home couture magazine spring

design. interiors. trends. art. dÉcor. lifestyle.

Issue 01 | autumn/Winter 2010 | €4,50

AUTUMN IN VOGUESeasonal trends to cosy up your home

EcO-chIcGreen living at its most stylish

DrEAM KITchENSThe ultimate in streamlined design

INTErNATIONAl STYlE contrasting collaborations

M a l l o r c a

design. interiors. trends. art. dÉcor. lifestyle

Dreamy designsfor the bedroomBuilding a

greener futureCaptivating colours for Spring

Issue 02 | spring 2011 | €4.50

Fabrizio Plessi

ExCluSivE intErviEw with intErnational DESign SEnSation

win a Fireplace!+rEaDEr ComPEtition

harmony in contrast

| H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e 6

Editor‘s Note

Setting the agenda for mallorcan style The launch issue of Home Couture was exceptionally well received in a market yearning for positive news about the property scene and an authoritative insight into Mallorcan home and décor trends.

Mallorca’s top surveyors and technical architects, for example, agreed to give formal recognition to Home Couture as their lifestyle magazine of choice within the English-speaking community. As part of that agreement, all members of the Cole-gio oficial de Aparejadores y Arquitectos Técnicos de Mallorca will be receiving copies of the magazine and keeping us informed of their latest projects.

We are also delighted this issue to feature an exclusive interview with celebrated artist and designer Fabrizio Plessi, who has a close and affectionate association with Mallorca. He and his wife Carla have a holiday home in Es Llombards and Fabrizio – one of the world’s foremost and most visionary video artists, though his work encompasses a far broader spectrum – is preparing a stunning project to coincide with the re-opening of Palma’s La Lonja this summer.

In our pacesetting “Stylish Living” section, we reveal how to design the bedroom of your dreams; check out the latest in bathroom chic; and, with spring in the air, suggest ways of enhancing your outdoor areas for stylish entertaining.

In “Seasonal Living” we offer some timely advice for adding a touch of vibrant colour to your home, well and truly dismissing any lingering winter blues; and learn how spring can be the perfect time to get back to basics in the garden – even growing our own herbs.

Respect for the environment is, arguably, the key consideration in contemporary design and interior decoration and this issue’s “Green Room” offers more ideas for adopting a natural approach to décor, furnishings and products, from inno-vative split wooden walls and velvety bamboo to Bohemian recycling and a new generation of “green” cookware.

In “Boutique Chic”, we discover the elegant art and intimate charm of a rustic hotel on the spectacular south-eastern coast of Mallorca; while in “Estilo Internacional” we bring you up to date with cutting edge style at Europe’s premier home exhibi-tions, in Cologne, London, Milan and Paris.

In additional to featuring the Plessis’ captivating home, “Property Showcase” steps into the lap of luxury in Nova Santa Ponça – a magnificent villa that offers high-class living while also being ideal for families.

once again our experts answer some common questions on subjects ranging from matching colours to valuable pool maintenance tips and spring planting advice. And, finally, we have a fabulous competition exclusively for Home Couture readers, with the possibility of winning a bio-ethanol fireplace, for both inside the home and outdoors.

We hope you enjoy this latest edition of Mallorca’s definitive guide to avant-garde living on Mallorca, and are able to take full advantage of the island’s magnificent spring season.

James Bellevue

PuBLISHING DIRECToRMark [email protected]

[email protected]

GRouP EDIToRJames [email protected]

EDIToRSarah [email protected]

ART & PRoDuCTIoNStefan Arens (cobra5 Design)[email protected]

ADVERTISING ursula [email protected] Tel. 622 179 017Melanie [email protected]. 660 980 556David [email protected]. 665 689 907

ACCouNTS MANAGER & oFFICE ADMINISTRATIoNAnita [email protected]

CoNTRIBuToRS & PHoToGRAPHERSAdriano Bacchella, Trish Dynes, Justine Knox, Eduardo Pons, Carde Reimerdes, Elena Sánchez

CoVER PHoToAdriano Bacchella for Fabrizio Plessi

DEPÓSITo LEGALMA 2123-2010

CoNTACTAM Media SLuCalle Solo 43 Pueblo EspañolPalma 07014, MallorcaTel. 971 450 432

The views and opinions expressed by contributors to Home Couture may not represent the views and opinions of the publishers. AM Media slu takes no responsibility for claims made in advertisements or adverto-rials in this magazine.No part of Home Couture may be repro-duced or copied in any way without the prior written consent of AM Media slu.Carla and Fabrizio Plessi give

Home Couture an exclusive preview of the renowned designer‘s La Lonja project.


contents

10 IN VOGUEAvant garde style and cutting-edge trends…

14 STYlISh lIVING Choosing your ideal bathroom The bedroom of your dreams In the mood for spring entertaining

34 DESIGNEr PrOFIlEFabrizio Plessi: breaking down the barriers between art and science

44 PrOPErTY ShOWcASE Minimalism at the cutting edge of art Luxury living and comfort for families

58 ESTIlO INTErNAcIONAlEuropean showcase: crème de la crème of home décor

64 ThE GrEEN rOOMSustainable innovation… and a healthier environment

70 BOUTIQUE chIcArt and charm on Mallorca’s stunning south-eastern coast

76 SEASONAl lIVING Getting back to basics in the garden Vibrant colours for a fresh new spring

88 cOMPETITIONExclusive for readers: win a bio-ethanol fireplace

92 A WOrD FrOM ThE EXPErTSMallorca’s top specialists answer some common questions

96 chIc lISTThe definitive directory of local home and décor services and outlets

10

In Vogue

H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e | 11

Objects of DesireIcONIc MEDITErrANEAN cONcEPT Gandia Blasco’s 1996 collection Na Xemena revolutionised the contemporary outdoor furniture market, creating an iconic concept in the process. Now, after spreading the word about Mediterranean design to all corners of the world, the company is presenting its latest concept, Gandia Blasco Passdoor, featuring new materials, colours and models. To mark the 15th anniversary of the Na Xemena Collection, Gandia Blasco has launched a new limited edition finished in thermo-lacquered aluminium in colours of white, sand and tobacco. Their Palma show-room is in Barón de Pinopar.

gandiablasco.com

AVANT-GARDE STYLE AND CUTTING-EDGE TRENDS TO MAKE YOUR HOME THE TALK OF MALLORCA

In Vogue

INSPIrED BY NATUrECreated in “shintotex”, a new synthetic fibre for out-door furniture, these pieces from Intermobel have been “inspired by nature and perfected by tech-nology to achieve maximum comfort, functionality and durability”. The Emmanuelle chair is resistant to weather changes, abrasive chemical agents and breakage and wear and tear; while another sleek and original new release is the Marilyn armchair.

inter-mobel.com

FUN AND FUNcTIONAlDesigned and made in Catalonia, this fun out-door furniture features a unique design and function. The Gat (or Cat) has been created with real cats in mind: “living in balance and harmony with nature... prepared for survival and respectful of its environment”. Designed for Calma by SerradelaRocha, Menu is a collection of outdoor furniture “with lines and colours without a complex – essential, authentic and sincere features”. meridiano-mallorca.com

UNIQUE AND PrAcTIcAlDesigned with a great flair for the original, this chair by House Doctor is one of a kind. Also available from Mimar are these lemonade trays – doubling as a practical home accessory and a design statement in their own right.

mimarbalear.com

STYlISh cONTEMPOrArY FUSIONDesigned by Philippe Starck with Eugeni Quitllet, the Masters collection has been created as a tribute to three “icons of contemporary design: Arne Jacobsen (Serie 7), Eero Saarinen (Tulip Armchair) and Charles Eames (Eiffel Chair). Designed as a “fusion of styles in order to obtain a stylistic combination”, they are available at the flagship Kartell store in Palma.

Tel. 871 953 162

VErSATIlE PArTY PIEcESThese colourful “multi-cubos” – or art cubes – can be used as poufs, coffee tables or even as supports for a larger table – around the pool or anywhere in the home to add a touch of original style when entertaining friends and family. They have been individually made, “with lots of love and dedication”.

sanna-art-design.com

| H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e


Med Pag Vert LGPalma Home Cout 4/11/10 11:01 P�gina 1

by

Televisionary.The new Loewe Individual with a

sensational picture thanks to400 Hz LED technology.

What gives a TV set today that extraordinaryedge? A modular design that allows you

to tailor it to your own needs? The rangeof multimedia options? Or simply afantastic picture with LED technology

and perfect sound? Know whatwe think? That when all thesefactors coincide in a TV system,

you're talking about the newLoewe Individual LED.

Brought to you by Loewe Design/Phoenix Design.

SHOWROOM LOEWE GALLERYMoncades, 2 (near Jaime III)

07012 Palma de Mallorca. Illes Balears

[email protected]+34 971 724 951. M+ 34 629 609 680

www.loewegallerypalma.es

Your home entertainment specialist with Loewe and Bose

loeweGallery Palma

PAMPErED BEAUTYLooking after ourselves – both for health and beauty – begins in the bathroom, where we can relax and enjoy the tranquillity of this com-fortable modular style of furniture. Codis offers made-to-measure solutions, for both large and small spaces.

quilis.es

SUSTAINABlE AND STATE-OF-ThE-ArT This new toilet product from Lagares was designed with three concepts in mind: maximum hygiene, minimum water consumption and integrati-on into any space. It has been made with a solid surface material, and can be installed in a variety of spaces, on a wall or in a wardrobe – built-in or otherwise. The bowl is opened and closed using a touch sensor, for optimum and simple hygienic functioning. once closed, the internal mechanism cleans the bowl by low-consumption water pressure.

duchafresca-net

SMOOTh SOPhISTIcATIONA contemporary icon of design bathrooms, Kaos 2 is an innovative bathtub that features sophisticated engineering to hide the motors under the tube edges. The visual impression is of “a large suspended tub-sculpture whose shape is designed by the weight of the water… an organic basin resembling a smooth, natural inlet where your body can find ideal positions and enjoy unlimited comfort“.quilis.es

In VogueArOMAS OF AFrIcAAfrica has provided the inspiration for these metal candle-holders from the Baobab collection, available at the Mar Sobron store in Port Andratx (now moved from Palma). The Elektrum collection comprises three models named after famous pyramids: Kheops, Mykerinos and Khephren. The store also offers candles for spas made from vegetal wax and essential oils, as well as a wide range of other decoration pieces, including paintings, upholstery, bed linen and curtains – for the home or boat.

veri5aromas.com

SMArT SOUNDS Radical acoustic advances make Zeppelin Air the best soun-ding iPod speaker yet. Plus, Apple’s AirPlay® technology allows you to stream music wirelessly from your Mac or PC or directly from your iPhone® or iPad. digitalcinema.es

FUNKY hOME cOMFOrTSThe late Holger Nielsen was a craftsman with a keen sense of aesthetics and quality. „Good design never goes out of fashion,“ he used to say. Now, as his company celebrates its 70th anniversary, the Vipp bin has hardly changed in design or materials since it was created in 1939. Except for the lid… originally made of chromium-plated steel with a wavy look, it is now manufactured in stainless steel, giving the bin its domed, smooth design. These Da-nish design classics are available at Interior House in Costa D’en Blanes.

interiorhousemallorca.com

4 Sec.


Stylish living


Stylish living

Start by making a list of the things you like about your current bathroom and the things you would like to change. Prioritising your needs and desires will give you food for thought and a point from where to start. Every household is different, so don’t be led by what’s in fashion.

A well-designed bathroom is a perfect balance of func-tion and aesthetics but it is also a big investment so choose your colour scheme and fittings wisely. Think about whether or not you will still be in love with your choice of bathroom in 10 years time. People rarely stay in a house for a lifetime and if you think you may need to move in the next few years your choice of style and colour needs to appeal to potential purchasers, bearing in mind that the bathroom and kitchen are both major selling points.

Natural-coloured tiles and white sanitary ware are always a safe option, as they will not date. You can always add a personal touch with brightly coloured towels and accesso-ries.

A daily shower is now central to our health and well-being. Extra-large shower heads and body jets are popular

for an invigorating shower and therefore the area dedicated to showering within the bathroom continues to grow. A luxu-rious shower is now high on the wish list of every renovation project.

To ensure that you enjoy the full potential of your new shower take your time choosing a tray and enclosure that will not only enhance its looks but will also be convenient and comfortable to use. There is a tray shape to suit all installation requirements – from squares and rectangles to pentangles, quadrant shapes and circles. These are offered in a range of sizes to suit both small and large bathrooms. For safety have an anti-slip finish as standard or as an opti-onal extra – very important if you have children or are not so good on your feet.

The current trend for frameless glass enclosures gives a modern feel to the showering space. The lack of frame makes them a good choice for small bathrooms as visually they disappear into the surrounding area.

Many manufacturers also offer a range of double-width units featuring wet and dry zones. These feature a walk-in

WITH A DREAM BATHRooM IN MIND You ARE PRoBABLY SWooNING WITH DELIGHT AT THE LATEST IN BATHRooM DESIGNS. HoWEVER, AS Trish Dynes STRESSES IN THIS TIMELY LooK AT CuR-RENT STYLES AND TRENDS, IT IS IMPoRTANT - AS WELL AS GETTING IDEAS FRoM THE GLoSSY CATA-LoGuES AND ENTICING INTERNET PICTuRES - To SPEND SoME TIME ASSESSING WHAT IS THE IDEAL BATHRooM FoR You AND YouR FAMILY .

Choosing your ideal bathroom

Photo: Zucchetti Kos

| H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e 16 H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e | 17

screened area for showering and an adjacent drying area, often with a slatted wooden board. understated glass screens, paired with large trays, are used to prevent spla-shes rather than enclose the entire shower area, creating a spacious walk-in or walk-through wet area. This re-creates the look of a wet room but is a more practical choice for a main bathroom.

Starting your day with a shower is invigorating but en-ding it by luxuriating in a warm bath is hard to beat. Don’t choose your bath based on looks alone. Visit a bathroom showroom, take off your shoes and try a few out. Is it long enough? Wide enough? Does it support your back? From the smallest room in the house to the most palatial bathroom there is a bath to suit your lifestyle, from large double-ended models with centrally mounted taps to corner baths and roll-top baths. If you need a small bath then consider one that allows you to fill up without a spout taking up precious space.

Although your choice of tiles and colour scheme sets the tone of your bathroom, it is the sanitary ware and fittings that determine its design style. Modern wall-hung basins in graphic shapes will give a clean look to contempora-ry spaces, while Art Deco-style pedestal basins add an element of grandeur to traditional bathrooms. Basins made from stone, glass and resin have become increasingly popular and add another layer of texture and colour to the bathroom environment.

Your choice of basin will also influence your choice of tap

Stylish livingStylish living

so consider both at the same time. Counter-mounted vessel basins require a wall-moun-ted or high tap so that the water is delivered in the optimal position.

If you have the space, double basins are great for multi-user households and add symmetry while creating a focal point in the bathroom. For a cohesive look, your choice of WC and bidet should match the style of your basin. If you have chosen a wall-hung basin, then choose a wall-hung WC and bidet to complement it.

Today’s bathroom furniture comes in an abundance of designs and offers a storage solution for every situation. From bright, glossy lacquer finishes to pale woods, units range from small cubes to long stretches of cupboard and drawer units. Wall-hung styles will enhance a minimalist bathroom and provide a place to hide away the loo rolls and other mundane trappings of hygiene, leaving only the beautiful on display.

Lighting and sound can help us to wake up in the morning or unwind at the end of the day, while heating brings comfort to

the bathroom environment. A good lighting scheme will be flexible enough to create a number of moods, whatever the time of day. Additional feature lighting over the bath, within recessed shelving or even in the shower floor, will create atmosphere and al-low you to benefit from a number of different lighting scenarios.

Floor and wall tiles create the background for your bathroom. They bring colour and texture to the surfaces and set the tone of the space. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the most popular choice for walls. Large-format porcelain tiles give a contemporary look, while small hand-glazed ceramic tiles will give a rustic feel and are best suited to traditional spaces.

Your choice of bathroom flooring should combine looks with practicality. As the surface will often get wet it is important to choose a finish that is both anti-slip and water-resistant. Ceramic tiles come in an endless range of colours and finishes. By using two different designs you can highlight different zones in the bathroom. Photo: Zucchetti Kos



Consider introducing a bold band of colour behind the basin or maybe choosing a different tile for a walk-in shower.

Due to their resilience, porcelain tiles are now available in sizes up to one metre – ideal for a large modern bathroom but totally unsuitable for the smaller ones. The tiles can be butted up close to one another, allowing for almost invisible grout lines.

For the floor, natural stone tiles complement traditional and modern settings and can have either a polis-hed or a honed finish and be sealed after installation.

under-floor heating is becoming a must-have item, especially beneficial when floor surfaces such as stone or ceramic tiles are naturally cool to the touch. Systems can either be electric or hot water, depending on prefe-rence and your household heating system. Heated towel rails come in a range of styles, colours and shapes from the classic ladder-style to more adventurous pieces. The heat source can be electrical, hot water or a com-bination of the two.

Do you dream of having speakers in the ceiling, or a television next to the bath? These features are already

commonplace in hotel bathrooms and an increasing number of people are now introducing this technology into their own bathrooms. Multi-room entertainment systems allow you to listen to the radio or a podcast during your morning shower, while bathroom televisions complete with floating remote controls are offered in a range of screen sizes.

When did keeping clean and fresh become so much fun?

Stylish living



Stylish Promotion


Stylish Promotion

Extending over nearly 1,000 square metres, the showroom comprises a rectangular, 200 square metre indoor patio with extensive glass areas to showcase the kitchens and bathrooms.

But Aquaquae is much more than bathrooms and kitchens: it is a philosophy of life that enables clients to create, develop and realise their dreams, while satisfying their demands and requirements with comprehensi-ve projects for the home.

offering a new dimension in kitchens and bathrooms, creating unique and exclusive styles featuring the latest trends in design, Boffi Studio is the exclusive distributor for Vola in Mallorca.

latest trendsBathrooms are no longer just a small space

between bedrooms, with access from a hallway: they are now one of the most carefully planned and thought out areas in the home.

There is a trend towards homes without walls, to flexible living areas where the bathroom is a fully-integrated part of the bedroom – the same as, in recent years, kitchens have been linked more closely to the dining and living rooms. In that respect, the industry expects growing popularity in 2011 for spectacular bathrooms located in the bedroom.

Bathrooms with shower recesses at floor level also remain popular, and this trend is having a major impact on the design and distribution of these spaces. This style means the shower area is in natural harmony with the rest of the bathroom, makes the bathroom area more versatile than a conventional one with partitioned shower, and opens up more design options. It also enables people to shower without completely enclosing the area with screens.

In general the current trend is for an ambience of soft, ergonomic and round forms.

Designed by Naoto Fukasawa, this Terra bath-tub in white Cristalplant features solid surface materials produced using a casting-moulded technique. It is the first large mono-block moulded bathtub without jointing points. The basin is moulded and integrated into the entire volume of the bathtub; and the lateral water supply is like a waterfall.

AQuAQuAE BoFFI STuDIo IS LoCATED IN EL PoRTIXoL, oNE oF MALLoRCA’S INCREASINGLY FASHIoNABLE AND STYLISH SuBuRBS – EPIToMISING THE ESSENCE oF ITS PALMA BAY SETTING.

Getting thereFrom Palma’s Paseo Marítimo, head in the direction of Portixol and continue along C/ Llucmajor to number 38.

aquaquae Boffi Studio

BATHROOM INNOVATON

This Sabbia wash basin, designed by Naoto Fukasawa, is part of a range of moulded, round-shaped models made from composite material (Cristalplant), coloured white and stylised by a soft shaping inside the basin. The wash basins are available top-mounted, wall-mounted or floor-mounted, or integrated into Cristalplant tops with subtly protruding edges.


Stylish living


Stylish living

the colours you love, the way you set a table, and even your favourite fashion designer can be helpful indicators in realising your ideal bedroom. But there are other considerations. Who will share your ideal bedroom? Will the man or woman in your life be happy with romantic satin and bows or the clean masculine lines of the modern bedroom?

Contemporary DesignThis refers to the styles and trends that are

current today. Furnishings can be inspired by traditional, modern, romantic, eclectic or even cottage design, but you can extend the boundaries with more stylised contours and have a focus on colour, shape and space.

Contemporary bedrooms are sophistica-ted and fresh, featuring simple furniture with little or no decorative elements or carving. Linens with graphic design, bold colours and modern-looking monograms offset this look perfectly.

For a contemporary twist on a headboard try hanging drapes on the wall behind the bed and hanging artwork from the ceiling in front of the fabric. Light-coloured wood, fros-ted glass, glazed pottery, and chrome and stainless accents complete the look

Dreamy designsDESIGNING THE BEDRooM oF YouR DREAMS IS A CINCH WHEN – NoTES Trish Dynes – You TAKE A GooD LooK AT YouR LIFESTYLE AND PERSoNAL PREFERENCES.

Photo: Roche Bobois


Stylish living Stylish living

modern-Style BedroomThis style promotes a sense of symmetry and serenity through the use of

streamlined design elements. The focus of a modern bedroom should be on function so you are advised to avoid excessive ornamentation and concentra-te on creating an uncluttered, open feeling throughout the room.

Start with a low platform bed which will enhance the space and make the room seem larger. The finish, lines and colour of a modern bedroom should all have a common theme. Look for simple pieces with sharp edges and angles in chrome, metal and glass.

For a personalised approach to the modern boudoir try putting a different spin on the popular black-and-white colour scheme by substituting a dark, but warmer shade such as chocolate brown to pair with clean white.

Cottage-Style BedroomPicture a room a room filled with simple painted furniture, hand-sewn quilts,

gingham fabrics and cotton-braided rugs. The cottage-style bedroom is uncom-plicated and the ultimate in comfort. A quick and easy way to set the stage for your cottage bedroom is by painting your hardwood floors.

To achieve the look, blend the fresh with the familiar. Flank windows with gauzy curtains to allow natural light to pour in. Decorate with painted furniture, textural accessories, time-worn finishes and colours inspired by nature. The cosy atmosphere is enhanced by softly hued but lively patterns such as checks, stripes and florals.

Plump for a comfy duvet or a quilted bedspread in a traditional design over white iron bed, and fill the room with a multitude of table lamps and wicker accessories.

Family-Friendly BedroomDesigning a bedroom is not just about style. It’s

no use designing a glamorous, romantic bedroom if you need a place where the whole family including pets can chill out. If you need a family-friendly room, where you and the rest of your family can do some major relaxing and bonding, what you really need is a place where you can all kick off your shoes and climb into your bed for a movie marathon.

The must-haves for your ideal bedroom are a large bed a good-size TV, a DVD player and some trays or collapsible tables for when you bring food into the room. Also consider investing in a stylish armoire to house your TV and other equipment. That way, when your room isn‘t playing host to the family, you can shut the doors and hide everything.

Finally, be sure to set limits on your open-door policy. Make sure your kids know to knock before entering so that you can sometimes use your be-droom as a grown-up retreat.

Photo: Roche Bobois


Stylish living Turn your bedroom into a fi ve-star hotel

Miami’s world-famous hotel, The Setai, leaves nothing to chance

– especially a perfect night’s sleep. That’s why the Setai chose

only DUX beds for its ultra-luxury suites. You too can experi-

ence the quality of a DUX bed and bring the contemporary style

and comfort of the Setai to your bedroom. Stop by a Duxiana

store and fi nd out why luxury hotels around the world trust their

reputation to DUX beds.

www.duxiana.com

Available at DUXIANA stores worldwide. DUXIANA, Plaza de Rosario 3, 07001 Palma de Mallorca,

Tel: +34 971 72 72 27, Fax: +34 971 72 94 40, E-mail: [email protected]

Anzeige_210x297_11.10.indd 1 12.11.2010 16:38:27 Uhr

Eclectic BedroomThe beauty of this style is that you can

bring just about anything into your room that makes you happy. You can mix your favourite contemporary designs such as a Lucite table (a synthetic polymer that is highly transparent and colourless) alongside a well-worn side chair; add a shag pile rug and a floral duvet to the mix and you have a look that is unique to you. It‘s about mixing all different types of

furnishings and décor from all different eras to achieve an unorthodox and collected look. With no rules, the sky‘s the limit when choosing your design elements. Incorpo-rate statement pieces you love, and look to revamp old items to fit your needs.

traditional-Style Bedroom This style of bedroom is rooted in English

country style, with its matched sets of fur-niture, saturated colours, multiple patterns, and heavy layers of window treatments and accessories. But modern life has changed how we use

our rooms and what we expect from them. The new traditional is characterised by formal furniture with more comfort, sleeker forms and personal touches.

romantic Bedroom The word romantic when applied to a

bedroom conjures up images of all things elegant and feminine, such as mirrored vanity tables and gauzy curtain panels. A romantic style encourages intimacy and cosiness by placing an emphasis on comfort and beauty by using soft, supple fabrics, floral patterns, antique linens and a muted colour palette. Sparkly and reflective touches like crystal,

glass and mirrors give glamour to the look. Add details such as a faux-fur throw tossed on the edge of the bed to add a deluxe appeal. You can create a dreamy boudoir with a beautiful canopy bed and a comfortable, yet elegant chaise lounge. Your must-have accessories are ultra-soft or

silky sheets and plenty of scented candles and pretty throw pillows. In warmer weather, pastel fabrics and lace look great; for colder weather, consider luxurious velvets in rich hues. Long curtains that pool on the floor can give your room a romantic feel. Also, consider replacing the regular light

bulbs in your lamps with pink or amber-coloured ones that will cast a soft, flattering glow. And don‘t forget to treat yourself to fresh flowers every once in a while.

Photo: Roche Bobois


Stylish living


Stylish living

outdoor entertaining is one of the best parts of living on Mallorca. But, after months of cold snaps, your garden or terrace may not be up to par for stylish entertaining.

To have a garden that is ready for im-promptu as well as planned parties you need a designated space for outdoor entertaining. Even the smallest terrace can fit in a place to sit and some special decorative touches. Find a level spot defined by decking, pavers or an outdoor rug. Create shade if needed with a pergola, patio umbrella or plantings. However, the ultimate in outdoor dining is a purpose-built outdoor kitchen.

It may be necessary to consult a professi-onal outdoor kitchen designer or contractor when considering an outdoor kitchen. It is im-portant that you know exactly what you want in your outdoor kitchen before you make the first mark. Are you looking for an area to grill a few burgers and store cold drinks during summer pool parties? Are you looking for a wood-burning bread oven, a commercial quality propane grill or a formal dining area? Whether it is one of those choices or so-mething in between, the first step is to define your needs as well as your budget.

Springentertaining THE FIRST DAY THAT‘S WARM AND SuNNY ENouGH To EAT YouR LuNCH ouTSIDE MARKS A TuRN oF SEASoN, AND oF MooD. SPRING HAS DEFINITELY SPRuNG AND – AS PoLLY JACKSoN NoTES – IT‘S TIME To THINK ABouT GETTING ouT INTo THE GARDEN.

Photo: Kettal.es


Stylish living


Stylish living

If you are limited on budget in these stringent times you can improvise your outdoor kitchen and still have bigger plans for better times ahead. Grills and smokers can be installed on a rolling cart with an adequate number of side trays and some storage beneath, and then removed later and reinstalled into a pit if your budget increases. This is a great idea if you want the feel of an outdoor kitchen on a tight budget.

Location is very important. The kitchen will impact the look of both your house and garden. It is important that it be a beauti-ful addition rather than an eyesore. Many people build the outdoor kitchen very close to the house. This keeps it convenient but also means that the style will need to flow with the look of the house.

Keep in mind your privacy when you are planning a location, as well as your neighbours‘ comfort. If you are having a late night cookout and the kitchen is loca-ted near the neighbours‘ bedroom window, your good time may keep them awake.

once you have decided where to place

the kitchen you need to create a site map. This is little more than a piece of graph paper, with your kitchen plans drawn to scale. Include any large trees, gardens, walkways, a pool or other features that could have an impact on your project.

If you build your outdoor kitchen on an existing patio, make sure that it can support the weight of whatever you plan to install. otherwise you will have to choose a flooring material such as concrete or flagstone. Creating a floor for your outdoor kitchen will be much like building any patio, with the exception of any extra water, gas and electrical lines that may need to be run. The placement of the appliances, sinks, refrigerators and other items must be planned far ahead of time, and the necessary utilities installed. The sinks and any dishwashers will be hooked up so that they drain into the household‘s main sewer line and the grey water is disposed of properly.

Many people choose stainless steel for their outdoor kitchens, because it is easy to maintain, is not a fire hazard and will not

be affected by weather – but if you decide on wood cabinets don’t put them too close to the grill or wood-burning oven.

The cabinets will not only be handy for storing your grill brushes and forks as well as spices and paper napkins, but also they will link the various components of the outdoor kitchen together to make a cohesive whole. The countertops and other

surfaces will need to be made of material that can withstand harsh conditions and a lot of use.

Plumbing costs can make a sink one of the most expensive outdoor kitchen propositions but you can opt for a heater that goes under the worktop and thus takes away the need to plumb hot water from the house.

Some of the newest trends in outdoor cooking include side burners on grills for cooking pasta, simmering barbecue sau-ce or cooking vegetables, other trends include wood-fired pizza ovens, outdoor bread ovens, infrared cookers, warming drawers, refrigerators, outdoor heating and outdoor sound systems.

As for a table and chairs, wrought iron

Photo: Kettal.es

Photo: dedon.de Photo: dedon.de


is perfect, but only if it has a good undercoat and powder coating, just like a car. Another option is an aluminium dining set. Make sure you examine the pieces for superior welding and buy the heavyweight stuff. Good quality teak tables and chairs are also a good option.

If you‘re looking at seat cushions, the ones that last the longest and look the best are made from 100 per cent acrylic, solution-dyed fabric because they are mildew and water-resistant and will last three or four times longer than canvas or other washable cushions. If they do get dirty, you can scrub them with a little bleach and hose them down and they‘ll look as good as new.

Whether you choose an awning, arbour, gazebo or standard roof, cover for an outdoor kitchen can be very expensive. If you can get by covering only your counter space or dining area, consider doing that with an umbrel-la, at least until your budget allows for something more elaborate. There are cantilevered umbrellas available in many patterns and price ranges that attach to the side of a counter or table surface. Consider an umbrella with a cover that comes off so you can throw it in the wash and put it back on damp, which will take care of bird droppings and other dirt.

At last you’re cooking! Now all you need to complete your outdoor experience is a bar. Decide if you want an outdoor bar with a roof, and if it is going to be a dry or wet bar. Make sure the area you choose has access to water and electricity if you want a wet bar – it may be better to install a dry bar with sections for coolers.

Decide on the height of the bar and bar stools. Some

people prefer outdoor bars that are the same height as tables while others want the full effect of a tall bar with tall bar stools. one affordable option for bar-height seating is director-style chairs with colourful slings that come off so you can throw them in the wash. However, since they are not that durable in bad weather, you will want to bring them in for the winter or if you‘re going to have rain for several days. The good thing about these chairs is they are comfortable and can be folded away out of sight when not in use.

If you want to take the drinks to a more comfortable place, conversati-on patio sets are becoming popular. Instead of the traditional dining set, conversation sets generally feature large sofas, comfortable chairs and relaxing ottomans to help you achieve the perfect entertaining space for those warm spring afternoons and evenings.

Now you really are ready to party. Bon profit!

Stylish living

Photo: dedon.de


Designer Profile


Designer Profile

Breaking down the barriers between

art and scienceBoRN IN REGGIo EMILIA (ITALY) IN 1940, FABRIZIo PLESSI ATTENDED THE LICEo ARTISTICo AND STuDIED AT THE ACCADEMIA DELLE BELLE ARTI IN VENICE – WHERE HE LATER WAS To BECoME A PRoFESSoR oF PAINTING.

A pioneer of video art in the context of contemporary European technological advances

He was one of the first artists to combine art and the new technologies of the 1970s, specifically focusing on “arte povera”, an Italian art form using so-called “poor” materials such as wood, leaves, rocks, lead-glass, plants, coal, clay and even waste products.

A central theme of his work – present in his installations, films, videotapes and per-formances – has always been water, while other recurring elements are fire and lava.

He has been described as being “like an alchemist… Fabrizio Plessi attempts to make two apparently opposite and contrary elements coexist with the ultimate objective of humanising technology by filling the video with emotional meanings.

“Pressi’s artistic research revolves around breaking down the barriers between art and science. However, the main theme of his research is always water – an ancient, ancestral, primordial element represented through a contem-porary medium, an element of today, namely video. The poetic element in his work was born precisely from this unusual coexistence, in which water is seen as a primary form of energy contaminated by the quintessential technological element: video.”

As a video artist, his works have been

exhibited in the world’s premier museums of contemporary arts, including the Venice Biennial, Centre Pompidou in Paris, New York’s Guggenheim Museum and the Guggenheim in Bilbao, and the Museo Es-pañol de Arte Contemporaneo in Madrid

In 1990, his ambitious exhibition “Video-sal” was presented at Palau Solleric in Palma de Mallorca; and that same year he created set designs and costumes for the opera “The Fall of Icarus”, performed by the La Monnaie national opera in Brus-sels – in cooperation with choreographer Frédérick Flamand and musician Michael Nyman.

Two years later he presented a complex show of photographs and project sket-ches at the Sa Nostra foundation in Palma, dedicated to “a typology of the island and its materials”.

In 1994, he created “Cristali Liquidí”, an installation commissioned by the venera-ble and celebrated Café Florian in Venice which was shown there during the Bienni-al; and he designed electronic scenogra-phies for the Luciano Pavarotti concert in New York’s Central Park. He also designed the monumental video installation “Liquid Time” produced by Philips for the Berlin Trade Fair.

Fabrizio Plessi


Designer Profile


Designer Profile

In 1996, Plessi developed two video installations, “Fuochi Fatui”, for the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miro in Palma, one of which was set up in Miro’s own studio.

He received the 2000 artist of the year award from the Nord/LB bank in Han-nover; and the following year designed the sets for the production of “Sogno di una notte di mezza estate” by the Aterbaletto, with original music by Elvis Costello.In 2003 he launched an “intensive” co-operation with Calvin Klein, designing a series of room-filling moving instal-lations for the designer in New York, Dallas and Paris, with the recurring themes of trees and electronic fire.Three years later he was invited to re-design a vast industrial-archaeological site for the Kistefos Museet in Norway. In the grounds of an old sawmill he created “Memory Motions”, nine large installations made of tree trunks that were randomly set in mechanical rotation on various levels. This same year he also began working with BMW to create a project series “combining automotive research with the poesy of artistic creation”.

Mari Verticali at La Maddalena for the Louis Vuitton Trophy


In 2009, Plessi began working with Louis Vuitton to mark the opening of their rooms in Canton Road, Hong Kong. For this occasion he created “Luxury is slow”, a series of huge fusions of gold with brilliant LEDs; “Fusion”, comprising a series of sculptures and black stones; and a highly innovative technologi-cal bag with an ultra-slim TV and batteries with images of liquid gold in constant move-ment. This was considered to have been the first “digital bag” in the world.His association with Louis Vuitton currently includes the “Mari Verticali” creation for the Louis Vuitton Cup (presented to the winner

of the America’s Cup challenger series), an extraordinary work composed of 12 steel boats “in which the 12 seas of the world are loudly flowing”. Developed on the Mad-dalena island of Sardinia, this work will be shown in top museums around the world over the next few years “a journey within the journey”. It was showcased inside a 40-met-re Louis Vuitton-branded pyramid during the last leg of the Louis Vuitton Trophy Cup held in Dubai last November, when Plessi hosted a workshop on video art organised by Dubai Culture.He collaborated on the design of the new

Louis Vuitton boutique in Palma, opened at the end of 2010; and his “La Llum del Llaüt” creation, featuring traditional Mallor-can “llaüt” fishing boats, will be on show at Palma’s La Lonja, in conjunction with Louis Vuitton, from 24 June to 2 october – open until midnight to cater for summer visitors.During a visit to Mallorca in March (he and his wife Carla have a stunning home in Es Llombards – our featured “Property Show-case” this issue) he spoke exclusively to Home Couture about his illustrious career and his passion for art and technology.

FrEEDom oF ExPrESSion

the man

behind the artistyou were one of the first artists to start combining art and new technologies. How would you define that style?

I would define my style as a kind of “arte povera” conta-minated by technology.

That was in the 1960s and 1970s… how has your style evolved using the new technologies of the 21st century?

I have always been curious about discoveries in tech-nology, and it was inevitable that I would follow these developments.

Water remains a central theme of your work? Why water?

Living in Venice, the city has become the alibi for my relationship with water.

Another recurring element is fire. Why two such opposite and contrary elements – fire and water?

I think water and fire have secret and deep complicities.

your video art has been exhibited in some of the most important international museums over the past four decades. Is there any particular exhibition that has a special place in your heart and memory?

For the historical and cultural impact, my solo exhibiti-on at the Guggenheim in New York was a fundamen-tal platform for my career. Another very challenging moment was the exhibition at the Martin Gopius Bau in Berlin in 2004, where I had a space of 6,000 square metres.


Designer Profi le Designer Profi le

Mari Verticala in Dubai

H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e | | H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e 40 41

you taught art as a professor in venice. What was the most important lesson – or philosophy – you taught your students?

Freedom of expression… tireless research for emo-tion… a deep belief in one’s own work.

In 1981 you won the “citta di Milano” award at the venice Film festival with your film “Liquid Movie”. What was the inspiration behind the film?

It was incredible that an experimental movie could take part and win the festival. The inspiration was a perception of reality: what you observe is not what is real – but perhaps its opposite.

The following year you presented a French produc-tion, “Underwater”, the first time electronic media had been included at a film biennial. How was that received by the public and critics?

For “Underwater”, for the first time the public had to be resigned to the fact that electronic media would form an essential part of cinema.

What was the original idea, concept and inspiration behind your “room-related video installations”?

The idea that a visitor can pass through my instal-lation and not only observe it frontally but have a meeting between two physical entities.

From 1990 to 2000 you were professor for “Huma-nising Technology” at the Academy of Media Arts in cologne. In what ways can we “humanise technology”?

I have always been convinced that we have to domi-nate technologies through thought and a historical conscience in relation to our culture. If this doesn’t happen, it will be technology dominating us.

Designer Profi le Designer Profi le

La Flotta di Berlino


What technological develop-ments do you see in the future?

Technological development is meaningless compared to the development of our thought.

you have worked with Louis vuitton, including the opening last november of their boutique in Palma – and the flagship store in Hong Kong in 2008. What exactly is your involvement with the famous brand?

My relationship with Louis Vuitton can be summarised as an osmosis between creativity and the unlimited possibilities of putting that into practice.

What inspired you to design the Louis vuitton “ultimate bag stravaganzza” – with the option of an ultra-fine LcD screen? Is it true that this was the first “digital bag” in the world?

It could only have been me inventing such a bag! And it was inevitable to put the screen inside.

one of your latest projects is the “Mari verticali” for the Louis vuitton Trophy. What does this consist of? What was the inspi-ration behind the work? I had to re-think the idea of travel, which is fundamental for Louis Vuitton, and I remixed it with 12 digital ideal seas of the world.

you are best known for your video installations/sculptures but do you also work with other art forms? Every day, out of biological necessity, I have to draw.

What is the secret to success-fully incorporating video ins-tallations/sculptures in interior decoration?These digital structures energe-tically enrich the spatiality of a house.

In what ways can people incor-porate video installations/sculp-tures in their home in a simple, inexpensive way?

By buying them!

What is the future of “video sculpture” – in what way is it evolving?

It will develop in relation to our desire to be in contact with art, by short circuit.

What is the work you are most proud of?

Always the latest on which I’m working.

What was your most difficult project?

Difficulty is hidden in every work.

respect for the environment is an important factor in contem-porary interior decoration? Is it also an important consideration in your work?

Art, technology and nature have always been the starting point of my work.

What project, or projects, are you currently working on?

Right now I’m working on two. One, “Mari Verticali (“Vertical Sea”), will be exhibited at the Biennale in Venice at Padiglione Venezia. The second is “La Llum del Llaüt”, for the re-opening of the La Lonja in Palma after a lengthy restoration. Meanwhile, I am also working on the opening of my museum in Italy.

Do you have any unfulfilled creative dream? Any dream pro-ject you would like to work on?

I have thousands of projects that are sleeping in the drawers in my studio, waiting to be awakened.

Designer Profi le

La Llum del Llaüt.Coming to La Lonja this summer.


Property Showcase Property Showcase

minimalism at the cutting edge

of art Photos: Adriano Bacchella



INTERNATIoNALLY ACCLAIMED ARTIST

FABRIZIo PLESSI AND HIS WIFE CARLA

CoME To MALLoRCA WHENEVER PoSSIBLE

To RELAX, RECHARGE THEIR BATTERIES

AND SIMPLY ENJoY THE MALLoRCAN LIFE-

STYLE. oN THEIR LAST TRIP IN MARCH THEY

GAVE HoME CouTuRE A RARE GLIMPSE

INSIDE THEIR STuNNING ES LLoMBARDS

HoME.

What first brought you to Mallorca?The light.

How often do you stay at your Mallorcan home? What is your favourite season on Mallorca?Last February I was emotionally shocked by the extreme beauty of the “snow” of flowers of the almond trees. I come to Mallorca every time I need a refuge.

Why did you choose Es Llombards rather than ano-ther part of Mallorca?Because it’s the driest part of the island and also the brightest.

What is it you like most about Mallorca?The natural lifestyle.

How would you describe your Mallorcan home’s style?A sort of barbaric minimalism – a profound hom-age to stone.

In what ways does building/decorating a home on Mallorca vary from, for example, Italy or the UK? In respect of the genius loci!

How much does climate influence contemporary design? Climate is the basis of design diversity.



Does your own home feature Fabrizio Plessi video installations? If so, what was the inspiration behind them?All preserved with loving care. My home is my oevre. What is your favourite room at home in Mallorca – and why?The absolute white space of my studio.

How do you ensure a tasteful and practical balance between “rustic Mallorcan” and contemporary “state-of-the-art”, or “cutting edge”, styles?Respect for the natural environment and the needs of contemporary life.

Any plans for creating another home in the Balearics? I could not even think about another home here, because this is my only authentic “my home”.


Property Showcase

“My home is my oevre.“



luxury living for all the familyIT Is rArE To FInD A ProPErTy In MALLorcA THAT sTrIKEs THE PErFEcT BALAncE BETWEEn ELEGAnT DEsIGn AnD EAsE oF LIvInG. HoWEvEr, THIs ProPErTy LocATED In THE PrEsTIGIoUs ArEA oF novA sAnTA PonçA Is ProoF THAT A HoME cAn BE ExqUIsITELy DEsIGnED AnD LUxUrIoUsLy FUrnIsHED WHILE sTILL ALso cATErInG For ALL THE FAMILy AT THE sAME TIME.



This traditional stone-faced villa is located on a large flat plot with panoramic views and beautifully landscaped gardens. Five bedrooms and five bathrooms are spaced within the 800 square metre living area and are perfectly designed for a family with children. Two of these bedrooms are split across two levels, with staircases leading to a sepa-rate playroom or dressing room. The master suite has a lavishly spacious living area, offering a haven from the chaos of family life for when some tranquility is invariably needed!



Property Showcase

The entertaining areas are what really sets this property apart from the rest. The contemporary al fresco dining and lounging areas contribute to a picturesque Mediterranean ambience. To make entertaining even more convenient a fully equipped outdoor kitchen has been installed, overlooking the minimalist and inviting swimming pool. The property is built to the highest standards, ensuring no detail has been overlooked. There is under-floor heating, air-conditioning, an open fireplace and marble flooring – not to mention a state-of-the art kitchen and breakfast room.In addition to these stunning embellishments, the property also offers something far more special – the ambience and functionality to enjoy spending time with your family and friends.

For more information contact

Mallorca sotheby’s International realty:Tel. +(34) 971 674 807mallorca-sothebysrealty.com

Ca l le B isbe Verger 6 | E - 07650 San tany i Ma l lo rca | Te l . & Fax : +34 971 16 34 38 | Mov i l : +34 687 45 08 73 | i n fo@galer iasa i le r.com


Estilo Internacional



of homes and interiors we are spoilt for choice in terms of

unique and innovative design here in Mallorca. However, at Home Couture we have always taken pride in keeping up-to-date with trends in international design as well as uncovering the hidden allure of our resident designers.

With this in mind, we decided to take you on a tour of all the major international interior exhibitions that have taken place or will be occurring in 2011. Inspiration from Cologne, Paris, Milan and London is featured over the next few pages, meaning you now have even less reason to leave the cosmopolitan treasu-re trove that is Mallorca!

By Justine Knox

EUROPEAN SHOWCASE

Crème de la Crème


Estilo Internacional Estilo Internacional

our global tour begins in Cologne (Ger-many) for the IMM Exhibition. While the city itself is not considered as glamorous or edgy as Milan, Paris or London the exhibiti-on proved to be a real surprise for our team. IMM Cologne drew some of the top brands from all over the world.

There was a good turnout from brands in France, Austria, Germany and Spain but the Italian group seemed to be by far the biggest in terms of exhibitors. Brands such as Kartell, Potocco, Bonaldo, Cappellini and Matteograssi were just a handful of the pres-tigious Italian firms flying the flag within the “Pure Design” Hall at the Cologne exhibition.

The impressive exhibitor turnout was only eclipsed by the incredible increase in footfall

at the event. There were over 138,000 visi-tors attributing to the 38 per cent increase in traffic year on year. This figure speaks volumes for the increased quality of the exhi-bition, cementing the IMM’s place as one of the “Big Four” exhibitions of the year.

As reported by our correspondent at IMM, these were the trends that really rose to the surface this year:

* When it comes to covering fabrics, plain colours dominate. Colourful stripes or abstract graphics are popular choices for accentuation; while white remains the mega-colour. In the leather segment, thick, barely treated natural fabrics with a tactile, inviting character are particularly popular.

* LED lighting technology has made its breakthrough. The majority of wardrobes, wall units, sideboards and display cabinets are being equipped with this energy-saving lighting technology. LED fulfils two functions: brightness and atmosphere.

* Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in furniture construction too. Wood is becoming more and more popular, not only for storage and kitchen furniture but also for comfortable chairs and loungers and as a visible component of sofas. Wood is reclaiming its former status in the furniture sector. one striking development: the many items featuring untreated oak, sometimes even complete with bark.

Been & Gone… IMM Exhibition – Cologne, Germany20-22 January

Ongoing… Ideal Home Show – London, UK11-27 March

Located in the prestigious Earl’s Court in London, the Ideal Home Show is renowned as the “marathon” of all interiors exhibitions. Running for a total of 17 days, this exhibition can test the endurance of even the most hard-core enthusiasts among us.

This year‘s Ideal Home Show is host to a staggering nine-shows-in-one, including: Ideal Show Homes, Ideal Interior, Ideal Home Improvements, Ideal Gardens, Ideal Food, Ideal Shopping, Ideal Woman and, new for 2011, Ideal Gadgets where you can take part in the gadget trail and try out the latest gadgets and gizmos for the home.

Sponsored by Anglian Home Impro-vements, the Ideal Show Homes – with its full-scale, real -street set-up – was a huge hit in 2010, and has returned with a new selection of four properties for 2011.

Visitors can once again experience and explore different builds of today and a series of properties that demonstrate easy home improvement ideas, and a

variety of ways in which consumers can build for a greener future.

Visitors can also taste a wide range of culinary delights within the Ideal Food section hosted by Gregg Wallace, or pick up the latest home wares and acces-sories in the Ideal Shopping section, or even relax and take some time out in the Ideal Woman section presented by Fiona Philips.

In addition, there is advice and tips from the uK‘s leading industry experts and some of the nation‘s favourite celeb-rity experts on hand, offering hundreds of helpful hints and tips on home improve-ments, in workshops and theatres.

With the widest collection of the uK‘s biggest brands, over 600 exhibitors, the largest selection of industry firsts and uK product launches, the Ideal Home Show satisfies consumers’ requirements on any budget, helping visitors create their very own ideal home… a great day out for all the family, with something for everyone.

62



This year will be an im-portant milestone along the illustrious design highway travelled by Saloni. This is the 50th Salone Internazionale del Mobile, etching its place as one of the most successful interiors exhibitions in history.

The Salone is the largest decoration trade fair, show-casing the latest in furniture and design from all over the world. The huge exhibition area is nearly 230,000 square metres, so you will need to set aside the whole five days to try to see all of it!

Coming up... Salone Internazionale del Mobile – Milan, Italy12-17 April

Coming up... Maison & Objet – Paris, France9-13 September

This year’s Maison & objet exhibition can be summed up with just one word: intensity. The somewhat ambi-guous terminology is further broken down into three key sections, which will serve as the categories and logisti-cal boundaries in which exhibitors display their designs.

Stage 1, or “un-plugged”, will comprise “the new luxury of simplified design”.

Stage 2, or “Haute Tension” design will highlight “the use of opposing design etiquettes in order to intensify the emotional reaction”.

Stage 3, or “Hypnotic”, will portray “how the use of motion, light and 3D effects are revitalising spaces and revealing new perspectives”.

Maison & objet are continuing to lead the field in terms of the interpretive and artistic means in which they approach their exhibition. This will certainly be the not-to-miss exhibition this year!


| H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e


The Green room the green room

By Carde Reimerdes

Embrace the change

We are fortunate to live during a time when eco-conscious living coincides with market availability. Car manufacturers are becoming more and more inventive in using naturally growing materials such as banana leaves as isolation. How reassuring to know that your Audi A4 is built of cotton and sisal, hemp and wood.

In the near future, it will be possible for cars to be fully recyc-led; the outer shell will end up on the compost heap while the electric motor, batteries and aluminium frame will enter a recyc-ling process of vast effectiveness.

I am very excited about the great new products for the building and interior sector. Prof. Dr. Braungart has revolutionised pro-duction processes with his cradle-to-cradle approach. Inexora-bly, he develops new global ways and products, from sofas to carpets, soon-to-be-manufactured, so that all elements can be fully led back into the cycle once they have reached the end of their lifespan.

An increasing number of home and garden resellers have a sizable collection of green products in addition to the conventi-onal ones. And often it only takes a few changes to actually feel the transformation towards a healthier environment.

If you have been wanting to make your home “greener“ there are furniture/textiles and non-toxic cleaning solutions that work just as well as the ordinary products. Have you ever had the ple-asure of wrapping yourself in bamboo-linen or bamboo towel? Bamboo grows super fast and also produces an exceptionally fine thread that is not only as soft as velvet but also antiseptic and exceptionally absorbent.

Nature offers plenty of good green materials… lime, wood, cotton, banana fibre, India rubber, linoleum and even foam pro-duced out of plants.

So, while browsing for your new furniture or design object, ask yourself: does this product have a long lifespan? Is it free of che-micals? Can if be re-used or recycled? Sometimes it just needs a slight shift of thinking. Start small and act big. Either way, we will all gain from it.

Every moment, nature and the needs of the individual are at the forefront of my thoughts. In past years a green consciousness has challenged me in my professional work and I have learned to appreciate new sources and materials. There are plenty of fascinating new every-day things to discover that are beautiful and practical, yet merge with sustainable living.

The Green room

an “ecological” sofaMoroso Patricia-urquiola’s spring sofa is filled with new foam created on a vegetable base. The current trend at international furniture fairs and among the main designers is “ecological furniture“,

which combines the highest desires of design with the sensual experience of natural materials. As it takes around 100 years for plastic to decompose, it feels good to have a choice of recyclable sofas and furniture fillings.

a vision of conscious living

International interior designer Carde Reim-erdes is known for her unique interior design projects, all of which are grounded in natural design and “mindful living”.

Her diverse body of work includes upscale private residencies, chic restaurants, luxurious

spas and forward-thinking shop designs; and her style reflects the various areas where she lived, including San Francisco and Cape Town and, since 1993, Mallorca.

Carde’s projects have been featured in local and national publica-tions across Europe; and her design practice is the culmination of her passion for art, design, architecture and the environment.

She says her company Flow-Motion Living stands for interior design that “creates spaces for flow-like and peaceful living. This is achieved by a combination of thoughtful analysis of personal needs, sustainable concepts and materials, as well as a talent for com-bining colours, textures and light.”

Bohemian recycling Carolina Fontoura Alzaga’s bike chain chandeliers are

made entirely out of old bike parts, and are a nifty combi-nation of interior décor and creative “upcycling”.

What is especially impressive about Carolina Fontoura Alzaga is how she manages to make her chandeliers seem just as luxurious and spectacular as any that could be made from new materials. In fact, rather than suffering for their source material, her works seem to take on an even more elegant beauty as a result of their eco-conscious origins.

Bourgeois commodity verses the bike as self-propelled movement – it’s a metaphor for potentiality.

“In my opinion, the best interior concepts combine nature’s resources with outstanding design, the saving of energy and ecological building. Finally to walk barefoot on solid wooden � oor panels, smoothened by pure oils, o� ers a delight for all senses and is the purest form of real luxury.”


the Fascinating world of

Split wood walls

It is indisputable that the presence of nature is good for body, mind and soul. With this in mind, 20 years ago Art Aqua began to develop water and plant installations that, due to their vertical construction, maximised the perception of nature in relation to available square metres.

With its new split wooden walls the company is once again choosing the vertical option, arranging wood panels on a moun-ted frame. These wood panels are not ordinary panels: they are made of hardwood that is cleaved by a specially developed technique to create a high-contrast surface.

This builds the characteristic relief structure that distinguishes Art Aqua’s split wooden walls. The result is “a unique atmosphe-re of calm, strength and nature, enriched by the indescribable feel of the surface and its rhythmic play of shadows”.

The relief structure of these walls also acts as a kind of sound-proofing, contributing considerably to an improvement in the acoustics.

out of respect for the environment, the required wood comes from sustainable forestry. Then, using special stains or oils, additional artistic accents can be added. Even individual interpretations with LED lights, integra-ted in the panels, have been created in the past.

These fascinating split wood walls are on show in the company’s show-rooms in Cologne and Zurich. The Art Aqua showroom in the old town of Palma is not yet equipped with a split wooden wall but interested readers can take a look at the wooden wall of the Escada store in Palma.

german company art aqua is already well known for its vertically planted green walls and water features. Now the European market leader for natural installations is adding a new genre to interior design: innovative split wooden walls. An excellent reason for Home Couture to take a closer look…

Art Aqua – The Balance Gallery EspañaPalma de MallorcaTel. (+34) 971 22 89 70artaqua.com

The Green room The Green room


in vogue

healthy Cookingin Style AVANT-GARDE STYLE AND CUTTING-EDGE

TRENDS IN HARMONY WITH THE ENVIRONMENT...AND YOUR HEALTH

Bringing ecology and gastronomy together simply makes sense! Not only is locally sourced organic produce scientifically proven to be best for our immune system, it enables us to savour the tasty flavours of fresh produce and brings us closer to our local culture. And to top it off the sustainability aspect rewards us with a happy clear conscience. Interested in reading more on biodiversity? Check out slowfood.com or illes-balears.slowfood.es.

H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e

ThE ArT OF cOOKINGAs specialists in slow cooking, the philosophy behind Cucineria is “L’Arte del Vivere” (“The Art of Living”). Their ovens are available at the Cuisinale quality kitchen and design studio in Felanitx.cuisinale-mallorca.com

Green In Vogue

NEW GrEEN GENErATION OF cOOKWArEEco-friendly and healthy at the same time, these award-winning, Belgian-made pans have been developed using a natural ceramic non-stick layer Thermolon terminology, which does not release toxic fumes (even above 260 degrees) and is manufactured without PFoA and PTFE. This means there are 60 per cent less Co2 emissions during the application of the non-stick coating. You cook and fry in “a safe, sensible and delicious way”.

green-pan.com

A TOUch OF NOSTAlGIADemonstrating that enamel is not necessarily old-fashioned, these pots from Riess have become cult objects – “awakening sentimental memories of grandma‘s cooking”. This sense of nostalgia has been re-introduced for today‘s kitchens, with “clean lines, simple materials and strong colours for organically and sustainably-minded people”. They can be bought online (magazin.com) or ordered via email direct from the producer (truehomeware.com) – as they are not available yet in Mallorca.

clASSIc TrADITIONAl DESIGNThis casserole pot is such a design classic that it was featured on a Finnish postage stamp! Combining design usability with a traditional cast iron pot, influential designer Timo Sarpaneva’s inspiration came from his blacksmith grandfather. A timeless and ingenious design, the pot is as functional in the kitchen as it is appealing on the dining table. It is produced by the Iittala design company.

bambolini-cocina.blogspot.com


Boutique chic


Boutique chic

A new experience for lovers of Mallorca’s stunning southern coast

S‘hOTElET DE SANTANYí

LoCATED IN THE HEART oF SANTANYí, NEXT To THE VILLAGE CHuRCH, S’HoTELET DE SANTANYí IS AN oLD FAMILY HouSE CoNVERTED INTo A BouTIQuE HoTEL.

Balance and harmony were the two key considerations when plans for S’Hotelet de Santanyí were on the drawing board. The owners were keen to ensure that “every nook, cranny and corner of the hotel has its own personality, softness and uniqueness”. To that end, the hotel – open all year round – offers the comforts and authenticity of local traditions, in the rooms, the lounge and even the patio and terrace.

Another of S’Hotelet’s rare charms is its collection of contemporary art. Created and coordinated by owner Francisca Verger and an experienced group of art and interior decoration professionals, the collection represents “a consolidation between style and art”.

Present in each room, the lounge and library and villa, the artistic style is described as a combination of elegance, beauty, warm, romanticism, sensitivity, deliciousness, light, tradition and rustic history.

Local, national and international artists have been brought on board to create and assemble the paintings and art pieces for the hotel – “inspiring guests to discover a new aesthetical experience”.

art & Charm


Boutique chic Boutique chic

An old house transformed into a hotel, S’Hotelet comprises five rooms and a private villa. All of the themes are different and personalised, and each bedroom has its own individual style and charm. The themes have been named after a typical plant or flower found in the south of the island: Bruc, Jonc, Lavanda, Caputxina and olivera. Situated on the second floor, the Lavanda and Caputxina rooms have a sa-lon and can be converted into an intimate space for the whole family – with a private terrace offering fabulous views. The S’Hotelet patio is part of the olivera room, which is independent from the rest of the establishment – its special charm residing in a private solari-um with superb views.

Each suite is equipped with full-sized bathroom; hairdryer, ba-throbes and slippers; double “king size” bed; air-conditioning and heating; telephone and cable television; internet access; and mini-bar.



Just a few steps away from S’Hotelet is the charming Casa Sempreviva villa, named after a plant found in sunny places and the coastal sands. The house comprises three storeys with a private solarium and fully-equipped kitchen, lounge, junior suite and additional room with a full-sized bathroom – as well as the general hotel room amenities.S’Hotelet de Santanyí has been designed to help guests “relax, recuperate and discover the surroundings throughout the year”. on sunny days, guests can relax in the swim-ming pool and solarium, luxuriating in a comfor-table and pleasing nook surrounded by stones and vegetation. During the winter months, S’Hotelet is easily transformed into a hospitable home. The living room, fireplace and large library are open for guests to enjoy a warm and friendly soirée, or for quiet moments reading or playing chess. To start their day, guests can savour a delicious breakfast, changed each morning and created using Mallorca’s best products.

S’Hotelet de Santanyí

Plaça Major, 23 Tel. (+34) 971 653 585 [email protected] hoteletsantanyi.com

Boutique chic

Unique selection of real estate in all price ranges islandwide

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[email protected] - www.jl-immobilien.de


Seasonal living


Seasonal living

vibrant colours for a fresh new spring

LAST SEASoN’S PAINT PALETTE WAS LIVING CoRAL, PuRPLE oRCHARD AND oYSTER GREY… SPRING IS A TIME FoR NEW BEGINNINGS, NEW ACTIoNS AND NEW CoLouRS AFTER THE DRABNESS oF WINTER BuT – ASKS PoLLY JACKSoN – WHo DECIDES WHAT CoLouRS WE uSE To REFRESH ouR HoMES?

last autumn Pantone, one of the largest paint companies in the world with branches in over 70 countries, decreed that this spring’s colour would be Honeysuckle.

“Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating colour that gets the adrenaline going – per-fect to ward off the blues,” said Leatrice Eise-man, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother colour, red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.” Those are powerful words to describe a colour to the American nation, 80 per cent of which prefers white walls.

Just as we are influenced by the fashion houses as to what we should all be wearing, these fashion colours also become must- have decorating colours. However, you will most certainly have your own ideas about what constitutes a spring colour by thinking of the colours of spring itself – green for instance, symbolises new growth.

If green is your colour then you are in tune with Dulux, who have named Forest Falls as their choice for spring. The botanically themed shades range from a bold, gel-style green to subtler, more calming shades.

Fashion designer Henry Holland agrees, saying, “Forest green was the predominant colour in my SS11 House of Holland coll-ection. In both the fashion and decorating worlds, this colour works well with all shades of grey and tan leather accessories.“

So should it be Honeysuckle or Forest Falls? The truth is neither, unless you abso-lutely fall in love with the look and have the home to suit. There are thousands of colours and shades of colour on the market and all manufactures will only be too happy to send out paint cards in your preferred shade range or mini pots of colour for you to try.

Photo: Missoni for Roche Bobois


Seasonal living


Seasonal living

Even though we all love colour, many of us live in boring white or beige boxes – and most of us don’t know how to begin to use colour in a powerful way in our home. The quest to find the perfect colours and colour combinations is a common thread that runs from those who have painted great masterpieces and graphic artists to interior designers and landscapers. As French impressio-nist Claude Monet said, “Colour is my day-long obsession, joy and torment.“

Because humans assign colours to objects such as green leaves or red apples, we tend to think of colour as a constant even when we know that white wine can be yellowish or golden and that the blue sea can range from dark grey to turquoise. We overlook the fact that colour interpretation is a complex process that taps into our sensations and our moods, as well as our eyes, neurons and brain wavelengths.

Colour consists of light and biology, which means that no two people see colour exactly the same. Colour originates in light but sunlight, as we perceive it, is colourless. In reality, a rainbow is tes-timony to the fact that all the colours of the spectrum are present in white light.

So send for those colour cards, buy several mini pots of paint and aim for a bold change of colour even if it is only one wall. Paint your chosen colour (or colours if you are brave) onto a large piece of paper or card and place it in the room you intend to decorate and note how the colour changes at different times of the day. This is particularly useful when you are decorating a room which you will only use at certain times of day. For instance, if you are deco-rating a dining room which is mostly used in the evening, check the colours in evening light to ensure you get your desired look.

Photo: www.rieeliselarsen.dk


Roche Bobois


Seasonal living

When it comes to choosing colour, there are no strict rules but there are many factors to take into consideration. Architecture, the purpose, shape and direction of a room and, above all, light should be taken into account as they will contribute to the changing appearance of co-lours. Start by thinking how light moves through your house and the effect it has at different times of the day; consider the period of your property and whether this also influences your choice.

Think about the colours you are comfortable with, colours you have already chosen for your clothes, your car, furniture and fabrics. Mono-chromatic schemes are particularly good for irregularly shaped rooms as they help to iron out any visual faults.

The colours you choose for your home are co-lours that you will need to live with every day for probably the next couple of years. It is therefore important that you make the right decision; for some, choosing colour isn‘t always that easy. It can be daunting starting with a blank canvas and equally difficult trying to match colours with existing pieces of furniture and furnishings.

So how do we get inspiration for spring colours? It doesn´t necessarily mean you have to paint the whole house in Forest Falls. Just use some pastel colours, together with the light green and also some floral motifs where pos-

sible. For example, you can change the curtains to some that are in pastel colours, such as pink or yellow with red and orange combina-tions, but make sure you match them with the carpet or the bedding.

Buy a new colourful sofa or chair or some wall paper with floral patterns, throw around a few cushions, lay down a small rug and, of course, the whole spring-time picture will be completed by a vase or bowl of fresh flowers.

[email protected]

Live who you are...

Interior Design Projects | Refurbishments | Property Styling

Furniture | Accessories | Gift Items | Upholstery | Curtains

Avda.Tomas Blanes 41, 07181 Costa D’en Blanes, Mallorca. Next to the First Mallorca Headoffice | Tel. +34 971 676 252





Seasonal living Seasonal living

getting down to earth

this spring

WHEN THE NEWS IS SoMETIMES A LITTLE NEGATIVE, SPRING IS THE PERFECT TIME To RETuRN To BASICS AND – SuGGESTS TRISH DYNES – GET A BIT oF EARTH uNDER YouR FINGERNAILS.

Spring is when the garden wakes up after winter, with spring bulbs, flowering shrubs and glorious tree blossom. Although there is all this to enjoy, there is also some hard work to be done; spring is the busiest time of the year in the garden.

You don’t need a huge garden to take pleasure in planting your own flowers and watching them burst into colour. There is just as much enjoy-ment to be had in growing flowers in pots to place on your patio, or in your window boxes. Growing from seed can be a very economical and satisfying way to stock both your garden and your cupboards. The thrill of seeing your

By Trish Dynes

Photo: Burger-Precht

Garden: Lucie Hauri

Photo: House Doctor

seedlings push their heads up through the soil never wanes. It‘s really very easy to grow your own, whether you have a large garden, a tiny terrace, a courtyard or even a windowsill. If you are planting in containers such as terracotta pots, old watering cans, sinks, a half beer barrel or anything else that will hold a plant or two, make sure they have drainage holes and that the planters you use for taller plants are wide at the base to prevent the plant from toppling over. Choose plants that you will use and enjoy and, even if you‘re new to gardening, you can still be adventu-rous. Many more plants than you would ever believe are edible – often the flowers too – and having an edible garden doesn‘t mean you have to compromise on aesthetics. Your garden can look beautiful yet still give you a tasty selection. Don’t forget that your new plants rely on you for food and water. Water them well, and give them the nutrition they need with a slow-release general fertiliser. Weeding the garden is the number one spring tip, and requires a minimum amount of time and ener-gy. Compost works especially well when you add it; spring is also a time to prepare your soil. This means

checking the pH to see if it needs balancing prior to planting, and it‘s a natural organic way to make your garden just that much better. As parents, one of the most difficult things we can try to do is get our children to eat vegetables. often vegetables are seen as tasting horrid and anything but fun, when the opposite is most certainly the case; but children, being children and being of their own independent minds, need help and encouragement.Children also need encouragement when it

comes to the outdoors, especially in today‘s society where video games, the internet and the most sophisticated of toys are on offer. Children love getting dirty, they love mud and they love water so a vegetable patch is a good place to combine all three. Give them their own children‘s gardening tools as this will make them feel grown up and let them help you dig over their plot. Also, mud and soil is full of creepy crawlies and worms which children also love, so getting them to help you will be educational for them.

You may find it easier to get your children to eat their greens if they know where they come from and, indeed, if they have had a hand in their growing. Encourage them where possible to help you plant seeds or plantlets and also – with their notepads – have them take measurements and record the dates the vegetables were planted. If you can encourage them to participate in the growing of something like carrots, for example, and then allow them to see what happens when the carrots go from the ground to the dinner table you may find that

Seasonal living


Seasonal living

Photo: Burger-Precht Casa Lucie Hauri

Photo: House DoctorPhoto: Burger-Precht

Cas Perillo



they are more willing to try them than they were before. Many children see vegetables as co-ming from tins or from bags but if they are involved in the growing of their own food, and watching it happen, they may look forward to eating them. Encourage salad-eating habits by letting your children plant their own salad crops such as lettuce, spring onion, rocket, nasturtium, pot mari-gold, cherry tomato and peas. They don‘t have to grow the crops in rows – they can plant in patches, spirals or even in pots and window-boxes if they wish. Just ensure they leave enough space to be able to get to the plants for watering, weeding, slug removal and, of course, picking. Ask your children to water them every evening if they look dry – seeds must be kept moist to germinate. When they start to grow, your children should ensure the slugs don‘t come and eat everything. They could try by making a slug trap with some beer in a jar – make sure you dig a hole

to place the jar in so that it sits at soil level. Remember to point out the difference between weeds and seedlings and show them how to weed without disturbing the seedlings. Help them hunt the garden for twigs to support the peas. Explain to your children that it is not strange to plant nasturtiums and pot marigolds in with the salad crop. They are there for two reasons: they encourage garden pest-eaters to come into your garden; and you can eat the flowers or use them for decoration. Where you can – and again depen-ding on their age – you can allow the children to help you prepare the vegetables and salad crops. Let them wash the earth off anything that comes out from the ground, and pick anything that comes from plants abo-ve ground. Let them shell the peas and get them involved in as many stages of the process as you can and you will soon notice just how much they like eating their greens.

GROWING YOUR OWN HERBS• Hierba buena – spearmint: mint will thrive in most soils, to the extent that it can easily become a nuisance. To avoid this, try growing it in a con-tainer on the patio. use the leaves to flavour new potatoes and peas.

• Romero – rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis): this pretty herb produces blue flowers and has highly-scented, needle-like leaves. Plant in a sun-ny, sheltered area of the garden.

• Tomillo – thyme (thymus vulgaris): grow thyme in a well-drained, sunny area of your garden. The leaves of this evergreen herb can be picked throughout the year. Their distinctive taste goes well with a variety of dishes.

• Cebollino – chives (allium schoenoprasum): grow in moist soil and full sun. For a regular supply of delicious leaves for your salads cut off the flowers before they open.

• Lavanda – lavender (lavandula): a pretty herb that produces beautiful scented flowers during the summer months. Cut and dry some to make pot-pourri.

• Salvia – sage (salvia officinalis): this strong-fla-voured herb has grey-green leaves and spikes of blue flowers. Grow in a sunny area of the garden.

• Orégano – oregano (origanum vulgarea): planted in a sunny area of the garden, marjoram will grow as vigorously as mint. Children may recognise its taste as it‘s often used in pizza and pasta.

• Cilantro – coriander (coriandrum sativum): this popular herb, frequently used in Indian cookery and salads, favours a sunny, sheltered area of the garden. Both leaves and seeds can be used for flavouring.

• Laurel – sweet bay (laurus nobilis): this ever-green shrub or small tree likes a sheltered positi-on in the garden. Its leaves are the key ingredient for bouquet garni and are great in stews.

• Estragón – tarragon (artemisia dracunculus): grown in a sheltered spot, tarragon can spread at the same rate as mint but is not totally hardy, so cover with straw in colder areas as winter approaches.

Seasonal living


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Now available in Mallorca through Konway & Nösinger, these avant garde bioethanol fireplaces are ideal for romantic evenings indoors or entertaining friends outside, as well as being a stylish addition to any room, terrace – or even garden.

how to win:To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize all you have to do is answer the following question: What is the main theme of this years Maison & objet exhibition? The answer is somewhere in this issue!Please send your answer along with your name & contact number to: [email protected]

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Microcemento® is available in a wide range of colours and metallics and due to its impermeable nature and durability is not only a perfect solution for the floors and walls in kitchens and bathrooms, but can also be used to create custom-designed wash basins, bath tubs and swimming pools, giving distinctive and beautiful results with a long-lasting, high sheen lustre.

Microcemento® is an increasingly popular choice for both commercial and private residential projects and is widely used by professionals and home-owners all over the world.

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To celebrate the arrival of spring, the team at TOPCRET Mallorca are offering Home Couture readers a 15% discount!

To take advantage of this offer:Please call 971 70 00 47 or 620 080 400 to speak to a member of our team to discuss your project in person and arrange a no-obligation design consultation.

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** Readers should quote “Home Couture Reader offer” when calling and take a copy of the magazine as a reference to receive the discount.

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Specialist Advice


Specialist Advice

a word from the experts

ouR TEAM oF SPECIALISTS ANSWER SoME CoMMoN QuESTIoNS ABouT HoME AND DÉCoR...

We have dedicated the rest of the magazine to showcasing tasteful interiors, ground-breaking design and the talented designers who spearhead these initiatives. However, there are still those among us who, although unrivalled in their passion for interior design, may perhaps lack the necessary “know how” to fulfil these aspirations. These aren’t just people who take a pair of scissors to wallpaper, but those of us who know the basics and want to take on a big project but do not know where to start.

With this in mind, we have created our “Word from the Experts” section. Each issue, we are giving our readers the opportunity to ask our esteemed panel of experts any design questions that currently have them stumped. So, if you have any design queries, uncertainties or problems that need some

professional attention, contact us at:

[email protected]

Trish DynesA freelance writer specialising in art and interior design, Trish is based on the Costa del Sol and has written for several Marbella-based interior design magazines. She is currently a contributor to Home Couture, writing ar-ticles on current design trends for homes and gardens.

Tel. (+34) 951 376 [email protected]

Eduardo PonsA dynamic and forward thinking company, Aubapool’s team of professionals offers more than 30 years of experience in the construction and installation of pools and spas sector.

Tel. (+34) 971 662 [email protected]

Elena sánchezMagatzem Verd’s philosophy is to bring people closer to the balance and beauty that nature offers. To that end they offer gardening equipment, fertiliser products, flowers and plants (natural and artificial), decoration items, pets and products for pets.

Tel. (+34) 971 205 816 (Palma); 971 744 514 (Coll den Rabassa)[email protected] , magatzemverd.com

Specialist Advice

| H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e 94 95

Specialist Advice

Are there any alternatives to using chlorine in the pool?Quality of life plays an increasingly important role in people’s sensitivity to respecting the environment and adopting healthy and natural habits. Salt electrolysis is an effective disinfectant for water, which impedes the formation of bacteria and algae without having to use chemical products. This means it eliminates the risks associated with some chemical treatments, does not damage swimmers’ skin, does not require storage, does not produce bad smells and is even cheaper.

What can I do if I want to enjoy our pool more than three months a year?The heating pump system for pools is a more effective and cheaper method for heating water, be it to prolong the season or to enable the use of a pool all year-round. The special pump we use for heating pools can be installed very simply and requires minimum maintenance. In just a few hours you will be able to enjoy a warm and pleasant swim.

How can we simplify the cleaning of our pool?Enjoying your pool with clean and pleasant water calls for certain obligations, the same as cleaning a glass. Cleaning the pool manually is a tough and bothersome job. To avoid any inconvenience we recommend using an automatic cleaner. Electronic pool cleaners come with their own bag for waste and are quick and efficient. They get rid of the dirt and impurities to guarantee extraordinarily clean and crystal-clear water.

I’m about to redecorate my bedroom. I have a bed with a fabulous headboard which I want to design around, but I’ve no idea where to start. I want my bedroom to be a real talking point. Help – I need ideas!

We all know that wallpaper has made a huge comeback over the past few years and flock wallpaper is especially dramatic if you want to make a strong design statement. Although bold designs can be too overpowering if used on all walls, using it on just one wall – in your case the one your headboard would go against – would showcase your bed as the focal “piece” you want it to be.In the same vein, upholstering a wall can also produce amazing results when done well. It’s the same principle as stretching an artist’s canvas on a frame but, instead, stretching a piece of fabric over wooden batons fixed to the wall. This technique is becoming increasingly popular and if, like a lot of Mediterranean homes, any of your walls are uneven and don’t provide the best surface for wallpaper, it’s a clever and forgiving solution. Just like wallpaper, the design of fabric you choose denotes the “theme” of the room – but a sub-conscious awareness of slight movement when there’s a breeze, for example, can add a real texture and softness that you can’t achieve with wallpaper.

What are the main things we should be considering for our garden after winter?

When choosing the flowers you want to plant, make sure you select the most appropriate ones for your garden or terrace. of course, colour combinations are key to the look of your outside space, but more importantly do put some thought into which plants require more sun and which will need protection from thewinter elements so as to prevent re-planting year on year. Thinking about which of your choices need more shade is equally as important. These should be planted at the base of larger specimens to provide natural shade. If your garden is very exposed, consider building up around key plan-ted areas that need more shelter. Placing larger pieces of natural stone around these areas is not only aesthetically pleasing and the norm in a Mediterranean garden, but will also protect your plants from harsh winter winds. Consider an automatic watering system, especially for potted plants, as these need daily watering in the summer months to prevent drying out. If you have significant grassed areas, a watering system is vital, as is the type of grass you choose. Consult a specialist as there are several different grasses now widely available in Mallorca that are particularly recommended for large lawned areas and, provided they are watered regularly, these types are resistant to even the searing sun of the high summer months.Pay special attention to pests or diseased plants and, if you are in any doubt, ask the advice of a professional to prevent an infestation at the early stages.

I love the idea of converting my bathroom to a wet room. Is there a lot of work involved?Wet room design is something that takes time and can be expensive. It will be even more expensive if you make mistakes and don‘t get things right the first time. Remodelling your bathroom is a large, messy job.

You will have large amounts of building materials around your house, everything in the room has to be removed and the floor will be dug up to accommodate the pipework and under-floor heating.

I would love to mix and match colours in my home but don’t know where to start. Colour matching can be easier said than done. You can see how other people’s room colours have been created, and why the schemes work, but when you come to put it into practice it isn‘t quite so easy. A reliable guide is to have no more than three colours for the main areas of your room. So don‘t have more than three colours for your walls, floor and window treatments. If your main colours harmonise, but you want to give some more life to the room, place items with accent colours that give contrast. Items such as pictures, vases, lamps, ornaments and plants are more a matter of form, balance and interest rather than the actual amount of colour. Remember, these are just guides, so rely on your judgment – in other words, if you like it, do it!

ElEna SánchEz anSwErS:

TriSh DynES anSwErS:

EDuarDo PonS anSwErS:

ThE homE couTurE TEam anSwErS:

H o m e c o u t u r e m a g a z i n e |

chic list


the useful DirectoryInterIor desIgn • buIldIng servIces • art gallerIes • bathrooms • kItchens • technology

BaThroomSAqUAqUAE C/ Capitan Ramonell Boix, 38 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 420 600

C/ Ferrer 6, Pol. Ind. Manacor Tel. 971 846 210 aquaaquae.com

ALoU BArcELo FonTAnErIAC/ De Na Ravandella SantanyíTel. 971 641 675aloubarcelo.com

AUBAPooLC/ Marroig, 6ALlucmajorTel. 971 662 629 aubapool.es

cALIzAs MALLorcA Gran Via Asima, 7 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 432 210 calizasmallorca.com

cAn cABoTCamp de S‘ oca, 13Soller Tel. 971 630 796 cancabot.com

DUcHA FrEscAC/ Ca‘n Cavalleria, 17Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 712 210 duchafresca.net

KErA GrEs 16 de Juliol, 28 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 434 240 keragres.es

MAcoDor Crta. Calonge-Cala d‘or Cala d‘or Tel. 971 658 210 macodor.com

PorcELAnosA Gran Via Asima, 21Palma de MallorcaTel. 971 430 667 porcelanosagrupo.com

qUILIs Ctra. Valldemossa, 12Palma de MallorcaTel. 971 756 769quilis.es

inTErior DEcoraTorSAIDAn JAMEs HUrrEn Tel. 667 953 359 [email protected]

soPHIE PAInT EFFEcTs Tel. 636 045 842 [email protected]

inTErior DESiGnAMBIEnTEs, InTErIorIsMo Ctr. Santanyí Campos Tel. 971 651 583 ambientes-mallorca.com

19 D ArT I ALTrEs Placa dels Hostals, 19 Santa Maria del Cami Tel. 971 141 213 19dartialtres.com

cHITon DEco Crta. Porreres-Campos Km. 0.4 Porreres Tel. 971 168 257 chitondeco.com

DAs DEPoT Pagesos, 14IncaTel. 971 502 822 depot-online.com

DE BATABAT Eusebio Estada, 80 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 763 666 debatabat.es

DoMUs ArTIs C/ Can Veri, 6 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 594 505

HoLGEr sTEWEn C/ Tous y Maroto, 10 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 727 016 holgerstewen.com

IncoMPAr & MIMAr BALEArCarrer obisbo Verger, 25 Santanyí Tel. 687 543 863 mimarbalear.com/ incomparbalear.com

InTErIor HoUsE MALLorcA Avda. Tomas Blanes, 41 Costa den Blanes Tel. 971 676 252 interiorhousemallorca.com

InTErMoBEL Crta. Palma Km. 47 Manacor Tel. 971 845 048Carrer des Port, 153Port d’AndratxTel. 971 671 359inter-mobel.com

KArTELL Ramon y Cajal, 6 Palma de MallorcaTel. 871 953 162

KoKUKAnC/Illes Baleares, 37Santa PonçaTel. 971 694 055 kokukan.com

LArEs DEcorAcIon C/ Francisco Casa, 17 Plaza Bendinat, Calvia Tel. 971 701 868 laresdecoracion.com

MALLorcA sTyLE

Tel. 626 817 724 mallorcastyle.net

MIDnIGHT BLUE Plaza Nova, 7 Port d‘Andratx Tel. 902 006 988 midnightblue.es

MoBLEs rIErA Ctra. Palma Arta Km. 48 Manacor Tel. 971 552 467moblesriera.com

nEGrE Avda. Joan Miro, 262 Marivent, Palma Tel. 971 701 662 negre.es

PUyALTo 16 de Juliol, 6 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 430 040 puyalto.com

rIALTo LIvInG C/ Sant Feliu, 3C Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 713 331 rialtoliving.com

sAITon ArMArIos 16 de Juliol, 8 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 430 880 saiton.com vErI 5, AroMAs Carrer de Ca‘n Veri, 5Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 495 322 baobabcollection.com

GallEriESALoU BArcELo FonTAnErIA ArT AqUAC/ Sant Feliu, 17 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 228 970 artaqua.com

EMPIrE ArTC/ Metge obrador, 3Cas ConcosTel. 971 839 603 GALEríA sAILEr C/ Bisbe Verger, 6 Santanyí Tel. 971 163 438 galeriasailer.com HELLA MArIA HoFEr GALErIAPuerto d’AndrtaxTel. 971 674 300hella-maria-hofer.com

GEnEralcArPADEDoMoC/ Colomer, 4Santa PonçaTel. 971 697 838marquee-mallorca.com

crIsTALErIA cALvIàCrta. de Capdella, 25PageuraTel. 971 686 021cristaleriacalvia.com

LovELAcE cArPEnTry Tel. 637 065 632 lovelacecarpentry.com

ToPcrET MIcrocEMEnTosC/ Barranco, 21GenovaTel. 971 700 047topcret.com

homE EnTEr- TainmEnT

DIGITAL cInEMAProtectora, 14 Palma de MallorcaTel. 971 710 075digitalcinema.es

LoEWE.cEnTErMoncades, 2 Palma de MallorcaTel. 971 724 951loewecenterpalma.es

KiTchEnS

BULTHAUP Groc y BLAU Calle Pau, 6 07012 Palma de MallorcaTel. 971 726 119

BULTHAUP nIcoLAU Rambla Duques, 15 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 717 863 nicolau.bulthaup.com

cocInArT Eusebio Estada, 11 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 750 072 cocinart.com

cocInAs HäcKErGeneral Riera, 26 07003 Palma de MallorcaTel. 971 205 503

cocInA y vIDA – BIrGIT MüLLEr Paseo Mallorca, 4 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 669 188

Isaac Peral, 59Port d‘Andratx Tel. 971 674 633 birgitmüller.com

cUIsInALEVia Ernesto Mestre, 40 Felanitx Tel. 971 582 011 LArAnDA C/ Can Rado, 1B Marratxi Tel. 971 605 602 laranda.net MIELEC/ General Riera, 8 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 200 603 mielecentre.com

PoGGEnPoHL, sALonIGran Via Asima, 20 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 964 343 434 saloni.com

ProDI cocInAs Ctra. Palma-Artá, 100-102 Manacor Tel. 971 559 137C/ Jaime I Santa Ponça Tel. 971 692 986 prodi-cocinas.com

sIE MATIcPaseo Mallorca, 17DPalma de MallorcaTel. 971 221 5 1 siematic.com

sPAzIo vArEnnA, PoLIForM Sant Feliu, 6 Palma de Mallorca Tel. 971 713 258 [email protected]

sTUDIo MIrnAAlfons el Magnànim, Capitan Salom, 12 Palma de MallorcaTel. 971 751 947 studiomirna.com

ouTDoor FurniTurEKonWAy & nosInGErCalle Colomer, 4Santa PonçaTel. 971 697 838

MErIDIAno MALLorcA Ctra. Santanyí Campos Tel. 971 652 888 meridiano-mallorca.com

chic list


TErrAzA BALEArC/ Islas Baleares, 18Santa PonçaTel. 971 698 258

terrazabalear.com

SoFT FurniShinGSTrAnsForMATIonsC/ Mayor, 53,Calvia villageTel. 971 670 998 / 651 581 293 [email protected] UnIvErsAL LIvInG C/ Islas Baleares, 36A Santa Ponça Tel. 971 691 043 universalnautic.com

HoME MALLorcA Tel. 697 914 233 home-mallorca.eu

EnTErTainmEnT

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