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Welcome to issue 42. It’s obvious why the owners of the Madliena duplex fell in love with their penthouse at first sight – a view of the pool,countryside and open sea greets you before you even open the front door. It’s a home that has free flowing light from front to back and that really feelsone with the outdoors. We also feature some of the beautiful room makeovers which had featured on HOMEWORKS Tv by designers Katja Wiedersum and Henry Borg Barthet. There is also a ‘before and after’ element in two of the properties in this issue.
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ISSU
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ISSUE 42 A
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122, Valley Road, B’Kara T 2149 2149
body & mind
As Europe’s leading brand Ideal Standard brings together a special collection of
products representing the highest quality design and the latest technology and
engineering from across Europe. Each piece, only available from selected retailers,
is the culmination of a lengthy design process involving many award-winning
designers providing excellence in form and function.
The elegant, linear design of Ventuno combined with the creative genius of
award-winning designer Franco Bertoli, embraces all the qualities of a
design classic for the 21st Century
HOMEWORKS 42.indb 4 07/04/2010 18:36
122, Valley Road, B’Kara T 2149 2149
body & mind
As Europe’s leading brand Ideal Standard brings together a special collection of
products representing the highest quality design and the latest technology and
engineering from across Europe. Each piece, only available from selected retailers,
is the culmination of a lengthy design process involving many award-winning
designers providing excellence in form and function.
The elegant, linear design of Ventuno combined with the creative genius of
award-winning designer Franco Bertoli, embraces all the qualities of a
design classic for the 21st Century
HOMEWORKS 42.indb 5 07/04/2010 18:36
the home of luxury living
Valley Road, Birkirkara Tel: 2147 2882 Email: [email protected] www.carmelodelia.com
MODERN aND affORDablE KitchENsCucine Lube offers a wide variety of kitchen ranges to suit your taste – whether your style is contemporary, modern or classic. With our experienced team and the flexibility of our products, the possibilities are endless.
Visit us today and make your dream kitchen a reality!
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011 COMPETITION013 HOME NEWS 017 HOME TRENDS019 GREENWORKS022 BATHED IN LIGHT030 180º TuRNAROuND038 A COuRSE IN CONvERSION048 fLOORING fEATuRE055 HOME IDEAS073 HOMEWORKS Tv LIvING ROOM079 HOMEWORKS Tv KITCHEN085 HOMEWORKS Tv BEDROOM089 LAYING DOWN THE LAWN095 CuISINE AND WINE WITH DELICATA100 HOMEWORKS A-Z Of SuPPLIERS
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ISSuE 42
the home of luxury living
Valley Road, Birkirkara Tel: 2147 2882 Email: [email protected] www.carmelodelia.com
MODERN aND affORDablE KitchENsCucine Lube offers a wide variety of kitchen ranges to suit your taste – whether your style is contemporary, modern or classic. With our experienced team and the flexibility of our products, the possibilities are endless.
Visit us today and make your dream kitchen a reality!
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome to issue 42. It’s obvious why the owners of the Madliena duplex fell in love with their penthouse at first sight – a view of the pool, countryside and open sea greets you before you even open the front door. It’s a home that has free-flowing light from front to back and that really feels
one with the outdoors. We also feature some of the beautiful room makeovers which had featured on HOMEWORKS Tv by designers Katja Wiedersum and Henry Borg Barthet. There is also a ‘before and after’ element in two of the properties in this issue. Nick Bilocca took his apartment from rustic to chic, while Karl farrugia transformed an old property in Lija, going through many of the challenges faced by HOMEWORKS readers regarding dampness and cracked masonry. Our garden feature takes us through the creation of a lawn, that patch of green that represents relaxation and calm like nothing else. And speaking of green, we are starting a regular feature called GREENWORKS in which we look at energy-saving issues relating to home design. This month’s recipes feature ingredients that can be found in the countryside: borage, asparagus, chamomile, fennel, oranges, orange blossoms and carob. Believe me when I say that Claude’s recipes are sublime, and I fully recommend that you give them a try. The work involved in sourcing wild ingredients is well worth it. Enjoy.
EDITOR
ZILLAH BUGEJA
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
LISA BORAIN
PUBLICATION COORDINATOR
TROIKA ZAMMIT
ART DIRECTION
CHRIS PSAILA
DESIGN
CHRIS PSAILA
OLGA PRINKU
MAS COMMUNICATIONS
IMAGE EDITOR
JULIAN KNIGHT
PHOTOGRAPHY
ALAN CARVILLE
JULIAN KNIGHT
MAS
ALLEN VENABLES
CONTRIBUTORS
MELOSAUL BALZAN
LISA BORAIN
HENRy BORG BARTHET
CLAUDE CAMILLERI
BILL HERMITAGE
GUy LAGUENS
KATJA WIEDERSUM
SALES & MARkETING
STEFFI PORTELLI
2133 9999
PRE-PRESS & PRINTING
PROGRESS PRESS
POSTAL ADDRESS / E-MAIL
WRITEON LTD.
AIRWAyS HOUSE, LEVEL 5,
HIGH STREET, SLIEMA
SLM 1551 MALTA
HOMEWORKS is published by writeon ltd. every two months on Sundays with an audited circulation of 39,500 copies distributed with The Sunday Times of Malta.
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the Publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor no publisher accept responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. While we endeavour to ensure that firms and organisations mentioned are reputable, the editor can give no guarantee that they will fulfil their obligations under all circumstances. © 2010
TM
IS A REGISTERED TRADE MARK OF WRITEON LTD.
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LOUIS PACE IS THE WINNER OF THE DESIGNER GUILD REVERSIBLE CHENILLE CUSHIONS, COURTESY OF DESIGN HOUSE, DINGLI STREET, SLIEMA
LOUIS PACE
“During the past years your ideas have inspired me to furnish two homes and I am presently furnishing my own
home. I prefer modern and practical styles but would also love to include some antiques to really make the most
of my imagination and skill. I would appreciate if you could include some expert advice about antique pieces,
particularly clocks, carpets, lighting and furniture.”
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACk. fORWARD YOuR IDEAS OuTLINING WHAT YOu WOuLD LIKE TO SEE PuBLISHED IN HOMEWORKS. THE PERSON SuBMITTING THE MOST INTERESTING IDEA OR CONCEPT WILL RECEIvE TWO BEDSIDE LAMPS WORTH €32.60 COuRTESY Of BIG BEN INTERIORS, BIRKIRKARA.
Send your ideas to:
HOMEWORKS feedback, Level 5, Airways House, High Street, Sliema
SLM 1551 or email: [email protected]
ISSUE 41
wINNER
READERS WROTE:
CAROL FARRUGIA“Hello HOMEWORKS, always a pleasure to read you! I was wondering if you could possibly do an article on conversions, for example, when the last child leaves the nest and you consider transforming the adjoining spare bedroom into a walk-in wardrobe (always a dream of mine). This is always a valuable extra if you wish to sell the property in the future.”
FRANk TABONE“first and foremost, well done for every issue! It is really informative and it is a great pleasure to indulge in its wide-ranging articles. I would suggest a HOMEWORKS edition in which readers are exposed by illustrations to various styles of home decoration from a historical perspective; on decorating a room or an entire floor in a particular historical theme or phase of our history. What would be the starting point? How can one reach a style compromise while remaining faithful to the epoch? Which sources, printed and non-printed, are available for successfully achieving a historical home dressing?”
HOMEWORkS NEEDS YOu! Readers are invited to submit interesting photographs and a brief description of their homes, which may be distinct in their architectural design. Of particular interest are homes that offer outstanding elements of both interior and exterior living spaces.
HOMEWORkS will select the best submissions for future features. Send a photo and information for the attention of:
The Editor, Writeon Ltd., Airways House, Level 5, HIgh Street, Sliema SLM 1551 or [email protected] (photos will not be returned)
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U-Store SELf-STORagE LauNCh u-Store has launched mobile self-storage in Malta. The procedure is that a customized, modern trailer containing a wooden vault is brought to the customer’s premises. Once loaded, the customer locks it with their own padlock and u-Store will collect it. The vaults are then stored in the u-Store secure warehouse with 24/7 CCTv, fire and smoke alarm and full insurance cover.
NEwS
Fino SOuTh wINg NOw OPEN The South Wing of the fino Showplace in Mriehel houses new brands from some of the finest furniture houses in Italy and france. Complementing the designer brand Ligne Roset, four high-end Italian brands have been added as well as new home furniture and lighting from Italy and france, including Salvarani, Ivano Redaelli, Prolicht and Adriani & Rossi. Highlights of the South Wing include Redaelli’s circular bed, day and night furniture from fEG, walk-in wardrobes in glass, wood and aluminium and three Salvarani kitchens. Pictured: The Wavy modular asymmetric bookcase system from Italian designer Alivar represented by fino.
Hh
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FineStralNEw wEaThERPROOf COvERINgS finestral of Zebbug has a new range of made-to-measure conservatories and pool covers in stock. Living space in the garden or on the roof can easily be increased with these insulated and weatherproof coverings.
Carmelo DeliagzIRa ShOwROOM REvaMP Carmelo Delia has recently re-opened its showroom at The Strand, Gzira after revamping and adding new product ranges. Kinetic is the modern living and accessories brand which was launched earlier this year. Maiso living and dining furniture can also be viewed at the Gzira showroom.
lUX-it lighting NOw OPEN LuX-IT Lighting offers a range designed to bring style and elegance to any surroundings, while also specialising in energy-saving solutions. The outlet offers Luminux LEDs at unbeatable prices. The LuX-IT shop is in Luqa Road, Paola.
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elektra ltD NEw RaNgE Elektra Ltd of Qormi announces the arrival of Artemide Tolomeo Mega Terra, a new range of classic floor lamps with matching table lamps, wall lights and pendants. The lamps have a polished aluminium base and a diffuser in parchment or silk satin fabric on a plastic frame.
NEwS
mCe ltD SOLaR waTER hEaTINg MCE Limited of Qormi announces the new range of solar water heating systems by Elsol Solar Energy Systems Ltd. These units are manufactured using over 60 years of experience combined with the latest technology from Israel. Rand boilers have a five year guarantee. They are internally coated with glass enamel, have a stainless steel jacket and vertical water tanks for better heat control of water.
SeamleSS SOLID SuRfaCE SOLuTIONS NEw RaNgE The new HANEX range from Seamless Solid Surface Solutions offers 100% acrylic solid surface kitchen tops, vanities, countertops for bars and laboratories, wall cladding and other innovative creations. The finished product is hygienic, antibacterial and resistant to stains. artiSan SOfaS
NEw wENTwORTh RaNgE The new collection at Artisan Sofas has a classic scroll arm offering superb comfort. The simple lines offer great flexibility of style; whether contemporary or made more traditional by using an alternative cover or by adding a valance.
PoliForm anD Varenna aT MaISON & ObjET This year Poliform was one of the principal players at the international fair MAISON&OBJET, featuring two varenna kitchens: Twelve, whose looks are based on minimal horizontal thicknesses and Kyton, a completely new project that allows the creation of original modular solutions. The two stands included the free sideboard, the Wall System bookcase and the Air and Zeus tables. The Poliform collection can be viewed at Onepercent, Msida.
JoSieS ShOwROOM REfuRbIShMENT Josies Bathroom Centre has just completed the refurbishment of its showroom in Lija. Over 50 bathrooms are now displayed over two floors. Tiles, sanitary sets, mixers and accessories from leading brands such as Gala, Roca, valentino, Refin & Casalgrande are all exhibited.
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the home of luxury living
Valley Road, Birkirkara Tel: 2147 2882 Email: [email protected] www.carmelodelia.com
Visit the new Carmelo Delia Showroom & discover some of the world’s leading brands, all under one roof! View the extensive range of FAER bedrooms & spare bedrooms, all made to measure with unlimited combinations. The quality of finish and the choice of materials has made FAER Malta’s favourite brand for bedrooms, not only for the discerning buyer who is looking for value and safety but most especially for their children, who love the quirky colour combinations and unique features. Come view the extensive FAER range today!
STYLISH DESIGN & ABSOLUTE QUALITY
Take advantage of our one-stop shop concept offerings, starting from tiles, bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, living and dining
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LENzING INTERIORS TRENDS FOR 2010: ILLUSION
In this theme, patterns are a visual illusion, playing with transparencies and opaqueness. Textiles
are fluid, airy, layered and unexpected 3D as to accentuate the illusion. Textures are created using
modern illuminating techniques.
Tones are light-enhanced; shades are absorbed, blurred and altered. Colours take on high-shine
lacquers and patents for pale and earth tones. Metal shine is back as metal, not as lurex, with gold,
silver and copper in the fore.
HOMETRENDSSuRREaL, MORPhINg, LuMINOSITy
TV FIREPLACE: The latest fireplace for the modern home is the Scenario from MCZ, the first of
its kind. It offers safe, cost-effective performance by meeting all the environmental norms, and it
also ensures safety and savings in terms of use and impact. This cool fireplace Tv offers a prime
viewing platform for HD movies and can also be connected to the internet.
TRENDS
SE
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ALO
NG
A
TOM
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OTTI
Du
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OR
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THE LENzING COLOURS ILLUSION PALETTE FOR INTERIORS 2010
for A
less
i by
mat
ali c
rass
et an
d Pier
re Herm
e, the concentric ring plate
the home of luxury living
Valley Road, Birkirkara Tel: 2147 2882 Email: [email protected] www.carmelodelia.com
Visit the new Carmelo Delia Showroom & discover some of the world’s leading brands, all under one roof! View the extensive range of FAER bedrooms & spare bedrooms, all made to measure with unlimited combinations. The quality of finish and the choice of materials has made FAER Malta’s favourite brand for bedrooms, not only for the discerning buyer who is looking for value and safety but most especially for their children, who love the quirky colour combinations and unique features. Come view the extensive FAER range today!
STYLISH DESIGN & ABSOLUTE QUALITY
Take advantage of our one-stop shop concept offerings, starting from tiles, bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, living and dining
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PV SyStemS: Free eleCtriCity For 25 yearS?
It sounds too good to be true, but householders who install a photovoltaic system to generate electricity from the sun could have free electricity for 25 years. If the initial outlay is offputting, check out the government grants. A lucky few households can be eligible for a government grant that covers 50% of the costs, up to a maximum of €3,000. An eco-loan can then be taken out from any local bank to pay for the remaining 50% of the cost over 5 years.The perception about photovoltaic systems is that you have to have a large roof. The average panel is 8 to 10 square metres, approximately 2 x 5 metres, costing around €6,000. Based on an average of 4.5 hours of sunlight a day, it is estimated that the return will be an average of 1.44 kilowatts per hour, which can peak to 7 k/h. This can be more than sufficient for the average household, providing that other energy-saving measures are carried out, such as using PL lights.According to information at time of print, the new
government scheme giving a grant on the purchase
of photovoltaic systems will be launched in May. More
information and application forms from www.mra.org.mt
yoUng enterPriSe go green
Junior Achievement Young Enterprise (JA-YE) Malta has this year focused on promoting a green environment, giving the students direction towards the use of recyclable materials or promotion of recycled finished goods. Could the participating companies be an example to the business world by proving that a green business can be profitable?One of the green products created by a JA-YE company this
year is Re-Hydr8 by Re-Cre8. It is placed in the soil next to
a plant and when the LED lights up, it’s time to water the
plant. Re-Hydr8 measures the moisture in the soil using the
principle of the resistance induced by water.
What iS ‘UPCyCling’?
We’ve all heard of recycling, but what is upcycling? Coined by William McDonaugh and Michael Braugart in their book on ecologically intelligent design, ‘Cradle to Cradle’, upcycling is the practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value, such as champagne jeroboams being turned into table lamps. Examples of stylish upcycling can be seen in this issue, in Karl farrugia’s coffee table and Katja Wiedersum’s bin lid wall decoration.
a SPOTLIghT ON ENERgy-SavINg aND SuSTaINabLE INTERIORS TRENDS aND PRODuCTS
GR
EE
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BamBoo – groWing in FaVoUr
Not just for traditional roller blinds and baskets, bamboo is hitting the big time worldwide as an alternative to wood – in all of its applications – and also replacing cotton for textiles. It is increasingly being used in wallpaper, kitchen cabinets and countertops, as well as for flooring. Bamboo fabric is surprisingly soft, as soft as cashmere, and is being used in the manufacture of bed linen, towels, tablecloths, rugs and doormats.
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A MADLIENA DuPLEX PENTHOuSE IS A BREATH Of fRESH AIR. CLEvER DESIGN OPTIMIZING NATuRAL DAYLIGHT,
fLOOR-TO-CEILING GLASS APERTuRES AND BREATHTAKING vIEWS EQuALS AN INvIGORATING HOME.
WORDS: GuY LAGuENS PHOTOS: ALAN CARvILLE
IN LIghTBATHED
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This page, on the ground floor, the dining room enjoys centre stage, overlooking the infinity pool.
The master bathroom has the luxury of enjoying a unique vista as well as having the necessary privacy.
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Every element of the home has been considered as a whole to maximize the flow of natural daylight throughout.
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The journey up in the glass-enclosed lift
with its stylish glass nugget floor gives
a hint that you are about to experience
something special, and different. The owners
both liked the apartment on first viewing,
immediately before entering it, from its attractive
street level entrance, in fact.
What a delight that before even entering the
home’s front door, the infinity pool can be seen
through the glass door, carrying the eye out far
over the sea.
The owner: “I am a keen sailor and having been
brought up on Tower Road, it was my wish to
once again live somewhere with a sea view.
My wife specifically wanted a modern duplex
apartment, after having lived in a 300-year-old
house of character, and this property ticked all
the right boxes.
“Being an interior designer myself, I was thrilled
to find a home that was ready to move into,
a home away from work... I didn’t want to
have my own project to complete too. It was
wonderful to find that there was very little we
could improve on. The selection of materials
throughout are of a very high quality, from the
white marble flooring, the detailing in the joinery
in particular, and the large expanse of glass
apertures.
“The main task we were faced with was that
of creating a fourth bedroom and ensuite
bathroom and we had to introduce a dining
room table and chairs.”
The home has been designed very differently
and cleverly, in comparison to some penthouses
which tend to be either long and narrow (and
therefore dark), or are a replica of many others.
In many homes the architecture of the rear
façade is not given due importance – in this
case every element of the home has been
considered as a whole to maximize the flow of
natural daylight throughout.
The property’s main feature is the use of
expansive doors and windows on both facades
to bring in the natural daylight. The white marble
flooring throughout helps to bounce light and
give an added feeling of expansiveness. Its
square footprint allows it to more easily benefit
from natural light due to its exposure on two
streets. The frontage enjoys views of the open
sea through an immense expanse of glass from
wall to wall and floor to ceiling, whilst the large
terrace with clear glass railings spans the width
of the premises once again.
The owners take particular pleasure in being
able to enjoy the weather in all of its extremes.
It is no wonder that the mistress of the house,
an artist by passion, finds this the ideal
environment in which to paint, having light,
silence, the beauty of countryside and the sea
for inspiration.
There is both a nautical and art deco flavour to
the home, reminiscent of the interior of a luxury
motor yacht. The original detailing in the curved
door jambs, with stainless steel inserts, gives
this feeling while echoing the waved curve in the
kitchen ceiling.
The kitchen is placed centrally, opening out onto
the living room. This is where the use of natural
light is most evident: the kitchen soffit curves up
to a higher level, well over the top cupboards,
crossing the corridor and over the bedroom
ceilings, allowing natural light in from these high
level feature windows. A large opening in the
kitchen wall, once again allows a view of the
sea from the corridor and bedrooms, as well as
light to shine through. A metal frieze on the top
kitchen cupboards also catches the light.
An open plan living and dining room enjoy the
splendid views of the coastline. The swimming
pool can be viewed from indoors too, and a
circular opening in the terrace on the upper
level above it also allows more light to stream
through.
Although the whole penthouse has a stunning
disposition, it may be the main bathroom that is
the most spectacular. Nestling behind the glass
frontage, on the upper level, also enjoying the
most spectacular views, who needs to go to a
spa to unwind?
This page left to right: glass floor and doors within the landing before the entrance to the penthouse; the white marble internal staircase with textured stone and wooden-clad columns; on the top floor, the master bedroom spans the whole width of the property; glass has been introduced in the wash basins to further accentuate the spatiality.
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PHOTOS: ALAN CARvILLE WORDS: LISA BORAIN
ThE yOuNg PROfESSIONaL'S INTENTION whEN MOvINg INTO ThE ST. juLIaN’S aPaRTMENT waS TO RETaIN ITS RuSTIC, COMfORTabLE STyLE. aS TIME PaSSED, SO DID hIS TaSTES, whICh MEaNT RENOvaTINg ThE ENTIRE aPaRTMENT TO a 180-DEgREE DEPaRTuRE fROM ThE COTTagE STyLE ThaT IT waS.
180 TuRNaROuND
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“The overall plan was to create a better sense of space, improve the use of light and have a balance between functionality and aesthetics.”
It’s all about zones: the living and dining area is divided through different tiling, while a subtle waved effect in the stepped gypsum ceiling also creates an ambience through moody lighting. Achieving the curve in the soffit above the dining area was one of Nick Bilocca’s biggest challenges.
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The owner converted his whole home in a speedy three months. The exercise was as much a learning curve in balancing budgets as it was in coming up with solutions to design dilemmas.
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Opening page: a three-tone colour scheme was used in the new bathroom. This page: the kitchen and dining areas are now a chic fusion of natural tones and touches of red; the wall unit clearly delineates the living room; the spare bedroom was turned into a study and a bright green wall added to offset the lack of natural light.
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“I had to volunteer solutions for most of my ideas and convince everyone that they could work. It took a lot of persuasion to get some of the workers on board.”before
“It has to be ready by December,” Nick
Bilocca tells me in September. He’s
serious – he really thinks he’s going
to renovate the living area, kitchen, hallway,
bathroom and two bedrooms in just over two
months. “And it has to be done exactly the way
I want it.”
In September, the living area was one small
square room with a window at the far end that
led out to the balcony. There was no dining area
as such, but there was a bar dividing the living
area from the dark-wooded highly rustic style
kitchen. The only problem with it was that it
didn’t face the living area, but was adjacent to it.
The kitchen led on to the long dark hallway,
with the rooms off to the left side. The first room
was the bathroom – a small space with a tired
Perspex shower that took up a large part of the
little space. The next two rooms were bedrooms
– first, the spare with very little available natural
light and then, the master, with much more light,
but absolutely no concern for soft furnishings or
spatiality.
Nick’s overall plan was to create a better sense
of space, improve the use of light and have a
balance between functionality and aesthetics.
The young professional equates his home life
with entertaining friends, so it was imperative to
have a clearly zoned dining area. His solution
was to create a subtle wave effect, dividing the
living and dining area through different tiling, and
a stepped gypsum ceiling inclusive of accent
lighting to not only create an ambience through
moody lighting, but also to make this divide
clear without having to create any obstructions
that might suffocate the space.
To face-lift the overall area, Nick included a
contrasting white lacquered and dark rovere
wood wall-unit over an entire wall of the living
area, making it clear that this is the living zone.
The most radical change in the space was the
kitchen. What was once cottage not-so-chic,
is now a very chic fusion of dark neutral tones
with accents of red. The layout was changed
to directly cater to Nick’s lifestyle. The bar now
faces the living and dining areas, so that while
Nick is preparing he can still be part of the party.
The result of the colours and materials, as well
as the layout chosen is a highly functional, a no-
frill/no-nonsense stylish cooking zone.
The hallway presented a typical dilemma:
a long, narrow and dark corridor. Since the
bedrooms leading onto the hallway have large
windows and apertures, Nick used this sunlight
to light the hallway by changing the wooden
doors to opaque glass, allowing the light to
come through, but still retaining privacy. To add
to the lighting in this area, Nick installed subtle
built-in wall-lights: below to light the floor, and
above to light the ceiling.
The spare bedroom was transformed to
become home to his books and knick-knacks,
as well as his desk and computer. The lack of
light in the room was offset by a bright green
colour on the walls.
The bathroom was dramatically changed with
new materials and colours, making the most of
the small space. The window was innovatively
widened, creating a half window/half door,
offering the room an added spin. A three-
tone colour scheme was used for the tiling to
enhance the dynamics and give the room a
larger sense of space.
Nick did make his deadline. “The curve to divide
the two zones between the living and dining
room was very difficult because the supplier
told me at first that they didn’t do that. I had to
question why, volunteer solutions and convince
everyone that it could work. This was the case
for most of the ideas here and it took a lot of
persuasion with some of the workers to get
them on board.”
Nick’s budget was €35,000 and he went
over by more than €10,000 ‘and still
counting’.“Some things are really important
to invest in. I had to decide whether to go
for aesthetics or practicality and see where I
could compromise. for instance, the flooring
throughout is really good quality – things that
have to endure a long wear are important to
spend on. The same applies to the kitchen and
living. I also used the internet – the chrome light
switches, for example – these were a quarter of
the price online to what I could find anywhere
in Malta.
“It helped to use suppliers with different budget
ranges. When there was something that I really
wanted, something I felt the room could be
designed around even, I made sure I invested
in it.
“There were things that went wrong and when
you’re on a tight deadline, you get so anxious
that you find it hard to assess whether things
are as you had initially envisioned them. very
often, things have to be done in sequence, so
you can’t move on something else until you’ve
completed this… It can be frustrating and this
is the danger of throwing your hands up and
saying, ‘it’s good enough, let’s just move on’.
My advice is to try not to do this. Don’t let your
own ideas get sidetracked. ultimately this is
your home. I would also recommend giving a full
renovation longer than two months!”
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Living bathrooms. Sanitary ware, bathroom furniture, showertrays, bathtubs and whirl- and wellbeing systems: Duravit is leading the way to the complete bathroom. Come and visit CREATIONS Showroom in Malta, Liland Buildings, Mdina Road, Attard ATD9036. For more details call (+356) 21 41 15 41 or (+356) 21 41 76 16, www.creationsomni.com, [email protected]. www.duravit.com
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Living bathrooms. Sanitary ware, bathroom furniture, showertrays, bathtubs and whirl- and wellbeing systems: Duravit is leading the way to the complete bathroom. Come and visit CREATIONS Showroom in Malta, Liland Buildings, Mdina Road, Attard ATD9036. For more details call (+356) 21 41 15 41 or (+356) 21 41 76 16, www.creationsomni.com, [email protected]. www.duravit.com
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ARCHITECT KARL fARRuGIA SPENT SEvEN MONTHS CAREfuLLY RESTORING HIS LIJA HOuSE Of CHARACTER. HE HAS CREATED A COSY AND WELCOMING SPACE THAT IS A MIX Of SOME THINGS OLD, SOME THINGS NEW AND MANY THINGS fROM HIS TRAvELS.
a COuRSE IN
CONvER IONSWORDS: ZILLAH BuGEJA PHOTOS: ALAN CARvILLE
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Located in the Lija village core, Karl farrugia’s painstaking restoration is a relaxed and tastefully appealing home whose small scale imparts a welcoming environment. This two-storey corner property features details such as a spiral staircase, a unique double corbel and a ground floor layout that allows for free passage and visibility from each room.
It’s as though Perit Karl farrugia had been subconsciously
preparing for this house for years. Even before he had bought
it, he had picked up items on his travels, such as cushions,
the tablecloth, paintings and the collectibles that now all combine
beautifully. “Many of the old knick-knacks are my grandfather’s,
some I picked up and others were bought.”
Thanks to meticulous planning, he managed to renovate the
property within seven months, moving in just before Christmas
2009. “I had the furniture, kitchen and windows ordered before I
even had the keys.”
The question that was foremost in Karl’s mind throughout the
conversion was, ‘am I going to do this the right way?’ The
answer was a definite yes. Existing openings were retained.
When opening up the new window in the dining room, Karl opted
for the traditional method of using ‘kunjardi’: diamond shapes cut
in between the stones with a wooden square wedge hammered
in that enables a window to be opened up underneath, in the
same way that a beam is used today. Semi-polished local hard
stone was used for the window sills.
041
ENTRANCE
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Notabile Road, Attard ATD 9039 ~ Tel.: - 2143 6405 / 7 ~ Fax: - 2143 6360 ~ EMail: - [email protected]
“Because Bed-time should be a Joy, not a chore...”
www.bondsmalta.com
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“MaNy Of ThE OLD KNICK –KNaCKS aRE My gRaNDfaThER’S, SOME I PICKED uP aND OThERS wERE bOughT. ONE MaN’S TRaSh IS aNOThER MaN’S TREaSuRE.”
Notabile Road, Attard ATD 9039 ~ Tel.: - 2143 6405 / 7 ~ Fax: - 2143 6360 ~ EMail: - [email protected]
“Because Bed-time should be a Joy, not a chore...”
www.bondsmalta.com
Common problems encountered in conversions are dampness and cracked stone slabs. The walls which needed plastering and that suffer humidity problems were dealt with using DELTA®-PT, a studded thick plastic membrane which is nailed to the wall using nylon dowels and then plastered over.
Instead of replacing cracked stone roof slabs, repairs were carried out using Sika adhesive and resin.
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Restoration of the old property
involved replacing the stone
ceiling and beams in one of the
rooms, applying membrane on
the roof and installing new water
ducts (mizieb) to allow rain water
to drop from one level to another.
Some cracked stone roof slabs
(xorok) were repaired instead
of being replaced, by being
pressure-injected with Sika epoxy
and resin. A door was opened
from the dining room into the
living room, which created free
movement within all the ground
floor. “You can see through to
the three rooms at once, from
any given point downstairs. The
triangular theme really works
well and I will use it in future
properties. It especially allows for
interaction when entertaining.”
To combat the dampness on the
vertical wall surface in the living
room, Karl applied a studded
plastic membrane called Dorken
DELTA-PT, which leaves a gap
between the plaster and the
stone, thus allowing the stone
to breathe. The membrane was
hammered on to the wall with
nylon nails and then plastered on
top. The only downside to this
system is that the plaster took
over a week to dry out.
Throughout the home, the joints
in between the stones were
opened and re-pointed using
hydraulic lime because of its high
resistance to salts and moisture.
The joints between each stone
were recessed to give the home a
more traditional look. The original
plan was only to open up and
re-point the joints on the first three
courses of the ground floor, but
eventually the joints in the walls
were opened up all over, which
made the cost shoot up.
for the lighting scheme, Karl
used task lighting, halogen lights,
“nothing too bright, no glare” and
neat uplighters to expose the
rough masonry. The fabric choice
for the black and white living room
lampshade picks up the black of
the sofas while still allowing the
light through.
As for the interior décor, Karl
had a clear idea about the kind
of colour schemes he liked, but
while working on the property
found that he was influenced by
the characteristics of each room.
“When it came to choosing a
paint colour underneath the spiral
staircase, I wanted to pick one
that contrasts with the stone,
hence the red, which was a bold
move. I found that it lit up the
stairway beautifully, especially at
night, and the colour would reach
out into the rooms. I then took red
as the starting point for the colour
scheme. I specifically wanted a
red picture and found that the
blue Buddha picture I bought in
vietnam created a real contrast.
“White was chosen for the walls in
the living room to give the feeling
of airiness and light. The window
frames are indigo blue on the
outside and white on the inside so
as not to compete with the space.
Translucent glass in the windows
helps with privacy especially on
the lower floor.
“The parquet floor is one of the
things that people make the most
favourable comments about. I
chose oak-finish parquet laminate,
which gives a natural-looking
finish. I wanted a flooring that
would neither compete with the
building nor get lost in it. The
flooring type I picked isn’t exactly
cheap, but it was worth every
penny. If you drop anything on it,
like red wine, it doesn’t stain or go
through the joints.”
In the kitchen, the glass hob
splash back is an innovative
feature. Karl explains that glass
can be difficult to use behind
a hob. “I consulted with glass
producers to understand what
thickness would be best since
heat-resistant glass was out of
stock. I opted for 10mm float
glass which has worked well.
I chose green instead of clear
because it gives depth and shows
that it is there without being too
transparent. The glass is attached
to the wall with studs that are
normally used for PvC signs.”
Other innovative features – and
also clever exercises in upcycling
– were the living room tables. “I
needed a coffee table and while
bringing down an old washing
machine left by the previous
owner, I realized that the stainless
steel drum was in good condition
and could be reappropriated for
something. I added a wooden top
and the result is a table that looks
like it was shop-bought.
I built the two occasional tables,
using the postform cut-offs
from the kitchen sink and hob.
Instead of finishing the edges I
worked with the exposed texture.
I complemented it with white ash,
built up the legs, screwed them
to the cutoff top, applied stain,
and the final cost was just around
€100 for both tables. They are an
example of one man’s trash being
another man’s treasure.”
“I wanted very clear lines and nothing too cluttered, so that everything could really stand out.”
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Discover your kitchen.Discover Joinwell.Special offers on all kitchen brands extended till the end of April.
Benefit from free appliances, gift vouchers and great discounts.
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Discover your kitchen.Discover Joinwell.Special offers on all kitchen brands extended till the end of April.
Benefit from free appliances, gift vouchers and great discounts.
HOMEWORKS 42.indb 47 07/04/2010 18:42
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THINKING Of BuYING NEW fLOORING? MANufACTuRERS ARE CONSTANTLY REACHING BEYOND THE NORM TO DISCOvER INNOvATIvE MATERIAL MARRIAGES AND fINISHES. ON THE fOLLOWING PAGES WE
BRING YOu SOME Of THE TOP TRENDS EXPERTS ARE PREDICTING fOR 2010
hORIzONTaLMOVES
fLOORINg fEaTuRE
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THE kEY ELEMENTS FOR THIS YEAR ARE: ENvIRONMENTaLLy fRIENDLy, ECONOMICaL aND STyLIShLy ECLECTIC
1krono flooring, German ‘laminatparkett’:
high quality, beautifully reproduced wood
grain that reduces reflected sound by 50%. A
new panel concept with seamless joints which
creates endless beauty, has intense colour,
natural surface structures and special brilliance.
Hardware Merchants, Qormi. Tel: 2148 5215.
Arquati House, Lija. Tel: 2143 8245. Prices, colours
from outlets and website: www.hml.com.mt
2Metallic decor finish parquet floor: €35 per
m2, available from Parquet Warehouse, 21st
September Avenue, Naxxar. Tel: 7949 5575
3Black walnut is one of the beautiful colours in the
new HDM Elesgo Superglanz laminated flooring
range found exclusively at Portelli & Brincat Ltd.
Tel: 2148 8119 or www.portelliandbrincat.com.mt
4Luxury flooring you can walk on, vinyl flooring
will never bow, chip or crack and maintains its
appearance through time. Prices starting from €22.20
per m2. From Better Living Centre, Mardor Buildings,
Triq Il-Mimosa, G’Mangia. Tel: 2124 2200/11, 7987 6725.
5Ecoliving tile by Marca Corona 1741: a fine full-body
Gres tile, manufactured to high specifications and
exceptional style. Available in different sizes, five different
colours and with a matt or reflex finish. The Ecoliving tile
has been rated as a leader in energy and environmental
design due to its eco-sustainable manufacturing
parameters. Available only from: Ceramax Domestic and
Industrial Tiles, 21st September Avenue, Naxxar. Tel: 2142
0536. [email protected] www.ceramax.com.mt
HARDWOOD. Hardwood stains will be more
mid-toned, leaning towards caramels and
greys. Texture will be big, with wire-brushed,
hand-scraped and distressed looks continuing
to be in demand. Herringbone and parquet
patterns will make a comeback, used mainly
with heavily grained woods, such as oak and
ash.
TILES. Large-format ceramic floor tiles in sizes
such as 50cm x 100cm and 60cm x 60cm
will become increasingly popular, often with
small mosaic accents in contrasting textures
and colours. Tiles that simulate hardwood,
natural stone, textiles, leather and concrete will
continue to be in demand, as will high-gloss
tiles that resemble polished travertine and
marble. Textured tiles with metallic finishes in
charcoal and copper will also be strong. The
trend will lean more towards urbane, smooth,
polished and square-edged styling.
CONCRETE. Decorative concrete floors are
an almost seamless option that is sustainable,
durable and chic, with the added benefit of
being cost-competitive. They provide freedom
of design, artistic potential and architectural
versatility. In a new build, the concrete floor
slab can now be the flooring itself.
fLOORINg fEaTuRE
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fLOORINg fEaTuRE
POLISHED SURFACES – whEThER STONE OR CONCRETE – aRE aLSO INCREaSINg IN POPuLaRITy
CARPET. Carpet styling trends
will continue to be in the cut-and-
loop patterns and highly textured
friezes. Broadloom carpet will
remain mostly in the neutral tones,
but with a greying of the palette.
for those who prefer a simpler
approach to their flooring, plain
carpets are popular, particularly
those in grey, pale pink, beige
and muted blues. Do you like the
elegant and old feel of traditional
Persian rugs but have minimalist
furniture? Select a rug that
complements your furniture and
other interior design elements.
2010 is also all about consuming
the environmentally friendly way.
When buying Persian rugs, you
can make the greener choice
by choosing something that’s
handmade from naturally sourced
materials and dyes rather than
synthetic.
RESIN. The glossy finish of a resin
floor works beautifully in large,
open-plan spaces and is ideal
for awkward areas as it comes in
liquid form, which is poured onto
the pre-prepared base. Make sure
you ask for a non-slip, scratch-
proof finish. for added glamour,
opt for an inset glass beaded
finish.
LINOLEUM. Natural linoleum will
continue to be popular because
of its sustainability, durability and
range of colours. Linoleum now
comes with a protective no-wax
topcoat, making it even more
appealing. The most sought-after
colours are those that simulate
buttery leathers and worn
concrete.
VINYL. vinyl sheet flooring
will continue to gain popularity
because of technological
advancements in imagery and
improvements in durability. vinyl
sheet flooring offers warmth
and bounce-back. Cushioned
vinyls are gaining popularity and
are extremely gouge and tear
resistant. Digitally enhanced
imagery has rendered some of
the patterns strikingly similar to
those of real stone, ceramic tile,
hardwood, concrete and cork.
MARBLE. Natural marbles have
veins which may not match from
one slab to another but this is the
characteristic of a natural material
that makes it unique. Should you
prefer consistent graining, you can
opt for composite marble slabs or
tiles.
5Mirage red rug is hand-knotted using
yarn that is hand spun from wool and
mohair, which gives it an exceptionally soft
pile. The design is taken from an antique
rug, that has been updated by designers
with contemporary colours. Prices start
from €495. The Rug Gallery.
2Bianco Carrara marble
floors: a one-time
investment in appraising your
property. Found exclusively at
Meli Bugeja Ltd., Mill Street,
Mriehel by-pass, Qormi.
Tels: 2148 5801 / 2144 4348.
www.melibugeja.com
4Ulta Versailles designer area rugs, a
fusion of Gobelin tapestries and Sisal
rugs with matching cushions. Sizes from
70cm x 140cm to 200cm x 285cm. Prices
starting from €50. Available only at David
Interiors, 161, St. Edward Street, Qormi.
Tel: 2144 3859. [email protected]
3Jatoba Natural: a matte lacquered
luxuriant wooden floor offering
natural beauty and timeless comfort.
Special offer price: €45 per m2. GRF.
Tel: 7942 4422 or [email protected]
1Resin bonded glass aggregates for floor features and tree surrounds. Price
depends on composition. Exclusively available from Vellmann Ltd Pantar
Estate, Pantar Road, Lija. Tel: 2142 4990/1. www.vellmann.com
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Hammerite forged is a tough and hardwearing metal paint in black and brushed steel that comes with a beautiful, modern metallic textured finish. Hammerite forged can be applied direct to metal and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Available from all leading hardware stores. Enquiries: Vee Gee Bee Wholesale Ltd. Tel: 2138 9690.
Mediterranean fresh, the Lasulli collection by carréblanc presents beautifully designed duvet covers, pillow cases, towels and bathrobes. A king size duvet cover offers excellent value at €102. Exclusively from carréblanc at Biggie Best, Tal-Balal Road, San Gwann. Tels: 2138 8880, 2738 8880.
Stainless steel pots: prices starting from €23.80. Artificial green ball plant: prices starting from €8.80. Asia Arts. Tel: 2133 5688.
Wall-washing effect by Dimco. Prices: from €40, available at the new showroom opening April 2010. VCT Ltd, Light & Design, Ponsomby Street, Mosta. Tel: 2143 2571. [email protected]
40, available at the
, Light & Design,
Tel: 2143 2571. [email protected]
HOMEIDEaS
vara is the latest umbra wall-mounted multi-colour collage frame. Price: €149, exclusively from Gifts&More, Topline, St. Andrew’s and Cornerstone Complex, Mosta. Tel: 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.com.mt
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Smooth and sophisticated from carréblanc, Blason makes a tasteful contrast of deep rich chocolate with fresh clean white. 100% cotton duvet covers and pillowcases; excellent value with a hand towel priced at €8. Only available from Biggie Best, Tal-Balal Road, San Gwann. Tels: 2138 8880, 2738 8880.
Exclusive range of Rasch Wallpaper at Portelli & Brincat Ltd. Tel: 2148 8119. [email protected]
Experience the new world of leather articles in a vast range of shades for home decoration designed by Creanza, which bring light and beauty into your lives. Prices starting from €8.25 Creanza Design. Tel: 9949 9160. www.creanzadesign.com
Cool cat figures, a must for all cat lovers, starting at €30.75, available from Contemp Interiors, 119 Naxxar Road, Birkirkara. Tel: 2144 2116. [email protected]
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Wine bottle holder ‘flame’ in polished aluminium l40cm x 247cm. Price: €75, available from Contemp Interiors, 119 Naxxar Road, Birkirkara. Tel: 2144 2116. [email protected]
Windlights vases in metal and glass, a cool, summer look ideal for both outdoors and indoors. Prices: start from €55.75, available from Contemp Interiors, 119 Naxxar Road, Birkirkara. Tel: 2144 2116. [email protected]
ulta versailles designer area rugs: a fusion of Gobelin tapestries and sisal rugs with matching cushions, in sizes from 70cm x 140cm to 200cm x 285cm. Price: starting from €50. Available only at David Interiors, 161, St. Edward Street, Qormi. Tel: 2144 3859. [email protected]
ulta varea rugs: a fusion of Gobelin tapestries and sisal rugs with matching cushions, in sizes from 70cm x 140cm to 200cm x 285cm. Price: starting from at David Interiors161, St. Edward Street, Qormi. Tel: 2144 3859. [email protected]
Innovation and tradition form a unique breeding ground from which Rosenthal has developed. It is now one of the leading international brands of contemporary table and living culture, offering the best in design in every era. Rosenthal homeware now available at Victor Azzopardi Jewellers, St. Anne Street, floriana. Tels. 2123 3715 / 2122 2949.
visit www.camelotpictures.com to view a virtual shop of stunning pictures and superior quality prints. featured picture priced: €143, available from Contemp Interiors, 119 Naxxar Road, Birkirkara. Tel: 2144 2116. [email protected]
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Solid, custom-made two-inch hardwood doors from only €399 including installation. Available in walnut, oak, mango, rosewood, beech, mahogany and teak. various designs; punctual delivery guaranteed. Tikams, Seafront, Msida. Tels: 2122 5348, 2722 5348
Extendable glass dining table by Kinetic, which comes in any colour. Price: starting from €650. Available from Carmelo Delia, valley Road, Birkirkara and The Strand, Gzira. Tel: 2147 2882 (B’Kara) and 2134 4675 (Gzira). www.carmelodelia.com, [email protected]
Tralala from carréblanc - a totally fun children’s range of duvets and pillowcases with matching towels, bathrobes and dressing gowns. Durable, washable and 100% cotton with a single duvet cover at €57, exclusively from Biggie Best, Tal-Balal Road, San Gwann. Tels: 2138 8880, 2738 8880.
Kinetic extendable dining table with glass white lacquered top, MDf extension and steel legs with silver-powder coated finish. Price: starting from €420. Available from Carmelo Delia, valley Road, Birkirkara and The Strand, Gzira. Tel: 2147 2882 (B’Kara) and 2134 4675 (Gzira). www. carmelodelia.com, [email protected]
Kinetic dining chair, in hard PvC and wrapped steel. Price: starting from €95. Available from Carmelo Delia, valley Road, B’Kara and The Strand, Gzira. Tel: 2147 2882 (B’Kara) and 2134 4675 (Gzira). www.carmelodelia.com, [email protected]
The vIMAR By-me system controls the electrical system: lights, roller shutters, heating, air-conditioning, irrigation, burglar alarm and access control as well as acting as alarm detector for gas, water, smoke and abnormal temperature. A single control unit allows maximum comfort, security and savings. ECO Group Malta, Industrial Estate Bulebel, Zejtun. Tel: 2099 8979. [email protected]
Eco Group Malta BLB 13CIndustrial Estate Bulebel, Zejtun ZTN3000, Malta - Tel: +356 20998979, Mob: +356 79808086 - Fax: +356 21636389 - e-mail: [email protected] - www.ecogroup-mt.com
Our home speaks about us, about our way of being and living. By-me speaks the language of the future. It integrates video door entry, automation and burglar alarms in a single system simply and immediately. To have scenes where lights, blinds, climate control and burglar alarm systems communicate with each other. With the possibility of mobile phone control. In three different residential series: Eikon, Idea and Plana. If the future is already your lifestyle, in your home say it with By-me.
www.vimar.eu/en
ADV By-me Fiori 210x148 mm_EN.indd 1 11/03/2010 17.15.54
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Bella Vista Street, San Gwann Tel: +356 2137 1891Email: [email protected]
Our products are distinguished by the unmistakable quality of the best Italian traditions: timeless style & elegance
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Glass mosaic sculptures in various shapes and colours with unlimited design possibilities. Ideal for enhancing bathrooms or other areas. Price according to chosen design. Exclusively from Vellmann Ltd., Lija. Tel: 2142 4990/1. www.vellmann.com
Martival ‘la cuisine qui èveille les sens’, kitchens to arouse the senses. Only from Bonds, Notabile Road Attard. Tel: 2143 6405 / 7. [email protected]
Open screen by SAMO with 8mm tempered glass in transparent grey starting from only €577 – visit www.bmsupplies.com or B&M Supplies, Birkirkara bypass, Birkirkara.
Bella Vista Street, San Gwann Tel: +356 2137 1891Email: [email protected]
Our products are distinguished by the unmistakable quality of the best Italian traditions: timeless style & elegance
TBA-Write On The Tile FP HW42 Ad v2.indd 1 29/03/2010 12:01
Wall-washing effect by Dimco. Price: from €40, available at the new showroom opening April 2010. VCT Ltd, Light & Design, Ponsomby Street, Mosta. Tel: 2143 2571. [email protected]
A contemporary and functional foldable dish rack. Will not rust; has a movable cutlery holder and draining tray and can hold even the most delicate champagne glasses upright. Also available in lime and sage. Price €57.50. Exclusively at Gifts&More, Topline, St. Andrew’s and Cornerstone Complex, Mosta. Tel: 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.com.mt
Simplyu is the latest cutting-
edge design from Ideal
Standard. Choose from the
soft pebble-shaped natural
basin or the sleek minimalist
dynamic basin, both available
in a range of sizes. view
the latest collections at
Satariano, 122, valley Road,
B’Kara. Tel: 2149 2149.
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Elegant and modern lampshade with coloured glass spheres. Comes in green, red and in a smaller size. Price: €105. Gifts&More, Topline, St. Andrew’s and Cornerstone Complex, Mosta. Tel: 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.mt
This sculptural wall-mounted wine rack is finished in brushed stainless steel and will hold up to eight bottles using minimum space. Price: €61.95. Exclusively at Gifts&More, Topline, St. Andrew’s and Cornerstone Complex, Mosta. Tel: 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.com.mt
Elegant and modern lampshade with coloured glass spheres. Comes in green, red and in a smaller size. Price: Gifts&More, Andrew’s and Cornerstone Complex, Mosta. Tel: 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.mt
Cornerstone Complex, Mosta. Tel: 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.com.mt
SATARIANOHOME introduces Arte – innovative wall coverings for the ultimate in refinement, from sumptuous classic interiors to the minimalism of avant-garde interiors. Available in a wide range of colours, patterns and textures. SATARIANOHOME, Marina Street, Pieta. Tel: 2149 2149.
The Cane-line collection offers sofas, lounge and dining chairs, tables and sunbeds in different styles and colours, all made from Hularo fibres. A five-year guarantee against bleaching and fading of the fibre and breakage of frames. Hampsted armchair €362, exclusively at 240 Limited, Zabbar Road, fgura. Tel: 2367 6100. [email protected], www.240.com.mt
very unusual and rare pair of victorian Pier cabinets in Burr Walnut. Excellent condition. Price on request. for further information contact C. Azzopardi Antiques Shop No.1, The Westin Dragonara Resort, Dragonara Road, St. Julians Tel: 2138 1839. 33, St. Anne Street floriana. Tel: 2123 6827.
HOMEWORKS 42.indb 65 07/04/2010 18:46
Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Zachary Street, Valletta VLT 1130 - MaltaBO
V 2
5884
Personal Loans are subject to normal Bank lending criteria and final approval from your BOV branch. Terms and conditions apply.
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Own that boat you’ve been waiting for.Talk to us now for quick access to a truly personal loan.
to your requirements
boat loans
BOV Personal Loan
305x230 advert - homeworks advert.indd 1 3/22/10 2:16:22 PMHOMEWORKS 42.indb 66 07/04/2010 18:46
hOME IDEaS
067Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Zachary Street, Valletta VLT 1130 - MaltaBO
V 2
5884
Personal Loans are subject to normal Bank lending criteria and final approval from your BOV branch. Terms and conditions apply.
2131 2020 www.bov.com - Apply online NOW.
Own that boat you’ve been waiting for.Talk to us now for quick access to a truly personal loan.
to your requirements
boat loans
BOV Personal Loan
305x230 advert - homeworks advert.indd 1 3/22/10 2:16:22 PM
Aluminium pole lighting ideal for patios. Price: €116, available at the new showroom opening April 2010. VCT Ltd, Light & Design, Ponsomby Street, Mosta. Tel: 2143 2571. [email protected]
Warmup heated towel rails in highest quality stainless steel. No liquids inside means no maintenance and economical to run, equivalent to just one light bulb. Double-insulated resistance heating element gives all-round warming. Easily installed into new or existing homes. Prices from €200. Tekno Air Conditioning Ltd., Triq tal-Qares, Mosta. Tel: 2132 2553/4. [email protected]
Solar Solutions can half your yearly electricity costs. Install a solar water heater and a small Pv system, and a family could reduce over half of its yearly consumption of electricity. Prices for such packages start from €2,639 (after Government grant). Available from Solar Solutions, 2–3 Tal-Balal Road, Xwieki (Limits of Gharghur). Tel: 2142 4750, 2742 4750. www.solarsolutions.com.mt
The new Country Collection creates an evocative and fresh sanctuary. floral prints mixed with modern rustic tones of natural washed linens, voile ramie pillow cases, linen tablecloths with lace trims or delicate embroidery create a sense of indulgence and relaxation, while the colour combinations really invigorate the senses. zara Home (first floor) – Zara, 1 Tower Road, Sliema. Tel: 2258 2951/2. [email protected].
Aluminium pole lighting ideal for patios. Price: the new showroom opening April 2010. Ponsomby Street, Mosta. Tel: 2143 2571. [email protected]
The Multimodulo range is a permanent formwork for ventilated floors whose dome shape makes it ideal to protect floors against damp or water ingress, to thermally insulate roofs and to raise floors without adding excessive weight on the structure. Available from 3cm up to 70cm, priced accordingly. Exclusively available from Vellmann Ltd., Lija. Tel: 2142 4990/1. www.vellmann.com
A large antique victorian extendable dining table and chairs. various sizes available and also different sets of dining chairs. A new stock of antiques just arrived at C. Azzopardi Antiques Shop No.1, The Westin Dragonara Resort, Dragonara Road, St. Julian’s. Tel: 2138 1839. 33, St. Anne Street, floriana. Tel: 2123 6827. [email protected]
HOMEWORKS 42.indb 67 07/04/2010 18:47
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a Mosta Road, Lija. LJA 9012, Malta. t 21 412 222, 27 415 694, f 21 413 574. w www.ssbathrooms.com
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s&s_homeworks_print_01.pdf 6 17/03/2010 02:24
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069069
a Mosta Road, Lija. LJA 9012, Malta. t 21 412 222, 27 415 694, f 21 413 574. w www.ssbathrooms.com
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s&s_homeworks_print_01.pdf 6 17/03/2010 02:24
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Elegant, modern and stylish, the prestigious
line of handmade objects by Mdina Glass will
add an extra dimension of light and colour to
any part of your home. Glassblowing, lampwork
and fusion at its finest.
Mdina . Ta’ Qali . Valletta . Bugibba . Valletta Waterfront . Victoria (Gozo)
t: 2141 5786 . www.mdinaglass.net
The nature of art.The beauty of colour.
HOMEWORKS 42.indb 70 07/04/2010 18:47
Elegant, modern and stylish, the prestigious
line of handmade objects by Mdina Glass will
add an extra dimension of light and colour to
any part of your home. Glassblowing, lampwork
and fusion at its finest.
Mdina . Ta’ Qali . Valletta . Bugibba . Valletta Waterfront . Victoria (Gozo)
t: 2141 5786 . www.mdinaglass.net
The nature of art.The beauty of colour.
MaKEOvERS
TRuE TO ThE SPIRIT Of ThE MagazINE, ThE hOMEwORKS Tv TEaM bROughT vIEwERS a SERIES Of aMazINg ROOM MaKEOvERS. ThIS ISSuE fEaTuRES ThREE Of ThE SPECTaCuLaR TRaNSfORMaTIONS.
THE LIVING ROOMElaine Bonello’s bedroom became an enchanting Bedouin-inspired living room. Design by katja Wiedersum.
THE kITCHENChristine Apap’s kitchen got a fresh and very streamlined face-lift. Design by Henry Borg Barthet.
THE BEDROOMPauline Dingli’s bedroom was turned into a true oasis of calm. Design by Henry Borg Barthet.
A kIND OF MAGIC
071
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INTERIOR DESIgNER KaTja wIEDERSuM TRaNSfORMS ELaINE bONELLO’S bEDROOM INTO a COSy LIvINg ROOM wITh a NORTh afRICaN ThEME.
Tv ROOM MaKEOvER
PHOTOS: ALLEN vENABLES WORDS: ZILLAH BuGEJA
thelivingroom
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“The colour on the walls was built up in stages. On top of that we did a gold finish, which allowed the walls to have a slight glisten.”
Untitled-3 1 3/17/10 4:42:32 PM
Tv ROOM MaKEOvER
Texture, fabrics and colour abound in this living room that appeals to all the senses. A Bedouin theme was inspired by the Maltese floor tiles that were in pristine condition. The sofa bases were custom-made and the coffee table refinished with a mirror insert.
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T he room was originally a
bedroom with white walls
which the owner wanted
to use as a living room. Its original
Maltese floor tiles were in excellent
condition and their pattern provided
inspiration for the new décor. The
room’s compact dimensions also
lent themselves to the feeling of a
Bedouin tent, hence the Moroccan
theme.
Katja Wiedersum: “We mainly
used terracottas, oranges, browns
and dark wood. The colour on the
walls was built up in stages: the
darker terracotta colour first, then
the lighter one, which allowed the
darker colour to show through in
places. On top of that we did a
gold finish in a few areas, which
allowed the walls to have a slight
glisten.
“for the décor, the idea was to
be as creative as possible. On the
walls, the circular motif inspiration
came from the owner’s antique
sifter. We hung this with candles
behind it.
“We wanted to go with round
shapes, so I found a tank lid,
painted it orange and gold and
hung it opposite the sifter. I
continued with a similar motif for
the wall lights, this time using two
tambourines, which I framed.
“A Moroccan room has to have low
seating. I had seating bases done
in dark stained wood and carved
out with square motifs to create
a balance between the geometric
shapes in the square edges of the
wood.
“A coffee table was also designed
to be chunky and heavy; however,
a reflective mirror in its centre gives
it a lighter quality. The corner table
was designed to be the same
height as the seating bases so that
it could be utilized as an extension
of the seating and also to create a
corner seating arrangement.
“A canopy in a sheer fabric was
hung across the room from the
window to the opposite side
which mimics the width of the
window. The canopy ties to the
wall, allowing it to be removed for
washing.
“underneath the canopy and
around the perimeter of the room, a
minaret motif was stencilled, which
instils the idea of the Bedouin tent.
“The window posed a particular
design challenge: the window
opened inwards, and the owner
wanted to conceal the Tv beneath
it. A Roman blind was the ideal
solution, but for this to work, a
pelmet had to be used which then
would leave gaps in the sides.
The solution: a lambrequin, a stiff
fabric-covered window dressing
that forms a complete frame for
the window, installed in front of the
blind. Its sides would fill the gaps
while perfectly blending with the
ethnic theme. The minaret motif, in
felt, was used in the pelmet.
“fabric choices in any room play an
important role, offering a multitude
of possibilities and allowing the
most original effects. I used a plain
fabric for the Roman blind, silk on
the bolster cushions, hand-painted
cotton for the scatter cushions and
Designer Guild suede microfibre for
the large cushions on the seating.
“for the lampshade, a loose cover
was made to go over the original
shade, finished with a large cross-
stitch lacing which allows the cover
to be removed, while again, adding
a touch of home-made ethnicity.
“A small pouffe acts as a side table
and can double-up as seating,
while a cowhide pouffe contrasts
with the plain fabrics.
“There is a play of colour and
textures throughout the room.
The bamboo carpet is in keeping
with the theme of using raw
materials and a long ribbed vase
of carved wood brings in texture
and roughness while giving the
room a bit of height. A beaded
curtain in the open doorway gives
a feeling of the Middle East, letting
light through. I introduced red
glass to warm the room up. I like
the way natural wood can create
irregularities, giving each item
originality.”
Many thanks to the following suppliers who participated in this HOMEWORkS TV living room makeover:
Top Drawer Ltd - sofa base, floating shelves, Tv shelf
Macmed - paint and painting
Design House - bamboo rug, lamps, fabrics, soft furnishings, lighting, accessories and making of sofa cushions and Roman blinds
Tv ROOM MaKEOvER
To conceal the TV when not in use, a roller blind was installed and a lambrequin effect created to hide the visible gaps. A fabric canopy over the sofas can be removed for washing, as can the laced lampshade cover.
before
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hENRy bORg baRThET gIvES ChRISTINE aPaP a fuNCTIONaL KITChEN, PERfECTLy SuITED TO hER LOvE fOR COOKINg.
thekitchenPHOTOS: MAS WORDS: ZILLAH BuGEJA
Tv ROOM MaKEOvER
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DiningÊ |Ê LivingÊ |Ê SleepingÊ |Ê SittingÊ |Ê OutdoorÊ FurnitureST PAUL STREET NAXXAR | TEL: 2143 7945/4H. DECOR MGARR ROAD GOZO | TEL: 2156 3235EMAIL: [email protected]
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Tv ROOM MaKEOvER
“for the units, we chose a stylish grey-brown. I didn’t want a cliché colour. ”
Previous page: three’s company – leaning against the wall, a square table perfectly suits the kitchen layout. Drawers were used instead of doors throughout, with different countertop levels for each function. Ample storage was created for the owner’s collection of spices and cookery books.
beforeDiningÊ |Ê LivingÊ |Ê SleepingÊ |Ê SittingÊ |Ê OutdoorÊ FurnitureST PAUL STREET NAXXAR | TEL: 2143 7945/4H. DECOR MGARR ROAD GOZO | TEL: 2156 3235EMAIL: [email protected]
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Henry Borg Barthet: “I chose this kitchen for the Tv project
because I like the challenge of a square configuration. It was a
10ft x 10ft kitchen with cupboards dating back to 1960.
“The client had several requirements: the height of the units was
paramount because she is slightly shorter than average. first, she
wanted to retain the stove top height she was used to and requested
varying heights of countertop to match different functions, such as a
lower height for washing dishes. An avid cook, her second request was
for storage for her wide selection of spices and cookery books.
“The colour of the units was important to me. I didn’t want a clichéd
colour and was inspired by the wall tiles. for the units, we chose a stylish
grey brown water-based kitchen paint, in a slightly darker shade than the
tiles. The units were oak veneer custom-made by JDS.
“The countertop is white Corian, with pop-up power points. A 60cm x
60cm gres tile in white was chosen for the flooring, which I echoed by
using white on the ceiling. The soffit was designed in three tiers with
spots and hidden lights, to create a feature.
“Instead of top cupboards, we installed a single shelf that holds the
everyday cookbooks over the prep area.
“Working with the concept of specialized zones, we created a storage
zone using drawers for pots and heavy plates in the lower units. A recess
provided the ideal place to hold a double oven and storage.
“We used drawers throughout instead of doors, either touch-operated or
motorised. A breakfast table with Corian top and wooden base with high
stools is ideal for three people and fits perfectly into the space.”
Tv ROOM MaKEOvER
Many thanks to the following suppliers who participated in this HOMEWORkS TV kitchen makeover:
Spot On - lightingJDS - kitchen carcassThe Tile - 60cm x 60cm glazed floor and wall tilesDulux & Crown - paintT&H Distributors - blum drawers, runners, hinges, storage accessories Weller - fittings, pull-out racks and handlesShaker - kitchen countertopVinci - stainless steel kitchen utensilsXuereb Installations - gypsum ceiling and gypsum plaster on wallsPhoenix - oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, extractor and cooker hob
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hENRy bORg baRThET CREaTES a DREaMy bEDROOM fOR PauLINE DINgLI REMINISCENT Of a CLOuDy SuMMER SKy.PHOTOS: MAS WORDS: ZILLAH BuGEJA
Tv ROOM MaKEOvER
thebedroom
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Blue Grotto Avenue, Zurrieq, ZRQ 4015
T: 2164 2396 F: 2168 9745 E: [email protected]
Transform your bathroom into a work of art.
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T he designer was given a free hand during this makeover. The
room was large, with a Queen Anne type bed. The owners’
requests were for the colour scheme to be light in feel and colour,
and for them to be able to watch Tv in bed.
Henry Borg Barthet: “What makes this bedroom stand out is the orientation
of the bed. I didn’t want to do the usual thing.
“The challenge of the placement of the Tv was the only restriction and in
turn influenced the room’s layout. By placing the bed at an angle, which
allows it to be opposite the Tv, I was able to create a walk-in wardrobe
behind it.
“I laid the parquet diagonally, to reinforce this angular orientation of the
bed. The soffit was also zoned to mirror the placement of the bed.
“The colours chosen are light and dreamy, reminiscent of a tranquil summer’s
day. The custom-made bed has a mirrored plinth all round which makes
it appear to be floating. The bedside tables also enjoy this floating quality.
All of the furniture was custom-made, sprayed white with wood drawers.
Everything has curved edges, slightly reminiscent of Art Deco.
“More light and feminine details are found in the dressing table and
oval mirror, as well as the curtains that are a soft grey sheer that fall in
swathes on the floor. Lighting is used to enhance the dreamy quality.
The Tv cabinet has been built on wheels. The doors slide back into
pockets and it provides tons of space for CD storage.
“We knocked through a shaft to create light and ventilation for the walk-in
wardrobe. The walk-in wardrobe is accessed from behind the bed, which
makes it even more invisible upon entering the room. The result is a very
comfortable room that has ample space whose simplicity is extremely
relaxing.”
Many thanks to the following suppliers who participated in this HOMEWORkS TV bedroom makeover:R Living - parquet flooringDesign House - curtain rails, curtains, mirror, duvet coverVassallo Joiners - furnitureDulux - paintSpot On - lighting
Tv ROOM MaKEOvER
Placing the bed in an unusual orientation allowed for the creation of a walk-in wardrobe behind it. The parquet floor boards and the recess in the soffit also follow this orientation. Bedside tables with drawers appear to float, adding to the ethereal effect. Softly billowing drapes are all that were needed to add drama to the windows. Below: the walk-in wardrobe.
Blue Grotto Avenue, Zurrieq, ZRQ 4015
T: 2164 2396 F: 2168 9745 E: [email protected]
Transform your bathroom into a work of art.
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LAYING DOWN ThE LawN
EvEN IN OuR SEMI-DESERT CLIMATE, A PERfECT PATCH Of REAL GREEN GRASS IS POSSIBLE If
CERTAIN GuIDELINES ARE fOLLOWED. HOMEWORKS OuTLINES THE PATH TO LAWN SuCCESS.
OuTDOORS
PHOTOS: ALAN CARvILLE WORDS: ZILLAH BuGEJA
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OuTDOORS
The cactus garden at Derek’s Garden
Centre is the largest collection of its kind
in Malta, the only free-standing collection
in Europe and the third largest in Europe. What
better counterfoil to the 12-metre high cacti
than the plushness of a soft lawn? This is what
Melosaul (known as Melo) Balzan opted for in
the open space that spans the cactus field. It is
a pleasant surprise, offering a delightful contrast
to the cacti’s height and spikiness.
Melo talks us through the process of creating
this lawn. “We firstly raised the paved area in
the middle of the garden so that it would be all
one level.
“A lawn needs quality, well-drained soil. At the
garden centre our soil is red, which is not ideal
as it contains clay and would retain too much
water, which in turn would kill the lawn. We,
therefore, topped the soil with 12 inches of
sieved sandy soil to create a layer that drains
well.
“Due to the summer heat, we installed a
pop-up sprinkler system. for lawn, it is vital to
have a constant and well-balanced supply of
water everywhere, otherwise you would end
up with brown and yellow patches of grass, so
we opted for an eight-foot distance between
nozzles instead of the recommended ten-foot
to be on the safe side. “The type of grass seed
was our next consideration. I sowed fescium,
which brings us to another concern: the type of
water used for irrigation. fescium prefers good
rain water, so my advice is to use well water or
buy it from a reliable source. If your water supply
is a bit saline, you can use a different type of
grass seed, such as Bermuda.
“The grass grows quite quickly, in fact after five
weeks we were able to walk on it and cut it.
This lawn is now six months old.
“Over the summer months, we will give the lawn
further care by using a spray fungicide, as the
humidity could promote the growth of white
mould.
“Like most plants, the lawn must be fertilised.
I used powder or granules once every two
months, again, with good quality water. Seeing
as the fertiliser is already salty, added salt in the
water would be too much for the lawn to cope
with.
“When choosing the location for a lawn, I would
recommend a spot which enjoys a minimum
of four hours of sunlight. You can have a lawn
around a pool, but only if you are very careful
not to splash the pool water on it.” During the
landscaping, three sets of palm trees were
planted that will not obstruct the view of the
cacti, and two laurel trees now grace the
entrance to the paved area. Lighting features
are being installed to illuminate the path, cacti
and palm trees. These will be a mix of energy-
saving coloured and warm white lights.
Although the recent re-design concentrated on
creating a lawn, Melo also set out to improve
the precious cactus display. for specimens of
this size, it is vital to prune the branches in order
to balance their weight. Eight people worked
for a week to remove extra branches, resulting
in 8,900 kilos of waste. The round cacti were
re-potted. Some of these Echinocactus are rare
specimens up to 100 years old.
Although Melo has been describing the process
of lawn creation, in a final word on cactus
care, Melo explains why he doesn’t water the
cacti: “They grow very well in Malta due to
our geographical location. We normally have
plentiful rainfall in winter, and the cacti can drink
from this stored water for up to three years.
Other cactus maintenance involves leaving the
soil in its natural state around the cacti so that
it hardens, which helps to provide stability in
strong winds.”
before
Left: A more desert feel prevailed before the creation of the lawn. Pop-up sprinklers do not detract from the lawn’s beauty.
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Preparation
Oil Infusion: Finely chop the wild fennel hair and fresh garlic, add them to the olive oil. Warm very gently.
Borage Filling: Use rubber gloves to collect only the smallest of the borage leaves. Boil the borage leaves for 30 seconds. Remove and put in a cold pot of water. Lift from water, squeeze and pat dry. Chop finely and add salt and crushed pepper, wild thyme, grated parmesan and the eggs. Set aside.
Carob Flour: Wash the carobs and roast them for half an hour at 130°C. Take them out of the oven, cool and crush them with a mallet before you put them in a pulveriser/coffee grinder/blender. You can do this in advance and store the flour in a jar.
Ravioli Dough: Sift the flours, add salt, eggs and knead. Let the dough rest, covered in plastic for at least an hour in the fridge.
Roll out the dough to number 6 setting on a pasta machine. The dough needs to be quite thin since it needs to cook quickly so the egg yolk does not harden. Sprinkle some semolina to help with the handling of the dough. Put a large ring on the dough and put some of the borage mix, making sure that you leave a space in the middle, ending with a ring of the mixture on the dough. Place an egg yolk in the middle of the borage mixture. Close the ravioli by damping the edges with water and placing a layer of pasta dough on top. Press down the edges and cut into a circle. Boil a pot of salted water; drop the ravioli for 2– 3 minutes. Serve immediately, drizzling with the olive oil infusion. Serve one as a starter.
CHEF CLAUDE CAMILLERI uSES INGREDIENTS PICKED fROM THE COuNTRYSIDE TO CREATE SuBLIME CONCOCTIONS. THE STARRING fLAvOuRS ARE CAROB, CHAMOMILE,
fENNEL AND ORANGE BLOSSOM. NEvER HAvE LOCAL fLAvOuRS BEEN SO EXOTIC. BILL HERMITAGE fROM DELICATA RECOMMENDS THE IDEAL WINE fOR EACH COuRSE.
CuISINE
BEST WINE ACCOMPANIMENT – 2008 MEDINA VERMENTINO ZIBIBBO D.O.K. MALTA.
In this delightful pasta dish we have a lot of aromatic ingredients in addition to the fairly pungent parmesan cheese. The egg yolks also point me in the direction of a white wine. The wine needs to be fairly light with clean, delicate flavours, aromatic and have a good degree of fresh fruit flavours on the palate – nothing too heavy or overpowering or it will dominate all the delicate herbaceous, earthy flavours in this dish. My choice is the slightly spicy, floral, dry white Medina made from a delicious blend of Vermentino and Zibibbo.
Ingredients
For the ravioli dough:320g semolina flour80g carob flour 4 eggsFor the filling:300g baby borage leaves1 egg yolk per ravioli200g grated parmesan3 eggs (to add to the borage and
parmesan mixture)1tbs wild thymeseasoningFor the infusion:fresh green garlic (finely chopped)the hairy heart of the wild fennel (finely chopped)extra virgin olive oil
Villeroy & Boch Gray Pearl bone china, courtesy of Joinwell Ltd
PHOTOS: MAS
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Preparation
Boil a pot of unsalted water and once boiling, throw in the washed baby spuds and boil for not more than ten minutes. Check for doneness. Lift from the boiling water and put aside.
In a bowl sitting over hot water (do not boil), put the sea urchins and the egg yolks and whisk vigorously. Add a quarter or so of the oil. An emulsion begins to form. Add another quarter of the olive oil and continue whisking. Add a tablespoon of the lemon juice at a time until a kind of a mayonnaise consistency begins to form. Take off the boiling water and continue whisking until the heat dissipates. Put aside.
Put some bottled water, the bay leaves and lemon rind in a non-stick pan. Bring to the boil. Once it is boiling, put the fish in. Take it off the heat. Let it rest for five minutes.
Start assembling the dish. Put a quarter of the olive oil and heat up. Throw in the potatoes and the chopped fresh garlic. Add some salt and pepper; lower the heat; add a tablespoon of the water from the fish dish and cook for a further three minutes, covered until cracks in the potato skins appear and the moisture evaporates.
Return to the sea urchin sabayon and continue whisking for a few minutes.
Assemble by putting a timbale of potatoes, on which you rest the meagre. Once you put the meagre on the plate, return the pan to heat, boil the water, turn it off and throw in the wild asparagus.
Pour the sabayon mixture around the fish and then lift the wild asparagus from the water and either spread evenly over the sabayon or form into a bunch and tie together with a long chive.
Finally and optionally, drizzle the fish with some of the remaining olive oil. Serve with a wedge of lemon.
Ingredients
You can get the fish monger to fillet the meagre (gurbell) for you. Make sure you remove all the bones. It is a very delicate fish and it requires little cooking.
1 meagre of 1.5kg (to yield about 750g of fish once cleaned and filleted)a tub of fresh sea urchins4 egg yolks (sterilised)a handful of wild asparagus (100g)400g baby new potatoes2 fresh green garlic250ml extra virgin olive oil
50ml lemon juice2 bay leaves2 wide strips of lemon rindseasoning
CuISINE
BEST WINE ACCOMPANIMENT – 2008 GRAN CAVALIER SAUVIGNON BLANC SUPERIOR D.O.K. MALTA
Again my choice of wine would be dry white although some dry Rosés would be acceptable. The steamed meagre in itself contains very delicate flavours that simply scream out for a delicate wine. In addition to that you have the sea urchin sabayon which definitely needs a white wine, mainly because of the sabayon, and wild asparagus, which for me mean Sauvignon Blanc. The Gran Cavalier meets all three criteria and this vintage is drinking particularly well at the moment and will go perfectly with this seafoody dish.
Villeroy & Boch Aureus bone china, courtesy of Joinwell Ltd
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In this dessert, everything can be prepared in advance. Kanten is simply a jelly but we use a vegetarian alternative called Agar Agar, a seaweed extract. You can easily substitute it with gelatine if you have problems accessing Agar Agar.
Preparation
Bring the water to a boil with the chamomile flowers. Once the water is boiling add the sugar and the agar agar. Leave to boil for a couple of minutes. Let it cool a bit, pass through a strainer to remove any impurities and then pour a little in the bottom of a mould. Lay a flower and make sure that the flower is attached to the kenten once the latter solidifies (takes minutes, unlike gelatine). Pour some more liquid and place another flower in the same way. Repeat process until the entire mould is full.Place in the fridge and forget about it.
Wild Orange MarmaladePut the oranges in a pot, just cover in water and boil for an hour. Cool, lift from the water (do not throw the water away), cut in half and scoop out the flesh. Run this flesh through a food mill, throwing away pips and pith. Reboil the water and let it reduce by half. Add sugar, continue boiling and reduce further on low heat. Chop the rind into strips. Add the orange juice and the rind and boil for half an hour, stirring continuously. Put in sterilised jars, close lids when hot and store.
Bread and Butter PuddingMix milk, eggs, cream, sugar together. Butter the bread on one side. Put the bread in the liquid mixture to soak it up. Coat the pudding dish with a fine film of butter, place a layer of bread, buttered side down. Spread marmalade on top. Put another layer of bread followed by another layer of marmalade, making sure that you put some chunks of marmalade all around. Repeat until you are out of bread. Finish off with butter, not marmalade. Pour the remainder of the liquid on top. Bake for 30-40 minutes at 180°C. Let cool before serving.
Creme AnglaisMix the sugar and egg yolks until they turn a pale yellow. Warm the milk with the orange blossom flowers until simmering and almost boiling (stay with it – it takes seconds to go from simmering to boiling). Pour the milk over the egg mixture, blend in well and return to the heat, over a baine marie. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. When finished, pass the mixture through a fine sieve. Store in the fridge until needed. Serve hot.
Ingredients
For the kanten:A sachet of agar agar 1.5L of bottled water200g sugarChamomile flowers (can be replaced by chamomile infusion)Some borage, jasmine and orange blossom flowers for inserting in the
For the marmalade:12 oranges, washedhalf the weight of the oranges in sugarwater
For the bread and butter pudding:Use the finest bread, preferably sourdough bread. It has to be old.
kanten (or any edible flower available)12 thin slices of old sourdough bread60g of butter 500ml fresh milk 250ml fresh cream75g caster sugar4 eggs
For the creme Anglais:12 egg yolks200g caster sugar1L fresh milk20 orange blossom flowers
CuISINE
BEST WINE ACCOMPANIMENT – 2007 CASELLA MOSCATO.
Oranges and Muscat are a classic combination and this dish is no exception. This delightfully fragrant dessert is very aromatic, rich and creamy and the wine that I have chosen to accompany it is also very aromatic, rich, sweet and because of the age deliciously marmalady and honeyed. The mouth feel of this wine is also important as it must have the weight and viscosity to complement the sweetness of the dish whist remaining crisp enough to refresh the palate.
Villeroy & Boch Samarah bone china, courtesy of Joinwell Ltd
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