Taaa Daaa!..The Hamilton Apartment Unveil...Our Latest Project...Milton Cater Rugs..Introducing Anatoly...Sale, Sale, Sale!...Low Fat Tapas...Mushrooms Anyone??...Ch..Ch...Ch..Ch..Cherry Bombs for Everyone!

Finally, this week we can reveal the first stage of our gorgeous Art Deco Apartment project at Hamilton in sunny Brisbane Australia.

Last week, we presented the before images of this apartment that just had so much potential, but desperately needed a complete freshen up.  The design team here at Charcoal went into this particular project with the specific goal to nuture the uniqueness of the building with its classic Art Deco lines and features.  The rooms were painted and the old timber trimmings were kept, but modernised and highlighted in a colour that worked well with the tones on the walls.  Sophistication was the theme, with the addition of an eclectic mix of Antique and modern furniture and a fabulous balance of textures.  We introduced new lighting, a gorgeous feature mirror and eye-catching art from the ever talented Dean Reilly.

http://www.deanreilly.com/ 

Today, we feature the sunroom, with its views to the Brisbane River.  

Cathie now has a home for the new man in her life...'Charlie'.  Set in stone, this amazing piece creates a dramatically imposing feature in this room.  With the addition of quality shutters, handwoven rug by Milton Cater, French influenced dining setting and unique accessories you would have to admit that this is a room you would have to tear yourself away from every day.  

Hamilton Apartment Sunroom

Sunroom...'Before'

Sunroom....'Before'

Cath kicking back in the transformed Sunroom with 'Charlie'

.....Milton Cater Handwoven Rugs....

In keeping with our doctrinal essence of uniqueness and quality, we are proud to stock  Milton Cater Handwoven Rugs here at the showroom.

Milton Cater specialise in Antique and Old Handwoven Traditional Rugs.

We are fortunate to have consultant Anatoly Frusin from Milton Cater consulting at our Doggett Street showroom every Thursday.

Anatoly, born in Tadzhikistan brings with him a wealth of knowledge of the Milton Cater product gleaned from a natural connection through his home land, backed up by mentoring from Milton Cater himself.

Anatoly is quite an all-rounder with a background in Theatre and Acting.  He enjoys cooking and we are already impressed with his warm and welcoming personality.  Please feel free to call into the showroom on a Thursday, or give Anatoly a call on 3852 6002 to discuss the rug range.  He will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

In the coming weeks, Anatoly will be giving us an education into the fascinating history of some of the rugs we have currently in stock....like this gorgeous Antique Heriz rug from North West Persia...stay tuned

Everybody loves a Sale!...and we are having one like no other.  The girls have been busy with purchasing new stock for the showroom and we need the space by the end of September.  Our sale starts next weekend....There will be plenty of treasures to be unearthed...and the savings will be considerable.

Tapas Please!!

This is the final week for our Healthy Tapas Recipes.  We hope you have enjoyed them as much as we have!

Vegetarian Friendly Portobello Mushroom with Mediterranean Stuffing

This flavor-packed mushroom can be served as a first-course dish or as a perfect-size tapas dish. It’s packed with fiber, antioxidant-rich vegetables, and immunity-boosting spices. This recipe is less fattening than a traditional hors d’oeuvre, but if you're worried about calories, cut the mushrooms in half for more figure-friendly portions.

Ingredients

• 4 (4-inch) portobello caps (about 3/4 pound)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Cooking spray
• 3 cups (1/4-inch) cubed French bread, toasted
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons low-fat balsamic vinaigrette, divided
• 4 teaspoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups mixed salad greens

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.

Remove stems from mushrooms, and finely chop stems to measure 1/4 cup. Discard remaining stems. Combine 1/4 cup chopped stems, onion, and next 6 ingredients (through garlic).

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat; coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion mixture to pan; cook 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Combine onion mixture and bread in a large bowl, tossing to combine. Slowly add broth to bread mixture, tossing to coat. Add feta; toss gently.

Remove brown gills from the undersides of mushroom caps using a spoon; discard gills. Place mushrooms, stem side up, on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Brush mushrooms evenly with 1 tablespoon vinaigrette. Sprinkle Parmesan and black pepper evenly over mushrooms; top each with 1/2 cup bread mixture. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.

Combine remaining 2 tablespoons vinaigrette and greens, tossing gently. Place 1 cup greens on each of 4 plates; top each serving with 1 mushroom.

 Happy Friday everyone...and what would a Friday here at Charcoal be without the Friday Cocktail to finish off a busy week.  This Friday we are off to Cru Bar in The Valley for a few 'Cherry Bombs'....we like them because they sound sexy...and darned it...after a couple...you just start feeling soooo good!

Here's the recipe, so that you can create a little bit of fun atmosphere at home, and just treat yourself to a bit of fun with the Cocktail Friday experience.  Dont forget to send in your Cocktail photos...we will publish them on the Friday blog!

The Ch..Ch..Ch...Ch...Cherry Bomb!

Ingredients

• 0.5 floz vodka
• 0.5 floz Midori
• 0.5 floz Disaronno
• 0.5 floz amaretto
• Fresh lemon sour mix and cranberry juice to top

Method: How to make a cherry bomb

1. Fill a tumbler with ice.

2. Add the vodka, Midori, Disaronno and amaretto, then top with cranberry juice and fresh lemon sour mix.

3. Swirl and serve. 

....Goodbye to another Friday!  We are open over the weekend, and then off to Melbourne for Monday...back into it on Tuesday...phew...it just never stops!  Be sure to come in and say hi over the weekend.  We would love to see you!

The Charcoal Team.....Cathie, Colette...and introducing Jen!..she finally came out from under the table.

Hamilton Apartment Before the Unveil!...Taa Daa!..New Arrivals to the Showroom...Goat Cheese Tapas...Harrys New York Bar - In Paris! Hemingway Daquiris and More!

More on the Hamilton Apartment

 Last week we had a little snippet of our latest design project in Hamilton Brisbane.  An Art Deco Apartment with gorgeous views of the Brisbane River that needed a little bit of Charcoal Magic.  We are so excited to have the final images ready to share with you.  These will be published next week.  Until then, here is a 'Before' pic of the lounge room before the painting started.  Think...smokey tones....stunning lighting....an eclectic mix of Antiques and modern contemporary furniture...plus...the most amazing textures...I could go on and on....until next week!

Our Reveal...Next Friday.  You wont believe the Transformation!

We are always sourcing amazing new Furniture and Accessories in our Showroom at 18 Doggett Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.

This week is no exception.  

We love...

Antique Wooden Carved Horse...Amazing Detail!

Red Painted Sideboard 19th Century

Northern China Sideboard Circa 1880's.  This beautiful piece has three drawers and two doors.  A super versatile piece to suit a multitude of applications.

....just a snippet of what is new and exciting in store at Charcoal Interiors!

We had a great response to the Bruschetta Tapas last week...and here is more of the simple, healthy Tapas menu that we promised again for this Friday.

Capsicum, Goat Cheese, and Fresh Mint Tapas Wraps

Super Tasty and Preparation Time is only 10 Minutes!  The combo of capsicum and goats cheese is simply moooooorish!

 

Ingredients

• 1 (4-ounce) goat cheese
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 4 (8-inch) tortillas
• 1/2 cup chopped bottled roasted capsicum
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

  Preparation

  1. Combine cheese and mint in bowl.
  2. Wrap tortillas in paper towel. Microwave on HIGH 20 seconds.
  3. Spread each tortilla with 2 tablespoons cheese mixture. Divide capsicum evenly amongst tortillas; sprinkle with salt. Roll up tortillas; wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, twisting ends to secure. Chill 1 hour.
  4. Unwrap tortillas. Cut each wrap into 4 pieces, cutting one end of each piece diagonally and one end straight across so the piece can stand on end (see photo above).
  Delicious and the presentation is just so easy...Donna Hay would be proud :-)
  
  YIPPEEE!!...ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY!
  Imagine yourself sitting down for a Cocktail this week at 'Harry's New York Bar....in Paris'.  
  
   Since 1911, Harry's New York Bar has been mixing masterpieces for Parisians and international celebrities like Ernest Hemingway, Roosevelt and the Duke of Windsor. The expatriate community is celebrated and encouraged there -- a somewhat atypical attitude in Paris -- and the bar is adoringly referred to as "Sank Roo Doe Noo," which is what the address sounds like if your French is terrible.
  
  
  
  One of the worlds acclaimed writers,Hemingway moved in 1921 to Paris, where wrote articles for the Toronto Star. "If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then whenever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." (from A Moveable Feast, 1964)
  
  Hemingway loved the odd Daiquiri or two....if he was alive today, we could be besties, as incredibly we too love the deliciousness of the Daiquiri.
  For Hemingway himself the Hemingway Daiquiri (or Papa Doble) was served without sugar and is almost always printed that way although most people prefer the sweetness.
  
  
  Let's dig in....
  The Hemingway Daiquiri
  
  
  
  

  Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz white rum
• 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur
• 1/2 oz grapefruit juice
• 3/4 oz lime juice
• 3/4 oz simple syrup

Preparation:

1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass

• 
  
   Next week, we introduce you to a lovely gentleman...Anatoli.  Anatoli is a representative from Milton Cater Oriental Handmade Rugs and will be here on Thursday for a chat.  If you happen to be in the area and would like to know more about these beautiful rugs, he will be happy to accommodate.
  
  
  
  
  We have had the best week together in the showroom.  We welcome our new clients and look forward to a new week.  Wishing everyone a terrific weekend!
  Yours in Design and Style...In the City!
  Cathie, Colette and Jen
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Hamilton Apartment...Our Latest Design Project Video...New Arrivals...Guilt Free Tapas...Sangria Anyone?...It's Cocktail Friday Folks!

This week, we introduce you to our latest project...The Hamilton Apartment.  

This Art Deco Apartment with views of the Brisbane River had the potential to evolve into something really special, and the design team knew from the moment they walked in that this was going to be a project they could really sink their creative teeth into.  The client, a lady with great taste, but not the time to put into renovating and decorating had a clear vision.  She says: "I wanted to maintain the character of the apartment in keeping with the architecture of the building."  "I wanted to really achieve an individual style and look as a reflection of myself and my lifestyle."

Over the coming weeks we will be showcasing this gorgeous Apartment in all its glory.  The finished product truly does reflect the original grandeur of the building, whilst introducing almost a Manhattan-esque sophistication.

Today, we start with the Before Images and take you on a tour with our Designer Cathie.  She takes us through the rooms before work starts and gives us an insight of what to expect.  So, stay tuned for the end result and enjoy these 'teasers'.

River Views at Hamilton
(just click play for the video boxes below) 

Initial Consultation...Cathie takes us through the vision for the Sunroom Area
Footnote: Thanks to Cath for being such a good sport...all footage was taken without me giving her a chance to prepare...snaps to you Cath!

NEW STOCK HAS JUST ARRIVED!
We love....
this Elm Wood Altar Table...circa 1820's with its ornate carved detailing...superb

...and this unique Timber Animal Trough Circa 1900's from the Shangdong Province

Sold out...but now more in stock..gorgeous soapstone wash coffee tables...perfect in so many applications

 Horseshoe Chairs...Circa 1880s from the Shanxi Province

 

...and thats just a snippet of what is new and exciting in the Charcoal Showroom.... 

Ahhh....Spring is just around the corner and my mind is already diverting from Winter Fashion, big coats that cover a multitude of sins over the colder months, to the cute Spring dresses that I just wont be able to look 'right' in if I dont do something about my food choices from here-on in.  I am such a fan of Tapas, but those small morsels can sometimes be big on the calories.  This week we discovered the most delicious low fat Tapas that are packed with flavour....fresh on the palate and just so very easy to prepare.  We found quite a few to choose from and will be featuring one recipe a week over the next month or so.  Each recipe adheres to a simple formula....being quick and easy, yet sophisticated and flavoursome....oh...and low on cals!  

Olive-Goat Cheese Bruschetta

 

Spice up traditional bruschetta with this crowd-pleasing recipe. This rendition uses traditional tomato and basil but adds savory olives and robust goat cheese. For a boost of fiber, make this dish with a multigrain baguette instead of traditional white French bread. With less than an hour of prep time, you can create this tasty dish right before guests arrive. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup diced seeded plum tomato
• 1/4 cup chopped pitted olives
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 16 (1/4-inch-thick) slices French bread baguette (about 4 ounces)
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 1/4 cup mild goat cheese, at room temperature

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Combine first 6 ingredients in a small bowl, and set aside.
3. Arrange bread on a baking sheet; bake at 400° for 8 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp. Remove toast slices from oven, and cool 2 minutes.
4. Rub both sides of each toast slice with garlic clove. Spread goat cheese thinly on 1 side of each toast, and top with the olive mixture.

Su coctel viernes! … Aclamaciones!

(That's Spanish for....Its Cocktail Friday!...Cheers!)

....and you cant get more Spanish...than the 'Sangria'

Sangria Cocktail Recipe

RECIPE:
1 liter Red wine
(any kind)
4 tablespoons sugar
1 shot glass Contreau
2 shot glasses Martini-Rossi White
2 shot glasss Cognac
1 bottle Sprite
6 slices Lemon
4 slices Orange

add tray of ice cubes
and stir well
(serves 8 glasses) 


Its been a terrific week for us!...we hope its been a good one for you too.  Cheers to you...and Cheers to us!  Happy Friday everyone and wishing you a very relaxing weekend with family and friends. Pop your head in to say hi over the weekend if you get a chance...if the light's on...we are in! :-)

Colette...Cathie...and Jen (we have managed to rope Jen into a profile shot...so stay tuned..she does actually exist....hee hee....) Happy Friday! xxx