Better Homes Magazine Sep'16

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September 2016

BEAUTY SLEEP

Embrace this fall trend that exudes glamour

Bathroom enhancements - Closet organisation - Villas on the market listings

Better Homes Magazine | welcome

WELcoME To THE SEPTEMBER iSSuE Managing Director Victoria Thatcher

It’s September and the long Eid weekend is just around the corner. Are you doing anything special? We’re staying in the city and giving our home a thorough clean. Upgrades and a shopping spree are naturally on the cards, too, and we can’t wait to scour the stores. If you’re looking to revamp your bathroom, an often overlooked spot, turn to page 39 for nifty tips from the experts.

Editorial Director John Thatcher Editor Nicola Monteath

Shop the latest in trends (page 26), freshen up your guest bedroom for family and friends visiting over the weekend (page 18), and discover how an interior designer styles her home with pieces from low- and high-end stores in the UAE (page 20). Get a glimpse into an Emirates Hills home (page 33) and discover the perks of living within this vicinity (page 52). Those looking to relocate can consider this area, among other communities apt for families, from page 60.

Sub-Editor Emma Laurence

Eid Mubarak and happy reading.

Designer/ Production Manager Muthu Kumar

Nicola Monteath nicola@hotmediapublishing.com

Illustrator Andrew Thorpe

Art Director Andy Knappett Designer Emi Dixon

Advertising Group Manager Sukaina Hussein +971 50 515 9691 bhomes.com To contact any of the above people, email firstname@ hotmediapublishing.com

facebook.com/betterhomespage

Jan-Jun 2015 | 15,101 | BPA Consumer Audit 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 Better Homes Magazine.

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

by Interiors

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Better Homes Magazine | contents

HoME

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sHOp FOr …

On tHe stOreFrOnt Hot new buys catching our eye this month

A stylish guest bedroom visitors will love

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mOOd OF tHe mO ntH Add character to any room with antique-inspired items

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persOnal tOUcH

Gather inspiration from these stylish setups

batHrOOm enHancements

Clear clutter and keep your closet organised

Where does an interiors expert shop for her own home?

On trend

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HOw tO…

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st yle Files

Give your bathroom the makeover it deserves

Tour this home in Emirates Hills

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design inspiratiOn

Explore Karen Howes’ stunning London apartment

BETTER LiViNg

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my cit y

An insider’s guide to Dubai’s top spots

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wHicH scHOOl?

Take a closer look at Kings’ School Al Barsha

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mOve tO… emirates Hill s

There’s plenty happening in this area

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asian Fancy

This mouthwatering dish from Blue Jade is one to try at the weekend

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tHe best OF… emirates Hill s

This community is friendly and perfect for families

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entertainment & wellbeing

The latest kitchenware, chef’s tips and nutritional advice

HouSE

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prOperties FOr sale

Invest in villas in Emirates Hills and the surrounding neighbourhoods

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prOperties FOr rent

Your new home may be right in front of your eyes

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tried & tested

We put two much-hyped kitchen gadgets to the test

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On tHe map

Discover Dubai with our handy colour-coded map

Better Homes Magazine | shopping

SHOP For

A ST Y LIS H GU EST B ED RO O M Th ese effortlessly gl a mor ous a c c e s s or i e s will mak e visitor s f e e l r i ght a t home

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1 . Ta ble la mp, D h s 219, Life s ty le 2. Table clo ck , Dhs299, KA R E 3. English lavend er reed d iffuser, D h s1 7 9, Bs aB at Life s ty le 4. Th e D ion ys ian reflectio n m irro r, Dhs25 0, The Fo rm wo rks A r t G aller y 5. B e d , p r i c e on re q u e s t, Lig n e R os e t 6. Arc h é c h air, Stefania A nd o rlini fo r Frag at Selva 7. Turner and Whitm o re c ush i o n s , D h s 2,13 4, J on ath an Sa u n de rs at The R ug Co m pany 8. Co atstand , Dhs6,661 , Po lA r t at Cities

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Better Homes Magazine | shopping

On The STOREFRONT 3 to bu y

T e a ti me e s se n t ia l s

Nic e Cu p O f T e a m ug , D h s 7 0 , H a p p y Ja c k s o n a t Na m s h i . c o m

V in t a ge t ra y i n tur q uo i s e , p rice o n re q ue s t, N a d a D e b s at C o m p to i r 1 0 2

SCENTED SANCTUARY Cla s s ic t e a b o x w i th mo t h e r- o f -p e a r l , Dh s 1 ,8 4 5 , Na d a D e b s a t C i ti e s

Let fresh aromas of fruit and flora waft through your home with one of Molton Brown’s newly launched Delicious Rhubarb & Rose Collection candles.

Choose from a single- or three-wick version, each scented with rhubarb

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sourced from West Yorkshire’s Rhubarb Triangle, an area of the UK known for harvesting rhubarb since the early 20th century. The pretty pink packaging means they’ll make the perfect housewarming gifts, too. From Dhs245.

Better Homes Magazine | shopping

mood oF THE moNTH: ANTiquE Q u irk y, re t ro fin ds f o r t ha t w e l l - t r a v e l l e d f e e l

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1 . Dr e sse r, Dh s4,699, KARE 2. Bra ss c loc k , D h s 2,238, 2X L Furniture & Ho m e Deco r 3. Table lam p, Dhs24 9, L ifestyle 4 . On e Ki l n c offe e c u ps , D h s 13 0, Crafte d for Lex u s at IN TER SECT BY L EX US 5 . Wo o d en box , Dhs7 9, Danube Ho m e 6 . An tiq u e c ame ra on tripod, D h s 9,750, Marina Ho m e 7. Table fan, Dhs1 ,4 00, Marina Ho m e 8 . Min i c h e s t c abin e t, D h s 12,999, KARE 9. Mo ther - o f - pearl chair, Dhs1 8,25 0, Mo saique

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Better Homes Magazine | trends

High And Mighty Ikea’s latest collection empowers you to live the life you want, as though no-one is watching. ‘Goodbye expectations.

Hello you’ is the campaign slogan that symbolises the movement, comprising convenient furnishing options and home accessories that are stunning yet incredibly affordable. This high dinnermeets-homework table is rustic and casual yet clean and elegant at the same time. Combined with a family-sized couch, plenty of plants and a hardy rug that’s big enough to cover the entire table area, this is a setup that works for all ages. Get creative and use stools as occasional tables, storage cabinets stacked on top of larger units, and lamps of all styles and sizes in various corners.

Inside Out Picking a furniture set to suit the exact needs of your outdoor space isn’t always easy. But at Rattan Furniture, there’s something for all preferences and comfort levels. This traditional set is ideal for intimate alfresco parties or teatime gatherings spent watching over the kids as they splash around in the pool. It’s easy to clean, too.

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Better Homes Magazine | HOME TOUR

PERSONAL TOUCH

For Nar esh Sa n t a n i , i t ’ s i m p o r t a nt t o c on s ider e v e r y l a st d e t a i l w he n de s ign in g y o ur ho m e , t o m a k e i t t he re laxi ng ha v e n y o u d e si r e Wo rd s Nico l a Mo ntea th P h o t o g ra p h s Muth u K uma r

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Better Homes Magazine | HOME TOUR

T

he Santanis’ villa, perched at the corner of a cul de sac in Emirates Hills, has been home to Naresh Santani (Managing Director/CEO at Arrow Pipes and Fittings), wife Jharna and son Jatin for over four years. The gated villa opens onto a driveway that boasts the father and son’s finest selection of automobiles, clearly outlining their taste. And this eye for fine design expands inside the home, where Naresh finalised every minute detail, from the neutral-toned wallpaper to the elaborate accessories. “Emirates Hills is a gated community and as soon as you enter you are hit with greenery,” he says of the area. “The inspiration for

contemporary pieces, most of which were bought from Gusto Furniture or customised by Saleh Interiors.

Upon spotting a large dining table, one can only wonder whether it plays host to dinner parties. Naresh confirms my suspicions: “We have been in Dubai a long time, most of our friends and family live here, so whenever there is an occasion we love to get together.

This dining set belonged to the previous owners and was picked up in Indonesia.

Saleh Interiors upholstered the chairs.”

The wall clock, also from Indonesia, is another favoured piece, and some of the artefacts were bought in Thailand, giving the space an international flair.

The inspiration for our home was comfort and classic design – we wanted to use the expansive size of the house to fit in two main purposes: to entertain and to live comfortably our home was comfort and classic design – we wanted to use the expansive size of the house to fit in two main purposes: to entertain and to live comfortably.

There are certainly no qualms about his love for home interiors. Sonika, the daughter of the household, visits often and tells us her father was behind each and every element. As you walk in, the corridor leads straight into the foyer, which is adorned with a giant art piece.

Further in, the downstairs is laid out with the kitchen on the right, mandir (prayer room) on the left, a sitting room that leads to the dining room and formal living room thereafter, and a guest bedroom nestled in a corner. “Both the living areas open onto the pool area, the garden and the golf turf, which is incredibly calming,” says Naresh.

The sitting room is one of Naresh’s favourites as it exudes comfort, comprises all the entertainment required and is only a few steps from the kitchen.

He’s particularly fond of the propeller coffee table, made from an actual ship and customised by Marina Home, so much so that he bought a second one for the casual living room upstairs. The formal living room is where meetings take place. The neo-classical design prevalent here is complemented by more

While Naresh and his son love the indoors, his wife and daughter enjoy spending time outside and feeding the birds. “The highlight of the backyard is the garden; my wife loves to plant fruit and vegetables. I wanted a resort feel so that when I come home after a long day at work I feel relaxed. To mix both our passions, we planted date palms, lychee and mango trees,” he tells me.

There isn’t an overarching theme running through the house, but the bedrooms upstairs are a definite extension of the family’s characters.

“I prefer a cosy spot where I can kick back and watch TV, my son enjoys gaming and good music to unwind, and my daughter loves to read,” says Naresh. All this is evident in the colour scheme, too. Jatin’s room features earthy tones with a masculine feel, while Sonika’s room is filled with all things pink, shelves brimming with her book collection and walls adorned with a pink and black velvet cameo covering.

While sipping masala chai, we talk through Naresh’s best-loved accessories – understandably, it’s hard for him to pick just one. The mirrored clock, bronze and silver animals, and propeller coffee table are all up there. “I like accessories that serve as statement pieces and my

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Better Homes Magazine | BATHROOM | DESIGN INSPIRATION ENHANCEMENTS Better Homes Magazine

BATH R OOM EN HAN CEMEN TS

NIfTY WAYS To IMPRove YoUR SPAce

Textures play a huge role, with the ability to alter your mood and put you at ease

O c chi o Li g hti ng

SMART decoR “When setting the style of your bathroom, it is important that the room is functional and aesthetically appealing at the same time. The array of sanitary elements, shower and/ or bath, together with furniture, tap fittings, accessories and tiles must hereby fit together and create a harmonising picture inviting people to relax and unwind,” says Thorsten Bies, area manager at Villeroy & Boch. If you do plan on updating your scheme, make

sure you get tons of inspiration before you begin, as Thorsten says the sanitary fittings and furniture should only be changed every few years.

PReTTY WALLS One of the quickest ways to renovate a small bathroom or powder room is to add interest to the walls, using wallpaper or paint. At the moment, palm trees, ferns, and monotones are trending. Solid vinyl wall coverings are suitable options for bathrooms and powder rooms, which are

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susceptible to water, grease and stains, as they’re washable and durable, too.

SToRAGe SoLUTIoNS Have an unwanted piece of furniture elsewhere in the house? If it’s small and can fit into a washroom without obstructing pathways, don’t be afraid to bring it into the space. Unused nightstands and cabinets are ideal for housing small towels, hair tools, makeup and toiletries, and can make an otherwise functional room feel cosy.

Better Homes Magazine | BATHROOM ENHANCEMENTS

AcceSSoRIeS ARe KeY Cotton ball and bud packaging can look rather ugly on the bathroom counter.

For a sophisticated touch, store items in a pastel-toned sugar bowl and coordinate other elements and toiletries accordingly, if you wish. Visitors are a great excuse to shake things up. When friends and family come over, mix and match serveware – place cotton wool in a teacup, buds in a creamer jug and other bits and bobs on a tray. It’s a great way of refreshing décor with minimum effort.

Vi l l e r oy & B och

THe RIGHT LIGHT “To eliminate shadows under the chin, eyes, and cheeks, lighting fixtures should be mounted on either side of the vanity mirror (or on the mirror’s surface, if it’s large), 36 to 40 inches apart,” says Oliver Goettling of Goettling Interiors, which sells Occhio Lighting. The centre of each fixture should be roughly at eye level, or about 66 inches above the floor. This will guarantee even illumination across the face for grooming.”

ARTSY AcceNTS Oliver recommends installing a small recessed spotlight directed at a piece of decorative art or a beautiful powderroom basin to create an additional layer of light. Similarly, a recessed shower fixture can be angled (most can be tilted up to 35° at installation) to highlight tile work or fixtures and make them sparkle.

O cch i o L i g h t i n g

Direct a spotlight at a piece of art or a beautiful basin to create an additional layer of light

BAcK To NATURe Add in seashells, coral, coir or seagrass baskets, or a fishbowl filled with white sand – essentially, anything nautical.

Textures play a huge role in these spaces, with the ability to rapidly alter your mood and put you at ease. Ever notice how calming hotel bathrooms are? It’s all in the little stylish details.

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Better Homes Magazine | DESIGN INSPIRATION

N

estled in the heart of London’s Knightsbridge, this elegant two-bedroom city apartment spans 1,000 sq. ft. and offers comfortable living with a mix of classic and contemporary elements. Showcasing Taylor Howes’ designs and collections perfectly, the fresh, inviting space is home to the brand’s founder and chief executive, Karen Howes. “Navy blue, white and gold are my favourite colours at the moment, so much so that they have become our corporate colours as well. These colours are all smart, strong and glamorous – I am not sure if that describes me, but I like what they represent,” says Karen of her home.

The entrance hall, with its Estremoz herringbone marble floors, Thibaut Maze grasscloth wallpaper and dark walnut, glass and polished brass doors, offers an undeniably luxe vibe that’s cosy, too. The artwork (Re-entry – Colonel Glenn by Denis Bowen, 1962) speaks for itself and completes the setting. “It is one of my favourite pieces as it creates a real sense of drama when entering the apartment,” says Karen.

The living room boasts an original non-repeating cornice pattern, adding interest to the ceiling, and the walls

Navy, white and gold are all smart, strong, glamorous colours

showcase an elegant selection of neutral shades from Farrow & Ball.

Dark walnut cabinetry inset with fabric and brass, for acoustics, provides a distinct yet harmonious contrast, while complementing the TH collection sofa. One of the room’s focal points, it’s quite the statement piece with its vibrant colour and patterned design.

Functionality is important for any space, and comes in the form of bespoke coffee tables and side tables from Porta Romana. The sculpture by Bruce Nauman, a friend of Karen’s, is a limited-edition piece made out of acrylic (he usually works with bronze).

Teamed with ceramic ornaments from local antique shops, it adds personality while livening up the space.

The kitchen is so often the heart of a home and Karen’s really reflects her use of space. Customised cabinets and mirror doors are accompanied by a Brooke chandelier from Wired Custom Lighting, artwork by 20th-century

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Better Homes Magazine | Better LiVing

fresh thinking

Sometimes, staying in, making mood boards and tucking into some indulgent Asian cuisine is just what you need to unwind. So grab a bowlful, put your feet up and prepare to discover more about this city’s hidden gems – your next home, or at least your next home-gadget purchase, might be just over the page.

better living

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Al Marzouqi Towers, Sharjah

Luxury Homes | Elegant Offices | Mall Retail Located on a prime location in King Faisal Road, Al Marzouqi is a unique multi-use development that offers 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, flexible offices and mall retail spaces – all under one roof. This modern building features luxurious finishing and boasts stunning corniche views. With CG Mall within the building, and Four Points by Sheraton hotel next door, abundant retail and recreational options are easily within reach.

Book your place in this prestigious address.

Call +971 56 342 6713 or email customercare@bhomes.com

Experience Better.

bhomes.com | +971 56 342 6713

Better Homes Magazine | SHOPPING

My city Nahel Selo, Canadian- Syrian creative director of Sedar Global, shares his Dubai hot spots

MY AREA OF CHOICE

Business Bay. i live here because i have a weakness for skylines and anything with a city view. i felt like i needed to be somewhere central, yet not so busy.

MEET- UPS ARE HELD AT… clinton St. Baking company & Restaurant in Business Bay.

TOP TAKEOUT Man’oushe Street.

FRIDAY BRUNCH IS AT…

Saffron at Atlantis, the Palm. the buffet is definitely worth it for its variety. And it always turns out to be a great party, like all brunches should be.

Clo ckwise fro m to p left: Business Bay; Nahel Selo; sho es fo r sale in the o ld so uk ; the textile so uk ; Zum a’s black co d ; Zum a

FOR A TASTE OF HOME ?

Sarouja for its kebbeh sajeah – delicious kebbeh grilled to perfection. it’s like i’m sitting in a coffee shop in Syria, with great food, company and ambience.

WHEN VISITORS ARE IN TOWN…

empty, plus the trainers are great and the equipment is top-notch.

i love Global Village and, to eat, Al Ustad Special Kabab, Ravi Restaurant and Smiling BKK.

i love to show them the historic side of Dubai that not many people know. i take them to Al Bastakiya and the old souks, where there is a beautiful temple, delicious coconuts and affordable, authentic souvenirs.

FAVOURITE AT TRACTION

CL ASSES I LOVE

LOCAL CRAFTSMANSHIP

KEEP FIT AT…

ESCAPE TO…

HIDDEN GEMS

Al Bastakiya village in old Dubai.

GO -TO FURNITURE SHOP

West Elm in the Dubai Mall because it has a very earthy look and feel. My whole home is themed in that style.

Arabic calligraphy at DUctAc and snowboarding lessons at Ski Dubai.

Body & Soul Health club because even during peak hours it’s still relatively

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FOR A SPECIAL DINNER …

Zuma in DiFc has the nicest fusion of food in the city and the service is great. i usually get the miso-marinated black cod – best dish ever!

Pinky Furniture has lovely wooden furniture that is fresh and clean.

Fujairah, a beautiful combination of mountain and sea.

Better Homes Magazine | better living

ENTERTAINING & WELLBEING

NuTRiTioN uPdaTES, culiNaRy advicE aNd ThE SavviEST NEw B uyS oN ThE MaRkET

STEaMiN’ hoT

If you’re a fan of steaming, baking, grilling or roasting your food, the CombiSteam range of ovens from Electrolux will transform the way you cook. They utilise heat, just like conventional ovens, but add sufficient steam to retain natural flavours and nutrients. This combination of heat and steam ensures a crisp crust for chicken and bakes, with a tender, juicy inside – so food is always cooked to your liking. You can choose from two options within the range: the CombiSteam Deluxe (low, medium and full steam and heat, with VarioGuide for cooking on autopilot) and CombiSteam Pro (featuring the above functions, a sous vide and humidity sensor, plus more). Get ready to make meals healthier, tastier and quicker with this snazzy appliance.

Available at Jashanmal stores

expert tIp

ToP PickS

“ T he b e st w a y t o se a r t una o n a B B Q i s o v e r c ha r c o a l o r o n b ur ni ng c o c o nut she l l s – t hi s a d d s a g r e a t f l a v o ur t o t he f i sh. M a r i na t e t he t una w i t h a l i t t l e so y sa uc e a nd so m e c ho p p e d f r e sh g i ng e r f o r 20 m i nut e s, t he n se a so n w i t h sa l t .

G r i l l f o r t w o t o t hr e e m i nut e s o n e a c h si d e , l e a v e t o r e st f o r a b o ut t hr e e m i nut e s a nd se r v e w i t h a f r e sh g r e e n sa l a d . ” – St e p he n Whe e l e r , e x e c ut i v e c he f , T he Sun Si y a m Ir u F ushi M a l d i v e s

3 colourful additions to your kitchen 1. Embroidered waste bin, Dhs86, Lifestyle 2. ILO large sink tidy in white/green, Dhs115, Lakeland 3. Yellow scallopededge mixing bowls, from a selection, Crate & Barrel 1.

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Better Homes Magazine | HoUSE

FAMILY LIVING

Dubai has plenty of communities apt for families large or small. Most neighbourhoods are home to great schools, so why not choose one close to your children’s to shorten the commute? Take a closer look at the options available in this city, over the page.

HOUSE