Design Dispatch

26/07/2024

Have you ever wondered what lies behind Buckingham Palace's famous central balcony, the location of many-an-iconic royal moment throughout history?⏳You no longer need to.

The palace's east wing has just opened its doors to visitors after a complex restoration, revealing decadent rooms, thousands of pieces of fine porcelain, furniture and paintings, and a distinct Chinese theme that reflects a former king's affinity for Asian art and design. Discover its history and opulent interiors 👑

Works, which concluded last month after five years, have modernised the wing’s infrastructure as part of a 10-year programme.

25/07/2024

“We are elated about yet another project. This time we also get to call it our new HAUS.” Creative studio DAAA Haus has relocated to Msida, setting up a vibrant office with energetic interiors within the new Park Heights development by Warren Collection Malta - a mixed-use space that includes serviced apartments, eateries and a rooftop lounge with sweeping views. Take a look 👇

The office forms part of the mixed-use development in Msida, which includes a hotel and rooftop lounge.

23/07/2024

“Whilst in some cases office interior design demands impose branding, in this case, it was the brand’s culture that fed the creativity," says Angie Sciberras, founder of Angie the Architect studio who led the office design of Relax Gaming Ltd., located on the 8th floor of a business building in Tigne, Sliema. From cosy nooks to flexible work stations and engaging views all around, take a tour of this modern office that is “a testament to the success of purposeful and experiential design.”

Angela Sciberras, founder of Angie the Architect studio, drew on the gaming company’s creative culture for an office design that fosters equality and innovation.

20/07/2024

"The brief I received was classic, luxurious and dramatic. It’s not everyday that a residential client asks for ‘dramatic’! And honestly, what designer doesn’t love a bit of drama?" Interior designer Justine Bartolo, founder of LILLIE HELENA studio, takes us through a double bathroom renovation for an apartment in Tigne, Sliema, with practical dos and don'ts for anyone considering a change of their own.

“Finding the right balance between aesthetics and function is a good place to start.”

17/07/2024

From the landscaped garden of a Zebbug farmhouse to the alluring pool of a Gharghur villa, these idyllic exterior spaces from our residential archives will help inspire your own. Read more about each home: https://designdispatch.mt/idyllic-residential-exterior-spaces/

📸 David Zammit for DAAA Haus / Andrew Mizzi for AP Valletta / Alex Attard for MODEL Architects

15/07/2024

"For many, the SuperBowl represented unforgettable evenings filled with nostalgia; a legacy we were determined to honour." The newly refurbished bowling alley in St Julian's, which forms part of an extensive entertainment venue called The Eden, has undergone a complete transformation led by interior designer Carlo Schembri and the team at Andbold., designed as an homage to the decade in which this venue was born. Check out its new interiors 🎳

The redefined entertainment space, designed by Carlo Schembri, embraces the essence of retro revival.

14/07/2024

For the design of this charming house of character in Zebbug, interior designer Martina Fenech Adami, founder of studio NICHE, drew on her expertise as well as her client's tastes to deliver a home that is at once functional, maximises on space, and is a genuine reflection of his fun-loving personality. Take a look inside 👇

https://designdispatch.mt/a-playful-palette-and-creative-floor-plan/

11/07/2024

As space inside our home increasingly comes at a premium, the appeal of multi-functional furniture cannot be underestimated - and a daybed serves this purpose extremely well. From slender styles to bold designs, we've selected some of our favourites available through local retailers. Check them out👇

Think of it as a cross between a sofa, a bed and an armchair.

10/07/2024

“I always design things that I would like for myself. I imagine them in my home and how I would use them. It was a very hands-on project working with the talented team at Villa Bologna Pottery," said Suzanne Sharp, co-founder of the The Rug Company whose collection of homeware, including trellis-patterned tableware and decorative objects, reflect her trademark modern aesthetic informed by her travels in the Med. Discover the collection 👇

The collection includes ceramic tableware and decorative pieces for the home.

08/07/2024

DoubleTree by Hilton Malta, the first hotel forming part of the international chain managed by Hilton Worldwide to open its doors on the island, blends a contemporary and Mediterranean aesthetic with interior details that aim to give visitors a sense of place, ensuring they feel "welcomed and connected to the surroundings". Take a look inside this newly refurbished accommodation in Qawra.

The four-star hotel, previously Dolmen Hotel, opened its doors last April.

05/07/2024

Lifestyle and fashion brand MADUMA, launched by Kimberly Micallef to celebrate the dying trade of traditional Maltese tile-making and the intricate patterns they're known for has a new flagship store. Located in Swieqi, this venture is "a dream come true" for the founder, whose full range of tile-designed products - from t-shirts and stationery to homeware - will be displayed under one roof.

Founder Kimberly Micallef describes the brand's milestone as a “dream come true.”

04/07/2024

Inspired by Form 💡 Setting up a home office comes with the dual challenge of creating a space that is comfortable and conducive to productivity, as well as visually attractive so that it integrates well into your home. As part of our collaboration with Form, we've singled out striking pieces - from desks that double as consoles to shelving - that are a little beyond the ordinary.

We’ve teamed up with Form to bring you a selection of striking pieces that would transform any home office.

02/07/2024

From 'Nghaddu Zmien', a joint exhibition by designer and illustrator Ed Dingli and artist Patarra to photographer Ritty Tacsum's upcoming exhibition 'Disclosure', both at the Malta Society of Arts, take note of these visual arts events taking place this month.

Take note of Ritty Tacsum’s upcoming exhibition and Nghaddu Z-Zmien, a joint exhibition by Ed Dingli and Patarra at the Malta Society of Arts.

30/06/2024

Have you ever felt captivated by an artwork but felt too intimidated by the buying process to do anything about it? reached out to Maria Galea, curator, cultural strategist and art advisor to help demystify the practice of collecting or buying art for your home - a process that begins with exploring an interest in art and artists, and setting a realistic budget for your purchase 👇

Maria Galea, curator, art advisor and founder of Marie Gallery 5, shares insight on where to start in your journey towards buying or collecting art.

27/06/2024

“This event is a preview of the tranquil and inviting lifestyle that the Verdala Terraces will offer, showcasing what future residents can expect,” said Denise Xuereb, Director of Construction and Development at AX Group at an on-site event that marked the project’s status as it reaches its final stages.

The upscale and expansive project enjoys an exclusive address in Rabat’s Tal-Virtu area.

25/06/2024

“We need to build to last, we need to build in such a way that is timeless. We need to build quality spaces which won’t need to be demolished and replaced too soon.” As part of our interview series with Malta's architects and designers, we catch up with Patricia Risiott, co-founder of architecture studio A Collective, to find out about her work, her thoughts on industry issues, and places she's visited that left a lasting impact.

The architect and co-founder of A Collective shares her thoughts on industry issues and professional aspirations.

24/06/2024

Zara Home's latest collection in collaboration with Belgian architect and designer Vincent Van Duysen is described as one that transcends styles, cultures and eras, and “that embod[ies] a universal humanity”. From an upholstered loveseat to a rug inspired by one the designer has at his Antwerp home, take a look at this favourite home brand's latest drop.

The home furnishing giant has an ongoing collaboration with the celebrated architect and designer.

21/06/2024

Malta’s participating project for the 2025 London Design Biennale seeks to challenge the status quo on the subject of burial. “URNA is an innovative project exploring the fascinating and distinctive subject of cremation," said Arts Council Malta – “It should serve as the starting point for much discussion.”

The project, by Arts Council Malta, involves a multi-national team.

20/06/2024

As homeowners increasingly yearn for natural-looking and lived-in spaces, brushed ceramics are one way of achieving this - the result of working a ceramic surface to produce a slight but continuous glossy effect. From marble to stone-like designs, discover a broad range of brushed ceramics by Italian brand Fincibec Group, which has been represented locally by Banju Boutique since 1999.

Discover a range of quality and attractive brushed ceramic options at Banju Boutique.

18/06/2024

Designed as an homage to the charms of Southern Italy, this relative newcomer to the bustling streets of Marsalforn in Gozo invokes the charismatic character of a traditional Italian trattoria. Carried out by studio Andbold., led by interior designer Carlo Schembri, Da Marco Ristorante invites patrons to be transported from one coastal town to another in southern Italy “to experience the allure of the Amalfi coast.”

See the full story here: https://designdispatch.mt/a-trattoria-style-eatery-in-marsalforn/

📷 Gianluca Schembri

14/06/2024

A material widely associated with professional kitchens is now finding its way into daily life as the appeal of for domestic kitchens increasingly grows in popularity. Explore this trend with our pick of stainless steel kitchens to inspire your own, including ones available through local retailers.

Once considered cold and clinical, stainless steel is receiving a warm welcome for the heart of the home.

13/06/2024

From a ceramic exhibition by Greek artist Ioulia Chante at the Malta Society of Arts to Andrew Micallef's latest show of works titled Mal-Hagra t-Tajn, these exhibitions on throughout June should make it to your cultural calendar.

From a ceramic exhibition at the Malta Society of Arts to Andrew Micallef’s latest show of works, Mal-Hagra t-Tajn, take note of these ongoing exhibitions this month.

11/06/2024

AP Valletta emerged as the People's Choice in the Best Adaptive Reuse and Renovation category at the 2024 Architizer A+ Awards. Congratulations!

The Valletta-based firm was recognised as the ‘Popular Choice’ in this category among numerous international entrants

10/06/2024

The Victor Pasmore Gallery at APS House, the home of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, in Valletta has unveiled new artworks by eminent British artist Victor Pasmore which have never been seen in public before. Titled The Eye & the Symbol, the exhibition - which includes the permanent collection on display - takes “viewers on a journey that examines Pasmore’s relationship with the Maltese islands." Take a look.

The exhibition, titled The Eye & the Symbol, is open to visitors from Tuesday to Saturday.

06/06/2024

“As much as this project was about creating a home and unique spaces, it was also an exercise in questioning, and to an extent also challenging the manner with which allowable volumes may be treated and articulated," says Antoine Zammit, founder of Studjurban who led the renovation of a typical seaside apartment in Mellieha - measuring just over 3.5 metres wide - into an idyllic summer retreat with a striking mezzanine, skylight and soothing interiors.

The transformation was led by architect Antoine Zammit, founder of Studjurban.

04/06/2024

“Malta Design Week was always a curious exploration of every imaginable design discipline," says Karolina Rostkowska, an entrepreneur in the creative sector and new President of 808 Association, organisers of two editions of Malta Design Week that announced its new executive team: curator and art advisor Maria Galea and curator and design architect Elyse Tonna.

808 Association, organisers of two Malta Design Week editions, announces a change in leadership.

03/06/2024

Whether through bold colour blocking or bursts of accent , the architects and interior designers who led the design of these spaces embraced the use of colour - and to great effect. Take a look at these striking interiors from our archives that make a compelling case for colour inside our homes ✨

From vibrant walls to bold bits of furniture, these spaces exemplify the effects of colour on interior spaces.

31/05/2024

Inspired by Form💡As a business with a 90 year history, Molteni&C has led and witnessed significant change and transformation in the furniture industry, but some of its pieces remain iconic to this day. From armchairs by Italian master Gio Ponti to a sculptural table by Spanish architect and designer Patricia Urquiola, these pieces - available at a dedicated shop-in-shop at Form - were designed to last.

The Italian company’s legacy and background is as rich as its products.

30/05/2024

Subtle tones of mink and warm grey, accents of weathered steel and tactile upholstery bring a fresh and elegant aesthetic to the newly-refurbished ZEST Restaurant in St Julian's. Led by interior designer Greta Apap Bologna, founder of Greta Design, the Asian and Continental restaurant that forms part of Hotel Juliani features plenty of surprises, including an elevated sushi bar and a new semi-private dining area. Take a look inside 👇

The design was spearheaded by interior designer and founder of Greta Design, Greta Apap Bologna.

28/05/2024

A collective exhibition launching this June, titled Summer Lovin’, will mark the official start of summer as well as two decades of Christine X Art Gallery in Sliema. Curator and founder Christine Xuereb Seidu describes the exhibition as “a vibrant showcase that celebrates the beauty and vitality of summer through the lens of art and photography.” Here's a glimpse of what to expect☀️

Titled Summer Lovin’, the collective exhibition of art and photography will launch in June.