Beautiful Home Magazine

Beautiful HomeISSUE 3 – 2009-10

INTRIGUING CHAIRSTYLES THROUGH HISTORY

ADDING DRAMAand SPARK with B&Wmasterpieces of design

Adventurous TABLE SETTINGSfor contemporary socialising

Magazine

LIFESTYLE DESIGN TRENDS GARDENS SHOPPING STYLE

10 OF THE BEST‘‘boutique hotel chic’’

décor ideas

PANORAMIC FAMILY BLISS...overlooking the coast

TRANSFERRINGFASHIONcouture

to interior andoutdoor decoration

hen this latest issue of Beautiful Homefirst hits the streets many of us will bein full festive season mode and not

thinking too much about home improvements in2010 – other than installing a larger medicinecabinet in the bathroom to accommodate anexpanded range of hangover remedies.

By early January, however, perhaps inspiredby New Year resolutions to dabble in a little DIYin 2010, or upgrade the kitchen or turn a semi-abandoned corner of the garden into a trendyoutdoor socialising area in time for spring, ourthoughts once again turn to the everydayconcerns of making sure our house is a truehome – both comfortable and stylish.

With that in mind, this issue we once againlook at stunning new trends in home décor, fromthe sophistication of adding black and whitedrama and spark to living areas, through the

fascinating history of chairs and how this hasinfluenced contemporary styles, to theconvergence of fashion couture into furnituredesign and architecture – as epitomised in sucha timelessly elegant way by Fendi Casa.

Moving outside the traditional design ideasources, we also step inside 10 top boutique hotelsin Spain to see how their contemporary innovationscan be incorporated into home decoration.

Elsewhere this issue, we review strikingdesign concepts to give that special room a newlook, as well as state-of-the-art homeautomation and consumer electronics; theexperts answer your questions on such diverseproperty-related matters as fireplaces,accessories, alternatives to the ubiquitousmagnolia, and even the dreaded red palmweevil; and we feature two more magnificentCosta homes: a luxurious villa offering

panoramic views over the Istan lake; and anelegantly comfortable Moroccan-Spanish styledproperty perfectly suited to family living.

Finally, as it is the festive season – at least forthose readers picking up a copy during themagazine’s first pre-Christmas distribution(outlets will be replenished throughout Januaryand February) – we have included a specialfeature on table settings: from multi-functionalpieces that are ideal for sharing, or “grazingstyle” dining, to the versatility of clean-linedesigns – and, for the truly adventurous, a lessformal mix-and-match approach.

However you choose to entertain thisChristmas-New Year – and whatever plans youhave to revamp your home over the next fewmonths – we hope you find some fresh inspirationin these pages and are able to fulfil youraspirations in 2010.

No 3 – 2009-10

PublisherAndy Clark

[email protected]

Advertising DirectorFay Jones

[email protected]. 617 651 732

Advertising RepresentativeShiralee Coleman

Tel. 600 080 904

[email protected]

Production Opus 1 Design

[email protected]

[email protected]

Features EditorJessica White

[email protected]

Associate EditorNicola McGeorge

[email protected]

Contributing EditorPeter Leonard

Cover photographPhotography by Cj Hadlow

Contributors & PhotographersTrish Dynes, CJ Hadlow, ConradJones, Ruth Jones, David Toms

Beautiful Home is publishedquarterly by:

Bespoke Media S.L.CIF: B92998483

Local No 25-26, C.C. La ColoniaSan Pedro de Alcántara

29670 Marbella Tel. 952 784 207

www.beautifulhomemagazine.com

Printer P&R Grafis

Tel. 952 667 788www.prgrafis.es

The views and opinions expressed by contributors to BeautifulHome may not represent the views and opinions of the publishers.

Bespoke Media takes no responsibility for claims made inadvertisements or advertorials in this magazine.

No part of Beautiful Home may be reproduced or copied in any waywithout the prior written consent of Bespoke Media.

W

Beautiful HomeMagazine

A fresh, fashionable and funky start to the New Year

04 w w w. b e a u t i f u l h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

editorial


No 3 – 2009-10

Contents

cover lookAll clothing and accessories:El Corte Inglés, Costa Marbella

Bathroom suite and accessories:El Corte Inglés, El Capricho

Styling: El Corte Inglés personalshopper Francesca Sellitri –Tel. 679 673 555

Model: Louise Doheny, owner ofStarlet – Tel. 952 907 601

Photographer: CJ Hadlow

Cover coordination:Nicola McGeorge and Jessica White

specialistadvice76 Authoritative tips from

the experts

businessdirectory78 Key services & products

design ideas08 Eye-catching insight into

avant-garde style

12 State-of-the-art gadgets andelectronics updates

trend españa14 The sophistication of

black and white

42 A fascinating historyof chairs

50 Dining at home – in style

inspired living20 Home comforts…

par excellence

56 Family bliss… in amountain setting

designersin focus30 Fendi: homewear as

a couture trend

36 Roche Bobois: the subtleart of counterpoint

style now66 “Hotel chic” ideas for

the home

property file74 Family villa exuding style

and space


BRIGHTENING THE MOODSpruce your home up this winter with somebright prints and stunning colours, perfect forgetting rid of those winter blues. With friends,family and many guests undoubtedly visitingover the festive period you may want to changethe décor of a room or simply update a roomwith some new curtains or cushions. This blackand white lounge area is a great way to updateyour living space; by maintaining the flowertheme through the sofa and the wallpaper youcan keep accessories such as cushions to aminimum. For a more colourful living spacechose one colour – for example, pink – as yourmain one and then add complementary colours.Cushions can be the same pattern as thecurtains to maintain the main theme, but you canalso add other cushions in block colours to givethe room some added life. www.gancedo.com

design ideasSTRIKING AND INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS TO GIVE YOUR FAVOURITE ROOM,OR CORNER OF THE HOME, A STUNNING AND ORIGINAL NEW LOOK

COMPILED BY JESSICA WHITE


(Images from Sanderson and Gancedo –Sanderson is exclusively distributedby Gancedo in Spain.)

design ideas

FOR THE PERFECT KITCHEN…Redesigning a kitchen is not only a massive taskbut also something that should be undertakenwith care, consideration and a strong idea ofwhat you want. With so many choices of kitchenavailable now, it’s not a case of just modern ortraditional; it goes much deeper than that.Colours play a very important part in the designof your kitchen.

Remember, this kitchen is a room that youprobably won’t re-design for a few years, maybeeven longer, so you need to choose somethingthat is practical yet stylish and, most importantly,easy to live with. If you are a minimalist then youdon’t want bright colours and lots of kitchenwareon show, whereas a more traditional kitchencould have exposed brick and an island in thecentre where pots and pans hang for that allimportant family feel. To find your perfectkitchen and receive ideas about how to makeyour kitchen suit you, and not the other wayround, contact The Kitchen Room.www.thekitchenroom.com

w w w. b e a u t i f u l h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m 09

design ideas

IT’S A PORSCHE DARLING!When you think of a Porsche design, youimagine sleek lines, smooth curves and a fastengine… Well Porsche lovers can now leavetheir mark on food as well as the street.Barbeques Galore and Porsche Design Studiohave collaborated to make the new X-SeriesGrill with a sleek, German-styled exterior andsome serious grilling technology. Fitted withinfrared burners and utilising “Cross-way”technology, the barbecue uses up to 50 percent less gas; and, emitting 80 per cent lesssmoke than your average barbecue, itpractically pays for itself in environmentalkudos points. The X-Series also comes with atemperature gauge, a secondary cooking rack,a stainless steel fire box and an insulateddouble walled hood among other features.Oh, and the rights to say you own a Porsche. www.pias-chimeneas.com


SOUNDS GOOD!Don’t you just hate it when you are listening toyour favourite song, dancing round the room(oh, is that just me!) and you crank up the musicbut the speakers don’t make the song as loud asyou would like and the sound isn’t that good?Well, there is a solution… The CLX brings you apurity of sound that permeates your entire roomand will satisfy even the most critical ear,ensuring that any music you play over the festiveperiod will bring the house down. Sleek andstylish, the speakers will fit into any room in thehouse and every guest will be green with envy. www.domosat.com

STATE-OF-THE ART AUTOMATION, CONSUMERELECTRONICS, HIGH-TECH UPDATES AND NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

Surrounded by soundSony has created a 360-degree glass speakerthat vibrates the sound, producing a clearthree-dimensional sound. www.sony.com

GADGETS AROUNDTHE HOUSE

home tech


Twist and grindThis handy salt and pepper grinder encasesboth salt and pepper at the time same.A simple twist of the coloured silicone bandallows you to swap from salt to pepper. www.bodum.com

Versatile lightThis futuristic snake-like lamp curls up andunrolls; it can transform from a table lampto a floor lamp – and look good as well. www.iguzzini.com

home tech


Remote cooking Use your home phone, mobile phone or the

internet to control your oven anywhere in theworld. If you forgot to pre-heat the oven or

want to cook some bread ready for themorning, you can simply call your oven andtell it to turn on or change the temperature.

www.tmio.com

Beauty on the wall The first wall-mountable blue-ray player, thissleek machine also boasts a USB port thatwill enable you to view images and playmovies you have downloaded and connectto the internet. www.samsung.com

Rolling fireDo you always think your fire is too far awayfrom you? Well, now the guys at Conmotohave made a rolling fire so that you can bringthe warmth closer. www.conmoto.com

Steam cleaningOne of the first steam washing machines thatcleans your clothes faster and saves energy, italso comes in a sexy black to complement yourgranite worktops. www.lge.com

COMPILED BY DAN OPUS 1 – IF YOU HAVE ANEW GADGET ON THE MARKET AND WOULDLIKE IT CONSIDERED FOR INCLUSION IN THISSECTION. SEND INFORMATION (MAX. 50WORDS) AND A HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGE TO:[email protected]


trend españa

black&whiteSIR EDWARD LUTYENS ONCE SAID, WHILE GIVINGA TALK AT THE ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION:“BLACK IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN ALLDECORATION. I OFTEN WONDER WHY BLACK ISNOT MORE FREQUENTLY USED. IF YOU WANTGREAT DIGNITY IN DECORATION, USE BLACK. IT ISCONDUCIVE TO MAGNIFICENCE.” POLLY JACKSONARGUES THE CASE FOR BLACK – AND WHITE

Using black will add a focal point ofcolour that anchors and adds a sophisticatedlook to a room. Black by itself is striking but, toget real drama and spark, pair black with white.When used with splashes of colour as accentsand with variations in tone and design, as wellas touches of grey, the black and whiteapproach can create truly life-long masterpiecesof design.

Black and white style has long been a designconcept both in fashion and in interiordecorating and its recent resurgence shows thatit will continue to add drama and elegance withits minimalistic approach to making a statement.For some, design that features the stark contrastbetween black and white is both modern andclassic and is increasingly popular today amongdecorators or designers, who incorporate itsclassic patterns in upholstery, wallpaper, bedlinen and fabric.

So, if you are considering the idea of a blackand white room, decide on the style you wouldlike to draw from before you choose fabrics andfurniture for your new look. Do you want to usesolely jet black and pure white to recreate thegraphic Mary Quant look? Or are you inspiredby the Laura Ashley look of graphic black andwhite florals? Another alternative is a glamorousArt Deco feel with mirrored pieces set against ablack and white scheme.

trend españa


Once you’ve decided on a style, create amood board by collecting black and white fabricsamples along with pictures of furniture andaccessories. Spread them out on the floor or ona table and separate them into different looks.Pick out your top two fabrics, one or twofavourite images of furniture and accessories,and decide which items you are most drawn to.From here you can build up on the theme,adding furniture and accessories that worktogether and editing as you go. Finally, it isimportant not to overfill the interior. Be selectiveand make sure you leave plenty of clear wallspace as well as room between furniture – thiswill help to create a restful atmosphere.

A good place to start is the floor. A black andwhite tiled floor, an elegant black marble withinlayed white marble accents or maybe blackstained wood with tall white baseboards cancreate a solid and luxurious floor. Consider aluxurious black and white rug to create warmthand interest.

Paint is not the only option for the walls ofyour black and white room. There is a wealth ofmaterials that will allow you to show yourpersonality and exquisite taste. Consider realmother of pearl tiles or one of the latestdesigner wallpapers or maybe a giant black

decal to dominate one wall. If you decide topaint use ivory on walls; it makes a wonderfulcanvas for artwork, prints and hanging sculpture.Consider hanging large pictures in black andwhite or artwork in a black frame, which add canadd dramatic impact to an otherwise modestpiece of art work.

A black and white themed room always hasmore impact when you add in a third accentcolour; yellow can be great as an accent colourand of course red, but remember to use only alittle splash of your chosen colour in a cushion or astriking object such as a vase or elegant sculpture.


trend españa

The sofa is the main focus of your livingroom, so are your only choices black, white ora black and white pattern? Surprising as itmay seem, a chocolate colour leather sofa willenhance your room by notching up the colourto a warmer shade without losing your overallplan. A coffee table, or any other table, canbe glass-topped with black wrought-iron legs.A black vase with white lilies or other whiteflower makes a striking centrepiece over thefireplace or in the middle of a table. Black

lacquered furniture, glass and mirroredfurniture and brushed steel creates a warmand rich, yet stunning and contemporary,design that would look perfect in any area ofyour home.

A bedroom should be conducive to restfulsleep. While the contrast of black and white canbe a dramatic one, these are colours that canalso share a gentler interplay. White is theperfect backdrop in any bedroom, makingconfined spaces seem larger and bestowing a

sense of uncluttered calm. When used inisolation, white can, however, seem overlyclinical, and so the careful use of black cancreate a contrast that adds a subtle spark to yourwhite canvas. Choosing a theme for your blackand white bedroom can add a personal hint toyour space – choose the sultry feel of aHollywood boudoir, or go for a more playfultouch with polka dots or stripes. Selecting blackfurniture can create a grounding feeling in yourbedroom; a black-framed bed can make a

trend españa



trend españa

dramatic centrepiece. Iron is a sophisticatedmaterial that creates a truly elegant bedstead –and iron candlesticks, or an iron-framed mirror,can be beautiful accenting pieces. Crisp whitebed linens are perfect for the bedroom. Add ablack and white striped bed skirt, pillows and acomfortable black chair. For seasonal changes,have a variety of pillows in different colors onhand. Pink, yellow or soft green works great forsummer; while red, leaf green or shimmeringgold or silver looks great for winter.

Everything in the world is saturated withcolour. The world is colour. Industrial and interiordesigners know that bright colours and boldimages naturally draw our attention. Mostdesigners understand colour well enough tochoose palettes to create harmony in ourhomes. However, there is also harmony in blackand white. In the words of Coco Chanel, “Blackhas it all; white also. Their beauty is absolute.”

Designed in a Moorish-Spanish style,the house is traditional yet has modern toucheshere and there which make it an easy villa toimagine yourself living in.

The dramatic entrance to the villa is throughimpressive glass and wrought iron doors thatlead to a magnificent courtyard which is flankedby a remarkable 51 carved stone arches andstately palm trees. The arch theme is continuedthroughout the villa and doors leading from thecourtyard take you to more imposing rooms andout to the gardens.

To the side is a vaulted al fresco dining areacapable of seating more than 20, while extensivestone terraces overlook the beautiful maturegardens, gazebo and large pool – which endswith a Moroccan-styled pool house.

Another notable feature in the gardens isthe private lake, while views from the gardensstretch out across to the sea in the distance.Sitting on an estate of 31,000 square metresand situated four kilometres from the sea,between the lively atmosphere of PuertoBanús and Estepona, the villa is completely

DESCRIBED AS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOME ON THE COSTA DEL SOL,VILLA LA MADRUGADA TAKES THE TERM “MAKING A HOUSE A HOME”AND – AS JESSICA WHITE DISCOVERS – TURNS IT INTO A REALITY

HOME COMFORTS...par excellence

inspired living


A magnificentcourtyard andarchways

Carefullymanicured andmature gardens

Views acrossto the sea

inspired living


inspired living

Private spots areeasy to find inthe extensivegardens

The archwaysall lead to

separate roomsin the villa


inspired living

Smaller seatingareas are dottedaround thehouse


private, with excellent 360 degree views of thesea and mountains.

French doors from the courtyard lead you tothe drawing room: a light, spacious room thatlends itself to family gatherings or parties forfriends in their hundreds. A large dining roomprovides a fabulous and capacious entertainingspace for the grand feasts that will certainly takeplace. The villa also comprises a breakfast roomwhich is located close to the large traditionalMoroccan-style kitchen and pantry – for thosewho enjoy preparing delicious cuisine – andmany other seating areas are dotted around thehouse… great for relaxing.

The accommodation in the house is moretypical of what you would find in a boutiquehotel, stylish yet charmingly cosy – rooms thatyou feel instantly at home in while still being chicenough to fit in with the rest of the house.

inspired living

Bright colours decoratethe house, giving it a

Moroccan feel

The grand drawingroom is perfect forentertaining

Attention to detail isa key throughout

the house

The dining roomis beautiful and

fit for a king


The master bedroom suite has separatedressing rooms and a generous-sized bathroom,and boasts further fantastic views, as do theadditional four guests’ bedrooms – completewith en suite bathrooms.

There is also a separate guest/staff wingcontaining two bedrooms, and a bathroom,kitchen, sitting room and patio.

For those who like exercise but want to do itat home, there is a private gym ready to use atyour own convenience; while a garage for threecars allows for ample parking.

This is definitely a villa with the “wow factor”:the style and décor has been carefully thoughtout, with complementary colours and positionschosen for each room.

inspired living


inspired living

The bathrooms are allintricately decoratedand spacious

The large open plankitchen is great for familycooking and dining

The bedroomsare stylish and chic


The pool and its surroundingarea is lavish and extravagant

inspired living

For viewings and more information contact: Villa Marketing Nueva AndalucíaTel. 952 810 695 [email protected]

Al fresco dining isencouraged, with the manyoutside dining areas


NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. 09481Villa with beautiful views of the sea and La Concha, in perfect condition, high quality, with4 large bedrooms including a very large master suite, spacious living room with dining areaon another level, study, modern kitchen and garage for 3 cars. Price: €1.750.000

FRONTLINE GOLF Ref. 9522Charming villa set in a beautiful mature garden in the best area of Nueva Andalucia. Quietarea, south facing, large plot of 2.494m2, 5 bedrooms & bathrooms, study, large livingarea, dining room, beautiful large new kitchen, pool house with bar, double garage.

Reduced from €2.700.000 to €2.100.000

GOLDEN MILE Ref. 9108Delightful villa within a gated community with 24 hours security. Situated in the best areaof Marbella with 4 bedrooms, spacious living area, wine cellar, play room and a largegarage. Sea and mountain views. Reduced from €1.900.000 to €1.450.000

NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. 9642Magnificent villa in a central position close to amenities, built on one level in a secludedgarden with heated pool. Large sitting room with fireplace, dining room,modernkitchen, four ensuite bedrooms plus a staff bedroom. Garage for 3 cars. Good Value.

Price: €1.595.000

NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. 8913Spacious villa situated frontline golf with lovely views, 4 spacious bedrooms andbathrooms, spacious lounge with separate reception areas, large kitchen and a garage.

Reduced from €1.475.000 to €999.000

NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. 9277In a very central and quiet area, near Puerto Banús, a very homely villa with 3 bedroomsand 2 sitting rooms, plus a separate guest house. Renovated a few years ago, the villahas a heated pool, sauna and a garage. Reduced from €950.000 to €795.000

Established for 26 Years

designer in focus


WE TAKE A LOOK AT WHY FENDI CASA IS ONEVERYONE’S CHRISTMAS WISH LIST...

COUTUREHOMEWEAR

“Fendi Casa brings an element of supremeluxury and timeless elegance to the design of ahome. We also have a new collection of FendiCasa decorative items so hopefully we can bringa little Fendi Casa to everyone.”

designer in focus


Patricia Darch and Jose Forriols – “a perfect, natural designpartnership…bringing a little Fendi Casa to everyone.”

The latest trend in the designworld is convergence, or crossover: a blurringof the lines between runway fashion, furnitureand architecture.

This convergence means that the latest homefurnishings collections are adopting the samedecorative trends from the fashion house’s latestline and the same high-quality workmanshipexpected of a couture item. No one does thisbetter than Fendi Casa.

The Fendi Casa Home Collection is designedto dress up a room. As trendy as Fendi’sbaguette bags and wraparound shades, thisrange of furniture, sofas, armchairs, poufs,chaise-longues, consoles and day-beds isinterpreted with the typical Fendi style andethos. Great attention is paid to the past whiletending towards the future, with considerableconcern for evolution in modern design, which isinterpreted, enjoyed and shared in the spirit oftoday’s culture.

With 25 years experience specialising indesign and decoration of villas, apartments andfull renovation projects, Patricia Darch is alwaysahead of the trends in the world of interiordesign. Carrying exclusive furniture and textilelines from luxury Italian companies and topSpanish designers, Fendi Casa was a perfect,natural partnership.

“Fendi Casa is by far the most exciting andinnovative company in the world of interiordesign,” explains Patricia. “I considered it ahuge compliment to be approached by them torepresent sales for Andalucía and Gibraltar. Ichose the beautiful pieces displayed in ourshowroom for impact. I always feel that, if I lovesomething enough to buy, then it should be easyto convince others to do the same.

designer in focus


Offering exclusive furniture and textile lines from luxury Italiancompanies and top Spanish designers… the beautiful piecesdisplayed in the Patricia Darch showroom were chosen for impact.

“Fendi Casa brings an element ofsupreme luxury and timeless elegance to thedesign of a home. We also have a new collectionof Fendi Casa decorative items so hopefully wecan bring a little Fendi Casa to everyone.”

Beautiful Home were delighted to have theopportunity of interviewing Jose Forriols, theagent for Fendi Spain:

When did Fendi decide to go intohome furnishings?In 1989, with the idea of exploring other creativefields we collaborated with Club House Italia, acompany which has been established since the1970s and is run by D. Alberto Vignatelli.

Describe Fendi Casa’s style…A contemporary style, personalising theeveryday habitat with style, without forgettingthe legendary “F” logo which appears onrugs, cushions, upholstery, etc. Illuminatingand furnishing with a unique andpersonal style.

Tell us about Fendi Luce…With Fendi Luce we are talking about anelegant and sophisticated design in whichlight is the main protagonist: a diverse rangeof glass lamps; Swarovski crystal; lamps suchas the Icelight which conjure up thetransparency of ice.

How much do fashion trends influenceFendi Casa?Fendi aims to dress the home in the same wayit presents fashion. Fendi is more than adecoration concept.

designer in focus


designer in focus


What are the trends for 2010?Transferring fashion to décor, while remainingloyal to its style.

Describe the new collections…A revamped classic, presenting the latestmaterials and maintaining a luxury finish.

Which pieces are the best sellers and why?There are various, but what Fendi sells is thewhole ensemble, the complete decoration ofa dwelling.

Southern Spain enjoys a particular al frescolifestyle and outdoor furniture is veryimportant. Does Fendi cater for this?In September 2009, at Maison Object Paris,Fendi presented its outdoor collection,featuring different concepts and the brand’straditional philosophy.

Why should someone invest in a pieceof Fendi Casa?Because buying Fendi is like buying a piece ofjewellery you can show off every day, creating afeeling of wellbeing.

Describe your typical client…Refined, with a special sensitivity, a perfectionistand a superb decorator.

You have taken Fendi Casa into the worldof luxury boats. Tell us more?Fendi has been fitting out boats for a long time now,both interior and exterior. The idea is to transfer tothe sea the same luxury you enjoy at home.

Patricia Darch, Torreguadiaro Tel. 956 615 350interiorsinspain.com

Personalising the everyday habitat with style, Fendi Casa home furnishingscollections adopt the same decorative trends from the fashion house’s latest lineand the same high-quality workmanship expected of a couture item.

designer in focus


ClashingSTYLES

Clashing

designer in focus


ROCHE BOBOIS INVENTED THE SUBTLE ART OFCOUNTERPOINT FOR TODAY’S INTERIORS.NICOLA MCGEORGE TALKS TO CEO GILLESBONNAN ABOUT THE ECO MOVEMENT, FUTURETRENDS AND WORLD DOMINATION

By harmoniously mixing styles

and influences, shapes and

luxurious textures Roche Bobois

has created and designed

products that express a very

personal sense of style.

With 240 stores and four brands

in nearly 40 countries, the Roche

Bobois Group has reached a

leading position in the interior

furnishing and decoration business.

Gilles Bonnan explainshow it all began…

“The company was formed in 1960, so weare going to celebrate our 50th anniversarynext year. It was a family business, twofamilies actually. The Roches and theChouchans. The Chouchan family used tohave a store called Au Beau Bois, meaning‘the nice wood”, which was contracted intoBobois and then Roche Bobois.

How did they go on to becomeso successful?At first they started importing Scandinavianfurniture, which was fashionable in the ‘60s. Theywanted to have exquisite furniture and found theonly solution was to design their own collections.The next move was to start working withdesigners, and in fact they started franchisingRoche Bobois without even knowing whatfranchising was. The Roche brothers told me thatthey went to Lyon and Marseilles and proposedtheir concept and brand name to the localfurniture retailer. This was franchising. They thendid the same in other countries. Now RocheBobois has 240 stores in 40 different countries.”

What did they bring to interiordesign that was different?First the diversity. We have three differentcollections: Les Provinciales, Les Voyages andLes Contemporains. The latter is very cuttingedge, while Les Provinciales is a reinterpretationof the classic French style from the 18th and 19thcentury. The Les Voyages is a contemporarycollection with inspiration from other cultures.

This diversity is a great force, teamed with theconstant renewal of the collections. We have twonew collections per year. I think the creativity ofthe brand makes us different as well. We workwith a lot of designers, and stay ahead of thetrends. It goes without saying the quality isoutstanding. We only use the finest materialsand techniques.

What has been the highlightof the brand?We have done some very big projects indifferent countries, hotels such as the Hilton,palaces and huge houses.

Why did Roche Bobois chose tohave a showroom in Marbella?We had some demand from people inMarbella. The market and potential was here.In Marbella we have a lot of customers thatcome to us as we can propose a global project;we can decorate the whole house. We havecreated awareness of the brand locally andMarbella is one of the most important storesfor us in Spain.

Future trends?There is a major trend for respecting theenvironment, and Roche Bobois was one of thepioneers for eco conception. Another trendwhich is related is that people are going moreand more for natural wood, with no specifictreatments. It is also going to be very popular tomix styles, and with our diversity at RocheBobois this is something that we can do,especially with big projects. People do not wanta total look at home any more.

Tips For recession?Invest in durable, great quality furniture.However, people nowadays do not seem to seefurniture as an investment but more as pleasure.

What trends are we movingaway from?The total look; people want to mix styles.Distinct styles are now blurring at the edges.Wenge is less and less appreciated by people.

What is next for the company?We want to work more and more with talenteddesigners. We are very ambitious for ourdevelopment, especially internationally. This year(2009), which is a year of recession, we haveopened 15 new stores and we will do even morenext year. We have projects in Asia, China and theUS. Even in Africa, we are going to open one onthe Ivory Coast. Two years ago we opened inKazakhstan. At first I was very sceptical about thepotential, but the people were so convincing andreally wanted Roche Bobois. The project is great.

designer in focus


Distinct styles are now blurring atthe edges. Wenge is less and lessappreciated by people

designer in focus


People nowadaysdo not seem tosee furniture asan investmentbut more aspleasure

designer in focus


“I imagined Legend as a manifesto forenvironmental concern” – Christophe Delcourt.

Roche Bobois are very proud of theircommitment to using natural resources in asustainable way. As part of their efforts to gogreen they created the Legend collection, arange of eco-friendly pieces featuring theLegend bookcase. Designed by ChristopheDelcourt, this is a clever new interpretation onthe everyday bookshelf. With a fairytale form –think enchanted forest – its tree-like framebranches out among playfully askew shelves.This handsome limited edition piece is madefrom solid Bourgogne oak (from forestsmanaged to conserve biodiversity) and isassembled without the use of hardware, glue orstains. It is finished with a water-based varnish.

Each piece is signed and numbered. TheLegend collection revived the traditionalcabinet-making “savoir-faire”.

“We initiated the eco trend four years agowith the Legend collection,” explains Gilles.“We are very respectful of the environmentand wanted to launch an eco collection.Christophe came up with his bookshelf; wethen worked with our factory to conceive thiseco process. Legend was a real manifesto ofRoche Bobois and Christophe for theenvironment, and every feature of thebookshelf is eco orientated. We paid a lot ofattention to the transporting of the wood fromthe forest to the factory. When you see thebookshelf it is incredible to believe there is nohardware in it. Little by little we are improvingthe respect for the environment.”

Roche Bobois Marbella Centro Comercial Torre Real Tel. 952 777 858www.roche-bobois.es

THE NATURAL WAY

SINCE HUMANKIND FIRST

STOOD UP TO SEE OVER

THE TALL SAVANNAH

GRASSES, WE HAVE BEEN

LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO

SIT BACK DOWN…TRISH

DYNES TAKES US ON A

FASCINATING JOURNEY

THROUGH THE HISTORY OF

CHAIRS – AND A LOOK AT

HOW THEIR DESIGNERS

INFLUENCED MORE

CONTEMPORARY STYLES


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take a chairWhen early migratory peoples firstsettled into a domesticated lifestyle, the mark ofa civilised person was a seat that raised the bodyaway from the cold, damp floor. By the simpleact of constructing a place to sit, humans beganthe long tradition of distinguishing themselvesfrom the animal world.

Until the mid-19th century, most chairs weremade by hand, but the new industrialists wereexperimenting with modern productiontechniques to manufacture high quality furnitureswiftly and cheaply in large quantities. Amongthe most successful was the Austrianmanufacturer Michael Thonet, who pioneeredthe mass-production of bentwood furniture. Hissimply styled Side Chair No. 14, produced in1870, became the first chair to be used by botharistocrats and factory workers.

The 20th century saw a range of intriguingchair design influenced by various artisticmovements, beginning with Art Nouveau andArt Deco. Art Deco emerged with the MachineAge, which included austerely styled but well-crafted pieces by names such as Le Corbusier

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and Bauhaus. Those early 20th century chairshave become admired classics and have beenadapted by contemporary designers.

Among the most elegant and imposing ofchairs is the opulent Barcelona Chair, a Bauhausclassic modelled on an ancient stool used byRoman magistrates. Designed by Mies van derRohe in collaboration with the interior designerLilly Reich in 1929, it is one of the mostrecognisable early 20th century chairs and is stilla familiar sight not only in corporate foyers butin many stylish homes. So if you think yourbottom is worthy of a seat made for a king (itwas designed for the Spanish royals) theBarcelona chair is for you.

In the same year Le Corbusier turned thetraditional club chair inside out and created adesign icon. The LC3, also known as Le GrandConfort Armchair, was part of the work of aground breaking furniture group that took thehumble furniture frame out of hiding and put iton display as a component of the design.

Ray and Charles Eames aretwo of the most importantdesigners of the 20th century. Inthe 1950s, Charles Eames setout to design a modern answerto the Edwardian English clubchair as a birthday gift for hisgood friend, the Academy Award-winning film director Billy Wilder.The famed designer wasn’t out tochange the world. All he wanted wasto make his friend a comfortable chairthat had “the receptive look of a wellused first baseman’s mitt”. The Eames chairis still synonymous with retro, laidback living.

In 1958 Vernon Panton returned to his nativeDenmark, after travelling across Europe in aVolkswagen bus, full of unconventional ideas.One of Panton’s chairs was the first cantileveredchair to be made from a single piece of plasticthat epitomised the optimism of the 1960s.Inspired by the sight of a pile of plastic buckets

stacked neatly on top of each other, VernerPanton had struggled with ways of constructinga plastic cantilevered chair since the 1950s.When the Panton Chair was finally unveiled inthe Danish design journal Mobilia in August1967, it caused a sensation. Equally memorablewas its appearance as a prop in a 1970 issue ofNova, the British fashion magazine, in a fashionshoot entitled “How to undress in front of yourhusband”. Twenty-five years later the magazineVogue featured a naked Kate Moss drapedacross this sleek and sexy chair, which continuesto represent the ultimate in cool modern design.


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The Tulip chair was designed by Finnish bornEero Saarinen in the mid fifties for Knoll, apioneer of open living. The chair has the smoothlines of modernism and was experimental withmaterials for its time. The award-winning chair isconsidered a classic of industrial design and wasconsidered at the time to be “space age” for itsfuturistic use of curves and artificial materials.The design was popularised by its use on theoriginal Star Trek television series (1966-69). TheFrench designer Andre Courreges, considered

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to have invented the miniskirt, used the chairs asstatement art to show off his designs. Withplayfulness and sophistication in one minimalistdesign, the Tulip chair is perfect for a modernapartment or to add eclecticism to a moretraditional home.

Philippe Starck emerged as one of the world’smost famous furniture designers in the 1980s bydistilling an everyday product, such as a chair,into a bold form often inspired by cartoonimagery that the public could recognise – andsmile at. Best known as the post-modernistprankster who made his name by designingnotoriously unstable three-legged chairs, and alobster-shaped lemon squeezer that sold in tensof thousands yet squirted lemon juice withoutfail into the eyes of its users, Starck described his


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creations as “surrealist or Dada objects”intended to liberate the user “from thehumdrum reality of everyday life”.

New technologies have transformed the waywe lead our lives and designers such as Berlin-based designer Jerszy Seymour has designed acomfortable armchair-cum-chaise longue. ThePlayStation Chair combines a soft, circular seatwith an upholstered leg rest on which you canrest your legs while watching television, orposition a Sony PlayStation console to play avideo game.

The ultimate in up to the minute design mustsurely be the Venus Chair, which is constructedfrom natural crystals that are submerged in atank full of water. The water allows the crystalsto grow while attached to a fibre structure. Theshape of the chair then evolves as the crystalsmultiply. Challenging the way in which themaking of objects is reliant on man-madeapplications and processes, the Venus Chairconforms to the power of nature.

Some chairs manage to be purely works ofart but Tom Dixon’s Crown Chair treads a fineline between art and design, sculpture andfurniture. “If it’s a comfortable chair then I’m adesigner,” Dixon once said, “but if it’s anuncomfortable piece of scrap metal, then I’man artist.” This throne-like chair fulfils thefunction of a seat, but comes closer to Dixon’sdefinition of art, because it can be sat upon,but certainly not in comfort.

There is no doubt that some of this eclectic mixof chairs has enriched our lives, sometimes fortheir comfort and design and often because theywere just made to push the boundaries offurniture design and make us smile. But in the endwhat we all want is a comfortable chair to sit in.either at work or when we come home to relax inthe evening. However, what you might think is thelatest design in chairs may well be based on oneof these iconic chairs that not only have made itinto furniture history books but will continue toinfluence what we sit on for years to come.

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DINING

Long gone are the days when diningmeant dusting off your best china and serving upseveral courses on a full dinner service. Nowwe’re more likely to take our cue from a localgastropub and enjoy hearty meals from rusticearthenware or an Asian pick ‘n’ mix banquetfrom glossy lacquered bowls.

Trends in tableware are influenced byfashionable foods and the way in which we eatthem. The popularity of foods from around theworld means meals are far less likely to bebrought ready plated to the table. Large plattersand bowls allow everyone to help themselves, atrend that translates well into contemporarysocial settings such as the gathering of friendsand family in the modern kitchen.

Sharing is a lot less formal so bountifulplates, bowls and serving dishes are a must toenable everyone to tuck in at will. Big ovalplatters are great for piling up food to lookgenerous without being messy, as well as amultitude of sizes and shapes to reflect thegrazing style of eating, tapas having been the

forerunner of this style for many years.A collection of multi-functional, medium-sizedbowls is an essential and a favourite withfoodies everywhere; these bowls can be used toserve anything from soups and salads to pastaand puddings, with deeper versions being idealfor casual eating when food is balanced on laps.Mini-saucepans are a popular way of servingindividual portions of sauce or vegetables; whileusing shot glasses and porcelain spoons is a funway of serving canapés.

Not so long ago a matching set of patternedtableware was a must on every table at home,and white plates were either the cheapies orwere fine white china gathering dust whilewaiting for that special occasion.

Now the tables of chic eateries everywherehave increased the popularity of simple whiteserving ware in our own kitchens. A plain whiteplate can provide a frame for food and chefs arecollaborating with tableware companies whenthey’re developing new products such as JamieOliver’s collection for Royal Worcester and the

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in styleTHE DAYS OF BALMY EVENINGS AND AL FRESCO DINING AREALMOST A DISTANT MEMORY – NOTES TRISH DYNES – AND WITHCOLDER WEATHER AND A BIG FREEZE IN THE ECONOMY MANYMORE PEOPLE ARE DINING AT HOME

Gordon Ramsay range by Royal Doulton.Leaders in this field are designers such asTerrance Conran and Villeroy and Boch.

Clean line designs in white are thedinnerware sets that are most favoured at themoment. In a very practical sense of breakage,a broken white piece can be replaced even witha different range. Buying key patterned piecesthough, to use with a plain white set, is anexcellent way to introduce colour or patternswhile still keeping to predominantly white.

A way to introduce your personality is bymixing basics with well-loved, vintage hand-me-downs or flea-market finds, if you are not keenon all-white dishes.

China is also an art and antique pieces fromone cup to a whole service regularly come underthe hammer. The beautiful designs by VeraWang are the antiques of the future and as suchare collectable and can be bought one at a time.

Your home may be conservative and safe butone way to have fun is through cheeky, colourfulmugs, collectable teapots and off the wall teaplates to brighten up your kitchen and theplainest of cheese sandwiches.

However, modern eating dictates that wedon’t need complete dinner services any moreand we can be adventurous with a less formalmix-and-match approach. Space and storagelimitations make today’s kitchen essentials workharder and, as a result, we are more likely toneed flexible items and dishes that can doubleup. Don’t waste your money on the cups andsaucers often included in a complete service ifyou always drink out of mugs. On the otherhand, if you’re a coffee lover, proper espressocups will be a good investment if they make yourmorning shot or after dinner cup that muchmore enjoyable.

Glasses can be one of the most expensiveparts of a dinnerware set and wine glassesespecially can be pricy, particularly if a glass isbought for each type of wine served. Granted,the majority of wine connoisseurs will profess aneed for a separate type of glass for red, whiteand speciality wines, but this is simply notneeded if on a tight budget. In most cases asimple globe-shaped glass will suffice for servingmost types of wine.

Remember that it is easy to add to aglassware collection after the initial items havebeen purchased. Glass is becoming anincreasingly popular form of serving dishes. It isan extremely elegant dinnerware and frequentlyused for special occasions, it can, however, beexpensive so for some the disadvantagesoutweigh the advantages.

As you begin to make plans for entertainingguests, make sure that your priority is always thecompany and the conversation. After all, it islikely that these are the things people willremember for years to come. Let the setting andthe decorating issues take second place.


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CERAMICS are some of the most widelyavailable and most commonly used forms ofcrockery. It is a broad term, however, that coversmany different types of materials. Fundamentallyanything that is made from pottery is deemed tobe ceramic; this includes porcelain, earthenwareand stoneware.

Collectable crockery is generally made ofPORCELAIN. Porcelain has a beautiful finish andcomes in several grades, some more hard-wearing than others.

BONE CHINA is a kind of porcelain that ismade with animal bone ash – some vegans andvegetarians may be unaware of this. It breaks andchips easily, so keep expensive pieces for displayor only occasional use. If you buy an expensivebone-china dinner set, stack pieces with paper inbetween to prevent scratching when storing.Some kinds are okay for the dishwasher. Maxwell& Williams does a big range of bone chinadesigned for everyday use. Also try Mud Australia

for its beautiful porcelain dinnerware. However,you can buy porcelain that is oven, microwave,dishwasher and food safe, with a vitrified finishthat becomes smooth with use.

STONEWARE is highly versatile crockery firedat extremely high temperatures, which makes itsuitable for use in the freezer, oven, microwaveand sometimes the stovetop. It’s also non-porous so is perfect for use with liquids.

The majority of cheaper crockery is made ofEARTHENWARE. It’s not fired at such hightemperatures as stoneware, which means it’s not asstrong. Some kinds of earthenware crockery are notsuitable for the microwave – they’ll actually heat up.If a certain plate or bowl doesn’t say “microwavesafe” on the back, don’t use it in the microwave.Earthenware chips, breaks and scratches moreeasily than stoneware. It’s sometimes not suitablefor use in the oven – it could crack. Factor this inwhen you’re buying crockery because chances areyou’ll have to replace it sooner.

Vitrified ceramic crockery is also known asHOTELWARE. It’s designed for stacking andrepeated use in the dishwasher and oven. If youare prepared to fork out a little more and will behappy with the one kind of crockery for a longtime, this is a good bet.

GLASS crockery is made out of temperedglass. Bodum and Pyrex both have a large range.Duralex latte glasses are excellent kitchen basicsthat last forever.

METAL crockery goes in and out of vogueso make sure it’s stainless steel. You can buycups and plates, but the cheaper ranges asthey lose their looks over time. Avoid metal-look pieces as the metal coating will soonpeel away.

MELAMINE is a hardy kind of plastic crockerywhich is great for picnic sets, travelling and kids.

Don’t put GILDED crockery in the microwave,and only put it in the dishwasher if the piece saysit’s okay on the back.

A guide to buying crockery

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SET ON A LARGE 21,000 SQUARE METRE PLOT IN THE MOUNTAINS ABOVEMARBELLA’S GOLDEN MILE, THIS MAGNIFICENT CONTEMPORARY-STYLEVILLA WAS DESIGNED BY RENOWNED ARCHITECT PABLO VILLARROEL IN 2004.JESSICA WHITE TAKES A LOOK INSIDE…AND OUT

FAMILY BLISS...in a mountain setting


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Boasting some amazing panoramicviews across the Istan lake down to the coastand across to the mountains, this property isluxurious and modern yet maintains a strongsense of comfort.

Leading to the entrance of the villa is abeautiful courtyard with ample parking formany cars.

With living space spread over three levels,the house would be the perfect family home,with enough space for some alone time shouldit be needed.

The main level comprises the entrance hallwhich leads to a spacious living room with amodern fireplace, great for entertaining; whilean informal lounge or TV room lends itself toevenings relaxing with family.

The modern kitchen comes complete withGaggenau and Balthaup appliances and abreakfast area – the room is trendy and chic andwould not look out of place in an urban mansion.

A separate dining room has great viewsacross the pool and gardens while an en suitebedroom, study and guest cloakroom completethis level. All rooms on this level open onto alarge covered terrace and the gardens.

A spectacular spiral staircase takes us upstairsto a landing with a double vaulted ceiling whichleads to the master bedroom and three furtherbedrooms. The master suite includes a huge ensuite bathroom complete with wet room shower,dressing room and private terrace withbreathtaking views of the surrounding area.

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Relax by the cascadinginfinity pool, overlooked by

the house, and enjoyspectacular views of Istan

Lake and the coast

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The magnificent villa has manyareas for entertaining, bothindoors and outdoors

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On the lower level is an en suite bedroomwith its own lounge, another en suite bedroomand a staff suite. A games room or multi-purpose area completes this level.

Outside, the gardens surround an infinitypool which cascades into a smaller pool below,perfect for those who would rather relax thanswim in the water. Next to the pool is a guesthouse split into two levels with a bedroom andbathroom, open kitchen and living room with afireplace – a great space for friends staying fora while who need, or want, their own area.

A double garage finishes this superbproperty, which also features air conditioning,heating, alarms and security – offering privacyand the kind of luxurious lifestyle we alldream about.

Modern and lavish, yet comfortable andrelaxing, the villa offers some of the bestappliances available, and is light and spaciousin every room.

This is the perfect house for a large family orsimply those who like to entertain.


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The generous-sized bathroomsin the house also come with

large fittings and are alldesigned and decorated to thehighest standard, similar to therest of the house. In the master

bathroom the bath can easilyfit more than one person, whilethe shower stands alone in the

middle of the room

Enjoy Luxury in Nature & Fine Cuisine

at the stylish boutique Hotel Hermitage, Casares

Generous introductory offers from 85€/night

For reservations Tel: 952 895 639

www.hotelhermitage.es

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For viewings and moreinformation contact:PanoramaHotel Puente Romano andopposite Marbella Club HotelTel. 952 863 [email protected] www.panorama.es

Each bedroom in the villais a different colour ortheme, they are all lightand large emulating therest of the house whileenjoying the views thatsurround the property

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM TO VIEW OUR SENSATIONAL WINTER OFFERS

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“Hotel chic” for the homeEVEN THOUGH WE ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO LIVE ON THE COSTA DELSOL, OR ARE FREQUENT VISITORS TO SPAIN’S SOUTHERN SHORES, WEALL NEED TO GET AWAY SOMEWHERE NEW FROM TIME TO TIME.DESTINATIONS SUCH AS DUSSELDORF, PARIS, VIENNA OR THE MUCH-ADVERTISED CITY BREAKS IN EASTERN EUROPE ARE POPULAR BUTPOLLY JACKSON RECOMMENDS THAT, BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR TRIP,YOU CONSIDER SOME OF SPAIN’S MOST BEAUTIFUL CITIES AND STAYIN ONE OF THE TOP BOUTIQUE OR DESIGN HOTELS

10OF THE BEST

PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY DESIGN HOTELS

One of the popular trends in interiordesign is “hotel chic”. This style is inspired bythe décor found in boutique or design hotelsthat use designers and architects for the best indesign. So maybe during your stay at yourchosen hotel take some time out to take photosof the wonderful and diverse design ideascreated by some of Spain’s top designers.

BarcelonaWithin the past 25 years, Barcelona has becomethe headquarters of numerous celebratedarchitects and designers, each building on andworking off the artistic heritage of such mastersas Gaudí, Miró, Picasso and Tàpies, ultimatelymaking Barcelona one of the most dynamic andimportant design capitals.

GRANADOS 83 is a modern concept of luxury,mixing flowing space and high technology withcreature comforts and Asian art influences.Regarded as a stunning experiment in remixedNeo-classical architecture, the hotel brings high-end materials and design to its Old City location.The lobby is built around a central courtyard andhas a glass ceiling girded by the originalcolonnades, now enhanced by steel, red marble,glass and iron. Images are constantly projectedonto the walls, giving a sense of constant low-level movement. Flooring is black and whitestone slabs that provide the visual texture ofcarpeting, and the motif of light and darkcontinues elsewhere; while the halls are coveredin pale marble and zebrano wood.

Of the 77 guest rooms, several are split-level loft-style spaces, using the same materialsas the halls. Furnishings are leather sofas andchairs and raw leather inserts on headboards.Further use of marble, steel and glasscontinues in the guestrooms, enhanced bybare slabs of brick. The bathrooms are an oasisof purity through the extensive use of whiteThassos marble. All furnishings are covered inphosphorescent iron plating in order to createvisual and tactile consistency.

Architects: Carles Bassó and Josep Maria VidalTechnical architects: Triade Studio andManel MorillaInterior design; Kim Castells and Jordi Cuenca

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Antiques from the building’s original epoch havebeen masterfully combined by the interiordesigner with lushly rough furnishings to create acontemporary but luxurious style for the NERIHOTEL. In the hotel’s elegant restaurant and barlounge even the vases match the sheer, crinkledsilver metallic fabric that serves as a blind in frontof arched floor-to-ceiling windows.

Gold and silver leaf artworks, rich velvetsand iridescent fabrics and the rough grain ofquartzite bathrooms are offset by the smoothminimalism of Arne Jacobsen fittings. Thesilvers, reds, blacks and blues of theRenaissance are emphasised on the first floor,a more neutral colour palette has been chosenfor the second floor, and gold and greenaccents highlight the third.

If you fall in love with a piece of furniture atthe Neri hotel, you can commission a bespokepiece especially made for your own home.

Designer: Cristina Gabás

MadridMadrid’s modern architecture and design areoften enhanced by a touch of the traditional; agood example of this is Phillipe Starck’sRestaurant Teatritz, built into a theatre dating tothe 1920s.

HOTEL URBAN was designed to display thecollection of owner Jordi Clos, a noted artcollector and head of an archaeological society.A basement gallery houses a permanentcollection of ancient Egyptian artworks, and theguest rooms are furnished with antique Hinduand Chinese pieces, complete with explanatorynotes in the manner of a museum program.

The interior design in the public spaces hasan emphasis on unusual lighting effects such asa glowing alabaster column that descends theheight of the atrium to the lobby floor as if astream of molten rock is being poured. Thereception desk is also made from the sameluminescent material. Elsewhere six-footfluorescent tubes line the walls, and globesdangle behind bar countertops, lit from within,again replicating the effect of white-hot stoneor metal.

An alternative way to enter Hotel UrbanMadrid is through the fashionable Glass Bar,Madrid’s first and only oyster bar. Crystal floors,silver-shaded sofas and transparent seats andtables give it an intense feel, contrasting sharplywith Madrid’s conservative patterns.

Architect: Avant Garde Architecture& Cirici Bassó MartiteguiInterior design: Triade Studio

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Valencia One of Spain’s most lively cities, Valencia containsa dense monumental heritage including theLlotja de la Seda, a World Heritage Site since1996, but its landmark is undoubtedly the City ofArts and Sciences, an avant-garde and futuristicmuseum complex.

The HOSPES PALAU DE LA MAR is animmaculately developed and advanced conceptand work of prestigious interior designers whohave created a welcoming space that surprisesand delights. Original features, such as thecolossal wooden doors, the impressive stonestaircases and polished marble lobby floors offerhints of bygone grandeur.

A modern and stunningly designed interiorpatio offsets the classical nobility of the rest ofthe architectural style; inspiration flows throughthe Mediterranean scents of the luxuriantgarden and other areas designed to fostercreativity and discovery. Designers: Isabel Lopez and Sandra Tarruella

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Alicante The city has a number of fine Baroque buildings,among them the Museo de la Asegurada, whichis currently being extended by architects SolMadridejos and Juan Carlos Sancho.

The HOSPES AMÉRIGO has been through aseries of previous lives before being refurbishedand updated by Elvira Blanco. Parts of thehistoric façade have been preserved as well assome old stones salvaged from the originalconvent structure that now form parts of thewalls on each floor.

The modern light-filled lobby gleams withpolished white marble and glass surfaces, butthe past is present again in the wrought ironwork that surrounds the balcony above it. Guestrooms have been decorated using a warm cosypalette of neutral colours and simple textures.Cream-coloured armchairs sit comfortably onpale hand-woven carpets and a touch ofunobtrusive, bourgeois decorative elements...

Interior design: Hospes Design Team

Granada This historic city is dominated by the Alhambrapalace and the equally impressive SierraNevada mountains.

The HOSPES PALACIO DE LOS PATIOS,converted from a late 19th-century palace, isnow an urban oasis combining dramatic classicaldesign with stunning modern architecture. Thedesigners have retained the splendour of theoriginal elements such as the grand staircase,while the guest rooms and suites are decoratedin vivid, sultry contrasts fusing the city’s Moorishinfluence with a Spanish-Iberian flavour. Modernist comfort is provided in the heart of thepalace as well as a new construction housing 12rooms plus restaurant and spa. The subterraneanarea connecting the two structures isingenuously covered with water tanks, allowingnatural light to shimmer through. Interior design: Hospes Design Team

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Cordoba This Andalucian city was the birthplace of theRoman philosopher Seneca and later became thecapital of a powerful emirate and one of thelargest cities in the world back in the 10th century.

HOSPES PALACIO DEL BAILIO was builtbetween the 16th and 18th centuries and hasbeen meticulously restored and finely balancedwith contemporary design. Original detailingsuch as wrought-iron balcony railings, terracottatiles, Moorish decorative elements and a lavishlypainted ceiling have been artfully combined withunderstated modern touches.

Rich fabrics and textures in champagne andcopper tones are offset by dark walnut woodand light polished marble floors throughout theinteriors – solid slabs of local black stone lead tothe gardens outside, thus creating a stylistic

bridge from the interior to the exterior. HospesPalacio del Bailio is composed of severalbuildings arranged around a total of five patios.The main patio is also the most spectacular asthe traditional paving has been replaced with aglass floor, revealing a dramatic perspective onthe Roman ruins buried four and a half metresbelow. The restoration of paintings and frescosfrom the 19th century is a further example of thecare and attention given to the revitalisation ofthe palace’s past beauty.


SevillaThe capital of Andalucía looks back on 2,000years of history. Its cathedral, built on the formersite of the city’s mosque, holds the remains ofChristopher Columbus.

HOSPES LAS CASAS DEL REY DE BAEZA showsa reserved, sophisticated side of Sevilla, a citymade famous by stereotypes of hot-bloodedinhabitants and fiery passions. Amalgamating thebest elements of Arabic and European design thathave influenced the Andalucian capital overcenturies, the designers have created a

contemporary fusion of past and present. Bright, whitewashed walls blend with the ochresand reds of southern Spain’s bullrings in the hotel’scourtyards, which are shaded by arcadedwalkways. Indoors, cool stone flooring and naturaltones lead into the 41 guest rooms where agracious modernity takes over. Dark chocolate-coloured furnishings, sisal mats, over-sized floorcushions and soft lighting take the scene ininteriors reminiscent of chic, urban apartments.


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Bilbao Today, most people think Guggenheim andFrank Gehry when they hear the name of the cityof Bilbao.

MIRÓHOTEL is located between the Museum ofFine Arts and Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Bilbao.The hotel’s façade makes a simple but strongstatement – a grid of large windows atop six whitecolumns that create a light-box effect at night. Anin-house collection of art and photographyjuxtaposes old and new works, as do wengé-finished tables and Flexform chairs in the bar.

Guest rooms feature the luxury of soothingcolour palettes and textures, continuing thebeige-and-black scheme of the hotel’s publicareas. A novel feature is the curtains, rather thanwalls, which separate work and living areas,creating a fluid, multifunctional space.

The hotel’s Miró bar features long, low-slunglines that suggest a sleek version of modernity whileproviding Bilbao with a truly chic watering hole.

Fashion designer: Antonio Miró

GironaPuigcerdà Lake has awe-inspiring views over theCatalan Pyrenees. It is 15 kilometres from thetown of Puigcerdà in the province of Girona, 150kilometres from Barcelona.

HOSPES VILLA PAULITA is set on PuigcerdàLake facing the Catalan Pyrenees. Designerlighting, high tech and luxurious fabrics in silverand cream are equally at home in the historicmansion, as are fine details and craftsmanshipthat reveal the hotel’s heritage. These includewood-beamed ceilings, wrought ironbalustrades, stained glass window panes andselected antiques inherited from the villa’soriginal owners. The effect is an artfulcomposition of historic and contemporarydesign – one which reflects the differentcenturies in which the buildings were born.

Back home…Once your hotel stay hasended, your head will be fullof new and adaptable ideasto enhance your home. Youmay not be able to furnishyour whole house in theseluxurious and often avantgarde styles but you mayhave picked up some of thetricks of Spain’s top hoteldesigners –and be able putsome of them into practice.

� All the hotels featuredhere are members ofDesign HotelsBookings through:www.designhotels.com

GETTING THEREApart from the high-speed AVR rail networklinking Málaga with other parts of Spain(www.renfe.es.ave), moderately pricedinternal flights are available through:www.vueling.com and www.edreams.es

AUTOMATICPROGRAMME

FOR THE NECK,SHOULDERS,BACK AND

LEGS


Massage pleasure at homemassage chair can give you that little bit of much-appreciated, and well-earned, luxury after a longday and ensure a full body massage without having

to leave the comfort of your own home. There are many benefits to owning one of these fabulous

chairs: it can improve your posture, relieve back and necktension, and help to loosen tight muscles.

It is available in a range of different models that will fitperfectly into the home, meaning you can relax and enjoythe benefits whenever you choose.

With a variety of colours including white, cream,green, red, blue, black and beige these state-of-the-art chairs are convenient and time efficient forthose who just want to relax at the end of theday without having to go to a salon.

The chair offers vibration massage for thewhole body; allows you to vary the intensityof the vibrations to suit your own taste; andhelps to relieve sleepless nights, leaving youfeeling revitalised and relaxed.

Prices start from ¤599.

A

A TOUCH OF LUXURY

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MASSAGES YOURBODY LEAVINGYOU FEELING

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Demonstration models can be viewed atBespoke Media, RWK Kitchens,

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CLEARANCESALE - PLEASECALL FORPRICES ANDMODELSREMAINING

FAMILY VILLA EXUDINGSTYLE AND SPACE


property file

Situated in the heart of NuevaAndalucía is this stunning three-bedroomproperty that is frontline to Las Brisas Golf andlocated within a small gated community.

The extensively updated villa exudes styleand space, and features an open plan lounge, adining area with a fireplace that opens out ontothe terrace, and a new, fully-fitted Clive Christiankitchen.

The ground floor comprises a guest bedroomwith en suite and separate bathroom.

On the upper floor is the master bedroom,which leads onto a terrace and another guestbedroom, both with en suites.

The basement features a large garage andstorage space.

The picturesque, mature garden includes aheated swimming pool, jacuzzi and coveredterrace following the length of the house. Thereis also a gazebo at the bottom of the garden –perfect for entertaining guests.

The 1,500 square metre plot is close to shopsand restaurants in a quiet cul-de-sac. In short:the ideal family home.

More information: direct from vendorTel. 662 338 809

property file


MODERN FIREPLACE OPTIONS

I am revamping my fire-place and want to make itthe focal point of my living

room. I want it to be ultra modern.Do you have any suggestions?Mathew, 51, Mijas

There are some very modern options that wecan offer you, but first I would like to know: is

your preference heat or only ambience? Forefficient heat I suggest a built-in fire as a logburner or gas fire in a very modern design, whichis easy to install. If you are open to spending moremoney, we offer fires with three-sided glass, atunnel as a room divider and many more. Forambience I suggest elegant stainless steel firebowls, to place into the existing fireplace. Theyburn with bioalcohol, a liquid which burns withalmost no smell or smoke while giving you heat.

Pia from Chimeneas, Fire and DesignTel. 951 275 693pias-chimeneas.com

Readers’ ChoiceSTUCK IN A STYLE RUT? � NEED SOME GARDENING ADVICE? � HAVING TROUBLEWITH YOUR POOL? � BEAUTIFUL HOME’S EXPERTS ARE HERE TO HELP

QA

FOCUSING ON ACCESSORIES

I have just bought myfirst apartment and donot have the budget

to completely renovate it.I am, instead, going to investin accessories. Do you haveany advice?José, 45, Sotogrande

I would suggest that we sitdown in our office together with

our interior decorator and go throughour database of furniture andaccessories, working from the topdown rather than from bottom up.To have a budget is the best way tostart; it gives the interior decoratormuch more leeway. Obviously,product and pricing play a huge role.Don’t expect to get the best possibleproduct but there are plenty of greatones available with a smaller budget.

Thomas Unger from Loft DesignTel. 951 969 179,loftdesign.es

Q

A

specialist advice


Send us your questions, stating your name, age and town, to [email protected]

MOVING AWAY FROM MAGNOLIA

I’m bored with magnoliawalls and would like anup-to-the minute makeover.”

Jackie, 23, Puerto Banús

specialist advice


Send us your questions, stating your name, age and town, to [email protected]

White is tight. Inspired by NYC lofts, thearchitecture found in Ibiza and Greece, the

trend is getting back to crisp white walls, usinglarge artwork to contrast, decorate and bring incolour. The other ongoing trend is to usewallpaper on an accent wall and to choose atone from the wallpaper to paint the remainingwalls so they are visually in harmony. Beforechoosing a wallpaper or paint, keep in mindalready existing colours in your home, such as inyour soft furnishings (curtains, throw cushions,fabrics) or artwork. By doing this you helpprevent colour clash. Take a cushion to your

paint shop, for instance, to see how colours canharmonise. Having said this, colour is all aboutvisually enhancing the space and making it feelright for you. For a long-lasting solution, Isuggest you choose from a neutral colour swatchfor a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Bring incolour with plants, fabrics, art and accessorieswhich can easily be replaced according to yourtaste or the season.

Andrea Böck from Ambience Home Design Tel. 952 853 642 ambiencehomedesign.com

QA

COMPETITIONWINNERS

The winners of last issue’scompetition are:

Two LED Kits from KSR Lighting –Mark Ashton

Barbecue Genius five-piece stainlesssteel tool set from Aquapool Spas –Amy Abbott

Galle-o luxurious indoor fireplace fromBarra Fountaines and Chiminees –Valerie Jubb

DEALING WITH RED PALM WEEVIL

Is there any way toconserve palms affectedby Picudo Rojo?

Michael, 58, El Rosario

There are only four species of palm foundaround Marbella and the Costa, the biggest

and the most beautiful of which is fastdisappearing. Since autumn 2005 we have lostover 5,000 Canary Island Palms to Picudo Rojo,or the Red Palm Weevil.

This fat orange-yellow worm munches away atthe “cogollo”, the very heart of the palm, the onlyplace from which the plant regenerates. Thedamage done, the central leaves of the canopyfold down and break; hence the flat-toppedappearance of the stricken palms which havebecome a sad feature of the Marbella landscape.

So voracious is the weevil it can kill a palm in aslittle as two weeks. Job done, it rolls itself into acocoon from which it hatches as a pretty orangeand black beetle about five centimetres in length.This adult typically searches out a new palm where itlays eggs... which hatch into more fat yellow worms.

The cycle of destruction moves on – a largeinfested palm left untreated produces around1,000 adult beetles which go on to affect, onaverage, seven more trees.

Picudo Rojo has amplified itself in this waysince leaving its origins as far away as Indonesia in

the early 1980s. From there it has eaten its waythrough south-east Asia, Sri Lanka and theMiddle East. It arrived in Spain on aconsignment of date palms, imported fromnorthern Africa. Red Palm weevil is a tough,highly adaptable adversary with no naturalpredators. Laboratory work is ongoing withlasers and biological treatments but, for now,Arbolista undertake straightforward insecticidefumigation on a regular basis.

While we offer no guarantees, we have hadremarkable success in protecting Canary Palmsand controlling the “bicho”. We look after palmsfrom Torremolinos to Tarifa. This year we havenot lost a single tree that we have fumigated ona regular basis.

Kit Hogg from ArbolistaTel. 600 260 534 / 686 888 409 (Penny)

QA

� ARCHITECTS

CARLOS LAMAS San Pedro de AlcántaraTel. 952 886 970 / 609 572 275www.carloslamas.com

� ART

FLOR4U COLLECTIONSwww.flor4u.com

� STONE & GLASS(SICIS art mosaic)

GuadiaroTel. 956 695 [email protected]

� BUILDING & OTHER SERVICES

A1 SAFE SECURE ELECTRICIANS ManilvaTel. 952 891 924 / 671 281 757

FIBER PROTECTORTel. 952 928 963www.fiberprotector.es

PROPERTY PAINTERTel. 951 319 199 / 606 788 630www.propertypainter.es

TOTAL BUILDINGAltos de La QuintaNueva AndalucíaTel. 622 541 722

� FINANCE, INVESTMENTAND INSURANCE

JYSKE BANK GibraltarTel. (+) 350 [email protected]

KNIGHT INSURANCE BROKERSLos BolichesTel 952 660 535www.knight-insurance.com

� FIREPLACES

PIAS CHIMENEASNueva AndalucíaTel. 951 275 693 / 617 649 [email protected]

� FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS

BOCONCEPTMijasTel. 951 242 [email protected]

CHILLOUT BEDSPol. La CampanaTel. 661 328 218www.chilloutbeds.com

DICKSONwww.infotoldo.es

DIVINE CURTAINS (MARBELLA)Tel. 952 850 [email protected]

EL CORTE INGLÉSEl Capricho Tel. 952 902 390www.elcorteingles.es

GLASS CURTAINS Mijas CostaTel. 902 433 435 [email protected]

GUNNI GLOBAL STORE MarbellaTel. 951 968 771www.gunni.es

� INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES � PROPERTY ADVICE � DÉCOR PRODUCTS � EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING � OUTDOOR LIVING

DON’T M ISS THE NEXT I SSUE – OUT IN MARCH

A comprehensive directory of decoration & décor, furniture & furnishings and landscapegardening outlets, as well as other property orientated companies on the Costa del Sol

Business and Services Directory

� BATHROOMS

CASA DEL MÁRMOLSan Pedro de AlcántaraTel. 952 799 661www.casadelmarmol.com

STEINBERG MarbellaTel. 952 764 083www.steinberg.es

� BEDROOMS

BEDS OF SWEDEN C.C CalahondaTel. 952 939 377www.bedsofsweden.com

PIA

S C

HIM

INE

AS


JEFF

BA

NK

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SPOTON DESIGNNueva AndalucíaTel. 952 780 310www.spoton.es

THE SHADE SAIL COMPANYMijas Costa Tel. 952 930 959www.theshadesailcompany.com

SUN SQUAREMarbellaTel. 951 968 368

TODO MADERAEsteponaTel. 952 793 391www.todomaderaestepona.com

UNOPIÚ ESPACE MARBELLAMarbellawww.unopiu.es

� GARDENS & FLOWERS

JHK SPECIAL GARDENNueva AndalucíaTel. 952 897 911www.jhkspecialgarden.com

SOTOGARDENSotograndeTel. 956 795 716/956 795 694/956 785 033 www.paradise-garden.net

� HOME AUTOMATIONAND ENTERTAINMENT

BANG & OLUFSENPuerto BanúsTel. 952 817 [email protected]

DOMOSATPol. Ind. La QuintaTel. 952 787 357www.domosat.com


SON

Y

IMPERIALMijasTel. 902 147 [email protected]

JENSEN STORE (beds)Nueva AndalucíaTel. 952 908 [email protected]

LAS TELAS DEL PORTICOPuerto BanúsTel. 952 908 479altadecoració[email protected]

LAURA ASHLEYMarbellaTel. 952 76 47 42www.laurashley.es

METROPOLITAN CLOSETMarbellaTel. 902 446 044 / 952 903 977www.metrocloset.com

ROCHE BOBOISMarbellaTel. 952 777 858www.roche-bobois.com


SMART SYSTEMSSan Pedro de AlántaraTel. 952 799 344www.smartsystems.es

� HOMEWARE (online)

NEXT DIRECTORYwww.nextdirectory.eu

� INTERIOR DESIGNAND DECORATION

AMBIENCE HOME DESIGNPol. Ind. San Pedro NorteTel. 952 853 [email protected]

ANA MORENOFuengirolaTel. 952 479 858www.anamorenodecoracion.comwww.toldosmoreno.com

BARBARA IFFLANDTel. 952 494 282 / 610 522 [email protected]

CORTIJO LAS FLORESSan EnriqueTel. 956 615 143 [email protected]

GASTON Y DANIELA MarbellaTel. 952 774 224www.gastonydaniela.com

KABILA (ANTOLINI)Pol. Ind. San PedroTel. 952 799 398info@kabila-décor.comwww.kabila-décor.com




LOFT DESIGNSan Pedro de AlcántaraTel. 951 969 179www.loftdesign.es

PAULA MONAGHAN INTERIORSFuengirolaTel. 952 493 [email protected]

PATRICIA DARCH INTERIORSTorreguadiaro (Sotogrande)Tel. 956 615 351www.interiorsinspain.com

RICHARD LEWIS INTERIORSGuadalmina Tel. 952 896 901www.richardlewisinteriors.com

RWK Nueva AndalucíaTel. 952 906 [email protected]

THE KITCHEN ROOMEsteponaTel. 952 896 336www.thekitchenroom.com

� LAWYERS

HASSANSTel. +350 200 79000Chis White (tax partner):[email protected] de Beresford (tax consultant):[email protected] Smart (tax adviser): www.hassans.gi

� LIGHTING

DOMOSATPol. Ind. La QuintaTel. 952 787 357www.domosat.com

ECO LIGHTINGwww.eco-led-lights.com

KSR LIGHTING EUROPE San PedroTel. 627 556 [email protected]

� PHOTOGRAPHY (homes & décor)

DAVID TOMSTel. 690 656 [email protected]

� REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY

KRISTINA SZEKELY(SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTYTel. 952 810 [email protected]

WHITE DESIGN COMPANYLa Cala de MijasTel. 952 494 155www.whitedesignco.com

� KITCHENS

CLIVE CHRISTIANEsteponaTel. 952 808 [email protected]

KITCHEN CONCEPTS (HÄCKER)San Pedro de AlcántaraTel. 952 799 307SotograndeTel. 956 793 [email protected]




THE WORLDS MOST BEAUTIFUL FURNITURE

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SPECIALIST ARCHITECTURAL JOINERY

We offer a full design service to create fantastic rooms in styles ranging from contemporary to traditional.

Call for your free brochure or book a consultation with our design team.

SHOWROOM

CLIVE CHRISTIAN S.L.

AUTOVIA A-7 – MÁLAGA, KM 148.5 – 29680 ESTEPONATEL: (+34) 952 80 84 02 • FAX: (+34) 952 79 80 24

OPENING HOURS: MON-FRI 09.00 / 18.00

CLIVE.COM

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