DIVINE RESURRECTION. OUR EASY GUIDE TO GIVING YOUR CHAIRS NEW LIFE WITH UPHOLSTERY.

Re-upholstering a favourite chair can be a terrific way to inject a new lease of life into the piece, and also give your space a lift.

Charcoal Interiors Project

The old 'hand me down' that you just cannot bear to give up may be a little out-dated.  Perhaps the fabric is old and tatty, or it could be that the frame also needs a bit of work?

Charcoal Interiors Project

CHOOSING FABRIC - THE FUN PART!

Cathie Venardos - Designer Charcoal Interiors

 Be sure to look beyond the existing fabric coverings and focus on the lines of the chair, the condition of the timber and the quality of the frame.

  

Charcoal Interiors Project - Lola

It will be apparent that if your chair is a quality piece, there will not be much more that needs to be done other than having it covered in your choice of fabric.  This is why we always recommend, quality furniture and timeless, classic lines.

Charcoal Interiors Project

Charcoal Interiors Project

It's very important that the fabric you choose be right for the piece.  

Stripes and patterns can be a challenge for certain shaped chairs.

Charcoal Interiors Project

Where is the chair going to be located in your home?  Is it a statement piece, or will you be using it in more high traffic areas?

Shopdog Brian with one of our projects

If you have pets or the chair is going to be used frequently we recommend fabrics with a good rub rate for excellence of durability.  
We have a huge range of fabrics that fit all the criteria.  And there is definitely something for all tastes.  

Charcoal Interiors Project

Nowadays, with the huge range of fabrics that are now available you will not be wanting for inspiration or choice!

Charcoal Interiors Project

BEWARE OF D.I.Y

With all the 'Do It Yourself' shows on the television and articles in the media at the moment, you can be forgiven for thinking that upholstery is nothing more than an hour to spare,  some fabric and a staple gun and scissors.  Having the job done for optimum effect is important and there is so much more to upholstering a chair than what they will show you in a 3 minute tutorial. 

Charcoal Interiors Project

Here is an excellent example of two very special chairs, which were given the complete overhaul by the Charcoal Team.  

These Lous XVI King and Queen Chairs were given a complete Cinderella style transformation.

Before Upholstery Begins

BEFORE

With grand lines and sturdy bones, these chairs were given the royal treatment with fabrics removed and framework meticulously sanded back.

Half way through the process.

Stunning Transformation

AND AFTER!  THE FINISHED PRODUCT.

Finished off with Black, sumptuous and luxurious French Velvet, these chairs now have an updated look that will last for years to come.

LIKE TO KNOW MORE OR MAKE AN ENQUIRY?

Contact one of our knowledgeable staff for information on our full design service, encompassing upholstery, custom made furniture, drapes, curtains and window treatments, Interior Design and more!

Phone 07 38526002

Website

CHARCOAL INTERIORS

DRAWING BLANKS. CREATIVE WAYS TO BEAUTIFY A BLANK WALL.

Credit - photo via Damon Jah - Flickr

Are you drawing a blank when it comes to the question of what to do with your bare wall at home?

The cluttered photo frame look has been done to death and is not for everyone.  Here we give you some creative alternatives to inspire a space with the 'wow factor'.

ART

For the budding photographer in a lot of us, having your faves developed into oversized prints, professionally framed and hung can not only showcase your skills whilst creating a slick and clean lined look, but it also is a daily reminder of how very clever you are.

(c) Image via Homedit

We love the drama of this incredible piece of art against the wall.  Here is an effective example of art giving a splash of colour to what would have otherwise been a very monochromatic look.

(c) Image via digsdigs.com

WALLPAPER

Charcoal Interiors Project

Our design team used a very special European printed Wallpaper for this wall, which turned it from blank and clinical to glamorous and captivating.

The inclusion of the mirror, brings a focus and striking point of difference.

Charcoal Interiors Project

Instead of slapping posters of cars all over the walls, the design team hung book themed wallpaper in this pre-teen boys bedroom.

via Arte'

Another example of how wallcoverings can add depth and interest to a wall.

This panel themed wallcovering takes charge of the room and really makes a sophisticated statement.  Who said that you just had to limit yourself to  just picture art on walls?

Via Arte'

Do not be fooled.  This is wallpaper at its very, very finest.  Pearly glass mosaic patterning interlaced with golds and silvers.

This beautiful panoramic mosaic patterned wallpaper is a stunning bare wall alternative.  Who wouldn't want this in their home?

MIRRORS

A large statement mirror will add depth to the room.

An intricately framed oversized mirror will add glamour.

(c) The Pink Chalkboard blogspot

Pairing two mirrors together adds the wow factor and creative edge.

Charcoal Interiors

This large arched mirror (above) brings an Art Deco lilt to the space whilst also adding depth.  You almost feel like you are looking through and past it.  Note: make sure your mirrors reflect back something beautiful (besides you of course).

Via Home Beautiful

By pairing these two Moroccan themed Mirrors together on the outdoor patio area, it not only looks amazing, but creates a spacious feel which is a bonus in small space living.

The Charcoal Interiors Team is always here to professionally guide you through all aspects of Interior Design.

Call us on 07 38526002

or check out the website for our projects and info.

Charcoal Interiors Website

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WINDOW TREATMENTS FOR YOUR HOME WITH OUR FAST FIVE TIPS!

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WINDOW TREATMENTS

...FOR YOUR HOME...

Any good designer will tell you that curtains really make a room special and add the finishing touch.

A room without curtains is like a cake without the icing...its just not a complete room without window treatments.

We take the 'overwhelm' out of choosing the right window treatments with our 'Fast 5 Tips'
Our design team recommends that you read through the tips below to give you more of an insight into what you will be needing in regards to 'feel' and privacy requirements etc...  This will arm you with the information you will need, ensuring you make all the right decisions.  We want you to be so happy with your investment.

1.  WHICH FABRIC DO I CHOOSE?

Window treatments can be quite the financial investment if you are wanting quality and something a bit special.  We advise having the experts come in to your home for a full measure up and fabric consultation.  That way, you get to hold more than a small swatch of fabric up to the window and to the light, giving you 100% confidence in your choices.  
We firstly recommend you consider the mood of the room and how much privacy you would like.  Are you wanting a more formal look? If so, we recommend a sumptuous silk or velvet (which works as a brilliant insulator).

For a more casual and relaxed feel, we love the billowy elegance of linen and cotton which bring a crispness and fresh aesthetic.  

Charcoal Interiors project

We can give you access to countless options with our in house consultation service.


2.  PRIVACY.

(c) broterham via flickr

Nobody wants to live in a fishbowl.  It's important to feel comfort in the privacy of your own home.  So, how to achieve privacy without inhibiting the natural light is the quandary. 
A common space room such as the living or family room may not need as much privacy as your bedroom for example.  
A beautiful semi-sheer can offer the subtle privacy for these areas whilst also letting the light in. 

We recommend a heavier fabric for the bedroom areas and it is worth considering blockout style drapes if you are a shift worker, light sleeper and especially for the nursery.
Functionality and beautiful aesthetic can marry together perfectly if you choose the right fabric and a little bit of professional guidance goes a long way to ensuring expensive mistakes are avoided.

3. ECO FRIENDLY AND ENERGY SAVING

The eco conscious options are natural fibre fabrics such as linen, cotton and bamboo.  
Save on your power bills by incorporating energy saving window treatment options.  Blocking the heat from the sun before it has time to warm up your living space will save you big dollars on your air conditioning bills.

4. COLOUR AND TEXTURE

Firstly, our rule of thumb is to always, always steer clear of trend when it comes to window treatments.  So, lets be clear about this, orange and green kitchens, fluffy toilet seat covers and 'Keep Calm' posters are trend items that eventually end up being relegated to the poor bin or council tip.  Trends come and go and can be quite expensive to fix.  We like to look at good design as being similar to the little black dress.  It never goes out of style and will always be appropriate.

Bright colours tend to filter the sunlight through into a room.  So those pink hues will end up filling the room also.  A very important consideration when choosing colours.

Charcoal Interiors Project

We like to choose non-dominant, subtle tonings.  Muted greys, fresh and crisp neutral linens, scrumptious silvers etc...and then add a point of difference with gorgeous textures.  You want to let your beautiful furniture and art, accessories etc...do the talking.

5.  BLINDS AND SHUTTERS

Charcoal Interiors Project

Roman - once used for more heavy duty purposes, we have seen the evolution from backed fabrics to lighter and softer sheers with no backing.

Shutters and Venetians - are used as an interior window covering and we do love their simplicity and clean lines.  Especially fabulous for application in our beautiful base of Queensland Australia!

________________________________________

ACCESSORIES

Beautiful hold backs, or tie backs as they are also known, can add the finishing touches to your new drapes.  There are so many beautiful options available which not only look incredible but also bring functionality.

This is just a snippet of what we have available.

One of the latest in window treatment accessories is the Magnetic Tie-Back.  We absolutely love them and so do our clients.  Would you like to see them in action?  Here is our Head Designer Colette Venardos, with a quick demo!

Magnetic Tie-Back Demonstration


INSTALLATION

It's all well and good for us to help with choosing the right window treatments for your home, but what about follow through with installation?  Well, we have it all covered here at Charcoal Interiors with our friendly professional installers who will come to your home...on time...and with many years of experience, expertly install your drapes and blinds.  Service with a smile and they clean up after themselves too!

For more information on booking your in home consultation give us a call on

07 38526002

or visit our website

CHARCOAL INTERIORS WEBSITE

VERANDAHS....FROM BLANK CANVAS TO AMAZING!

...VERANDAHS...

FROM BLANK CANVAS TO AMAZING!

Verandah.  Balcony.  Porch.  However you say it, the verandah is to us, a place to relax and unwind.  A place to sit and wait in anticipation for friends or family to arrive home.  A place to sit with a glass of wine after a busy day and watch the world go by.  

(c) Amanda Tipton via Flickr

We have a daily ritual whenever possible to sit on the back verandah and watch the day end.  It's our way of reflecting on a day gone, hopefully meaningfully spent and usually with glass of wine in hand.  

Here are some ideas on how to get the most out of your home verandah.

 Eating al-fresco in the warmer months is a terrific way to utilise your verandah.  

Our client loved big family get togethers and so we created the perfect space for her on the back verandah with screening blinds to protect from the wind and also add privacy.

Marble Top Dining Table teamed with hand forged iron chairs - Charcoal Interiors

Quality screening helps keep the wind out and also creates an outdoor room for family gatherings.

Below, our clients new renovations included this fabulous verandah space with plenty of area for al-fresco dining.

Caneline outdoor setting - Charcoal Interiors.

When you are wiling away the hours, make sure its in comfort.

We recommend a chair with lots of quality cushioning, and enough room to tuck your legs under.

Here, our client chose a stylish French inspired chair for her spacious verandah.

Chair and large metal urn - Charcoal Interiors

A Swing Chair. What a way to relax and unwind. The ultimate indulgence for those with enough room.  

This customised piece has been professionally hung, so be sure to find the right person for the job to avoid nasty surprises.

(c) Random House

Plants and pots can really add an earthy vibe to your verandah.

Try not to overwhelm the space with too many pots and plants.  A couple of really stunning, well placed urns filled with greenery are spot on.

Whatever you decide to do with your verandah space, make sure you enjoy it.  Take the time to chill, reflect and love being in your space!

Want more information on how you can create a beautiful outdoor area for your home?

Phone the team at Charcoal Interiors for all the details on how to book an exclusive home consultation.

Phone. 07 38526002

or visit our website for more information on us and what we do.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au