Wednesday, July 8, 2015

HOW TO STYLE YOUR CUSHIONS LIKE A PRO.....




We love cushions!
And for so many reasons.  They're the handbag and shoe collection for the home.  You just can never have too many!

Cushions are the perfect accessory, and they also can be an inexpensive way to refresh a space, or add a pop of colour or texture to an otherwise dull room.

We are so excited with our new Peacock and Penny styles, now available via our online shop.

Each cushion cover is crafted using exclusive European Fabrics.  Each one is individual and unique and we do not mass manufacture, so you will be purchasing the equivalent similar to a designer gown...but a lot more attainable.

Its not just about throwing around cushions in a haphazard fashion.  There are a few guidelines to optimum effect.  Here, the Charcoal Interiors design team give some of their top tips for mix and matching your cushions like a pro!


1.  Don't be afraid to combine multiple textures...from Damask, to Silk and Velvets, creating interest and charisma to the space.





2.  Size matters.  Having a 'same-same' to your cushion/pillow sizing can be a little uninteresting.  get creative with different shapes and sizes.



3.  Kung Fu It!  Style like a pro with a Karate Chop to the middle of the cushion, creating a crease which gives a professional, full and more polished upright appearance.


4.  Inner Sizings.  Our top tip is to always purchase an inner that's a slight size larger than the actual cushion cover.  This gives a lovely, plump and full look to your cushion.



5.  Overcrowding.  Too much of a good thing can detract from the beauty of the the cushion covers you have chosen.  Instead of piling a ridiculous amount of cushions on your bed, go for a real Statement piece like our Spring Garden Cushion, now available in our online shop.  This particular style is a stunning pop of colour, whilst also having sumptuous texture.  


The best things in life ARE free...and we are happy to offer FREE shipping to our Australian customers for a limited time only.  Purchase $90 or more from our Peacock and Penny online shop and you will receive your postage for absolutely no cost.  International customers note, our shipping costs are some of the leanest on the Etsy site, so get cracking and check out all our beautiful styles.  Use the code: 'Peacock' to receive your postage for free.



Thursday, July 2, 2015

MORE GREAT NEWS FOR CUSHION LOVERS! MORE STYLES FOR YOU.....


Our new product range launch has been a huge success, and we are happy to disclose that more styles have been added to the Peacock and Penny range!

From muted tonings to bright and cheerful, there is something for everyone.




Colourful Contemporary Tulip style that says Spring!
Give your space a real mini facelift with this gorgeous style. 


The more sedate Mocha Stripe Cushion by Peacock and Penny is versatile in Imported European Linen.


Add a touch of the exotic to your space with our Moroccan inspired cushion covers.
50 x 50cms in Maroon and Gold....stunning!


This bird design cushion cover has been crafted from the finest of European Silks.


Love Florals?  Then the Peacock and Penny Hyacinth floral cushion cover is yours.
Luxuriously appointed in Imported French Linens and patterning in divine florals.  This is Country Chic at its best.


Our soft toned, understated damask floral cushion covers add a touch of softness to your space.




Peacock and Penny Spring Garden patterned cushion cover in soft pinks, greens on a beautiful beige background.  Invisible zip.  Quality European Fabric....stunning.



Our 100% French Linen Springtime cushion cover in versatile soft tonings would look gorgeous in your bedroom....go on...treat yourself today.

To see our full range of Peacock and Penny Exclusive Cushion Covers, visit our online shop.




Thursday, June 25, 2015

GREAT NEWS FOR CUSHION LOVERS!

GREAT NEWS FOR CUSHION LOVERS!




We launched our new range of cushion covers and brand Peacock and Penny in 2014 and its been a big success!




The demand for new styles has been so great, that we have sourced new fabrics and come up with a fresh new range for the discerning lover of cushions.




Soft furnishings are a splendid way to refresh your home space, and with our exclusively crafted cushion covers you are spoiled for choice.



Each Peacock and Penny Cushion Cover is crafted from exclusive fabrics sourced from the most revered European Textile houses.  These are strictly Limited Edition products, giving you the opportunity to own a truly luxurious and rare product for between $45 - $65 AUD.




At Peacock and Penny, we post anywhere!  International customers are more than welcome to shop with us.





Visit our online shop at Etsy for our ever expanding range of gorgeous designer cushions.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

10 WAYS TO TRANSFORM A SMALL SPACE AND MAKE IT LOOK LARGER.



Perhaps you are downsizing and need some advice on how to incorporate all your accumulated prized possessions into your new smaller space, or perhaps feeling 'hemmed in' and claustrophobic by your living space?  
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to open up a space without having to physically knock out a wall or perform major renovations.
Here are some simple tips on how to open up your living space and get some breathing room.



1.  Ditch the clutter.  Nothing creates a feeling of space more than getting rid of a whole lot of 'stuff' that you don't need or use any more.
Throw out anything that you haven't used for a year.  Be ruthless about it.
If you can't bear to part with your collection of magazines, then put them in storage, or better still donate!



Charcoal Interiors

 Is it time to freshen up your soft furnishings?  Toss old cushions, shabby rugs etc...and replace with fresh updated items.
We have a range of custom made cushions in exclusive European fabrics available now in the showroom.
Charcoal Interiors. 41 Brookes Street.  Fortitude Valley. Brisbane.



Charcoal Interiors Project

2.  Keep the wall colours light and bright.  Dark colours tend to inhibit, whilst brighter and lighter tones bring an air of space to a room.



Photo credit via http://forum.xcitefun.net/

3.  Box up those trinkets.  Grans spoon collection is wayyyy last century, so it's time to box it up and keep in storage or donate.  If there is one thing that inhibits the spacious feel to a room its too many trinkets and knick knacks.



Charcoal Interiors Project

4.  Prints and paintings.  Keep it to one large piece of wall art per room rather than lots of small groupings.  The eye is drawn to one statement piece creating the illusion of space.  The above photo is a classic example of this.



Charcoal Interiors Project

5.  Mirrors.  When knocking down walls just isn't an option, mirrors can be a solution for expansion visually in small spaces.

Image credit Restorationhardware.com

Tip: Ensure your mirror is angled towards a focal point to give the illusion of depth.  

Charcoal Interiors Project

Photo credit Eye Swoon

Mirrors  reflect both natural and artificial light to make a room brighter both day and night.




6.  Space your furniture.  As tempting as it is to push all your furniture up against the walls to make more space, its actually better to space the furniture slightly back from the walls.  breathing room around your furniture gives the appearance of more space.




Charcoal Interiors Project

7.  Multi-functional pieces. Another savvy idea when it comes to maximising on your smaller space is to opt for Multi-functional furniture pieces.
For example, a quality Ottoman serves 2 purposes.  1. Somewhere to sit and as a Coffee Table.

Charcoal Interiors Project

Choose Bedside cabinets with lots of storage space like the example shown above with drawer space and a section below for storage.

Charcoal Interiors Project

Clever Shelving.  Our client used up loads of space with all his books, awards and treasured finds from overseas trips.  We built customised shelving (above) to suit his needs, keeping it streamlined and space-savvy.

Custom Made Extension Tables by Charcoal Interiors

Consider a dining table with leaf extensions.  That way you can still extend the table out for seating larger crowds, but keep it compact and smaller for every day use and less encroachment on your space.

We offer endless options when it comes to table design in our on-site workshop.
Contact us today for more information on our services.
Visit Our Website For More Information and Project Photos



Charcoal Interiors Project

8.  Keep it Monochromatic.  Monochromatic tones (Monochrome - where all colours are close in tone and value) do a great job of expanding a room visually.

Charcoal Interiors Project

Charcoal Interiors Project


The eye moves over the space uninterrupted, which creates the illusion of added space.
Monochromatic palettes overall, create a mood that is sensual and restful.




9.  Skip the heavy drapes.  Heavy drapes and curtains can leave a small space feeling hemmed in, claustrophobic and dark.  So, bypass the heavy drapes and go for roman blinds or a light gauzy drapery which will add depth to the space.



We offer a customised drapery service.  Contact us today for more details.
Charcoal Interiors



Charcoal Interiors Project

10.  Statement Piece.  Don't be afraid to add a Statement piece with personality to your small living space. Don't limit yourself to just using a large mirror to make a statement or focal point.  These ideas also work well.

We chose this imposing statue (see above) for maximum impact for our client, and it worked perfectly.



Contact us today for more information on how to create a truly remarkable home space with our Interior Design service.  
We are committed to design excellence.
Phone - 07 38526002
Showroom - 41 Brookes Street.  Fortitude Valley.  Qld 4006