Betterhomes Magazine - July'18

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July 2018

THE MODERN NOMAD Interiors inspired by travels

Earn your Vibrant linear looks for summer

STRIPES

HOW TO TABLESCAPE ● STYLISH ARMCHAIRS ● MOVE TO DUBAI MARINA

#MAKEYOURHOMEBEAUTIFUL #MAKEYOURHOMEBEAUTIFUL #MAKEYOURHOMEBEAUTIFUL L L L

WE MAKE

HOME BEAUTIFUL

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At the heart of Roman is the desire to be the best. It is Roman's vision to lead innovate in the Showering industry.

Bathroom, Kitchens, Building Products, Plumbing & Drainage

Dubai: +971 4 266 1291 Abu Dhabi: +971 2 674 1171 Al Ain: +971 3 721 1219

E: info@macuae.ae W: www.algurg.com

WELCOME TO THE JULY ISSUE

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ost of us living in Dubai feel like nomads, particularly at this time of year when it’s too hot to spend time outside in our adopted country and we’re busy making plans to either head back to our home country or to check out somewhere new for a summer holiday. This month, we head to Arabian Ranches (page 34) where Carla Conte, founder of design agency Brand Creative, pays homage to her family’s homelands in her bold, ethnically styled villa. Further afield, we tour a South African beach house (page 42) that reflects its surrounding environment.

We also speak to Jo England (page 30), founder of fairtrade home décor studio Tribe, about her travels to communities of artisans around the world.

Our current favourite trends are influenced by our globetrotting escapades, too, from terracotta pieces (page 17) to Moroccan-inspired interiors (page 18). And if you want to go bold, check out our edit of vibrant stripes (page 25) by international designers.

Finally, discover why Dubai Marina (page 51) is one of the most popular destinations in our cosmopolitan city.

Managing Director Victoria Thatcher Editorial Director John Thatcher Managing Editor Faye Bartle Editor Lucy Land Art Director Kerri Bennett Designer Jamie Pudsey Production Manager Muthu Kumar Advertising Group Manager Sukaina Hussein +971 50 515 9691 To contact any of the above people, email firstname@ hotmediapublishing.com

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from HOT Media Publishing is strictly prohibited. HOT Media Publishing does not accept liability for omissions or errors in Betterhomes Magazine.

Editor lucy@hotmediapublishing.com

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

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Cover image by Harlequin

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CONTENTS

PAGE 18

JULY 2018

PAGE 17

AREA 51

MOVE TO…

Buzzy Dubai Marina

54

PROPERTIES FOR SALE

Find your new home with our pick of properties to buy

61

PROPERTIES FOR RENT

Rent a home in a vibrant community

64

WHICH SCHOOL?

Choose Uptown School

68

SHOP

MOVING IN

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Inspiration, innovation and need-to-know updates

Reham Alsamsam, interior architect at ReHubic Dubai

SHOP TALK

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A TOUCH OF MOROCCO

Create a warm and enchanting atmosphere

IDEAS 22

STEAL MY STYLE

GET IN LINE

Go bold with stripes

30

JO’S CLAN

Tribe founder Jo England on supporting artisans

34

Entertain guests in style

A villa inspired by nomads

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42

Shalini Nair answers your queries and shares her gems

A South African home balances luxury and comfort

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PAGE 24

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DRESS UP YOUR TABLE

ASK A DESIGNER

Our edit of stylish and comfortable armchairs

TRIBAL GATHERING

BEACH BEAUTY

PAGE 34

INTERIORSFURNITURE.COM Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Sharjah | Al Ain | Ras Al Khaimah InteriorsFurnitureUAE

InteriorsUAE

In your heart and home since 1968

SHOP Transform your bathroom into a spa sanctuary with some natural shades, soft textures and scrumptious scents.

Towels, from Dhs59, golden sphere side table, Dhs699, candles, from Dhs109, Zara Home, zarahome.com/ae

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SHOP TALK

The latest in homeware, interiors and design trends

FOLLOW NOW…

@infiltrada_interiors

The go-to for rugs, from casual dhurries to premium hide, Infiltrada is run by Australian designer Brooke TimminsTaulelei. She also sells bold ottomans, cushions and home accessories. Shown here is the living space in her home, which features many of the items that appear in her Instagram feed.

“For a timeless look, my home is contemporary, but also filled with items that are quite old,” she reveals.

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Betterhomes Magazine | SHOP

TAKE TWO METAL MIRRORS

SPLURGE Dhs1,470, AL HUZAIFA

NEW HOME

Turkish furniture company Sandalyeci (sandalyeci.com), known for combining hi-tech manufacturing with expert craftsmanship, has recently moved from its Al Quoz/Umm Suqeim junction to a showroom on First Al Khail Street, behind Oasis Center in Al Quoz 3. “We’re really pleased to be offering even more space and comfort to provide the best service to our clients,” said Aycil Aktug, regional director, Sandalyeci.

THINK BIG

Interior architect Sharon Jutla shares her top tips on how to decorate a tiny apartment to make it feel bright, cheerful and more spacious…

PAINT WALLS WHITE As a reflector of all colours, white has an innate ability to visually expand a space. Choose light colours to brighten a space and disguise edges of a room, making it look bigger.

SPLASH SOME POPS OF BRIGHT COLOUR The strategic placement of dashes of colour throughout an otherwise white or neutral space helps to guide the eye, providing a visual tour that makes the whole home feel larger.

ALWAYS THINK VERTICALLY Tall, narrow storage systems are your best bet when trying to get the most storage out of the least amount of space. Place two identical bookshelves on either side of a doorway for a built-in shelving look.

SAVE Dhs349, ZARA HOME

IN SAFE HANDS

Congratulations Hartmann Tresore (safes.ae): following six successful years in Gold & Diamond Park, the certified safe and security solutions company has expanded to a larger showroom within the neighbourhood. “We’re really happy that we can showcase our wide range of offerings in a more representative showroom, and continue to offer our support and expertise to our customers,” said Reiner Kaltenbach, general manager of Hartmann Tresore Middle East.

UTILISE CREATIVE STORAGE SOLUTIONS Unconventional storage fixes, such as drawers under the bed, eliminates the need for a dresser.

Another great idea is to incorporate storage built around your furniture.

AROUND THE WORLD

Expect to be inspired by East meets West designs from 400 furniture and décor design and supply companies from across the continents when INDEX (indexexhibition.com), the largest interiors exhibition in the Middle East, returns for its second 2018 showcase in September – the show will be presenting itself as a modern-day Silk Road.

THINK MULTI-TASKING FURNITURE Select pieces that perform at least two functions.

Small apartments also tend to be box-shaped, so choose curvacious furniture and think about using a round dining table or a sofa and chair set, with angled sides, to soften the space.

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Indulge in an exquisite gastronomic experience with unrivaled views.

For reservations call 971.2818.8282

From Spring Roll Festival and Dim Sum Night to Alaskan Crab or Canadian Lobster menus, Li Jiang hosts themed dinners every night of the week, bringing together the finest ingredients to create unforgettable culinary journeys.

Al Maqta Area, PO Box 91888 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ritzcarlton.com/abudhabi

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2018 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

Betterhomes Magazine | SHOP

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IDdesign

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EARTH AND CLAY

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Add a touch of warmth and wonder to your home with some terracotta pieces

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1. Chiang Mai lamp, Dhs349, PAN EMIRATES 2. Open candelabra in light terracotta, Dhs394, MUUTO at AMARA 3. Merci cup, Dhs60, SERAX at COMPTOIR 102 4. Merci rectangle plate, Dhs60, SERAX at COMPTOIR 102 5. Trulli platters, price on request, NATUZZI ITALIA 6. Tuscany vases, from Dhs270, HOME & SOUL 7. Oscar short jar with rattan handle, Dhs89 PAN EMIRATES 8. Unfold pendant lamp, Dhs813, MUUTO at AMARA bhomes.com | 17

SHOP | Betterhomes Magazine 1

1. Pendle glass with five lamps, Dhs1,999, HOME & SOUL 2. Nomad Taurus rug, Dhs815 (GBP169), WEAVER GREEN 3. Lantern, Dhs180, BOUTIQUE NOMADS 4. Marion two-seater sofa, Dhs2,295, PAN EMIRATES 5. Imperial Domes teabox, Dhs152.25, LOBOAND 6. Desert Sunrise outdoor cushion, Dhs235, BOUTIQUE NOMADS 7. Lumpy stool in gold, Dhs1,299, KARE

Pan Emirates

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A TOUCH OF MOROCCO 7

Create an enchanting atmosphere with influences from Maghreb

“Rich in colour, detail and adornment, the Moroccan style of décor is beautifully bold and distinctive. It artfully plays with light, different textures and shapes as well as patterns. What’s more, it touches all of the senses,” enthuses Katrin Anne Strunz, founder of Boutique Nomads. “Incredibly versatile, the easiest way to achieve beautiful effects is with styling features, such as lanterns, votives and trays and, of course, textiles, including floor cushions, thick blankets and rugs.

“I always like to start each project by defining a colour scheme, which then kicks off a flow of inspiration and ideas. Dark blue, white and gold accents are a fantastic combination to work with.

A more classic, full-on approach is to work with dark and earthy tones, ranging from rusty shades to mustard, deep pink, burgundy and purple accents. Think of a stall selling spices in the bazaar of Marrakesh: that’s exactly the colour range you’re looking for.

“Choose natural materials, cotton and vintage touches with classical patterns. Naturally scented candles with a spicy note are a must – chestnut and pure vanilla are great options. And why not put on some Morroccan tunes in the background? YouTube offers some great playlists.”

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Girls’ Day at Saray Spa. Renew for the journey ahead.

Experience the ultimate in girly indulgence and retreat to the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai for 5-star pampering. Begin your afternoon with a 30-minute Facial or Back Massage followed by a complimentary reflexology session. Afterwards, savour a medley of sweet and savory treats with Afternoon Tea amongst the chic interiors of La Farine.

Daily, AED 300 per person

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai | Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE T +971 4 414 6754 | mhrs.dxbjw.spa@marriott.com | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com JW Marriott Marquis Dubai |

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IDEAS

This mango hued flask with a gold Arabic silhouette is sure to add some vibrancy to your coffee time. Complete the set-up with colourful cups and a hardy red bromeliad plant in a simple ceramic pot. Alfi flask, Dhs595, coffee cup, Dhs20, plant, Dhs170, plant pot, Dhs130, John Lewis at Robinsons, Robinsons.me bhomes.com | 21

IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine Villeroy & Boch

Biyu bowl, Dhs179, THE ONE

MIX & MATCH

It’s the best way to bring your personal touch to the table

HOW TO...

DRESS UP THE TABLE

Pastry dinner plate, Dhs55, THE ONE

Wow your guests with some creative tablescaping

“Whether your tableware features a country, a formal, or a more urban theme, you can create many different styles throughout the year and for all kinds of occasions,” says Isabelle von Boch, the eighth generation family member of Villeroy & Boch. “Start by clarifying the occasion of the table setting before considering the colours and style of the tableware. Keep to a theme of two to four accent colours and make sure they all complement each other. Pick colours from your centrepiece (for example, a buffet plate, an étagère or a nice vase), your linens or from your dinnerware pattern.

“I am a huge fan of placing one or two flowers in a series of small vases, rather than one big floral arrangement – I like my guests to see each other. Creating a horizontal series down the centre of your table is something everyone can do. You can use vases, bowls or any of your favourite pieces that you want to highlight. Fill with flowers, candles or fruit. For added height and drama, layer a small plate or platter underneath each piece. To enhance the ambience, add unscented candles.

“Layering with linens is one of the quickest ways to liven up your table. I layer them depending on what kind of emotion I want my table to evoke: fun, elegant, celebrational or calm.”

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Eduard vase with Forever Roses, Dhs5,250, FOREVER ROSE

Cotton napkins (set of four), Dhs149, ZARA HOME

Chateau glass tumbler, Dhs85, JOHN LEWIS

Vieux Luxembourg Brindelle range, various prices, VILLEROY & BOCH

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ASK A DESIGNER

Our interiors expert answers your queries and shares her hidden gems in the city Any more COpy

MY LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR RUGS: For luxurious and formal entertaining spaces with a bigger budget, I recommend Carpetland. Rugland and Carpet Centre, meanwhile, have a huge variety of affordable rugs in different patterns and materials.

FOR LIGHTING: Jonathan Adler is my go-to designer for contemporary lighting; and Arrco is great for chandeliers and crystals.

FOR HOME SCENTS: Shalini Nair, director at Zylus Design I’m furnishing my new apartment from scratch. What tips do you have for achieving a lived-in look?

Start by deciding on the theme and colour for your apartment. Pick one or two items that are close to your heart and develop a look around these anchor items. Your apartment should reflect your personal style, while making you feel comfortable.

Well-placed lamps, with warm lighting, provide tranquility.

Displaying photos will make your apartment look lived-in. Display them creatively by grouping photos together to create a collection for a more effective and contemporary style.

Give hall and entryways a homey touch by adding a colourful rug or a quirky console. And if you’re brave enough, paint the walls in a bold shade.

What advice do you have for a more sustainable approach in the kitchen? I have a busy life so I need some easy solutions.

Go green by saving energy. Unplug appliances that are not in use, opt for eco-friendly LED light bulbs, and choose recycled towels and washable dishrags.

Instead of buying one bin for the kitchen, organise your waste with separate bins (or choose bins with two or three compartments) for recyclable and non-recyclable.

You can also reduce waste with an indoor composter to transform your biodegradable waste into fertiliser that can be used for gardening.

Avoid plastics. You can switch to reusable bags for your shopping and replace plastic disposable bottles with reusable water bottles.

Woody scents, such as cedarwood, oud, and patchouli, create an earthy, warm atmosphere. Sweet and floral-based scents, including jasmine, lavender, rose, and lilac, create a refreshing feel. And if you want to increase your productivity, scents like cardamom and spice are ideal.

DREAM BUY: The Lapiaz bathtub (pictured, below left), from Boca Do Lobo, is a luxurious artwork.

What’s the best way to personalise my home?

Reflect your personal style at home by showcasing your hobbies and interests.

Use momentos acquired from your travels as décor accents and display family heirlooms. If your hobbies include painting or stitching, hang your personalised works of art on your walls, while a picture wall of your favourite moments becomes a conversation starter.

Online interior design platform Zylus Design (zylus.com) offers an innovative design service.

Br&nd Creative

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IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine

FROM TOP: THE BARCELONA PAVILION, MOON SYSTEM BY ZAHA HADID FOR B&B ITALIA, SILSAL AT NAMSHI, DESIGNERS GUILD, MAS PAINTS

STEAL MY STYLE REHAM ALSAMSAM The interior architect at renovations specialist ReHubic Dubai reveals her design inspirations WHO IS YOUR DESIGN HERO?

German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who took a less is more approach. His designs were rational and efficient, which is beautifully exemplified

by The Barcelona Pavilion, built to house Germany’s exhibit for the 1929 International Exposition, located in Barcelona.

HOMELY ESSENTIALS

A sofa can define the mood throughout the whole house.

I love the Moon System designed by Zaha Hadid for B&B Italia.

SPLURGE ON

A great kitchen. I spend a lot of time there, whether I’m entertaining or enjoying a cup of coffee.

COLOUR COMBO TO TRY

I like combining tones of grey and blue, inspired by nature.

WALLPAPER OR PAINT?

I love to mix the two – texture and colours of both paint and wallpaper – to create exciting yet comfortable spaces.

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DREAM BUY

A house in the mountains – somewhere to relax and create.

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GET IN LINE

Striking and vibrant, stripes are the perfect choice for making a bold statement

FAMILY DRAMA

Whether you’re aiming for a traditional or a modern and bold look, you can’t go wrong with timeless monochrome. Reupholster a chair in this woven fabric to add a sense of sophistication and formality to a space. St James Stripe Noir from the Chateau collection, price on request, Interiors Furniture, interiorsfurniture.com

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BE BOLD

You can count on Jonathan Adler for a touch of traditional elegance meets modern glamour. With a variety of textures and a restricted colour palette, the eye-catching pieces shown here, work effortlessly together. The handmade rug, in particular, creates a statement with its large size and its inversion of standard stripes. Canaan reversible Peruvian flatweave rug, from Dhs10,518 (GBP2,160), Jonathan Adler, uk.jonathanadler.com

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IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine

GREEN ENERGY

Add tranquility to your home with this balanced, green striped wallpaper from the Shades collection in collaboration with designer Magdalena Lundkvist, known for her playful patterns and images. Lush Lines, Dhs208.95 per sq m, Mr Perswall. Available from D.tales, design-tales.com

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HIT PARADE

Fashion designer Paul Smith’s signature classic stripes have evolved into a layered and complex pattern for this handwoven rug, which draws inspiration from film transparencies and the vibrant movement of carnival dancers. Carnival rug, Dhs36,896 for 3.04m by 2.15m, Paul Smith for The Rug Company. Available from Iconic Home, iconichomeuae.com

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JO’S CLAN

Designer Jo England on developing a new point of view, supporting artisans and arriving early Interview: Lucy Land

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ith a love of beautiful interiors, sustainability and travel, Australian designer Jo England launched her gorgeously curated homeware and dĂŠcor collection Tribe three years ago.

Her global-chic studio and store, located in Al Quoz, is a natural culmination of a career spent working on conceptual design and corporate branding, before she took a creative leap developing properties and honing her interior design skills.

What sparked your move into interior design?

During 10 years of living in Asia, I bought numerous derelict properties and turned them into beautiful light-filled homes with plunge pools, indoor trees, vaulted ceilings, sunken TV rooms and crafted features, from kitchen tiles to barn doors. This naturally paved the path into sourcing pieces that I love and developing furniture and homewares with artisans, both locally and around the globe.

How has your experience of living in Dubai influenced you?

When I moved here five years ago, I saw the opportunity to have a new point of view and found that people were looking for something unique — a more relaxed, elegant, chic and casual feel that reflects and works in harmony with our amazing coastal environment.

What drives you?

I love sourcing products, meeting with artisans and supporting the continuation of these timeless skills. Ethical trade is the core of my business principle: it must be good for the environment, good for the artisan and good for the community.

How did the name Tribe come about?

I wanted a name that expressed the essence of my homegrown brand, which is a collection of pieces that come from travelling to communities of artisans around the world, who are working together as a group.

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work, or collaborate, with us, you feel like part of the family, or ‘tribe’.

Describe a typical working day?

I arrive at work early, before the rest of the team, straight from school drop-off. It’s a great time to organise and plan the day ahead. Once we’ve all arrived, I catch up with the team and get updates on different clients and design projects – there’s always so much going on. After catching up on emails, I hit the road and meet with local suppliers to check on customised pieces for clients as well as sourcing fabrics for design projects. Then, it’s straight into moodboards for clients before a photography shoot for the social media team to use. I regularly pop into our retail store to check the visual merchandise looks good. I finish the day in the studio, discussing shipments, potential new suppliers and collection launches with my assistant buyer.

Then, it’s school pick-ups and taking my children to their after-school activities and clubs. Once I’m finally back at home, I cook dinner and try to balance family time, while keeping an eye on my emails.

When you’re not working, where can we find you?

I wasn’t expecting to love the desert as much as I do, but I love heading out for an early barbecue in the winter and watching the kids run free. I also enjoy spending time with my family out on the tranquil water, skiing and swimming before anchoring near mangroves to spot turtles coming up for air and watching the flamingos feeding.

And I love the vibe of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood – I could spend hours among the beautiful architecture, watching the busy traders.

What’s your take on the local interiors scene?

The urbanisation of Dubai is very exciting – it’s creating a huge amount of energy and a platform for new and emerging designers to be creative, while I love the growing trend in sustainability and the influence this is having on design.

What’s on your bedside table?

I always have a good book on the go – I read a lot about mindfulness practices.

A notebook and pen is invaluable, as I get most of my creative ideas during the night and I have found that being able to jot them down helps a lot.

What’s your top home décor tip?

Create an oasis that reflects your personality and makes you feel amazing when you arrive home. tribedubai.com bhomes.com | 33

IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine

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Carla Conte, founder of design company Brand Creative, pays homage to her family’s homelands in her bold, ethnically styled Arabian Ranches villa Words: Lucy Land Photographs: Muthu Kumar

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IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine

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uring the last year, Carla Conte, founder and creative director of branding and interior design company Brand Creative had a baby, bought a villa with her husband Simo, renovated it, and went back to work fulltime. “Zain is the reason we did all of this,” she says. Following nine years of living in Dubai Marina with Simo, the couple moved to Arabian Ranches to coincide with their new arrival. “We had an awesome two-bedroom apartment with panoramic views but I wanted our baby to tread barefoot on the grass and to have some space to kick around a ball.”

During her initial property search, Carla looked at beautiful, modern villas online before opting for a property in Saheel, one of the original neighbourhoods in Arabian Ranches.

“I thought it would be a challenge to buy an old villa and gut it so people can walk in and be inspired by what I do,” she reveals. With its red mahogany-

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style laminate flooring and trimmings, a yellow kitchen and damask wallpapered bedrooms, the chosen home hadn’t been renovated in 12 years. “We walked into the back garden and we could smell bad water from the huge pond with koi carp, but you just can’t get properties this large in this area any more.”

Carla had her own contractors and connections, but it was impossible to finish the renovation work within two months – in time for Zain’s arrival – so the family spent an extra month at Dubai Marina. “I was walking around onsite with a newborn baby, without A/C and the team was really concerned, saying it wasn’t good for the baby,” Carla admits. “I felt very guilty that we didn’t have a nursery ready in time so we really made an effort.” Zain’s nursery and playroom are now her favourite spaces – colourful, fun and whimsical.

The couple’s homelands – Carla is from Canada; Simo is from Morocco – provided the concept for the home

I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A CHALLENGE TO BUY AN OLD VILLA AND GUT IT SO PEOPLE CAN WALK IN AND BE INSPIRED BY WHAT I DO

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IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine

THESE PEOPLE SYMBOLISE US BECAUSE WE ARE NOMADS, TOO

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I FELT VERY GUILTY THAT WE DIDN'T HAVE A NURSERY READY IN TIME SO WE REALLY MADE AN EFFORT interior, with two large printed photos from vintage archives, that hang in their living space, offering the starting point. Carla refers to them as their guardians. “We don’t have any other family in Dubai and they make us feel at home – they represent us and there’s something wise about their eyes.” She points to the image on the left, “This guy is from the Iroquois tribe, which is from my province in Canada, while she is a Berber (also known as an Amazigh) from Morocco.” Carla ensured a balance between the Moroccan and First Nations references, so they seamlessly blend together. “They symbolise us, too, because these people are nomads.”

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Black provided the base for the bold and classic colour palette, with grey, gold and metallics adding rich layers.

Carla called on Mas Paints to give some of the walls a sumptuous texture by hand, and she ensured a personal touch with every piece of chosen artwork. The graphic designer from Brand Creative created the kufic calligraphy feature on the dining room wall, which spells out, “Where there is peace, there is love; where there is love, there is peace”.

It provides a talking point for Arabic speakers, as it’s not easy to decipher.

The designer also painted a Canadian forest, with woodland creatures on one of Zain’s nursery walls, while the

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other wall features the Atlas mountains of Morocco. The handmade rug was bought by family in Fez, while other rugs were also sustainably handmade and bought from Tribe. The framed black and white photos on the stairwell include those from the couple’s travels.

Sculptures, weave baskets, black and white hats, feathers dipped in copper, custom pouffs, vintage ladles and oars, mostly sourced from Tribe decorate the home, referencing their backgrounds, while also featuring graphic elements.

There were originally archways in the home’s entrance, but Carla straightened out the space, adding another marble

column to create an L-shaped fireplace filled with birchwood logs from Canada. The statement dining table, from Marina Home Interiors, is filled with driftwood and the huge mirror in the hallway, also from Marina Home Interiors, has an Aztec look to it.

“Everything has been thoughtfully curated,” Carla enthuses. “From selecting the tribal bands for the logs in the foyer to the colourful alphabet wall, I get my hands into everything and it’s always dramatic with us.” There’s no doubt Carla’s luxuriously bold home inspires guests, while creating a cosy family home.

GET THE LOOK Standing grey mouse lamp, price on request, SELETTI

Banana leaf cushion, Dhs290, TRIBE

HOME COMFORTS My top décor tip is…

Choose artwork that tells a story.

My pet peeve is…

Not being holistic. It’s obvious when people have created corners of their home that are vignettes for Instagram, while the rest of the house has been forgotten.

Home is…

Comfort, cosiness and a place to unwind.

Lesley floor lamp, Dhs575, PAN EMIRATES Lyla shadowbox, Dhs699, PAN EMIRATES Nongo Basket, Dhs305 TRIBE

Trost circular coffee table, Dhs 5,775, MARINA HOME INTERIORS

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IDEAS | Betterhomes Magazine

With its uncomplicated spaces, this stunning coastal home perfectly balances luxury and comfort Words: Lucy Land

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THE SURROUNDING BEAUTY OF THE ENVIRONMENT INSPIRED SO MUCH OF THE DESIGN

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ituated on the KwaZuluNatal (known as the garden province) north coast, just south of the affluent resort town Umhlanga in South Africa, La Lucia beach house is gently nestled between protected milkwood trees, and boasts beautiful ocean views – both of which influenced the style.

“The surrounding beauty of the environment inspired so much of the design and the house’s proximity to the beach is unsurpassed,” enthuses Mark Rielly, director of interior design studio ARRCC. A sense of arrival is created by two milkwood trees flanking the entrance, while a floating timber step

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platform and pergola leads toward the front door of the home. Upon entering, the stunning panorama is only revealed when reaching the double-volume hallway – the aligned timber slat-cladded ceilings drawing the eye to the seascape ahead. Ocean views are framed perfectly by bronze anodised aluminium sliding screens that envelope the building – these are patterned so that they abstractly mimic the milkwood trees and create the home’s signature look, but also serve to protect the building from the wind, rain and sun.

Belonging to a family, who use the property as a holiday home, it eptomises the spirit of a modern

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THE DESIGN WAS KEPT RELAXED YET CAREFULLY CONSIDERED beach house with a sense of sophistication. “The design was kept relaxed yet carefully considered to maximise the environment it forms part of,” Mark reveals.

Constructed so that the interior seamlessly integrates with the external terraces, pool decks and landscaping while maximising the views across the beach and sea, the stunning ground floor can be enjoyed as one continuous space or arranged into more individual and private spaces, with sliding screens providing flexibility to do this. What’s more, all of the areas open up either onto the sea-facing pool deck or onto the afternoon sunlit garden on the west.

The interiors express simplicity and restraint while making the home comfortable and cosy. Sand-coloured, polished concrete floors; bleached timber; natural leathers and grey linens are anchored by soft neutrals and countered with touches of charcoal, teal and azure. The indoor is aligned with the outdoor décor to allow for maximum entertainment bhomes.com | 47

space. For example, the formal dining table and outdoor terrace table are positioned adjacent to each other to accommodate large parties, while the lounge and terrace lounge furniture were also chosen to read as one space.

On the upper level, the four seafacing bedrooms open onto private, individual terraces. When closed, the aluminium screens create a stunning design element that also softens the natural daylight.

The pool, deck and entertainment areas were placed on the sea-facing side of the house, elevated slightly to provide views over the dune plants to further reinforce the connection with the ocean.

Materials chosen for the external spaces echo bleached driftwood and

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SPACES SHOULD REFLECT THE LOCATION AND OUR CLIENTS the sandy beach. Weathered iroko decking and ceiling slats, honed sandstone and polished light-coloured concrete floors form the predominant materials and create a direct relationship with the surrounding environment. Mark is proud of the link, “As designers, we are passionate about creating spaces that reflect both the location and our clients – that is how life-enhancing spaces are crafted.” arrcc.com

HOME COMFORTS My top home décor tip is…

Make a statement by introducing a feature element into the interior that reflects your home’s location and its surroundings.

One of my essential design elements is…

Incorporating local materials or pieces crafted by artisans or artists.

Don’t follow design trends.

Your interiors should always be timeless, but can be edited over time.

Home is…

Where I can completely relax and enjoy the things that I have collected and gathered over time, including books and art.

Betterhomes Magazine | IDEAS

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Fluturra chair, Dhs4,300, AL HUZAIFA

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AREA

One of the most sought-after destinations in the city, Dubai Marina boasts some of the world’s tallest apartment buildings and offers a Rivierastyle lifestyle. Browse our pick of properties in this stunning waterfront setting.

M OV E TO

DUBAI MARINA Anita Szilagyi, Residential Consultant for Betterhomes, on Dubai Marina’s buzzy social scene

Famed for its dramatic skyline of skyscrapers, vibrant nightlife and scenic location, Dubai Marina stretches along the Arabian Gulf, from Al Sufouh Road near Dubai Media City and includes Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR).

It is a very convenient place to live, offering everything on your doorstep, including Dubai Marina Mall, Skydive Dubai, restaurants, cafés, numerous supermarkets, beauty salons and hotels as well as the many diversions located along the seven-kilometre-long Marina Walk. There are also plenty of running tracks and pedestrian paths throughout the marina, connecting one side to the other, while the recently launched openair mall and cinema at The Beach at JBR includes plenty of boutique shops.

The neighbourhood really comes to life at night, with its amazing highrise towers lit up and luxury yachts and boats providing colour to the waterfront promenade. The community is popular with single people as well as families, attracted to the high-quality apartments, excellent facilities and good maintenance. Many of the buildings have been built by Emaar Properties, and feature high-standard gyms, swimming pools and squash courts.

Other high-profile developers include Cayan Group and Select Group. Dubai Marina Towers, Park Island and Marina Promenade are among the prominent

buildings, with Cayan Tower (also known as the ‘Twisted Tower’) being a well-known landmark.

Residential properties are versatile in terms of size, from studios to oneto eight-bedroom apartments, and penthouses. There are also some villas, mostly located in Dubai Marina Towers, Park Island and Dorra Bay, with views of the marina and the sea.

The area is great for walking and cycling. It is also well connected, with Dubai Marina Metro and JLT Metro situated at either end of the neighbourhood, while taxis are readily available. Traffic can be busy but the new tramline is a great way of getting around the area without delays, for tourists and residents alike. The community has easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road and is just a short drive from Palm Jumeirah as well as Mall of the Emirates.

Dubai Marina is a community for everyone. You’ll find some buildings grouped around a safe courtyard, which are great for families with small children. There are kids’ play areas under shady bridges and nurseries, including the renowned Jebel Ali Village Nursery, Marina Village Nursery, Kidville Nursery and Toddler Town British Nursery. Nearby schools include GEMS Wellington International School and Raffles International School.

To rent Studio apartment One-bedroom apartment Two-bedroom apartment Three-bedroom apartment

Approximate price Dhs40,000 to Dhs90,000 Dhs60,000 to Dhs150,000 Dhs80,000 to Dhs250,000 Dhs110,000 to Dhs350,000

To buy Studio apartment One-bedroom apartment Two-bedroom apartment Three-bedroom apartment

Approximate price Dhs500,000 to Dhs1,500,000 Dhs650,000 to Dhs2,000,000 Dhs900,000 to Dhs4,000,000 Dhs1,400,000 to Dhs7,000,000

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AREA | Betterhomes Magazine

FOR SALE

I f y o u l i k e w h a t y o u s e e a nd wa nt t o v ie w m o re , v i s i t b h o m e s . c om o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

WESTSIDE

2-Bedroom Apartment, Dubai Marina

E XC E LLE NT LO C ATI O N Boasting all modern facilities, this bright and spacious apartment comes with a very convenient floor plan, an excellent finish, an extra storage room in the basement and one car parking space. What’s more, it offers a gorgeous view of Dubai Marina from its balcony. The child-friendly, 1,464 sq. ft. apartment is ready to move into and includes both swimming pool and gym facility access.

The Westside Marina is a low-rise building located in the western end of Dubai Marina, near Byblos Hotel. It is within a short walking distance to the metro station, Marina Mall, Choitram’s supermarket, the yacht club, and The Walk at JBR. It takes less than a minute to access the building from Sheikh Zayed Road. Located 15 minutes from Mall of the Emirates and 10 minutes from the beach, this beautiful apartment offers a fantastic investment opportunity.

AED 1,464,000

T H E D E TA I L S Approx size: 1,464 sq. ft.

Reference No: AP163808 RERA Permit No. 355472861

Listed by Syed Wajih Uddin Ahmed

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FOR SALE

I f y o u l i k e w h a t yo u s e e a nd wa nt t o v ie w m o re , v i s i t b h o m e s . co m o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

Marina Mansion Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP56546 Syed Wajih Uddin Ahmed RERA Permit No. 1937222096

Paloma Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP178115 Lola Ortikova RERA Permit No. 773073488

AED 3, 200,000

Emerald Residence Dubai Marina

AED 4,600,000

Ref No. AP168681 Simona Mariana Barbulescu RERA Permit No. 1305485277

4 BR 4,868 sq. ft.

Heights AED 3, 795,000 Marina Dubai Marina

AED 1,990,000

3 BR 2,633 sq. ft.

3 BR 2,098 sq. ft.

Ref No. AP284324 Fabio Lombardi RERA Permit No. 635577617

2 BR 1,825 sq. ft.

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AREA | Betterhomes Magazine

FOR SALE

I f y o u l i k e w h a t y o u s e e a nd wa nt t o v ie w m o re , v i s i t b h o m e s . c om o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

Majara 1 Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP316345 Urvashi Sidhapara RERA Permit No. 795063192

Sahab 2 Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP319477 Nina Pekina RERA Permit No. 2060373728

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AED 1, 320,000 1 BR 841 sq. ft.

AED 3, 200,000 3 BR 2,205 sq. ft.

Betterhomes Magazine | AREA

FOR SALE

I f y o u l i k e w h a t yo u s e e a nd wa nt t o v ie w m o re , v i s i t b h o m e s . co m o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

TIME PLACE

2-Bedroom Apartment, Dubai Marina

ICONIC LIVING Originally a four-bedroom penthouse, this spacious property has been converted into two bedrooms. Located on a very high floor, it has been fully upgraded and comes with full amenities, including a spacious terrace, a private Jacuzzi and an impressive balcony that surrounds the extended living room. There is one master bedroom, a guest bedroom and it is vacant on transfer.

Time Place is a landmark complex offering highly sought-after apartments with spectacular Dubai Marina views. The high-rise building incorporates the world’s largest and highest sundial into its structure. Its sundial shadow falls across the building, and its cylindrical shape allows people to see the time from miles away and from everywhere within Dubai Marina.

The self-contained community offers everything you need, including Dubai Marina Mall, Skydive Dubai, JBR beach, plenty of supermarkets and restaurants, and Dubai Marina Walk.

AED 3,100,000

T H E D E TA I L S Approx size: 4,110 sq. ft.

Reference No: AP72537 RERA Permit No. 209204512

Listed by Anita Szilagyi

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FOR SALE

I f y o u l i k e w h a t y o u s e e a nd wa nt t o v ie w m o re , v i s i t b h o m e s . c o m o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

The Jewels Tower 1 Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP320699 Sachin Das RERA Permit No. 1473179720

Escan Marina Tower Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP350389 Talgat Kalymbetov RERA Permit No. 898636159

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AED 2, 200,000 2 BR 2,151 sq. ft.

Cayan Tower Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP336069 Kapil Dhakan RERA Permit No. 631591204

4 AED 800,000 Amwaj Jumeirah Beach Residence 1 BR 660 sq. ft.

Ref No. AP355853 Victor Danu RERA Permit No. 898636159

AED 5,870,000 4 BR 2,609 sq. ft.

AED 4,600,000 4 BR 4,473 sq. ft.

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FOR RENT

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La Riviera Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP64673 Pratik Belani RERA Permit No. 171336563

Sahab 2 Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP177067 Victor Danu RERA Permit No. 1919883740

AED 135,000 3 BR 1,596 sq. ft.

Sadaf 6

Jumeirah Beach Residence Ref No. AP171447 Rasha Moslyh RERA Permit No. 238241370

View Tower B AED 130,000 Marina Dubai Marina 2 BR 1,351 sq. ft.

Ref No. AP177665 Georgina Taylor RERA Permit No. 1590260045

AED 1 10,000 2 BR 1,430 sq. ft.

AED 100,000 1 BR 738 sq. ft.

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FOR RENT

I f y o u l i k e w h a t y o u s e e a nd wa nt t o v ie w m o re , v i s i t b h o m e s . c o m o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

Emirates Crown Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP350256 Roy Abboud RERA Permit No. 972367700

Marina Diamond 2 Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP334522 Fabio Lombardi RERA Permit No. 696073524

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AED 240,000 3 BR 3,881 sq. ft.

AED 85,000 1 BR 647 sq. ft.

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FOR RENT

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RIMAL 4

4-Bedroom Apartment, Jumeirah Beach Residence

A LL I N TH E D E TA I L This four-bedroom, fully furnished penthouse for rent in Rimal 4 is elaborately and elegantly furnished and has undergone full modifications. The living room has a small balcony, two fully functional fountains and a fantastic view of the sea. There is a private terrace (or sun room) with direct access to a minor master bedroom. The major master bedroom has a stunning uninterrupted view of the sea and of Palm Jumeirah. One bedroom has been converted into a gym, with all the necessary machines for a full body workout. The other bedroom has balcony access, offering sea views. All the bathrooms include their own Jacuzzi bathtub and private steam room. The maid’s quarters sleep two and has access to a service area and its own bathroom. There is one storage room in the apartment, and another in the service area, which is connected to an exclusive service elevator that only stops at the four-bedroom apartments.

AED 280,000

T H E D E TA I L S Approx size: 3,022 sq. ft.

Reference No: AP232799 RERA Permit No. 312855939

Listed by Urvashi Sidhapara

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FOR RENT

I f y o u l i k e w h a t y o u s e e a nd wa nt t o v ie w m o re , v i s i t b h o m e s . c o m o r ca l l 0 4 4 0 9 0 9 9 8

Marina View Tower B Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP177665 Georgina Taylor RERA Permit No. 1590260045

23 Marina Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP314745 Chanell Quire RERA Permit No. 1949051762

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AED 100,000 1 BR 738 sq. ft.

Marina Tower Dubai Marina

Ref No. AP354032 Shahzad Anwar RERA Permit No. 1450661037

Terrace AED 135,000 Marina Dubai Marina 2 BR 1,616 sq. ft.

Ref No. AP333256 Sana Hajjar RERA Permit No. 248456301

AED 170,000 3 BR 2,001 sq. ft.

AED 135,000 2 BR 1,543 sq. ft.

Betterhomes Magazine | AREA

FOR RENT

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ATTESSA

1-Bedroom Apartment, Dubai Marina

S U P E R I O R LO C ATI O N Located on a high floor with partial sea and Dubai Marina views, this beautifully furnished and very spacious onebedroom apartment is located in Attessa, Marina Promenade. The vacant apartment has a balcony; an open, fully equipped kitchen and a laundry room; a large bedroom with built-in wardrobes; and a guest toilet. One parking space is included. The community facilities include 24-hour security; a swimming pool; a sauna; a steam room; squash court; a billiard room; a gym; and a kids’ playing area.

The area is very well connected, with easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road, metro stations, and the tram that runs from Al Sufouh at one end of the district and loops around to Dubai Marina, JLT and JBR at the other end.

AED 125,000

T H E D E TA I L S Approx size: 955 sq. ft.

Reference No: AP72741 RERA Permit No. 544267998

Listed by Kristina Titova

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AREA | Betterhomes Magazine

SHORTEN THE SCHOOL RUN

Three homes within 15 minutes’ drive of Uptown School

WHICH SCHOOL?

AMSAF 12 villas Mirdif District Sana Hajjar Ref No. TH357622 RERA Permit No. 882039443

AED 135,000

3 BR 2,300 sq. ft.

Christopher Bromham, principal of Uptown School, on providing a rich and engaging learning experience What sets your school apart from others in the city?

Uptown School is an authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), while also offering the IB’s Middle Years Programme (MYP).

Dedicated to nurturing the development of all aspects of education and personal growth, our mission is to encourage curiosity and enthusiasm, creativity and independence, compassion and communication through an exciting, rich and engaging learning experience.

With over 80 nationalities and KHDA ratings of “very good” and “outstanding,” we boast a 100% pass rate for our first class of graduates (2016/17).

Tell us about your team…

Our teachers share a vision of being the most respected providers of education in the region, embracing a mindset of collegiality in which they acknowledge and support each other’s strengths to accomplish goals. All of our teachers are fully qualified graduates, many of whom hold post-graduate degrees.

They are trained IB practitioners, with many being IB workshop trainers and IB site visitors.

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Is there anything else parents should know about?

We provide a seamless educational experience for students from age three to 18. The language of instruction is English. However, Arabic for all students begins in kindergarten, French is offered from primary onwards, while our Early Years’ Mother Tongue Maintenance programme includes support for German, French, Urdu, Hindi, Russian, Malayalam and Swedish.

Physical Education (PE) plays a major role in our curriculum and our students have access to a broad range of sports, arts and academic activities. Examples of some of the Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) we’ve held, include scrabble club, basketball, Arabic stories, rugby, Qur’an and Hadith recitation, World Scholars Debate, TEDx Youth and more. We also offer a broad range of educational visits and excursions, which are a vital part of our curriculum.

NMHB Villa Mirdif District Sana Hajjar Ref No. VI326066 RERA Permit No. 915108784

AED 5,500,000

5BR 7,500 sq. ft.

What do your key facilities include?

Designed to ensure our students have the best environment to support their development, our facilities are spread over 14 acres of landscaped grounds.

There are zoned areas for the Early Years, primary school and secondary school, while the primary and secondary schools have separate studios to support the full IB programme of visual arts and integrated design technology.

MAAAO Villa Mirdif District Moustafa Elmiligy Ref No. VI356547 RERA Permit No. 1369005043

AED 6,990,000

3R 9,500 sq. ft.

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

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