ONE NEW HOME WITH NEW FURNITURE COMING RIGHT UP!...PALM COVE DREAMING...SARAYI BOUTIQUE STAY....PARMESAN ENCRUSTED ASPARAGUS TO DIE FOR!!....BLUE DAY COCKTAIL AND MUCH MORE!!!

HOME FROM SCRATCH....
STEP INSIDE OUR LATEST PROJECT, THE WEEKEND FARM RETREAT

Have you ever dreamt of building your own home to your exact specifications and then having it fitted out with brand new furniture throughout?

What can be a dream for some, is now a reality for our latest client.

Torn between the city and the country, our client decided to retain her residence in town and build a home on acreage for weekend retreats and holidays to sate the yearning for the country lifestyle that she also enjoys.

The client brief was Timeless, Quality, Easy Maintenance with a mix of Modern and Long-Lived.  She also loves the Asian influences but didnt want them to overpower. 

 Handcrafted Middle Eastern Rug with Custom Made Sofa and Ottoman in Luxurious European Velvet

The design team entered into this project with gusto and organised all the interior finishes and furniture, accessories, drapery etc...  The kitchen and bathrooms were given clean lines with elegant neutral tonings and quality fittings throughout.

Clean line bathroom and kitchen with quality fittings.

The very large expanse of window area in the home was treated to an open weave, linen/cotton mix for the drapes.  The views from all windows are so beautiful that the weave allows access to the outside beauty but also maintains the privacy within when required.

Custom Made Console Table by Charcoal Interiors. Quality Drapery which still lets the outside in, yet maintains privacy. Black Cane Tango Chair available now also through Charcoal Interiors.
www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

Charcoal Interiors Custom Made Dining Table.

Custom Made Leather Feature Chair by Charcoal Interiors

The additions of quality rugs with simple upholsteries.  Custom Made dining table, tub chair, sofas and ottoman in luxurious European velvet, give this retreat warmth and character reflecting the tastes of our client.

We were thrilled to be involved in this project.  

Colette and client.

Colette says "For us, standing in the home when everything is installed and ready for the client to move in and seeing the look of happiness on their face is the biggest buzz of all".  "We look back to when we had the architectural plans out on the table, discussing furniture placements and aspects etc....to now...standing in the finished product".  "It's extremely satisfying and rewarding to Cathie and I".

All Products, Services, Furniture etc...Available via Charcoal Interiors Brisbane

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OUT AND ABOUT 

Hands up if you love Cocktails, Sunshine, Holidays, Beaches, Tropical Settings, Dining Out and being Pampered!!.....Aha!...Lots of hands... :-)

Palm Cove with the Queen Mary in the foreground.

Well, if you love all these things then you are going to love Palm Cove in tropical North Queensland.  

A month or so ago, Pete the Greek and I were bogged down with the kids and work and an out of control little puppy (who has now eaten through a door....but thats another story...), when I was doing the usual multi-tasking thing of eating breakfast, paying the bills online and directing the family traffic before school/work, when the God of the Internet (who I think may be named Dave...) sent me via email a list of holiday specials in North Queensland for some ridiculous discount that we just couldn't refuse.  So...drab morning went to fab morning when Pete just said book it!...before we even had the chance to look at where we were staying.

Needless to say, our choice The Sarayi in beautiful Palm Cove was an outstanding one. 

Thats Me Surveying the Lay of the Land from our balcony :-)

 Collected from the airport by the bubbly  Karen there was lively chatter for the 20 minute commute to the hotel.  Greeted by Vanessa the manager and her little dog Lily, we just felt very welcome and surprisingly at home....which is pretty hard when you have just met strangers and in unaccustomed surroundings, but this boutique hotel right on the beach front is one special gem of a place.

Our rooms were super spick and span clean and had everything we needed.  Rooftop pool at our disposal and great restaurant The Rising Sun downstairs where they make THE BEST lime margueritas, and run by Award winning chef Nick Holloway (also head chef at the well respected NuNu restaurant).  Nick recently appeared with chef Poh on her show Pohs Kitchen.....so needless to say we had top class food, wine and umbrella drinks at our fingertips.

The Rising Sun Bar and Restaurant

There is nothing better than booking accommodation online and then being happy with absolutely everything from the beginning to the end.  This was our experience at Sarayi.  Palm Cove is our latest favourite place to visit and we are looking forward to coming back again and again.

Thank you to all the staff at Sarayi and Rising Sun.  We also dined at a few other great restaurants during the weekend...pretty much everywhere has something delicious on offer.  

Ahhhh....until next time.....

Like to know more about Sarayi?

Click Here To Find Out More About Sarayi Boutique Hotel Palm Cove

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PARMESAN ASPARAGUS SPEARS

Asparagus is such a decadent treat.  I love it!  And its still in season.  So get in while its still fresh, and try this super easy recipe for Parmesan Asparagus Spears.

These are a great side dish and pack a statement visually and the flavour is divine.  A combo of two of my fave foods...asparagus and cheese....mmmmmmmm....

Via Healthy Food Ideas

Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks

1 bunch of asparagus

2 egg whites

1/4 cup plain flour

1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lay a wire rack on a baking sheet and coat with non-stick spray.

Snap off the tough ends of each asparagus spear. On two separate plates, add the eggs whites (lightly beaten) and the panko + flour + cheese. Season the panko mixture with salt and pepper if desires. Coat each asparagus spear in egg whites, then lay in the panko mixture and thoroughly cover. If the panko won’t stick, dip back in the egg whites and roll in panko once again. Lay each spear on the wire rack.

Bake at 425 for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

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CHEERS!  ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY!

BLUE DAY COCKTAIL

Everybody loves a cocktail/mocktail.  Those little umbrella garnishes really get me going.  Even dipping the toes in the blow up kids pool on a hot day can feel like the Palazzo Versace if you have cocktail in hand.

Since Summer just wont go away yet here in Brisbane, we can officially keep the spirit going with the Blue Day Cocktail.  A mixture of White Rum, Curacao and Grapefruit juice...break out the Harry Belafonte CD, paddle away and enjoy your weekend!

INGREDIENTS

1 x measure White Rum

.5 measure Blue Curacao

1.5 measure Grapefruit Juice

Top up...with Soda

Just stir...and serve in a nice tall glass....

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Be sure to visit us this weekend for our BIG...HUGE...GIGANTIC..Sale!

Plenty of Luxe products for you to purchase and we are here to answer all your questions.

Sale finishes tomorrow (Saturday 10th March).

59 Doggett Street. Newstead.  PH. 07 38526002

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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AUTUMN SASS FOR YOUR HOME...MARRAKECH BY ARTE...FEATURE WALLPAPER TO STUN!....ANOTHER JERICHO BOUND DELIVERY....DELICIOUS GOATS CHEESE SPIRAL PASTA....MINT JULEPS AND R.I.P DAVY JONES....xx

THIS WEEK WE BADE SUMMER 'AU REVOIR' AND WELCOMED IN AUTUMN 2012

Via Blakkos - flickr

And so now in the age of flat screen televisions luring home owners to linger longer at home in the cooler months, its important to surround yourself with a living space that you are happy with and also that reflects your style and the things you love.

A great way to add warmth and express yourself, and an alternative to the very one dimensional look of paint, is to add a splash of colour, warmth or texture with wallpaper.  

Adding wallpaper to a stark room adds warmth, personality and expression of your personal style nowadays with the massive array of options available.

If in doubt, remember that Charcoal Interiors offers the complete service package when it comes to choosing your wallpaper.

With over 38 years combined experience in the Interior Design industry, we offer quality, no nonsense consultation, access to endless quality options in wall coverings,  and we even offer a full hanging service if required.

In a nutshell:

1. Experienced consultation and advice.

2. Product

3. Complete hanging service

All thats required after that is you.....to relax and enjoy your beautiful new space...transformed easily and effortlessly.

AND A LITTLE INSPIRATION FOR YOU.....

BY 

Inspired by the sights, colours and textures of Northern Africa; Marrakech combines exotic patterns with gorgeous painterly effects.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

Marakech by Arte - Cashmere (left) and Berber (right) Available in an array of colour ways to suit every situation. Example Berber is available in 14 different colourways....

Marakech by Arte in the Kelim style both left and right...yes, these are the same pattern but in different colourways, of which there is a variety of choice...example...Metallics and Sponged effects to name a few...stunning!

Marakech by Arte in the Kelim (left) and Berber (right)...all as fore-mentioned available in a variety of stunning colourways.

Phone us for your early bird In-House Interior Design appointment with the team and receive 10% off our consultation fee.

Phone us on 07 38526002 and ask to speak with a designer, or you can pop into the showroom anytime for a chat and organise a booking with the girls.

59 Doggett Street. Newstead.  Brisbane.

email: jenny@charcoalinteriors.com.au

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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JERICHO BOUND

Yesterday we had a mass exodus of some of our larger pots and urns, all bound for Jericho Town which is about 12 hours north of Brisbane.  

Our ever-reliable drivers Phil and Michael from P.E Transport took around an hour and a half to load up...then off home for a quick nanna nap before heading off at 4am.

   

Mike contemplates the best way to get this 150+ kilogram pot onto the truck......

....And decides that they will try lifiting it.....needless to say with a little bit of ingenuity and a lot of care, they had it safely stored on the truck before you could say 'Truckies Rule'!

The boys are delivering to a property with a 57 kilometre driveway, which gives you an idea of the expanse of land that this homestead is on.  Last time they were treated to fresh barramundi from the dam, a spot of roo shooting and beers by the firepit...our lovely clients and their hosts really are just the nicest people and look after the boys on every trip.....Phil and Mike were busting to head up there, so we look forward to hearing the latest installment from Jericho.

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Pete the Greek and I are on this stupid low carb diet due to the fact that we have overindulged waayyyyy too many times lately.  Why is it that we just cant have cocktails and salty thick cut fries with gorgonzola sauce on top without putting on weight?  Instead its been protein, protein....and did I mention...protein?

BUT...the saving grace is that every week, on one day...we can have whatever it is that want to eat....its our 'cheat' day.  So, I saw this recipe on Cooking with Corey which is now my new favourite recipe website, and its the perfect dish to quell our carb cravings.

The creaminess of the goats cheese, punch of flavour from the tomatoes, teamed up with the herb flavours really make this such a moorish meal.

Quick and Super Easy!  Enjoy!

Recipe and photo via cyberpenguin on Flickr.

More of her great recipes can be found on Cooking With Corey http://www.cookingwithcorey.info/

TOMATO AND GOATS CHEESE PASTA SALAD

WITH FRESH DILL AND TARRAGON

Salad Ingredients:
2 cups. (i.e., 4 servings) dried spiral pasta (or other fun pasta shape)
5-6 c. lightly salted water, seasoned with a drop of extra virgin olive oil (to keep pasta from sticking together)
1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (we used Bon Haye Olive Oil from our Provisions section)
1/4 tsp. Dijon mustard1/7 tsp.salt
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
2 c. (i.e., 1 dry pint) fresh grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 c. (4 oz.) chèvre (goat cheese) 
4 Spring Onions
1 Tbsp. fresh tarragon leaves, roughly chopped and densely packed
2 Tbsp. fresh dill, finely minced and densely packed

Directions: Bring medium-sized pot of lightly salted water (seasoned with a drop of olive oil) to a rolling boil, about 8 minutes. While you're waiting for the water to boil, mix together lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, whisking together until emulsified. Add goat cheese and mix until well combined. Set aside.

Cook pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. (Boil with the lid on to speed up the process.) Remove from heat and drain. Transfer to colander, shock with cold water, and drain once more. Transfer to the bowl with the goat cheese mixture. Immediately coat pasta with the goat cheese mixture, so that the cheese melts ever-so-slightly, and toss thoroughly under well-combined. Then add tomatoes, scallions, and fresh herbs. Toss once more to combine, divide pasta into 4 equal portions, transfer to bowls, and serve immediately.

COCKTAIL FRIDAY WITH AN OLDIE....BUT A GOOOOODIE!

THE MINT JULEP

Via David Kenny...Flickr.  Check out his other pics..amaaazing!

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 1 tablespoon caster sugar
• 1/2 cup dry ginger ale, chilled
• 16 fresh mint leaves
• 60ml bourbon
• 3 cups crushed ice (see note) mint sprigs and straws, to serve

Method

1. Place 2 teaspoons sugar and 1/4 cup dry ginger ale in two 1 1/2 cup-capacity highball glasses. Stir to dissolve sugar.
2. Divide mint between glasses. Using a muddler or wooden spoon, press leaves until lightly bruised. Divide bourbon and ice between glasses. Stir to combine, leaving mint at base. Serve with mint sprigs and straws.

Notes

• To crush ice, place in a plastic bag. Seal. Wrap in a tea towel. Place on a chopping board. Pound with a rolling pin until ice is crushed.
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  R.I.P DAVY JONES
  Davy Jones, member of The Monkees band back in the 60's and a heart throb to millions, died of a heart attack this week.  On the facebook feed, it stated "not sure if you will remember him, but Davy Jones died this morning...etc..."  Well it certainly seems that many people remembered and loved Davy Jones, reflecting the outpouring of condolences on all social media forums.  
  
  
  
  One little known fact is that if it wasnt for Davy Jones, then David Bowie would be David Jones...he had to change his name because Davy Jones got in first!
  Davy Jones was my first real 'crush'....I just thought he was so cute and handsome and funny in the show The Monkees.  Its sad that he died so young (66 is not old)...but he made a lot of people smile and I reckon he would have had an amazing life.
  R.I.P Davy Jones
  xxxx
  
  
  Farewell to everyone for another week.  Wishing you a terrific weekend full of love, fun and laughter!
  
  www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

  
  

  Me on Pinterest" />

DAVID BOWIES WIFE 'IMAN' AND HER NEW FABULOUS ENDEAVOUR, EXCITING JACQUARD, DELICIOUS BEAN SALAD RECIPE, AWWW...GRASSHOPPER COCKTAIL AND MORE! ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY!! ENJOY!

WHAT FABRICS DO WE HAVE TO SPOIL YOU WITH THIS WEEK??

Well, as if she didnt already have everything, with her marriage to legendary rockstar and embodiment of style David Bowie, fame, fortune, ageless beauty that simply takes your breath away and so on and so on and so on....hmmmm..wonder if she gets bored with being so fabulous??....ah but I digress...

Former international model Iman has now released her very own range of exotic fabrics.  In a collaborative project with Unique Fabrics, Iman has released a stunning collection that combines the essence of chic with exotic elements, cultural richness and a modern approach to traditional style. 

 The rich colors, distinctive embroideries and textures of the jacquard woven fabrics will enliven any interior.

We are always available to help with colour choices...from cushion covers, to upholstery, drapery and more...you have the vision and we help to make it tangible.

Phone us on 07 38526002

Visit our showroom at 59 Doggett St. Fortitude Valley. Qld.

or

email us at charcoal@charcoalinteriors.com.au

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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Q:WHAT IS JACQUARD AND WHY IS IT SUCH A

 POPULAR CHOICE?

Jacquard is a fabric crafted from a Jacquard Loom.  

The Jacquard loom is a mechanical loom, invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard in 1801, that simplifies the process of manufacturing textiles with complex patterns such as brocade, damask and matelasse. The loom was controlled by punched cards with punched holes, each row of which corresponds to one row of the design.

 Modern jacquard looms are controlled by computers in place of the original punched cards, and can have thousands of hooks.

Thanks to the Jacquard loom we can now have intricate patterning on quality fabric, such as these just released by Ardecora for Unique Fabrics.

An example of exquisite Jacquard.  The Botticelli/Tiziano range by Ardecora was inspired by the Italian Renaissance with emphasis being on sumptuous silks, lavish embroidery, velvet and jacquard weaves.

'Botticelli'

'Michelangelo' (used to upholster chair on right) in Jacquard and Silk Velour

Contact us via our website for further information or product enquiries

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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BEANZ...MEANZZ......EAZZZZYYYY...

BEAN SALAD

Photo courtesy of cyberpenguin (flickr)

Lately we have been having the same portfolio of tried and tested but now simply overdone salad recipes.  My faves have been the Soba Noodle salad (which I still love but the other 6 mouths are over it)..and also the Avocado and Bacon with Fetta Salad...not to mention the Mango, cranberry and blue cheese salad which I really could eat forever but Mangoes are out of season now :-(

Soooo...the dilemma was to find something new and exciting to try and I stumbled upon this great recipe blog and this photo and thought...well, even if the salad isnt that great I just love the photo!  It makes me want to try it!

Fortunately the recipe is as great as the pic, and its super healthy and easy to make.  Everyone loved this at home, so we will do this one to death too until the next fave comes along.  Regardless it will be forever kept in my recipe folder and like the circle of life will resurrect itself again at some stage of life.

A big thank you to Cooking With Corey blogspot where you can find an amazing array of quality recipes.

COOKING WITH COREY BLOGSPOT

Three-Bean Salad

Ingredients:
6-8 c. lightly salted water (for boiling edamame)
4 (heaping) c. fresh (or frozen) whole edamame, in their pods
1 c. canned black beans (almost a full 15.5 oz. can of pre-cooked beans)
1 c. canned chickpeas
1 dry pint grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 c. scallions, sliced crosswise into 1/4"-thick rounds
1 Tbsp. garlic, peeled and finely minced
1/4 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp. kosher (or coarse ground sea) salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. crushed red chili pepper flakes, or to taste*
1 c. Haas avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced (about 1 medium-sized Haas avocado)
1/4 c. fresh cilantro, finely minced

Directions: On high heat, bring a large, covered sauce pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil (about 8 minutes), and then uncover and add edamame. Cook until al dente. If using fresh edamame, boil for about 5-6 minutes. For frozen, boil for 4-5 minutes. When cooked properly, beans should be firm, not mushy. (If they're mushy, they've been overcooked, which will make them taste dry and blechy.) Better to air on the side of caution: Remove a sample bean from the pot using a slotted spoon after it's been cooked for the minimum required amount of time, run under cold water to cool, and then taste-test to check for doneness. When beans are ready, immediately remove pot from stove and drain into a colander.** Rinse with cold water and let cool for an additional 5 minutes or so. Shell and place beans into a bowl. Discard (or compost) pods.

Next, add black beans, grape tomatoes, scallions, garlic, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Then season with kosher salt, black pepper, crushed red chili pepper flakes, and cilantro, and toss. Add the avocado last, about an hour before serving, and gently toss, making sure to coat it with the lemon juice mixture to avoid oxidation. Marinate in a covered glass or ceramic dish in the refrigerator for at least a 1/2 hour before serving, to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled (or at room temperature) and enjoy!

Optional Additions: Corn kernels, artichoke, or gourmet brined olives like Kalamata or Greek olives (in which case you could just nix the salt in the above recipe altogether).

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BRING ON THE DANCING GIRLS.....IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY!!

And as the 'Kung Fu' Master would say.....

Ahhhhhh...Grasshopper!!

It's green, its mean....its green and if I hadnt tasted it myself I would never have put up a recipe for something that looked so much like a glass of glowing nuclear wastage.  However!...it was bought for me the other night.  "Surprise me" I said to Pete the Greek...and he surely did.  Initially I thought of holding my nose as it kind of reminded me of medicine.  But of course we were in a rather salubrious establishment with lots of hip and happening kids around us, so I decided to take the medicine straight up.  The Grasshopper is surprisingly a tipple I shall be ordering again, when in the mood for a Liquid After Dinner Mint.  This is the best way to describe the Grasshopper.

Enjoy!...oh yes and ps its easy to make.

INGREDIENTS

3/4 oz Cream

3/4 oz Creme de Cacau

3/4 oz Green Creme de Menthe

PREPARATION

1. Pour ingredients into cocktail shaker with ice cubes

2. Shake well

3. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Voila!!

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TOOOOO CUTE!

And today instead of ending the blog with a clever quote, we found this photo courtesy of the Hornsby and Upper North Shore Advocate

Its of a little Australian Possum who dug his way through a huge box of french pastries, ate his fill and then couldn't move....so cute and such a huge sugar overload for the little fella.  Just look at his full belly!

It made us smile....hope it does you too....

Have a happy weekend everyone and if you are in the Sunshine State (apparently we are...but you wouldnt know it with all the rain we are having...) stay safe and keep dry...most importantly drive with care.

Until next week!

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au