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Garden Dubai: Soil preparation, adding Perlite, removing weeds, fertilizer tips, organic fertilizer, mowing, woodwork varnishing

 

Garden: It is easier to maintain your garden if you take the following steps.

 

1. Garden: Soil preparation

 

Healthy soil preparation will allow the garden to grow well. Mixing 40 % perlite, 40 % sweet soil and 20 percent peat moss or potting soil will allow the soil to be very healthy.

 

With the harsh ambient temperatures and salty sand, most garden maintenance companies will remove about 10 – 30 cms of soil. Sweet soil is added to get a better PH level. Shrubs need about 40 cms of sweet soil and trees require 1 m x 1 m of good soil.

 

2. Garden: Adding Perlite

 

Perlite when added to the soil

 

• Helps plant roots to penetrate through heavy clay

• It prevents compaction and water from collecting in places improving aeration and drainage

• Prevents your plants’ root damage

• Does not decompose and lasts for years

• Stimulates root initiation and vigorous growth

• Insulates and minimizes temperature fluctuations

• Has an almost a neutral PH level

• Holds moisture and does not become soggy

• Is free from diseases, weeds and insects compared to normal soil

 

 

 

 

3. Garden: 6 Tips to remove weeds

 

Weeds don’t just mar the beauty of your garden beds but they also force desirable plants to compete with the weeds for water, sunlight and nutrients.

 

• Adding mulch to your garden beds kills weeds and keeps new ones from popping up. Mulch prevents weed seeds from germinating.

 

• You don’t need poisonous chemicals to ward off weeds. Household staples, such as salt and vinegar, work just as well. In order to use salt as a weed killer, combine 1 cup of table salt with 2 cups of water, stir the mixture well and then pour it directly on weeds. Some weeds can’t tolerate the acidity of vinegar.

 

• Pour some white vinegar or apple-cider vinegar into a spray bottle, and then spray weed stems and leaves with the vinegar. If a weed has flowers, spray the blossoms before they go to seed. Pour more vinegar into the soil around the weeds to kill their roots. If it rains before the weeds die, then reapply the vinegar.

 

• Surprisingly vodka helps controls weeds by destroying the waxy coating on their leaves. The plants then dehydrate and die. Combine 1 ounce of vodka, 2 cups of water and several drops of liquid dish-washing soap in a spray bottle. In the afternoon of a sunny day, use the mixture to spray weed leaves until the solution drips off them.

 

• When weeds pop up in your sidewalk or driveway cracks, sprinkle them with one handful of baking soda, and sweep the baking soda into the cracks. The baking soda will destroy the roots that you can’t reach by hand or with a tool.

 

• Borax also kills weeds and keeps them from re-growing. Apply it in the same way as baking soda.

 

4. Garden: Tips to fertilize it

 

In Dubai, most companies use only NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potash or Potassium) fertilizer.

 

Understanding the effects of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potash or Potassium on your lawn and plants is important. This will help you to decide which type, if any, fertilizer is appropriate for your garden and landscape.

 

In most cases, aerating and composting are much better for your garden than using chemical fertilizers. Also note that higher NPK levels don’t necessarily mean healthier plants.

 

Nitrogen helps plant foliage to grow strong. Phosphorous helps roots and flowers grow and develop. Potassium (Potash) is important for overall plant health.

 

Be aware that high nitrogen fertilizers will make for quick growth but weaker plants that are more susceptible to attacks by diseases and pests. Fast, showy growth is not necessarily the best thing for your plants.

 

5. Garden: Organic fertilizing

 

Bokashi is a uniquely simple way of turning your kitchen waste into an organic compost soil conditioner.

 

Developed in Japan, the Bokashi Compost Kit converts your organic waste into a high-grade soil conditioner. It uses microbes or Bokashi – a Japanese word meaning “fermented organic matter” to do this.

 

You can discard fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy and even bones right in your kitchen without the requirements of turning it like you do outdoor compost, and without creating unpleasant odors.

 

The kit supplied is all you need. This consist of a uniquely designed bucket, the special bran and easy to use instructions.

 

In Dubai you can buy these bins at:

 

Domestic bins, commercial bins and bran can be bought at The Change Initiative

Contact: 800 824

Location: Al Barsha 1, Sheikh Zayed Road (service road near Ibis Hotel).

Domestic bins and our 1 Kg bags of bran can be bought at The Ripe Farm Shop

Contact: 04 379 0441

Location: Street 8a, Umm Suqiem 2 (just off Al Manara).

 

6. Garden: How often should you mow a growing lawn?

 

• It’s a matter of length.

 

It doesn’t matter, how often you mow, as much as how long the grass is. If your lawn looks yellow and dried out after you’ve mowed it, you probably have the blade on your mower set too low.

 

Some people like a super-short lawn like a putting green, but doing this requires both a specific variety of grass and lots of extra care spent on fertilizing and other upkeep.

 

Since you’re probably not one of those people, your grass will be healthiest if you let it grow a little longer. When the lawn is looking a little yellow in patches, let it grow a little longer, then move the blade back up.

 

When grass is a little longer, it is also more comfortable to walk on barefoot.

 

• Is it beneficial to mow the lawn more often?

 

For a lawn to be green it must be growing. Grass pales and turns yellow over time unless it’s growing.

 

Second, the key factor to keeping a growing lawn healthy is mowing it according to its growth. Therefore, if it grows quickly because of fertilizer or rain then you simply need to mow it more often. The faster your grass grows the more mowing is needed.

 

 

 

 

• Most advice for a healthy lawn says to follow the “one-third rule”

 

If your grass is growing, you’ll be mowing. Each grass type looks best and stays healthiest at a certain height.

 

Use your mower to maintain that height as closely as possible to the height you want. Cutting your lawn too short can be just as damaging as letting it grow too tall.

 

The basic rule of mowing is to never cut more than one-third of the leaf blade. Generally, this means mowing about once a week to 10 days in the summer and probably every 15 days.

 

Mowing can be unhealthy for the lawn, especially if the lawn was cut too short within too short of a time period.

 

You want to be consistent about mowing. If the grass is too long, you should only cut off 1/3 the next mowing and then gradually reduce the height.

 

If you decide to mow less frequently because of the yellowing you see, you’re actually perpetuating the problem.

 

Grass is greenest at the top of the blade, and when you let that grow longer than it should, you cut off the healthiest part. It’s not the act of mowing that hurts it, it’s cutting too much of the blade.

 

Mowing the next day shouldn’t hurt at all—as long as the blade is sharp.

 

Fill in your name & email ID in the box on the right to have Sejal call you for garden dubai

 

7. Garden: Regular polishing of woodworks

 

Does your outdoor have a gazebo, pergola or other exterior wood structures? How often have you polished them? With Dubai’s harsh weather, the wood needs regular upkeep.

 

Protecting external woodwork is a constant challenge in hot tropical regions, especially when they are in coastal areas. Heat, ultra-violet rays and dust, all cause damage to the coating over external wood-work.

 

Cracks appear in brittle coating materials because of  the expansion and contraction of wood during the day and night. Coating materials such as conventional spirit polish or lacquer disappear in a few months.

 

So regular polishing helps in maintaining your woodwork.

 

8. Garden: Why do we need polish, varnish or coating of woodwork?

 

Polish or varnish is required to

 

• To protect the wood against moisture. Moisture promotes the growth of micro-organisms causing bio-degradation. But that is not all; moisture even causes wood panels to loose shape resulting in difficulty in opening and closing of window panels and doors.

 

• For aesthetic purposes. Perfectly polished exterior wood work usually gives an impression that the wood is well maintained. However protection is the more important benefit.

 

• Polyurethane or Alkyd based varnishes are waterproof and able to absorb the expansion factor of wood. What is required is a coating that has elasticity equal to or greater than the expansion factor of wood. Polyurethane and Alkyd based coatings contain this property.

 

Polyurethane or Alkyd based varnishes have been around for many years now and the results are excellent.

 

Some brands also offer Ultra Violet (UV) Protection by adding a specialized chemical called the UV absorber. This absorbs the UV rays emitted by the sun preventing damage.

 

 

 

 

9. Garden: How to increase the life of varnish on external woodwork

 

• In order to extend the life of varnish, the woodwork must be cleaned periodically with a damp cloth to remove dust.

 

• The varnish heats up and melts due to intense sunlight in hot tropical regions and is absorbed by the dust present over the surface of wood work. So, dust should be removed from the external woodwork at least once a week with a wet cloth.

 

• Application of a fresh-up coat every year: If a fresh-up coat is applied every year, the varnish can last for years and years. No ground preparation like; scraping, staining and multiple coats are required. A fresh-up coat can be applied by only a bit of sanding on the surface to make it rough so, that the new coat gets a good grip.

 

Book Your Complimentary Design Consultation

 

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Interior design: Understanding your needs, effective space, use of materials, lighting, accessorizing, flooring

 

Is it  time for you to have new interiors? Or are you moving to a new villa?

 

Perhaps you are very creative, house proud, interested in living in beautiful spaces? Maybe you are passionate about design, have a clear vision and know what you want?

 

So you are probably looking for some suggestions, new ideas and a way in which your ideas can be executed effectively and efficiently.

 

What you will need to implement your ideas is skilled workers in mechanical, electrical and plumbing areas (MEP), gypsum and masonry works.

 

You will also need the services of a carpentry factory that can build wardrobes, beds, and customized furniture like desks, chairs, wall panels, ceilings and partitions.

 

1. Interior design: Understanding your needs

 

An ability to understand your brief and your needs is of primary importance. Suggesting how to meet those requirements within your budget will align both of you.

 

Your designer should also be able to help you clarify your vision, challenging some ideas which are not feasible and offering new ones.

 

It would also help if he or she is doing designs daily, visiting trade shows, knows different materials available and new technologies being used.

 

 

 

 

2. Interior design: Effective space planning

 

Your designer’s experience will allow him or her to plan spaces in a way in which every inch is well utilized, practical and functional. The result will look spacious and easy to use.

 

Accurate measurements, working on Auto-cad and other tools allows your designer to do precise planning thereby eliminating mistakes.

 

3. Interior design: Appropriate use of materials

 

A good interior designer will be in constant touch with suppliers bringing knowledge of new materials and technology. This allows him or her to use materials appropriately and effectively to bring out the right mood.

 

One material can be used in several different ways. Too many materials in the same space make it over-bearing. Also knowing the longevity of different materials will dictate usage. Making the space safe and edges rounded will minimize accidents.

 

Your designer’s use of colors and materials will bring harmony in your space. Colors play a significant role in the styling of a house. Each theme is different and using colors accordingly will make your space look authentic.

 

 

 

 

4. Interior design: Effective mood lighting

 

What you need to know about lighting:

 

• Lighting plays a major role to set the mood during parties and celebrations

• Red light is very relaxing whereas blue light is jarring

• Warm daylight is comforting and soft

• Light also creates shapes on walls

• Using up-lights or down-lights create different effects

• Light needs to be soft and not hurt the eye

• Too much light also makes it less romantic and agitating

• Using light effectively will accentuate the mood and save money

• Balance in lighting all areas and not leaving some very dark is also essential. More down lights is used in areas where reading or studying take place

• Living rooms and dining areas can use focus lights or up-lights

• Mood concealed lighting is used to highlight ceilings, walls and floors

 

 

 

 

5. Interior design: Accessorizing

 

You can use accessories to adorn walls, ceilings and flooring to produce lovely patterns. Accessories either highlight and glamorize your interiors or just ruin it.

 

Using small paintings on large walls or using paintings that do not match the theme can be a disaster. Large statues, abstract pieces of art at eye level will work the best.

 

Highlighting the ceiling will allow great lighting. Wall panels, wall décor and creating different depths will allow walls to come alive as if they were 3-D and not flat.

 

To highlight your walls in creative ways you can use:

 

• Candles
• Panels
• Wood
• Leather or fabric wall paper
• Carpets
• Glass
• Veneer
• Metal panels
• Parquet
• Vertical plant walls

 

6. Interior design: Flooring

 

The floor pattern you use and the flooring material will define your house. Too many patterns will make your space look cramped. And furniture will disrupt the pattern.

 

So avoiding busy floor patterns may be a good idea. Ceramic tiles, large pieces of marble, granite, porcelain tiles or wood all have their own pros and cons.

 

You also need to choose the materials that fit into your budget while augmenting your theme.

 

Hiring a designer instead of doing it yourself means accessing vast experience in concept and execution of concepts with a great eye for detail. More the detail, better the execution.

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Swimming pool: Standard features, quotations should include, cleaning & hygiene, optimum size & high water table issues

 

Have you just moved to a new villa? Or are you buying an old property and wish to build a pool to entertain? Or is it mainly to exercise regularly?

 

Or do you want to build a pool to increase the value of your property when you sell it?

 

Clear objectives will help you get better value for your investment.

 

1. Swimming pool: Standard features

 

• A Skimmer pool does not have an overflow channel and a balance tank

• Overflow and Infinity pools have this to balance the inflow of extra water into the channel and then into the tank

• A pool pump room is common to both and needs to be built

• Overground pool pump rooms are easier to maintain. They have easy access and do not need an automatic submersible pump to throw out the water in case it collects for any reason

• The pool pump room may be included in the pool price or may be quoted as a separate line item

 

 

 

 

2. Swimming pool: Quotations

 

• All pools are quoted with their mechanicals including filters, dual pumps, chlorinator, control panels and all MEP requirements

• General pool tiles are a part of the quote unless something that is nonstandard is selected. The price of tiles may be given as per approval

• Heat and chill pump, chlorine free unit, maintenance kit, pool shower are all options, which one can select

• A pool ladder is compulsory as required by the Dubai Municipality and is quoted separately

• A safety fence is required as per the Environmental Health and Safety Rules and can be quoted separately based on the selection of materials and your budget. This fence can be made of glass, wood, metal or can be just a temporary removable fence

• Pool steps into the shallow area are always a part of the pool

• Standard pools are generally 90 cms to 1.6 meters in height. But depending upon the style of pool you choose, you could select heights from 90 cms  to 2 mtrs

 

3. Swimming pool: How to keep it clean and healthy

 

• Correct dosage of chlorine keeps the pool clean

• Bi-weekly pool maintenance, cleaning, collecting of leaves that may clog the filter

• Cleaning of filter when required

• Balance tank ball valve and level may be checked

• Measure the water temperature with a thermometer when heat and chill pump is in use

• Filter timing needs to be set and maintained

 

 

 

 

4. Swimming pool: Determining the optimum pool size for your backyard

 

Installing a swimming pool is a great way to create your own relaxing “summer vacation” spot right in your own backyard.

 

However, choosing the right size pool for your needs is the most important task before the contractor starts digging. Installing a pool is a big investment, so take time to determine exactly how much space is available and how you want to use your pool before you start shopping.

 

• A lap pool is normally 3 x 15 meters or 3 x 20 meters if the space permits and you have the length

• A small splash pool is ideal for small villas like Garden villas in Palm Jumeirah, Springs and Meadows in Dubai. A size of 3 x 7 meters or 4 x 9 meters will work. This size allows enough room for casual swimming, games and simply cooling off on a hot day
• Kidney-shaped, figure eight and octagon are typical design styles for this size of residential pool

 

 

 

 

5. Swimming pool: What happens if the water table level is high in the vicinity?

 

• With high water table levels digging is more expensive. De-watering may be required even at depths of 1 meter till you get dry sand so that concrete may be applied

• In such cases you may want to consider building an infinity raised pool. This will allow easy construction

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Ceiling design: Rentals, existing ceilings, MDF sheets, Mashrabiya, rooms, wooden paneling, green, kitchen & bathrooms

 

Ceiling design is as important as flooring and walls. All 3 are important aspects of any interior design.

 

In what way can ceilings enhance your overall room?

 

Most ceilings in the UAE come with pre-constructed villas. They have a concrete ceiling with a center or 2 light power points. Or they come with a Gypsum ceiling with a bulkhead and concealed air-conditioning ducts.

 

These are used for AC grills, spot lights and cornices.

 

Whilst building a villa, many owners enhance their ceilings with double bulkheads. These can be used to conceal LED strip lights, or tube lights depending on the mood you wish to create.

 

You may also add attractive cornices, lighting and dimmable spot lights. The AC grills could be different from the standard sizes.

 

12 ideas to enhance your ceilings:

 

1. Ceiling design: Rented property

 

If you are renting a property, leave the existing ceiling as it probably is a concrete slab. You can add a suspended wooden ceiling to enhance the look.

 

Colored lighting or spotlights can be added as mood lighting. You may want to hang pendants in the dining space. Adding a little wood will enhance your ceiling very nicely.

 

2. Ceiling design: Existing ceiling

 

You may already have a ceiling but it may now look mundane to you. As earlier you can add a suspended wooden ceiling without touching the existing ceiling.

 

Combining the floor and the ceiling will add much life to the otherwise white or off white walls. Furniture placement will also look better.

 

 

 

 

3. Ceiling design: Designed MDF sheets

 

Designed MDF sheets will add another medium to the design. Wooden framing, dropped ceilings and mood lighting add charm. Colorful collection of carpets laid on the floor help define the seating area.

 

Ceilings definitely define the area where to place furniture and so they must be installed very strategically with a proper ceiling and furniture plan. Colored lighting only adds to the mood and gives you options to enjoy a themed party.

 

4. Ceiling design: Mashrabiya

 

Adding acrylic and Mashrabiya to have concealed mood lighting is another way to enhance dining rooms for a classic look.

 

This is an innovative way to define the dining space and add top lights without any glare on the dining table. Your flat ceiling will have a 3D effect.

 

5. Ceiling design: Master bedrooms

 

Master bedroom ceilings could be enhanced too. It is nice to see something over the bed when you lie down. It needs to be soothing and not overpowering.

 

Use of a nice wallpaper could do the trick too. Framing and subtle lighting make a difference.

 

 

 

 

6. Ceiling design: Wooden paneling

 

A high roof and wooden paneling on the ceiling adds a warm feeling just like a wooden floor. It feels natural.

 

The look of a log cabin, high gazebo kind of ceiling, wooden rafters on ceiling , wooden strips all add to the rustic and modern look.

 

7. Ceiling design: Minimalist 

 

Modern minimalist tray ceilings are just simple and minimal and work with simple lines, concealed lighting and give you a clean look.

 

 

 

 

8. Ceiling design: Go green

 

Vertical gardens and plants in the ceilings are becoming a rage. It is nice to bring in natural elements in a austere style. Funky shaped furniture and concrete on walls to get a rough stone look with wooden flooring could be a great idea.

 

9. Ceiling design: Blocks

 

Gypsum blocks can be made in the ceiling and matched with modular block furniture. Its an intriguing way to bring in Cubism.

 

10. Ceiling design: Children’s room

 

Children love colors, shapes, depths and formations.  So use them.

 

You can add figures, flowers, natural elements and softness. Lighting plays a big role in children’s room ceilings.

 

11. Ceiling design: Kitchen

 

Kitchens normally have 60 x 60 cms ready made access panels as AC ducting passes through them and you need access. It is possible to combine wood, gypsum and other elements. Wood and white painted Gypsum makes a good combination.

 

12. Ceiling design: Bathrooms

 

Ceilings in bathrooms are the most neglected and you may not want to spend any money here.

 

However a little upgrade would make the bathroom very cozy. Wooden or Gypsum highlights, some paint and clever lighting, could add a lot of warmth.

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Indoor plants: Selection & placing, Ficus, how to care, common problems, self watering planters

 

Are you fond of plants and believe that your house or office will come alive when there are plants in the space?

 

Your plants will give a soft, lively, natural way to touch your environment.

 

Sturdy plants are suggested and you should locate them in areas where they can thrive.

 

Deciding which plant to use, which pot to use, what will blend with the interiors, where to place them, how many pots are all questions you can ask your plant expert.

 

A bit of greenery makes a huge difference to a solid furniture and tiled space. All the curtains, walls, tiling, seating, storages, are big and solid and plants add a soft feminine touch, balancing the stiffness and bring in life and color.

 

 

 

 

Indoor plants: Selection and placing

 

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), all homes are air-conditioned due to the excessive heat. Plants need 25-35 degrees Celsius to survive. High temperatures inside do not work well for indoor plants.

 

It would be best to place the plants near a window or where it can get a bit of sunlight and natural light. If not, you need to add artificial yellow light for it to survive.

 

• Areca Palm – Dypsis Lutescens, Kentia Palm, Phoenix Roebelenii, Zamioculcas are some palms that do well indoor.

 

• Schindapsus or Money Plant, Dracaena Massangeana, Dracaena Marginata, Pachira, Spathiphyllum, Monstera, Philodendron, Yucca Elephantitis, Croton, Coedium Petra, Daiffenbachia, Chlorophytum, Schefflera , are some commonly used plants.

 

Indoor plants: Ficus

 

Many varieties of Ficus like Starlight Ficus, Ficus Benjamina, Ficus Elastica, Ficus Microcarpa are grown here.

 

Most ficus trees enjoy bright indirect or filtered light with variegated varieties happily able to take medium light. Bright, direct light may result in scalding of the leaves and leaf loss.

 

Ficus trees also cannot tolerate low temperatures or drafts. They need to be kept in temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius. and actually prefer temperatures above 21 degrees Celsius.

 

Cold drafts from windows or doors will harm them, so make sure to place them somewhere where drafts will not be an issue.

 

 

Indoor plants: How to care

 
When growing ficus or other plants indoors, it is important to maintain a relatively high humidity around the plant. Regular misting or setting the plant on a pebble tray filled with water is a great way to increase their humidity.

 

But keep in mind that while they like high humidity, they do not like overly wet roots.

 

Therefore, when watering, always check the top of the soil first. If the top of the soil is wet, do not water as this means they have enough moisture. If the top of the soil feels dry to the touch, this indicates that they need water. Some plants need much less water.

 

Indoor plants: Common problems

 

Almost everyone who has owned a Ficus plant or other leafed plants has asked themselves at some point “Why is my tree dropping its leaves?”

 

A Ficus or any tree losing its leaves is the most common problem that plants have. Leaf drop is a standard reaction to stress and can be from any of the following:

 

• Under watering or over watering
• Low humidity
• Too little light
• Relocation or re-potting
• Drafts
• Change in temperature (too hot or cold)
• Pests

 

Ficus are also prone to pests, mealy bugs, scale and spider Mites. A healthy Ficus tree will not see these problems, but a stressed Ficus tree (likely losing leaves) will surely develop a pest problem quickly.

 

“Sap” dripping from a Ficus houseplant, which is actually honeydew from an invading pest, is a sure sign of an infestation. Treating the plant with Neem Oil is a good way to handle any of these pest issues.

 

 

 

 

Indoor plants: Self watering planter reduces maintenance

 

Recently, self watering planters are becoming common as they reduce maintenance and over or under watering. Many shapes, sizes and colors are available in planters.

 

Self watering planters help you to avoid daily watering and the problems of over or under-watering.The large water reservoir in the bottom of the container is simply filled using the integrated water supply shaft.

 

The plant then takes care of itself for up to 12 weeks with exactly the right amount of water and nutrients that it needs for optimum growth.

 

Apart from the fact that plants need to be watered much less frequently, self watering planters ensure that your houseplants develop beautifully and this all-round care rewards you with better growth than with conventional culture systems.

 

And the best thing: this system also works for potted plants outdoors – on the terrace, on the balcony or in the garden.

 

Indoor plants: Choosing a planter

 

You need to choose a planter that suits your Interiors or exterior theme, color and expanse of the area besides looking at the height of the ceiling.

 

Choosing very small planters for large areas makes them look dwarfed and out of proportion.

 

Plants need to be planted on a height that one can see it at eye level just like paintings. Having plants at different heights in a cluster may also be a good idea for a corner. Neutral pots are great for any interior.

 

Glossy planters, Matt finish Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) planters, Terracotta or Ceramic planters, Mosaic clad or mirrored planters are some planters that are available here in Dubai.

 

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Landscaping Styles

 

Deciding which theme you want to choose for your garden

 

All New Gated Communities are made in Different styles of Architecture in Dubai. Each one chooses a villa that best suits their preference for style, space, layout, convenience and functionality.

 

A garden design would look wonderful when the Villa Architecture and style is considered in designing the landscape. It would bring everything together.

 

Spanish Style :

 

The Villa , a luxurious living community in Dubai land , Meadows at the Lakes , Signature Villas in Palm Jumeira, Palmera in Arabian Ranches, Al Furjan Properties offers distinct Spanish-style villas.

 

The Spanish Landscape uses a lot of contrast. Boldly colored glazed tiles, concrete pavers, Resin concrete or stamped concrete, rough travertine, sun baked Terra Cotta , crazy cut tiles and rough stones and pebbles match the Spanish architecture.

 

Vivid planting using succulents, seasonal flowers or perennial flowers like bougainvillea mingle with weathered stone and iron embellishments. Wrought iron, metal, black metal lights or copper and nickel metals bring an old world charm to the garden.

 

There is no ceiling reflecting the paint and one can use bold terractoa orange and brownish red colors to highlight the walls. Rough stone cladding, natural pond or meandering, curved water features would make it very authentic.

 

Arabian Style

 

The Arabian Ranches and Hattan at the Lakes, has Vintage Arabian Styles of Villas.

 

Arabian style uses a lot of sand beige, peach, yellow and rustic colors. Use of a lot of pebbles, varieties of palms, cactus , Rocks, minimal vegetation and pebbles and stones represents the geographical character of the space.

 

Paving done with natural slates, sandtones, limestone, crazy cut tiles , beige claddings , use of natural wooden pillars would complement the design.

 

Pergolas , sail shades, tented materials, and using local fabric uplolstery in red and white blends would make it amazing.

 

Mediterranean style

 

The Villa, Hattan at the Lakes, Jumeira Island, Jumeira village circle and Jumeira Village triangle are constructed in Mediterranean style.

 

Beautiful and pragmatic, the is style is developed out of great diversity of Mediterranean history , culture and religion.

 

While the style developed in the Mediterranean basin, it is adaptable to many other areas — particularly those with a similar climate, known for winter rains and long, dry summers.

 

1. Enclosure

 

Originating in ancient Persia, high-walled gardens offer protection and relief from the elements. With their inward focus and protection from drying winds, walled gardens still provide sanctuary in Spain, Italy and Greece.

 

2. Shade

 

Shelter from the intense summer sun is central to Mediterranean gardens. Structures such as pergolas, loggias, arbors and arcades have been passed down to modern gardeners from the Romans.

 

Without shade, it would be very sunny and it will not be possible to use the garden for long. Shades for seating and dining areas provide usability to the garden.

 

3. Incorporating Water features

 

Because of water’s scarcity in the Mediterranean, many water elements, such as narrow dripping taps or dribbling fountains, offer only a trickle of water — just enough to prompt a feeling of relief from the heat.

 

Simple Italian water features or old heritage water feature from old Roman and times would be great. Italy is full of travertine figurative water features. So using those would be great too.

 

4. Plantation

 

Using oleander, herbs, Olive trees, bougainvillea, creepers, cactus and succulents like aloe vera, yucca, jacaranda, hibiscus, Ipomeas creeper, lagerstroemia, Parkinsonia tree, Quisqualis Indica, also know as Rangoon creeper, a jasmine family plant, Lantana are some of the plants that one can use.

 

5. Paving

 

Bradstone, sandstone, beige and silver travertine brushed finish, concrete pavers , flamed granites, pebbles, natural finish ceramic tiles, quartzites, slates in beige and natural finishes would go well with this style.

 

Tuscan Style

 

Tuscan style of villas are built in Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Golf estates and Polo Homes. Polo homes, also offers Italian style of villa architecture.

 

Mediterranean and Tuscan decorating styles share many similarities, because Italy’s Tuscany region lies along the coast of the Mediterranean.

 

The main difference is that Tuscan style is focused solely on influences from Italy, while Mediterranean decorating incorporates elements from other cultures, including Spanish, French, Moroccan, Turkish and Grecian influences.

 

A closer look at each style can help you decide if either one makes a good fit for your personal decor scheme.

 

Textured walls in shades of cream, pale yellow or darker earthy tones of rust, burnt orange and terra-cotta mimic the aged plaster walls of Tuscan farmhouses.

 

Vibrant Gold , earthy greens and accents of blue, yellow and bright hint of red reflect the natural colors of the Tuscan countryside.

 

Terra-cotta tile, reclaimed wood add a Tuscan feel to flooring. Tuscan furniture is rustic, with natural wood finishes.

 

Light-colored upholstery and simple window treatments with organic fabrics in neutral colors create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.

 

Wall art in the form of framed prints, stencils, hand-painted tiles and custom murals features the scenic Tuscan countryside along with wine-inspired motifs.

 

Wrought-iron candle holders, large earthenware vases, urns and colorful Italian pottery provide a finishing touch.

 

Contemporary Style

 

Emirates Hills villas are customized and have many modern villas in contemporary styles.

 

Modern style uses clean straight lines and is simple, elegant and minimal . It uses neutral colors and adds heritage design in a new way,

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Are you really fond of cooking? Do you really love to cook outdoors, entertain friends, eat healthy grilled food, bake pizzas and enjoy the outdoor life?

 

Building a concrete permanent barbeque station allows one to set up tabletop Barbeque that is inbuilt.

 

Having a single outdoor burner, outdoor fridge, cocktail counter, sink, pizza oven for wood fired Pizza, stainless steel drawers and doors, all make having an outdoor kitchen so much fun! The cooking experience is enhanced and it makes it very convenient.

 

 

 

 

Dining area with shade structure over it, complete with outdoor lights works so well besides the barbeque area.

 

Build your outdoor kitchen closer to your indoor kitchen to avail easy access to getting things from inside.

 

Use non- slippery outdoor tiles like slates, ceramic, porcelain, to avoid having a slippery floor. Make cleaning easier by having granite tops and glass mosaic for easy cleaning on the up-stand. Stone cladding adds a great charm to the barbeque.

 

Having storage below made with shelves, solid wooden Miranti door, drawers will allow for keeping all things you need for barbequing in the storage.

 

It is possible to put a barbeque trolley also within the built up space. Have enough work space as preparation area so you can cook, prepare, serve and enjoy. It would be great to separate the barbeque and bar area.

 

Also one can have combined dining or separate dining. Combined dining would need high stools and separate dining allows for comfortable seats.

 

The smallest size of Barbeque stations is 3 m x 90 cms height x 70 cms width. L shaped, U shaped, long linear lengths, L shaped and a separate linear counter, all are possible.

 

Having an open Barbeque and shaded dining area is preferable.

 

One could use gas operated Barbeques or charcoal barbeque. You do get Barbeque grill that works with gas but have a charcoal tray to get the flavor.

 

Convection baking, having rotisserie, Grill tray and many accessories make the outdoor cooking a lot of fun.Enjoy !