When talking to people involved either in the Malta property market or in the auctioneering business, one is struck by the fascination with antiques that has gripped the local home-lovers.
When in the mid-60s the laws governing the importation of foreign furniture were revised it seems as if the passion to own antique furniture, pottery, porcelain, silver, glass and metalwork objects was given a boost. The advent of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti (Maltese Heritage Foundation) in January 1992, besides highlighting the islands’ cultural heritage and its welfare, was instrumental in creating an awareness about the joys of possessing antique objects which could boast of an existence beyond that of its owners.
The art of collecting anything really, antique or modern, is limited by two factors; the money available and the space that it would occupy. Having determined these essentials it then becomes a personal matter. The taste of the collector may lead to watches or clocks, teapots, or innumerable other things. The lucky acquisition of an admired piece may lead to a determination to get more of the same, branch out onto other items, or at least to find out what the admiration is all about.
According to sources close to the Malta property market, there seems to be one piece of furniture that is desired by most of the contemporary house buyers. These comprise the younger generation, or the first-time-buyers, right down to expatriates and other foreigners seeking real estate in Malta or Gozo.
As some ancient auction catalogues witness, Maltese furniture on the local market has always been around. However until the late seventies, when compared to other existent and imported furniture, Maltese antique furniture was not so much in demand. Malta’s colonial era, with its heavy dependence on the presence of the British Forces, had encouraged the consideration of certain foreign furniture as more prestigious and, in say catalogues from the 1940’s, the EM symbol, standing for ‘English Made’ frequently embellishes descriptions in catalogues.
Since the eighties however, following a period of stringent restrictions on the importation of antique furniture, indeed all furniture, under the auspices of protecting the local manufacture, saw a dwindling of requests in furniture emanating from a foreign market. Interest had shifted until it became focused on Maltese furniture and that naturally entailed a more inward looking search for Malta-made goods in general.
The past three decades have experienced a complete renaissance of the Malta-made product which now graces the antique market that has, as result, grown considerably in confidence. Besides, in these days of credit-crunch difficulties it has come to embrace fairer and sounder investments. Maltese antique furniture has become a most lucrative opportunity. This may be gauged by the mushrooming of local antique shops each with their own niche markets; a new and younger generation of buyers together with a stronger awareness and knowledge for the antiques world. Fairs, exhibitions, antiques courses, and well advertised and attended auctions also contribute to a general strong market feeling.
All these changing trends however, have never infringed on that ‘one piece of Maltese furniture’ whose value and appreciation has withstood the test of time, having gained the respect of buyers throughout generations.
More commonly known as l-Arloġġ tal-Lira (the one-pound clock) this unique Maltese wall clock could be found in palaces, convents, stately homes and Auberges of the Knights of the Order of St. John, especially during the late 18th century. Apart from telling the time, these clocks also served a decorative purpose. This rendered the clock’s case designer, as different from the actual maker of the clock movement, into a very important artisan.
A knowledge of fashionable taste, an understanding of furniture design, proportion, the rules of architectural composition, the art of ornament and an ability to appeal to the purchasing public, in this case, a discerning clientele, was, and still is, the responsibility of the case designer.
With comparatively rare exceptions such designers have remained anonymous in contrast to our knowledge of the actual clockmakers. With such decorated clocks it seems that this happened everywhere else in Europe except for one notable exception. In France of the eighteenth century, the case design of clocks was considered to be such an art-form in itself, that one may find lists of the case designers, but not the clock-makers whose work with the movement of the clock, was judged to be a necessary but not a dominating feature of the product.
The origin of the Maltese clock is unclear. What is remarkable is that a small island country was able to sustain an indigenous clockmaking trade. They were produced over a period of around one hundred and fifty years solely for the local market at a time when only the aristocracy and the Church could afford them.
The older and more prestigious ones are often visually decorative; gilded and coloured. The dial painted with scenes or flowers, and the general effect is always pleasing. The clocks also contain varied images of landscapes and seascapes while some have floral motifs. Some feature scenes of Mdina and the Grand Harbour. Early examples had just the hour hand and later ones also had a minute hand.
My interest in antique Maltese clocks was instilled by the magnificent exhibition organised by Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti. It was held in April 1992 in ‘The Great Hall’ of the Auberge de Provence, Valletta, and seventy-three examples of these clocks were displayed, together with a selection of mantel and grandfather types. Also exhibited were some clock movements including one from a turret clock, various sundials, and a full-scale diorama of a fully equipped clockmaker’s workshop of the period. The vast variety of the uniquely lavish and ornate baroque timepieces on display in this memorable exhibition were manufactured exclusively in the Maltese islands. I wonder how many of these clocks can be found around the Islands of Malta in Malta properties that were rented in the old times and if the owners even understand the value, not only monetary.
When you first walked into your new Malta property, you were faced with a bare paved back yard. It could have been a bare terrace, or a bare patio. Whatever sort of outdoor space your piece of real estate in Malta could boast of, was very outdoor but also very bare. Glum predicament, and although the Malta real estate agent tooted about it and its potential, now that you’ve bought it, you still have to find a way of arousing that potential. If you don’t exactly have green fingers, then you will need some practical advise on the easy way around getting it revamped.
First consider how large your given space is. Then determine what you want to do in it. If its small size fluctuates somewhere between that of a spare bedroom and a bathroom, then you are probably just hoping for enough elbow space in which to stretch out and gasp in some fresh air. But don’t lose heart – even the pokiest outdoor space can be totally transformed if you only put your mind to it.
Clear up the space from any rubbish in the corners and take stock of the character of the place. Does it have high walls all around? Does it have a balcony which overlooks a lovely sight or one which overlooks more brick and mortar? Does it lead anywhere else?
Is the outdoor space very sunny, semi-shaded or very shaded? This will determine the kind of plants you will need to include when you start off your greening list.
Decide on a colour scheme. You might fancy terracotta walls or whitewash, or a primary colour like blue. You might decide to have some sort of mosaic detail on one wall or perhaps just leave the walls in natural stone and decorate with the greenery. One of the most exciting walls I have seen was a whitewashed backyard wall carrying an impressive collection of terracotta sun plaques.
For those who are faced with four bare walls, the good news is that bare walls are excellent for climbing plants. These can be helped in their climbing by the addition of pretty wooden or plastic trellises that can be easily attached to the wall. If you seek the advice at a reliable nursery, you will be able to get a fast-growing plant which potentially also produces flowers, such as the white stephanotis. Using this plant against a terracotta coloured wall is great for visual impact.
Choose succulents such as the Paddle Plant or the Sempervivum for sunny areas. These grow so easily in Mediterranean Malta. If you manage to get cuttings of varied succulents from the neighbours, just leave each cutting sitting on a ledge to dry in the sun, and once the cut-off stem has dried out completely, plant in the soil and water sparingly. You can plant multiple cuttings in one trough or large round pot, to eventually get a lovely crowded effect. Succulents grow with minimal care and thrive best in sunny places which offer just some dose of shade during the day.
Get hold of geraniums. Geraniums, both regal and not, will grow brilliantly and thrive where there is sun. Don’t try to plant them in shady places – they will just wilt away.
For shadier places choose simple things like the Asparagus Fern, Flowering Begonias, Spider Plants or Umbrella Grass. The latter loves having its tootsies immersed in water.
Choosing pots that complement your idea of a haven. If you’re after a modern look – choose elegant stream-lined shapes and bold colours. If you’re after a more country-fairy look, choose natural terracotta and rounder shapes. For the classical look try porcelain pot holders. Always put saucers beneath the pots as Maltese summers are very dry and water must be conserved as long as possible. Once the rain starts, turn the saucer upside down and put the pot on it like a pedestal.
Adapt garden furniture according to your space. A hammock can be hung from two sturdy hooks on either side of the yard; a small round garden table and a couple of chairs; a wooden bench in one corner. Try wind chimes, plaques, festoons, hanging flowering pot plants and coloured cushions to make the transformation complete.
Redesigning or nuturing your backyard/terrace will not only benefit your well being but will also add to the value of your Malta property, especially if it is flourishing during the time that you are selling your property in Malta. A buyer would definately appreciate what they see and won’t get a bad impression if your were to leave it bare.
Marika Azzopardi is a freelance writer and journalist. A frequent contributor to national English language papers and magazines, she writes about a bevy of topics including art, people and life in general. She is also the author of children’s books and short stories, delving into adult fiction from time to time.
When one is involved in theatre one is immediately aware of lighting. Putting it crudely: it either makes or breaks your set design.
Having spoken to friends who are involved in the Malta property market I get the impression that most home buyers treat home-lighting as an afterthought. In fact the subject is treated as part of their list of accessories to be dealt with in conjunction with the home’s final touches. (more…)
Today more than ever homeowners need to focus on creating a comprehensive plan for marketing their property. Use this video to learn why RE/MAX agents are uniquely qualified to help you successfully market your home in today’s real estate market
At RE/MAX we have the tool to Successfully sell your home in Malta. View this video for some tips courtesy of the Malta Real Estate leaders. We have eight strategically located offices waiting for your phone call.
About a decade ago when I was still in the early stages of my career I was assigned as a marketing expert to a consulting project on the development of a major construction project spearheaded by John Lobee. John was an international acclaimed British civil engineer who had worked throughout the world. Despite the age gap, friendship struck as we shared common interests such as a passion for innovation, art and music. John’s philosophy about life and architecture (which he perceived as intertwining) revolved around a sincere respect for the environment, simplicity, and space. Pointing to his loyal black cat which lazily slept all day in his office, John used to tell me that like cats, humans need to have their space to relax. And it is about space that in today’s blog I wish to share some thoughts with you.
In our modern, technological world, most of us spend a major part of our lives indoors. In the nature of things, home means an indoor place – a room, an apartment, a house, a mobile home, even a trailer or van. We study in schools and colleges, eat in restaurants, and work in shops, factories, or offices. We are born in hospitals and may die there, too. While most of us spend time out-of-doors, walking from one place to another, attending or participating in sports events, enjoying a garden, sailing, hiking, or even camping for a more extended period, these all tend to be brief interludes in lives spent largely inside human-created structures.
Indeed, if we estimate the portion of an average day spent inside some sort of enclosing space, we will probably find we typically spend about 90 percent of our time, with only 10 percent outside. However much we may love nature, most of us must face the reality that modern life goes on, most of the time, inside. If we are to be honest, we must also face the reality that many of the inside spaces where we spend our time are unsatisfactory. The rooms, corridors, and lobbies of typical schools, hospitals, offices, shops, and factories are often crowded, disorganised, unattractive, and depressing. At home, where interiors should be the way we want them, limitations often lead us to settle for compromises.
Obviously any enclosure serves several basic purposes. It protects us against the weather; it provides privacy; it gives us places where we can keep the things we need in some more or less convenient relationship. While enclosure is basic to these needs, it is only a first necessity. Within enclosure we need equipment; places to sit and lie down; surfaces where food and drink can be prepared and served; places for work, reading conversation, and entertainment. Increasingly, most of these activities demand special technology – for storage and communication; for cooking and refrigeration; for reproduction of sound and image.
Accordingly, in choosing a house, office or any other space it is critical to choose that Malta property which has enough flexibility in layout to adjust and fit to your space requirements. What’s good for me may not be good for you so it is very important that before falling in love with a property in Malta and hence taking the decision on buying a property in Malta, one must make a thorough self examination of what kind of space requires to lead a normal relaxed life. If you are an animal lover; if you enjoy having a library at home; if you love watching films; if you love cooking; if you have dependents; if you enjoy hosting, if you enjoy your privacy; and more, all have their implications on the type of property you require to buy. Buying a property in Malta or house which is nice but uncomfortable is definitely a bad decision which is not easily retracted. An uncomfortable home will lead to stress and the occupants seeking all type of excuses to get out of it and stay outside – leading to additional unnecessary costs and pressures. An uncomfortable commercial outlet will do injustice to the displayed products and also repel customers. An uncomfortable office will lead to a de-motivate staff and hence decline in productivity. So when speaking with your trusted Real Estate agent in Malta confide with him/her the characteristics of your life-style so that together you will identify that space which best fits you… to identify that space that you will enjoy and relaxes you … just as John’s black cat had found.
Andrew Agius Muscat
Business Management Analyst
Mr. Agius Muscat is a Business Management Analyst who has extensive back ground in the business world. He is presently the Chief Executive Offices at the Malta Institute of Management and has held several top management positions. He recently held the position of Group Strategist and Planner for Attard Bros Group, a real estate developement and construction company in Malta.
There has been more styles in current usage in the visual arts within the last three decades than ever before.
Travel and the modern mass media – cinema, television, colour photography and glossy magazines – have considerably widened our knowledge of foreign and ancient styles. Moreover, there has been an influx of new materials, either specifically produced or, what was previously regarded as unsuitable, has now been adapted to fit the artist’s requirements.
It is possible today to have different style furnishings adorning the same room and resulting in a harmonious interior. A modern Scndinavian teak chair, a Victorian desk, on which an abstract sculpture of polished bronze stands next to a piece of Sicilian folk art pottery is possible. On the walls abstract paintings and 18th century watercolour landscapes may co-exist with an Art Nouveau clock and Jazz Age ornaments on a locally manufactured limestone mantelpiece. This eclecticism in taste would not have been possible a hundred years ago. Nowadays there is no one standard of taste.
Besides the musical revolution the spirit of the Sixties had enabled designers to create new shapes in furniture, ceramics and other products based more on the precision of geometric figures than the traditional forms. It’s interesting to note that the long-established shapes of furniture, like chairs for example, were never seriously questioned until the 20th century. John Wright and Jean Schofield were two young British designers who in the Sixties were responsible for stripping furniture down to its basic essentials. They gave their chair a sweeping curve of the arm and used thick lacquered wood frames to give it a primitive quality. The Italian Osvaldo Borsani, in 1966, used black plywood and simple leather upholstered cushions fastened by large wooden bolts. His intention of giving the modern chair an informal appearance went down well with both the critics and the public.
In the meantime the Americans were experimenting with tubular metal and criss-crossed wire framing. Fibreglass then enabled designers to mould furniture pieces like chair seats any way they wanted to; from like an egg with one side scooped out, to segments of a sphere.
However when it comes to furnishings there is no escaping the standards set by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and his ideals for furnishing the modern house. He is what Chaplin is to comedy, Diagheliv to dance, Shakespeare to drama and Beethoven to music. His maxim was that a house is “a machine for living”. Borrowing from the Francis Bacon immortal essay “Of Building” whose theme was: “Houses are built to live in and not to look on” Le Corbusier concluded that the best furnished dwelling was one which combines ‘commodity’ (or fitness for purpose), ‘firmness’ (or strength) and ‘delight’.
In his widely read book, Towards a New Architecture, Le Corbusier refers to the house as “a machine for living”. He argues that with the machine being an event of such importance in human history, it should be allowed to perform a decisive role in conditioning modern man and the works around him. As a radical thinker he dismissed the use of past styles believing that they no longer had a living relevance but merely a historical interest.
Le Corbusier’s philosophy of furnishings which eventually gave way to the Jazz Age style to be later followed by the Modern Movement entailed leaving a room in its purest form. Devoid of almost any pattern or applied decoration, even of curtains which are normally used to soften the window’s outline should not inhibit the room. Blinds or shutters are preferable. In such a set-up Le Corbusier maintains that interior furnishings would be of severe rectilinear forms with no soft curves allowed to interfere. The furniture may be made of traditional materials such as wood, however sheet and tubular metal was preferred.
When it comes to paintings which adorn the walls most of the contemporary masters like Paul Klee, Kandinsky and Rothko, seem to agree than rather than pleasing the eye, a work of art should strike the “vibrations of the soul”. This is done by stripping the painting down to its barest essentials. What matters is not the subject-matter, its movement or texture but only colour and feeling. This enables the viewer to become immersed in the work, oblivious to the surrounding distractions. According to the masters, a work of art’s distilled beauty should be a subject fit for deep contemplation. In fact one critic has called such abstract art: a Buddhist television set!
Whenever I am asked an opinion about any kind of furnishing, from a single room to a set design for a play or ballet, I inadvertently end up asking myself:
In a very competitive real estate market like in Malta, one of the things that is vital to your success in selling your property in Malta is how well your property shows in comparison to the other properties for sale in your area. There are simple things that one can do to increase their odds of selling, and possibly even add a few euros to their pocket at the same time.
At RE/MAX Malta we thrive in providing our property owners a superior service so that they can achieve the correct price for their property in Malta.Through our heavy investment in training our real estate agents, we are able to provide daily assistance to our property owners in order assist them accomplish their goals.Our local experience and international experience is unrivaled and therefore your chances are always better with a reputable real estate company in Malta.
It maybe that you’re not even thinking about selling your property right now, however when the time comes these lost cost improvements could make a difference for you.
First impressions are always important so you should make sure the entrance to your property stands out. When a buyer approaches the front door, the last thing they want to see is an old, worn door with cobwebs hanging from above.
Right off the bat, most buyers are going to assume that if the home is not well maintained on the exterior, the interior won’t be much better.
The Entrance
Painting the front door or even replacing it if it’s beyond help can make a real difference. A nice shiny door set always stands out. If you have vinyl siding and haven’t cleaned it in a while, mildew, dirt and grime can accumulate. Giving it a quick spray can surprisingly make a big difference in your property’s appearance.
Plants
Planting some flowers around the entrance hall can definately make your property come alive. Choose a variety of colors that really stand out. Adding a few potted plants in a covered entry or a large enough stoop is always a nice touch, too.
Bathrooms
While remodeling a bath is one of the best property improvement projects to get the most return on your investment, it may not work in your current budget. But if you have gold toilets and sinks from the 70s, it may be time to let go and move on to something that 99 percent of the population likes better.
Have a gold shower too? There are low-cost alternatives to ripping out the shower. There are specially made bath fitters that are designed to go over a shower. New faucets are another low-cost item that can make a difference. Silver and nickel are “in” right now; brass is less popular. Changing towel racks, toilet paper holders and shower heads are also nice touches for little expense.
Paint Those Walls
Painting is one of the cheapest, most effective improvements you can make in your property – especially if the colors aren’t neutral to begin with. I know you love the pink entryway and purple bathroom, but most buyers won’t love it as much.
I know you think painting is cheap and that the buyer can just do it later. Most people think this way, however, there are many people who don’t have the vision. They need to see it done. Painting your home off white or in earth tones is the best way to go. Remember: you’re selling your home to appeal to the masses.
Address the Flooring
Flooring is a little more expensive, but will bring a better return on your investment. Even if you have more modern carpets but don’t have enough in the budget for new carpeting, a good cleaning by a professional can help dramatically. The same can be said for wood floors, too. A good scrubbing can go a long way.
Cleaning Your Windows/Treatments
Cleaning your windows can really spruce up your investment. Having a bright property always shows far better than a dungeon. Removing heavy drapes and curtains can help, too, and breathe new life into your home. It’s far better to have nothing than to have a pattern that was popular 20 years ago.
Change Old Lighting
Lighting is a subtle enhancement to make, but a buyer will notice if a home’s lighting is outdated. There are some great lights that can be purchased rather cheaply in many lighting stores. Even little things like upgrading to brighter bulbs can help.
Dark or poorly lit rooms turn off most homebuyers. Although it’s a little more expensive to add, recessed lighting can really change the look in a room. Recessed lights work especially well in kitchens and baths.
Declutter Your Home
This one can really go a long way. Buyers like spacious rooms they can envision their own belongings in. Getting rid of things you don’t need or can put into storage while your property in Malta is on the market can transform the appearance of your home.
P.S. Not every improvement has to be expensive. Sometimes it’s the small things that make the biggest difference in a buyer’s mind.
If you’re interested in selling or buying a property in Malta contact the professional real estate agents in Malta.For a comprehensive consultancy contact one of our offices.
When in the mid-60s the laws governing the importation of foreign furniture were revised it seems as if the passion to own antique furniture, pottery, porcelain, silver, glass and metalwork objects was given a boost. The advent of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti (Maltese Heritage Foundation) in January 1992, besides highlighting the islands’ cultural heritage and its welfare, was instrumental in creating an awareness about the joys of possessing antique objects which could boast of an existence beyond that of its owners. 
in demand. Malta’s colonial era, with its heavy dependence on the presence of the British Forces, had encouraged the consideration of certain foreign furniture as more prestigious and, in say catalogues from the 1940’s, the EM symbol, standing for ‘English Made’ frequently embellishes descriptions in catalogues.
When you first walked into your new 
These can be helped in their climbing by the addition of pretty wooden or plastic trellises that can be easily attached to the wall. If you seek the advice at a reliable nursery, you will be able to get a fast-growing plant which potentially also produces flowers, such as the white stephanotis. Using this plant against a terracotta coloured wall is great for visual impact.
Umbrella Grass. The latter loves having its tootsies immersed in water.
When one is involved in theatre one is immediately aware of lighting. Putting it crudely: it either makes or breaks your set design.
acclaimed British civil engineer who had worked throughout the world. Despite the age gap, friendship struck as we shared common interests such as a passion for innovation, art and music. John’s philosophy about life and architecture (which he perceived as intertwining) revolved around a sincere respect for the environment, simplicity, and space. Pointing to his loyal black cat which lazily slept all day in his office, John used to tell me that like cats, humans need to have their space to relax. And it is about space that in today’s blog I wish to share some thoughts with you.
s requirements.
stripping furniture down to its basic essentials. They gave their chair a sweeping curve of the arm and used thick lacquered wood frames to give it a primitive quality. The Italian Osvaldo Borsani, in 1966, used black plywood and simple leather upholstered cushions fastened by large wooden bolts. His intention of giving the modern chair an informal appearance went down well with both the critics and the public.
In his widely read book, Towards a New Architecture, Le Corbusier refers to the house as “a machine for living”. He argues that with the machine being an event of such importance in human history, it should be allowed to perform a decisive role in conditioning modern man and the works around him. As a radical thinker he dismissed the use of past styles believing that they no longer had a living relevance but merely a historical interest.
Rothko, seem to agree than rather than pleasing the eye, a work of art should strike the “vibrations of the soul”. This is done by stripping the painting down to its barest essentials. What matters is not the subject-matter, its movement or texture but only colour and feeling. This enables the viewer to become immersed in the work, oblivious to the surrounding distractions. According to the masters, a work of art’s distilled beauty should be a subject fit for deep contemplation. In fact one critic has called such abstract art: a Buddhist television set!