Best of Jan 2020: 24 Maltese design photos that caused major waves this month

Distance is said to make the heart grow fonder, and perhaps that’s why – more than ever – people residing in Malta & Gozo are paying close attention to what’s happening to our streets, cities and homes.

Now, we kicked off the first month of Malta’s new twenties with several topics in mind:

First, we wrote about the 6 most exciting smart home gadgets coming out in 2020 (according to us, of course)

Then, inspired by green – the chosen colour of 2020 – we listed 17 interiors that we find green, grand and gorgeous.

Chrissy, our fellow writer, then demanded we pay some attention to our cat-loving readers. We’re glad we did – 10 Purrfect tips to keep the cat(s) happy at home is our most-read article of the month!

Finally, we shifted focus onto urban planning and took a close look at 3 incredibly-designed cities. Why? Because we think Malta should copy them.

But that’s not all we’ve been up to. During this month, we tasked ourselves to keep a close eye on our favourite Facebook groups for photos of Maltese design that we think deserve attention. Be it a cosy interior, a nostalgic facade or a showstopping furniture piece, a picture can say a thousand words, and in the age of Facebook, a picture can also launch a thousand comments.

Table of Contents

Let’s take a look at our picks:

P.S: Think we missed a picture that deserves the spotlight? Comment below, or send us a private message. We’ll keep it in mind for our next list!

This wonderfully quirky doorknob posted by Rita Busuttil.

Differenti

Gepostet von Rita Busuttil am Donnerstag, 30. Januar 2020

Matthew Muscat Drago’s photo, which showed that Maltese craftsmanship is still very much alive and well. Also, it’s a stunning advertisement for Malta Tiles. Matthew should get paid for this photo.

Very well served at Malta Tiles in Fgura. Such helpful people and truly skilled craftsmen! Can't wait to polish the rest of the floor!

Gepostet von Matthew Muscat Drago am Mittwoch, 29. Januar 2020

A showstopping interior shot that reminds us what Maltese excellence looks like.

Valletta. Photo by Restoration Directorate.

Gepostet von Steven Mallia am Freitag, 24. Januar 2020

Below, a balanced mix of the modern and the old that – as Nikita Busuttil put it – is perfection.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2516668585278851&set=gm.3318425958183968&type=3&eid=ARBXQTk5DrIYjJNAUa0uRYKquc5xtgFfbhREbjlFuYpIQPdxJ9t8whCRytjPukmeof6em9IFDsmGucn3&ifg=1

We don’t know where to start with this one. The tiles? The drawer? The arches? Take a pick and fall in love.

Kevin and Amanda Bonnici give us an inside, intimate peek into this old Maltese nook.

Not only is this photo by Kappa Vision grand, green and gorgeous, Jean-Paul stays true to form by complimenting his photo with a brief, succinct description of the style and context.

Meet the man behind the camera, or take a look at more of his photography.

A celebration of Art Deco tucked in the residential heart of Sliema. Stella Maris Street in Sliema is probably one of…

Gepostet von Kappa Vision am Dienstag, 14. Januar 2020

This is where Charlie Farrugia returns to after work to read a book. We’d like to join Charlie someday.

Wara gurnata xoghol,il gost tieghi hu li noqghod hawn ghal kwiet naqra xi ktieb .

Gepostet von Charlie Farrugia am Sonntag, 26. Januar 2020

“A home without a dog is just a house.” At least 458 people agreed. House.mt agrees too. P.S: That mix of metals is ..brave. We like a risk-taker!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157255373783583&set=gm.3313023178724246&type=3&eid=ARC5imhXeVR93p0ZmPLaJ9Qq5Qc9PiOnGqscUF0Dt9AW0AvXAUCV-wDKKuWVUFg7in2jX5KVxUUMMdjn&ifg=1

We agree with Mario Sammut Alessi, PLEASE COVER THOSE WIRES!

Kull meta nghaddi mill pjazza tal Qrendi nitghaxxaq b din il gallarija

Gepostet von Raphael Mizzi am Samstag, 25. Januar 2020

“Known as the Mad House due to its unorthodox design.” Elise Ann Mifsud adds that this is how we should build hotels. House.MT agrees with you, Elise.

Here’s another great shot of Chateau Bertrand.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1503668366438608&set=gm.3313509098675654&type=3&eid=ARDs5CegYUoew_d60pqVU8GC-LJ1TwAqYSLWlhjiwvgg6Q43fXD2jMvUEQLGoz6o7t4SUAqID2xSYJKe&ifg=1

It wasn’t published in January, but this illustration of Casa Bertrand by Ramon Azzopardi Fiott is just too spectacular to skip.

This windmill is currently being restored!

Mitħna 'Tal-Għaqba' fin-NaxxarĠawhra oħraQed tkun restawrata issaMalta sabiħa wisq

Gepostet von Horace Ebejer am Montag, 27. Januar 2020

This is Christine Meli’s kitchen. Things we love: The beams, the fridge, the tiny bottles attached to the wall with plants growing in them, and everything else. But seriously, look at that fridge.

Dak li kien maqjel issa sar kcina il-kcina tieghi. Din parti minnha ♥️ Noel Galea

Gepostet von Christine Meli am Donnerstag, 23. Januar 2020

This FANTASTIC exterior that, according to Steven Mallia, uses recycled stone. We don’t adore the glass railings, but we don’t mind them either. Steven Mallia informed us this was done by JB Architects. We think they deserve a shout out.

The results of recycling stone. Common sense & traditional like minded architects. Gozo

Gepostet von Steven Mallia am Montag, 27. Januar 2020

This is classically Maltese as one can get, we especially appreciate Oliver’s impressive knowledge of traditional Maltese design. As prompted by Oliver, the comment section is filled with stunning shots of Maltese staircases that are just as pretty to look at.

It-tarag Malti, tarag kbir u wisa mahdum b'sengha w art li ilum u bl-ghoda ma hawn hadt li kappaci jaghmlu! Mieghu…

Gepostet von Oliver Mallia am Donnerstag, 23. Januar 2020

This stonework that that shows Maltese masonry at its best.

Today, the Planning Authority turned down a proposal to turn Giardino Zamittello in a 10-storey hotel.

We’re glad this decision was made, and we’re super thankful for Friends of Villa Frere efforts. Show them your love by giving their page a follow.

NO to the destruction of Giardino Zamittello in Pietà. PA/00698/19

Gepostet von Steven Mallia am Donnerstag, 23. Januar 2020

Connie Cassar has turned the front of her house into a garden and absolutely everyone approves.

Qabel ma tidhol id dar tieghi imlejt kull mhemm bil qsari Nixtieq li kull dar tkun hekk Insebbhu l ambjent ,huwa ferm importanti

Gepostet von Connie Cassar am Samstag, 18. Januar 2020

Marta Sant upcycled a 1950’s furniture piece by going to ChrisWood restoration, and the result is GORGEOUS (and green which, as we highlighted earlier, is the colour of the year 2020!).

Ghamara antika li issa tidher gdida; hallejt il-formica kif kienet 🙂 Xtrajt set ghamara tal-50s u giet restawrata xoghol ta' ChrisWood restoration. Il-madum xoghol Malta Tiles 🙂

Gepostet von Marta Sant am Donnerstag, 23. Januar 2020

This dreamy staircase attracted over a 1000 likes, and everyone can see why.

New year……new house

Gepostet von Kevin Bonnici am Freitag, 17. Januar 2020

We have one word for this gorgeous stonework, Bellezza. 💕

Xogħol impekkabbli bil-ġebla Maltija

Gepostet von Horace Ebejer am Montag, 20. Januar 2020

P.S: Think we missed a picture that deserves the spotlight?

Comment below, or send us a private message. We’ll keep it in mind for our next list!