks to the following suppliers who participated in this HOMEWORkS TV bedroom makeover:

The Tv cabinet has been built on wheels. The doors slide back into

R Living - parquet flooring Design House - curtain rails, curtains, mirror, duvet cover Vassallo Joiners - furniture Dulux - paint Spot On - lighting

“We knocked through a shaft to create light and ventilation for the walk-in

pockets and it provides tons of space for CD storage.

wardrobe. The walk-in wardrobe is accessed from behind the bed, which makes it even more invisible upon entering the room. The result is a very comfortable room that has ample space whose simplicity is extremely relaxing.”

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OuTDOORS

LAYING DOWN ThE LawN EvEN IN OuR SEMI-DESERT CLIMATE, A PERfECT PATCH Of REAL GREEN GRASS IS POSSIBLE If CERTAIN GuIDELINES ARE fOLLOWED. HOMEWORKS OuTLINES THE PATH TO LAWN SuCCESS. PHOTOS: ALAN CARvILLE WORDS: ZILLAH BuGEJA

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OuTDOORS

before Left: A more desert feel prevailed before the creation of the lawn. Pop-up sprinklers do not detract from the lawn’s beauty.

T

he cactus garden at Derek’s Garden

to be on the safe side. “The type of grass seed

planted that will not obstruct the view of the

Centre is the largest collection of its kind

was our next consideration. I sowed fescium,

cacti, and two laurel trees now grace the

in Malta, the only free-standing collection

which brings us to another concern: the type of

entrance to the paved area. Lighting features

in Europe and the third largest in Europe. What

water used for irrigation. fescium prefers good

are being installed to illuminate the path, cacti

better counterfoil to the 12-metre high cacti

rain water, so my advice is to use well water or

and palm trees. These will be a mix of energy-

than the plushness of a soft lawn? This is what

buy it from a reliable source. If your water supply

saving coloured and warm white lights.

Melosaul (known as Melo) Balzan opted for in

is a bit saline, you can use a different type of

the open space that spans the cactus field. It is

grass seed, such as Bermuda.

to the cacti’s height and spikiness.

Melo talks us through the process of creating

Although the recent re-design concentrated on creating a lawn, Melo also set out to improve

a pleasant surprise, offering a delightful contrast “The grass grows quite quickly, in fact after five

the precious cactus display. for specimens of

weeks we were able to walk on it and cut it.

this size, it is vital to prune the branches in order

This lawn is now six months old.

to balance their weight. Eight people worked for a week to remove extra branches, resulting

this lawn. “We firstly raised the paved area in the middle of the garden so that it would be all

“Over the summer months, we will give the lawn

in 8,900 kilos of waste. The round cacti were

one level.

further care by using a spray fungicide, as the

re-potted. Some of these Echinocactus are rare

humidity could promote the growth of white

specimens up to 100 years old.

“A lawn needs quality, well-drained soil. At the

mould.

Although Melo has been describing the process

garden centre our soil is red, which is not ideal as it contains clay and would retain too much

“Like most plants, the lawn must be fertilised.

of lawn creation, in a final word on cactus

water, which in turn would kill the lawn. We,

I used powder or granules once every two

care, Melo explains why he doesn’t water the

therefore, topped the soil with 12 inches of

months, again, with good quality water. Seeing

cacti: “They grow very well in Malta due to

sieved sandy soil to create a layer that drains

as the fertiliser is already salty, added salt in the

our geographical location. We normally have

well.

water would be too much for the lawn to cope

plentiful rainfall in winter, and the cacti can drink

with.

from this stored water for up to three years.

Other cactus maintenance involves leaving the

“Due to the summer heat, we installed a pop-up sprinkler system. for lawn, it is vital to

“When choosing the location for a lawn, I would

soil in its natural state around the cacti so that

have a constant and well-balanced supply of

recommend a spot which enjoys a minimum

it hardens, which helps to provide stability in

water everywhere, otherwise you would end

of four hours of sunlight. You can have a lawn

strong winds.”

up with brown and yellow patches of grass, so

around a pool, but only if you are very careful

we opted for an eight-foot distance between

not to splash the pool water on it.” During the

nozzles instead of the recommended ten-foot

landscaping, three sets of palm trees were

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CuISINE

CHEF CLAUDE CAMILLERI uSES INGREDIENTS PICKED fROM THE COuNTRYSIDE TO CREATE SuBLIME CONCOCTIONS. THE STARRING fLAvOuRS ARE CAROB, CHAMOMILE, fENNEL AND ORANGE BLOSSOM. NEvER HAvE LOCAL fLAvOuRS BEEN SO EXOTIC. BILL HERMITAGE fROM DELICATA RECOMMENDS THE IDEAL WINE fOR EACH COuRSE. PHOTOS: MAS

Ingredients

Villeroy & Boch Gray Pearl bone china, courtesy of Joinwell Ltd

For the ravioli dough: 320g semolina flour 80g carob flour 4 eggs For the filling: 300g baby borage leaves 1 egg yolk per ravioli 200g grated parmesan 3 eggs (to add to the borage and

parmesan mixture) 1tbs wild thyme seasoning For the infusion: fresh green garlic (finely chopped) the hairy heart of the wild fennel (finely chopped) extra virgin olive oil

Preparation Oil Infusion: Finely chop the wild fennel hair and fresh garlic, add them to the olive oil. Warm very gently.

Borage Filling: Use rubber gloves to collect only the smallest of the borage leaves. Boil the borage leaves for 30 seconds. Remove and put in a cold pot of water. Lift from water, squeeze and pat dry.

Chop finely and add salt and crushed pepper, wild thyme, grated parmesan and the eggs. Set aside.

Carob Flour: Wash the carobs and roast them for half an hour at 130°C. Take them out of the oven, cool and crush them with a mallet before you put them in a pulveriser/coffee grinder/blender.

You can do this in advance and store the flour in a jar.

Ravioli Dough: Sift the flours, add salt, eggs and knead. Let the dough rest, covered in plastic for at least an hour in the fridge.

BEST WINE ACCOMPANIMENT – 2008 MEDINA VERMENTINO ZIBIBBO D.O.K. MALTA. In this delightful pasta dish we have a lot of aromatic ingredients in addition to the fairly pungent parmesan cheese. The egg yolks also point me in the direction of a white wine.

The wine needs to be fairly light with clean, delicate flavours, aromatic and have a good degree of fresh fruit flavours on the palate – nothing too heavy or overpowering or it will dominate all the delicate herbaceous, earthy flavours in this dish. My choice is the slightly spicy, floral, dry white Medina made from a delicious blend of Vermentino and Zibibbo.

Roll out the dough to number 6 setting on a pasta machine. The dough needs to be quite thin since it needs to cook quickly so the egg yolk does not harden. Sprinkle some semolina to help with the handling of the dough. Put a large ring on the dough and put some of the borage mix, making sure that you leave a space in the middle, ending with a ring of the mixture on the dough. Place an egg yolk in the middle of the borage mixture. Close the ravioli by damping the edges with water and placing a layer of pasta dough on top. Press down the edges and cut into a circle. Boil a pot of salted water; drop the ravioli for 2– 3 minutes. Serve immediately, drizzling with the olive oil infusion. Serve one as a starter.

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CuISINE

Ingredients You can get the fish monger to fillet the meagre (gurbell) for you. Make sure you remove all the bones. It is a very delicate fish and it requires little cooking.

Villeroy & Boch Aureus bone china, courtesy of Joinwell Ltd

1 meagre of 1.5kg (to yield about 750g of fish once cleaned and filleted) a tub of fresh sea urchins 4 egg yolks (sterilised) a handful of wild asparagus (100g) 400g baby new potatoes 2 fresh green garlic 250ml extra virgin olive oil

50ml lemon juice 2 bay leaves 2 wide strips of lemon rind seasoning

Preparation Boil a pot of unsalted water and once boiling, throw in the washed baby spuds and boil for not more than ten minutes. Check for doneness. Lift from the boiling water and put aside.

In a bowl sitting over hot water (do not boil), put the sea urchins and the egg yolks and whisk vigorously. Add a quarter or so of the oil. An emulsion begins to form. Add another quarter of the olive oil and continue whisking. Add a tablespoon of the lemon juice at a time until a kind of a mayonnaise consistency begins to form. Take off the boiling water and continue whisking until the heat dissipates. Put aside.

Put some bottled water, the bay leaves and lemon rind in a non-stick pan. Bring to the boil. Once it is boiling, put the fish in. Take it off the heat. Let it rest for five minutes.

Start assembling the dish. Put a quarter of the olive oil and heat up. Throw in the potatoes and the chopped fresh garlic. Add some salt and pepper; lower the heat; add a tablespoon of the water from the fish dish and cook for a further three minutes, covered until cracks in the potato skins appear and the moisture evaporates.

Return to the sea urchin sabayon and continue whisking for a few minutes.

Assemble by putting a timbale of potatoes, on which you rest the meagre.

Once you put the meagre on the plate, return the pan to heat, boil the water, turn it off and throw in the wild asparagus.

Pour the sabayon mixture around the fish and then lift the wild asparagus from the water and either spread evenly over the sabayon or form into a bunch and tie together with a long chive.

Finally and optionally, drizzle the fish with some of the remaining olive oil. Serve with a wedge of lemon.

BEST WINE ACCOMPANIMENT – 2008 GRAN CAVALIER SAUVIGNON BLANC SUPERIOR D.O.K. MALTA Again my choice of wine would be dry white although some dry RosÊs would be acceptable. The steamed meagre in itself contains very delicate flavours that simply scream out for a delicate wine. In addition to that you have the sea urchin sabayon which definitely needs a white wine, mainly because of the sabayon, and wild asparagus, which for me mean Sauvignon Blanc. The Gran Cavalier meets all three criteria and this vintage is drinking particularly well at the moment and will go perfectly with this seafoody dish.

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CuISINE Ingredients For the kanten: A sachet of agar agar 1.5L of bottled water 200g sugar Chamomile flowers (can be replaced by chamomile infusion) Some borage, jasmine and orange blossom flowers for inserting in the

kanten (or any edible flower available) 12 thin slices of old sourdough bread 60g of butter 500ml fresh milk 250ml fresh cream 75g caster sugar 4 eggs

For the marmalade: 12 oranges, washed half the weight of the oranges in sugar water

For the creme Anglais: 12 egg yolks 200g caster sugar 1L fresh milk 20 orange blossom flowers

For the bread and butter pudding: Use the finest bread, preferably sourdough bread. It has to be old.

In this dessert, everything can be prepared in advance. Kanten is simply a jelly but we use a vegetarian alternative called Agar Agar, a seaweed extract. You can easily substitute it with gelatine if you have problems accessing Agar Agar.

Preparation Bring the water to a boil with the chamomile flowers. Once the water is boiling add the sugar and the agar agar. Leave to boil for a couple of minutes. Let it cool a bit, pass through a strainer to remove any impurities and then pour a little in the bottom of a mould. Lay a flower and make sure that the flower is attached to the kenten once the latter solidifies (takes minutes, unlike gelatine). Pour some more liquid and place another flower in the same way. Repeat process until the entire mould is full.

Place in the fridge and forget about it.

Wild Orange Marmalade Put the oranges in a pot, just cover in water and boil for an hour. Cool, lift from the water (do not throw the water away), cut in half and scoop out the flesh. Run this flesh through a food mill, throwing away pips and pith. Reboil the water and let it reduce by half. Add sugar, continue boiling and reduce further on low heat. Chop the rind into strips. Add the orange juice and the rind and boil for half an hour, stirring continuously. Put in sterilised jars, close lids when hot and store.

Villeroy & Boch Samarah bone china, courtesy of Joinwell Ltd

BEST WINE ACCOMPANIMENT – 2007 CASELLA MOSCATO. Oranges and Muscat are a classic combination and this dish is no exception. This delightfully fragrant dessert is very aromatic, rich and creamy and the wine that I have chosen to accompany it is also very aromatic, rich, sweet and because of the age deliciously marmalady and honeyed. The mouth feel of this wine is also important as it must have the weight and viscosity to complement the sweetness of the dish whist remaining crisp enough to refresh the palate.

Bread and Butter Pudding Mix milk, eggs, cream, sugar together. Butter the bread on one side. Put the bread in the liquid mixture to soak it up. Coat the pudding dish with a fine film of butter, place a layer of bread, buttered side down. Spread marmalade on top. Put another layer of bread followed by another layer of marmalade, making sure that you put some chunks of marmalade all around.

Repeat until you are out of bread. Finish off with butter, not marmalade. Pour the remainder of the liquid on top. Bake for 30-40 minutes at 180°C. Let cool before serving.

Creme Anglais Mix the sugar and egg yolks until they turn a pale yellow. Warm the milk with the orange blossom flowers until simmering and almost boiling (stay with it – it takes seconds to go from simmering to boiling). Pour the milk over the egg mixture, blend in well and return to the heat, over a baine marie. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. When finished, pass the mixture through a fine sieve.

Store in the fridge until needed. Serve hot.

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A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS FURNITURE

Naxxar Road, San Gwann SGN 9033. t: +356 2138 4808 m: +356 7938 4808

SPECIAL OFFERS UP TO 30% DISCOUNT ON WHIRLPOOL APPLAINCES + FREE DISHWASHER FREE HANEX ACRYLIC SOLID SURFACE WORK TOP, 15 YEARS GUARANTEE

HOME DÉCOR

when

Quality means EXCELLENCE

Main Outlet: C. Azzopardi Antiques The Westin Dragonara, Dragonara Road, St. Julians - Tel: 2138 1389 • 9949 7300

C. Azzopardi ANTIQUES

Antique Furniture Outlet: 33, St. Anne Street, Floriana - Tel: 2123 6827 Email: info@c-azzopardi.com

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE PHONE: 2133 9999 OR EMAIL: Info@writeon.com.mt

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A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS HOME DÉCOR

Asia Arts

Up to 30% Discount on our New Collection of Outdoor Furniture

Asia Arts, 39 Abate Rigord Street, Ta’ Xbiex Tel: 2133 5688 / Mob: 7982 2785 114 High Street, Sliema Tel: 2133 4564

all of the above is new stock and has just arrived in many colours & designs

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TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE PHONE: 2133 9999 OR EMAIL: Info@writeon.com.mt

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A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS

Scrigno Original disappearing doors

Sliding dOOr SyStem

HOME DÉCOR

Portelli & Brincat Ltd.

gaining vital extra space recognizable quality made to last practical available in various sizes and models

376, High Street, Sta. Venera SVR 1015 Zabbar Road, Fgura FGR 1015 Valletta Road, Mosta MST 9010 186, Naxxar Road, San Gwann SGN 9030

Tel: 2124 0001 Tel: 2169 1029 Tel: 2143 3975 Tel: 2137 3103

Email: sales@portelliandbrincat.com.mt

HOME SECURITY

2144 5533 info@jgrima.com customised security and fire systems for absolute peace of mind

J.GRIMA & CO LTD SECURITY & FIRE SPECIALISTS TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE PHONE: 2133 9999 OR EMAIL: Info@writeon.com.mt

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A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS INTELLIGENT LIGHTING Our home speaks about us, about our way of being and living. By-me speaks the language of the future. It integrates video door entry, automation and burglar alarms in a single system simply and immediately. To have scenes where lights, blinds, climate control and burglar alarm systems communicate with each other. With the possibility of mobile phone control. In three different residential series: Eikon, Idea and Plana. If the future is already your lifestyle, in your home say it with By-me.

www.vimar.eu/en

Eco Group Malta BLB 13C Industrial Estate Bulebel, Zejtun ZTN3000, Malta - Tel: +356 20998979, Mob: +356 79808086 - Fax: +356 21636389 - e-mail: info@ecogroup-mt.com - www.ecogroup-mt.com

LIGHTING

ADV By-me Fiori 210x148 mm_EN.indd 1

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TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE PHONE: 2133 9999 OR EMAIL: Info@writeon.com.mt

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A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS LIGHTING

STYLISH - ELEGANT - UNIQUE Lux-it lighting offers a vast selection of classic, modern, contemporary and architectural lighting.

Get the award winning quality LED at the best price on the island. Guaranteed that our LED bulbs give same light output as a 50W halogen bulb yet consuming only 4.5W! Dimmable LEDs (no flicker) are also available.

LUX-IT, 105, Luqa Road, Paola. TXN9043. Malta ( in front of Carters Supermarket ) Tel: (+356) 21 66 55 44 e-mail: sales@lux-it.com www.lux-it.com

PAINTS

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M

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CM

MY

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CMY

K

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE PHONE: 2133 9999 OR EMAIL: Info@writeon.com.mt

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A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS PARQUET, FLOORING & SOFT FURNISHINGS SOFAS For the past years in Malta our fine sofas have always been custom-made. You bring your discernment, taste and dreams. WeÕ ll bring the quality, craftsmanship and heritage. Together we’ll create something very, very special. Your sofa will be beautifully unique. Choose from a wealth of sofa designs features in different measurements, twenty styles all together. Then trust our mastery and experience to craft a timeless classic based on your exact specifications. From contemporary chic to traditional elegance, we can style your desires into the perfect piece. As you place it centre stage in your home, you can enjoy your Artisan Sofa in full knowledge that comes in hardwood framing, fully sprung rubberised seating cushions and feathered down back cushions.

HANDMADE IN MALTA We pride ourselves and offer excellence in our products and service. Each piece of our sofas approaches a unique work of art, because it represents a great deal of self-expression of the artisans who made it, but more importantly the selfexpression of you, the owner. We hope your sofa will bring you life long satisfaction and enjoyment.

To explore our collection visit Artisan Sofas at the newer and larger premises located in a private and quiet area away from traffic congestion and with easier parking facilities. For more information call us on 21 490 490 or 79 490 490.

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Email: artisansofas@gmail.com • Website: www.artisansofas.com

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE PHONE: 2133 9999 OR EMAIL: Info@writeon.com.mt

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A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS TIMBER TURNKEY 112

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TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE PHONE: 2133 9999 OR EMAIL: Info@writeon.com.mt

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A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS STORAGE SOLUTIONS TILES

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE PHONE: 2133 9999 OR EMAIL: Info@writeon.com.mt

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