Milestone > 2017

Redesigning Your Already Designed Landscape

Your new villa is stunning. You’ve finally gotten the opportunity to have the interior you’ve always dreamed of. Outdoors, though, is another story.

You’ve “inherited” the former owners’ landscaping and you’re less than overjoyed with it. It is not “you” at all. It isn’t appropriate for you and your family’s needs. What can you do?

Redesigning or redecorating a room, or even a whole house, is often easily accomplished. New paint or wall coverings, some new carpets or flooring, a room addition or repurposing, and then there’s your personal touches – furniture, art work, accessories.

Outdoors, you typically have more space, but less room to work. Redesigning a landscape is no quick fix.

And that’s where you need professional help, like we give here at Milestone. There is a process for working a new and old design together, and here are somethings to consider.

Knowing What Landscape You’ve Got to Begin With

The first thing that needs to be taken into account is your current design and landscape. A plan of your existing space needs to be drawn up.

What is the purpose of each part of the garden?
Are there features such as a pool, water feature, or fire feature?
What about architecture – gazebos, pergolas, decking?
What plants are there, and how are they planted – in raised beds, defined spaces, or groupings of pots or planters?

Knowing exactly what your existing landscape consists of can help greatly when it comes to redesigning it. There may be hidden benefits, such as shade or relaxing sounds and/or scents that you may not realize are there until observed and experienced closely.

It can also assist you in deciding your next step – how to use the space for your own purposes.

What Do You Want From Your Landscape?

Gardens typically have more than one purpose.

You want a space for entertaining, for relaxing, perhaps you need a play space for the children. Or a mini football pitch for the kids to practice their goalkeeping skills. And then there’s the family dog to think about.

Maybe you need it all – grownup space, play area, and pet space all in one.

Deciding what “room” goes where in your outdoor living area is just as important as deciding what color to paint the rooms inside. When working with an existing landscape design, you may be able to retain a space or two, or simply repurpose them, to meet your needs.

That carefully manicured grass may be just the thing for those after-school football matches. The patio under the pergola may make a lovely entertaining area.

And the plantings under the tree by the garden wall may have to be sacrificed so Farasha can have a space of her own.

Using a professional landscaping company like Milestone ensures that your desired plan and your existing plan can work together with minimal loss of use of the space.

What Landscape Can Stay, and What Goes?

Now that you know what you’ve got to work with, and you know what you want to get out of your landscape, you have the most important decision to make – deciding what to keep and what absolutely MUST go.

Unless you want to lose months of use of your outdoor living space, you may want to keep major changes to a minimum. If that is not a concern, then you may decide to keep nothing and change it all.

Again, your professional landscape designer can tell you approximately how long your landscape will be out of commission during the redesign.

Large features like pools and walls, and even some architectural features may just have to stay, at least for winter.

Even though it doesn’t rain much, rain CAN delay your project, or prohibit it from progressing altogether. That means you may have to put up with some of the former owners’ design elements for a little while.

Also, certain plantings may be necessary for the health of your landscape. Large trees may provide much needed shade and water retention. Other plantings and/or architecture may be holding back soil erosion, or providing cover for an unsightly retaining wall or other view.

Don’t forget to consider the noise-dampening qualities of certain types of lush foliage, too. What may look like an unruly bed of greenery may help to keep the sounds of nearby traffic at bay.

Incorporating Your Own Style in to Your Landscape

You’ve taken a close look at what you’ve got. You’ve assessed how you want to use your landscape. You know what you want and what you can or need to keep, and what can go.

Now, how do you get YOU into your old owners’ landscape?

Use Your Favorites

Have a favorite flower or combination of flowers?

Remove existing plantings and replace them with your favorites, if your designer says it is possible. Bring in your favorite stepping stones or type of garden path. Add a sauna or wading pool for the family to enjoy.

That spot by the corner may make a perfect koi pond, much to the delight of the children. Bring your own personality and style into your landscape by simply adding some of what you know you like.

Replace Features and Accessories

Add your own style by using your own accessories and architecture. That old gazebo can come down, and a beautiful pergola can go in its place.

Those awnings by the pool are NOT your taste and must go, to be reconstructed in shades of your own favorite color and style.

That statue in the fountain, or perhaps the entire fountain itself, can be switched out for something more to your liking.

Small changes can make a BIG difference in how you feel about your landscape.

Use The Space In Your Own Way

Your landscape may not be exactly what you want it to eventually be, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. Use it as you see fit, and as best as you can.

That shady spot under the tree may prove the perfect place to escape with a book and a cool drink on a stressful day. That gazebo may not be to your liking, but it’s still a wonderful place to entertain your friends.

The fire feature by the waterfall may not appeal visually, but it can be a pleasant place to spend evenings with the family. Use the landscape you have in your own way, and it will naturally become your own.

Landscape Design and Milestone

At Milestone, we understand landscape design. We have experienced designers who can create the perfect landscape for you, either from scratch, or by redesigning an existing plan.

We can help you in every step of the landscape redesign process, from plotting out what you’ve got, to creating your own style and spaces with it.

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Owning a Slice of The World

By Sejal Nagjee on

December 2, 2017

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Owning a Slice of The World

By Kuheli Sen

Looking out at the leafy world through the large bay windows of this charming tapas bar in Mallorca, as the owner extols the virtues of authentic local cooking styles in a smattering of Spanglish, one mulls how the same can be said of architecture.

The well-heeled home-maker knows the difference between Frank Lloyd Wright and Antoni Gaudi.

And their home is sure to be distinct from all others for they tend to pick up memories and lifestyles besides the regular knick-knacks from the world over.

The opulent world of their own they create finally is as inspired by Bali’s Ubud as the profusion of pillars and ornate tastes of the Mediterranean, they will incorporate indoor gardens, perhaps even infuse bright colours of the Philippines or borrow the sober English shades.

The number of villas inspired by Mediterranean and tropical indigenous architecture in Dubai is testimony to this nod to adapting vernacular styles.

And how one adopts these native styles and owns them adding a personal touch every time, bringing home the best of world’s cultures, is nothing short of a marvel.

A lot of influences colour Dubai homes melding modernist lines with the tropical rustic, refining them to suit local needs.

Some distinct styles are more sought after, some for their clean simplicity that embraces the future even as it holds on to the past; some for innovative use of local materials while others for the inherent philosophy itself.

If Zen be the quest, then one looks to Bali, the divine Indonesian island. The Balinese style is centuries-old reflecting the island’s traditions and ancient Javanese elements. Use of coconut wood, bamboo poles, teak wood, stone and bricks are traits of this form.

Luxury villas make effective use of Balinese architecture for infusing a relaxed tropical atmosphere that is in tune with the environment.

Spatial organisation is prominent in this design philosophy focussing on good ventilation, strong foundation, spacious front yards, high walls protecting from prying eyes and the villa itself will have separate zones for different uses connected through a series of gates.

Another key element is beautifully landscaped gardens with decorative tropical plants bringing one closer to nature, most often with a water feature to reinforce the calming and relaxing ambience.

Another popular tropical inspiration is Hawaiian. High, steep roofs are characteristic of this style. The original Hawaiian thatch homes of yore, hales, though were more or less grass cabins with typical high roofs and square holes for windows resulting in surprisingly cool interiors.

Today one can spot massage huts, and sometimes bars, reminiscent of the hale in many resorts. Interestingly, the Hawaiian design philosophy too calls for separate sections for separate activities.

Using the horizon as the reference point, the Maui builders used their body parts to measure.

Since integrating with the United States in 1959 as its 50^th state, a new landscape was sketched in Hawaii, that of tropical modernism.

It was but natural that the architects of this new land were the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright and Russian modernist Vladimir Ossipoff known for his avowed dislike for “ugliness”.

One gets a taste of this tropical modernism from the moment of stepping down on the tarmac at the airport at Honolulu.

Sample the concept of indoor and outdoor patios, known locally as lanai, blooming border gardens and a general sense of openness, all hallmarks of this tropical form.

A third most liked form is that of tropical chic, a muse for many a well-travelled owner and what better than Maldives to infuse some tropical appeal.

This island paradise espouses green and sustainable architectural practices, whether it is in sourcing materials for construction that makes good use of indigenous resources such as coral stone and plant products or the stress on simplicity.

The theme here is laid-back and unfussy. The clean lines are not grand or verbose but whisper an understated minimalism that sets this style a class apart.

Beating a similar rhythm to the other two forms, indigenous Maldivian architecture too calls for certain functions to be built separately, such as the badhige (kitchen) and even bathrooms.

While such extreme measures might have suited housing needs of a bygone era, a touch of modernism has refined the simplicity to suit 21^st century demands. Maldivian houses also accentuate ventilation and lighting techniques.

Bringing home a whiff of the roads travelled by building a personal Shangri-La is now possible. Irrespective of what one fancies, what is paramount is the sensitivity to the surroundings and being true to the chosen style.

With Milestone working on your behalf, you can capture a slice of these distant lands within your home in a tasteful and personal manner.

During a complimentary design consultation with our expert designers, we can show you how to bring your space to life. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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Italy’s best kept secret: Amalfi

By Sejal Nagjee on

November 8, 2017

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On our visit to Italy this time, we went through the usual Rome-Florence-Venice routine, and then on a whim, or perhaps because friends raved about it, took a leisurely drive along the Amalfi coastline.

And what an experience awaited us! Enchanting is perhaps too scant a word to describe this 50-km stretch in the Campania region.

What does it not have by way of dalliance – pastel vistas, diminutive beaches, azure bays, enigmatic grottos, quaint fishing villages, rugged shores, and terraced vineyards?

Then there are the famed lemon groves conveniently tucked into the landscape reminding you of the fragrant chilled glass of Limoncello awaiting you on the hotel balcony opening up to an expanse of blue blue sea.

The serenity makes it hard to imagine that Amalfi was once a bustling maritime power to reckon with, until that fateful earthquake of 1343. It was followed by a massive tsunami, which saw most of the old city claimed by the sea.

So, much of what we see today is relatively new. It is interesting to note that the architecture of this region has heavy Arabian, Sicilian and Norman influences.

Juxtapose that with the number of villas built in the Mediterranean style in Dubai and you find a striking affinity with the surroundings.

The Amalfi landscape, incidentally also a World Heritage Site, is verdant with gardens, both public and private spaces.

Ravello, for instance, has played muse to many a philosophic heart. Its spectacular gardens and elegant estates that found a common chord with writers D.H.

Lawrence, Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster, and composer Richard Wagner, more than complement the striking Mediterranean views.

Gardens, one feature that we don’t exploit often enough in our homes, are on full display here, painting the vista in myriad colours –pink Bougainvilleas draped over pretty pergolas, majestic Pandanus and palms share space with vibrant roses and pastel hydrangeas, offering stunning views from the many lookout points or belvederes.

Of course, the temperate weather of Amalfi makes the outdoor more inviting, but that does not mean that tropical climates such as Dubai cannot boast of green havens.

In Dubai, technology has played a huge role in turning the city green with blooming flowers and luxuriant plants almost everywhere, which is nothing short of a miracle considering that it is in reality a desert!

Bringing in the outdoors is possible today with some effective planning. For example, most homes that boast of some greenery ensure constant and proportionate watering.

If you are looking for inspiration, then Amalfi has all the right answers. The high point of Ravello, a picturesque town in its own right, has to be the famed Villa Rufolo that is the setting for Wagner’s ‘enchanted garden’.

The garden itself is true to its name and a riot of colours spread across two levels. Hydrangea, Japanese Spindle, Holly, Oleander, Rosemary, Hawthorn, and many more flowering plants prettify the garden while Cedar, Cypress, Ginkgo, Olive and varieties of lime are just some of the trees.

Such an extensive variety will not be possible in Dubai but a resilient and low-maintenance selection can include Raphis palm, Oleander, Pandanus, Ixora, Caecilpinia, Ruelia, Duranta, Bauhinia, Flame of the Forest and Alstonia among several others.

However, the key to a successful garden is in planning the little details that make the natural beauty stand out and shine. The architects of these Mediterranean gardens knew just how to accentuate the glory of nature.

Notice the calm cloister leading to stunning views of a garden bursting with joyous colours or the stark walls forming an apt backdrop for a fiesta of creepers.

Even today, smart use of hardscapes such as gazebos and pergolas can work wonders to transform a space. An elegant brick pathway or simply some stepping stones can add that old world charm.

While natural stone paving is practically on the verge of extinction with ceramic and porcelain tiles ruling the roost, if old is what still enchants you, use natural stones.

Lingering on in Amalfi is easy, there is so much to captivate the mind. Travelling around Christmas has its benefits – a glimpse of the popular presepes (nativity scene) complete with intricate and life-like figurines of shepherds, pizza makers, shepherds and sheep!

These presepes are prepared at this time of the year and are generally placed near or in fountains, sometimes they are so elaborate that they are permanent features of the landscape.

In Dubai climes, fountains and other such water features can lend to a cooling and soothing effect in addition to beautifying the area. There is a world of possibility once you find your muse. Are you ready for your green getaway?

If you’d like a slice of the Amalfi coast in your home, contact us for a complimentary consultation today.

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Various Pools We’ve built

By Sejal Nagjee on

November 7, 2017

- recent projects

Here is a collection of beautiful water features and pools we have designed and built in our clients homes.

I was born in Mumbai in the month of June when it was raining profusely. I lived for 30 years on the Marine Drive Sea face and heard the sound of the waves flowing and crashing on the large tetrapots.

I went to sleep and arose to the sound and sight of the mighty Arabian Sea right outside my window. Water was an inherent part of my life.

Since 2007 we’ve been building concrete pools of any shape, size and style which bring nature into the homes of our clients and creates a serene environment.

Water features and pools require special skills to design and execute them properly. Proportion, size, mechanical and electrical calculations, even the sound of the thud of water and its flow is essential to know how the water will behave once the pool is finished.

Milestone excels at this. I am so proud to share with you some of our best Aquascape designs that we have delivered in the last few years.

This unique design of water flowing on glass makes a subtle sound as the glass is just 30 centimeters above the water and sound is controlled.

The water curtain gives the illusion of rain combined with the sound of raindrops. The lighting showcases the glass panel with koi fish with water plants and the 1 meter depth pond is very modern.

The entire bio filtering, oxygenating koi pond system is concealed in the pump room and was built to conceal this equipment. This water feature sits in the entrance and is a very nice Vastu and Feng Shui element to enhance the flow of energy into the house.

Check out some of out best pools – Skimmer, overflow and infinity pools that we have built. Combined with fire, water flowing into the pool, flanked decks, Jacuzzi, each pool is a different experience.

Water walls, water flowing into a pond like water basin, immaculate lighting, the choice of the right material, height and depth of the water flow makes them unique.

A water feature adds a wow factor to the garden. They can be fully automated with an inlet of water, a drain point connected to manholes, vacuum points, filters and a chlorinator to keep them clean just like a pool.

You can completely avoid the headache of self-cleaning and have a water features that doesn’t require you to maintain it. Lastly, as this is a water rotating system, you don’t need to keep changing the water, just like a pool!

if you’re considering upgrading your existing home or you are moving into a new property, book a complimentary design consultation with us.

we’ll help you gain clarity of what you truly want and help you understand the time and cost associated with your project:

recent projects

Villa Landscape in Latana Villas

By Sejal Nagjee on

November 7, 2017

- recent projects

Villa Lantana is a freehold villa development within Dubiotech, close to Barsha 3. These villas were launched in 2014 by Tecom Investments, also the master-developer of Dubiotech. Villa handovers commenced from late 2016 through 2017.

We were contacted to propose a design for a villa landscape. The plot is not too large and architecture very simple, linear and modern. Our intention was to keep the design simple, linear, clutter free and create as much space for ease of movement.

Check out the before and after transformation of this space:

The pergola is waterproof with a slanted slat sunroof covered by polycarbonate sheet. The space below has an in-built concrete seating with cushions:

The paving tiled deck complements the color of the wooden facade. Each window has a picturesque look from the inside out and the Buddha sourced by Milestone has a backing of our signature lantern wall – an amazing feature at night!

Artificial grass keeps water and irrigation costs to a minimum and creates enough space to entertain guests.

if you’re considering upgrading your existing home or you are moving into a new property, book a complimentary design consultation with us.

We’ll help you gain clarity of what you truly want and help you understand the time and cost associated with your project:

recent projects

Casa Villa in Arabian Ranches

By Sejal Nagjee on

November 7, 2017

- recent projects

Casa, a Moroccan-styled community with exceptionally designed homes, is a fairly new community in Arabian Ranches 2 adding to the luxury lifestyle choices offered by Emaar. Drawing inspiration from the ever-changing desert landscape, the exteriors of Casa reflect the colors of soft sand and the warm hues of dusk.

We were called by the owner in 2016 to complement the villa architecture, keep it simple, modern, easy to maintain and build a nice swimming pool for his family. They owner wanted to have a pergola and barbeque area to entertain guests with a nice outdoor dining and living experience.

We presented the plan with just this brief:

The pool is an overflow pool, aligned parallel to the villa on the left and on the right it follows the slanted boundary wall for maximum space utilization. The pool is flanked by decks on either side to sit and enjoy the serene beauty of water.

Deck is tiled with Ceramic wood looking tiles that are easy to maintain and clean. It is so nice to sit and chat with friends, sipping tea, overlooking the children swimming in the pool.

The stone clad wall nicely conceals the pool pump room and equipments and gives privacy to the pool shower. The pool safety fence allow the pool to be segregated and makes it baby safe for young children.

The grass has been kept artificial to keep the water bills down and ease the maintenance and headache of mowing regularly.

A waterproof pergola is a nice feature for an entertainment area. Check out the beautiful outdoor kitchen with barbeque grill and sink. Conveniently placed near the kitchen and closer to pergola, it gives easy access to their outdoor dining experience.

The design thoughtfully takes care of their lifestyle needs.

if you’re considering upgrading your existing home or you are moving into a new property, book a complimentary design consultation with us.

we’ll help you gain clarity of what you truly want and help you understand the time and cost associated with your project:

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Luxurious Villas: Bollywood Celebrities Invest in Dubai

By Sejal Nagjee on

October 22, 2017

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For some time now, celebrity have been gravitating towards the luxurious villas nestled in the heart of Dubai. Among these investors are an elite group of Bollywood stars who have dazzled audiences with their stunning performances over the years.

Once the cameras are off, and the movie set has wrapped, these Bollywood stars head to their Dubai villas to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation in their personal sanctuary. So let’s take a look at who’s living among the Bollywood celebrity elite in Dubai.

Investing in Luxurious Villas in Dubai

For some of the most famous Bollywood stars, Dubai offers a corner of the world where they can escape their celebrity in the lap of luxury, spending time with their family and friends.

Sharukh Khan

Sharukh Khan’s K-93 villa, located at the Al Khasab Cove of the Palm Jumeirah. Painted in a pristine, modern white the two-floor villa is spread over an expansive 8,500 sq. ft., this extraordinary villa is more aptly called a personal palace.

Complete with a lush green garden, the exterior of their luxurious villa is open to visitors, the inside entry, featuring grand archways, is restricted.

When spending time at their Dubai villa, the Khan family enjoys all the amenities of Jumeirah, to include access to water sports, a private beach, deep sea fishing and shopping.

Abhishek and Aiswarya Bachchan

Bollywood power couple Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan own a glamorous villa in Sanctuary Falls, Jumeirah Golf Estates. With no expense spared, each villa in the community comes furnished with Scavolini designer Kitchen and Miele appliances, a family lounge equipped with a Bang & Olufsen Home entertainment system, and an advanced home automation system by Archimedia.

Priced between AED 15 to 35 million, each villa features a lush landscaped garden and resort style swimming pool. When they aren’t enjoying their dedicated concierge service, the Bachchan’s enjoy all the comforts and amenities of Sanctuary Falls.

Milestone Home & Interiors

You don’t have to be a Bollywood star to turn your home into a luxurious villa to escape the hustle and bustle of life.

At Milestone, designing houses and planning interiors is our speciality! We are experts at creating architecturally infused, stylish, and functional villa interior designs.

Whether you are planning a modern bathroom remodel, transforming your master bedroom or enhancing your dining area to entertain family and friends, our villa interior design team will bring a touch of modern beauty to your home décor.

Perhaps you’re looking to elevate your backyard. Our landscape design team can transform your backyard into a fun and exciting space to entertain family and friends.

From outdoor kitchens and dining areas to pools, custom water features and pergolas, we can design a build the backyard of your dreams.

if you’re considering upgrading your existing home or you are moving into a new property, book a complimentary design consultation with us.

we’ll help you gain clarity of what you truly want and help you understand the time and cost associated with your project:

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Landscape Design and Garden Design: What’s the Difference?

By Sejal Nagjee on

October 15, 2017

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You may be wondering what the difference between landscape design and garden design? We all want to have a beautiful and functional outdoor space that we can enjoy. A place to escape the hustle and bustle of life in our own personal outdoor oasis.

However, creating this space is a time-consuming and daunting task. Thankfully, there are professional landscapers and gardeners who will complete the planning and work necessary to bring your vision to life.

These professionals can use landscaping and garden design to create your garden. The professional landscape designers at Milestone have outlined the differences for your future reference.

What is Gardening

Garden design in its most basic sense is the method of designing and planting a new garden. Similar to landscaping, gardening involves design, planning and maintenance, but gardening generally only involves the plant life in a space.

Gardening involves growing plants and flowers ranging from planting to a single plant to an entire variety of plants.

Gardening also involves growing and caring for plants in pots or in the ground. However, garden designers will not build your garden for you; you will need to go to a landscaping company bring your design to life.

Gardeners will often work with a landscape design team to incorporate the garden and plant life for the overall design plan.

What is Landscaping

Landscaping is the process of altering your landscape (front or backyard) transforming it into your personal sanctuary.

Landscaping involves incorporating design elements, such as installing retaining walls, pathways, building small structures such as pergolas, gazebos, patios, installing water features, pools and other features within an area.

The purpose of landscaping is to increase the attractiveness, functionality and value of your outdoor space. Landscaping may also include aspects of gardening, such as installing new garden beds, planting trees, plants and flowers.

Gardening vs. Landscaping

Gardening

Definition: The practice of growing plants outdoors or indoors.

Practiced: Can be done by anyone.

Purpose: Hobby or interest.

Landscaping

Definition: The design and construction of gardens and outdoor spaces.

Practiced: Completed by professional landscape designers.

Purpose: Designed to achieve a desired aesthetic, and to create and build a space with a specific purpose.

Landscapers and Gardeners Working Together

Landscape design teams often work together with their in-house gardening team. Together they will sketch a design for a garden and determine a plant list.

However, the gardeners only plant, weed, cultivate, replace and harvest various plants. Whereas the landscape team conceive and develop all other aspects of your outdoor space.

Your landscape team design and build the blueprints for your outdoor space, to include:

• Hardscapes

• Softscapes

• Custom Lighting Features

• Outdoor Living Areas

• Outdoor Kitchens

• Pergolas

• Gazebos

• Livingwalls

• Pools

• Fire Pits and Fire Walls

• Custom Water Features

• Ponds

• Walkways

And More!

If you are ready to transform your backyard into a luxurious outdoor retreat, the professional landscape design team at Milestone is here to help.

if you’re considering upgrading your existing home or you are moving into a new property, book a complimentary design consultation with us.

we’ll help you gain clarity of what you truly want and help you understand the time and cost associated with your project:

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Interior Designers in Dubai: Tips to Create Space and Flow

By Sejal Nagjee on

October 8, 2017

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You’ve spent a lot of time and money to turn your villa into your personal sanctuary. However, finding the right items for your home is only half the battle. The professional interior designers in Dubai at Milestone are here to help!

Where you place your ottoman or sofa will dramatically impact the appearance of your space. To help you create the most beautiful space, the interior designer team at Milestone have compiled a few tricks of the trade that will help make your space flow better.

Follow these simple tips to create an elegant, fluid space in your modern home.

Create Space in Between Your Furniture

Whether you are looking to add new furniture or are determining where to place your current pieces, interior designers recommend leaving plenty of space between each item.

Leaving space between your items allows your family and guests to move easily around your living space without bumping into other items.

As simple as this seems, providing space between each item allows for easy mobility and will create flow in your interior design.

Establish a Focal Point in Your Space

Whether you are in the living room or in your master bedroom, there should always be a focal point in every room of your home.

It can be a larger item, such as a custom piece of furniture, a light fixture or a water wall – whatever you choose, it will anchor your space.

The item you choose should draw attention to your space and work to bring the entire room together.

Declutter

One of the first things your interior designer will tell you is to avoid the clutter.

Decorative items are great additions to your interior design. They personalize your space and inject your style into your space making it feel comfortable and cozy. However, too many items can clutter your space.

Start with a few special pieces, such as a unique sculpture or work of art, and add more items sparingly. These items will create a decorative theme for the room without it feeling overly cluttered.

Arrange Your Furniture According to Your Rug Size

A lovely area rug is a great addition to elevate your space. If you have an area rug, be sure to think about the placement of your furniture.

For larger rugs, consider placing all of your furniture on top of the rug. This can help to create a segregated space in a larger room.

For smaller rugs, consider placing your furniture around the rug rather than on top of it. Placing all of your pieces on a small rug creates a tighter space which results in poor flow.

When you place your furniture around a small rug, it will serve as a decorative feature for your room, while adding comfort to your space.

Are you grappling to find the right pieces for your space? Sometimes the vision in your head can be hard to recreate in life. That’s where the interior designers in Dubai can help.

At Milestone, we can help you find the inspiration to make your home shine with your personality and personal style. We can help you turn your vision into a reality!

From curating the best pieces to custom designing any piece of furniture or cabinetry you desire, our team of design experts are here to help. Contact us today for your free interior design consultation. We look forward to working with you.

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Decorating With Colour: Turquoise

By Sejal Nagjee on

October 2, 2017

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Few colours are as playful and stunning as turquoise. Whether you’re using it for an accent wall or as a decorative accent, this vibrant colour can be whimsical, bold, lively, or dreamy.

Why Decorate with Turquoise

Turquoise is far more than another colour from the gemstone family. With its various hues, shades and tones the colour is deeply imbued in human history as a colour that brings harmony, peace and lasting happiness.

Often referred to as the summer shade, this stunning jewelled colour is perfect for any season.

Turquoise can be used in traditional and classic rooms or modern, contemporary spaces.

Mix and Match with Other Colours

Because it has both cool and warm undertones, turquoise will compliment just about every other colour.

For a whimsical and feminine appeal, considering mixing the colour with pinks, soft greens and lavenders. Looking to create a more masculine vibe, consider pairing it with hunter green, chocolate brown or charcoal.

If you are feeling lively, you can create the feeling of spring all year long by decorating your room with turquoise and lime green. Mixing it with yellow is a great way to create a sunny, vibrant ambience all year long.

Decorating with Colour Creates Exciting Accent Walls

Like many energetic colours, turquoise is often used to add a pop of colour to an accent wall. It adds light and energy to an otherwise neutral dining room or kitchen.

Consider adding a vibrant colour to an accent wall in a room with natural wood and warm whites. Or add a splash of colour and dimension to dark coral walls as well.

A paler, bluer turquoise works in a full room and creates a colourful backdrop for black and white modern decor. The possibilities are endless with this versatile colour.

Accent Tiles

Stone tiles with vibrant accents create a lovely decorative accent for your kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor landscape design. Subtle, yet stunning using tile creates a luxurious addition to your home or office space.

Use Your Accessories

Our interior designers can take an ordinary piece of furniture from drab to stunning with a fresh coat of paint. Do you have a piece of furniture that needs a little love? Consider painting it turquoise!

Looking to add a splash of feminine flair to your space? The combination of pink and turquoise is both energetic and feminine. Throw in some white accents to keep your palette fresh.

Add this decorative colour to your existing décor by carefully selecting accents. Highlight your white walls with colourful lamps, decorative art, or drapes.

Focus on One Area

In a large room, you can create a separate space by using colour. For example, your seating area can feature a combination of turquoise armchairs, matching accent pillows and an area rug incorporating the same colour.

A symmetrical décor makes a room feel more comfortable and inviting. If you decide to add an area rug with colourful accents, consider also adding a bold chandelier or pendant light. The key is to use the colour to create a separate space.

It’s ok to be subtle. Your colour doesn’t need to be bold or dark to stand out. Even when you use a very light shade of turquoise, this stunning shade can be a vibrant accent for your home as long as your other colours come to its aid.

Decorating with colour can do wonders to reinvent your space. Are you looking to take your interior colour palette to the next level? Contact the interior design professionals at Milestone for your free consultation.

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5 Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Home Extension

By Sejal Nagjee on

September 24, 2017

- blog

Home extensions can be both exciting and daunting.

On one hand, you are adding to your villa. On the other hand, there are so many pieces of the puzzle to consider.

After building beautiful home extensions throughout Dubai and the UAE over the past two decades, there are a few things the experts at Milestone have learned along the way!

We’ve compiled the most important things you need to know before you embark on your home extension.

What’s Your Budget?

Determining your budget is one of the more fundamental aspects of your home extension projects.

Before you make any decisions (and ideally before you contact your design team), you should take a minute or two, and decide how much you would like to spend on your home extension project.

Once you’ve given yourself a budget, your design team will be able to stick to it. They’ll provide you with cost effective solutions and options that meet your project requirements and personal tastes.

What Do You Want to Achieve with Your Home Extension?

Before you invest in a villa extension, it’s important that you understand what you want to achieve with your new space.

Are you looking for a new living area that the entire family can enjoy? Do you envision an extra room for a home office or new addition to the family? Perhaps you want an expansive kitchen and dining area to entertain family and friends?

What you want to do your new space and what you want to use your extension for will determine what kind of alterations you need to make to your home.

How Long Will it Take?

House extensions don’t happen instantly or even overnight.

Setting aside the actual design and build processes, planning permissions and building permits take time. Keep this in mind and remain calm and patient.

When planning a home extension, we always recommend considering the time of year, factor in personal variables such as holidays, family events and other occasions to avoid any massive disruption to your routine.

Once you do decide the best time frame for your home extension, the secret is to plan as far ahead as possible.

Be sure to share your timeline with your design team from the start. This will help keep the project on time and ensures everyone is on the same page.

There are Rules and Permits Required

With local councils invested in the changes that happen in their local communities, there are rules and regulations that villa owners must comply with.

You may be surprised to discover that where you once had a window positioned in your existing villa, it’s no longer permissible in your new renovation.

The only solution is to work within the guidelines and to choose a design team who has experience in dealing with your local planning department and the residential regulations.

This ensures all permits are obtained and that all renovations meet local building guidelines.

Hire an Expert

If you’re like most people, you have neither to skills or time to complete your home extension on your own.

Like many other things in life, when in doubt you should hire a professional! It’s best to partner with design professionals to guarantee that your villa extension turns out exactly how you envision it.

When you’re planning a home extension, it’s essential that you hire the right people.
And the right people are professional designers and builders.

Before hiring a design and build team for your villa extension conduct a thorough background check on any company you are considering working with.

Take a look at their recently completed projects, client testimonials and their industry reputation.

At Milestone, we take pride in helping you transform your space.

Whether you want to add a single room or an entire wing, our team of professional designers and builders are excited to bring your vision to life.

Contact us today for a complimentary consultation to learn more about how we can get your project started off on the path to completion.

recent projects

Plush Villa in Emirates Hills

By Sejal Nagjee on

September 23, 2017

- recent projects

This beautiful villa in Emirates Hills is located in Lilak street and boasts of a gorgeous Landscape.

Owners wanted to revamp the whole garden when they bought this property. This villa was U shaped and had a huge central courtyard in the backyard that surrounded different areas in the property. The old pool in that courtyard was not situated in the right location as per Vastu / Feng Shui.

It needed to be closed down with a new pool to be built, right outside the living room. The client wanted some seating area, dining area with a wash basin and a beautiful courtyard with immaculate lighting.They had collected some very old antique columns that needed to be used to build a shade structure.

The layout of the villa did not have square or rectangle areas and everything was spread out due to the u shaped building construction. Areas were divided into left, right and centre, making it hard to integrate spaces! We needed to see a nice view from each window and room and bring spaces together harmoniously.

The toughest part of design was to use the antique columns to create a pergola that does not look too ornate! Was it possible to combine something so antique with modern and match the overall simple and modern design, i wandered!

Idea was to create a beautiful infinity pool that runs water over the walls facing the living room windows. When they open up the bifold doors in winter, the sound of water makes the whole space so relaxing!

We wanted to build a kinesthetic garden that wows all the senses! Long lasting, easy to maintain, sustainable, medium range materials used and yet very serene and impactful with gorgeous lighting design.

It took almost 7 months from designing it, gaining Emaar and Dubai Municipality approvals to building it and handing over.

The entrance has a gorgeous water wall with water sliding down a large glass into a koi pond. Koi Pond basin was a meter deep with glass in the front from which you can see koi fish swimming around . It feels as if it is raining outside when you see the water feature from inside the house.

The gorgeous lantern wall create a nice entrance to the side pathway of the villa. The Infinity Pool with a water feature creates a grand view and is the most gorgeous feature in that villa.

Clients are enjoying spending time in the unique pergola that stand tall near the Pool. They love to entertain, have parties, swim, dine outside as a family. They are able to accommodate at least 100 guests when they desire to host large numbers of people.

Enjoy looking at all the pictures. Should you feel inspired to create something unique in your villa , give us a call and we will help you transform your space and bring your vision into reality.

recent projects

Masgouf Restaurant

By Sejal Nagjee on

September 23, 2017

- recent projects

Masgouf is an Iraqi cuisine restaurant located on Jumeirah Beach Road. It’s one of the finest regional food restaurants, very popular and highly rated.

Milestone was hired to design complete exteriors which is a huge space accommodating at east 150 seats in 2014. Space needed to be created to enjoy the outdoor dining experience, sitting in a beautiful garden. During winter, people love to sit out and dine instead of sitting inside. So it needed to be very special.

We created large shade structures. The span of the beam was 9 meters in length and had to use strong I beams of that length with welding the framework with the column to create a strong support. This was done to avoid columns interfering in the center walking flow. 2 large pergolas are iconic and look lovely from outside and allow enough lighting and fans.

Beautiful water features are built to kill the traffic sound and have a beautiful ambience.

The large black water wall opposite the VIP dining area is my personal favorite and it’s a beautiful water wall. Sliding water makes a soothing sound and there is a always a request and queue to sit in front of it!

Immaculate mood lighting makes the restaurant look gorgeous at night. Well-lit staircases and ramp give a stunning feel at night.

This modern and simple restaurant is completely neutral and used just beige, brown , black and green through plants. Sometimes less is more and simplicity is the key to minimalistic linear designs.

Do visit the restaurant and let us know how you liked it. Should you own a restaurant that needs to be designed inside out, call us and we will help you create an environment that is sought after by people. A well designed entrance and exterior definitely tempts people to try it out!

recent projects

Smita Parikh’s Villa in Meadows

By Sejal Nagjee on

September 23, 2017

- recent projects

It’s always so nice to be a part of a whole Interior transformation. I thank Smita for this great opportunity and would love to share with you the journey.

Smita has a lovely Hattan villa located in Meadows, Dubai. She was tired of the old look and the villa layout that was very departmental and disjointed. She wanted to utilize the space better, connect spaces and revamp the whole ground floor.

Smita wanted a nice German fitted kitchen, classy powder room, welcoming living room and dining room.

She wanted a functional, usable, funky bar. From a great and inviting entrance to replacement of her main door, she wanted a very modern and contemporary place for the next 10 years.

Hattan Villas have small partitioned sliding doors and 3 different rooms with a passage and that makes it very difficult to connect spaces. We brought the main door forward, using the front wasted porch space and fixed a glass roof on top.

Leather parquet was used on the marble in the central living room. Walls were partially broken, windows made larger by letting the non loadbearing columns go and the house was completely remodeled.

Ceilings and walls were enhanced with wallpaper and the house was completely white with just a dash of color on one wall and color brought out through cushions and paintings on the wall. Wood works are all done in our in house carpentry and customized.

The old kitchen was completely ripped apart and new flooring tiles, MEP works done to install a German fitted kitchen that she just loves!

Powder room was upgraded with a new vanity counter and the wash basin wall enhanced.

Bar is the most happening place in her house and her son loves to host his friends and all of them love to party there. It’s very convenient as all glasses are placed in drawers and you don’t need to bend much to bring things out.

Wine cooler and fridge are in the same space too.

Smita is so happy with her space. Its been 5 years since we designed this and it still looks new, charming and in vogue as it is a timeless design.

She is enjoying the simplicity in design and yet the glamour in her space. It’s white and yet vibrant. It’s functional and practical and a space that she is proud of. It reflects her personality and makes it a home!

Do you have something in mind but cant express on paper? Have you dreamt of your home during your travels, have collected lots of paintings and artifacts and don’t know how to place them?

Does your space lack organized storages? Call us and we will help to do your space planning such that it makes your home very convenient and user friendly.

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Green Thumbs Up: 5 Tips to Create a Lavish Green Garden

By Sejal Nagjee on

September 17, 2017

- blog

Gardening is a rewarding pursuit. At Milestone, we are in love with the entire garden design process. However, there’s so much to learn, and only so much you can absorb in a single growing season.

So we’ve come up with a list of helpful tips to get you started towards designing and growing your lavish green garden!

Before You Start Digging, Make a Design Concept Plan

Before you get involved with the physical aspects of bringing your garden to life, such as sourcing, purchasing and installing your plants and accessories, you should have a clear and concise creative vision.

You need to invest as much time as possible into really knowing what you want from your garden in advance. Place your plan on paper to help you see how your design elements will work together. This also allows you to make changes as necessary.

Planning is essential to growing a lavish green garden. Even if you are just beginning with your garden, you should never “wing it.” Start by learning about your climate and seasons.

Even if you are only starting with a few pots of herbs or flowering plants, understanding your climate, rainfall, soil type, and sunlight exposure is very important. All of this will help you determine the types of plants you can grow and what supplies you’ll need.

A garden is more than just plants and flowers. It will serve as your backyard sanctuary. Be sure to consider the various areas you want to add to your backyard garden. How will you and your family be using your it?

Do you want a sitting area or an outdoor kitchen for entertaining? Will you add a pool or fire pit for late night fun? All of these elements must be considered in your garden design plan.

So make a comprehensive schematic layout with full measurements to visualise how you will plan all the spaces in hardscape and softscape in your garden along with irrigation and lighting with full details of materials to be used.

It’s All About the Plants

When it comes to a growing a lush green garden, it’s all about the plants. Deciding what you want to grow may feel overwhelming, but it’s also fun!

Are you looking to elevate your garden with lush seasonal flowers in Winter months of October to March in UAE or do you wish to supplement your grocery budget with homegrown fruits and vegetables?

In Dubai and UAE climate, growing vegetables may be a bit tough with extreme heat for 6 months of the year but growing herbs like Rosemary , Basil.

Lemongrass, Mint and having fruiting trees like Mango, Pomegranate, Date, Chikoo, Lemon, Orange, Papaya, and Fig are possible throughout the year.

Tomatoes, Aubergine, Chillies and Cucumbers are some of the other vegetables that can be home grown during the 6 months growing period in Dubai. It’s quite exciting to do your own organic farming and a great learning experience for kids.

Do you want an evergreen garden with perennial planting so you do not keep on changing the seasonal flowers all the time, increasing costs and budget?

Perennial does not mean that it will keep flowering and fruiting. All plants have their seasons. It will bear flowers and fruits as per their season but when they are not flowering or fruiting, they will not perish.

They will shed leaves in fall and will revive back lasting for many years unless attacked by disease and not taken care of.

For planting in Dubai and UAE, look for heat tolerant varieties that will thrive in this area and climate. Be sure to plant according to the season, as sunlight and rainfall can make or break a garden.

Dubai has negligible rainfall so you must consider adding an automatic watering system to ensure your plants receive the water they require to grow and thrive. No gardener will visit your house 3-4 times a day.

Whereas the automatic timer can be set as per need to water the plants 3-4 times in the summer and twice in Winter.

Shed Some Light on Your Garden Creation

If you are going to entertain in your garden throughout the seasons, it’s crucial you incorporate efficient and stylish lighting. Luckily, the broad range of fittings available for your backyard garden is incredibly diverse.

Whether you invest in small and flexible spotlights or wall mounted down lights, you can customize your lighting to create the desired shades and angles of light to illuminate your garden on even the darkest of nights.

During summer, the outdoor lighting will act as accents to highlight your garden so you can enjoy the views from indoor and in Winter, you will be able to entertain outside, enjoying the features and actually use the garden space effectively.

Incorporate Unique Outdoor Furniture & Sculptures

While the design and procurement of unique, custom made furniture are extremely popular in stylish luxury villas, it’s less common in outdoor and garden spaces.

Professional designers and carpenters can create one of a kind, bespoke garden furniture to help you cultivate an engaging environment for entertaining.

Custom furniture on your patio will add a ‘wow’ factor to your garden, and serve as a talking point for the friends and family you entertain in your new outdoor space.

Don’t Forget the Water Features and Living Walls

If you are short on space, you can still enjoy a lush green garden. Consider transforming your exterior villa wall into a lush living wall.

Complete with plants and water features, living walls add an element of natural elegance to your outdoor space, even when square footage is limited.

There are few things in life as soothing and naturally relaxing as the sight and sound of water. Outdoor gardens provide the perfect opportunity to add water features and waterfalls to your backyard.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when creating an outdoor garden space. When in doubt, turn to the design professionals at Milestone.

Our team will help you transform your backyard into the oasis of your dreams. If you’ve created a beautiful garden, we’d love to see it.

Need a little inspiration, please check our latest design in the Milestone portfolio or visit our Show villa in Jumeira Park.

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Interior Design: 5 Things You Need to Know

By Sejal Nagjee on

September 10, 2017

- blog

Interior design comes naturally to some people.

For others, it takes an education and the help of a professional interior designer to be able to create beautiful spaces.

Whether you know what you want but are too busy to bring that vision to life, or you have no idea where to start, a professional interior designer will help you create your dream space.

Whether you are looking to decorate a single room or an entire house or office space, there are a few interior design tips you must know to help you conquer your next big design project:

Personalize Your Interior Design:

Your home or office is a reflection of your lifestyle and personality. In many ways, it’s an extension of yourself.

And like your own memories and experiences, decorating your villa takes thought and consideration.

From the door knobs and the wall art to unique sculptures and custom designed furniture, each aspect of your interior design scheme has the potential to tell your story.

Whether your taste is quirky, eclectic, traditional, modern, or minimalistic, surrounding yourself with things that inspire you will prove to be rejuvenating for your home and your spirit.

Create More Space:

Many people think they simply don’t have enough space to create a lovely, expansive interior.

Luckily, there are a few simple tricks that maximize every square foot of your villa or office:

1. Soft wall colors and comfortable furniture are simple solutions to create the illusion of expansive space for smaller rooms.

2. When you’re short on square footage, consider using floor length curtains. Even on small windows the right curtains will lend the the illusion of height.

3. Decorative wall mirrors not only make your room look and feel more expensive, but they also improve your natural lighting when placed opposite a window.

Make a Statement:

When it comes to creating a unique aesthetic, you simply can’t go wrong with a statement piece.

A well placed statement piece not only makes a big impact on your home, but it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

From patterned walls and living walls, to a piece of custom made furniture or a unique a work of art, there are plenty of options to consider to make statement in your space.

Function is Key:

When it comes to interior design, making your space comfortable and cozy is a must! Your space should be inviting and functional.

When it comes to interior design, function and comfort go hand in hand. Combining form with function is the key to keeping a villa organized and aesthetically pleasing.

You can even get creative! Decorative baskets, beds with hidden storage spaces, custom built bookcases and unique hanging racks are perfect examples of finding the blend between function and personality.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun:

Decorating the interior of your villa or office space is a fun and exciting time.

Above all else, remember to have fun! Embrace the design process and work with your design team to bring your vision to life.

Whether you are deciding your color palette, selecting the perfect curtains or simply determining where you should place your furniture, this is a great opportunity for your family to come together to create something that you all share and love for years to come.

The professional interior design team at Milestone is looking forward to helping you bring your interior design vision to life. If you can dream it, we can help you create it!

Need a little inspiration? Check out our latest designs at the Milestone portfolio or visit our Show Villa in Jumeira Park.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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7 Reasons to Add an Indoor Water Feature

By Sejal Nagjee on

September 3, 2017

- blog

Have you been considering adding an indoor water feature to your home or office? There are so many reasons for adding a water feature to your interior design scheme, to include health benefits and general aesthetics. Here are a eight reasons to elevate your interior design with a unique water feature.

1. Sit Back and Relax:

Human beings have always been drawn to the natural healing power and calming effects of water. Indoor water features, such as fountains, provide the soothing sounds of flowing water.

The sounds of water have been reported to help people relax and can decrease stress in both personal and professional spaces.

2. Create an Interesting Focal Point:

An indoor water fountain or living wall will create a strong focal point to any room in your villa or office space. Water features can be incorporated for decorative purposes and are pleasing to anyone who sees them.

Regardless of how much space you have, a custom water feature will create an impressive focal point for your family, friends and clients.

3. Pleasant Background Noise:

An indoor water feature, such as a fountain of water wall, can be customized to be loud enough to drown out unpleasant background noise. However, the noise quality of water is never disruptive or disturbing.

The soothing sounds of water are often used to mask the unpleasant sounds of traffic or other minor annoying sounds.

4. Increase Negative Ions:

Indoor water features emit negative ions. These negative ions are the same ions found naturally around waterfalls and mountains. Research has shown that negative ions are released into the air as water evaporates from your water feature.

These negative ions cleanse the air you breathe. This clean air helps you focus and think more clearly. Improved air quality also helps the body reduce stress and fatigue.

5. Custom Made to Fit Your Space:

Whether you have a large space or are short on square footage, a custom designed water feature offers the perfect accent to elevate your interior design.

From small water fountains and waterfalls to large water walls, a professional interior designer can create the perfect water feature for you villa or office.

6. Add Life:

Water features provide the perfect foundation to incorporating plant life into your home or office. Whether you want to add a few plants around your water fountain, or want to design a full sized living wall with ornate waterfall, the only limitation is your imagination!

7. Visual Stimulation:

Not only does water produce a soothing and relaxing sound, it also produces a soothing visual stimulation. An indoor waterfall or fountain will transform your room or space into a tranquil oasis.

There are few things in life more beautiful to watch than water flowing down a natural slab of glass or stone. The attractive and peaceful appearance of an indoor waterfall or water feature will add natural beauty to your space.

There are many benefits to incorporating an element of water into your home or office. Among these benefits are the enjoyable and relaxing sound of trickling water, the attractive and peaceful appearance of a natural water and several health benefits directly related to indoor water features.

If you want to enjoy the peaceful, tranquil, beauty of an interior water feature, contact the design professionals at Milestone today. We’ll help you enhance your quality of life and visual aesthetics with the addition of a beautiful, custom designed indoor water fountain, water fall, or water wall. If you can dream it, the professionals at Milestone can design it!

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The Benefits of Villa Extensions: What You Need to Know!

By Sejal Nagjee on

August 27, 2017

- blog

When it comes time to renovate your villa, there are many benefits. Expanding your home provides an opportunity to express your individuality and style through your home, while simultaneously providing the space you need to live your life to the fullest!

With a plan, a vision and an understanding of the benefits for upgrading your villa, you are guaranteed to accomplish your desired villa renovation. Not only will your home look and feel fantastic, but you’ll enjoy additional benefits too!

Increase square footage

Who says your home has to stay the same size? As life moves forward your family may grow and there may come a time when you simply need more space!

A properly planned villa extension can add valuable square footage for an extra bedroom, larger kitchen or additional bathroom. Even if you have an empty nest, you may need a little more space to entertain family and friends in style.

An extension allows you to build the exact space you need to take you living space to the next level.

Save time and money

Rather than incurring the costs associated with moving into a new home, such as placing a large deposit and paying movers to relocate, consider setting that money aside to expand your home with a villa extension.

A villa extension will save you time and money in the long run. When executed properly, your villa extension will meet your budgetary needs while turning your vision for your home a reality!

Not to mention, a villa extension allows you to save the time associated with trying to sell your villa, house hunting, and the actual move itself.

Create the exact space you want

Rather than starting over in a new home, you can personalize your existing home with a villa extension. Have you always wanted a large kitchen with a walk out porch? What about a master suite with a spa bathroom and a walk in closet?

A villa extension provides the opportunity to create the exact space you want! Even if you aren’t seeking a full scale remodel or extension, our design experts can work with your existing space to transform it into exactly what you want.

We are experts in reconstructing walls and spaces to create your dream home! If you can dream it, the designers at Milestone can build it.

Home extensions provide the perfect opportunity to create the amount of space you need, allowing you to use your space exactly they way you want to.

Increase your villa value

Essentially, when you increase the square footage of your home, the value of your home will increase too.

Not only will a villa extension save you money in the short term (compared to a costly move), but home extensions provide an instant opportunity to increase the value of your home.

For example, if you design and construct a room that truly enhances the home’s overall design, it’s guaranteed to raise the market value of your home.

Choose a qualified expert

Many villa owners are overwhelmed by the choices and decisions in the early planning stages of their villa extension or retail fit-out project. It’s vital to hire a professional, licensed, and properly insured contractor from the very beginning of your project.

The experts at Milestone can assist you in determining how to create a custom floor plan for your home or office. We’re also experts at navigating those frustrating Dubai municipality and developer approvals required for your project.

Our designers and contractors take pride in helping you transform your villa with an extension that’s sure to create the home of your dreams.

Whether you desire an extra bedroom or a new space to entertain family and friends, you will not regret building onto your home.

Contact us today to get the ball rolling! Need a little more information? Take a look at a few of our recent villa extension projects.

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Home Remodeling: Start from the Ground Up with Your Flooring

By Sejal Nagjee on

August 20, 2017

- blog

Are you thinking about renovating your villa? Consider starting from the ground up and replace that old, outdated flooring! With all of the flooring options there’s a great deal to consider and it can feel overwhelming.

Not to worry. The experts at Milestone are here to help! We’ve compiled this helpful guide to help you consider the costs, benefits, and the disadvantages of each type of flooring before you commit.

Marble

A bit more expensive than other flooring options, marble flooring injects an instant refined beauty to any space while creating a rich look that is sure to impress.

For those individuals looking to add artistic design to their home, marble tiles can be arranged and prepared in creative ways to add an additional element to your home.

Additionally, marble possesses a unique veining with a wide range color options that truly make a standout, luxurious statement in any room.

Advantages of Marble Flooring

• Luxurious visual statement: Marble flooring instantly creates a stunning, attention-grabbing statement in any entryway or room.

• Create an artistic statement: Marble flooring is ideal for designer flooring with inlays, and it can be arranged in a manner that creates a creative work of art in your flooring pattern.

• Durable and strong: Marble is not only long lasting and durable, but it’s also water resistant and bacteria resistant.

• at a budget friendly price point.

Porcelain Flooring

Versatile and elegant, porcelain flooring tiles are an innovative product gaining popularity amongst villa owners and interior designers alike.

Fired at higher temperatures than conventional ceramic tile and constructed from super-fine porcelain clay, porcelain tiles are durable and made for demanding purposes for both interior and exterior spaces.

Benefits of porcelain flooring

• Variety: Porcelain flooring offers a wide variety in color and tile type, to include glazed and unglazed, high-gloss and refined, or textured to lend the illusion of stone.

• Sturdy, resilient and versatile: Porcelain flooring is resilient and resistant to wear and tear, and it can be applied both indoors and outdoors.

• Low maintenance: Porcelain flooring is resistant to staining and does not require any sealing for water resistance.

• Durable: Porcelain flooring is fired at much higher temperatures than standard ceramic tiles which allow them to last a lifetime, even in the highest traffic areas of your home or office.

Modern manufacturing techniques allow ceramic producers to produce materials that can be printed in a variety of ways providing you home with numerous design options.

Hardwood flooring

There are few things in a home or office more inviting than beautiful, natural wood flooring. Whether you are creating a traditional or contemporary space, wood flooring is sure to take your space to the next level.

Benefits of wood flooring:

• Straightforward installation: Wood floors are milled to guarantee a durable and uniform fit in any room or space.

• High-quality appeal:: Wood flooring instantly provides a beautiful, high-end aesthetic with the warmth, charm, and beauty of rustic natural wood.

• Strength and durability: Wood flooring is strong, and made to withstand heavy foot traffic areas and active workspaces.

• Variety: Wood flooring comes in a wide variety, ranging in color, stain and specific wood types (i.e. oak, bamboo, etc.).

• Ageless quality: Wood ages gracefully and looks better with age. The more you use your hardwood floor, the better it will look!

Cork Flooring

Looking to keep it natural? Cork flooring provides an aesthetically appealing flooring option that looks as good as it feels! Available in tiles and planks in many styles, colors, and sizes, cork flooring is a unique flooring option that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Benefits of cork flooring

• Durable: Cork flooring resists cracking and abrasions and is impermeable to gas and liquid. When properly maintained, cork flooring can last 40 years or more.

• Healthy: Cork is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and termites. Cork is also anti-microbial and does not shed microfibers or off-gas to negatively impact indoor air quality.

• Comfortable: A cork floor “gives” when compressed, providing a comfortable cushion that looks as good as it feels.

• Quiet: Cork is a natural thermal and acoustic insulator. Rooms with cork flooring are naturally quiet and warm.

• Aesthetically versatile: Cork flooring is available in tiles and planks in many styles, colors, and sizes. You can use cork planks to create an almost seamless-looking floor or create a nontraditional effect by alternating tile colors.

When it comes to your home or office, your flooring provides the first impression and foundation for your entire design. Why not start off on the right foot?

Contact the experts at Milestone to learn more about how we can help you renovate your space from the ground up with custom flooring solutions.

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Four Benefits of Custom Furniture and Cabinetry

By Sejal Nagjee on

August 13, 2017

- blog

What better way to elevate your interior design than with an exceptional piece of custom designed furniture that speaks to the heart of your personal tastes? At Milestone, we believe in thoughtful design, extraordinary craftsmanship, and innovation.

Our custom made furniture is sketched by our talented designers and handcrafted by skilled artisans in our onsite joinery.

The result a one of a kind, quality crafted custom piece that will stand the test of time. So what are some of the benefits of owning custom made furniture?

1. A Time Honored Tradition

Not so long ago, furniture pieces were built by hand instead of mass produced on a manufacturing line. Craftsmen earned a living making tables, chairs, cabinets, dressers, vanities, bookshelves and headboards to order.

In the current climate of mass production, there’s an element of pride in custom built items that you simply can’t purchase on a shelf.

With the creation of every chair, table, bench, and stool, woodworkers strive to build custom furniture that will last for generations. When you purchase a custom made piece of furniture, you are supporting the time honored traditions of woodworking and joinery.

2. Tailored to You

When you work together with an artisan to create a one of a kind item, you can bypass the middlemen and their styles.

With a custom crafted piece of furniture, you can embrace your creative vision and share it with a skilled professional to bring your personal taste to life.

Whatever your tastes or requirements are, an artisan can work with you to create tailored, unique pieces. They will design and craft your piece to your exact specifications and dimensions.

3. Focus on quality

Making a one-off piece of furniture involves a level of care and focus unparalleled by mass-produced items. Our carpenters and artisans never produce flat-packed furniture to reduce costs reduce costs (and qualities).

Instead, skilled woodworkers treat each custom made piece like the work of art that it is. They take pride in their work, as it is a direct reflection of their craft.

4. Build an Emotional Connection

Commissioning a custom crafted piece of furniture introduces sentimentality and meaning into your interior design. Your one-off piece of furniture allows you to connect with an artisan and learn about their craft.

Working with an artisan grants you the opportunity to select and appreciate the materials and production methods used to bring your vision to life.

It’s an investment in a timeless piece and story that can be enjoyed and passed down for generations.

5. Custom Furniture Collections

Transform your design style with functional, beautiful furniture pieces to create an inviting living space. Dive into cozy custom upholstered sofas, chaise lounges, and side chairs.

Complete the look with a unique accent table, console and end tables. Impress dinner guests with formal dining room furniture or cook up a striking “stay-a-while” mood with a casual kitchen table and chair set.

From the classic style and modern furniture designs to luxurious and Italian furniture styles, our custom furniture collections update villas and office spaces with the latest design styles and trends.

Have something particular in mind? Our carpenters and artisans will custom build your piece of furniture to your exact specifications and personal style. Contact us today to learn more!

Whether you desire modern furniture, classic furniture, luxury furniture, Italian furniture or custom made furniture, the interior design professionals and joinery experts at Elite Fit Out are ready to turn your vision into a reality.

Contact us today to start furnishing your home or office in unique style. We look forward to working with you.

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Bathroom Makeover: 5 Things You Need to Know

By Sejal Nagjee on

August 6, 2017

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From outdated flooring and fixtures to funky colored tile, most homeowners know the first place a villa starts to show dating or wear and tear is in the bathroom.

So it’s no surprise that when it comes to home improvement projects, one of the first rooms people look to remodel is the bathroom.

We’ve put together a list of the top benefits associated with transforming that outdated bathroom into the luxurious home spa you’ve been dreaming of!

Add more space

Do you ever feel like there isn’t enough room in your bathroom to truly enjoy it? Remodeling your bathroom provides ample opportunity to make the most of your space.

Whether you are looking to expand square footage or add flexible storage options, the bathroom is a perfect place to start! A properly planned bathroom design will ensure you have plenty of space to relax and unwind after a long day.

You can start simple and maximize space with properly-designed layouts using fixtures that fit better within your space or add space to your bathroom with a major remodel.

Whether it’s swapping out your oversized vanity for a more streamlined one or adding creative storage solutions, a bathroom remodel will help you create a bathroom that will work best for your needs.

Correct and update features

Whether it’s a sink that perpetually leaks or you’re tired of those cracked tiles, a bathroom renovation grants homeowners the opportunity to fix any unsafe or outdated features in their bathrooms.

Even the smallest upgrade can make a difference. Consider replacing outdated handles, faucets, and lighting fixtures for an instant improvement.

If you plan on staying in your home, updating bathroom features can improve the look and feel of your entire villa. In fact, a bathroom makeover might be exactly what you need to reconceptualize your entire living space!

Energy efficient bathrooms

The world is going green, and it’s time to stop wasting your valuable energy fixing leaks and using a plunger!! Energy efficient homes save billions in costs associated with energy and water.

By improving your bathrooms efficiency, you’ll improve your efficiency. Replace leaky faucets and water-wasting toilets with new, sleek, efficient plumbing solutions.

Trade out traditional light bulbs for energy efficient LED bulbs. With just a few cost effective solutions the savings will start pouring in!

Create a more luxurious and modern bathroom

While updating fixtures is a great place to start, a fullscale bathroom remodel will transform your bathroom into a luxurious, relaxing, modern home spa!

Would you like to watch your favorite television program while relaxing in a Jacuzzi tub surrounded by bubbles and soothing jets?

Or perhaps you’d enjoy a warm toilet seat during a cool evening? When it comes to sinks, toilets, showers, spa tubs, bathroom cabinets, and custom lighting, the possibilities are only limited by your vision!

When remodeling your bathroom, you can inject some of the luxuries of our modern age, making this area of your home more attractive, functional and enjoyable.

Increase the value of your home

Remodeling your bathroom can instantly increase the value of your home. By replacing outdated features with stylish and energy efficient toilets, spa bathtubs, glass showers, and sinks, you can enhance the aesthetics of your bathroom while simultaneously increasing the value of your home.

If you plan to stay in your villa for awhile, you’ll recoup the costs as you experience the relaxation and luxury of your newly remodeled bathroom.

If you intend to sell your home, not only will you recover the costs by adding value to your home, but a recently remodeled bathroom is sure to entice your buyer!

When it comes to the bathroom, even the tiniest upgrade can create a major impact. Not only can your bathroom become a place of relaxation and retreat, but a properly planned bathroom renovation will ensure all your fixtures and plumbing are working properly and efficiently.

So if you’re looking to improve the function of your bathroom while simultaneously increasing your property value, start with the bathroom!

Contact the bathroom design experts at Milestone to get started today!

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Tips for Painting Your Interior

By Sejal Nagjee on

July 23, 2017

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Instantly elevate your interior from drab to fab with a fresh coat of paint! Why do we find one space appealing and others unsettling or mundane? Why are we attracted to one color over another?

Whether architectural or in products, color accounts for 60% of our response to an object or a place.

Here are a few tips for painting your interior to create a warm and welcoming space everyone is sure to enjoy.

Color Psychology

Wherever we go, we respond to color. It impacts our mood and whether or not we feel at ease in space. Often called “color psychology,” the effects of color range from subtle to significant and are also psychological and physical.

Color use is important to us personally in our homes and in the places where we work.

Start Small & Think About Your Mood

If you’re not sure where to begin with color, experiment in a small space, such as a bathroom, small hall or with an accent wall. Instead of becoming overwhelmed with your interior painting process, think of it as an adventure.

To get started, consider selecting a color inspired from your favorite artwork, a rug, dishes, or furniture piece to feature as an accent color or main color.When choosing your color, think about the mood you wish to create for the room.

Do you want your bedroom to feel soothing and restful or intimate and dramatic?Soft, pastel colors and cool neutrals create a relaxing atmosphere while powerful colors create a bold and dramatic impact.

Be careful not to over stimulate your space with intense bright colors, as some bold colors can lead to unrest and irritability.

Pay Attention to Lighting

Have you ever wondered why paint stores have light boxes for you to test paint chips? Light changes the way a color presents itself. Natural daylight reveals color in its truest form.

Incandescent lighting is best for yellows and warm tones and fluorescent lighting emits a sharp blue tone.Ultimately, a strong color might be too bright and overpowering when used on walls next to large windows.

However, these bright colors may prove effective when used as an accent wall highlighted with indirect light. When choosing your paint color, it’s always best to consider the lighting of your room.

Learn the Color Terms

When painting your interior, it helps to understand the terminology used to describe a color.

• Hue is what we call a color. For example, blue is the hue; yellow is the hue.

• The value of the hue is how dark or light the color is.

• Saturation refers to how dominant the hue is. For example, as we go from pink to red, the red hue becomes more dominant.

• Intensity is the brilliance of the color. Pure colors such as red, blue and yellow are more intense than the combined colors such as yellow-green or pinkish-red. An intense stronger color usually has a more dominant hue.

If you want to create a more dynamic space, consider including more intense colors. If you want a light-colored room, choose colors that are slightly more saturated than light pastel or off-white.

Very light color can feel bright and stark when it appears on all surfaces in a room.However, two or more medium-light, closely related pastel colors could create a glowing effect when added to the same room.

Play with Different Finishes

A single color used on trims and walls takes on new significance when applied in various finishes. For example, trim and wall colors can remain the same hue but use an eggshell (matte and less reflective) finish on walls and a satin or semi-gloss on the trim.

The color will appear slightly altered on each surface. This is a perfect way to create a cohesive look in rooms with multiple doors and windows.

Test Your Color Choice

Whether you are painting an entire room or an accent wall, increase your confidence by testing colors on poster board or large areas of a wall. Don’t be afraid to move beyond your comfort zone.

Consider strong, lively colors or soft, intense neutrals like chocolate brown or olive green as main or accent colors.

You can also add a dramatic impact with a strong color on the ceiling. A painted ceiling can dramatically change the whole look of a room.

A few quick changes with paint can transform your space, revitalizing your environment and elevating your mood. What colors do you prefer in your living room or dining room?

We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.Not sure where to start? Contact the interior designers at Milestone for a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Eco Friendly Sustainable Interior Design

By Sejal Nagjee on

July 16, 2017

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Aside from considering the aesthetics and safety of a space, one must also consider adding eco-friendly accents to their interior design scheme.

Decorating a villa while considering the environment and the health and wellness of the people enjoying your space is called sustainable designing. It’s easier that you think. With a few simple changes you can transform your space.

The expert interior designers at Milestone have compiled a few tips to get you headed down the path to sustainable interior design.

Place Plants as Decorations

Placing plants in your home or office instantly adds the soothing element of the great outdoors. Additionally, plants help filter air and aid in removing harmful elements in the room.

Peace lilies, Sensevaria, areca palms, Ficus, Boston fern, bamboo palms or gerbera daisies are particularly helpful for purifying the air. Consider adding a vertical living wall or a water wall with plants.

Be sure to choose flowers and plants that fit with your home. Indoor custom water features also add the soothing sights and sounds of water, adding to the soothing ambiance of your home.

Let the Sunlight In

Letting in the sunlight and maximizing the daylight is another way to instantly create an eco-friendly interior. There are many simple ways to add more light to your home. Start by pulling back the curtains and shades during the day.

You can even get creative by adding glass prisms to add a whimsical element that catches the light. Avoid placing thick dark furniture near the window.

Incorporating light colors in your interior design scheme and white trim around your windows also enhances the natural light in your space.

If you are looking to increase the natural light in a more permanent manner, consider converting solid exterior doors to doors with windows. Adding energy efficient windows to south walls also creates more natural light in your room.

You can also add tubular skylights to your ceilings. Unlike traditional skylights, which can be expensive, tubular skylights are budget friendly and are air-tight (to avoid drainage issues).

Natural sunlight will make your residence feel healthier, safer and more comfortable. From an interior design standpoint, the lighter and brighter the room is, the more comfortable it is!

Use Organic and Natural Materials

If you are really aiming to achieve an interior that is good for the environment, you have to do away with plastic, particleboard and chromed metal. Decorating with natural materials is a great way to achieve an eco-friendly home.

Replacing manmade materials such as plastic, particleboards and chromed metal with rustic woods, stone, burlap, and cotton instantly create the cozy feeling of the natural environment.

Adding furniture crafted from wood or with wood accents also creates a functional and sustainable decorative accent for your space.

You can even repurpose old wood items, transforming them into a new bench or storage option. Consider trading out your mattresses, pillows, carpets and beddings for wool options.

Wool is not only durable and comfortable, but it also deters dust mites. Dust mites cause allergies and are not good for your health. These natural materials are better for the environment and they look fantastic!

Use Wood or Stone Flooring

Aside from decorating your walls with eco-friendly materials, you can also transform your floors. Consider switching out rugs with stone, marble or hardwood flooring like marble.

Apart from creating an eco-friendly ambiance, it can also add more appeal to your villa’s interior.

Having an eco-friendly interior is ideal for creating a cozy environment while simultaneously protecting the environment and your personal health.

Start with a few of the above simple tips, and you’ll be on your way to experiencing the joys of an eco-friendly and sustainable home.

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Landscaping with Pergolas

By Sejal Nagjee on

July 9, 2017

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Installing a pergola is one of the best ways to enhance your landscape design and maximize your functional outdoor space. Your pergola provides a versatile option to elevate your landscape design, creating a separate space to enjoy with family and friends.

You can use your pergola as an outdoor dining area, living area, or as a space to seek shade on hot days. The possibilities for this outdoor space is limitless. Aside from looking fantastic, providing shade, and creating a distinct space pergolas add value to your home.

Adding a pergola to your villa can increase its value as it is one of the biggest landscape structures that requires developer and Dubai Municipality approvals. As an affordable design option, the benefits are enormous.

Benefits of Landscaping with Pergolas

• Pergolas provide a cool, shady area where you can enjoy a warm day outside without the worry of becoming overexposed to the sun.

• A pergola adds definition to your backyard, creating a space within your backyard with a distinct purpose.

• Pergola’s add an attractive addition to any backyard. You can make them even more appealing by adding decorative accessories like hanging pots, lights, curtains, accent pillow and much more.

• Pergolas allow you to create an outdoor living space that you love by adding elements that suit your personal tastes and style.

• Pergolas create add an element of privacy to your backyard.

• And more!

Pergola Materials

Wooden Pergolas: Wood is ideal for building pergolas as it blends beautifully with the natural setting of your backyard. While wood does require regular maintenance to protect it from the elements and to keep it from rotting, the end result it stunning and durable.

At Milestone, our carpenters and artisans cut and treat all wood onsite at our joinery and mill. This ensures a one of a kind look that is sure to take your backyard to the next level of functional beauty.

Aluminum Pergolas: An aluminum pergola is often less expensive than wood. Lightweight and easy to maintain, aluminum pergolas are designed to withstand all of the elements in nature.

Aluminum pergolas are waterproof, never rust, and are insect repellant. Additionally, aluminum pergolas can be painted to look like wood. So if you are looking to add a pergola on a tight budget, aluminum may be the choice for you!

Composite wooden Pergolas: Sturdy and secure, another alternative for pergola construction is Composite wood. Advantages of Composite wood are:

• Combining the warmth of wood with the strength of polymer

• Composite products are 100% recyclable and manufactured with reclaimed wood fibers

• Virtual maintenance free

• Resistant against UV

• No rotting

• No splintering

• 10- 20 years limited warranty

Though there are certain restrictions and limitations in design than Solid wood, it is a great option too.

Thatched Roof Pergolas: Thatched roof pergolas can bring in a very rustic, country feel to any landscape. Weather it is a Mediterranean, South African, Asian or industrial modern theme, it is a beautiful water proof structure.

Cape Reed has introduced a rustic Chic look to properties around the globe. Ref http://capereed.com/

Accenting Your Pergola

Once you have decided on the material and design style of your pergola (i.e. a standalone or built on the side of another structure), you can begin to blend it into your landscape.

You can personalize this hardscape with decorative accessories like hanging plants, curtains, lights, water features, accent pillows and much more.

Pergolas provide an affordable and low maintenance option to create an outdoor living space that you will transform your backyard.

Consider adding elements that suit your personal style and function to create an outdoor space where you will entertain friends and family for years to come. Regardless of how you use it, you will surely love your new pergola!

At Milestone, we design and build stunning pergolas that are guaranteed to transform your backyards and we’d love to do the same for you! Take a look at some of our recent pergola designs.

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10 Commandments of Landscaping

By Sejal Nagjee on

July 2, 2017

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When executed correctly, landscaping projects look fantastic and add value to your villa. With all of the design variables, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, especially when the new villa you are moving into is only a sanded property with just many manholes in Dubai.

Don’t get frustrated! All you need is a little support and guidance from a landscape design professional.

Whether you’re considering residential landscaping or commercial landscaping, there are a few tricks of the trade to guide you on the path to landscape design success.

The professional landscape designers at Milestone have put together ten tips to help you design and create a stunning, functional landscape design.

1. Plan the whole garden flow from entrance to the backyard

Always remember to include your front yard landscape with your backyard landscape design plan. Depending on what you add to your space, landscaping along the front of your house can increase your villa value between 4% and 10% .

Many people prefer to start with the front of their home, as tackling this smaller area provides the confidence to move on to the backyard.

2. Pay Attention to the Basics of Sun and Soil

Before planting, take time to have your soil assessed. This allows you to choose plants that can work well in your type of soil. It’s also essential that you take into account the amount of sun your plants are likely to receive.

If they don’t receive enough sunlight, your plants may not survive. On the other hand, if they receive too much sunlight they’ll dry out and die. You want to plant in areas with optimal sunlight which will help your plants thrive.

3. Plant Native & Local Plants

It’s always wise to plant plants that are local to your area. This helps to ensure they will thrive in your climate. Additionally, native plants will require less nurturing and will help to keep your watering costs down.

4. Purchase High Quality Plants and Outdoor Furnishing

The great outdoors is rough on natural and man-made materials alike. It’s important to invest in high-quality furniture pieces and materials to create your outdoor oasis.

If you opt for cheaply made materials, you’ll end up buying replacement items every season and spending far more money in the long run.

5. Don’t Forget the Hardscaping Materials

If you’re looking to maximize function in your backyard landscape design, consider investing in quality hardscaping.

Patios, walkways, living walls, outdoor firewalls, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens require little upkeep, and they create additional areas within your outdoor space.

6. Don’t Forget the Landscape Lighting

When it comes to landscape lighting, remember a little lighting goes a long way, but it’s vital for both safety and aesthetics. The trees, plants, and architecture in your backyard retreat create a stunning visual during the day.

However, once the sun sets, your lovely landscape design disappears into the darkness unless you use outdoor lighting.

With proper lighting, you can light up just about anything, to include paths, trees, buildings, sculptures, pergolas pools, ponds, and driveways. Learn more about Landscape Lighting Terms.

7. Add Plants of Varying Scale

The best way to achieve a visually pleasing balanced landscape design is to include plants of many different sizes, shapes and height. Layering trees, shrubs and small flowers to provides your landscape design a variety in height and depth.

Use your plants to enhance your hardscaped areas too, such as your gazebo or pergola.

8. Limit Straight Lines

When overused, straight lines can come across as uninviting, and they are more difficult to maintain. Incorporating curves will make your landscape design appear more welcoming and friendly.

However, be sure to include efficient walking paths. Otherwise, guests are likely to take cut across your grass and garden space.

9. Plan Your Seasonal Care and Maintenance

Once you have your landscape design in place, and you’re sitting back and relaxing in your new outdoor oasis, be sure to keep it maintained. The last thing you want is to be rushing at the end of the season to prepare for the next season.

Preparing at least one season in advance will help you minimize damage in the harsher months, allowing your plants to bounce back more quickly in the optimal seasons.

10. When in Doubt Hire a Professional

When in doubt, hire a landscape design professional. The design professionals at Milestone have the experience, creative eye and knowledge to turn your backyard into the oasis you’ve been dreaming of.

From gardens, pools and pergolas to outdoor kitchens and living spaces, we will maximize your space to fit your lifestyle and your budget.

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Planning a Rooftop Garden

By Sejal Nagjee on

June 25, 2017

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Landscaping in Dubai can be challenging if you reside in the city limits. Luckily you have options! Rooftop gardens aren’t a new concept.

City residents have been transforming the sky-high city landscape by tucking plants and flowers away on fire escapes and roofs for generations.

With even the smallest of rooftop spaces, you can plant a garden and create an outdoor living space where you can bask in the sun and enjoy the rooftop views. Rooftop gardens of all sizes are growing in popularity in both commercial and residential sites.

Whether you already have a rooftop garden or in the early stages of planning one, we’ve compiled a few design ideas and tips to help you create one of most beautiful rooftop garden designs on the block.

1. Plan an open design.

When you plan an open design, even the smallest of rooftops appear spacious. Consider incorporating transparent glass instead of a wall to maintain the view. You can add hedges instead of fences to create separate areas.

Worried about privacy? Adding curtains around your seating area allows you to shield your space whenever you want a little more seclusion.

2. Plant tall trees and plants.

If you have a spacious rooftop, want to mask a poor view, or you want to create the illusion of a traditional garden, using tall vegetation around the walls will maximize greenery while simultaneously separating your space from the rest of the city.

The combination of tall grasses and bamboo is an excellent low maintenance option to create a private rooftop garden. Grow trees, shrubs, foliage plant, flowering plants and annuals for a burst of color.

You can even grow edibles to take your culinary arts to the next level. Mixing in shrubs and small potted trees will add to the lush look of your rooftop terrace.

3. Incorporate raised garden beds.

If your roof provides enough space, consider creating raised beds adjacent to the walls for planting flowers, vegetables, and/or herbs. Depending on your design scheme, you can add metal or wooden raised flower beds.

If you decide to add raised beds, be sure to incorporate a waterproofing membrane and add a thick root barrier to prevent root damage to the roof. When it comes time to decide which plants to add to your rooftop terrace, keep it diverse.

Add a combination of large plants, small trees, ground covers, annuals, and shrubs. You can even get creative with colorful pots and plant stands.

4. Add comfortable and practical furniture.

When it comes to planning your rooftop garden, every inch of space counts. It’s important to decide the type of furniture you want to incorporate into your design scheme.

Start by determining how you want to use your rooftop garden? Do you want to create an outdoor living space to relax and lounge or do you plan on dining al fresco under the stars?

Once you determine how you will use your rooftop space, you can select furniture that fits the style, theme, and purpose of your garden. If you are tight on space, keep it simple with a small bistro table or a few comfy chairs with decorative end tables.

5. Create a mood.

You’ll be spending a lot of time on your new rooftop garden. Incorporating a custom water feature, water wall, or water fountain will add the soothing sights and sounds of water to your space.

Lighting is also a great way to enhance your rooftop ambiance. Not only will lighting create a mood, but it also keeps your space safe for visitors when night falls. Lighting your roof will also make it look larger at dusk.

6. Top to bottom.

When you transform your rooftop into an outdoor living space be sure to design from the ground up. Make use of your vertical space to create the illusion of more space to your rooftop garden.

Hang planters on the walls, add railing planters, and grow plant foliage that climbs. And don’t forget the flooring! Choose a flooring type that fits your budget, suits the climate you live in, and accommodates the theme of the rooftop garden.

Depending on your budget and design scheme, you can add artificial grass, pebbles or outdoor rugs to enhance your new rooftop space from the ground up.

7. Shade structure:

Sometimes a pergola, sail shade or an aluminum canopy may help to create shade and a nice elevation. An elevation is one way to get lights and fan too into your terrace and makes it feel defined and cosy.

When it comes time to design your rooftop garden stay true to your personal tastes. Your rooftop terrace is an extension of your interior space. With a well planned urban rooftop garden, anything is possible.

Are you considering adding a rooftop garden or rooftop living space to your home? Contact the design experts at Milestone; we’d love to help!

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Five Things to Know Before Designing Your Home Interiors

By Sejal Nagjee on

June 18, 2017

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As a premier interior design company in Dubai we know the ins and out of all the things in interior design. Many things come instinctively to certain people, such as painting, sculpting, or composing music.

For the design team at Milestone, our talents lie in transforming your home interior to your dream space. While many people know what they want from their home, they simply have difficulty realizing their vision.

The daunting responsibility of pulling together a space can become overwhelming. Whether you are designing a single room, renovating an entire villa, or want to give your office a facelift, here are a few tips we’ve learned about interior design to help you conquer your design dreams.

Personalize your space

Your room, home or office can exhibit who you are. If someone were to wander into your villa, they should instantly know that it’s yours.

The easiest way to accomplish this is by including accessories and decor that resonates with your personal hobbies, interests, and travel experiences. Try to include pieces that commemorate your individual style and unique tastes.

Take it one step at a time. Try thinking of your space as an outfit you’re going to wear (you’d be surprised to realize personal styling is very similar decorating a room). Start by taking a look in your closet. What colors stand out?

Do you prefer modern or traditional styles? Are you drawn to lacy ruffles or clean cut, tailored lined? Use your taste in clothing as a style guide for your office or villa. It’s a great first step towards ensuring your space is authentic to your style.

I was in Mumbai for the Kala Ghoda festival in February of 2015. I bought original prints of artist Paul Fernandes who had brought Mumbai to life in a beautiful caricature format.

It was so nice to see all those spaces in which i was brought up and visited often. Strong memories were attached to those spaces. We made a whole gallery of the same in our bar in the living room and called it Mumbai Meri Jaan!

Anyone who lives in Mumbai and has visited often, stands by this gallery each time they visit our home and cherishes those memories!

Don’t forget comfort

Have you ever purchased an item of furniture because it looked fantastic, only to get home and discover that it’s very uncomfortable, or worse yet: it’s useless?

When you think of “home sweet home,” the first words that spring to mind are comfortable and cozy. Making your villa comfy and cozy is a must! Your space should be inviting and comfortable.

I love sitting on these comfortable rocking chairs in my library!

Work with your surroundings

Before tackling an interior design project, it’s essential to know your design constraints and restrictions. For example, can you fit a full sized sofa in your home office? Become familiar with the scope and scale of the room or rooms you are decorating.

Consider your environment and respond to it. Whether you’re in the secluded countryside or the bustling city, it’s wise to take a hint from your environment.

Environmental awareness will help you narrow down your decisions based on the details of your location and space.

Less is always more

When it comes to interior design, less is always more. When in doubt, keep it simple. You don’t want to overcrowd your room. If you limit the items you incorporate in each room; the area will appear to be larger and cleaner.

Just remember, you can always add more if you need to! We hope you find the Milestone design team’s interior design tips helpful.

The next time you find yourself face-to-face with an interior design project, don’t hesitate to contact Dubai’s interior design experts. We are always thrilled to help you bring your vision to life!

If you have any additional suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

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5 Simple Ways to Add Color to Your Landscape

By Sejal Nagjee on

June 11, 2017

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Landscaping in Dubai with color doesn’t have to be difficult, and it certainly doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Color comes from a variety of sources and can easily transform your landscape design.

By incorporating colorful accent furniture, garden art, sculptures, pots, tiles, paint and colorful plants and flowers, you can make a huge impact on the ambiance of your outdoor sanctuary.

Here are a few simple ways to you add refreshing tones and colors to your outdoor landscape and garden.

1. Choose colorful outdoor furniture.

Tables and sitting areas often create focal points in your landscape design, which makes them the perfect place to inject color. If you have a large budget, consider adding colorful tables, chairs, and end tables to your outdoor entertainment area.

For those operating on a tight budget, try trading out those old tan and brown cushions for attention-grabbing bold colors or add colorful pillows to your existing seat cushions.

Don’t miss the chance to add intrigue from the ground up by placing in a rug with a pleasing design in shades that will enhance your outdoor dining or entertainment areas.

2. Add colorful pots and plant stands.

One of the simplest ways to conceive a more colorful garden design is to include vibrant and intriguing pots and plant stands. Adding shades of blue, orange, purple, yellow, electric pink or even red will transform your backyard into a vibrant wonderland.

This is also the perfect opportunity to create a stunning variation in color. Pairing colorful containers with plants cherished for their colorful foliage, such as hostas and succulents, is an straightforward way to create vibrant visual interest in your landscape design.

3. Incorporate colorful outdoor decor and decorative tiles.

When it comes to outdoor decor, the sky’s the limit! Whether you want to add colorful stepping stones, intriguing mosaic art, or eye-catching pottery and water features.

Outdoor garden decor can withstand the extremes of the outdoor weather while simultaneously adding interest to your landscape design.

Tile comes in many different designs and colors, making it the ideal material to add color to outdoor structures such as stairs, outdoor kitchen countertops, and water features.

If you are feeling extra creative, you can even use tile to create a colorful garden mural.

4. Paint a wall an attention-grabbing color.

You’d be surprised what you can accomplish with a few hours and a can of paint. Painting an exterior wall or garden instantly creates a colorful, dramatic contrast.

When choosing your paint color, choose a shade that complements the surrounding area, including plants and outdoor furniture. The best part? You can change it whenever you want to!

5. Plants, plants and more plants!

Flowering plants provide a natural pop of color to your outdoors. Consider adding flowering plants such as Petunia, Chrysanthemums and Marigolds.

These colorful flowering plants not only add a kaleidoscopic splash of color to your outdoor garden but they also attract pollinators! You can also look beyond flowers to plants and shrubs with energetic foliage.

Many plants produce color all year with their foliage adding dramatic interest long after their flowers have wilted. Perhaps one of the easiest ways to add color to your landscape design is to include flowering plants in containers.

These miniature gardens not only enhance their surroundings, but they can also be changed out seasonally and moved to whatever area suits you at the moment.

Hanging flower baskets intensify color at higher levels and provide a great opportunity to frame a specific view from a window.

Adding color to your landscape is an easy way to reinvent and reinvigorate your outdoor space. If you are limited on time contact the landscape design experts at Milestone, and together we will liven up your landscape design!

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Get Ready For Winter to Come Into Your Home

By Sejal Nagjee on

June 3, 2017

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Summer is on our doorsteps and it’s officially the time of year to spruce up your home interior design.

From seasonal cleaning and decluttering to refurbishing your décor and refreshing your villa, here are a few quick and easy tricks of the trade to lend your villa a new “springtime” feel to chase away the winter blues.

Add some pastel color

Summer heat in Dubai is sizzling hot! The good news is that winter is just around the corner and now is the perfect time to freshen up your interior design for all of those up coming celebrations and gatherings with family and friends.

It’s time to give your walls a coat of refreshing, light, bright paint. This season gray is topping the interior décor color list.

If you’re looking to incorporate this shade into your house interior be sure to select a light gray with a slight springy tint, such as lilac or light blue. Or you could ditch the gray and opt for an all-out springy color with some vibrant pastels.

Think yellow, lilac, greens, and blues. These colors provide a great alternative to gray and simultaneously help make small spaces feel larger. Another bold option is Pantone’s color of the year, ‘Greenery.’ This vibrant yellow-green looks amazing!

Keep it bright, light, and airy

Spring may have just left, but chances are you’re already dreaming of your next family holiday. Why wait? White cotton sheets will instantly lighten up your master bedroom suite while simultaneously adding a splash of chic boutique resort style.

Consider adding some flowing white drapes to your living room, a crisp white tablecloth to your dining table accented with fresh flowers, or vibrant throw pillows to add some color to your sofa.

Bring the outdoors inside

Whether you’re staging your villa for a viewing or simply wish to inject a pop of color to your interior, fresh cut flowers are sure to do the trick! Adding a few vases of colorful flowers to a couple of rooms is sure to liven up your space.

You can even get creative, adding decorative accents of fresh fruit, such as oranges, lemons, and limes. Fresh-cut flowers and fresh fruit add a pop of spring color to your design scheme and a subtle fresh, fragrant aroma. Add indoor plants to bring the outdoors in.

Have fun with your furniture

Adding bright, colorful cushions to your furniture will immediately add new life to your space. Injecting light green, light blue, yellow and pink cushions create an energetic and fun feeling which is positively refreshing!

What about rearranging your furniture? You’d be surprised at what a huge difference a simple reshuffle of your current sofa and chairs will make. Consider switching around your couch or moving your bed to a different location in the room.

Doing so will dramatically change the look and feel of any room. It also grants your old furniture a new lease of life!

Accessorize your walls

Make use of your wall space by adding a mirror. Not only does it add new intrigue to your space, but it can also lend the illusion of expansive space to an otherwise small room.

Nature inspired designs are perfect for creating a spring feeling; they’re stylish, minimalist and look fantastic on any wall. Add a vertical garden on your wall and it will come to life.

Allow natural light to come in

Creating a light and airy atmosphere brings life to any interior. The summer heat in Dubai is blazing and we are all forced to sit inside with the windows closed tight in our comfortable air-conditioned spaces.

Some offices and homes lack natural light. If you have curtains, this is the perfect opportunity to take them down and have them dry cleaned and pressed for the coming winter.

On the other hand, switching out your traditional curtains for colorful sheer ones can instantly liven up a room. They allow natural light to enter the room and create the feeling of more open space.

Nude and pastel colors are perfect for brightening up your interiors. You can mix and match them to correspond with the color of your colorful cushions. Bright colored walls too add a charm to your interiors and work wonder for your state of mind!

While there is no “A” perfect time to liven up your space, summer is the perfect time to start! Adding light, airy and subtle accents won’t break the bank and these little changes are easily switched out when winter rolls around!

What are you waiting for? It’s time to get started!

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Make the Most of A Tiny Garden Space

By Sejal Nagjee on

May 28, 2017

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For those who live villas with small backyards or have terrace gardens in penthouses, creating an outdoor space where you can relax and entertain can be a challenge.

Designers in Dubai have been helping homeowners get high return on their investment when it comes to their compact homes. This often means transforming tight, narrow or awkwardly shaped backyards into functional, comfortable extensions of the home.

No matter the size of your outdoor space, these methods can work for anyone trying to turn their terraces or garden into an outdoor retreat to enjoy. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your small outdoor space.

Built-In Bench

If you own your villa and have a bit more room in your budget, you should consider adding some custom built-in options. A built-in bench made from either concrete or wood is an ideal solution for a tight spot, as you build it to fit in your space perfectly.

Combining a built-in bench with a table can create the perfect outdoor dining spot and doubles as a fun gathering space to entertain family and friends. Outdoor ready made furniture has standard sizes and cannot fit in compact spaces and width is too big too.

Hidden Storage

Another savvy design to maximize your tiny outdoor space is with hidden storage. This option is perfect for those who want to store their outdoor pillows, throws or entertaining necessities while keeping them readily available for their next gathering.

Even if you live in a hotter climate, it’s a good idea to keep your outdoor decorative items away when you’re not using them. Whether you opt for a storage bench, storage ottoman or side table, you can’t go wrong with storage that doubles as seating.

Double Duty Furniture

Whether you are decorating an indoor or outdoor area with limited space, double-duty furniture provides an ideal solution to maximize your space. While a storage bench works, you can think outside the box when it comes to decorating your space.

Consider using a small coffee table for extra seating, adding a stool that doubles as a side table, or incorporating larger weatherproof throw pillows that also works as floor cushions. Double up for double fun!

Artificial Grass

There are some pretty extreme opinions on both sides for artificial plants and grass options. And while the real deal is always better, when added to your space properly, artificial grass works superbly.

Artificial grass is a great option for an urban patio or balcony to inject the feeling of an actual, organic lawn. The trick is to make it look real. Start by making sure you’re putting the grass down across an entire defined area.

Be sure to eliminate any harsh edges that would immediately indicate that your grass is not real.

Tiny Gardens & Vertical Gardens

Even when you’re working with a small amount of space, you can still create a gorgeous, vibrant outdoor garden. For a balcony, it’s easiest to stick to a container garden.

With this type of garden, you will grow all of your plants and flowers in unique containers, pots or creative jars. Container gardens grant you flexibility, allowing you to move things around to change your space.

Plants, flowers, and vegetables can all be grown in small-space gardens. Lacking room for a traditional garden? Think! Vertical gardens inject an eye-catching greenery element to city spaces without hogging all of your precious square footage.

For those of us with a small patio, balcony, or tiny backyard, our outdoor design options always feel a bit more limited. However, with a bit of creativity, you can produce an amazing outdoor oasis regardless how small your space is.

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Tips for Small Space Seating Arrangements

By Sejal Nagjee on

May 21, 2017

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Just because your home isn’t large and expansive, doesn’t mean you can’t host family and friends in style.

Whether you’re creating a cozy apartment or designing a separate sitting area within a larger room, you can make the most of your space with the right seating arrangements.

Follow these genius tips for extra seating that enhances your decor without engulfing your space.

Add a Bench

Turn than cozy little corner into the perfect seating area with a dual purpose bench booth. Not only will it provide extra seating, it also provides ample hidden storage to declutter your space.

Hiding your clutter goes a long way in maximizing your current space.

Don’t let that space under a window-filled wall go to waste! You can add a built-in bench filled with billowy pillows to create a fun and functional seating option.

If you don’t want to go to the trouble of a creating a built in, simply push a stand alone bench up against the wall space under the window. Just be sure it fits snuggly.

Hide Stools

Nesting stools and benches are a cozy way to add bonus seating to your already-full living room and family room. You can pull them out when you are entertaining guests and push them away when they leave.

Nesting stools are an affordable seating option that can be tucked away when you don’t need it. As a bonus, these stools can double as end tables in a pinch!

Use All of Your Corners

When you have limited space in your home or office, make the most of every square foot, even those awkward corners. Consider adding a hanging seat to a boring corner.

It effortlessly turns an unused area into a reading nook with a unique seat. Looking for something a little more practical for everyday use? Add a small armchair or side chair to that empty corner. It’s a decorative accent that also provides additional seating.

Make the Most of Your Options

Get the most out of your stools! The same stool you use to reach the top shelf in the pantry can be used as an extra seat at your next dinner party. Since they are short, you can tuck them away under the table and out of sight after the party is over.

Be sure to keep extra seating nearby. Keep in mind that the extra seating for your party doesn’t have to come from the same room you’re entertaining in.

Simply pull that extra bench or stool out from your bedroom or home office when guests arrive and put it back when they leave.

Double Duty

Choose furniture that can perform double duty, such as an ottoman. A tray quickly takes an oversize ottoman from a casual place to prop your feet to one fit for formal entertaining. In a tight living room, a round ottoman can also ease the pain of inevitable knee bumps.

You can even ditch the couch and add a few arm chairs around the ottomon for a chic and lounging area to kick back and relax.

Choose Small Scale Furniture

There is more to living room furniture than full-size sofas and bulky armchairs. Antique shops are a great place to look for small-scale furniture because prior to the last half of the century, the average room size was typically very small.

Look for small settees, love seats and chairs that can work for your space.

Ditch the Sofa

Consider downsizing the large sofa. In some spaces a full-size sofa simply won’t work. Try adding a slimmed-down love seat or a petite sofa instead. Choose one with clean lines and exposed legs for the unique and artsy look.

What about a backless sofa? A backless sofa is a very chic alternative to a traditional sofa and can be used from both sides (an attractive bonus feature when seating options are limited).

If you decide to use it in a larger room down the road, it can act as a divider between two separate seating areas.

You can make the most of your small space by using the right furniture and seating options in the right places. In fact, adding the right piece of functional furniture can even make your room feel larger!

Are you struggling with how to decorate a small space? We can help! Contact the Milestone Design team to learn more about how we can transform your small space into your dream space!

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Understanding Landscape Lighting Terms

By Sejal Nagjee on

May 14, 2017

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The trees, plants, and architecture surrounding your home or business creates a beautiful scene during the day. However, once night falls, your lovely landscape design disappears into the darkness unless you use outdoor lighting.

With proper lighting, you can light up just about anything, to include paths, trees, buildings, sculptures, pergolas pools, ponds, and driveways. There are so many options. So where do you begin?

There are many terms for landscape lighting, and some of them overlap and can become confusing. Not to worry, we’ve compiled a helpful guide to break down the essential terms of landscape lighting.

Uplighting

Uplighting is the term for when you place a light a few feet away from the base of an object to highlight the object from below. You can adjust the distance between the object and the light to create different looks.

Silhouetting and shadowing are two types of uplighting. With each technique, landscape designers place a light behind a large plant or an object and point the light toward a nearby wall to create a visually appealing shadow or silhouette.

Uplighting is a great way to highlight elements in your landscape, such as a work of art, flag, water fixture or large flowering plants.

Downlighting

Down lighting is the term for landscape lighting that directs light down, lighting only the intended area. Down lighting accents landscape planting beds, water features walls, statues and seating areas from above.

Down lights can be fixed to walls, placed under steps, or placed under eaves in a manner that keeps them out of sight during the day. When night falls, their light defines an area with a surrounding glow that draws in guests.

Moon lighting is a form of down lighting where you can attach multiple lights above, such as in a tree, to create the effect of moonlight.

Concealed Led light in steps is a downlight.

Path lighting

At its most basic, path and step lighting exists to keep the walker safe. When creating your landscape lighting scheme, you want to make sure all obstacles and turns are well illuminated.

Your walkways and paths can be highlighted not only to light the way for safety reasons, but also to create a feeling of elegance. Think of your path as a royal walkway or an entrance to an exotic palace.

You can create any ambiance you want with your path lighting. A carefully lit path can provide a sense of romance or adventure. It should make the viewer want to go and see where the path leads.

You could use ground lights or bollard lights in a pathway. Large areas use tall pole lights.

Fascade Lighting

Fascade lighting highlights the fascade of a building. It can be warm white or RGB light. The output and beams depends on the height of the wall you want to highlight. It can be uplight, downlight or up and down wall light.

The surfaces, colors, and shapes in the natural environment of the human eye function differently depending on the type of lighting.

In addition to creating an aesthetic effect, lighting your garden, pathway, stairs, pool, or access road will lead to greater safety movement. Landscape lighting scheme should be used to emphasize beautiful details in the yard, and to hide the flaws.

You’ve pulled out all the stops to turn your villa and backyard into a visually inspiring retreat. So why let that hard work disappear at nightfall? Now you can roll back the darkness and put it all on display with the flick of a switch.

When planned and executed correctly, landscape lighting makes the best of what you’ve created by highlighting your villa’s architectural features and drawing attention to your gorgeous plants, trees, water features, sculptures and other landscape treasures.

There are many exciting options and ideas for elevating your landscape design with outdoor lighting.

If you find it all a bit overpowering, a professional landscape lighting team from Milestone will create ways to enhance your space through particular lighting effects that are tailored to your personal landscape and tastes.

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5 Tips for Choosing an Interior Designer

By Sejal Nagjee on

May 7, 2017

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Whether you’re remodeling your entire villa or looking to redecorate a single room, selecting an interior designer in Dubai can be a difficult task. As a client and the beneficiary of the final product, you want everything to be perfect and to meet your vision.

After all, this is your home, and you want to enjoy this space for a very long time. Mistakes are not only time-consuming, but costly too.

That being said, hiring the right interior designer is an exciting time, as it is the first step towards making your team a reality! Here are a few tips to keep in mind when hiring a professional interior design team for your upcoming home project.

Know your style and vision

Before you even begin interviewing interior designers, you need to know what direction you want to take with your home. Are you looking to remodel your entire villa or just a single room, such as the kitchen or a bathroom?

Are you looking to remodel or do you want to redecorate and revitalize a current room or home office? If you are a little fuzzy on the details, we suggest taking some time to view websites like Milestone’s for ideas- landscapingdubai.com

It’s important to have a vision for your project and to know your personal style so you can hire the right person for the job. Many designers have their signature style.

However, the best interior designers can adapt to your personal preferences. The right designer wants to bring your vision to life.

Determine your expectations of an interior designer

There’s no right way to partner with an interior designer. In fact, the expectations of your collaboration with an interior designer set the parameters of your home design project.

Before you start interviewing potential candidates for your next home project consider the following questions:

• Do you want to be included with every little design decision, or do prefer simply being involved in the big picture?

• Do you want your interior designer to show you every option available or do you prefer they offer you a narrowed-down selection tailored to your budget?

• Are you looking for complete guidance, or do you have an eye for interior design and just require help with planning and resources?

• In answering the above questions about your expectations, you will create a solid foundation and clear expectations for a successful working relationship with your interior designer.

Image from www.emaze.com

Review the interior designer’s portfolio

The proof is in the results! An interior design portfolio is a showcase of what they have achieved on past projects and is a testament to their ability to turn your vision into a reality.

Although a designer should be able to accommodate your tastes and interior design ideas, many designers do a signature style or different approaches that may not align well with your own.

When reviewing an interior designer’s portfolio, look for an overriding style to see if their recent projects echo what you want to achieve with your villa design project.

If you enjoy patterns and innovative color mash-ups, an interior designer who’s known for neutral palettes may not be a perfect match.

Always ask for references from an interior designer

Another way to ensure your villa design goes off without a hitch is to conduct brief interviews with their past clients. This is also a perfect opportunity to learn about their process from a budgetary standpoint.

• When speaking to an interior designer’s references, consider asking the following questions:

• Did your project stay within budget?

• Would you hire the designer again in the future?

• Most importantly: did they have an enjoyable experience working with their interior designer? Remodeling or redecorating your home is a fun and exciting time. You want to make sure you hire someone you will enjoy working with.

Image from www.emaze.com

Meet with the designer and ask questions

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices to just a few designers, it’s important to meet face to face. Most designers will not charge you for this initial meeting. For these sessions but it would be good to ask about that over the phone just in case.

Use this initial consultation to get to know your potential designer, ask for referrals, inquire about their experience, qualifications and the services the designer will provide.

This is also the time to establish your project budget, the scope of the project, and the duration of the project. Try to think about the specifics of your project and write everything down on paper, so you can review all of the information later if you need to.

When you hire the right interior designer, turning your home design dreams into a reality is an exciting, and enjoyable process.

If you follow these simple tips, you’re sure to hire an interior designer who’s interested in your vision, your budget, your timeline, and your happiness with the final product.

A home is a home when it brings out your personality, nurtures you, is organized for your needs, is convenient and cozy. It’s not a hotel but all the convenience of a hotel is present.

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Tips to Illuminate Your Yard with Landscape Lighting

By Sejal Nagjee on

April 23, 2017

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When it comes to home improvement, landscape lighting is often overlooked. However, landscape lighting is one of the least-obstructive design projects you can undertake.

You can update your lighting and not have to move out or sacrifice any living space, and you won’t have to be constantly cleaning up construction debris. Updating your landscape lighting conveniently takes place outdoors.

So where do you start? Here are a few tips to help you on your path to landscape illumination.

Define the Purpose for Landscape Lighting

Before you invest in any landscape lighting, you need to determine the purpose of your landscape lighting. Are you looking to create a soft, romantic mood for outdoor entertainment and dining?

Perhaps you have a bench or a shadowy garden corner you wish to light for security reasons? Are you looking to create landscape boundaries by adding lighting around the path leading through your garden?

Perhaps you want to highlight some features of your backyard, such as a pond or waterfall? Regardless of the reason, determining what you want from your landscape lighting is the first step to illuminating your backyard.

Create a sketch of your yard

Once you’ve defined your reasons for adding landscape lighting you need to create a design plan. We suggest making a sketch of your yard.

Be sure to include existing lights, buildings, benches, shrubs, trees, pathways, as well as the vegetation and decorations you wish to highlight in your garden.

It’s important to create a detailed sketch, as every aspect of your landscape will reflect or absorb light.

Determining where to place your landscape lighting

This is the fun part! Once you’ve created a sketch of your space, match the lighting to specific areas in your backyard. You can illuminate a bench with a pole-type lamp placed behind it or concealed led strip light below the bench .

You can create a soft mood by hiding landscape lighting under shrubs or small bushes. A path can be illuminated by adding a series of pathway lights along its border.

A water fountain can be intensified with a spotlight, and a pond can have soft lighting around its perimeter. The possibilities are endless!

Safety, security, and ambiance

When it comes to landscape lighting, think in terms of safety, security and aesthetic appeal.

Safety: Grab a flashlight and walk your backyard at night. Where are you likely to trip and fall? Where are you most likely to walk off the path into the darkness? Also look to see if paths and walkways are clearly defined.

Think in terms of getting from point A to point B without falling down. After you determine where you require lighting for the sole purpose of safety, tweak your lighting scheme to assure that visitors can safely and easily navigate in the darkness of night.

Highlight pathways and steps. Consider street lighting that is present too.

Security: Take a look at your yard and consider where you’d like to eliminate dark corners. Look for places where someone could hide or the spot where the animals could hop the fence.

The amount of lighting you need for security depends on your level of comfort and your situation. When properly placed, security lighting can be minimal and does not create a distraction in your backyard.

Ambiance: Your landscape lighting will create the mood and feel of your backyard. Assess the intriguing areas in your landscape that you want to target, such as a beautiful tree, a rough stone wall, a water feature, or a statue.

Now think about the impact you want to create. Do you want to draw out the architectural structure of a tree? Project plant shadows on the ground or a wall? Highlight the luxurious texture of a stone wall?

The right lighting will create the mood and create focal points in your backyard.

Landscape lighting is a great way to update your yard. Not only is it affordable, but lighting can be installed quickly compared to other projects. You can illuminate your path or light up your tree in less than a day.

Full-scale professional installations range from a few days to a few weeks (depending on the scope and scale of your project). So if you’re looking to create an instant impact in your backyard, landscape lighting is a great place to start.

Are you looking to upgrade your landscape lighting? The experts at Milestone would love to help you design your landscape lighting scheme!

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Five Reasons to Add Plants to Your Interior Design

By Sejal Nagjee on

April 16, 2017

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Your villa is your sanctuary, yet adding greenery to the interior of your home has become an afterthought for most homeowners.

The more negative experiences homeowners have with plants, the more likely they will avoid incorporating live plants into their décor all together. However, plants are the perfect design element to take your space to the next level!

Plants add life

This may seem obvious, but plants add life to any space. Studies have shown that plants make us happier, help us to recharge and even make us more productive.

Biophilia is the scientific theory that there is an instinctive bond between humans and other living things, including plants and animals. The right plant will depend on your availability to provide care, specific light conditions, and available space.

However, even a tiny villa has room for a small plant life.

Plants can balance out your design

The right plant in the wrong place can throw off the look and feel of an entire room. When using plants to enhance your design, it’s important to use the right plant in the right place. Certain plants may be too small in a larger space.

Others may be too large with too much volume and overwhelm nearby design elements. When choosing a larger houseplant, acknowledge volume, overall height, and width. For example, a full tree placed in front of a window may block the natural light.

When you consider height, width, and volume you’ll select a plant that fills your space perfectly. Proportion isn’t always about items the same size; it’s more about balancing weight.

Plants help soften architectural elements

Natural materials provide textures and forms that are challenging to recreate. When it comes to quality, there is no substitute for the real thing.

For example, incorporating a structured planting of reeds will play an essential role in softening a stone wall or wood columns.

Wherever the location, the soft and soothing qualities of plants keeps hard surfaces from overwhelming your space and making it feel cold.

Plants can also be used to soften angular lines. You can use plants to soften the hard edges of flat surfaced pieces of furniture such as the end of side boards, bench seats, and entertainment centers.

Plants provide a natural softness which adds warmth by finishing off angular edges. Consider adding plants to bathrooms, which can be otherwise cold, hard-surfaced spaces.

Plants add color

When we think of decorating with plants, our mind automatically shifts to greenery. And while green is one of the “it” colors of 2017 interior design, you can use plants to inject a subtle pop of color to your space.

This can range from incorporating blossoming plant with bright buds of red, yellow and orange to creating eye-catching vertical living walls with subtle hints of purple blended into the greenery.

Color influences your mood. The colors you select for your furniture, walls, and decorative art all influence your frame of mind. The same can be said for plants.

Warm blues and greens are relaxing and tranquil, while vibrant colors, like red, orange and yellow are stimulating and lifting.

Incorporate plants with soothing colors in your bedroom and bathroom, and add touches of bright colors to the living room and areas where you spend the majority of your waking hours.

When it comes to decorating with plants, the possibilities are only as limited as the mind of the designer! Live plants are great decorative home accents, and when used properly, they can even become key design elements on their own.

So the next time you see an unused corner, empty wall, or lonely shelf in your villa, consider bringing it to life with a decorative plant.

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5 Reasons to Get a Pergola Before Summer

By Sejal Nagjee on

April 9, 2017

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Installing a pergola this year is one of the best ways to beat the heat that comes with the season! In fact, building a pergola is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make for you backyard sanctuary.

Pergola installation on your property can create shade, increase the quality of time you spend relaxing and entertaining outdoors, as well as add value to your property. Here are the top five benefits to adding a pergola to your backyard.

Beat the heat with a pergola

Building a pergola on your property produces one of the most exciting options to enjoy outdoor living, creating a nice elevation that matches your property architecture.

Pergolas provide a shaded area where you can enjoy a warm day without having to worry about becoming overexposed to damaging UV rays. You can add a natural roof made of climbing flowers, instantly creating a natural space where you can relax.

A professional designer can even create a pergola with an optional canopy that you can open and close as needed based on the weather conditions. When it comes to the design, the options are limitless!

Waterproof, sun shade roof pergolas, pergolas with aluminum with waterproof and sunshade roof options, retractable fabric canopy combined with wood or Aluminum, metal design pergolas etc

Pergolas create a distinct space in your backyard

If you want a definite purpose in your outdoor area, a pergola is the perfect solution! A pergola adds definition to your backyard, creating a space within your backyard with a distinct purpose.

With comfortable seating, tables, and a fireplace, your pergola can be used as an outdoor entertainment area. You can also add a dining room table to create the perfect place to dine under the stars.

A properly planned pergola will help create space where you can gather with loved ones to wine and dine in the great outdoors.

Pergolas are versatile aesthetic design elements

A pergola adds beauty to your property taking your backyard to the next level! Apart from providing shade, a pergola can be formed in a way that it provides esthetic value to the entire property.

One of the best aspects about a pergola lies in it’s versatility.

It can be applied as a lead into other structures, such as a verandah or gazebo, you could use your pergola to lead to a solitary gazebo from your back door, creating an inspiring outdoor living area, or they work on their own.

No matter how you decide to incorporate your pergola into your backyard, remember that this versatile structure does not have to be on its own. In fact, it often works best when combined with other backyard designs!

Create outdoor privacy

If you are looking to add an element of privacy to your backyard, a pergola provides the perfect opportunity. A pergola allows for privacy.

Although it may be an open space, you can create privacy by adding drapes, latticework, screens, or even climbing plants to any side of the pergola. Pergolas provide the perfect place for a quick meeting or an urgent discussion with clients and friends.

Pergolas add beauty

Pergola’s add an attractive addition to any backyard. You can make them even more appealing by adding decorative accessories like hanging pots, lights, curtains, accent pillow and much more.

Pergolas allow you to create an outdoor living space that you love by adding elements that suit your personal tastes and style.

This gorgeous outdoor structure will transform your outdoor area and create a living space where you can entertain friends and family for years to come. No matter what you use it for, you can be sure that you will love owning a pergola!

Aside from looking fantastic, providing shade, and creating a distinct space pergolas add value to your home. Adding a pergola to your villa can increase its value by up to 20%! As an affordable design option, the benefits are enormous.

Pergolas add beauty and intrigue to your outdoor area, which improves the value of your home. At Milestone, we design and build stunning pergolas that are guaranteed to transform your backyards and we’d love to do the same for you!

Take a look at some of our recent pergola designs.

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4 Essential Zones for an Outstanding Backyard

By Sejal Nagjee on

April 2, 2017

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Are you tired of having your backyard lack that “wow” factor? Is your backyard not so useful and it is hard for you to entertain unless you get a catering company and hired furniture?

Whether you are looking to upgrade your current backyard design, want to improve a few areas, or want a complete backyard overhaul, landscape design can seem overwhelming at first. Experts at Milestone make these empty spaces useful.

Follow these simple tips and we will have you on your way to creating your dream backyard in no time!

So where should you start?

Even if you have existing landscaping to work with, it really helps to divide your space into functional zones. In order to break the project down for space planning, divide your yard into four distinct areas.

Softscape – vertical greenery and plants that you enjoy along the boundary lines and create privacy , edible herb and vegetable garden and Artificial grass or fresh grass to join useful entertainment areas and fill empty spaces.

Relaxing areas – an area to relax and unwind

Outdoor dining – a space to eat and cook

Entertainment area– a place where your family and friends can gather to relax and play.

Softscape

Every backyard needs plants and greenery to add life to your space.

Whether you want to use your garden for planting colorful flowering plants, hide mundane boundary walls with planting, add plants and trees to create privacy from neighbors, grow edible herbs to heighten your culinary exploits or simply want to enjoy the beauty of lush greenery, every backyard would benefit for an area dedicated to growing plants.

Not only does it create an environment of harmony, serenity and calmness but gardens add a classic touch of beauty to any backyard. It is so meditative to walk through your garden, enjoying the lovely sight of nature as it grows and flourishes.

You can even enhance your softscape with a pond, water feature or fish ponds to add the soothing and intriguing element of water to the area. Softscape creates a very kinesthetic feel to the garden adding natural fragrance and a visual treat.

Relaxing areas – an area to relax and unwind

We all need a place to relax and unwind after a long day, and sometimes we want to do that outdoors.

Adding a backyard zone completely dedicated to relaxing will not only help you unwind, but it also creates a comfortable space to gather with your family and friends.

Start by choosing an area in your yard that is easy to access, nice to relax in and large enough. We suggest adding a pergola or a gazebo to create a distinct space, nice architectural elevation that can add lights, music and fan.

Add comfortable seating, with plush decorative pillows and tables for beverages and other items you may need. You can even take it up a notch by adding a fireline, fire pit or outdoor entertainment center!

Perhaps you want to create a zen garden, to reflect and meditate. Regardless of how you want to use this space, the idea is to create a place you want to visit in the backyard that provides all of the comforts of indoor living.

Outdoor dining – a space to eat and cook

There are few things more enjoyable in life than enjoying a great meal outdoors with our loved ones. Depending on the amount of space you are working with, this zone can range from a simple dining area to an impressive outdoor kitchen!

We suggest incorporating this area close to your home kitchen as it will eliminate the time and distance associated with carrying various items to your outdoor dining area.

Pergolas and gazebos provide a great option to create a dedicated and secluded space for outdoor dining. You can even create privacy by adding shade curtains or plants, such as climbing greenery or large hanging plants.

For those who love to cook outdoor, you can make an elaborate outdoor kitchen with sink, Pizza Oven, grill, cooking gas, bar etc.

Entertainment area

Above all else, you want to create a backyard that your family will enjoy! This will vary from home to home but may include adding a firepit for gazing at the stars, a pool and jacuzzi for beating the summer heat, or a custom play area for young children.

When creating this area in your backyard be sure to consider what your family will be using it for.

Regardless of the size of your backyard, the experts at Milestone can design and build your dream backyard. Stick to these zones and you’re sure to become the envy of the neighborhood for outdoor entertaining!

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Top Trends for Adding Interior Landscape

By Sejal Nagjee on

March 26, 2017

- blog

Interior landscape design is continually developing and evolving. Trends are always on the move, and it’s important to be up to date on the latest and greatest designs. 2017 is all about injecting life into your interior space.

Come on, let’s bring the outdoors in! Here are a few ideas that are sure to elevate your home.

Go Vertical: Add a Living Wall

Living walls are popular right now. Not only do they look amazing, but living walls also add an environmentally friendly element to your home that promotes clean air.

A living wall can range in size from filling a multi story space to a small framed piece that elevates your wall decor. Additionally, the vertical living walls rich foliage doubles as a beautiful work of art.

They grow and evolve, creating an invariably changing and eye-catching design accents and elevated wall appeal. With the right planning and plant life, living walls can easily be installed and maintained.

Colorful plants, succulents, and trailing vines, like the pothos plant, are great choices for green walls. You can even get creative and add a custom water feature to your living wall. The possibilities are endless!

Outdoor rooms

Outdoor rooms are the perfect compromise for anyone who wants to spend more time outside compromising on all of the comforts of home.

Outdoor rooms allow for comfortable and stylish spaces inside the home while promoting the appeal of the great outdoors. Even office complexes and businesses can invest in outdoor rooms to provide a fresh and inviting take on the traditional break room.

The basic concept is to create the feel of being outside in an indoor environment by filling spaces with floor-to-ceiling plants and lush greenery.

Start by adding tall plants, such as bamboo, palms, or ornamental grasses to partition spaces for outdoor rooms. Next, add comfortable seating and plenty of lush greenery.

You can even add a custom water features to add the soothing and calming element of water to your outdoor room. Take it to the next level with custom sunlamps and the sounds of nature and you won’t even remember you’re inside!

The combination of lush plant life and relaxing water elements will create an inviting outdoor ambiance for everyone to enjoy without ever leaving the comforts of home.

Edible arrangements

The “Locavore movement,” is an eco-friendly trend that challenges people to buy food grown and sourced locally. Taking this movement a step further, many people prefer to grow some of their food in their home.

Homeowners and restaurant owners can enjoy ornamental edibles that are both pleasing to the eye and delicious in their culinary dishes.

From sage, rosemary, thyme, basil and colorful peppers to kale, cabbage, edible flowers, and salad greens, ornamental edibles are no longer just for the backyard garden.

By adding edible plants to windowsills, or even in vertical gardens, you can add fun living elements to your interior decor that simultaneously elevate your home dining experience!

Indoor water features

Incorporating moving water to your interior design creates an instantly dramatic influence. Adding a large water wall is sure to create a lasting impression.

Working with a smaller space? Consider adding a relaxing fountain that adds the sound of a babbling brook or stream to your home.

Waterfalls and water features also change the temperature and humidity of the nearby air, creating a tactile experience. You can never go wrong with adding a soothing water feature!

We all want to enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors all year round. Stick to the above design tips and you can experience the wonders of nature within the comforts of your home all year long!

Images courtesy of Pinterest.

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Eco Friendly Landscape Design Trends for 2017

By Sejal Nagjee on

March 19, 2017

- blog

Homeowners are shifting towards smart landscape solutions, which means we’re finding innovative and creative ways to adapt to environmental elements, making continued advances in technology and taking outdoor living to the next level !

At the same time, 2017 returns to simple plantings, and although innovation in landscaping continues to accelerate, savoring the effortless beauty of the great outdoors remains a top priority.

Smart technology, thoughtful, yet simplistic design, and sustainability are the keywords when it comes to landscapes design in 2017.

Incorporate a variety of greenery

Greenery isn’t just Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year for interior design. True greenery is the theme of landscape design for 2017.

Combining green plant life in a variety of textures and shades, ranging from formal hedges of green velvet boxwood to a border of green lilyturf creates a statement as bold and impactful as a backyard filled with a rainbow of colorful flowers and plants.

Infusing hygge

Hygge is a Danish concept that centers on building an ambiance of coziness, centered on embracing the simple pleasures of life. Hygge is making a powerful impact on landscape design this year.

Start by decorating with light, arranging your outdoor seating for intimate conversations, planting fragrant flowers, and adding soothing water features to promote mindfulness.

These few simple tricks are easy ways to integrate hygge into landscapes, while simultaneously creating a comfortable and fulfilling outdoor space.

Cooking up tech-centered outdoor kitchens

Outdoor kitchens are sure to add a sizzle to your backyard space! We’re not talking about your typical charcoal grill. Outdoor kitchens are taking it up a notch by creating state of the art living spaces for cooking, dining and entertain in your backyard.

Outdoor kitchens now include smart home technology, such as built-in consoles on refrigerator doors, mobile app-controlled LED lighting, and ovens integrated with Wi-Fi.

Now you really can have all of the comforts of home even when you are outside!

When it comes to outdoor kitchens, dining al fresco is only part of the fun. The dinner party really starts to sizzle when you serve the entire experience in the great outdoors!

Are you looking to create an outdoor kitchen for the amazing outdoor living? Here are a few more Tips for Designing an Outdoor Kitchen that Really Cooks!

Creating smart lawns

Landscape professionals have made innovative advancements in developing cultivated grass varieties, called cultivars, that are known as a hybrid form of “smart grass.”

Smart grass can better withstand the elements while still delivering an aesthetically beautiful and healthy lawn, making them especially desirable in drought-prone areas.

Adding pollinator gardens

2017 is the year of eco-friendly, sustainable, and environmentally conscious landscape design. There is an increased focus on the importance of pollinators and their importance to our ecosystem.

This heightened awareness has inspired homeowners to develop gardens that specifically attract vital honeybees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

If you would like to create more pollinators in your backyard start by adding native plantings that are abundant, year-round nectar sources throughout in your yard.

Not only do they help promote gorgeous growth but they bring your garden to live with the buzzing and fluttering elements of mother nature.

Some landscape design trends come and go.

However, with the growing focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable living, our backyard landscape design provides the perfect opportunity to give back to the world while creating an outdoor sanctuary to enjoy with our family and friends for years to come.

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2017 Trends in Backyard Design: What’s Hot Now

By Sejal Nagjee on

March 12, 2017

- blog

Whether your backyard is a small plot of land, a terrace in a penthouse or a large space with plenty of trees and added features, you want it to improve the beauty and character of your villa.

Whatever the size of your yard, you can create an outdoor atmosphere that echoes your life and meets your landscaping budget. Take a look at top landscape design trends of 2017 that may be perfect for your Dubai home.

Images courtesy of Pinterest.

Mainstream Sustainability

Low-maintenance gardens, drought-tolerant plants and minimal turfgrass have become the standard in sustainable landscape design. Homeowners now embrace sustainable design as a major part of their landscape plan.

Not only is this style of landscape design economical, but such designs are also environmentally conscious. Eco-friendly gardens attract friendly bugs, such as ladybugs and butterflies, all of which help your garden thrive.

Edibles Front and Center

Blended backyard gardens that incorporate edibles plants as ornamental decorative accents perform double duty, giving gardeners a bountiful harvest of fruit, vegetables and herbs and a sustainable, colorful alternative to turfgrass.

Edible gardens can be planted directly in the soil or a raised garden bed. You can even get creative and plant a garden in your old bathtub, or other repurposed piece to add a charming impact to your backyard.

When choosing a garden location, it’s important to consider:

A location that’s protected from the wind.

An area that receives plenty of sun and light.

An area with rich, fertile soil and not dry clay or sandy soil.

An area with sufficient water and drainage.

Water Falls and Water Fountains

Waterfalls, ponds, and custom water features add a calming and soothing element to your backyard. Outdoor waterfalls provide an alluring outdoor accent that radiates the tranquil sound of trickling water as you relax in your backyard sanctuary.

Waterfalls can be constructed in all shapes and sizes, so you can place them almost anywhere you like. Existing water features such as pools and ponds can be enhanced with a decorative waterfall feature.

Looking for more ideas on How to Enhance Your Landscape with Water Features?

Firepits and Fire Walls

There’s no better way to enjoy a clear, starry night than to build a backyard fire and bask in its glorious warmth with friends and family. With plenty of options to choose from, ranging from traditional fire pits to firewalls, always start by picking the perfect placement for your fire feature in a safe outdoor area. When properly installed, firewalls add a safe ambiance to a cool evening, providing the perfect place to relax and stare at the wonders of a crackling burning fire.

Indoor Ventures Outside

Outdoor living areas are all the rage in 2017! They provide all of the comforts of home with the added benefit of fresh air and the great outdoors.

Thanks to new durable outdoor fabrics made from acrylic fibers, which are fade-resistant and waterproof, homeowners can create permanent living spaces outdoors with luxurious fabrics and furniture.

You can create a separate space on a patio or build a pergola to create a truly unique outdoor entertaining area. In addition to creating a separate space, pergolas also add an element of shade to your outdoor living area.

Adding pillows, rugs and other decorative decor work to create a relaxing ambiance to entertain outdoors with of all the comforts of indoor living.

If you have enough space, you should consider adding an outdoor kitchen to create a fully functional outdoor space that will make for years of memories to come.

Simplicity and Structure

In keeping with the age-old design statement “less is more,” 2017 is leaning towards simple styling and structure. Simplistic, rich, greenery will create a pleasant, relaxing outdoor atmosphere in your yard.

Consider landscaping with trees, shrubs, flowers and plants in a variety of sizes, shapes, textures and colors. This allows you to create a yard with simple, yet stunning, visual appeal that you’re sure to enjoy!

When it comes to designing your backyard landscape, be sure to create a space that meets your needs. When in doubt, reach out to the design experts at Milestone.

We are always happy to answer any of your questions. What will you be adding to your backyard this year?

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5 Interior Design Trends to Watch for in 2017

By Sejal Nagjee on

March 5, 2017

- blog, Uncategorized

If 2016 was a little unpredictable for interior design trends, 2017 is looking to be a boundary-pushing year for interiors. From tech savvy additions to jaw-dropping colors, we’ve compiled a list of trends to be on the lookout for in 2017!

Nature’s palette and jewel tones

Soothing shades of green, purple, and taupe have topped almost every major paint brand’s color forecast for 2017.

Following the quickly growing health and wellness industry, these soft, calming tones are backed by themes of sustainability, simple living, and spirituality.

Also, prepare to bid farewell to boring neutral tones. The new look for walls will be pure drama. Deep jewel tones, like emerald green or amethyst, and pastel colors found in nature are very in this season.

Praised it for its “vitality of nature and new beginnings” green has been named the color of the 2017.

The more submerged we become in modern life, the greater our innate craving to immerse ourselves in the physical beauty and inherent unity of the natural world. It’s only natural that green has made a massive comeback.

The palette of 2017 draws inspiration straight from the landscapes of nature, from a botanical yellow and green to terracotta, apricot, and warm stone gray the colors of the year are all inspired by the soothing and bold colors in nature.

Matte appliances and decor

The new look for the home is bold, yet subtle without being in-your-face. An appliance or decorative accent with a matte finish works to strip away all other distractions caused by surface sheen, forcing the form of the decorative piece or object to speak for itself.

Matte can also add an unexpected finish for objects that are traditionally lustrous or glossy. This suggestive accent helps to inject a wonderful layer to your design, adding depth and composition to counterpoint other finishes.

Cerused woods

A “cerused” finish refers to the technique that brings out the unique grain of the wood. This trend which has been popular in the luxury market for quite some time.

However, this year it’s finally trickling down to the mainstream interior design with a universal appeal. This year you’ll see it on cabinets, but also in bigger pieces like tables, chairs, and storage furniture.

Nailhead accents

Nailhead accents have been a classic staple for upholstered pieces, but in 2017 it’s being used in whole new ways.

We are seeing this trend go far beyond the usual upholstery, with riveted accents being applied to storage chests, credenzas, headboards and even the base plates of lighting fixtures.

Some designers even use nail heads to create dazzling patterns on the piece of furniture. This decorative accent lends an old world charm to any space.

All aspects of our daily life are increasingly becoming attached to the Internet of Things. As our lives continue to revolve more around our devices, so will our homes.

2017 will introduce more creative ways of incorporating charging docks and areas specifically devoted to integrating smart devices into the design of a space.

We are also starting to see savvy and sleek Bluetooth-enabled home appliances that allow users to customize every aspect of their morning routine.

From the strength of their coffee to the tone of their toast, everything can be controlled through a simple smartphone app. We don’t expect this trend to end anytime shortly, and anticipate continuing to see connectivity integrate into our interiors in 2017 and beyond.

As the year unfolds, be sure to check back for more up and coming design trends for 2017. Are you interested in updating your interior design? The Milestone design team is on standby ready to help you create your dream interior!

What trend are you looking forward to? We look forward to your comments below!

Images courtesy of Pinterest

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Keep Those Treasures – Tips to Upcycle and Repurpose Old Furniture

By Sejal Nagjee on

February 26, 2017

- blog, Uncategorized

Do you have old things lying in storage that you simply can’t bare to part with? Items from travel, old pieces of furniture and sentimental keepsakes, all tucked away until we find a place to showcase them again.

Well if you’re looking for a little motivation or a fun side project, here are a few creative ways to repurpose and upcycle some of your favorite treasures.

Upcycle an old dresser into a stunning bench

Whether you have an old dresser in storage, need to upgrade your current dresser, or you recently found an excellent piece at the antique store, repurposing an old dresser into a bench is the perfect way to enhance your seating arrangement.

Start by removing the top of the dresser and the top drawers. What’s left? A bench! Next, add some plywood for extra seat support, a few stylish and comfortable cushions, and voilà, you’ve created extra seating for your entryway, front porch, or mud room.

The remaining drawer on the bottom functions as a bonus storage area.

Unique display shelf

When you think an object has no purpose, think again. You’d be surprised how many items can be repurposed into one-of-a-kind shelving units which are perfect for showcasing your favorite sculptures and pictures.

For example, you can add a bright coat of paint to an old stepladder to create an interesting display shelf that’s an instant eye-pleaser.

Adding a weathered finish will pair nicely with crisp white frames on the adjacent wall, lending the room a classic cottage look. Additionally, an old ladder placed on a wall also create an intriguing bookshelf.

Salvaged home office

A chic home office doesn’t always need to have to brand new items. You can create a functional and rustic desk with just a few items and a little love and attention.

Use sawhorses for the legs of the desk, place an old ladder across for sturdy framework, and top it off with a wood pallet to create a spacious workstation that is sure to create a stunning focal point with very little investment.

To complete the look, consider using an old garage storage unit with wood pallets as a back support to create industrial-style shelving for additional storage space. Fill the shelves with vintage-inspired objects, and you’ve created the ultimate chic home office.

Cabinet door mantle décor

After a remodel, we are often left with extra material. Instead of tossing the extra items in the trash consider the possibilities. After a kitchen remodel, take that leftover cabinet door and place it above on the fireplace mantel as decor.

Paint the door to match the room’s color scheme and lean it against the mantel lending this item an entirely new purpose. Finish off the look with an antique decorative plate and candles, and you’ve created a stylish and unique decorative mantel.

Bright bold focal point

Sometimes the only thing a piece of furniture needs is a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into a space. Add a fresh coat of paint in a bold color to an old end table or coffee table to create an eye-catching focal point.

A bold color creates a fun focal point to liven up any room in your home or office.

What to do with that old bathtub

Unlike upcycling, repurposing means that the original object is not modified, or very minimal modifications (i.e. re-painted). This provides a great opportunity to turn your whimsical creativity into thrifty pragmatism!

For example, you can make an intriguing and functional herb garden out of an old bath tub. Simply clad it with wood to turn the basin into a planter box, fill it with soil and plant your favorite herbs.

Not only will this create a unique enhancement for your backyard but you’ll also reap the additional benefits of fresh herbs for next meal!

From tired to stylish, anything can be revitalized with a little love. If you have a little time and a some creativity you can turn your old items into treasures.

If you don’t have the time but you want to create the look, contact the designers at Milestone and we can do the work for you!

Photos courtesy of Pinterest.

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How to Enhance Your Landscape with Water Features

By Sejal Nagjee on

February 19, 2017

- blog

Your landscape often sets the stage for your home’s interior, so why not make the most of it? One way to strengthen your landscape and enhance your curb appeal is to add imaginative and unique water features.

From fountains and ponds to waterfalls and custom water features, these soothing additions are a popular and affordable way to enhance your landscape.

Water ponds

A pond is a flat low body of water which provides a fully customizable addition to enhance both large and small landscape designs. Not only do they add an essence of tranquility, but they can create an impressive focal point to your overall outdoor design.

Best of all, ponds provide a versatile addition you can blend into your existing landscape design. Ponds can be natural looking or made from concrete with multiple levels, allowing the water to flow from one level to the other in different size water basins.

If you desire to add more life into your ponds, you can create a koi pond for a more lively and invigorating outdoor water element.

For those looking to become one with nature, remember that birds, frogs, and insects prefer to frequent a garden when there is always a source of water available.

To encourage more wildlife, make sure you have plenty of indigenous trees and plant life in the area. Lilypads provide another great option for adding visual appeal to your backyard pond.

Waterfalls

Outdoor waterfalls provide an alluring outdoor accent that exudes the tranquil sound of trickling water as you relax in your backyard sanctuary. Waterfalls can be constructed in all shapes and sizes, so you can place them almost anywhere you like.

Existing water features such as pools and ponds can be enhanced with a decorative waterfall feature. You can also choose to install a pondless waterfall, where the water cascades down something, such as rocks or a stone wall and onto a bed of ornamental gravel.

The gravel or rocks typically cover a retaining basin to catch the water and a pump that will send it back up to the top of the waterfall.

Water walls are a flat wall of water that combines the soothing sound of water with the visual aesthetic of a waterfall. Pondless waterfalls are great options for those individuals lacking the space or desire for a pond, yet love the look and soothing sound of a waterfall.

Water and fire features

The combination of water and fire is very intriguing. We can create customized features using both these elements to create the illusion of fire emerging out of the water.

When these powerful features are combined in pools, they exude a very warm ambiance that is simultaneously visually compelling and soothing.

Another added benefit to these custom features is that the fire can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone feature by adding an Ethanol liquid burner or with a gas connection.

We recommend using a gas connection.This allows the feature to be easily operated with a single switch or remote.

Custom water features

Looking for something that speaks to the very heart and soul of your landscape design? Custom water features provide the perfect opportunity to enhance your backyard.

Creative water features offer meaningful yet subtle methods to enhance an otherwise ordinary backyard.

For your outdoor space, we can create an endless array of options to choose from, such as dazzling rock water pools with built-in fountains designed to reflect the greenery in your garden, to more contemporary looking water features that include sheet fountains, planter waterfalls, swimming pool lagoons, copper fire bowls and more.

Depending on size, form, and shape required, we can build any type of water feature you can visualize! Your custom water feature may include multiple functions like a water wall, bubblers, and spouts.

When it comes to creative design, the possibilities are endless.

A delightful pond or a stunning waterfall can be the crowning element for your landscape.

Not only will these water features serve as an attractive addition and enhance the architecture of your home, but they also create an aesthetic value that will increase the value of your property and your mood!

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Creative Ways to Create Indoor – Outdoor Connections

By Sejal Nagjee on

February 12, 2017

- blog

Having a strong connections between your indoor and outdoor design schemes can make your home feel more expansive, fill your space with light, and can encourage flow between indoor and outdoor rooms.

In fact, there are few design changes that have such a great and immediate impact on the way you experience everyday life in your home and backyard.

Whether you are planning on remodeling your home or simply want to get inspired, here are a few ideas to start you on the path to bridging the gap between the indoors and out.

Photo by Sutton Suzuki Architects – Search modern entryway design ideas

Create seamless flow

An ample-size pivoting glass door creates an impressive entry on its own, but when you pair it with a back wall of glass doors, the light flows creating the illusion of endless space.

Using the same flooring material indoors and out also creates an uninterrupted flow from the front to the back of your home.

You can even get creative, adding an around the corner window. When you get rid of the corner, it makes you feel as if you are part of the view. We guarantee that this spot will become the highlight of your home! Corner windows are not just for grand villas.

They also provide an amazing opportunity to bring the outdoors in so you can enjoy the view of your stunning backyard all day long! If you have a spectacular view from anywhere in your home, that’s where to put your corner window.

Photo by Ryan Group Architects – Discover rustic bedroom design ideas

Shelter an outdoor space

Outdoor rooms in the backyard provide a wonderful opportunity to create a secluded space in the calming atmosphere of your backyard or garden area.

Having a covered space next to the house, such as a pergola, gazebo or other custom built shade structures allows you to enjoy your backyard from the comforts of your shaded retreat.

Be sure to add comfortable seating and don’t be afraid to get creative. Consider adding a fireplace or custom water feature to enhance your landscape aesthetic.

Give your desk a view

Frequently we all bring our work home with us. If you spend time working from a home office your deserve a fabulous open view. Start by positioning your desk in a room with an inspiring view.

Make sure the windows face your desk, and if possible they run right up to the ceiling for maximum views and light. This small change will help create a productive space you will enjoy working from.

Design a family room with doors

What better way to create a seamless transition than with a constant view of the great outdoors? A walk-out ground-floor family room can be enhanced with pocket doors or sliding glass doors.

The immediate connection with the outdoors will help lure your family and friends outside to enjoy your backyard retreat.

Lose the door

Why not completely lose the wall? Opening up an entire side of your home with floor-to-ceiling glass doors is a dramatic change that could revolutionize your space. Accordion and bi-fold glass doors can be completely pulled away to blend indoors and out.

This feature is especially suited to modern homes and mid century ranches warmer climates, but it could work well for other home styles as well.

Echo your home’s shape in outdoor areas

One of the key components to creating a seamless transition from the indoors to the out is to remain true to the design of your home.

A wraparound patio that mirrors the shape of your villa, especially when paired with intriguing glass doors and generous windows, makes your indoor and outdoor spaces feel more interconnected.

Creating strong connections between your indoor and outdoor design schemes will expand your space with light and will encourage flow between indoor and outdoor rooms.

Follow the above tips for a few changes that are sure to elevate your home, your lifestyle, and your daily demeanor!

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7 Tips to Create the Illusion of Expansive Space

By Sejal Nagjee on

February 6, 2017

- blog

There are loads of ways to “open up” your living space by tricking the eye into believing that your home is much, much larger than it actually is.

Creating expansive space doesn’t always require tearing down a wall or a major renovation (although we can do that too)! Here are a few tips to create the illusion of expansive space in your home or office.

Choose monochromatic colors

Monochromatic color schemes are known for their peaceful ambiance, as they allow the eye to move easily around the room without the abrupt interruption of other colors.

When selecting your colors, be sure to use different color values, as they will add depth and interest to your space.

Go with glass

If you are looking to add space to a small bathroom, considering adding a glass shower door over a shower curtain. A shower curtain creates a visual barrier instead of letting your eyes take in every inch of space that exists.

Similarly, you can replace wooden doors with french doors, or any of your doors with interior glass panels. In using clear glass, you will create the illusion of space by maximizing every inch of square footage.

Hang mirrors

Wall mirrors come in all shapes and sizes. Use full-height mirrors wherever possible to create the illusion of higher ceilings. Full-length mirrors that run from floor to ceiling reflect the light, making a small room feel more open.

Mirrors and mirrored glass are an instant way to create the illusion of expansive space. Hanging wall mirrors not only lend the illusion of expansive space but they also add a pleasing accent to your wall decor.

You can even get creative! Adding a strip of mirror to a section of wall in your small kitchen will instantly make the room feel twice as large. You could also add mirrored accents to your kitchen island, cabinets or backsplash.

Choose the right furniture and declutter

Choosing the right furniture is the key to maximizing your space. Avoid heavy, solid furniture or skirted sofas. Instead, choose pieces on raised legs, or made of clear materials, that have less visual weight.

Choose smaller pieces that are versatile and multifunctional, like a sideboard that also doubles as an entertainment center. When in doubt, less is more. The less furniture you have, the larger the room will look.

Also take a good look around. Clutter and excess items really make a space feel small and cramped. Keep essential pieces that make a statement, create a focal point, or have a deep sentimental value, but get rid of the rest!

Pay close attention to rooms that have a low ceiling. Each item in the room will add to that feeling of being boxed in. There are plenty of inventive storage options to help keep you room tidy. If you can’t find what you’re looking for we can probably make it for you.

Unify your flooring

Continuous solid flooring makes your rooms look expansive and feel more spacious than they actually are. Don’t divide up your room by installing linoleum in the kitchen and hardwood in the living room. This creates two small spaces.

Using the same material throughout both rooms will help your design scheme flow from area to the next. If you are looking to make each room unique, try adding a striped rug and position it vertically through the room to make it feel longer.

Lower your lighting

Where are you placing your lights? When working with a small design space, you should avoid ceiling lights whenever possible. Instead place your lighting at floor, table and eye level to help limit shadows.

This includes hanging any pendant lamps as low as possible. You can also add vertical wall sconces to enhance your wall space.

Not only do the vertical elements of the lights help to create the look and feeling of a higher wall, but the light cast up and down from sconces helps to devise height by tricking the eyes.

Add dramatic art

Hang dramatic works of art and art pieces to make a room feel more expansive. Choose art pieces that are large and bold. In a small room, an oversized piece of dramatic art can actually give the feeling of more space.

Consider adding a large painting or another big piece of art. Not only does it open the room but it also creates a stunning focal point.

If you’re looking to lend the illusion of more space start with these simple tips. If you’re looking for a more dramatic home renovation, reach out to the design experts at Milestone and we’d be happy to discuss your home makeover!

Photos courtesy of Pinterest.

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Exterior Design Principles Everyone Should Know

By Sejal Nagjee on

January 21, 2017

- blog, Uncategorized

We all want a magnificent home that stands out amongst the rest. However, we also want a villa that blends with its natural environment and neighborhood.

Designing the exterior of a home can be a complex process of color choices, materials, and balancing shape and lines. It’s an overwhelming and exciting experience for designers and homeowners alike.

So, we’ve put together a few basic exterior design principles that will help make your home a haven with a visually appealing exterior.

Balancing Shape with Symmetry

As will all types of design, balance and symmetry play an essential role in achieving a well-designed exterior. Every home requires some semblance of balance and symmetry to create an aesthetically pleasing design.

It may be the eye-catching allure of a symmetrical contemporary home, where the windows are large or a smaller front door with smaller windows.

It could be a home where the balance is achieved through roof lines and outdoor pergola elevations to balance the heights.

Regardless of your home style, there are a variety of ways to accomplish an exterior that is proportional to your home – some through obvious symmetry, while others are a bit more subtle.

Either way, a properly designed home has an exterior that is proportional and balanced.

Form Follows Function

Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright’s mentor, invented the phrase, “form follows function”. Essentially, this means that the purpose of the building should be the foundation of the design.

When designing your exterior consider the following: What is the purpose of your villa? What do you plan to use your home for? Consider your family needs and then decide what is required in your home (or yard) to accommodate those needs.

Ultimately, The exterior of your home will mimic the form of the interior designs that you have chosen.

Materials and Textures

With the surplus of options, it can become overwhelming deciding what materials you should use on your home exterior. Between wood, marble or flamed granite, aluminum, steel, Porcelain, paint , and natural concrete finish – how do we make our final decision?

It’s always best to balance durability with aesthetics. Naturally, you want the exterior of your villa to reflect your personal style. For example, if you prefer a rustic look you may want tumbled crazy cut stone stone and wooden bark.

If you are a modern minimalist, you may prefer the lines of sleek steel or simple wood panels. At the end of the day, stick with the theme of your home and what blends best with the natural environment.

Landscaping is Essential

Landscaping your home requires far more than simply planting a tree in your backyard. When designed the right way, your yard will become an extension of your home and personal tastes.

From gazebos and pergolas to living walls and custom water features, your yard should be a peaceful retreat for you and your family.

Don’t let your yard fade into the darkness when the sun sets. Proper lighting is essential for home safety and nighttime appeal. Choose lights that mimic the style of your home.

For example, traditional villas look fantastic with lantern-style chandeliers hanging over a covered entrance, or flanking the garage. Modern homes look amazing with angular steel lights.

Not only will these custom lighting fixtures look beautiful, but they will also keep you yard lit and functional into the wee hours of the night! Looking for a few more landscape ideas? Check out our 10 Tips to Enhance your Landscape Design.

Create an Outdoor Entertainment Area

Spending time outside with our family and friends dining and entertaining is a fun and memorable experience. Yet, dining al fresco is only part of the fun!

Outdoor kitchens and living areas are an amazing way to add value to your home and quality to your life. An outdoor kitchen or living area allows you to cook, eat and entertain comfortably in your backyard.

Between pergolas, gazebos, waterfalls, and fire pits, there are many amazing options to incorporate into your outdoor living space that will make it an essential part of your daily life.

While the design of your home exterior can be a complicated process that is full of decisions and choices, a well-designed home can be achieved with patience and a little help!

During the design process, we suggest that you follow the above mentioned tips and when in doubt consult a professional. The Milestone Design Team is always ready to help you achieve the home of your dreams!

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Smart Interior Design Ideas for Small Spaces

By Sejal Nagjee on

January 17, 2017

- blog

Whether you’re decorating a small office, modest villa, or a petite room in your home, the dimensions don’t have to limit your design possibilities.

With a little creativity and strategic planning, it’s possible to transform your small space into the room, villa, or office of your dreams. In fact, there are plenty of easy design-proven solutions that will make your space look stylish, open, and just plain bigger.

Photos from Pinterest

Paint and Accent Wall

A cool and calm color scheme will leave your space feeling bigger and brighter. Leave your walls white, ivory, sand or beige to lend the illusion of expansive space. Dark paint colors often make a room seem smaller.

Opt for lighter shades to instantly create a breezy, spacious feel. Another trick is to use multiple but similar colors, such as white and beige or pale pink and mauve.

If you are into colour, go bold and bright or even dark and cozy but only on an accent wall. You can even use the same color on the trim to add a little extra height to your space. You’d be amazed what an inch or two can do!

Incorporate Floor Length Mirrors

Adding a large floor length mirror is the easiest way to open up a room, making it appear double its size. Mirrors reflect both artificial and natural light making the room seem lighter and brighter.

Smaller mirrors are also nice for decoration but larger floor length mirrors are the way to go when you want to open up your space and provide the appearance of depth. You can even double up, placing two mirrors side-by-side.

Photos from Pinterest

Limit Bold Accents

When it comes to bold accents, less is more! Limit any big, bold prints to decorative accessories, such as blankets, throw pillow or fabric choices for smaller pieces of furniture, such as a stool or ottoman. Larger commanding pieces like your sofa should be solid and light..

Let There Be Light!

Dimly lit rooms have a tendency to disappear. To avoid this, add table lamps, floor lamps or wall sconces in the corners of the room. Placing these accents at the corners not only maximizes your floor plan but also brightens your space.

Photos from Pinterest

Floor to Ceiling Curtains

Make your ceiling appear taller by adding floor to ceiling curtains. When selecting drapes, be sure that they are the same color as the walls within the room. Sticking to the same color scheme will help the curtains to blend in, creating a streamlined effect.

If privacy isn’t a concern, consider leaving your windows bare. Not only does this produce an unobstructed view, it also makes the room feel bigger by incorporating the extension of the outdoors.

Invest in Hybrid Pieces

When you find furniture that performs double duty, you’ll need less of it! Think storage ottomans that also function as seating, trunks that moonlight as coffee tables, or dining tables that drop their leaves to become smaller breakfast tables.

Ultimately, the less furniture you have, the more space you have.

Photos from Pinterest

Clutter Free is the Way to Be

Let your furniture breath. Resist the temptation to push pieces together, as this can create a counter-effect, making a room feel crowded. Instead, allow plenty of space between furniture, and try “floating” larger pieces in the middle of the room.

While you may not be able to add square footage to your office, villa or small room, you can use a little creativity to make your space feel much larger. Stick to these tricks, and you’ll be on your way to creating a comfortable design scheme with endless space!

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10 Exterior Designs that Will Blow Your Mind

By Sejal Nagjee on

January 10, 2017

- blog, Uncategorized

We’ve talked about ways to improve your exterior and backyard with amazing design ideas, sizzling outdoor kitchens, gorgeous pools, and lush gardens, so we thought it would be fun to show you a few awe-inspiring designs that surely turned a few heads!

There are thousands of impressive and unique designs and styles to add to your collection of garden landscaping ideas, but we’ve listed ten here. Have a look!

The Garden Studio

A beautiful garden design will transform your backyard into a little heaven. Designing a space where you can relax, surrounded by the peace and tranquility of nature will do wonders for your mind, body, and soul.

This garden studio is mesmerizing and offers a beautiful place to unwind and relax. What we love: The pergola inspired shed creates a space to sit and dine and the lush green Murraya Jasmine spreads a lovely fragrance.

Who wouldn’t want to sit back and unwind here?

Maximizing the Space

Your backyard doesn’t have to be huge to turn it into a space that you will absolutely love.

This backyard is short on space, but the designer maximized every square foot by incorporating Stone clad retaining walls, patio furniture for outdoor eating, and cantilevered pergola to cover the outdoor kitchen area.

What we love: this sleek pergola not only creates a separate space but also offers relief from the sun and heat during those warm summer months whilst you cook.

The Asian Pergola

What’s not to love about an Asian-inspired backyard? From the tiered roof to the Zen inspired greenery, every detail of this stunning design is a sum of the larger design scheme.

What we love: the outdoor seating, sun loungers are embedded within beautiful greenery and carefully collected outdoor sculptures and a pool set within spacious, clutter free garden gives the area a vibrant feel.

Backyard Lagoon

This backyard design has a lot to love! The massive pool resembles a sparkling lagoon, with a jacuzzi and water feature. Not only is this area peaceful and relaxing but it also adds value to the home.

What we love: the decorative stone wall stretches past the stone pool deck to hide the pool pump room and shower and tropical Balinese feel brought by the Palm trees.

The Terraced Garden

This stunning home full of windows offers a beautiful view of the garden and pool, while the raised steps adds the culminating touch through the lighting.

This thought-provoking design once again proves that you can do a lot with a space with careful choice of levels. What we love: the steps and pool deck, flanked by the outdoor bar and Barbeque area, giving it a simple open modern feel.

The Remote Hideaway

If you’re looking for seclusion, off the beaten path, this is the yard for you. The resort like feel, meandering grass, different levels, multiple seating spaces create a feeling of being far away from the busy world.

What we love: as the sun sets, curl up on the gazebo cushions and sip a drink, chat with friends and enjoy the serenity of the calming space around you.

The Estate

From what we’ve seen so far, the most impressive backyards have dedicated spaces for each area. The yard below has a fire line incorporated within the bar counter encircled by chairs to entertain and relax with family and friends.

Further, back is the outdoor dining area and water feature. What we love: the unique foliage and architectural designs add just the right amount of character to this amazing back yard!

The Outdoor reading corner – Inspiration

I would love to have a corner like this! Everyone needs is a cave retreat when you want quiet time outside to write your vision, dreams or simply to think.

What we love: the beautiful wall tiling pattern, neutral colors beautifully combined, natural bamboo surrounding the little area.

Cool Children Play Areas

This cool children play tent creates a cozy corner for them to relax and play. It’s a little tent, very cost effective and cute. What we love: A special corner for children in any shaded area.

Photos from Kidsofmania.com and Pinterest

Garden Dining Area

Modern and spacious, a 3 m long table sits in the center of a waterproof pergola. What we love: Solid wood shade structures, bar and a warm feel to this garden. Totally clutter free! Stunning!

From lush gardens to manicured yards, there is inspiration to be discovered in a variety of backyards. If you’re looking for a little help to turn your backyard into a relaxing getaway, the designers at Milestone are always ready to help.

Already have an amazing backyard? We’d love for you to share it!

Editorial Note: some images were picked up from the net as inspirations from Pinterest and Houzz.com

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Top Interior Design Trends for 2017

By Sejal Nagjee on

January 3, 2017

- blog

Every year, as summer slowly fades into fall, professionals from the interior design world start talking about their expectations and predictions for the upcoming year. It seems like yesterday we were celebrating the new year.

Yet here we are, rounding out the year and trend forecasters and designers are already thinking well into 2017! The new is year is full of exciting design trends that are sure to shake things up. Here are a few of the top interior design trends for 2017.

Rescued, Distressed and Shabby Chic Looks

What’s old is new again as vintage pieces and antiques make a huge comeback. If it looks slightly loved, worn, rustic or shabby, it will be in style next year. Shabby chic is still a favorite for home decor in 2017.

Design experts suggest this trend reflects our inner desire to create a more relaxed space. Reminiscent of days gone by, whether it’s the real deal or an antique replica, these intriguing artifacts and accents will add character, texture, and warmth to almost any design scheme.

Be sure to keep these pieces as close to their original state as possible without completely repainting or refurbishing beyond recognition. Their vintage appeal and “slightly loved” look is what lends this trend its recurring charm!

Photos from Pinterest

Cork Accents

You heard it hear first – cork is making a comeback! Last year cork chalkboard walls were all the rage and this year it’s all about walls covered with cork. It might seem odd at first, but when you think about it, cork is the ideal material for accent walls.

You can pin photos and artwork directly to the wall, and it’s perfect in offices for pinning notes and papers. Not only is cork a stylish decorative material it instantly adds warmth and texture to your space.

As an added bonus, cork is ideal for absorbing noise in large, open floor plan homes. You can even get creative in your home office, adding a cork accent wall that doubles as a vision board! Cork finish wallpapers look very stylish too.

Photos from Pinterest

Statement Bedheads

Artificial leather bed heads are where it’s at in 2017. Traditionally found in hotels or period mansions, statement bead heads are making their way into mainstream interior design and it’s about time!

This year consider accenting your bed frame with a luxurious faux leather bedhead. Detailed backboards, lavish velvets, and stunning shapes will effortlessly transition into your existing décor scheme.

Photos from Pinterest

Escapism

Technology is shaping more and more of our lives and every once in a while we need to unplug and unwind! It’s only natural that design trends would start to shift offline.

Reading nooks, minuscule office spaces and places to escape accented with relaxed furniture will be one of the interiors must-haves for 2017.

This trend is perfect for those individuals operating with a tight budget because you can work with what you’ve got! Consider extending a window seat, carve out a recessed space in a wall or transform the cupboard under your stairs into a reading nook.

The possibilities are limitless!

Contouring

You may be familiar with contouring makeup, and now the trend appears to be moving into our interior design. Contouring finds its inspiration in the natural lines found in nature.

Whether it’s rock formations, crevices or river beds, you can expect to see this movement mimicked prominently in the surface design of statement pieces, such as kitchen islands or tables.

You can also opt for a more subtle approach, injecting the style as a print on ceramics or other soft furnishings.

Photos from Pinterest

Jeweled Tones and Metallic Accents

As always, certain colours come and go with the passing years. 2016 year was the year of the pastels, but next year, get ready for intense tones inspired by eastern design. Amethysts, emeralds, and opals will add a luxurious splash to your interior design.

Not to mention, metallics, metals, raw-cut quartz, Lucite, and opal will add a dash of dazzling sparkle and interest to your space. This is one trend we hope sticks around for awhile!

Interesting Wall Accents

Are you are a true-blue follower of animal prints? Perhaps your mathematically inclined mind likes the indulgence of geometrical prints? Or does your romantic side simply falls head over heels in love with butterfly prints?

Well, if you can answer yes to any of these questions, 2017 is the year for you as interesting wall accents is where it’s at! Think metallic artworks, wild animal prints, bright butterfly prints, and iconic metal automobile wall accents to spruce up that simple wall.

These unique wall pieces will add an interesting and fun appeal to your space.

Photos from Pinterest

While out with the old and in with new may temporarily spruce up your space, just remember that trends come and go. What’s in today may be out tomorrow.

Remember to stay true to your personal tastes, incorporating what works with your space, and you can never go wrong!

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