Better Homes Abu Dhabi_Jan'12

abu dhabi

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Jan-MaR 2012 | bhOMEs.cOM

ThE PROPERTY quaRTERlY

Produced in International Media Production Zone

On Trend

Revamp your pad with interior designer Julia Dempster’s top style tips

Under Wraps

How to give tired furniture a facelift for the new year

Star Buy

The one bedroom apartment propertyhunters won’t want to miss

aREa guidE

In Khalidiya with the Laurentis

Contents Abu DhAbi

15 Listings

Features

25 Abu Dhabi City

4 Best Buy

22 Trendsetter

Searching for your dream pad? Take a look at the four-bed Marina Royal villa on p29...

Take a look at our pick of the properties on the market this quarter.

Top interior designer Julia Dempster shares her style forecast for 2012.

26 Al Reem Island District

6 Loan Ranger

We have myriad properties up for grabs in one of the city’s most popular areas.

We bring you the leading UAE bank’s up-to-theminute mortgage rates.

24 How do I... Revamp my old furniture?

28 Al Raha Beach District

15 Cover Interview

Want to set up home by the water? Sneak a glimpse at our ready-to-rent apartments...

Marc Laurenti shares an inside glimpse of his stylish home in Khalidiya.

31 Al Reef District

20 Love Thy Neighbourhood

Why not set up home in one of the district’s villastrewn communities? Just turn to p35.

We bring you all you need-to-know about life in the Khalidiya district.

Produced by: HOT Media Publishing FZ LLC

Group Deputy Editor Jade Bremner

Managing Director Victoria Hazell-Thatcher

Designers Sarah Boland Adam Sneade

Publishing Director John Thatcher Advertisement Director Chris Capstick Group Editor Laura Binder

Production Manager Haneef Abdul Sales Managers Sukaina Hussein

Advertising enquiries chris@hotmediapublishing.com 04 369 0917 / 050 456 9938 Editorial enquiries editorial@hotmediapublishing.com +971 (0)4 364 2876 Cover and interview images by Nasir Rauf / nasirrauf.com Printed by United Printing Press.

We show you how to reupholster your fading furniture in no time.

Better Homes Abu Dhabi is published as a supplement to Better Homes Magazine.

HOT Media Publishing does not accept liability for omissions or errors in Better Homes Abu Dhabi.

4

Home Help

The Best Buy

An excellent location and superb finish makes this one-bed apartment a must-see…

After a desirable address? Al Bandar’s one-bed apartment could be just the ticket. Direct from the developer, the property is not only ready to move in to, but comes with no transfer fees.

Make your way to the property and you’ll be on Abu Dhabi’s newest freehold waterfront development, complete with modern apartments, each of which has an excellent standard of finishing and fixtures. Its location is equally accommodating: part of the Al Raha Beach development, it’s within easy reach of Al Raha Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi international airport and main island Abu Dhabi. Onsite, meanwhile, you’ll have amenities at your fingertips, from a supermarket, restaurants and coffee shops to gyms, pools and a yacht marina. What more could you want?

January 2012

The Details

Available now!

Where is it? Al Barza How many bedrooms? One How big is it? 914.6 square feet How much does it cost?

AED 1,200,000 How do I find out more? Contact BH Abu Dhabi on 600 52 2212 and quote reference number AP296830

6 Home Help

Beautifying Everyday Life!

Unique & Beautiful Ways to decorate UR home – Living/Bed room, Babies/Kids room, Kitchen appliances, Walls, Floors, Doors & MORE • First Light Up Wallpapers. A range of light-up stickers 2 give a warm & cozy feel 2 UR home.

• Living Rooms to Bedrooms. Exquisite wallpapers to brighten up your life!

• An original way to decorate a door. Decorative panels for doors.

• A wide range of stickers which bring live to your household appliances to life ! A new look in UR kitchen. Damp resistant/washable.

For more info on our products

Made in FRANCE EASY STICK ON / STICK OFF REUSABLE TECHNOLOGY

Craft Corner Call: 02 6222 563 056 7222 464 www.plageuae.com

Finance

Loan Ranger

Found your dream property and need to sort out a mortgage? Look no further...

BANK ABU dHABI FINANCE AdCB AdIB EMIRATES NBd HSBC INdEpENdENT FINANCE ExCLUSIvE LLoYdS TSB MASHREq NooR ISLAMIC BANK RAK BANK STANdARd CHARTEREd TAMwEEL UNITEd ARAB BANK

INTEREST RATE

MIN dEpoSIT

MAx LoAN TERM

pRoCESSING FEES

EARLY REpAYMENT

from 5.75-8.5%

15% - 25%

30 YEArS

1% if pAid upfront, 1.25% if not

2% oWn fundS 4% buY out

from 7.25%- 8.75%

15%

25 YEArS

1% (no CAp)

from 2%

5.75% 5 YEAr fixEd

15% - 20%

25 YEArS

1% of LoAn VALuE

0%

7.50%

20% - 25%

20 - 25 YEArS

1%

2% bEforE 2 YEArS, 1% AftEr 2 YEArS

600540000

from 5.49%

20%

25 YEArS

1% of LoAn VALuE

WAiVEd, ExCEpt if it A buY out WHErE CuStomErS HAVE to pAY 3%

800HouSE

4.63%

15%

25 YEArS

1% of LoAn VALuE

0% AftEr 2 YEArS

04 381 9314

4.99% - 5.99%

30% - 40%

25 YEArS

1.50%

0% AftEr 2 YEArS

04 342 2000

3.99% for tHE 1St YEAr

20% - 30%

25 YEArS

0% LimitEd offEr

1% bEforE 2 YEArS 3% buY out

04 424 4444

from 7.25%

20%

25 YEArS

"1%, CAppEd At AEd 30,000"

"2% oWn fundS 3% buY out"

5.50%

20% - 25%

25 YEArS

1%

1% oWn fundS 5% buY out

04 312 0000

from 4.99%

20%

25 YEArS

1% of L/A

0% AftEr 5tH YEAr

02 616 5605

from 5.25%

15% - 25%

upto 25 YEArS

1%

0%

3.99% (5.99% fixEd for 5 YEArS)

15%

25 YEArS

1%

0% AftEr 5tH YEAr

For further information on the best mortgage deals call Better Homes on +971 4 407 4600 January 2012

CoNTACT 800 Adf(233) 04 368 4582 8002288

800 6667

800 tAmWEEL 800474

Terms and Conditions apply to all rates

8

Districts and Developments

Districts and Developments Where can you live in Abu Dhabi? We’ve got the scoop on the capital’s top districts. Now simply turn to our colour-coded map (pg10) to pinpoint their location.

Al Raha Beach is also one of the first designated areas where non-UAE nationals can invest in leasehold property in Abu Dhabi.

Abu DhAbi City DistriCt Considered to be one of the richest cities in the world, Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan metropolis and a major cultural and commercial centre due to its position as the capital. The city offers a strikingly contrasting landscape, from sandy beaches and skyscrapers to rolling desert dunes.

Joined to the mainland by the Maqta and Mussafah bridges, some of the key suburbs in the city include Khalifa, Electra, Hamdan, Mussafah (residential and industrial) and the beautiful waterfront Corniche. The emirate also consists of the January 2012

eastern oasis of Al Ain, better known as the Green City. Abu Dhabi is also very well connected to the other huge island developments underway, such as, Al Raha Beach, Saadiyat Island and Al Reem Island.

Al reef DistriCt Al Reef Villas is Abu Dhabi’s first integrated residential community.

Developed by Manazel Real Estate, one of the UAE’s leading developers, Al Reef consists of contemporary apartments, four themed community villas and townhouses and mixeduse projects, bringing together social, retail and commercial facilities for

the entire community.

The gated communities, with security-controlled access, are linked by wonderfully landscaped green spaces, providing areas for recreation and relaxation and walkways to community facilities.

The development will also feature a luxury hotel, state of the art gymnasiums, private pools, barbecue areas and expansive private gardens.

Al rAhA beACh Built alongside 5.2 million square metres of natural beach front, Al Raha Beach will provide a unique lifestyle through its world-class residential, commercial

and entertainment facilities. When complete it will be home to 120,000 residents. The development offers dynamic waterfront living amidst retail outlets, galleries, restaurants and cafés and private beaches. A central business district also forms part of the development, where iconic office towers are set around an impressive circular marina - home to the new World Trade Center. Located on the beach side of the main highway leading into Abu Dhabi from Dubai, the development consists of eight precincts, each with their own distinct personalities and appeal.

Al reem islAnD Located approximately 600 meters away from Abu Dhabi’s coast, Al Reem Island will be one of the largest and most impressive tourist developments in the world consisting of residential and commercial projects. The island will house hotels, restaurants, gardens, art galleries, museums, an aquarium, amusement parks for children and a diverse wildlife reserve.

Water activities will form a major part of the island lifestyle including waterskiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and sailing. The island will be connected to Abu Dhabi City by two modern bridges with a third bridge eventually connecting directly to the main Dubai highway.

Abu Dhabi International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away by road. sAADiyAt islAnD Just 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island will be a destination experience of rich depth and diversity.

Just seven minutes from Abu Dhabi City, 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and one hour from Dubai, the development is connected to the

Found your perfect property? Contact us on +971 600 52 2212

mainland via two major highway bridges..

Offering a relaxed waterfront home for residents and a vibrant hub for businesses, Saadiyat Island holds a reputation for being the only place in the world to house architecture designed by five individual Pritzker prize winners. mohAmmeD bin ZAyeD City DistriCt This is a planned urban community that will,

upon completion, support a population of 50,000. The master plan provides for 350 mid-rise towers and numerous educational, cultural, commercial and institutional facilities.

CApitAl City DistriCt Situated between the Abu Dhabi International Airport and Mohammed bin Zayed City, this district will house mixed-use projects and government institutions

and offer a culturally rich urban environment, grand boulevards, shaded streets and a world-class public transit system. sowwAh islAnD DistriCt Located between the Tourist Club area and Reem Island, this district will see the island become Abu Dhabi’s central business and financial district and will feature living and working spaces, hotels, community facilities, parks and an extensive transport network. yAs islAnD DistriCt When fully complete, Yas Island is expected to be one of the world’s foremost tourist attractions, featuring hotels, residences, shopping malls, golf courses, equestrian facilities and a world class motor racing track, it’s also home to Ferrari World where you’ll find

the planet’s fastest rollercoaster. lulu islAnD DistriCt This district will be a self sustaining community of character precincts and connected neighbourhoods set within a low density, yet highly functioning island setting and will cater to different lifestyles, with a choice of apartments, townhouses and villas. mussAfAh inDustriAl DistriCt One of primary industrial areas of Abu Dhabi, this district is home to several manufacturing plants including steel mills and other heavy industries. Plans to construct a channel that will improve access to this industrial zone are underway. mADinAt KhAlifA A DistriCt Away from the hustle and bustle, Khalifa

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City has its own sense of camaraderie. An abundance of schools in the area make this a popular community for families. Adjacent to Al Raha Beach, the development will include residential and commercial units and many international hotels and has been compared to Dubai’s illustrious Sheikh Zayed Road. mADinAt KhAlifA b DistriCt This district’s proximity to the airport and the Dubai highway makes it an attractive location for commuting workers.

Residential apartments specially designed for middle income residents are underway. Prices vary between the more expensive rents in Khalifa City A and the cheaper rates in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. The new Khalifa City is situated between Khalifa A and Khalifa B.

More listings at bhomes.com

Balghelma Island

Yas Island

Bisrat Fahad Island Saadiyat Island Jazirat Island

Rehman Island

SAADIYAT ISLAND DISTRICT

Fahid Island

Samaliyah Island

Balrmmd Island Umm Al Nar Island Umm Yifenah Island

Al Mina

Suwa Island

SUWWAH ISLAND DISTRICT

Reem Island

AL REEM ISLAND DISTRICT Umm Al Nar

Lulu Island

LULU ISLAND DISTRICT

Bain Al Jessrain

Al Marzakiyah Madinat Zayed

Zayed Sports City

Al Matar

Officers City

ABU DHABI CITY DISTRICT

Al Moroor

Al Rehhan

Al Maqtaa

M

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sa

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ah

Al Ittihad Al Muzoon

Al Mushrif

Al Khalidiyah

Al Garm Resort

Better Homes

Abu Dhabi Office

Al Bateen

Qasr Al Shatie

Bat r Al

een

South Hodariyat Island Qir

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han

ssa fah

K

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Hodariyat Island

hor

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Coconut Island

Kho

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ABU DHABI CITY DISTRICT

Hydra Villas

Al Reef Villas

YAS ISLAND DISTRICT

AL REEF DISTRICT

Al Falah

Abu Dhabi International Airport Al Shamikha Masdar City Motor World

Qurayyah Island

AL RAHA BEACH DISTRICT

Al Shawamekh

Bain Al Jessrain Al Maqtaa Officers City Umm Al Nar Al Muzoon Al Garm Resort Al Rehhan Al Matar Al Moroor Al Mushrif Qasr Al Shatie Al Ittihad Al Bateen Al Khalidyah Madinat Zayed Al Marzakiyah Al Mina Zayed Sports City

AL RAHA BEACH DISTRICT Al Raha Beach

MADINAT KHALIFA A DISTRICT

AL REEM ISLAND DISTRICT Al Reem Island

Khalifa City

MADINAT KHALIFA B DISTRICT

Madinat Khalifa A Capital City

CAPITAL CITY DISTRICT

Madinat Khalifa B

MADINAT KHALIFA A DISTRICT Madinat Khalifa A Masdar City

MADINAT KHALIFA B DISTRICT Madinat Khalifa B Motor World

AL REEF DISTRICT Al Mafraq

Mohammed Bin Zayed City

Al Reef Villas Abu Dhabi International Airport Hydra Villas

MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED CITY DISTRICT Mohammed Bin Zayed City

MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED CITY DISTRICT

CAPITAL CITY DISTRICT Qum Yafur

MUSSAFAH INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT

Capital City

SAADIYAT ISLAND DISTRICT Saadiyat Island

SUWWAH ISLAND DISTRICT Suwwah Island

Mussafah

YAS ISLAND DISTRICT Yas Island

LULU ISLAND DISTRICT Lulu Island

MUSSAFAH INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT © 2010 Better Homes

Mussafah

12

Advertorial

The Residences at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi Exclusive homes now available to lease in Abu Dhabi The Residences at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort - an exclusive residential community on Saadiyat Beach - consists of prestigious villas, apartments and penthouses that are now available for leasing. Villa sizes range from four to five bedrooms, while the apartments are offered in sizes ranging from studios to four bedrooms. The exclusive community offers tenants the chance to live in the first St. Regis-branded residences in the region, and feature incredible views of the Arabian Gulf and Saadiyat Beach Golf Course. Residents here will also be able to enjoy private access to the pristine shores of Saadiyat Beach, as well as St. Regis-branded a la cart privileges and benefits, such as 24-hour butler services and in-residence catering, in the comfort of their own homes. The Residences at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort adjoin the resort’s 377 bedroom hotel and a high-end shopping complex, offering residents a wide array of discounts on various St. Regis products, including the hotel’s health club, restaurants, and leisure facilities for tenants.

January 2012

Advertorial

Highlights include: • Availability of flexible payment terms.

• Private access to Saadiyat Beach.

• Exclusive St. Regis à la carte services and benefits including personal chef and butler, housekeeping and maid service, as well as discounts at the hotel, restaurants and spa.

• Walking distance to the resort’s 377 bedroom hotel and a high-end shopping complex, which offer residents a wide array of first-class recreational and sports facilities.

• Close proximity to Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat – a private beach club – and to Manarat Al Saadiyat, a 15,400 square metre art and exhibition centre.

• Prices start from AED75,000 per year.

For leasing enquiries call: 800-TDIC (8342) www.stregissaadiyatresidences.com

13

Cover Feature

We love this place…

Khalidiya Area

Marc Laurenti and his wife talk us through their home in the capital and its myriad interior highlights...

Images by Nasir Rauf, nasirrauf.com

How long have you lived in the UAE? I’ve been here for 31 years, since I was 14 years old. I believe we are the longest staying French family in the whole of the Gulf region.

Do you own your home?

No, foreigners cannot buy in this part of the city, but that isn’t a problem for me.

Expatriates have a certain philosophy of life, that although I may have known this country for more than 30 years we are still expatriates. It doesn’t matter if you spend 30 years in this place, your roots aren’t here and, one day, you will go back to your home. We are just on standby – it doesn’t matter if you stay on standby for 30 years.

Would you ever consider buying property in the UAE? Yes, why not? Unfortunately, people were affected by the real estate downturn here and lost a lot of their money, but, in real estate you have to consider the long term, and the UAE is the most lovely place in the Gulf.

What attracted you to this area?

We’re on the west side of Abu Dhabi and I think it’s like the Kensington of the city.

It’s similar to Jumeirah in Dubai, too; lots of ambassadors, designers, architects and bankers live here. It’s a nice area of town, which is what attracted us; the fact it’s prestigious, quiet, safe, with a lot of space.

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Cover Feature

January 2012

Cover Feature

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‘We’re on the west side of Abu Dhabi and I think it’s like the Kensington of the city. It’s similar to Jumeirah in Dubai, too’

Are there any schools in the area?

Yes there are – The American School is just 500 metres away, you just cross the street behind us. There is also another much bigger American School located about a 20 minute drive away and a French primary school close by.

What amenities do you have here?

There are many supermarkets, including a Spinneys, and the Marina Mall is full of shops. From here you are also in walking distance of Emirates Palace hotel.

How do you spend your leisure time?

We travel, because we are curious like

cats, and we also like adventure. We like to go out in the desert for a fun drive; we like to go skiing on the artificial slopes of the Mall of the Emirates; we like to go to Ras Al Khaimah for water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking and so on.

How would you sum up your interiors?

We have created an Ali Baba cave mixed with our own style: modern, contemporary furniture mixed with Asian and Arabic styles. It’s a melting pot and an example of globalisation, much like the UAE. One of the items we display in our home is the twelfth oldest Qur’an in the world – it’s world famous. Ten of them

are in museums and one is owned by a Lebanese art collector, while mine is the twelfth one in existence. It was created

by Yakout Al Mustasimi, a calligrapher, in 690, so it is over 1,000 years old and estimated at 2-3 million Euros. We display it very simply now because previously we had it in a cabinet but noticed that due to the air conditioning there was no air circulating inside, so now we just have it out and free.

Other items of note include an original Georges Braque (one of the founders of Cubism) table, costing 50,000 Euros.

We have a map that is 300 years old, too, and a Picasso lithograph upstairs. I have

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Cover Feature

another interesting piece; a table filled with coke cans by Ives Henry, who is the French version of Andy Warhol. It was released in the 1980s after Andy Warhol’s death and the Pop Art movement.

We collect modern art and like so many things. Art is like the universe, there is no end to it. There is no end to the imagination of the human mind.

Your home suggests that you’re both well travelled – is that right?

I think so; I am French, but I am citizen of the world, my wife is Polish, our first son Alex was born in Miami, so he has dual citizenship and is American and French.

My second son Louis was born in Paris, January 2012

we all live in the UAE and I have recently applied for Polish citizenship. I would say we are the very definition of a welltravelled family!

What do you think is the key to achieving ‘perfect’ interiors?

To consider that this is the place where your family will grow, so make your living space a pleasant one, a kind one and a good one, like a nest. Since 2008 it seems that people have been very scared, they have put their money in property and stocks and these have proved disastrous for many. One thing that never goes down, though, is gold. Of course, it is a little difficult to hang gold on the wall and

to admire it, so instead I invest in art. The art market has never dropped and never crashed. I would say decorate with art and at the same time your money will be well preserved and you can enjoy it every day, see it every day and pass it to the next generation – or you could resell it to the next generation if you feel like you want to buy something else. Many people are too scared to invest, so they say they are saving for their houses in their home countries. But what if they live here for five years? I stick to my words: I do not have one single dollar in the stock exchange. My philosophy is to live every second of your life as if it were the last and enjoy it to the full; to be a hedonist.

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Cover Feature

Love Thy Neighbourhood

Khalidiya district

All you need-to-know about daily life in the area Renting

Residing in the capital’s Khalidiya district will place you in the heart of the city: laying between Airport Road and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, it’s a popular residential area for its location (close to the commercial district and the famous Corniche) and modern towers. While buying here is not possible, the rental opportunities are plentiful. Khalidiya Village, for instance, offers 150 ultramodern villas, while the likes of Al Reem Island and Shams Gate District (to name but two) boast contemporary apartment towers with pristine ready-to-move-into interiors inside and city and Corniche views.

Shopping and a bite For the shopping addicts among you there is an abundance of malls close by to feed your appetite: the label-loaded Marina Mall (marinamall.ae) is the closest to home, where you can trawl the endless boutiques for high-end brands, Louis Vuitton, Mont Blanc and Burberry among January 2012

them. Khalidiyah Mall (khalidiyahmall. com) is also within reach and stretches over not one but three levels, all of which harbour high street names – think Debenhams and Laura Ashley – plus a LuLu’s supermarket, just the ticket for an essential groceries shop. This mall is also home to an extensive food court and individual cafes, where you can stop off for a bite, be it a pastry and coffee in Starbucks or heartier lunch in the likes of Papa John’s pizza joint, Thai Express or Chilis. The Abu Dhabi Mall (abudhabimall.com) is a third shopping option and one of the largest malls in the city. As well as global clothing brands and gold, you can spend your dirhams in its extensive food court – there are no less than 40 outlets to choose from.

Leisure time While the district’s apartments and villas give way to swimming pools and play areas in which to while away your time, close by, myriad hotels and mall serve as ideal alternatives. The extravagant Emirates Palace (emiratespalace.com) is

a must-visit as the world’s most expensive hotel (it cost an estimated $3 billion to build). Inside, an award-winning spa, private beach and handful of eateries are all sublime enough to make you feel like a king or queen (especially after strolling through its gold, marble and crystal interiors). The Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana Abu Dhabi (rotana. com), meanwhile, is an ideal pick for those with families in tow – a beach, kids’ club, pool and child-friendly menus make for a stress-free day out. For a more low key outing, the Abu Dhabi Mall hosts a Grand Cinema and the Khalidiyah Mall a Cine Royal plus a Bowling City – sure to keep the whole family entertained. If you prefer to hit the beach, you’ll find yourself just 15 minutes from the powdery Corniche, where you can sunbathe on its six kilometres of coastline or partake in beach volleyball, cycling and walking in designated areas.

Schooling Thanks to its central location, residents will find a number of international schools in close range, including the American Community School (acs. sch.ae) for elementary to high school pupils and the British School Al Khubairat (britishschool.sch.ae) and The International School of Chouiefat (iscadsabis.net) for three- to 18-year-olds.

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Feature

Trendsetters

Want to start the New Year with a bang? Famous interior designer Julia Dempster reveals the hottest new trends for 2012 – so go ahead and impress your guests with your cutting edge style…

Embrace colour: 2012 brings forward old ideas, remodelled on new trends, these are coming to the light in the form of vivid colours and striking and out-of-the ordinary combinations and contrasts. I advise everyone to embrace colours that we wouldn’t normally associate with one another; combine intense shades with more neutral, balancing tones and think outside of the box – you’ll give your home a brand new personality.

Try it: Designers Guild (pictured) is famed for its bright hues and beautiful yet clashing patterns; a surefire way to achieve Julia’s look. Shop for it at Maison d’art in Dubai. (maisondart.ae) Texture is very hot for 2012. The top trending textures are set to be a combination of fabrics, such as layered, January 2012

silky textures set against contrasting wool. The result? A blend that’s both interesting to the eye and still comfortable enough to snuggle up to.

Try it: THE One (theoneplanet.com) in Abu Dhabi Mall and Khalidiya. We say, head straight to the bedding and lounge section where cashmere throws, oversized cushions and silky bed covers will serve as the most sumptuous combination, without breaking the bank completely.

Materials with a luxurious finish will be all the rage this year, such as marble, wood, leather and wool. These are easy to slip into any room in the house and will give the entire area a feel that is both luxe and comfortable. You can also set it off by adding large mirrors or wallpaper laced with silver details to your walls, which will

‘combine intense shades with more neutral, balancing tones... you’ll give your home a brand new personality ’

Feature

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Colour CodE Julia Dempster on 2012’s most stylish colour palettes…

Black is the new black and is bang on trend as a high gloss finish – try it on wardrobes with oversized chrome handles.

Neutrals will be cooler this year – think greys and slate hues.

These work very well as wall finishes and as a backdrop for bolder, brighter accent colours.

Pink and purple undertones are stronger than ever. They’re a great choice for accents, such as cushions or bed throws and can add both texture and colour to an otherwise monotone bedroom.

Khaki and green are colours to accentuate this year. Look for them in cameo and animal print, in elements such as rugs, upholstery and accessories – they’ll give you a great, earthy feel.

Metallics like bronze and silver and pearlised colours featured last year and continue to be a fabulous way to add glamour to any room in the house.

Gold is making a comeback: expect a more satin finish to prevail – it works wonderfully on place mats on dining tables. My advice? Use it minimally for the most drama.

Purple, mauve, heather and fig are all hues to use as a deeper undertone or monochromatic blend. They appear at their most rich, sumptuous and extravagant when used in silks, velvets and chenilles.

reflect more light throughout the room.

Try it: B&B Italia (bebitalia.it) is Julia’s top tip for quality, Italian furniture, while BH loves Mr Perswall at Kollektion and Co (thekollektion.com) – famed for its fabulous wallpapers (there’s everything from damask swirls to tweed) – browse online for an eyecatching finish.

Multifunctional spaces are a thing of the present, while formal living rooms and even formal dining rooms are fading into the past, eliminating the need for spending money on furniture and expensive decor that will never be used by the average homeowner. Create such a zone at home, with eat-in areas (such as a breakfast bar) incorporated in kitchens, or built-in desk units (for example in the bedroom) that can be used as small home offices. Open floor plans are a must-have to create an open and inviting place to entertain.

Try it: Under One Roof (underoneroof.ae) If you don’t have an open plan space and want to create one, this British-run company has championed many a jaw-dropping makeover in UAE homes.

Kitchens are bigger and better than ever before, continuing to be the forefront in

new homes. In no other room will you see as much attention to detail. Kitchen budgets are creeping higher in relation to the rest of the home. Kitchens are central to your living experience. They are known as the heart of the home, and quite often the focal point, so if you reserve your budget for one room, why not this?

Try it: Kohler (kohler.com) is a haven for quality kitchen fixtures, from its all-new, brightly-coloured taps and offbeat sinks to marble worksurfaces and wooden cupboards. The world is your oyster…

Technology and beauty reign at home.

It’s a combination that has not always gone hand in hand before, but in today’s world of style and function it is now more expected than ever before, especially in home design.

Cutting edge technology is enabling design oriented manufacturers to produce stylish products that are also durable and easy to use. Attention is focused on products and home improvements that offer more style, performance and comfort.

Try it: Better Life (betterlifeuae.com) stores are a hub of technology in the form of the latest, hippest household appliances from myriad top name brands. Sure to bring your room in to 2012 in no time.

24 Better Interiors

Practical solutions for your household dilemmas

How do I… revamp my old furniture?

Seven style updates Under cover Spruce up an armchair or the cushions of your dining room chairs by having them reupholstered in a standout print, like decadent damask, or a block colour. Interior designers and upholsterers can do the job for you.

Fine Finishes Tired of those oldfashioned wooden drawers or chest? Paint it with distressed or ‘antique’ finish paint; a fabulous way to bring it back on trend.

Stick to off-white or cream for an ultra-chic look or inject charm with a spring hue, like duck-egg blue.

All in hAnd Revamp dressing tables or drawers by removing plain handles and replacing them with patterned door knobs, or faux jewel versions. We love Zara Home’s eclectic selection. coloUr injection If you can’t bear to look at old sofas, throws and cushions are a quick-fix solution. Choose soft fabrics and adaptable colours and, if you do bring new furniture in later on, you can use them elsewhere. shAbby chic Don’t scrap your old furniture: the ‘shabby chic’ trend has marked a return to vintage where ‘wear and tear’ is a style statement all of its own.

Combine older items with new additions for a quirky contrast. bed heAd Give your existing bed a mini-makeover by adding a dramatic headboard: find a wooden frame and use moulding and gilt paint to give it a regal finish. Dress the bed in velvet throws January 2012

and cushions while you’re at it and you’ll achieve an all-out ‘boudoir’ look.

Go GlAm If you hate your plain dining room chairs, don’t cancel that dinner party; add a touch of glitz instead. You

can do so by simply pinning a piece of satin ribbon on the top of each one, then add a vintage-style brooch at the bottom to make it hang straight. Try high street shops like Accessorize for brooches with faux jewels.

Try your hand at reupholstering...

Not the creative type? You can be with our six simple steps to reupholstering a dining chair cushion. (Practice on an ordinary cushion first then plump for the real thing!)

Step 1: Unscrew the seat cushion from the chair frame.

Step 2: Take out any staples or tacks in the fabric using a pair of pliers.

Step 3: Remove the fabric and (if it’s worn-out) remove the old foam or ‘batting’ too.

Step 4: Most dining room chair cushions are based on a single piece of wood. Take this piece and lay it on top of your new fabric. Next, cut around the wood using scissors and leave a

few inches of extra fabric on each side.

Step 5: Replace the stuffing with new foam. Lay the seat board on top of the foam and pull the sides tightly over what will be the bottom of the seat.

Staple it down with a staple gun and trim any excess pieces.

Step 6: Lay the piece of wood, foamside down, over your fabric. Pull the sides of the fabric and stretch it over what will be the bottom of the seat.

Staple the fabric down on all four sides, being careful to keep the edges neat.

Found your perfect property? Contact us on +971 600 52 2212

25

Abu dhAbi City diStriCt

Abu Dhabi City district lies at the heart of the capital’s earliest communities and offers a strikingly contrasting landscape, from sandy beaches and skyscrapers to rolling desert dunes. Joined to the mainland by the Maqta and Mussafah bridges, some of the key suburbs in the district include Khalifa, Electra, Hamdan, Mussafah (residential and industrial) and the beautiful waterfront Corniche.

FOR REnt Exclusive to Better Homes

Al Seef Compound Al MAtAR Ideal family living Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # AP289305)

SeAShore VillAS ABu DhABi GAte City Ideal family living Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI302461)

Exclusive to Better Homes

Aed 170,000

ViSion downtown

Aed 225,000

Al meenA VillAS

3 BR 1701 sq. ft.

3 BR 2424 sq. ft.

AiRPORt ROAD/hAMDAn Fully furnished apartments with all facilities, For booking, Call: 02 417 6088 or Visit: visiontowers.com

Al MinA A stunning family home Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI302448)

Aed 180,000

Al Seef Compound

Aed 350,000

bAteen VillA

3BR 1 851 sq.ft.

5 BR 7500 sq. ft.

Aed 100,000

1 BR 829 sq. ft.

Al MAtAR Privileged location Better Homes Abu Dhabi (Ref # AP289255)

Aed 400,000

5 BR 3749 sq. ft.

Al BAteen Prized location nada Jaouhar (Ref # VI301079)

ASk the Agent nAdA JAouhAr, SAleS And leASing ConSultAnt Situated in Khalifa Park, Al Seef Compound, a gated development, has a fantastic setting. The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments available for rent come with equipped kitchens and rentals include water and electricity costs.

Community facilities such as a pool, gym and landscaped gardens complete the experience of living in a self-sustained community. While 1 BR’s can be rented from AED 100,000, 2 BR’s are available from AED 140,000 and 3 BR’s from AED 170,000.

Property prices change frequently. Please visit bhomes.com for the most up-to-date pricing.

More listings at bhomes.com

26

Al Reem Island District

Al Reem IslAnd dIstRIct

Located within close proximity to Main Island Abu Dhabi and the upcoming financial district. Al Reem Island offers mixed-use developments comprising of modern design residential apartments with ocean views, commercial offices, malls, restaurants, hotels, schools, universities and entertainment areas. Handing over in Q1 2011 will be Marina Square and Sun and Sky Towers, located in the Shams area of the island.

FOR SALE mARInA heIghts II

Al mAhA toweR

mARInA heIghts II

Al Reem IslAnd

Al Reem IslAnd

Al Reem IslAnd

Aed 1,250,000

Aed 1,169,900

Aed 1,231,650

2 BR 1119 sq. ft.

A desirable address Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP298931)

2 BR 1199 sq. ft.

Spectacular Marina views Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP298629)

2 BR 1173 sq. ft.

At never-before prices Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP298313)

RAK toweR Al Reem IslAnd

Aed 1,100,102 1 BR 968 sq. ft.

The best of city living Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP297295)

Exclusive to Better Homes

sKy toweR Al Reem IslAnd

Aed 1,250,000 1 BR 934 sq. ft.

A desirable address Imran Ellam (Ref # AP56019)

Al mAhA toweR Al Reem IslAnd A motivated seller!

Imran Ellam (Ref # AP267500)

January 2012

Aed 1,199,000

2 BR 1199 sq. ft.

Found your perfect property? Contact us on +971 600 52 2212

27

RAK toweR

Al mAhA toweR

tAlA toweR

Al Reem IslAnd

Al Reem IslAnd

Al Reem IslAnd

Aed 1,781,856

Aed 585,000

Aed 842,400

2 BR 1614 sq. ft.

The best of city living Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP297293)

studIo 549 sq. ft.

Brand new Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP297229)

1 BR 936 sq. ft.

One of the Best Deals in the Market Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP286941)

RAK toweR Al Reem IslAnd

Aed 1,499,900 2 BR 1647 sq. ft.

High rental yields Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP284064)

sKy toweR Al Reem IslAnd

Aed 1,669,000 2 BR 1338 sq. ft.

Price reduced Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP276885)

oceAn teRRAce ResIdence Al Reem IslAnd Brand new luxury apartments Imran Ellam (Ref # AP298138)

Aed 957,983

1 BR 861 sq. ft.

AsK the Agent lInA sIAdA, senIoR sAles & leAsIng consultAnt Al Reem Island will become one of the city’s most sought-after lifestyle destinations and the new downtown of the capital. Featuring hotels, restaurants and a mall, this development is ideal for investors as it provides guaranteed rental income. It is also a great choice for tenants as rents are quite affordable.

At Marina Square, another popular development, average sales prices range from AED 1,000 1,100 per sq. ft. while rents range from AED 90 – 95,000 p.a. for a 1 BR, AED 120 –140,000 for 2 BR’s and AED 160 – 180,000 for 3 BR’s depending on the floor number, layout and views.

Property prices change frequently. Please visit bhomes.com for the most up-to-date pricing.

More listings at bhomes.com

28

Al Raha Beach District

Al RAhA BeAch distRict

Located off the main island and within easy access to major attractions and road networks. Al Raha Beach is Abu Dhabi’s newest waterfront development, comprising of 11 precincts or sub-communities. The development also offers yacht marinas, infinity swimming pools, tennis courts, cafes and entertainment areas and is ideally suited to young families, couples and those simply seeking relaxed waterfront living.

FOR SALE

Al MuneeRA Al RAhA BeAch Beautiful waterfront setting Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP302387)

Al nAseeM A Al RAhA BeAch Spectacular Marina views Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP301670)

Al nAseeM A Al RAhA BeAch Stunning view of the sea Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP301669)

January 2012

Aed 3,125,100

3 BR 2238 sq. ft.

Al MuneeRA Al RAhA BeAch Live by the beach Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP301949)

Aed 1,925,000

3 BR 1722 sq. ft.

Al nAseeM c Al RAhA BeAch A desirable address Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP301677)

Aed 3,800,000

2 BR 2486 sq. ft.

Aed 1,150,000

1 BR 968 sq. ft.

Aed 3,595,000

3 BR 3400 sq. ft.

Al ZeinA - ResidentiAl toweRs Al RAhA BeAch Modern living at its best Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP221503)

Aed 2,209,660

2 BR 1603 sq. ft.

Found your perfect property? Contact us on +971 600 52 2212

Al nAseeM A Al RAhA BeAch A resort style community Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP301668)

Al ZeinA - ResidentiAl toweRs Al RAhA BeAch Beachfront living at an attractive price Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP300520)

Al MuneeRA Al RAhA BeAch Enchanting sea views Imran Ellam (Ref # AP296300)

Aed 2,600,000

Al nAseeM A

Aed 3,811,100

Al MuneeRA

3 BR 2369 sq. ft.

4 BR 3314 sq. ft.

Al RAhA BeAch Unobstructed views of the marina Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP301534)

Al RAhA BeAch Beachfront living at an attractive price Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP298531)

Aed 1,215,775

Al nAseeM A

Aed 1,610,500

Al MuneeRA

1 BR 1001 sq. ft.

2 BR 1539 sq. ft.

Aed 2,725,000

Al RAhA BeAch The kind of home you’ve only dreamt about Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP300923)

Al RAhA BeAch Breathtaking sea views Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP298530)

29

2 BR 3077 sq. ft.

Aed 2,249,700

3 BR 1841 sq. ft.

Aed 2,200,000

3 BR 1938 sq. ft.

Exclusive to Better Homes

Al nAseeM c Al RAhA BeAch Breathtaking sea views Imran Ellam (Ref # AP294019)

Aed 1,800,000

2 BR 1330 sq. ft.

Al ZeinA - townhouses Al RAhA BeAch A desirable address Imran Ellam (Ref # VI301731)

Property prices change frequently. Please visit bhomes.com for the most up-to-date pricing.

Aed 3,690,000

3 BR 3389 sq. ft.

More listings at bhomes.com

30

Al Raha Beach District

Al MuneeRA Al RAhA BeAch Excellent value Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # AP302410)

FOR RENT

Aed 140,000

2 BR 1556 sq. ft.

Al MuneeRA Al RAhA BeAch A desirable address Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP302261)

Aed 145,000

2 BR 1539 sq. ft.

Exclusive to Better Homes

Al ZeinA - ResidentiAl toweRs Al RAhA BeAch Enjoy life with style Natalya Sapronova (Ref # AP300980)

Al MuneeRA Al RAhA BeAch A host of facilities Nada Jaouhar (Ref # VI302397)

Al ZeinA - townhouses Al RAhA BeAch A desirable address Imran Ellam (Ref # VI301731)

January 2012

Aed 135,000

2 BR 1386 sq. ft.

Al nAseeM B Al RAhA BeAch A desirable address Nada Jaouhar (Ref # AP293671)

Aed 120,000

1 BR 894 sq. ft.

Al MuneeRA Al RAhA BeAch A desirable address Jorim Omollo Amadi (Ref # AP92305)

Aed 150,000

2 BR 1557 sq. ft.

Aed 300,000

4 BR 4734 sq. ft.

Aed 220,000

3 BR 3389 sq. ft.

Al MuneeRA Al RAhA BeAch Enchanting sea views Imran Ellam (Ref # AP302665)

Aed 180,000

3 BR 1939 sq. ft.

Found your perfect property? Contact us on +971 600 52 2212

31

Al Reef DistRict

Divided into four distinctly styled villa communities, namely, Desert, Arabic, Contemporary and Mediterranean, each of these communities has an individual community centre and pool and designed with a unique theme to provide a distinctive architectural character. At itheir heart is The Town Square, a vibrant mix of specialty retail outlets, hypermarket, and other fantastic facilities.

FOR SALE

BuilDing 18 Al Reef Price reduced Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # AP279310)

AeD 999,999

3 BR 1668 sq. ft.

ARABic community Al Reef Guaranteed rental income Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # VI298242)

AeD 1,849,999

5 BR 3749 sq. ft.

DeseRt community Al Reef Great family home Natalya Sapronova (Ref # VI289033)

AeD 1,198,280

2 BR 1832 sq. ft.

Exclusive to Better Homes

DeseRt community Al Reef Excellent value Natalya Sapronova (Ref # VI274582)

contempoRARy community Al Reef Brand new Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # VI237415)

AeD 950,000

2 BR 1832 sq. ft.

AeD 960,000

2 BR 1832 sq. ft.

meDiteRRAneAn community Al Reef Ideal family living Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI70544)

Property prices change frequently. Please visit bhomes.com for the most up-to-date pricing.

AeD 2,004,820

4 BR 2858 sq. ft.

More listings at bhomes.com

32

Al Reef District

meDiteRRAneAn community Al Reef Ready to move in Jorim Omollo Amadi (Ref # VI302290)

FOR RENt

meDiteRRAneAn community Al Reef Ready to move in Imran Ellam (Ref # VI301579)

meDiteRRAneAn community Al Reef A place to call home Maria Eduarda Silveira (Ref # VI67262)

DeseRt community Al Reef Ideal family living Imran Ellam (Ref # VI293905)

January 2012

AeD 110,000

2 BR 1832 sq. ft.

meDiteRRAneAn community Al Reef Ideal family living Lina Bayazid Siada (Ref # VI297066)

AeD 115,000

meDiteRRAneAn community

AeD 130,000

meDiteRRAneAn community

2 BR 1832 sq. ft.

3 BR 2424 sq. ft.

Al Reef Ideal family living Marie Francoise (Ref # VI301838)

Al Reef Exceptional deal!

Nada Jaouhar (Ref # VI288677)

AeD 110,000

2 BR 1832 sq. ft.

AeD 185,000

5 BR 3749 sq. ft.

AeD 135,000

3 BR 2424 sq. ft.

AeD 175,000

5 BR 3749 sq. ft.

ARABic community Al Reef Ideal family living Imran Ellam (Ref # VI291835)

AeD 125,000

3 BR 2424 sq. ft.