HOMEWORKS 53

INSPIRATION IMPROVEMENT STYLE

COLOUR CONFIDENCE ISSUE 53 FEBRUARY 2012

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ISSUE 53

A high impact start to 2012

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58, Zachary Street Valletta VLT 1130 - Malta

Living | Dining | BeDrooms | WALLPAPer | home Accessories

Loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from your BOV branch. To apply for this loan, customer’s age must not exceed 35 years. Terms and conditions apply.

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Living | Dining | BeDrooms | WALLPAPer | home Accessories

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Lube preferisce la qualitĂ degli elettrodomestici marchio

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InTroducIng

MUSA DelUxe Taking Krea to a new level!

Better quality, more functionality, great designs at the usual Krea prices !

KREA (Malta) Ltd. Mdina Road, Qormi E-mail: info@krea.com.mt www.krea.com.mt

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contents ISSUE 53 FEBRUARY 2012

013 Readers’ Letters 015 Home News 021 Trend Spot: imm Cologne 023 Greenworks 025 Maintenanceworks 028 Design Poetry 036 Welcome To The House of Fun 044 Scandinavian Sweet 050 Colour Confidence 056 Keeping It Safe 062 Enriching Environments 067 Home Ideas 079 Garden News 081 Art Nouveau Affection 085 Food News 086 Cuisine & Wine 092 A-Z Directory 098 Address Book

028 DESIGN POETRY Galea&Galea Architects transform the interior into a flexible space and use colours from the context of the environment in this striking home

036 WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF FUN Gattaldo and Mike Livingstone’s colour and retro inspired 16th century townhouse in Vittoriosa with a playful atmosphere and an uninhibited use of colour

044 SCANDINAVIAN SWEET A bright and vivid space complete with Scandinavian pieces that contrast deliciously well against the backdrop of the bright blue Mediterranean

086 CUISINE Three all-new recipies from Chef Joe Vella’s just-launched cookbook

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EDITOR’S LETTER HW

For over 45 years Pantone has been the world-renowned authority on colour, inspiring design professionals with insight on colour exploration. So when Pantone annually declares a particular colour “Color of the Year”, design industries around the world listen. As with most design trends, the colour is chosen to represent a connection with the spirit of the age, influenced by the cultural, intellectual, ethical and political climate of the time. The 2011 Color of the Year was Honeysuckle, which “encouraged us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigour”. This year’s colour is even brighter and bolder – Tangerine Tango: “a spirited reddish orange, which continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward”. It’s not likely that a lot of consumers are going to go out and purchase tangy orange furniture or paint their walls the cheeky colour, but I don’t doubt that we’ll start to see variations of it in decorative accents on the shelves of interior shops. This is how we’ve learned to use colour in general – through restrained accents here and there, amongst secure neutrals. It’s undeniably the best way to experiment with colour and slowly pave our way to colour confidence. However, this issue we encounter some particularly valiant homeowners who have used colour without inhibition, resulting in the creation of lively and vivid homes (starting on page 027). We also experience free reign of colour use in Interior Designer Sarah Zammit’s decorating feature on page 050. See how to make use of the colour wheel, as well as what different colours may bring to your home within the same feature.

We thought starting off the new year with a vibrant and fun colour issue might help encourage inspiration to energise interior spaces with a dynamic burst of high-impact hues. What better way to start off the year with moods of well-being and cheer?

HOMEWORKSMalta 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.

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. © 2012

TM

PUBLISHER MARC SPITERI EDITOR LISA BORAIN PUBLICATION COORDINATOR TROIKA ZAMMIT ART DIRECTOR MARC SPITERI DESIGN JOSEPH CARUANA JONATHAN BAJADA

PHOTOGRAPHY ALAN CARVILLE TONIO LOMBARDI MAS CONTRIBUTORS NICK BORG BARTHET ELISABETH CARDONA BILL HERMITAGE GUY LAGUENS CHARLES MERCIECA MELINA SCODANIBBIO JOE VELLA COLIN ZAMMIT SARAH ZAMMIT

SALES & MARKETING ANDREW FARRUGIA +356 2133 9999 +356 9933 2224 sales@writeon.com.mt 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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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 THIS SIA CANDELIERE GLASS FACET & CANDLE, WORTH €49, COURTESY OF FLOREAL HOME Send your ideas to: HOMEWORKS Feedback, Level 5, Airways House, High Street, Sliema SLM 1551 or email: info@writeon.com.mt

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)

ISSUE 52

WINNERS

JENNIFER ZARB IS THE WINNER OF HOMEWORKS: A COLLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY MALTESE INTERIORS & ARCHITECTURE, 20032011, WORTH €40, COURTESY OF WRITEON LTD. JENNIFER WROTE:

“I would like to see an article on revamping and redecorating furniture we already have at home, giving them a new lease of life with some easy DIY.”

MARIA ATTARD IS THE WINNER OF THE “AMAZZONIA” BY IVV, HANDMADE IN ITALY CENTERPIECE, WORTH €69.99, COURTESY OF FINO MARIA WROTE:

“So many people have their washing room on the roof. Between one load and another, after hanging up the clothes and taking down the dry ones, there is always that 20-minute interval. I was thinking of having an area where I could take a short but deserved rest between one chore or laundry load and another. Any ideas of how to furnish this corner of the wash room to transform it into a possible relaxation corner would be most welcome!”

JESSICA CAMILLERI IS THE WINNER OF THE SET OF VASES, WORTH €94, COURTESY OF DEBENHAMS JESSICA WROTE:

“I look forward to seeing some colour guidelines in your magazines – for example, what colours do you use to make a room look bigger and yet cosy? Tips from experts on how to achieve the final look would be really handy.”

CHRISTOPHER HAMILTON IS THE WINNER OF THE DIXI TABLE/DESK LAMP FLY DESIGN BY FABASLUCE, WORTH €87, COURTESY OF VCT LIGHTING & DESIGN CHRISTOPHER WROTE:

“My suggestion / idea is to see if I can turn the roof of my house into a greenhouse without it becoming too hot in summer. I want to know if it will entail a lot of air-conditioning/heating to keep the ideal setting.”

BY POPULAR DEMAND! Did you know that you can view back issues of

HOMEWORKS on our facebook page? Every month we’re updating our facebook catalogue, bringing you those back issues you may have missed out on. Go to Facebook and search ‘HomeworksMalta’. There are also great prizes to be won every month!

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Come and see our display of dazzling new kitchens at great prices.

Cook up a storm at Joinwell.

Mill Street, Qormi | 2278 2000 | www.joinwell.com.mt

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HOMENEWS

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NEWS HW

WALLPAPER WONDERFUL The new range of Arte Wallpaper is now available at SatarianoHome. Arte have recently launched their new ranges of cuttingedge wallpaper on a range of products from printed non-wovens to vinyl with paper and/ or non-woven backings. www.satariano.com

NEWBORN KALEA core has just unveiled the cutting-edge rough sawn oak wood on the newborn Kalea kitchen by Cesar. This highly textured wood is also available in solid wood by Grattarola. www.core.com.mt / www.cesar.it / www.grattarola.it

INSIDEOUT

LOVELY LIGHTS!

The new InsideOut Design Finishes showroom on Ta’Xbiex seafront is the result of a partnership between a group of design and soft furnishing specialists.

Their hands-on, all-encompassing approach translates into a carefully selected range of soft furnishings and home decorating solutions to suit a wide variety of spaces and budgets. www.insideoutmalta.com

Available in chrome, white, copper or wenge finishes, the new Perlota adjustable wall light is also suitable as a picture light. The fitting is complete with energy saving halogen lamps and can also be equipped with LED lamps.

Find the full collection of Perlota wall, ceiling and pendant lights at Spot On. www.spotonmalta.com

ALL NEW AT CERAMAX

SPANISH TEXTILES B4 Textiles introduces a new collection from the renowned Spanish textile company, Jover SL. The range is now available in store or by order. www.b4.com.mt

Ceramax are now offering a much wider choice of tile and bathroom collections at the new showroom on Mosta Road, Lija. Find a wide variety of outdoor and indoor quality tiles complemented by the latest styles in bathrooms and fittings from designer brands, such as Marca Corona, Keope, Olympia, Glass and Siri. www.ceramax.com.mt

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HW NEWS

Over 400 models in store Fluless gas fireplaces also available

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NEWS HW CURRENT >

FULLY BOOKED!

DOMINO! Kitchens by Domino Cucine can now be found at Creations.

Modern or classic, each Domino Cucine design promises distinctive detail combined with convenient functionality. www.creationsomni.com

Now released, HOMEWORKS’ first hardback book – HOMEWORKS, A Collection of Contemporary Interiors & Architecture, Volume 1 – is now available at all leading bookshops. The book retails at €40 and can also be purchased directly from the publishers. For enquiries, contact on info@writeon.com.mt

FRANKLY FRAMELESS Want to enjoy a spectacular view without having to choose between the interference of mullions or installing a full fixed glass wall?

The new solution is frameless glass curtains, now available at Tower Aluminium. Each enclosure is custommade and installed to ensure a clear view without water, wind and dust problems. Stackable frameless glass curtains add metres to the home, as all panels can be stacked away to the side, allowing for the addition of the balcony to the living space. www.toweraluminium.com

STYLISH CONTRIBUTION Viroc International Limited is supplying the local market with state of the art wall-mounted flueless gas LPG fireheaters, which incorporate the latest in gas fire technology and do not need a chimney to operate. Choosing a flueless gas fire makes it possible to make a real contribution towards reducing global warming whilst lowering bills at the same time! www.virocinternational.com

ALL NEW Apart from a huge variety of door handles, doors and locks, Fino Ferramenta now offers a wide range of new products, such as water heaters, tables, chairs (outdoor and indoor), cookware and kitchenware at extremely reasonable prices. www.finoferramenta.com

SPECIAL OFFERS Don’t miss the all-new bedroom and living room Antaix Collection catalogues at Carmelo Delia. The Espacio Living Catalogue has extended various matte and gloss finishes that bring a touch of warmth to the bedroom with original modular solutions. The new Urban and Urban Store catalogues for beds and wardrobes also offers new designs, from different headboard styles to various new colour combinations. Be sure to look out for Carmelo Delia’s current special offers on these new collections. www.bigbon.com

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TRENDS HW

TRENDSPOT imm cologne living interiors fair 2012

>“People’s personal circumstances are changing. Faced with growing uncertainty and so many economic challenges, people are changing the way they buy things and what they choose... A lot of things depend on the brands rather than the designers.

Moroso, for instance, can work very colourfully and with a lot of patterns.

But a brand like Minotti works better with quiet colours. If only for that reason, there will always be several parallel developments because the firms and the designers themselves are so different.”

- Dick Spierenburg, Creative Director of imm cologne’s ‘Das Haus’ – Interiors on Stage

Jensen armchair designed by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti

Capo by Capellini My Beautiful Backside by Moroso

PANTONE 2012 Colour of The Year: 17-1463 Tangerine Tango “Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive… reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy. Energise interior spaces with Tangerine Tango home accessories.”

DL Rocker

by Richard Lampert

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tiles

bathrooms

fixtures visit our New Showroom Mosta Road, Lija. MALTA Tel: +356 21420536. info@ceramax.com.mt www.ceramax.com.mt

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GREENWORKS A SPOTLIGHT ON ENERGY-SAVING AND SUSTAINABLE INTERIORS, TRENDS AND PRODUCTS

BEAUTY & BRAINS They’re not only absolutely stunning, but ThinkGlass’ recycled glass countertops are 100% fully recyclable and are produced without sealants or harsh chemicals. They are radon free (compared to granite) and don’t release emissions or have any negative impact on air quality.

A breath of fresh air (literally), these glass countertops possess both beauty and brains. www.thinkglass.com

SAVASOCKET Saving 100% of standby waste, the Savasocket Multi Socket Standby Saver 6 has a combination of standby and normal sockets, and makes reducing standby waste easy, especially as it uses your existing remote control. Any device that needs to be left on standby or on a timer can be plugged into the two ‘normal’ sockets that are always on. Everything else can be plugged into the standby saver sockets; you can also use an extension lead and control even more appliances. www.savasocket.com

DRY CUBES A great alternative to fabric softeners and tumble dryer sheets, reusable Dry Cubes bounce around in the tumble dryer, separating clothes, softening fabric, and speeding up drying time (which means saving on electricity bills). Ecozone dry cubes allow for soft and fluffy clothes without the need for chemical softeners.

They help to smooth out wrinkles too, lessening the need for ironing. www.theenergysavingcompany.co.uk

CYRIL Designed by Fry&Fry for Liqui, the Shed Cyril sideboard is the first piece in the Shed furniture series. Simple, natural and full of intriguing details, this cabinet also features satin white doors, which contrast against the dark walnut. The contemporary look of this piece is completed with a white hasp and staple closure with a traditional brass padlock. www.liquidesign.co.uk

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MAINTENANCE HW

MAINTENANCEWORKS SEASONAL MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR THE HOUSEHOLD, BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE PROFESSIONALS

MELINA SCODANIBBIO GARDEN DESIGNER “Spring annuals will be bursting into bloom and regular watering and feeding, deadheading and hoeing will promote growth and prolong flowering. As soon as the spring flowering annual plants no longer look attractive, the beds can be prepared for the summer annuals.

Pests will also be rapidly multiplying so take precautions to prevent attacks on tender new growth. With the dry season approaching, retaining moisture in the soil is vital, so spreading a good layer of mulch over the soil is a good idea. In the vegetable garden, weeding, hoeing and watering are essential and in March marrows, aubergines, bell peppers, cucumbers, beetroots, beans, melons and watermelons can be sown.” www.melinascodanibbo.com

NICK BORG BARTHET T&H DISTRIBUTORS “Tackle those cracks in your exterior plastered walls and prevent damp from seeping through into your interior. Cracks in the exterior plaster is most often ‘stress relief’ and commonly seen on new buildings or building extensions. They’re typically one-time occurrences and once repaired properly should not reappear. Ideally these cracks should be cleaned up, mesh taped, and re-plastered. This of course can be labour intensive, costly and messy. I would suggest trying a DIY solution that is both cost effective and relatively easy to do. First clean the cracks with a coarse hand-held wire brush by lightly removing any loose material surrounding the crack. Then prepare two small buckets, filling one with water and in the other mixing the powdered tile adhesive and water to the consistency of a light batter. Using a paintbrush, wet the cracks and surrounding area thoroughly with water from your water bucket, and then immediately after – using another paint brush – apply the adhesive to the cracks and surrounding area, working the adhesive well into the repair in both horizontal and vertical strokes. If the consistency of the adhesive was correct, it should have been absorbed into the cracks and surrounding plaster, and should not stand proud of the original plaster work. At this point you should no longer see the cracks. 24 hours later apply a coat of liquid membrane (elastomeric resin) to the repair area of the wall, and after 48 hours you can repaint your wall with an exterior acrylic based paint.” www.toolsandhardware.eu

COLIN ZAMMIT THP DIY, SLIEMA “The winter season leaves us with a lot of humidity inside our homes. Spring is the best time to clear it up. Start by allowing the mould on the walls to dry as much as possible by circulating the air and even using an air dehumidifier if need be. Once the walls are dry, use anti fungal bleach free spray on the walls and then wipe it off with a cloth. After that, you can repaint the areas that need it the most.”

CHARLES MERCIECA BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LTD. “Keeping outdoor hardwood decks looking good is not just a cosmetic exercise. In order to maintain your outdoor patio or pool decking and get it ready for summer, it’s important to clean and oil it every year. Clean it with a high water pressure power machine and then oil it to revive the wood. Since wood is alive, it needs oil to get through the harsher summer months. It also helps to reduce water penetration deep under the surface. The timing is important – it needs to be done before the summer season starts.” www.brands.com.mt 025

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SPACES HW

SPACES >

This issue’s homes are all about vibrant and invigorating colour. Galea&Galea Architects bring us a home in which big, bold colours are selected to enhance the flow of energy within, and without exception, have all been chosen from the immediate context (page 028). London-based Art Director Gattaldo and Mike Livingstone’s colour and retro inspired 16th century townhouse in Vittoriosa is nothing short of free-spirited, where the playful colour has a mind of its own (page 036). Colour is positively rampant in Eva Helzen’s home in Sliema with popping Scandinavian furniture and fabric that contrast with the bright blue Mediterranean view backdrop (page 044).

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DESIGN POETRY One of the various adaptive reuse residential projects undertaken by Galea&Galea, the design concept of this striking home seeks to retain the existing building envelope, while transforming the interior into a flexible space Architects: Galea&Galea Photography: Tonio Lombardi Words: Elisabeth Cardona

ome to a young family, this house is undeniably a celebration of light and fluid space. The fluidity of the spaces is expressed horizontally within the open plan layout and vertically through the stairwells that flow through and fold in on the various levels. The use of raw concrete and exposed metalwork construction give a utilitarian feel to the interior. This is balanced by the warmer tones of the wooden surfaces used, the extra thick pile of the carpeting and the textured mosaics.

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Architect Monica Audrey Galea explains, “The spaces unfold to reveal and conceal the activities within it to varying degrees, at times even blurring the boundaries between inside and out.

“The finishes used have been consciously selected on the basis of their tactile and sensual qualities, interacting with the changing patterns of light throughout the day, that in turn gives a three-dimensional quality to the flat surfaces.”

Bold colours are selected in various spaces to enhance the flow of energy within, and without exception have all been chosen from the immediate context

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SPACES HW

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HW SPACES The ‘heart’ of the home, the double height living area is a dramatic volume that amplifies the natural connection of the house to its external spaces

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The dining area is part of the open plan space, but defined by a change in level that highlights its importance. Etch Lights on table by Tom Dixon and dining chairs by Karim Rashid

A clutter free calming space where everything has its place in the custom-built storage of the bath and sink areas. Here, the focus is entirely on bathing and relaxation, with subtle references to sea and pebbles in the design of the enclosure walls. Vase with flowers and all towels from One Two One Interiors

The most minimal of the spaces, the hall is the introduction to the home. This area is characterised by the contemporary oversized limestone slabs, as well as the glass flooring that gives light to the floor below. Flooded with natural light and dominated by the ‘green wall’ of bamboo that spills into the breakfast space, this area is both defined by and connected to the adjoining areas by a series of metal columns.

The dining area is part of the open plan space, but defined by a change in level that highlights its importance. An extension of the kitchen, the dining area is intimately connected with the external landscape through the large glazed openings on one side of this room.

The ‘heart’ of this home, the double height living area is a dramatic volume that amplifies the natural connection of

the house to its external spaces. The two storey high glazed openings, fitted with blackout shutters for privacy when required and delicate mesh screens to filter the light, allow this space to embrace the external space in its entirety. Raw concrete floors and a multifunctional concrete bench keep the space grounded. The timber clad volume of the upstairs sitting room is designed as an external elevation overlooking the double height space and can be as open or closed as desired due to the layering effect of the outer wall.

Through a concealed door, this area also links to another area referred to by the homeowners as ‘the bridge’ - a multifunctional desk space and networking station, used by the whole family. This working space marks the spot where the handrail becomes a desk and seems to be suspended in the trees outside due to their proximity to the glass.

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STATE OF THE ART SOUND AND LIGHTING SYSTEMS ARE BUILT INTO THE SOFT LANDSCAPING TO COMPLEMENT THE ‘RESORT’ FEEL OF THE SPACE WITHOUT UNNECESSARY VISUAL COMPLEXITY

The same materials and level of detailing are identifiable externally. All services are concealed within the deck

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SPACES HW

The sitting room is the most enclosed of all the spaces, designed with a variety of textures and materials. The colour scheme is much darker and warmer than the rest of the house, with the exception of white in the leather sofa and thick carpeting.

Bold colours are selected in some of the spaces to enhance the flow of energy within, and without exception, have all been chosen from the immediate context; such as the orange colour in the double height living space that was inspired from the Clivia flowers in the perimeter planting and the orange tree visible from the living room.

The greys and whites were actually sourced from the very particular rocky landscape, not far from where the house is situated, while the aquamarine tones in some areas are a reference to the sea, also close by.

The house transforms completely when switching from day mode to night: by harnessing natural light and exploiting it to its full potential by day, it’s possible to match the activities that go on inside with the desired intensities of light and shade. For instance, summer lunchtime usually takes place in the terrace adjacent to the kitchen – at the point when the house casts maximum shading from the summer sun. Then on winter weekends, the family customarily connect together over the dining table at the time when the last rays of sun bathe the surrounding landscapes. Hence, the spaces within the house are designed to contain and shape activity patterns in a flexible and timeless manner – one that goes beyond the mere allure of style or trend. This transformation is extended to yet another level with the onset of nightfall, when the lighting system, designed to accommodate a variety of different moods, takes over.

Environmental considerations and sustainability play an important role in the design. Large glazed north-facing openings are calculated to allow

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HW SPACES The most minimal of the spaces, the hall is characterised by the contemporary oversized limestone slabs that add a subtle warmth and natural texture, as well as the glass flooring that gives light to the floor below

the desired amount of light, while maximising views.

Air conditioning was never installed because the homeowners never felt the need, which is partly due to a strategically placed body of water, whose thermal mass aids in cooling the house in summer.

By reversing the ‘standard’ layout and placing the entrance level above and the bedrooms below, the result is cool sleeping spaces in summer and warmer open plan areas in cooler weather.

An extension of the interior spaces, the same materials and level of detailing are identifiable from the outside area. The external concrete pathways, defined by pebble borders that conceal all the drains, exposed metal structure, glass mosaics, and timber decking characterise the external spaces of the house. The multifunctional timber decking is designed to appear as though it slides out from below the structure of the outdoor jacuzzi and plunge pool. All the services are concealed within the deck.

State of the art sound and lighting systems are built into the soft landscaping to complement the ‘resort’ feel of the space without visual complexity.

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WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF FUN Gattaldo and Mike Livingstone’s colour and retro inspired 16th century townhouse in Vittoriosa is nothing short of free-spirited.

With a playful atmosphere, colour seems to have a mind of it’s own here: think Alice In Wonderland meets Vittoriosa Photography: Alan Carville Words: Guy Laguens

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“I wanted to make use of a more adventurous palatte, one inspired by the rich dyes of India and the Orient, yet in tune with summer in Malta”

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attaldo and Mike bought the townhouse about three years ago with the intention of using it for themselves during part of the summer season and renting it out when they returned back to London.

Gattaldo, “When Mike and I travel, we always look for properties that somehow enhance the way we experience a place. We wanted to create an accommodation that would do the same for others, starting with what we look for in a property. We chose the location because it’s in the hub of local life but not popular with tourists. We liked the fact that Vittoriosa is not tediously co-ordinated and uniform, but rather a place with local colour and character.”

The antique turquoise Murano chandelier was the starting point of the wild colour scheme

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“I love the Maltese stone walls, but it can get a bit overpowering if all the walls of the house are exposed”

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The bedroom was once the private chapel of the house. When inspecting closely, old maritime graffiti can be spotted on the stone walls

Originally, both the adjacent house and the shop beneath were one and the same with the space. The house had gone through a few changes when Gattaldo and Mike embarked on their renovation adventure. “It would appear that there had been a large family living in the house, in what must have been a rather cramped space, as it had already been divided. Prior to the purchase, work had begun on remodelling the house as a café.

Unfortunately some of the restoration that took place wasn’t up to standard – the supervision of an architect was missing. So we had to undo the poor restoration that was harming both the character and the actual fabric of the place. We wanted to bring it back to its original state as much as possible, using traditional materials and skills.”

Gattaldo’s immense experience in art direction helped the clarity of his vision, while restoration specialist Architect Mireille Fsadni provided the expertise for all that the building works threw at the couple. It wasn’t just a question of restoration, as they wanted to

focus on introducing more light and ensure that the result was a space that both inspired and intrigued.

The couple pursued a contemporary design, as they wanted to breathe new life into the house, whilst respecting its rich history.

More than mere space saving solutions, the amusing design utilises every corner of the small townhouse, transforming these answers into clearly defined comfortable areas.

The neutral limestone walls are a blank canvas to the colourful fabrics and a backdrop to the statement pieces.

Skilled local craftsmen were employed to make the bespoke furniture, as well as the apertures and spiral staircase. There are a few pieces that worked well as they were within the space (such as the French Liberty bed), but most of the furniture is customised or altered in some way.

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SPACES HW

The ice white minimal box with its orange back splash contrasts intimitably with the uneveness of the Maltese stone

As for the liberal use of colour, the design is uninhibited from the muted colours, but large areas of white consolidate the wild colour scheme. “I previously worked on another house with its own history and had furnished it with muted traditional colours.

Here, I wanted to make use of a more adventurous palette, one inspired by the rich dyes of India and the Orient, yet in tune with summer in Malta. The colours had to be radiant and manifold, held together by the white floor and the stone walls. The antique turquoise Murano glass chandelier that I had purchased before I actually fell in love with the house was the starting point.�

Upon entrance, the kitchen offers its surface area and cabinets in the form of an ice white minimal box with only a strip of bold orange. It contrasts inimitably with the unevenness of the stone.

The kitchen leads to the offbeat dining area with its bespoke and funky furniture. The Murano chandelier hangs over the figure of eight shaped Carrara marble table.

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The door-less wardrobe sits off to the space between the dining area and the bedroom. The corpulent legs, each one unique in form, are reminiscent of the goddesses of fertility and Mediterranean female forms. “The piece is an altar to the few ensembles we choose to take with us on holiday. It’s my favourite, an open pièce de résistance. Of course it would be totally impractical if I were to live here all the time; it’s designed for short adventures.”

Past the wardrobe lies the bedroom, which was once the private chapel of the house. In fact, when inspecting closely, old maritime graffiti can be spotted on the stone walls. An antique Indian batik scene hangs just above the Art Nouveau bed, which is dressed in fine linen. A stone arch frames the inner sanctum of the luxurious double bedroom. The romantic en suite features a curvaceous double shower decorated in glass mosaic.

Up the spiral staircase the lounge is situated on the second floor, flush with the large window separating the room from the roof terrace. Pieces of original art hang on pristine white walls set off by dark Moroccan tiles, resulting in a clean contemporary look.

“I love the Maltese stone walls, but it can get a bit overpowering if all the walls in the house are exposed. This is the only part of the house that was extended to make the room higher and bigger so the stone wasn’t as authentic (we used hand cut stone recycled from another building to match the rest). We fitted plaster board and took the opportunity to introduce insulation between that and the walls. This bounces off the light that flows through the large glass windows.”

Rather than do away with centuries of history and culture, Gattaldo and Mike have cleverly intertwined such rich themes into their design process, resulting in a contemporary style that is distinctly unique.

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Opposite Ta’ Xbiex Yacht Marina Blue Harbour Business Centre, Ta’ Xbiex TXB 1043 +356 21 324 990

www.therugcompany.com

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SCANDINAVIAN

SWEET The Swedish Helzens have created an exceptionally bright and vivid space in a Qui Si Sana seafront apartment, complete with Scandinavian pieces that contrast deliciously well against the backdrop of the bright blue Mediterranean Photography: Tonio Lombardi Words: Elisabeth Cardona

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“I really appreciate designers who are not afraid of colour”

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Bright Josef Frank fabric, which ties in with the cute Ikea sky blue lamp. Eva’s artwork lines the walls throughout the apartment

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f you had to picture the most attractive retirement you possibly could, you would probably hope that it would include visiting all your favourite places on a regular basis, experiencing the best of whatever worlds you love the most.

This is precisely what the Helzens do. With their daughter and grandchildren based in Australia, their seafront apartment in Malta, and their summerhouse situated in the countryside just outside of Stockholm, the couple spends their time residing in these three places at the best times of the year.

I

When the couple both retired, they moved back to Stockholm from Berlin and made a decision to spend their winters in a warmer climate. When friends recommended Malta to them, the couple paid the island a visit.

One week was all it took. Eva Helzen: “The climate was fantastic and we loved the Maltese friendliness. It was just so easy – the fact that Malta is a member of the EU, as well as the convenience of catching Ryanair flights between Stockholm and Malta helped make Malta our first choice.”

The couple’s summerhouse in Sweden is situated in the countryside close to a forest at Lake Mälaren. The quiet area surrounded by nature (eagles, venison, foxes and other wild animals) is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Sliema. However, because they can change their setting regularly, they enjoy each environment immensely.

When the couple set about finding a property, they made friends with the owner of Relocate Malta, who helped them purchase the apartment, as well as send them in the right direction to purchase what they needed for soft furnishings. “We were so lucky to meet him because he also came up with some good ideas and solutions for our needs.

He came around with us to different outlets to help choose what we needed. He helped us order everything and managed all the people that worked on our apartment.”

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Although it’s not typical of Scandinavian style, Eva loves light and colour, which is clearly reflected throughout the apartment.

This perhaps comes from the artist within her, which she began exploring about 10 years ago. Educated by various professionals in Berlin, Stockholm and Malta, Eva not only decorates her own walls with the vivid pieces, but also exhibits and sells her work.

Understandably, Eva has a soft spot for Scandinavian designers; the Josef Frank curtain fabric in the living room, the pieces by the Danish designer Georg Jensen and the appearance of Ikea with pops of colour.

“I really appreciate good designers who are not afraid of colour.

It doesn’t matter which country or home I’m in – I love to use colour whenever I can. It’s just so pleasing to the eye and as a result, it uplifts my mood.”

The open-plan northeast facing kitchen/living area allows light to flood in through the floor to ceiling sliding glass doors. An old rocking chair brought over from Sweden sits on the balcony, which Mr. Helzen uses to contemplate the sea.

The Helzens are happy with their three-country split life (who wouldn’t be?) but Malta is particularly special to them. “We’ve been living here now for more than six years and our experience is that it’s so unproblematic to live here. We actually like Malta more and more every year.”

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% 5 .

2 vings ur o y n o

a S o r Eu

www.easisave.com Freephone: 8007 3388 • Tel: 2132 2102

Powered by

FIMBank p.l.c. is a licensed credit institution in Malta, regulated by the MFSA and listed on the Malta Stock Exchange. This euro based product falls within the Depositor Compensation Scheme established under the Depositor Compensation Scheme Regulations, 2003. Withdrawals are on demand and effected via SEPA credit transfers. Rates are correct at time of going to press. Terms and conditions are applicable and available upon request.

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HW DECORATING

COLOUR Photography: Alan Carville Styling: Sarah Zammit Shoot Location: Blue Harbour, Ta’ Xbiex Special thanks to Crown Paints and Domestica

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All paint from CROWN • Turquoise and taupe striped wallpaper (starting from €15 per metre) from INSIDE OUT • Large candle floor stand (€158.24) / orange quilted candle (€70.68) INSIDE OUT • Wooden ball (€396.36) from INSIDE OUT • Various turquoise & brown cushions (starting from €36) from INSIDE OUT • Abode Aroma Reed diffusers (€42.98 each) from INSIDE OUT • Turquoise ornamental pot on side table (€17.61) from INSIDE OUT • Brown pots on side table (starting from €8.68) from INSIDE OUT • Side table (€676.39) from INSIDE OUT • Green pear ornament (€195.41) from INSIDE OUT • Lime green throw (€68.70) from INSIDE OUT • Red Chinese chest (€450) from FORM • Array of Genevieve Lethu coloured glasses (starting from €14.70) from FORM • Orange teacup & saucer (€10.22) from FORM • Green ashtray (€24.50) from THE ATRIUM • Purple poodle (€115) from THE ATRIUM • Villa Louis chair in green velvet (€265) from THE ATRIUM • Deco factory wall clock (€107) from THE ATRIUM • Libra purple coat hanger (€90) from THE ATRIUM • Greyhound silver set of two bookends (€ 99 per set) from THE ATRIUM • Purple floor lamp (€135) from THE ATRIUM • African Queen armchair (€760) from THE ATRIUM • Oxford leather sofa (€1,105) from THE ATRIUM • Mobile shelving (€325) from THE ATRIUM • “Macho” purple cushion (€30) from THE ATRIUM • Brown ladder (€160) from THE ATRIUM • Enjoy carpet (€620) from THE HOUSE SHOP • Roma black leather chess set (€580) from THE HOUSE SHOP • Red coat and hat from SISLEY

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DECORATING HW

t’s probably no surprise that colour is one of the biggest influences on the human state of mind. It is important.

I

It’s not easy to be brave when it comes to introducing colour into the home.

The first step to letting go of playing it safe is to understand the psychological effects different colours have on us. It is a complex subject, but the basics can be learned quickly.

If you’re stuck for ideas when trying to decide what colour scheme to choose for a room, look at the furniture and objects you want to use. You may have a painting or a rug that can act as your inspiration. Many interior designers build up complex colour schemes from just one item. Look around you - even an old purple vase or the faded red covers of a collection of books can be the starting point of a whole room scheme.

Interior Designer Sarah Zammit believes that in order to bring a room to life, four elements need to be incorporated: fire (warm colours and light), wood (greenery and wood), earth (rocky, stone elements), and water (cool colours and liquid features).

Green teams up well with strong and vivid colours providing a stable backdrop for them

As red flatters the skin, it’s an ideal background

FIND IT: CROWN PAINTS, Colours & More Paint Centre, Triq it-Torri, Swatar, Tel: 2134 6637.

FORM LTD, Triq il- Wied, B’Kara.

Tel: 2144 6000. www.formltd.com INSIDE OUT DESIGN FINISHES, Blue Harbour Mansions, Block D, Triq ix- Xatt ta Ta’ Xbiex, Ta’ Xbiex. Tel: 2722 3323. www.insideoutmalta.com THE ATRIUM, By Pass ta’ l’Mriehel, Mriehel. Tel: 2147 0000. www.theatrium.com.mt THE HOUSE SHOP, 1 Marina Business Centre, Triq Abate Rigord, Ta’ Xbiex.

Tel: 2133 4226. www.thehouseshop.net

Use red with caution if you’re looking to use a lot of it

Purple is derived from the mixture of strong warm and cool colours, so it possesses both warm and cool properties

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HW DECORATING As red flatters the skin, it’s an ideal background colour for rooms that are used for social functions – such as the living or dining room. Use red with caution if you’re looking to use a lot of it. If not, it can be used in scattered accessories, broken up and diluted.

Red can be a great colour for focal points or features. Use it on the walls to make a room feel cosy, as it will enclose the space, making it more intimate. As the colour red increases the respiratory rate, it’s not ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms or studies.

A fun colour, orange is stimulating and people’s reaction to it is a combination of the physical and the emotional. It focuses our minds on issues of physical comfort, such as food, warmth and shelter. People tend to either like orange or not – it’s not for everyone. It adds flamboyance, warmth and energy to a room. It encourages socialisation and stimulates appetite, which makes it a great colour for the dining room.

Yellow is a warm and radiant colour and sharpens the memory. Too much yellow in a room can cause hostility, which is why most designers break it up in accent colours. Since yellow is such a cheerful colour, it’s fitting for virtually every room. A lot of people imagine a vibrant sunshine yellow when they think of the colour, but there are a lot of variations. For instance, deep gold in a dining room aids digestion, while pastel yellow is warm and cheerful for a baby’s nursery.

The reason that designers like to use green so much is because it’s like a neutral colour, since it’s the colour of nature. It’s a restful colour, which expresses re-growth and rejuvenation, a crisp and freshness. As it’s known for its nerve calming association, it’s an ideal colour for bathrooms and bedrooms. Green teams up well with strong and vivid colours, providing a stable backdrop for them. It can work equally as well with soft, subtle colours, but can overpower them, so getting the correct balance is important. Dark green is elegant and luxurious when matched up with velvets and silks, while soft, mint green is good for baby’s nurseries.

Blue is one of the easiest colours to use when choosing colour schemes, as it’s a relatively safe colour to match up with others and it’s always in trend, albeit in different shades. Since blue is a calming colour, it’s great to use in bedrooms and bathrooms. It’s useful for children’s bedrooms, as they can simply change the way it looks, by altering the colour of the accents and accessories as they get older.

Purple is probably the most mysterious of colours, as it’s not usually widely used in the home. It gives rooms a delicate, sophisticated look and it also boosts creativity and aids concentration. Deep or bright purples add luxury, while lighter purples give rooms a more romantic and delicate air. Because purple is derived from the mixing of strong warm and strong cool colours, it possesses both warm and cool properties.

USING A COLOUR WHEEL As seen in Sarah Zammit’s decorating feature, the eclectic retro look allows for bold colours in wild combinations: violet and lime green; turquoise and red-orange; orange and fuchsia. However, there is a method to throwing colours together. Although it seems like vibrant colours, such as orange and fuchsia would clash, they actually harmonise because they sit next to each other on the colour wheel.

feature more. If you use them both in equal amounts, they will fight for attention.

Look at the colour wheel and you will see the left hand side of the colours are warm and the ones on the right are cool.

Complementary colours are ones that are opposite to one another on the colour wheel.

These colours are naturally made to go with one another.

Neutral colours are one of the easiest groups of colours, or non-colours to work with. They don’t appear on the colour wheel and include black, grey, white, brown and beige.

They all go together and can be layered and mixed and matched. No neutral colour will try to dominate over another. Accent colouring used in small quantities to lift or to add punch works really well within a neutral based colour scheme.

Choose your first colour and look directly at the colour opposite. That is your second colour. Decide which of the two colours you want to

You might want to try introducing a complementary scheme in the form of an accent before you go ahead with an actual paint colour.

Pairing one dark and one light tone of each of your two colours can work well. If you’re going for a third colour, ideally it’s in a different tone from the other two.

YELLOW (Primary) YELLOW-ORANGE (Intermediate)

ORANGE (Secondary)

YELLOW/GREEN (Intermediate)

GREEN (Secondary)

(Tertiary) (Tertiary)

RED-ORANGE (Intermediate)

(Tertiary) BLUE/GREEN (Intermediate)

(Tertiary) (Tertiary)

(Tertiary)

(Tertiary)

RED (Primary)

BLUE (Primary)

RED-VIOLET (Intermediate)

BLUE-VIOLET (Intermediate) RED-VIOLET (Intermediate)

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HW SAFETY

KEEPING IT

[SAFE] >

Don’t wait for an incident to take place before you realise what a small investment security and safety systems actually are. Protecting your home doesn’t have to mean installing an expensive system. There are a wide variety of ways to secure your home and bring you peace of mind without breaking the bank.

HOMEWORKS takes you through the ins and out of security and safety systems in Malta

A

drian Cutajar at Alberta says, “We have a false sense of security in Malta. Robberies are taking place daily. Social status has nothing to do with targets nowadays. A lot of the time burglars are looking for money to buy drugs, which means that they’re not planning huge heists – they’re taking their chances to get whatever they can get.

Jewels would be a bonus.

“Thieves will target a place depending on how easy it is to get into and out of without getting caught. Particular places of target are those homes that are left empty for long periods of time. Also, when there’s an empty building next to the home the burglars will often jump over the roof to get in.

Homes next to fields and neglected areas or with accessible gardens, terraces or balconies are potential marks. Surprisingly, penthouses with glass doors in populated areas are also targeted, as often the common building door is left open and there’s not always a lot of traffic through these areas.”

High security lock with fixed cylinder, anti-seizure revolving bushing, anticrowbar, drill-proof cylinder and door level adjustment corrector. This lock is complete with 5 keys with double teeth. Find it at Fino Ferramenta

LOCKS A good lock and door is essential because burglars know their locks and the better quality one is, the more of a deterrent it will be for possible break-ins. Adrian Cutajar at Alberta: “Half or more of robberies are subject to the front door being broken into with a crowbar. It’s not like the films where they fiddle with the lock”.

There are two types of locks: surface mounted and mortice.

The level of security is the same between the two – the difference lies in the aesthetic aspect, as surface mounted can be seen on the door, while mortice locks are concealed inside the door. There are two types of surface mounted security locks – consisting of a side locking version and a second version comprising vertical rods. The lock’s security level varies according to the number of pins within the cylinder it possesses. When replacing an old lock for a new one, it’s important to take the measurement from the edge of the door to the centre of the old lock in order to avoid drilling new holes.

Adrian Ferris at Fino Ferramenta: “Door phones combined with door locks that have electric strikers are the safest locks because you can find out who is at the door from a distance.”

There are two types of door phones: audio systems and video systems. Audio systems offer hearing and talking facilities, while video systems offer the audio plus the visual – either in black and white or colour. Adrian Ferris: “My suggestion is that even if the budget has to be pushed slightly it’s worth getting a door phone with a monitor, even if it’s in black and white. This way, even if a noise is heard outside, the resident can see what is happening at the front door.”

Commax Wall surface mounted 7-inch colour monitor LCD with 4 wiring system.

Complete with a 2-year guarantee. Find it at Fino Ferramenta

Intercoms generally carry a two-year guarantee and range in price from about €60 - €1,500. Locks can range from €35 - €2,140.

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ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS Technology in access control systems has come a long way and today entry into buildings can involve complex lock mechanisms linked to finger print readers, pin code pads, and even face recognition has now become a reality. Card readers are popular, cost effective (€100-€300) and easy to use.

Donald Pace at Firetech: “Fingerprint recognition, or user code systems are no longer very expensive, have a very high success rate and are easy to use. Systems can include both readers as a back-up option. The lock mechanism itself can involve various configurations with Euro Type locks being the most standard to work with. Good quality locks ensure that replacement keys are only available from reputable outlets. However, with keyless entry systems the risk of a key being copied is virtually non-existent.

“Keyless entry also offers the additional benefit of a builtin memory, which means that the user has access to the information of who went in and out, and when”.

GOOD LIGHTING

Designer facia for Elvox Video Hall Porter Control Panels come in various colours and finishes. Find them at Firetech

Security outdoor lighting has infrared sensors that light up when anything moves past them. In the past, halogen has been the only choice, which is not very energy efficient. The alternative was compact florescent light, which is energy saving, but which takes time to light up. Engineer Oliver Pace at Brighter Solutions: “The invention of LED lighting is as big and revolutionary as the incandescent bulb and will change the industry over. LED lights (which range from €30 -€300) are far more energy efficient than halogens and they light up to 100% immediately. Off and on switching does not affect battery life either. A 150w halogen floodlight can be replaced with a 30w floodlight and they are identical in luminosity. They also have a much longer lifetime as well - 50,000 hours, as opposed to halogen’s 200”.

Many worry about the astronomical energy bill that would involve keeping a front door lit throughout the night. LED lighting solves this problem because a 1-3w light would be enough to light up the area.

External wall recessed LED fitting with emergency Ni-MH long life batteries incorporated for 1-hour autonomy. Available from Brighter Solutions

Elvox external components are weatherproof and economically designed. Find it at Firetech

Teletek alarm keypad, which controls the intruder alarm. Typically, it’s installed next to the main door so that the user can switch the alarm on and off when leaving or entering the premises. Find it at Unitech

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With the new emergency kits, certain LED lighting can provide up to 2-3 hours of lighting after power cuts – a great security feature to help prevent burglary.

INTRUDER ALARMS Just showing potential intruders that there is an alarm present is already a huge deterrent. Adrian Cutajar at Alberta: “Burglars go for easy targets. In all the time that I’ve worked in the security industry I have only ever seen one case of burglars attempting to break into a place that had an intruder alarm.

Further to this, as soon as the alarm went off they ran away, so it was successful too.”

Nowadays intruder alarm systems exist in various configurations, ranging from the wireless type to the more conventional and well-proven wired systems. Donald Pace at Firetech: “In our opinion, hardwired is best. Wireless systems are highly dependent on the environment in which they are used and there is a risk that effectiveness decreases due to local building characteristics. Nowadays, cables are extremely thin and can be very well concealed. In new buildings careful design and planning will ensure that containment pipework is included in all areas to pass system wiring in walls without any damage to the finish. One main concern is of course that intruders could cut the wires and disable the system – most systems are set so that if this were to happen, the alarm would sound all the same”.

To protect any building from intrusion the main entry points need to be identified and classed into two categories: high risk and low risk. Various types of sensors can be positioned to indicate when the security of the building has been breached.

Apartment protection focuses on the building itself, while villa protection also focuses on the perimeter of the property.

Main apertures can be protected with a magnetic contact so that if the contact is broken, the alarm will sound. Passive infra-red sensors detect differences in temperature and/ or movement, so when they pick up on body heat in a supposedly empty space, the alarm sounds. These small infra-red sensors can be located strategically to cover high-risk areas. They can be programmed to cover different zones at different times. For instance, if the user were abroad, the entire home could be covered. If the user were in the house sleeping, the sensors would be set to detect body heat or movement

High quality images from some of the best choice of CCTV brands on the market, designed and installed by Alberta

only outside of the chosen zones. Pet friendly sensors for small pets are also available. Each sensor point covers approximately 5-10 metres, so not that many are needed, especially for apartments.

Intruder alarms can be connected to the user’s telephone so that when the alarm sounds it automatically dials a list of selected numbers with a recorded message identifying where the alarm is coming from. Alarm sirens can be set to go off inside or outside, or both. Duress alarms allow the user to type in a code indicating that all is not well, leaving the aggressor unaware that help is on the way. Some companies, such as Firetech and Alberta, offer 24-hour alarm centre services, which respond to calls according to the agreed procedure with each client. Such services can also include the intervention of a dedicated response team, alongside a mobile police squad, which means that they’re on site within minutes.

Donald Pace: “For a basic system to secure an average sized house, a good quality intruder alarm coupled with a minimum of two to four CCTV cameras connected to a digital video recorder would protect all entry points, recording any attempts at intrusion, as well as sounding the alarm if the premises were actually entered. Through the DVR an owner who is away a lot or lives alone can monitor his premises remotely via the internet, as well as verify the cause of an alarm.

Prices start at approximately €500 for a basic intruder alarm, €350 for a small CCTV system and about €100 for a safe.

HOME SECURITY CAMERAS CCTV cameras allow users to view their properties remotely, even from the phone. Home security cameras are very useful in preventing crime and investigating crime scenes, which means that they’re a good damper. A home security camera should be a part of a larger security system because the camera alone is not enough to scare intruders away.

FIRE TECH

CCTV cameras are discrete and available in a black or white finish to blend in with the decor. Find them at Firetech

Various cameras can be set up on one server and now with everything being digital, the monitors are small and flat, with the cameras wired directly to them. A CCTV camera can be connected to an intruder alarm so that all the security is within one system. Home security cameras range from €120 €10,000. A single IP camera can be connected to a home

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HW SAFETY SECURITY & SAFETY

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PC for €120, while a good system with three to four cameras and a hard disk will cost about €500.

BARRIERS There are manual and motorised garage doors and gates. The manual ones are opened with a key, whereas the motorised ones have remote controls. Motorised garage doors from FGP (The Garage Door People) start from €1,200, while motorised gates start from €1,800 and offer a standard two-year guarantee.

Fences can have detection wires running through them so that anything that crosses them will trigger the alarm. However, it does take structure to do this so it can prove somewhat expensive.

Donald Pace at Firetech: “I am still amazed at the use of extremely weak aluminium aperture shutters. These can so easily be dismantled in seconds, offering free access to intruders.”

FIRE SAFETY Donald Pace at Firetech: “Fires are highly underrated. The myth in Malta is that our houses are made out of stone, so they don’t burn and that it’s rare to see a fire. This is not the case.

Lifestyles have changed and highly inflammable items, which run the risk of fire, surround us. Our buildings include a lot of electrical and even cooking appliances that do not always require supervision when connected. For instance, a common fire risk is posed by computer equipment and laptops being left on inflammable furniture, such as wooden desks or sofas.

All it takes is for an electrical short to occur and a fire will be sparked off”.

The minimum requirements in a home should include a fire extinguisher, a fire blanket and possibly a smoke detector in high-risk areas.

At Alberta, fire safety systems can range from €25-€5,000, depending on which level you wish to protect your home.

Firetech offers a fire safety pack, which includes a fire blanket, a fire extinguisher and a battery operated smoke detector for €25.

Insulated overhead sectional door with cassette panel design, which can be operated manually or with a remote control, available from FGP

FIND IT ALBERTA, Triq San Gwakkin Road, Mriehel. Tel: 2549 0410. www.alberta.com.mt Brands: Bosch, Risco, Apollo, Siemens, Arecont, Aiphone, HIK-Vision BRIGHTER SOLUTIONS LTD, 2/3, Triq Tal-Balal, Xwieki L/O Gharghur. Tel: 2142 4750. www.brightersolutions.com.mt Brands: Samsung, Alpha LED, Dotspot, WEF, Ivela FGP – The Garage Door People, 109, Triq Valletta, Luqa.

Tel: 21667 107/8. www.fgp.com.mt FINO FERRAMENTA, 1, Ferris Buildings, Triq San Luqa, G’Mangia, Pieta. Tel: 2122 2257. www.finoferramenta.com Brands: Jis, Potent, Mottura, Azbe, Cisa, Commax, Genway FIRETECH, 99, Triq Il-Mithna, Qormi. Tel: 2278 5200. www.firetech.com.mt Brands: Satel Intruder Alarms, Elvox Access Control Barriers & Audio / Video Hall Porter Systems, ACTI & AData CCTV Equipment, Burg Wachter Safes & Access Control, Jewel Fire Protection Equipment.

UNITECH LTD, Unitex Vjal Cottoner, Fgura. Tel: 7777 3388

AT A GLANCE:

The weak spots and the risk of a break in

Skylight 2% Balcony / terrace 20% Ground floor windows 13% Lightwell 9% Back door 13% Front door 2% Basement window 11% Basement door 25% Garage 5%

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HW ARCHITECTURE

ENRICHING

ENVIRONMENTS It’s quite obvious that a colourful environment is far more uplifting than one without colour.

HOMEWORKS identifies some truly colourful spaces and places around the globe

SHELTER ISLAND, NEW YORK Stamberg Aferiat Architecture drew on specific inspirations, such as Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion, Le Corbusier’s Ronchamps, and Marcel Breuer’s Wassily Chair to design a house that explores the reality of the industrially-produced materials and methods of our own time. Unlike the Barcelona Pavilion that used thenexotic materials, the architects utilised more common materials but rendered them striking in usage, pigment choice, or both.

Colour, often a signature in the firm’s work, was no less important than their examination and choice of materials. Sir Isaac Newton’s colour principles, in contrast to Aristotelian colour theory, observed

the different behaviour of colour made by pigment and colour made from light. The Impressionists and Fauves experimented with Newtonian principles to create light effects with pigment.

These experiments redefined the concept of colour combinations.

Guided by Newton, the architects experimented with the effects of strong colour and used newly-invented, brightly-pigmented materials and paints. Additionally, their choice of an intense pigment-driven palette allows richly-coloured reflected light to pass through transparent walls, suffusing spaces with a delighting glow. www.stambergaferiat.com

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ARCHITECTURE HW

BORDEAUX, FRANCE Arc en Ciel by architects Agence Bernard Bühler hosts about forty homes and offices. Positioned at an intersection and near a shopping centre it manages its urban context, the flow of cars, tramway flows and thus pedestrian flows. The building consists of three layers with five levels consisting of bands of coloured glass. Coloured boxes, which serve as terraces in the front, break the rhythm of stained slides. www.bernard-buhler.com

IRVINGTON, NEW YORK The Victorian period was actually a very colourful time, although we tend to think of it in terms of faded black and white photographs. Restored by architect and preservationist Joseph Pell Lombardi, the Armour-Stiner Octagon House’s exterior is covered with one of ten different colours. One of the more visually unique homes possibly in the world, it’s the only known residence constructed in the eight-sided, domed shape of a classic Roman temple. The exterior embellishments are bravely festive with floral detailing in the cast iron cresting and railings, and elaborately carved wood scrollwork and capitals – all painted in shades of rose, blue, violet and red. The interiors are equally decorative with painted and stencilled ceilings, trim with gold, silver and bronze leaf, and eight-sided motifs in plasterwork, woodwork and etched glass. www.josephpelllombardi.com

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ARCHITECTURE HW

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS Architect Piet Blom was commissioned by the city of Rotterdam to design housing on top of a pedestrian bridge. He opted to use a cubic housing idea that he had originally developed in the 1970s.

The concept behind the housing is that each cube represents an abstract tree – collectively, a forest. www.piet-blom.nl

DARMSTADT, GERMANY The Hundertwasser house Waldspirale (Forest Spiral) was built in Darmstadt by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the famous Austrian architect and painter, who is widely renowned for his revolutionary, colourful architectural designs, which incorporate irregular, organic forms.

The structure with 105 apartments wraps around a landscaped courtyard with a running stream. www.hundertwasserfoundation.org 065

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Lighting | Sofas | Furniture | Accessories

Your Lifestyle‌ Your Choice The largest selection of lighting, furniture, sofas & accessories.

A huge choice to suit all tastes & budgets.

A T F E

Dun Karm Xerri Street, Iklin. +356 2141 9111 +356 2148 5126 farrugialight@waldonet.net.mt

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farrugia.com.mt

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SHOP HW

Celebrate your wedding with a One Two One wedding list and choose from the extensive selection of exclusive tableware by Rosenthal, such as the TAC 02 collection, which comes in a variety of colours and finishes. One Two One Interiors, 21st September Avenue, Naxxar.

Tel: 2142 2948/9 & Qui Si Sana Seafront, Sliema. Tel: 2132 3155. www.onetwoone.eu

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SHOP HW

The Afrika sofa made by FAMA is available in leather or fabric, or a mix of both in various colours and patterns. @240, Zabbar Road, Fgura. Tel: 2367 6100. www.famaliving.com.store/malta info@240.com.mt

Byzance from carréblanc offers classical elegance with its striking design on a white background and matching terry towels and bathrobes, with contrasting plain mauve accoutrements. Price: king sized duvet cover, €148. carréblanc, Tal-Balal Road, San Gwann. Tel: 2138 8880 / 2738 8880. www.facebook.com/carreblancmalta and go to ‘shop’ (free delivery in Malta)

Vibrant colours contrasting a warm satin cotton finish is the theme of Kilian by carréblanc – matching duvets and pillow cases with a selection of towels and bathrobes complete the range. Price: double duvet cover, €102. carréblanc, Tal-Balal Road, San Gwann. Tel: 2138 8880 / 2738 8880. www.facebook.com/carreblancmalta and go to ‘shop’ (free delivery in Malta)

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HEART MADE. H A N D F I N I S H E D. Created with Swiss precision and high quality demands. Combined with the love for detail, exceptional bathroom concepts come to life: LAUFEN palace, design by platinumdesign

Arcade Street, Paola. • tel- 2180 9111/2 • fax- 2180 9114 • email- info@banjuboutique.com • www.banjuboutique.com

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SHOP HW

The warm bronze and copper colour tones of these slate planters acts as a great foil for all kinds of foliage and floral colour. Price: starting from €44. Garden It, Triq Is-Santwarju, San Gwann. Tel: 2137 7448. www.gardenit.com.mt

Bukhara is a stunning collection of embroidered linens, coordinated stripes, jacquard and plain fabrics. Made-tomeasure curtain and blind service available, complete with home consultation. One Two One Interiors, 21st September Avenue, Naxxar. Tel: 2142 2948/9 & Qui Si Sana Seafront, Sliema. Tel: 2132 3155. www.onetwoone.eu

Set your gift list at Raphael Azzopardi to ensure your gift is something that is needed, be it classic or contemporary, occasion tableware or daily use. Prestigious products and brands – from the most beautiful fine bone china and crystal, to porcelain and stainless steel. Raphael Azzopardi, 6, Triq Uqija, Ibrag. Tel: 2137 3812.

Modern designer console table in black lacquered glass, including a front drawer with front edges in bevelled mirror.

Price of console table (100cm x 76cm x 33cm): €398. Price of mirror (90cm x 90cm): €289. The Mirror Shop, 122, Triq il-Kappillan Mifsud, St.Venera. Tel: 2701 4794. www.themirrorshop.eu

Sambonet cutlery sets and servers, table accessories and much more – a feast for stylish, yet practical individuals who love to entertain. Raphael Azzopardi, 6, Triq Uqija, Ibrag.

Tel: 2137 3812.

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SHOP HW

A di Alessi innovative designer kitchen articles with practical daily use at affordable prices. Price: starting from €15. Petrolea Showroon (open all day), Valley Road, Msida. Tel: 2123 4501. www.petroleamalta.com

Dimco wall light/reading lamp with LED lamp (already installed in fitting). Price: €86.85.

VCT Ltd, Ponsomby Street, Mosta.

An extensive range of designer lamps and centrepieces complemented with a distinctive selection of one-off restored antique furniture and paintings, combining the new with the old. Price: starting from €285. Cabouxon Luxury, Wied Ghomor Street, St. Julian’s (opposite Ryan’s pub).

Tel: 2138 5225. info@cabouxon.com / www.cabouxon.com

View the latest collection of L&L lampshades in various sizes, styles, colours (stands also available in glass) – and add warmth and style to your room with one of these truly magnificent lamps.

Price: starting from €75.

Gifts&More, Level 1, Topline, St. Andrew’s Tel : 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.com.mt

Carlotta - Serie Carlotta stand lamps by Fabasluce - Italy. Price: €797. VCT Ltd, Ponsomby Street, Mosta.

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SHOP HW

Decorative flower compositions in detailed white vases by Sia. Price: €59. Floreal Home, Parish Street, Naxxar. Tel: 2747 0744/5. florealhome@melita.com / Facebook: Floreal Home.

Electric under-floor heating for all types of flooring – tiles, stone, marble and parquet with the Flexel range of under-floor heating systems. Made in the UK with a 10-year warranty and maintenance-free. Clever Homes Ltd, Triq Testaferrata, Ta’Xbiex. Tel: 2132 4473 / 7949 6097. info@cleverhomes.com.mt / www.@cleverhomes.com.mt

Cubic hurricane lamp by Sia. Price: €99. Floreal Home, Parish Street, Naxxar. Tel: 2747 0744/5. florealhome@melita.com / Facebook: Floreal Home.

Serie “Sfera” design by Sabrina Selli and supplied by Disegno Ceramica, available in white, black or Baroque design. MRCD Ltd, Triq Karmenu Camilleri, Qormi.

Tel: 2146 8770 / 2146 8771 / 2146 8773. info@mrcd.com.mt / www.mrcd.com.mt

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HW SHOP

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SHOP HW

An expression of style, quality and ethics, the Etic collection of fine porcelain Italian stoneware is a balance of naturalness and genuineness of untreated wood essences in a ceramic finishing. In turn, the fine stoneware creates spaces with emotional atmospheres, even in contexts that require high technical performance.

Josies, Naxxar Road, Lija.

Tel: 2141 0685. / www.josiesbathrooms.com

100% pure new wool – the pile of BRINK&CAMPMAN hand-knotted rugs is a blend of Tibetan and New Zealand non-allergic wool, retaining an inherent natural lustre and strong character. The result is a cosy rich rug with 60 knots per square inch, which oozes elegance and sophistication.

Price: starting from €250. core, Upper Valley Rd (on the way up to Mannarino Rd), B’Kara. Tel: 2144 3449. www.core.com.mt / www.brinkcampman.com

See the Loddenkemper range of wall units and range of sofas to suit all budgets and tastes at the newly refurbished showroom at Oxford House in Mriehel – main, spare and kids bedrooms, as well as built-in wardrobes at very affordable prices are also on display. Tel: 2546 4000. www.oxfordhouse.com.mt .

Fireplace consisting of a Spartherm Firebox, Basaltina stoneware and Calcum Selecute boards – installation included. Price: fireboxes starting from €780. Star Fires, 10/12, Triq Zenqa, Naxxar.

Tel: 2142 0255 / 2142 0262. starfire@maltanet.net www.starfires.com

The latest ‘Elano’ wall unit from Loddenkemper and ‘Diamond’ Marinelli leather sofa, alongside a vast range for all tastes and styles, as well as a display of walk-in wardrobes, main, spare and kids bedrooms. Tel: 2546 4151/2. www.oxfordhouse.com.mt

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2012424 B4 Homeworks Advert SALE.pdf

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10/01/2012

16:56

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SALE affordable luxury

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OPEN ALL DAY ON WEDNESDAY Mosta Tel: 2143 2003 - Fgura Tel: 2180 1092 www.b4.com.mt www.gamamobel.com

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GARDEN HW

GARDEN NEWS > GRASS CUTTING FREEDOM The new Alpina petrol grass cutters from Tabone Direct allow you to work in freedom and safety, with amazing efficiency. Light and handy, easy to start in all weather conditions, with interchangeable cutting heads featuring nylon line or metal blades, powerful and reliable engines, a cutting-edge anti-vibration system and many other userfriendly devices, they deliver top performance and perfect control. www.zahra.com.mt

NEW EMU! The new emu outdoor furniture stock is now available at Fino. The wicker is an innovative fibre that combines an extremely natural look with extraordinary resistance to extreme weather and sunlight. It maintains its shape and colour over time and is exceptionally durable, more so than natural fibres. www.fino.com.mt

RAVING RATTAN Find a great selection of new rattan sofa sets with cushions, available in loads of different colours at Tabonedirect. www.tabonedirect.com

MUSHROOMS FROM NOT MUCH

PEDRALI’S PASHA New Italian-made Pedrali chairs are now available at camilleriparismode, inclusive of the Pasha Lounge Chair. An innovative take on the classical winged armchair, the Pasha is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, creating a unique focal point in whichever environment it resides. www.camilleriparismode.com

Inspired by the idea of producing local, fresh food from what was an urban waste stream, Back to the Roots has created the Grow-Your-Own Mushroom Garden which lets anyone, anywhere, grow their own gourmet mushrooms at home. Inspired by the idea of turning waste into fresh, local food, they experimented until the founders ultimately grew one test bucket of tasty oyster mushrooms on recycled coffee grounds.

The rest is history. www.backtotheroots.com 079

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Light up your home with one touch.

The intelligent light console provides homes with an array of lighting moods at the touch of a button or via remote control. The system is versatile enough to control lighting as well as other electrical devices in a specific area or throughout the entire home.

Studioseven’s sales & installations team are able

Contact Studioseven’s sales &

to provide an on-site consultation, plan and install

installations department to arrange

a complete lighting control system for your home,

a consultation and see the complete

office or apartment. Packages start from €430*.

range of lighting control systems.

*Installation not included.

www.studioseven.com.mt • 2148 6301 • installations@studioseven.com.mt

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GARDEN HW

ARTNOUVEAU AFFECTION

Ever wondered about those lovely Art Nouveau inspired houses and gardens opposite Msida Marina?

Melina Scodanibbio talks to garden enthusiast David Caruana about his garden in Ta’Xbiex Photography: MAS Words: Melina Scodanibbio

s I approach David Caruana’s house I secretly hope it will be the one I’ve always admired from a distance in this stretch of beautiful Ta Xbiex villas. It is. A sweet floral scent and the sound of chirping birds greets me long before I ring the bell and through the gate I can see why.

A profusion of plants almost smothers the house and spills over the walls, while two large trees stand sentinel and provide dappled shade.

A

The house, a perfect example of the early 1900s Art Nouveau style, belonged to the Delia family, furniture makers from Valletta who used it as a summer residence. It was bought by the Caruanas 50 years ago, making this year rather special, as it also coincides with their 50th wedding anniversary!

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GARDEN HW

Arched Trellis

Fern

Farfugium

Wisteria

Crotons

Cinereria

An arbour leads to the front door, shading the path and providing support for honeysuckle, a grape vine and a beautiful Solanum wendlandii. Flanking the path are the two feature trees, a huge Ficus lyrata, or fiddle leaf fig, and a lovely Jacaranda, which was planted exactly 46 years ago, a day after David’s daughter was born.

David is a passionate gardener and the love for his plants is obvious, as he enthusiastically explains all his gardening tricks.

As we talk he carefully nips off dry twigs, collects slugs, turns a plant to make sure it gets the best light or lifts huge pots of galletti (Farfugium) to look for snails, which may be hidden in the curl of a leaf. His passion for gardens extends far beyond his own, and every trip abroad is a good excuse to visit famous gardens all over Europe and as far away as Brazil and Argentina.

His wise conclusion is that all gardens have their beauty – even dry and drought tolerant ones.

David grows most of his plants from seeds or cuttings, making sure the process is correct right from the beginning. “Get the basics right”, he says showing me the great soil he mixes using his own compost maker, to which he adds sodium for a faster decomposition. “The PH value is very important – for example, carob tree compost is acidic so generally it must be used in small quantities, more for acid loving plants, such as ferns.”

Each pot is labelled with a date and contents, and is looked after until it is ready to be transplanted into the open soil or brought in the house as a feature during winter or when entertaining. “There is no such thing as an indoor plant”, David continues, “in the right climate they all grow outdoors.” In fact, I spot a few typical ‘house’ plants such as crotons, Dracaena marginata and ferns growing happily in a shady spot.

David tells me that while his very experienced gardener gives him some valuable advice and does the heavy work, the whole family is often roped in with daughters and grandchildren collecting seeds and taking cuttings. Every year, the areas of open soil are prepared to receive the Cineraria (Senecio cruentus) seedlings, sown in trays in August and transplanted in January / February.

This has become a sort of ritual and the gorgeous display of colour is admired by many.

Another lovely feature is the gazebo, which with its three columns facing south, east and west, is a real suntrap and ideal for outdoor lunches throughout winter, as well as the perfect vantage point to admire the garden and the views of the marina.

A real gardener’s garden, which certainly proves another of David’s maxims: “What you put in, comes out!”

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FOOD NEWS HW

FOOD NEWS >

GET A GRIP One Two One Interiors brings us the all-new, highly functional, non-slip serving tray by Joseph Joseph. Made from high-grade ABS plastic with deep sides and large carry handles, the tray is designed to keep glasses, cutlery and plates safely in place during kitchen to table journies. www.onetwoone.eu

NEW SHOP-IN-SHOP BAR NESCAFÉ Malta has joined forces with Charles Grech & Co. Ltd. to open the new NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto shop-in-shop (SIS) Bar at Charles Grech Liquor Store in Birkirkara. The SIS offers the complete range of 12 coffee and cocoa flavoured capsules, and all NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto items are available for sale, including machines, capsules and accessories. Visitors can also drop by to indulge in an NDG flavour of their choice or order it to go. www.dolce-gusto.com.mt

LOVELY LAVENDAR! Lovely new Padblocks fine bone china mugs range at Little Luxuries. www.littleluxuries.com.mt

FONDUE SIESTA There’s nothing more relaxed and cosy than sharing a fondue with friends. Tescoma has just introduced new meat, cheese and chocolate fondue sets with six rotating dishes, an adjustable flame and coloured handles. www.tescomamalta.com

DELICATE DECANTING Make a table statement with Vascas’ all-new mahogany double tantalus plain cut spirit decanters. www.vascas.net

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HW CUISINE

EASYGOODNESS Recipes: Joe Vella Photography: MAS Wine Recommendations: Bill Hermitage, Delicata Winery Tableware: Zara Home Styling: Troika Zammit

>HOMEWORKS brings you the tastes of Executive Chef Joe Vella’s allnew easy-to-prepare recipes from his recently-launched cookbook ‘A Passion for Cooking – Recipes By Joe’. Serve the perfect meal with the ideal wine accompaniment recommended by Bill Hermitage of Delicata MUSHROOM & VEAL RAVIOLA TOSSED IN A TOMATO AND TRUFFLE OIL Ingredients for the raviola (serves 4)

Ingredients for the sauce

400g 240g 200g 6 20g 400g

600g

fresh plum tomatoes

60g 100g

ginger sugar bean sprouts to garnish

20ml 60ml

white vinegar truffle oil

selection of mushrooms veal onions garlic cloves thyme pasta dough

Method For the stuffing, mince together the veal, onions, garlic, thyme and the mushrooms.

After sweating everything in a pan, season to taste and allow to cool.

Roll out the pastry thinly and pipe some of the stuffing at the centre. Cover with a pastry lid in order to form a kind of hat.

For the sauce, sweat the ginger, glaze with sugar and vinegar, add some diced plum tomatoes and leave to reduce. When done, blend and sieve.

To serve, boil the raviola. Then put some tomato reduction and place the raviola on top.

Surround with some mushrooms and drizzle with truffle oil.

BILL HERMITAGE’S BEST WINE ACCOMPANIMENT RECOMMENDATION: 2010 GRAND VIN DE HAUTEVILLE VIOGNIER - D.O.K. SUPERIOR MALTA “Initially with this dish I was going to opt for a light red as an accompaniment, but the flavours of the veal and mushroom are very delicate and when they are combined with the scented flavours of the ginger and truffle oil, I felt that even a light red would be slightly too overpowering. A full bodied un-oaked white on the other hand was perfect, as it coped easily with both the veal and the stronger flavoured tomato reduction. The white wine I chose is made entirely from hot climate, ripe Malta grown Viognier grapes, which produce this full flavoured, soft dry white wine that possesses really good structure and weight.”

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CUISINE HW

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HW FOOD NEWS

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CUISINE HW

CHICKEN & FRUIT TAJINE

Ingredients (serves 4) For stage 1: 800g chicken thighs cut in chunks 1 lemon juice 1 orange juice salt and pepper For stage 2: 150g chopped onions 2 tbsp crushed garlic 2 tbsp cumin powder 4 tbsp olive oil 1 orange juice

For stage 3: 1 cinnamon stick 1 tbsp peeled chopped lemon ¼ ltr chicken stock

Method for stage 1: Mix all the chicken pieces with the lemon juice, orange juice, salt and pepper in a dish.

Leave in the fridge for two hours.

Method for stage 3: When the chicken is well coloured, add the cinnamon stick and the peeled lemon with the chicken stock and fry on a hot pan until the chicken turns tender.

Method for stage 2: Mix all the ingredients together; pour on the marinated chicken and leave to set for another two hours. Heat the frying pan and fry the pieces of chicken until they turn golden brown.

For stage 4: 100g prunes 50g dry apricots 100g roasted almonds 50gr raisins 1 tbsp maltese honey

Method for stage 4: Add all the ingredients in the saucepan and cook together with the chicken and sauce for 20 minutes until the liquid is reduced. You can serve this dish with an almond French bean salad on the side.

BILL HERMITAGE’S BEST WINE ACCOMPANIMENT RECOMMENDATION: 2010 MEDINA SYRAH - D.O.K. SUPERIOR MALTA “This tasty, full flavoured dish definitely benefits from a red wine, but the red of your choice needs to be crammed full of ripe fruit with little tannin. This dish has so many mixed ‘fruity’ flavours in it coming from the prunes, apricots, raisons, orange and lemon that the red wine needs to be juicy. A wine that has all of these characteristics and is drinking so well at the moment is the young Medina un-oaked Syrah. It’s packed with ripe, berry-flavoured fruits that makes it an ideal accompaniment to this delicious poultry dish.”

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HW FOOD NEWS

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CUISINE HW DOUBLE CHOC BROWNIES, ORANGE AND WHITE CHOCOLATE CRÈME

Ingredients for double chocolate brownies: (serves 4) 2 175g 240g

eggs sugar 64% dark chocolate

150g 1 20g 3g 60g 100g

butter vanilla pod cocoa powder baking powder flour 71% bitter chocolate drops

Method for double chocolate brownies: Whisk the eggs and sugar until frothy. In the meantime, melt the butter and chocolate over a bain-marie. In a bowl combine all the dry ingredients then fold the melted butter and chocolate to the foamy eggs. Then, slowly fold in the dry ingredients and the bitter chocolate drops. Bake at 180º for 20 to 25 minutes.

For orange and white chocolate crème: 200ml milk 50ml crème 3 yolks 25g inverted sugar 2 gelatine sheets 300g white chocolate orange peel of 1 orange orange segments of 1 orange

Method for orange and white chocolate crème: Heat the milk and cream. Whisk together the inverted sugar with the egg yolks then whisk in the hot milk; stir until combined. Remove from the heat and add the orange peel, the white chocolate and the softened gelatine. Stir until all is combined. Place the orange segments at the bottom of a shot glass and pour the cream mixture on top. Let them set in the fridge.

BILL HERMITAGE’S BEST WINE ACCOMPANIMENT RECOMMENDATION: 2009 GRAND VIN DE HAUTEVILLE MOSCATO – D.O.K. MALTA LIQUEUR WINE “Chocolate and Moscato are a classic combination, especially when oranges are used in the recipe as well. This rich, tasty dessert requires a wine that is as equally rich and sweet, and because of the little bit of age of this particular wine, delicious mature honeyed flavours intermingle with the citrus elements of this dish perfectly. The mouth-feel of this wine is also important, as it has the weight and viscosity to complement the sweetness of the dish whist remaining crisp enough to refresh the palate, long after the richness of the chocolate has disappeared.”

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A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS HW

Parquet Flooring

Decking

Doors

Windows

Paritions

Special Offers on Real Wood Flooring...

GRF Limited. Bellavista Court, Bellavista Street, San Gwann SGN 2698, Malta Tel: +356 2137 7378 Mob: +356 7942 4422 Fax: +356 2137 3543

DECORATIVE FINISHES

Gypsum

G R F decorative finishes www.grfmalta.com

GARAGE DOORS FLOORING

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

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FLOORING FURNITURE 094

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

09/02/2012 03:16

A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS HW INNOVATIVE LIGHTING

LUX-IT OFFERS A VAST SELECTION OF LIGHT FIXTURES WITH DETAIL TO QUALITY AND DESIGN...

LIGHTING

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPECIAL OFFERS!

“Light up your world with style!”

BEING CONTINUOUSLY INNOVATIVE, WE BRING YOU THE LATEST IN LIGHTING AND SPECIALISE IN LED AND ENERGY SAVING SOLUTIONS.

LUX-IT, 105, Luqa Road, Paola TXN9043. Malta (opposite Carters Supermarket) T: 21 66 55 44 - E: sales@lux-it.com

NEW WEBSITE! WWW.LUX-IT.COM

OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS

relax al fresco

Enjoy your outdoor space all year round with full protection from the sun, rain, cold and wind.

Savour your spare time – in your own garden, on your own patio. weinor endeavours to help you live this valuable time to the full, meeting your requirements every time, and all from one single source.

OutdOOr SOlutiOnS (a division of AVC Ltd) winner 2008 winner 2009

Eurotec Buildings, Msida Valley Road, Birkirkara T: 2099 0009 E: info@avc.com.mt W: weinor.com

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

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HW A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS

PAINT RUGS 096

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

09/02/2012 03:16

A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS HW TILING WATER DISPENSORS

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

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ADDRESS BOOK> 240 Ltd., Zabbar Road, Fgura.

Tel: 2367 6100. info@240.com.mt / www.240.com.mt

Clever Homes, Triq Testaferrata, Ta’ Xbiex. Tel: 7949 6097. www.cleverhomes.com

Alberta, Head Office, Triq San Gwakkin, Mriehel. Gozo Branch, c/o DDS Ltd. Dominic Department Stores, Triq San Leonard, Victoria, Gozo. Tel: 2144 3538. info@alberta.com.mt / www.alberta.com.mt

Core, Triq il- Wied, B’Kara. Tel: 2144 3449. info@core.com.mt / www.core.com.mt

APS Bank, Tel: 2122 6644. csc@apsbank.com.mt / www.apsbank.com.mt Astral, Marina Court, Triq L-Abate Rigord, Ta’Xbiex. Tel: 2134 0562 / 2134 5522. info@astral.com.mt / www.astral.com.mt B4, Triq Haz - Zabbar, Fgura.

Tel: 2180 1092. Triq Kostituzzjoni, Mosta. Tel: 2143 2003. info@b4.com.mt / www.b4.com.mt B&M Supplies, Bypass ta’ B’Kara, B’Kara. Tel: 2144 0710. www.bmsupplies.com Banju Boutique, Triq L- Arkata, Paola.

Tel: 2180 9111/2. info@banjuboutique.com / www.banjuboutique.com Bathroom Design, 358, Triq in Naxxar, B’Kara. Tel: 2144 1328/9. info@bathroomdesign.com.mt / www.bathroomdesign.com.mt BDI, 1, Triq Pietru Felici, Qormi. Tel: 2149 1727/2. homesbybdi@onvol.net www.homesbybdi.com Biggie Best, Triq tal-Balal, San Gwann.

Tel: 2138 8880 / 2738 8880. www.biggiebestmalta.com Blueline Halmann, Triq Achille Ferris, Msida. Tel: 2131 6432/5. Triq In-Naxxar, Lija. Tel: 2141 2187 / 2141 4288. sales@blueline.com.mt / www.blueline.com.mt BOV, 58, Triq Zakkarija, Valletta. Tel: 2131 2020. www.bov.com Brands International, Triq In-Naxxar Road, San Gwann. Tel: 2744 4110 / 2144 4110/ 7977 1100. sales@brands.com.mt / www.brands.com.mt Brighter Solutions, 2/3, Triq tal-Balal, Xwieki L/O Ghargur.

Tel: 2142 4750 / 2742 4750. info@brightersolutions.com.mt / www.ledmalta.com.mt Cabouxon, Bajja ta Spinola, St. Julians.

Tel: 2138 5225. info@cabouxon.com / www.cabouxon.com Carefree Furniture, Factory 10B, Zona Industrijali, Xewkija, Gozo.

Tel: 2155 7456/ 7947 3427.

Carmelo Delia (Est. 1890), Triq Il - Wied, B’Kara. Tel: 2388 9200 / 2147 2882. info@carmelodelia.com www.bigbon.com Casanova, Triq San Tumas, Luqa. Tel: 2180 0221 / 2180 0214. info@casanova.com.mt / www.casanova.com.mt Ceramax, Triq Il - Mosta, Lija. Tel: 2142 0536. info@ceramax.com.mt / www.ceramax.com.mt

Crown Paints, Colours & More Paint Centre, Triq it-Torri, Swatar, B’Kara. Tel: 2134 6637.

Creations Omnistat, Liland Buildings, Triq l-Mdina, Attard.

Tel: 2141 1541/ 2141 7616. johann@creationsomni.com / www.creationsomni.com Cutrico, Cutrico Building, Triq ilFerrovija l-Antika, Santa Venera.

Tel: 2149 8658 / 2149 8693. sales@cutrico.com / www.cutrico.com de Valier, Triq San Gwakkin, Mriehel.

Tel: 21491111. info@devalier.com.mt / www.devalier.com.mt Decorium, 190, Triq In-Naxxar, San Gwann. Tel: 2138 9224 / 9943 3900. decoriumofmalta@gmail.com Eco Pure, The Brewery, Triq l - Mdina, Mriehel. Tel: 2381 4411. eco@farsons.com / www.farsons.com Emmanuel Delicata Winemaker Ltd, The Winery on the Waterfront, Paola.

Tel: 2182 5199 / 7982 5199. info@delicata.com / www.delicata.com Farrugia Lighting, Triq Dun Karm Xerri, Iklin. Tel: 2141 9111. info@farrugia.com.mt / www.farrugia.com.mt FGP Ltd, 109, Triq il - Belt Valletta, Luqa. Tel: 2166 7107/8 / 2167 5384. sales@fgp.com.mt / www.fgp.com.mt

Joinwell, Triq Il - Mithna, Qormi.

Tel: 2278 2000. marketing@joinwell.com.mt / www. joinwell.com.mt

Shaker, 3, Triq il-Gibjun, San Gwann.

Tel: 2138 7686/ 2738 7686. info@shaker.com.mt / www.shaker.com.mt

Josies, Triq in – Naxxar, Lija.

Tel: 2141 0685 / 2143 8242. www.josies.com.mt

Smarthomes, Triq il-Wied, Msida. Tel: 2733 4499. info@smarthomesmalta.com / www.smarthomesmalta.com

JTS Trading, Triq Il - Kummerc, Qormi.

Tel: 2149 6415 / 9944 6951 jurgen@ jtstrading.com / www.jtstrading.com Krea Ltd, Triq L-Mdina, Qormi. Tel: 2146 3501. info@krea.com.mt / www.krea.com.mt Lux-It, 105, Triq Hal Luqa, Paola.

Tel: 2166 5544. sales@lux-it.com / www.lux-it.com One Two One Interiors, Vjal Il - Wiehed U Ghoxrin Ta’ Settembru, Naxxar. Tel: 2142 2948/9. Ix-Xatt, Sliema.

Tel: 2132 3155/65. www.onetwoone.eu OK Ltd., Rue D’Argens, Gzira.

Tel: 2134 3865/6. www.ok.com.mt M.Demajo, Misrah Iz - Zebbug, Qormi.

Tel: 2148 7078. timbers@demajo.com / www.demajotimbers.com MRCD, Triq Karmenu Camilleri, Qormi.

Tel: 2146 8770 / 1/3. Triq in-Naxxar, Lija.

Tel: 2141 3132. www.mrcd.com.mt Mil Ideas, 27, Tower Road, Sliema.

Tel: 2124 8272.

MRCD, Triq Karmenu Camilleri, Qormi.

Tel: 2146 8770 / 1/3. Triq in-Naxxar, Lija.

Tel: 2141 3132. www.mrcd.com.mt Next Home, Triq Bisazza, Sliema.

Tel: 2134 4156.

Sphinx Creations, Entrata Bldgs, Triq Haz- Zebbug, Attard.

Tel: 2143 0075/6 / 2143 0076 / 9944 5231 / 9901 9901. info@sphinxcreations.com / www.sphinxcreations.com Spot On Supplies Ltd, 102, Triq Il-Palma, Paola. Tel: 2166 8880 / 7981 7777. info@spotonmalta.com / www.spotonmalta.com Star Fires, Shop No.2, Triq iz- Zenqa, Naxxar. Tel:2142 0262 / 99472119. starfire@maltanet.net Studio 7, Triq il-Vitorja, B’Kara.

Tel: 2144 7887/8. sales@studio7malta.com / www.studio7malta.com The Atrium, Homemate, Bypass ta’ l’Mriehel, Mriehel. Tel: 2147 0000. info@theatrium.com.mt / www.theatrium.com.mt The House Shop, 1 Marina Business Centre, Triq Abate Rigord, Ta’ Xbiex. Tel: 2133 4226 / 2131 1144. info@thehouseshop.net / www.thehouseshop.net The Mirror Shop, 122, Triq il-Kappillan Mifsud, St. Venera. Tel: 2701 4794 / 9942 3392. info@themirrorshop.eu / www.themirrorshop.eu

OK Ltd., Rue D’Argens, Gzira.

Tel: 2134 3865/6. www.ok.com.mt

The Rug Company, Area F, Blue Harbour Business Centre, Ta’ Xbiex.

Tel: 2132 4990. www.therugcompany.info

One Percent, Triq il-Wied, Msida.

Tel: 2546 5000. info@onepercent.com.mt www.onepercent.com.mt

Topline, Triq Sant Andru, St. Andrews.

Tel: 2137 2256. info@giftsandmore.com.mt / www.giftsandmore.com.mt

Firetech, 99, Triq il- Mithna, Qormi. Tel: 2278 5200. info@firetech.com.mt / www.firetech.com.mt

One Two One Interiors, Vjal Il - Wiehed U Ghoxrin Ta’ Settembru, Naxxar. Tel: 2142 2948/9. Ix-Xatt, Sliema. Tel: 2132 3155/65. www.onetwoone.eu

Tower Aluminum, Triq Ghar - Ram, Zebbug. Tel: 2146 5156. info@toweraluminium.com / www.toweraluminium.com

Floreal Home, Triq Il - Parrocca, Naxxar.

Tel: 2747 0744. florealhome@melita.com

Outdoor Solutions, Triq il-Wied, Msida.

Tel: 2099 0009. info@avc.com.mt / www.weinor.com

Form Ltd, Triq il - Wied, B’Kara.

Tel: 2144 6000. www.formltd.com

Oxford House, Triq Notabile, Mriehel.

Tel: 2546 4000. info@oxfordhouse.com.mt / www.oxfordhouse.com.mt

Fino, Fino Buildings, Triq Notabile, Mriehel. Tel: 2549 3000. info@fino.com.mt / www.fino.com.mt Fino Ferramenta, 1 Ferris Building, Triq San Luqa, G’Mangia, Pieta.

Tel: 2122 2257. info@finoferramenta.com www.finoferramenta.com

Galea Ceramics, Onda Buildings, Triq Aldo Moro, Marsa. Tel: 2122 8016 / 9942 0316. charlo@galeaceramics.com / www.galeaceramics.com Garden it, Triq Is - Santwarju, San Gwann. Tel: 2137 7448 / 7979 3000. info@gardenit.com.mt / www.gardenit.com.mt G R F Ltd., Triq Bella Vista, San Gwann.

Tel: 2137 7378 / 7942 4422. info@grfmalta.com / www.grfmalta.com Inside Out Design Finishes, Blue Harbour Mansions, Ground Floor, D, Triq ix- Xatt ta’ Ta’ Xbiex.

Tel: 2722 3323. sales@insideoutmalta.com / www.insideoutmalta.com

Petrolea, Valley Road, Msida.

Tel: 2123 4501 / 2123 5487. showroom@petroleamalta.com / www.petroleamalta.com Raphael Azzopardi, 6, Triq Uqija, Swieqi. Tel: 2137 3812. info@raphaelazzopardi.com / www.raphaelazzopardi.com Satariano, 122, Triq Il-Wied, B’Kara.

Tel: 2149 2149. www.satariano.com Seamless Solid Surface Solutions, 41, Triq il-Peprin, Sta. Lucia.

Tel: 2144 0404 / 7940 0404. sales@seamless.com.mt / www.seamless.com.mt

Unitech Ltd, Unitex Ltd, Vjal Cottoner, Fgura. Mob: 7777 3388.

VCT Ltd Light & Design, Triq Ponsomby, Mosta. Tel: 2143 2571. info@vct.com.mt / www.vct.com.mt Vee Gee Bee Ltd, 2 South Court, Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann. Tel: 2138 9690 / 2138 1380. info@vgb.com.mt www.vgb.com.mt Vella Falzon, Triq Regjonali, Msida.

Tel: 2144 5165. info@vellafalzon.com www.vellafalzon.com Versal, Hal Warda Residence, Block H, Triq Hal Warda, Attard.

Tel: 2723 3233 / 9919 3888 / 9999 4889. versal1@melita.com Viroc International, Kingsway Palace, Triq ir-Republika, Valletta.

Tel: 2124 7518 / 2124 7519.

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Untitled-1 1 HW53 FRONT COVER.indd 2

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INSPIRATION IMPROVEMENT STYLE

COLOUR CONFIDENCE ISSUE 53 FEBRUARY 2012

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ISSUE 53

A high impact start to 2012

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