PLACES

PLACES DESIGN & LIVING

ISSUE 8 FEBRUARY 2016
Design & Living

The
sedentary
position
issue
SIT BACK
AND RELAX

THE WAY
THEY LIVE
INSIDE THE INTERIOR
DECORATOR’S OWN
HOME
ISSUE 8 FEBRUARY 2016

Calculated eclectic
to cordial industrial
Each to his own
 THE BLUEPRINT

PLACES
PHOTO: BRIAN GRECH
See story on page 12

Design & Living

ISSUE 8 February 2016

9 MY DESIGN

THE PROJECT
12 Feeling at Home
inside the interior decorator’s world
22 Rough, Raw... and Refined
Casual-cum-unconventional

BUILDING A BUSINESS
28 Three’s a Good Crowd
Fresh approach to stately style
34 New Luxury
low-profile plushness

HOME DECOR
40 ACCESSORIES
Take a Seat
Curvilinear and curvalicious
52 DOING IT UP: DO/DON’T
The Chairperson
Vital statistics for sitting
53 IDEAS & MORE
54 TRENDS
Dandy Scandy
Scandinavian interior affairs

HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT

58 CONSERVATION CORNER
The Bookcase
reviving a library; a labour of love
62 PROPERTY POTENTIAL
A Matter of Character
One-off homes on the market

ON THE COVER
PHOTO: Sean Mallia, featuring Spun Chair by Magis,
designed by Thomas Heatherwick, on loan from
Grech&Vinciarchitecture&Design, €395, Core | Voido rocking
Chair by Magis, designed by ron arad, €498, Core | plaid, €59,
boConcept | Panton Junior Chair by Vitra, designed by Verner
Panton, €151.04, Dex | Tip Ton Chair by Vitra, designed by
edward barber and Jay Osgerby, €223.02, Dex.
See story on page 40

6 PLACES February 2016


MAYBE it’s because our
surroundings are getting uglier as we
speak that the Maltese have such
stunning homes; maybe it’s to avoid the
chaos outside their front door that they
need to look within; maybe it’s the
catastrophic environment that drives
them to pay almost obsessive attention
to their interiors.
Maybe the only way they can fend
off their frustration as they face the
mess is by retreating into their shells
and spending any energy on creating
that ideal environment within the
confines of their four walls.
And when I say four walls, I mean
those and nothing beyond. Not even
private gardens are safe anymore. Too
many homeowners live in the fear that
they could wake up one morning to
find their outside spaces dwarfed and
overlooked by looming blocks, devaluing
a lifetime investment in a flash.
Too many green areas are being
eaten into by the gaping mouths of
construction magnates. And worse still,
almost everyone else now seems to be
reasoning that if they can’t beat them,
they should just join them, so they
grovel along to help themselves to the
leftover morsels of greens too.
Nothing really feels safe and secure
beyond our four walls, no matter where
it is written that it should be protected.
That’s why we may be subconsciously
barricading ourselves indoors, hanging
plush curtains on our windows and
blocking out the view we probably
bought our properties for; a view we
shouldn’t get too attached to as it is
destined to be stolen away.
If I were looking for a house today, its
surroundings – if I actually were to come
across anything decent – would be the
last asset that would clinch the deal.
Nowhere seems untouchable; nothing
is sacred; not even a hard-to-come-by
cliff-edge property. Even that could risk
losing its 360-degree panorama to
some land reclamation project.
So maybe that’s why the focus is
internal; why Maltese homes are so
pristine; why so many people go from
one refurbishment project to another
February 28, 2016 | Issue 8 | PLACES is a bi-monthly magazine | EXECUTIVE EDITOR Fiona
Galea Debono | PUBLISHER Allied Newspapers Ltd | PRODUCTION Allied Newspapers Ltd
| PRINTING Progress Press Ltd | DESIGN Manuel Schembri | ADVERTISING SALES Veronica
Grech Sant [2559 4706; veronica.grechsant@timesofmalta.com]
in a bid to constantly
PHOTO: BRIAN GRECH
improve their innermost
spaces. Maybe our shabby
surroundings are the reason
why the Maltese can be
considered so houseproud,
and the shops that sell
household goods are
mushrooming and thriving,
providing a form of relief in
a weary scenario, weighed
down by more tower cranes.
The other day, I visited a
recently refurbished top-
class project. But as I was
taking in the interiors and
feasting my senses on
quality fabrics, soothing
colours and the elegant ambience,
I was taken aback by its appalling
surroundings. Beyond the windows was
nothing but one construction project
clambering over the other and more
cranes than I could count. Again, I was
forced to focus internally and shut out
the ‘war-torn’ outside world… or wonder
what the point of such splendour was in
the heart of such distracting devastation.
As a result of all this, I have a picture
in my head of a bunch of hermits,
hemmed into their wonderful homes,
emerging apprehensively into their
battered environment now and again
only to buy another piece of furniture
and stealthily retire.
But beyond the far-fetched images in
my mind, some suspicion does indeed
exist. I confess that every time I stumble
upon a bunch of men in suits standing
outside an old property in a village core,
or by a rundown farmhouse in the
countryside, I don’t necessarily think
they are appreciating its historical value,
or considering the area for a picnic. No,
instead, I get immediate palpitations in
the belief that they are rubbing their
hands in glee, gold teeth glistening,
dollar signs bursting out of their brains,
as they hear the tingling sound of
money at the thought of raping yet
another piece of dwindling virgin land…
But there’s always the other side
to the coin, and in this case, it’s the
fabulous interiors of the Maltese and
This publication is being
distributed as part of
© 2016. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole, or in part,
without written permission of the publishers, is prohibited.
MY DESIGN
the joy and thrill that being houseproud
can bring. These are captured in the
Sedentary Position Issue of PLACES,
which has started entering the homes
of those who do up others’ for a living,
to discover their own surroundings and
the enthusiasm they pour into them
after spending the day thinking of their
clients’ projects.
As its subtitle implies, the February
edition also has a strong focus on
chairs, from the iconic and timeless to
the miniatures and reinterpretations,
spurred by photographer Sean Mallia’s
own passion as he turns into artistic
director and stylist and has a field day
with the amazing range on offer.
It was only a few years ago that
I discovered the true meaning and
importance of a comfortable chair.
Sitting was no longer a means of resting
and relaxing for someone whose spinal
discs were slipping, but was associated
with pain and discomfort. Slumping onto
a sofa meant writhing and wriggling for
a while… then giving up and going on the
floor. One glance at a supposedly good-
looking chair and I knew it was all wrong
for ergonomic reasons etc…
So find your favourite seat in your
preferred spot in that corner of your
world that no one can yet touch, and
scroll through the 12-page shoot to
pick the next chair that can continue
embellishing your cherished inside
space.
FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 9
 THE PROJECT

Feeling at
HOME PLACES enters the
homes of those whose
job it is to do up others’;
to see how they live,
their own personal style,
whether they resent
refurbishement projects
under their own roofs,
or can’t get enough of
change. Interior
decorator Alison
Satariano recently
embarked on a three-
week turnaround of her
whole house while her
husband was abroad.
She lives and breathes
her work, so for her, it’s
just a way of life.

12 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

PHOTOS: BRIAN GRECH

THE MALTESE have a

saying that goes: the cobbler
wears torn shoes. Does this
apply to you and the design
and decor of your own home?
I think this saying used to apply
to me until I started to treat
myself as a client. And this is
the secret; I started to be as
disciplined with doing things for
my own environment as I am for
others. I now do not allow myself
to proceed to the next project in
the house until the last one is
completely finished.

Do you often redecorate your

house, or has it been sitting on
the backburner and the last
thing you want to think about
after a day’s work seeing how
to revamp others’ homes?
I think there are two agendas:
the little extras, like changing
cushions, a lamp, or a coffee
table that keep things updated.
I find that inspiration comes all
the time to add something new
and beautiful, so for me, the
house is always an unfinished
canvas for the small details. Then
there is my five-year plan: I do
one project at a time until it is
completely finished as part of
an overall five-year coordinated
plan that actually never ends and
allows me to budget large,

FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 13

 THE PROJECT
expensive projects, mixed with small cheaper
ones, depending on time, cash flow and
convenience. I have to say I live and breathe my
work, so I don’t actually think of it as a job, but
as a way of life. I am always imagining new
things to do and new ways to do them. Also
it is the nature of decorating that trends and
styles are constantly changing and evolving,
so unless you are very passionate about it and
treat it as your life rather than work, you will
not keep up.
14 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016
How would you describe the style of your
home?
I think it is very hard to put it simply… I don’t like
to be restricted by one style and I like things to
be practical, but beautiful. I’m concerned about
ease of use as well as the aesthetics. I want my
surroundings to feel cosy and homely, in spite
of my workshops being downstairs and my
office being in the spare room. Everything has
to be highly organised down to my socks. I
don’t like to waste time looking for things;
 THERE IS SO MUCH MORE AVAILABLE TO US NOW. TAKE
WALLPAPER, FOR EXAMPLE: 25 YEARS AGO, NOBODY
WOULD HAVE CONSIDERED IT; TODAY, MORE THAN HALF
THE WALLS IN MY HOUSE ARE COVERED IN IT AND IT
ADDS A WHOLE NEW DIMENSION TO A ROOM

my house are covered in it and it adds a whole

new dimension to a room.

What is the effect you want your home to

everything has a home so it can be found even
in the dark!
How has it changed from when you moved in?
Well, 25 years down the line means five five-
year plans, so I would like to think it has evolved
dramatically. Styles and taste, in general, have
grown with our interest in the home. There is so
much more available to us now. Take wallpaper,
for example: 25 years ago, nobody would have
considered it; today, more than half the walls in
have on you, your family and your guests?
I hope it makes everyone feel welcome,
comfortable, cosy and ‘at home’.
How different is its style from what you
propose to others on a daily basis as part of
your job as an interior decorator? Or how hard
is it to do something different, given that you
are constantly churning out ideas, and picking
your favourite colours and fabrics for others?
What I do in my home is not a copy paste of

FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 15

 THE PROJECT
what I have been involved in elsewhere. Every house
and every room is different, like their occupants, so
no project should ever be the same. I try my best to
become a chameleon; to get into the mind of the
16 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016
client and/or designer, so whatever is done reflects
their tastes, lifestyle, needs and the style of
house/apartment.
If someone who knew you well were to walk into
your home, what do you think would make them
realise it is definitely yours?
If they know me well… everything – from the perspex
boxes to the colours of the cushions to the marble
table in the kitchen.
You’re surrounded by beautiful household objects
and fabrics in your shop. How tempting is it to take
things home before you sell them, and do you?
 THE PROJECT

18 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

THE WINDOW SEAT IN THE
DINING ROOM – IT’S PERFECT
TO SIT AND READ ON

Or does the novelty wear off with the familiarity,

so to speak?
Very tempting! Often, I don’t want to sell them. If
I love something, I love it for life. Having said that,
if I feel someone has a passion for something, I have
more of an urge to give it than sell it. That is why I am
part of a team where we all play equally important roles
from the creative to the financial and the organisational.
And no, the novelty never wears off – the combinations
for a home are endless and always exciting.

Do you seek out completely different things from

what you sell?
Definitely not; I love everything we sell. Having said
that, we cannot sell everything, so we work hand in
hand with many other shops to combine and
coordinate all successfully.

FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 19

 THE PROJECT

What is that niggling, pending project that you just

can’t get down to doing?
I would say I never get time to plant all the flowers
I would like to in the garden. I even neglect the
window boxes, which should be less time consuming.
But I think I will save that for when I’m older as I’m
not so good at doing things in half measures.

What’s your favourite spot in the house?

Definitely the window seat in the dining room – it’s
perfect to sit and read on.

Your most precious touch?

The things I constructed and made myself, such as
the mirror in the dining room and the chesterfield
circular ottoman in the sitting room.

Something you can’t wait to change as your taste in
that particular thing has changed considerably?
I don’t think there’s anything, although I would have
loved a dressing room, but that would mean drastic
structural changes so it’s not an option.
they need to be revamped. Perhaps next year... I will
look forward to doing them with all the new ranges.
But I am also working on a coffee table for the living
room – a mix of upholstery/glass/marble that I’m
very excited about.

When is your home due for a makeover and does On a scale of one to 10, how house-proud are you?
the thought scare you? Very! I love the house, so I would say 10. But I think
On the five-year plan, the next things are my that applies to the houses and projects I’m involved
children’s bedrooms; now that they have left home, in as well as my own.

20 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

 THE PROJECT

THE STARTING POINT FOR THIS PROPERTY’S INDUSTRIAL

LOOK STEMMED FROM THE ROUGH TEXTURE OF THE
CONCRETE CEILING, BUT WAS ALSO STRONGLY INFLUENCED
BY THE HOMEOWNER’S DESIRE TO CREATE A CASUAL,
FUNCTIONAL AND PRACTICAL SPACE, IDEAL FOR
ENTERTAINING, WHILE ALSO ENJOYING UNCONVENTIONAL
DESIGN AND FURNITURE ELEMENTS.

ROUGH,
RAW...
AND
REFINED
PHOTOS: PETER M. MERCIECA

22 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR
DESIGN: MJMDA [Matthew James
Mercieca Design Architects]
FLOORING, CLADDING,
KITCHEN & FURNITURE: Brands
International Ltd & BoConcept
STYLING: BoConcept

OVERALL LOOK AND FEEL

This project has an industrial look,
with a focus on rough, raw
textures. The concrete ceiling was
left exposed and the dark walls
are juxtaposed against the clean
lines of the crisp white central unit
in the living area. This becomes
the main focal point, also because
it cleverly serves as a media unit
on one side, housing the large TV
screen in the main entertainment
area, and a storage/utility area on
the other.

FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 23

 THE PROJECT

24 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

 INSPIRATION AND KEY PIECES
The idea for the industrial look stemmed from
the rough texture of the concrete ceiling and the
homeowner’s desire to create a casual, highly
functional and practical space, ideal for entertaining,
but also enjoying unconventional design and
furniture elements.
Achieving a well-thought-out, coordinated look
remained the top priority, and all key pieces and
spaces reflect the same feeling throughout, while
serving the different functions in each of the rooms.

ACHIEVING A WELL-THOUGHT-OUT,
COORDINATED LOOK REMAINED THE TOP
PRIORITY, AND ALL KEY PIECES AND SPACES
REFLECT THE SAME FEELING THROUGHOUT,
WHILE SERVING THE DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS
IN EACH OF THE ROOMS

The KITCHEN enjoys a simple layout, inspired by

a casual bar look, with the back-lit glass shelving
cantilevered between the back panelling, and the
industrial-grade extractor hood being the main
focal points. The suspended column over the
peninsula houses the appliances, while a concealed
unit serves as extra storage space accessible from
the front of the kitchen. A textured laminate was
used for the cabinetry, while the top and
backsplash in metal-look laminate brings in a cool
element and completes the casual industrial look.

FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 25

 THE PROJECT
The FLOORING used throughout is another
key statement in this property and ties in
with the whole look. The upcycling trend is
reflected here, through the use of the eye-
catching vinyl flooring, the design of which
was also purposely chosen to mirror the
timber texture of the concrete in the ceiling.
The same flooring was extended to the spare
bedroom and also clads the walls vertically in this
room, creating a sense of continuity and opening
up the space further. The monochrome colour
scheme in this room, while retaining a manly feel,
is accented by touches of yellow and petrol blue
in the soft furnishings, keeping things current
and on trend. Space was maximised through
functional pieces of furniture, such as
a freestanding mirror, which doubles as a
shoe/storage cabinet, and the wire stool, which
doubles as a nightstand. The use of timber, and
particularly hardwood decking on the outdoor
terrace was an obvious choice for the
homeowner, who specifically wanted to create a
warm, inviting feel outdoors, as a direct extension
26 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016
THE ELEGANT DINING TABLE AND
CHAIRS, WITH THEIR SOLID EUCALYPTUS
LEGS AND CONTRASTING WHITE TOP,
EXUDE AN AIR OF SOPHISTICATION
WITHOUT BEING OVERLY DONE
of the entertainment area in the living room.
Moreover, the flexibility of hardwood makes it
easy to have a continuous flow between the floor
and the walls. The elegant dining table and chairs,
with their solid eucalyptus legs and contrasting
white top, exude an air of sophistication without
being overly done.
The SOFA is another key piece that distinguishes
the overall character of this property. The
modularity of its cubic shape allowed for specific
customisation, including a backless module and
a chaise longue, as well as mixing and matching
different fabrics and leathers, highlighting and
reflecting certain tones in the floor. Put together,
they create an unexpected, individual look that
stands out, yet is perfectly harmonised.
 BUILDING A BUSINESS

28 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

THREE’S
A GOOD
CROWD
PHOTOS: SEAN MALLIA

Interior architecture and furniture designer VIOLET KULEWSKA

plays on three – the number of good fortune – in her design of
a Rabat restaurant by the same name.

THIS 17th-CENTURY Rabat palazzo elements on the wooden partition, three round
was originally constructed for the aristocratic globe lights on the decorative arches and three
Theuma-Castelletti family, who built a residence hand-painted decorations on these arches. Three
consisting of several interconnected and is also the number of good fortune,” says Violet
high-vaulted rooms and Kulewska, responsible for
arches in keeping with the the interior design project.
stately architectural style of Trois restaurant is part
the period. of the historical building,
The function of these so she wanted to work
rooms has changed over the carefully with the existing
years: from housing nobility space, aiming to combine
to being used as a school old structural elements with
and shelter for children
during World War II. It was
also recently discovered that
the building rests on the
remains of an ancient Roman
village and has a history of over 2,000 years.
Originally, the restaurant was to be named
Three Arches, which actually form part of the
existing interior. Eventually, it became Trois –
being one of the three restaurants inside Palazzo
Castelletti – and this number, therefore, has a
symbolic meaning.
“I wanted to highlight this in different areas of
the project, which consists of three arches, three

FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 29

 BUILDING A BUSINESS

THE OLD NICHES, TYPICAL OF THIS

KIND OF ARCHITECTURE, WERE
TRANSFORMED INTO PRACTICAL
DISPLAYS, WITH SHELVES PAINTED
IN A LEMON-YELLOW COLOUR

30 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016


new contemporary details, creating a fusion
between old and new.
The old niches, typical of this kind of
architecture, were transformed into practical
displays, with shelves painted in a lemon-yellow
colour. Decorative elements like the turquoise
pastel coloured timber partition wall and the
blue arch were beautifully paired with these
lemon-yellow details.
“The combination of turquoise and lemon-
yellow is one of my favourite Mediterranean
colours. Both the sea and the limestone are
reflected in this interior space,” Violet says.
THE COMBINATION OF TURQUOISE
AND LEMON-YELLOW IS ONE OF
MY FAVOURITE MEDITERRANEAN
COLOURS. BOTH THE SEA AND
THE LIMESTONE ARE REFLECTED
IN THIS INTERIOR SPACE
Another interior design element is the
hand-painted arches, using basic brushstrokes.
Most of the items in Trois were custom-made,
including the simple tables in black galvanised
steel, while some existing pieces of furniture
were also re-designed and the modern grey
and black upholstered chairs complete
the look.
Violet also managed to source beautiful old
bentwood chairs, also known as bistro chairs,
from the 1930s, the design of which is elegant
and precisely crafted, presenting the perfect
match for the classic-style diamond-patterned
marble floor.
WWW.VIOLETKULEWSKA.COM
FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 31
 BUILDING A BUSINESS

There’s a new class of lavishness

taking shape out there… and if
you don’t have an eye for what is
genuinely and deeply deluxe, it
can easily pass you by. New luxury
is low-key extravagance, if such
an oxymoron were allowed. For a
taste and feel of this subtle swanky
style, check out the refurbished

luxury
Club InterContinental lounge and
the hotel’s Presidential Suite.

New

34 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

 PHOTOS: BRIAN GRECH

You may not have €5,000 a night

to spare on a stay at InterContinental
Malta’s Presidential Suite, so here’s
a sneak peek of its lush interiors,
spread over 150 square metres of
what can be called the ultimate
urban retreat.
Those who only equate luxury
with in-your-face and over-the-top
opulence may miss the low-profile
plushness at first glance. But this
is the epitome of new luxury: it’s
cool, calm and collected. It doesn’t
need to show off. You either get it,
or you don’t… but ultimately,
everybody does.
The €5,000 per night price tag
may be justified by a variety of fine,
bespoke amenities and comforts:
from Bang & Olufsen entertainment
services, whose contemporary
design quirkiness is seen in a
revolutionary combination of natural
tones, strong lines and innovative
technological brilliance; down to
the finest Egyptian cotton linen;
homemade chocolates and truffles;
fresh tropical orchids; and
sumptuous exotic fruit baskets…

THIS IS THE EPITOME OF NEW

LUXURY: IT’S COOL, CALM
AND COLLECTED. IT DOESN’T
NEED TO SHOW OFF

And of course, while it has

nothing to do with interior design,
the butler service, on hand at any
time of the day or night to provide
anything from a silver service dinner
to personal shopping assistance, also
plays its part in keeping up the
overall level of luxury on offer.
At the end of the day, the re-
launch of both the Presidential Suite
and Club InterContinental on the
hotel’s 15th floor was designed to
herald “a new level of comfort and
service that our guests have come to
expect,” says Martin van Kan, Area
General Manager Malta.

FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 35

 BUILDING A BUSINESS

36 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

THE LIGHT-FILLED OPEN AREA OFFERS A FEELING OF SPACE
AND INTIMACY AT THE SAME TIME; WHILE THE CONCENTRATION
OF STRAIGHT LINES AND SIMPLICITY IS THROWN INTO SHARP
RELIEF BY THE HUGE HOLLOW GLOBED CHANDELIERS

Deluxe environments can be

intimidating; you may not dare to touch.
But new luxury is comfortable and
welcoming; it’s serene and soothing. It
feels like home, but it’s a big cut above…
And the balance between rich and down
to earth is not that easy to achieve in
terms of interior design.
In the slick and spacious suite and
lounge, colours are predominantly neutral,
with various tints of grey, emphasised in
places by dark stained woods, cool
marble, natural leathers and crisp glass,
all of which create a calming and
distinguished ambience. The furniture
for both was specifically designed and
arranged by none other than Minotti.
Club InterContinental is spread over
600 square metres and is an example of
slick and contemporary décor, where
blacks and dark blues meet and mingle,
and masculinity, warmth and elegance
combine to create a business
environment that is not conducive to
distraction and allows for dining, relaxing,
networking and socialising.
The light-filled open area, with central
lounge seating as well as clusters of
chairs and coffee tables, offers a feeling
of space and intimacy at the same time;
while the concentration of straight lines
and simplicity is thrown into sharp relief
by the huge hollow globed chandeliers
and striking greenery almost glows
against the walls’ darker tones.
But the most dramatic contrast is
probably thanks to the creativity of the
chefs – through their collection of colours,
shapes, tastes and flavours, which stand
out against the relative sleek simplicity of
the lounge.

FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 37

 ACCESSORIES

Take a seat
2
3

10

11

Vintage inspired
1. Armchair Peggy by Pols Potten, €895, Loft | 2. props, onepercent | 3. €1,303, Fino | 4. €290, Loft |
5. €189, Loft | 6. €1,650, Fino | 7. €1,220, Fino | 8. [starting from] €628, Core | 9. €530, Fino | 10. €661, Fino |
11. €61.84 each, Fino.

40 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

 From contemporary designs to vintage and miniatures, reproductions and
reinterpretations of iconic chairs, SEAN MALLIA sources, styles and photographs
the finest on the market, including the likes of Eames, Panton, Heatherwick and
Starck and their Voido and Spun Chairs, to celebrate those who turned sitting into
a work of art. From 1950s to now, between brands like Magis, Kartell and Vitra,
these are the designs that have stood – and sat – the test of time, using anything
from cowhide to polyethylene and bendable wood.
PHOTOS: SEAN MALLIA LOCATION: ZAFFARESE AUCTIONS, SAN GWANN

FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 41

 ACCESSORIES

42 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

Between the lines
1. Masters Chair by Kartell, designed by Philippe Starck, €205, onepercent | 2. €277, Core | 3. Eames
Wire Chair, €361.08, Ideacasa | 4. [coat hanger] €329, BoConcept | 5. €1,241, Fino | 6. Singapore chair
by Pols Potten, €295, Loft | 7. €50, Loft.

6
5

FEBruary 2016 PLACES 43

 ACCESSORIES

5
1

Don’t sit still

1. Panton Junior Chairs by Vitra, designed by Verner Panton, €151.04, Dex | 2. Voido Rocking Chair by Magis,
designed by Ron Arad, €498, Studio Moda | 3. Spun Chair by Magis, designed by Thomas Heatherwick, on loan
from Grech&VinciArchitecture&Design, €395, Core | 4. Voido Rocking Chair by Magis, designed by Ron Arad,
€498, Core | 5. Tip Ton Chairs by Vitra, designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, €223.02, Dex.

44 PLACES FEBRuARy 2016

FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 45
 ACCESSORIES

46 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

Antique vs contemporary
1. Limited-edition Masters Chair by Kartell, designed by Philippe Starck, €457, onepercent | 2. [nest of three tables],
€319, BoConcept | 3. Mad Chair by Poliform, designed by Marcel Wanders, €793 [depending on fabric],
onepercent | 4. €149, BoConcept | 5. €233, Fino | 6. €179, BoConcept | carpet; tea set; urns, all Zaffarese Auctions.

FeBruAry 2016 PLACES 47

 ACCESSORIES

3
7
6

8
14 15
2

13
10

12

9
11
1

Neutral but bold

1. €719, Fino | 2. €250, Ideacasa | 3. €1,160, Studio Moda | 4. €880, onepercent | 5. €158, Ideacasa | 6. Worm Chair
model by Sean Mallia | 7. Embrace, €1,499.78, Dex | 8. Eames Armchair, €643.10, Dex | 9. €179, Loft | 10. €983, Fino
| 11. €79, Loft | 12. €29, BoConcept | 13. €569, BoConcept | 14. €169, Loft | 15. €1,213, Fino | Vitra miniatures, Dex |
whisky decanter, Zaffarese Auctions.

48 PLACES FEBruAry 2016

 Present meets future
1. €59, BoConcept | 2. €91, BoConcept | 3. €158, Fino | 4. Eames Armchair, €422.44, Ideacasa | 5. Koncord
stools, designed by Karim Rashid, €252 each, Brands International Ltd | 6. €64, Loft | 7. €619, BoConcept |
8. Imola chair, designed by Henrik Pedersen, [starting from] €1,419, BoConcept | 9. Basel Chair by Vitra,
designed by Jasper Morrison, €333.94, Ideacasa and Dex | 10. CH07 Shell Chair, designed by Hans J. Wegner,
[starting from] €2,360, Core | 11. €229, BoConcept | showcase, Zaffarese Auctions.

9
3 4

5
8

11

10

FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 49

 ACCESSORIES

50 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

 5

1
10

12 11 9
13

Chirpy & cheerful

1. €590, Fino | 2. €969, Fino | 3. €97, onepercent | 4. €526, Fino | 5. €52, Loft | 6. [starting from] €221.40, Studio
Moda | 7. [starting from] €148, Studio Moda | 8. €590, Fino | 9. eames elephant, €208.86, Dex | 10. €97, onepercent |
11. [starting from] €89.40, Studio Moda | 12. €29 each, boConcept | 13. €42, boConcept.

February 2016 PLACES 51

 DOING IT UP: DO/DON’T

CHAIR
THE CHAIR is one of the most

The
important furniture products in the field of
design. A number of factors come into play

person
Interior architect Antonella Riotto from
Fino Interiors Design Studio tries and tests
some of the hottest seats in the history of
furniture; then boils it down to the vital
statistics for any chair to work.
Louis Ghost
to make it perfect; a combination of
aesthetics and comfort, ergonomic features,
dimensions and materials.
But in simple terms, a chair is comfortable
if the width varies from 45cm to 55cm
[minimum 40cm and maximum 60cm]; the
depth can vary from 46cm to 60cm; a 45cm
to 60cm backrest allows the user to get up
easily; while from 75cm to 90cm, a good
support for the back is ensured.
Every type of chair has different features,
depending on where it is situated and its
purpose. A stool bar, for instance, is
comfortable if it has a footrest and the total
height is correct. It is also recommended that
the distance between the seat of the stool
and the table top is between 25cm and 35cm.
This avoids discomfort once seated due to
the fact that the table is either too close to
the face, or the legs can’t fit below it.
And on it goes… An outdoor chair, for
example, has to be made of weatherproof
materials; while a chair for a studio flat, or
small areas, should be folding, or stackable.
An office chair has to be designed
keeping in mind health, comfort and
well-being; it has to be ergonomic,
with a good support for the back,
and wheels to move easily, while it
should be made of a breathable
fabric [it is advisable to avoid
leather].
One of the most well-known
ergonomic office chairs ever made,
an icon of modern design, is Aeron,
designed for Herman Miller in 1992 by
William Stumpf and Donald Chadwick.
This chair is exhibited in the permanent
collection of MoMA [Museum of Modern
Art] in New York. The fabric and foam

are replaced by a breathable woven

membrane for the seat and backrest.
Aeron distributes body weight evenly,
Thonet Vienna N. 14

eliminating pressure points and heat build-

up. It lets you recline fluidly and can be
adjusted by leaning forward to prevent the
occurrence of lordosis, putting support
where you need it most while seated – at
the base of the spine – having a
biomorphic shape. It’s certainly one of the
most expensive office chairs, but it’s the
real-life answer to anyone who sits at a
desk for hours at a stretch.
It’s hard to choose the best chair ever
created as there is a huge list and it
mostly depends on personal taste, the

52 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

 IDEAS & MORE

features and the

materials used, as well
as the innovative impact
Aeron

on furniture history.
For example, the famous
coffee house chair, Thonet
Vienna N. 14, designed by
Michael Thonet in 1859, is
an icon and considered the
first and most successful
mass-produced product in
the world to date, with some
50 million manufactured. This
chair is still in production today
and is considered to be the
Seamless surfaces
Staron by Samsung is a 100 per cent solid seamless surface,
genesis of modern furniture. The
which is practical, aesthetically beautiful and functional.
basis of this chair was the new technique of Staron is a non-porous material, so it resists bacteria, mould
bending solid wood, which Thonet developed and moisture from penetrating the surface. Since the colour
and perfected during the 1850s. and pattern are uniform throughout the product, scratches,
chips and stains can be sanded out and the surface
Another timeless design item
renewed, reconditioned and restored to its original finish.
is the Panton Chair, a classic Call on 9944 6951 for a free quotation, or send an e-mail to
in the history of furniture. jurgen@jtstrading.com. www.jtstrading.com
It was designed by
Verner Panton in
1960 and developed for
serial production in 1967. Lulu furniture,
The Panton Chair was the
lighting and
accessories
Named after one of his
IT’S CERTAINLY ONE OF THE MOST muses, Francis Sultana’s
latest collection of furniture,
EXPENSIVE OFFICE CHAIRS, BUT IT’S THE
lighting and accessories nods
REAL-LIFE ANSWER TO ANYONE WHO SITS to influences from Paris of
AT A DESK FOR HOURS AT A STRETCH the 1920s as well as North
Africa both in its silhouettes
and detailing such as fringing
first to be manufactured completely out of plastic and grasses. Mixing the
in one single piece, and the comfort results from artisanal with his signature
the combination of a cantilever structure with an sense of elegance and
luxury, Francis has created a
anthropomorphic shape and a slightly flexible
collection of depth and style,
material. with upholstery and cushions blending raffias and silks in
Talking about contemporary design chairs, it’s contemporary tweeds. Bronze mimics tree barks, curves are
impossible not to mention the innovation from 1990 juxtaposed with straight lines and colours range from a natural
palette to bold splashes of peacock blues and greens, burnt
to 2000 by one of the best known designers, Philippe
orange and reds. Following a year of success, the London-based
Starck. Utilising polycarbonate, a plastic that can Gozitan has now moved from his Fulham Road showroom to
be broken down for recycling purposes, Starck St James’s. His new atelier is by appointment and is found in
developed eco-friendly, contemporary, plastic the same building as David Gill Gallery, of which Francis is also
furniture with an exclusive style. artistic director, overseeing its schedule of exhibitions of new
and established designers and artists. Francis has been widely
Maybe the most famous Starck chair is the
applauded for his stunning Pad restaurant and bar in the heart
Louis Ghost, a comfortable armchair made out of of Berkeley Square and was named one
transparent and coloured polycarbonate in the Louis of Wallpaper’s Top 20 Interior Designers.
XV style. It is the quintessence of baroque, revisited www.francissultana.com
in an amazing, modern and sophisticated way,
combining a contemporary material with a classical
style concept. Despite its evanescent and crystalline
appearance, Louis Ghost is stable and durable, shock
and weather resistant and can also be stacked. This
article has great charm and considerable visual appeal
and brings a touch of elegance and irony to any style
of home, or public place.

WWW.FINO.COM.MT

FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 53

 TRENDS

THEIR MODESTY IS REFLECTED IN THE SIMPLICITY AND MINIMALISM

OF NORDIC INTERIORS; AND THEIR LOVE FOR NATURE IS HIDDEN IN
THE WOODEN ELEMENTS AND NATURE-INSPIRED ORNAMENTS

54 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

 DANDY
SCANDY
SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN HAS INFILTRATED OUR HOMES
AND IT FEELS RIGHT. HERE’S A GUIDE TO THE REGION’S
INTERIOR AFFAIRS BY ALINA ANISIMOVA.
Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair and Alvar Aalto’s Paimio Armchair.

love for nature is hidden in the wooden

WHEN WE mention Scandinavian
interiors, the first thing that springs to
mind is usually Ikea. But there is much
more to this style…
Scandinavian designers managed to
create an interior style that fully reflects
the ideology of their fellow natives. Their
modesty is reflected in the simplicity and
minimalism of Nordic interiors; and their
elements and nature-inspired ornaments.
The trademark chic minimalist look
and simple lines of Scandinavian interiors
is inexpensive and easy to update. It
builds on the open, cosy and
comfortable spaces, and paradoxically, is
the ideal winter antidote for the Northern
European region that is frozen half the
year, adding a special aesthetic pleasure
to any room.

FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 55

 TRENDS

Alvar Aalto

SCANDINAVIAN STYLE RELIES HEAVILY ON WHITE, WHICH IS

USUALLY COMBINED WITH NEUTRAL COLOURS, SUCH AS
BLACK, GREY, BEIGE AND LIGHT BLUE. OTHER PASTEL SHADES
CAN EASILY BE INTEGRATED INTO A SCANDINAVIAN INTERIOR

Nordic designers gained public attention
long before the famous Egg Chair from the
1950s. They introduced the world to the
concept of Scandinavian design during the
New York World’s Fair, the famous exposition
that first took place in 1939. The Finnish
pavilions were created by modernist architect
Alvar Aalto, one of the leading figures in
Scandinavian design.
According to Aalto: “It is the task of the
architect to give life a gentler structure.” And
perhaps, this famous quote encapsulates the
whole idea of Nordic design and architecture
aesthetics. Home is a place of comfort, an
open and airy space, which is meant to
enhance the quality of life. And these
principles keep Scandinavian design popular
and relevant today as it seeps into our
Mediterranean homes.
Tips to transpose the feel from up north
down south:
The right colours
Picking the colours is the first step.
Scandinavian style relies heavily on white,
which is usually combined with neutral colours,
such as black, grey, beige and light blue. Other
pastel shades can easily be integrated into a
Scandinavian interior. These colours do the
trick, visually enhancing a room and making it
lighter. But don’t be afraid to add some
accents and brighten up a space using pops of
red, mazarine blue, or grass green.
Lighting
Maybe because their region is characterised by
the darkest winter days and longest nights,
Scandinavian designers tend to create open

56 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

YOU CAN BRIGHTEN A SPACE UP BY USING POPS OF, FOR
EXAMPLE, GREEN, WHICH STANDS OUT AGAINST A BLACK
AND WHITE INTERIOR. A LITTLE CACTUS, OR ANY MINI PLANT,
LOOKS GREAT BY ITSELF, OR IN A COMPOSITION
and airy spaces to allow light throughout. Big
windows with no curtains are typical of Nordic
interiors; they help to take advantage of the
daylight. Consider placing several lighting
options around, such as table lamps, floor
lamps, torchières and candles, to illuminate a
space and create a sense of cosiness. Iconic
Scandinavian lighting designs include the PH
Artichoke Lamp by Danish architect Poul
Henningsen and the Dokka pendant by
Norwegian designer Birger Dahl.
Materials
Scandinavian design emphasises the use of
natural materials, such as wood elements,
ceramics, glass, metals, or natural fabrics, such as
linen, cotton and wool. However, manufactured
materials, including moulded plastics, are also
used frequently for functionality.
Furniture
Scandinavian design is essentially minimalist,
so when it comes to furnishings, less is more.
Award-winning designer Birger Dahl was
a pioneer of contemporary Scandinavian
lighting and created the Dokka pendant lamp.
Usually, it is quality furniture: simple and
functional, yet elegant, while special attention
is given to comfort. Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair
and Alvar Aalto’s Paimio Armchair have
become the landmarks of modernist design
and are considered classics today.
Decoration
Scandinavian design does not require much
décor, but those pieces you pick have to be
special. Frames of various sizes have become
the traditional decorative elements of a
Scandinavian interior, whether it’s a conceptual
art piece, or a vintage shot of James Dean. You
can brighten a space up by using pops of, for
example, green, which stands out against a
black and white interior. A little cactus, or
any mini plant, looks great by itself, or in a
composition. Small things in the right places,
such as a collection of your favourite
magazines on a coffee table, can make your
interiors truly stunning. And don’t forget
the candles, a must to make things Nordic
and cosy.
FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 57
 CONSERVATION CORNER

58 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

 The
book
case
Conservator Roderick Abela from ReCoop Ltd
talks us through the restoration process of a
majestic, 17th-century bookcase to help us
appreciate its intrinsic value. He says he could
easily spend hours admiring the beauty of this
library’s handcrafted features, each differing from
one another and all having their own character.

baroque period. It consists of

Description
This fine library bookcase is
an impressive piece of Italian
furniture, dating back to the
early 17th century and boasting
a high level of carvings and
craftsmanship. The structure is
heavy, linear and architectural
in design, with thick panel
mouldings and detailing and its
decorative parts partially gilt.
a two-tiered structure, with
panelled cupboards on the lower
tier and book shelving on the
recessed upper part.
The articulation has two wide
panels at the centre, flanked
pilasters and thinner panels on
the outside. The upper shelf doors
have wide wire meshed panels
and the decorative details are
typical of the late cinquecento.

THE STRUCTURE IS HEAVY, LINEAR AND

ARCHITECTURAL IN DESIGN, WITH THICK
PANEL MOULDINGS AND DETAILING

Made from walnut wood, it The entire structure stands on

was certainly produced for an a shallow podium and is crowned
Italian palazzo in the pre- by a cornice.

FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 59

CONSERVATION CORNER
TIME HAS SHOWN THAT INAPPROPRIATE
TREATMENTS LEAD TO WORSE SCENARIOS THAN
IF THE OBJECT WERE LEFT ALONE
Intervention
The library was recently purchased
by a private client, who wanted to
have it restored back to its original
condition and refined splendour.
Conservation and restoration
procedures were discussed and it
was made clear that no unnecessary
treatment would be carried out.
Time has shown that inappropriate
treatments lead to worse scenarios
than if the object were left alone.
There are guidelines and a code of
ethics that every professional
conservator should follow.
Conservation
Because it consists of both wood
and metal, its conservation process
had to incorporate a treatment that
benefitted each composite material.
The approach followed was a
balance between function, aesthetics
and the preservation of the historic
finishes and surfaces, all having the
potential to reveal much about the
history of the object.
Once cleaned, a gilt lustre
emerged from beneath layers of
embedded dust and dirt. The original
French polish patina was preserved
and regenerated, making the
wooden finish look as vibrant as it
is meant to be.
Its decorative features became
more pronounced, offering the eye a
pleasant journey of discovery of the
craftsman’s various creations. One
could easily spend hours admiring
the beauty of the handcrafted
features, each differing from one
another and all having their own
character.
Conclusion
The end result is majestic – more
than two metres in height and
three metres wide of a solid – yet
elegant – piece of furniture that
would easily stand out in any
environment.
 PROPERTY POTENTIAL

A matter of
character
Not interested in the one-size-
fits-all home and looking for a
property that is unique and can
never be replicated? The house
of character continues to fit the
bill, according to Stanley Bonello,
Fgura branch manager of Frank
Salt Real Estate Ltd.

The stuff of fairy tales

This palazzo with its own driveway, leading up to a five-storey tower, surrounded by
extensive, mature gardens, a large pool area, open terraces and secluded courtyards, is set
just outside Zurrieq. The 400-year-old property is built in thick limestone, with tall turrets,
balustrade balconies and masonry features that hark back to the time of the Knights of the
Order of St John. Set on 8,300 square metres of land, this rare example of 17th-century
fortified architecture stands peacefully alone, surrounded by olive and citrus trees,
Mediterranean pines and cacti. The nine bedrooms all look out onto unobstructed views,
and the large reception rooms below open onto the gardens. Other features include stone
fireplaces, curved winding staircases, vaulted ceilings, double-volume height in the main
reception room, niches, wall recesses and stone floors.

62 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

Are houses of character still in
demand, or is today’s buyer looking
for a newer, more modern house, and
possibly an apartment?
Houses of character have retained
their appeal, both converted and
unconverted, especially because they
are now the main alternative to a
modern apartment/maisonette/
penthouse. Moreover, their character,
as their name implies, is unique, and
they offer interesting and new
challenges to any buyer.
What are the pros of this sort of
property? And can they outweigh the
cons of living in an old house with
maintenance and humidity issues
among others?
The main pro is that every house of
character is unique; none are identical
anywhere on the island. So when you
manage to get your hands on a
property of the sort, you have acquired
a home that is as original as it can get,
with the possibility to further enhance
it in line with your own ideas.
How would you rank their selling
points, from historical relevance to
being one of kind etc…, in order of
importance?
Their selling points vary. I would say the
main appeal is their overall charm and
the warm feeling they project. This is
closely followed by the location,
whether it is a quaint village core, or its
outskirts; the outside space in the form
of a courtyard, garden, or a roof terrace;
and the unique character that each has.
What are the most common
concerns/obstacles you face from
clients considering a house of character
and how do you counteract them?
The most common concern is the
works needed to convert a house of
character in line with the ideas of the
prospective buyer. This applies to both
unconverted and converted houses,
and more so in the case of the latter,
since the possibility of ripping out and
remodelling an already finished
project/conversion would need to be
considered. The cost and feasibility of
these works obviously need to be
taken into account.
Do they tend to be more popular with
foreigners than locals these days,
especially because they are still so
unique and original to the former, while
this may be wearing off for the latter?
These houses still retain a very high
appeal with both local and foreign
buyers. If we take the foreigner, the
main attraction lies in the prospect of
owning a piece of history, with all its
FEBRUARY 2016 PLACES 63
 PROPERTY POTENTIAL

A loving family home

This house of character in the heart of Zurrieq offers a
comfortable layout and enjoys lots of natural light thanks to
well-thought-out apertures throughout. Set in a quaint lane, it is
complete with modern amenities, while respecting the original
features of the house. The living room leads on to the outdoor
area: a 200 square metre garden with a pool, surrounded by a
large deck and BBQ area, ideal for al fresco entertainment. The
farmhouse is converted to high standards, with finishes
including double-glazing, insulation and air conditioning, plus a
state-of-the art kitchen with industrial cooker.

character and charm, in a location that

can never match anything they are
accustomed to in their country of origin.
Do houses of character differ, according to their
location? And if so, what are the particular traits
of those in the southwest of Malta that are
featured here?
There aren’t many differences when it comes to
their features; however, there are considerable
differences in the locations. In the southwest are
some of the most authentic villages, which have
retained the traditions, culture and lifestyle of the
past. Here, the highest number of palazzos, once
used as hunting lodges by the Knights of the Order
of St John, together with the largest amount of
farmhouses that may be over 700 years old, can be
found. [The palazzo is similar to a town house, but
on a much grander scale, with features that include
large gardens, servants’ quarters, beautiful
architectural details, sculptures and an elegant
piano nobile.] The demand for houses of character
is high and the supply is very low, and this
especially in Qrendi, Safi, Mqabba and Kirkop as
they are small villages with lots of charm. Qrendi
and these other small villages are sought for the
tranquility of the village life, while Zurrieq offers
more amenities, such as banks, a post office,
supermarkets, cafes, etc…
What are the pros and cons of buying a converted
property, as opposed to unconverted, and do
people generally prefer the latter to the former?
There is certainly a very big demand for properly
converted houses of character; in fact, a well
converted house normally sells very quickly. The
biggest downside for a buyer remains the concern
of embarking on a project that can involve many
unexpected surprises as well as hidden costs, which
could put a strain on finances and time frames.
How do you feel conversions of houses of
character have changed over the years? Are you
seeing more architectural, modern and innovative
interventions mixed with the old and traditional
features, for example? And what about their

64 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

 PROPERTY POTENTIAL

One-of-a-kind property
This converted house of character is situated just off the main square of Qrendi.
Old features, including treated wooden beams and xorok, have been retained,
while a modern wood-burning fireplace heats up the entire house. The pool is
surrounded by attractive decking, further enhancing this one-of-a-kind property.

interior design? How has this

changed over the years, possibly moving away
from an overused rustic look and feel?
Generally, there are two philosophies, which are
reflected both in conversions and interior design.
There are those who fully maintain the character of
the property, making only the necessary changes,
particularly in terms of the introduction of modern
amenities, but sticking to the original elements of the
property as regards architecture and design. In the case
of expansions, they would also try to extend the current
features. Often, the interiors would be used to further
enhance the authenticity of the residence.
Others, and this seems to be a preferred design
trend, find a balance between the old and the new,
injecting contemporary finishes and styles, using
modern materials and including modern amenities,
such as air conditioning, underfloor heating,
mechanical skylights, en-suite bathrooms and
walk-in wardrobes.
Apart from being motivated by design trends,
certain elements of an unconverted property could be
beyond repair and, therefore, a modern intervention is
required. If this is done in style, the end result actually
accentuates and enhances any remaining original
features, giving the property an added dimension in
terms of character.
It is always important to keep in mind that a house
of character needs to retain its ‘character’. Investing in
these properties means buying a unique wedge of
architecture; this is not an apartment within a block,
with straight walls and a fairly uniform layout. No
conversion could ever bring a property back to its
original state – and there is nothing wrong with that.
What is important is to respect its original character
and merge this with the character and tastes of the
owners, while building on its past.
What is the future of this type of property and is
the supply dwindling, or do you think there are still
many undiscovered houses of character out there,
waiting to be appreciated and renovated?
What is happening is that the supply of converted and
semi-converted properties is running low, so people are
shifting to unconverted properties, which tend to cost
less, but require a more considerable investment to
restore. There is also an ongoing, yet limited, supply of
resale properties, these being fully converted and ready
to move into [unless the new owners decide to carry
out alterations].
If village cores and rural areas continue to be eroded
by big developments, do you fear that this unique type
of property could start to lose its value and its charm?
It is very unlikely for this to happen, given that such
properties are well protected not only from
development, but also as regards their restoration and
any extension works carried out. The government has
also introduced a number of incentives to encourage
the take-up and conversion of these properties in
Urban Conversation Areas.
What is the rental value of the house of character?
Its uniqueness, though the level of maintenance of these
properties should always be kept in mind. Houses of
character make an ideal rental investment and are
perfect for holiday letting throughout the whole year.
What sort of lifestyle does a house of character lend
itself to?
Fundamentally, the tranquillity they offer is key.
Featured properties are available from Frank Salt.
WWW.FRANKSALT.COM.MT

66 PLACES FEBRUARY 2016

 PLACES

PLACES DESIGN & LIVING

ISSUE 8 FEBRUARY 2016
Design & Living

The
sedentary
position
issue
SIT BACK
AND RELAX

THE WAY
THEY LIVE
INSIDE THE INTERIOR
DECORATOR’S OWN
HOME
ISSUE 8 FEBRUARY 2016

Calculated eclectic
to cordial industrial
Each to his own