Take A Tour Through Our Beautiful New Charcoal Interiors Showroom and Workshop

CHARCOAL INTERIORS

...NOW AT...

41 BROOKES STREET

FORTITUDE VALLEY

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TAKE A TOUR THROUGH OUR NEW SPACE!

As you may know, we moved premises over the Christmas/New Year break and we are so happy to be in our new premises of 41 Brookes St. Fortitude Valley.

So, let us take you on a tour of the new Charcoal Interiors Showroom!

You cannot miss us!  We have plenty of parking space out the front and its so very convenient and safe to just drive straight up to the front doors.

As soon as you walk in the doors you will see that even though we are in a new space, our style philosophy hasn't changed.

The design team are committed to bringing you quality in all aspects of their design service.  

Stepping through the doors takes you straight into our beautiful, air-conditioned retail section where you will find our beautiful hand crafted (on premises) dining tables, an array of quality furniture, mirrors, lighting, fabrics and a huge range of quality accessories for the home, plus gift items.

There is always someone here to help with your purchases and we look forward to welcoming you into our unique retail space.

We adore beautiful fabrics and at Charcoal Interiors it is always undeniably about quality!

Here are just a few examples of what you will find in our new upstairs showroom space.  

Whether it be for curtains, soft furnishings or upholstery jobs we have a huge range of fabrics at our fingertips.

And so we venture downstairs to our design and manufacturing area...........

Our workshop manager John now has his own space!  We love the fact that our clients can now see the stages in the manufacturing process.  All our custom made pieces are crafted right here in our own workshop downstairs from the retail section of the showroom.

There is nothing nicer than arriving to work with the fresh smell of newly cut timbers in the air. 

We look forward to welcoming you into Charcoal Interiors new space!

If you would like to arrange a time for a more comprehensive discussion with our team about design or custom made furniture call us on 38526002 so we can ensure you are given the time and attention that you need and deserve.

CHARCOAL INTERIORS

41 BROOKES STREET.  FORTITUDE VALLEY.  BRISBANE. QLD.  4006

PHONE - 07 38526002

Our website

Charcoal Interiors

RED HILL RESIDENCE - FROM TIRED SPACE TO SOPHISTICATED AMBIENCE...OUR BEFORE AND AFTERS!

FLEXIBILITY IN DESIGN...SPRING HILL RESIDENCE

In the realms of Interior Design, flexibility is the name of the game at all times.

We were thrilled to be contacted by clients who had previously enlisted the workshop to craft a beautiful Art Deco style dining table for their Spring Hill residence.

Happy with the result and service, this couple with a love of fine art asked the design team of Colette and Cathie Venardos to lend a hand with their next dilemma.

"Both upstairs and downstairs living areas were starting to get a bit tired, and our lovely clients wanted to create more of a rich, inviting space with a moody atmosphere, whilst also complimenting their extensive art collection", says Cathie.  They also had some great quality existing furniture and so this particular job involved retaining those whilst working in new pieces to compliment.

...UPSTAIRS BEFORE...

               

The home had great architecture, and our clients had a penchant for Art Deco style. Cathie and Colette got to work taking into consideration the client wishlist, existing pieces and textures and architecture.

Firstly the upstairs rug was moved downstairs.

The perfect rug for the space was sourced, and created a starting point.

....AND AFTER!...

The armchair had great structure and lines, so was re-upholstered in a rich, luxurious fabric.

Boston Armchair in quality leather custom made by Charcoal Interiors.  Coffee Table custom made by the Charcoal Interiors local workshop.

Warmer tones in blues and greys were introduced.

"Working with brick can be tricky sometimes", says Cathie "So we softened the space with warmer tones in blues and greys"  Over the fireplace the addition of a stunning hand carved mirror sourced from France truly adds the wow factor.

There was a bit of a swap around with the coffee table and side tables from upstairs being moved downstairs and utilised well there.

A new coffee table was crafted, curtains added and the existing ones used in another bedroom as they were still in great condition.

(see more of our projects here)

Existing upstairs sofas and armchairs were re-upholstered, which is the beauty of buy quality furniture from the start.

...DOWNSTAIRS...BEFORE....

...AND AFTER!...

Downstairs the sofa and armchairs were replaced by new custom made (in Australia) product in a beautiful  colours and textures now lending itself to the mood and freshness that the client had expected.  A custom made ottoman looks great and adds to the comfort factor.

"With a lot of hard surfaces (tiles) it was important to keep it light and soft, so beautiful sheer drapes were a welcome addition" says Cathie

This is a space, previously avoided and now, utilised as a media/reading room/sanctuary.  Welcoming, fresh, and conducive to relaxation and enjoying the satisfaction of a long work week.

And so, what was once a home that was feeling a little tired is now oozing a more sophisticated ambience.

Our Interior Design Team is available to assist with your project, whether it be a complete home transformation, curtains and drapes, furniture selections, art work, lighting, colours and so much more, including our superior custom made furniture service.

We service Brisbane and surrounds.

Phone 07 38526002 for more information, or visit our website to view our extensive Projects section.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

WE ANSWER "WHAT WILL THEY THINK OF NEXT?" EXQUISITELY LAVISH TRIMMINGS...CUSTOMISING FOR OUR CLIENTS...ART DECO INSPIRATION....MOVEMBER FUNDRAISING....PERFECTLY PLEASANT WITH PETE AT POPOLO.....OUR MELBOURNE CUP DAY.....EASY GOATS CHEESE AND SPINACH QUICE....PLUS THE MONKEY GLAND COCKTAIL..SOUNDS WEIRD...TASTES AMAZING!

AND NOW THE ANSWER TO...."WHAT WILL THEY THINK OF NEXT?"

And just when you think that you have seen it all, some very clever person comes up with a new Tie Back design for curtains and drapery.

These gorgeous Tie Backs are not only beautiful to look at, but also take the fuss out of installation, with magnetic catches that just lock together.  No more messy tie back hooks on walls!

Here, we have the marvelous Colette Venardos, Head Designer here at Charcoal Interiors doing a demo for your viewing pleasure....

Love it?...Want it?....just contact us for more details.

And for more Trimming inspiration...sleek, contemporary and sophisticated...

or...

Ornate, inspired by archival designs, these very lavish trimmings feature exquisite detailing.

Be sure to contact us for more information on this extensive range.

charcoalinteriors.com.au

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...CUSTOMISING FOR CLIENTS...

This fabulously stylish chair reminiscent of the Art Deco style was customized for our client, including the standard lamp and shade in a textured velvet in a Chinchilla.

Beautiful embroidered silk cushion.

Brian taking full credit for all the girls hard work....ahhhh get outta the shot boy :-)

The feature chair will be taking pride of place in the lounge/living area.
Chair is in stunning European Velvet with Silk Embroidered Cushions.
We have most definitely delivered the 'Wow' factor to our client and she is thrilled!

Catering to your design want is what we do best....see it...love it and you can have it!

Contact us today for all the details.
www.charcoalinteriors.com.au
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MOBROS OF '85

Last Saturday, 4 of the 6 Mobros team members got together for a catch up, spot of fund raising strategising and oh, what the heck a beer or two!

Your author has a very personal reason for promoting Prostate Cancer because as fate would have it, all my Uncles, Father and Brother have been diagnosed...so its probably safe to say we have a genetic disposition to this cancer in our family.  It can strike later in life, or as with my brother early on.  So, its very important for you fellas to get tested.  One in 9 men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.  

MoBros of 85 Movember Fundraising Link

Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible and its very simple to navigate the website, just follow the prompts with secure payment via paypal or credit card. 

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....OUT AND ABOUT....

At Popolo Southbank

I had dined with a group of girlfriends at Popolo before and was taken by the little 'couples' seating areas.  I made a mental note to be sure to bring Pete the Greek there for a romantic dinner as a matter of urgency!

And so, last Friday night myself, my new frock and Pete the Greek took ourselves off to Popolo for the much awaited couples night.  

Our view...

Let me paint a clear picture here so as not to bore you too much with paragraphs and paragraphs of description...but the view is divine for starters.  The open air style Italian restaurant is situated at the Ship Inn end of the river at Southbank so you look straight down the 'guts' of the river.  The lights, the boats, people watching....its beautiful.
And so we sat there happily at our little couples table.  

The lovely German pocket rocket waitress with the short blonde hair (if you've been there you will know her...) was attentive, pleasant and prompt with our drinks and food orders.
The drinks list is extensively Italian inspired with a few local ring-ins of them also...all well priced.

  
Most of the dishes at Popolo are share plates, so you get to try a few things over the course of the evening.  We had the Arancini and the Italian Meatballs which were delicious.
Then we shared a Marguerita pizza that was fresh and with a lovely crispy base and finished off with the Chocolate Donuts rolled in orange sugar on a bed of crushed pistachios...
All our meals went down a treat and were served up at appropriate intervals.  I hate feeling rushed when I dine, and with such a salubrious and distracting view to contend with, it was nice to just feel like we were going with the flow of the evening.  
Pete the Greek finished off with 2 espresso Martinis (you can guess who was driving!)...after having one and loving it so much he ordered another....then coffees and a stroll back to the car along the river.

We both enjoyed our evening from the service, view and the food.  I would recommend Popolo to our friends and know for certain we will be back there again one day soon....I just want to soak in that view...and next time it will be me having the extra Martini or two!

http://www.popolodining.com/  
Bookings recommended
Best parking without the stress is in the Southbank carpark...costs money to park there but its easy and close.



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...BACKING A WINNER...

Our 'tip' for the day....

After displaying our Melbourne Cup 'tip' on the Buddha Chalkboard this week (and possibly leading some other poor uneducated tipsters along the wrong path also...).....being absolutely 100% assured that this horse was a dead set, dinky di winner...we were faced with the disappointment, just like all the other years prior of picking a slow nag!
Fortunately we just placed the bet in our heads and chose to put our money where the mo's are and donate to Movember instead.

Our Melbourne Cup 'spread'

But, needless to say we never turn down the opportunity for a lovely lunch and glass of Champagne!
Good food, company and the hindsight luxury of knowing we hadn't lost a motza on a slow horse!
Until next year......and congratulations to Green Moon.

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GOATS CHEESE AND SPINACH QUICHE

credit to caroline on crack via flickr with thanks

We had the yummiest Goats Cheese Quiches amongst other tasty treats for Melbourne Cup lunch on Tuesday, which got me back into a hankering for quiche...the food of real men, perfect for picnics, lunches, eaten hot or cold, with salad or vegies...its close to perfect convenient healthy food dependent on what you put into it....and its very hard to get wrong!  So...lets get cooking!

Note: Quiche is very simple and quick to make when you used prepared shortcrust pastry.

What you need....
1 kg frozen chopped spinach
1 sheet ready rolled shortcrust pastry
1 tsp vegetable oil for greasing
150g goats cheese
2 eggs
200ml light thickened cream
4 - 6 rashers think sliced bacon
75 g grated Gruyere Cheese (optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste

What to do....
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius
Grease a quiche dish, then line with shortcrust pastry.  Prich the pastry all over with a fork
Arrange the bacon in the pastry case in the shape of a star.  Set aside.
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat.  add the spinach and heat for about 15 minutes or until the spinach has thawed and the water has evaporated.  Drain and cool slightly.
Meanwhile, beat together the eggs in a large bowl.  Stir in the cream, salt, pepper and spinach.
Pour egg mixture over the bacon and top with slices of goats cheese (form a circle and then place one in the centre). Sprinkle Gruyere cheese on top, if using.

Bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until cooked and golden.

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highrocketphoto via flickr with thanks

THE MONKEY GLAND COCKTAIL

Weird name....top drop!
It is suggested that you use the subtle method of coating a chilled cocktail glass with absinthe and then tossing the excess, rather than the usual 'splash' of absinthe...this creates a nice, fruity cocktail with a slight taste of anise.

photo credit caroline on crack via flickr

What you need...
2 oz gin
1 oz orange juice
 1/4 oz grenadine
1 dash absinthe
Orange slice for garnish

What to do...
Swirl a dash of absinthe in a chilled cocktail glass to coat it, and then discard any excess.
Pour the other ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes
Shake, Shake, Shake....
Strain into the cocktail glass
Garnish with orange slice

Sip...enjoy and try not to think about the name or the origin.....!!

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And so...until next week!
Enjoy your weekend and do something nice just for you....
Jen is off to SA for her cousin Kristens wedding and I am sure she will have lots of pics and stories from her visit next week!

The Charcoal Team....Colette, Cathie and Jen xxx

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au