OFFSPRING INTERIOR STYLE ENQUIRIES & SOURCING
Along with a large majority of the female population of Australia, we are huge fans of Channel 10's Offspring now on every Monday night at 8.30. Going strong in its 2nd season, I think this show really is quite quirky and clever. We can all see ourselves somewhat in at least one of the characters on the show.
This week, we have had a large amount of enquiries in regards to the wallpaper and styling of Ninas apartment in the show. In particular the pressed metal style wallpaper that appears in her lounge room.
We love the use of pressed metal style wallpaper for the ceiling of this bedroom...divine!
Here at Charcoal Interiors we have access to a massive amount of quality wallpaper coverings from all over the world. Its just a matter of coming in for a chat (bringing a pic in with you is always helpful) or alternatively you can email us with the idea you want to match up. We take it from there and source the fabric, wallpaper, furniture or accessory style etc... Recently we had a large response to an Andrew Martin 'Love Letters' wallpaper that was so unique and gorgeous and featured on the blog.
'Love Letter' wallpaper by Andrew Martin
We were able to source this for our customer enquiries without delay. The Charcoal Team welcome customer enquiries and we look forward to helping source that special something for your home that you simply cannot do without!
ART ON JAMES - ORIGINAL ARTWORKS GIVEAWAY IN JUST A CLICK!
To mark the beginning of much lauded event 'Art on James St' we have a very exciting giveaway for the month of June here at Charcoal Interiors.
Up for grabs is an original Artworks by well regarded Brisbane artist Margaret Fredericksen valued at over $450. This is an unframed portrait original work using charcoal and powder pastel medium.
For your chance to win, its easy, all you need to do is click on our facebook badge on the right hand side of the blog to join our Facebook page. Share the competition with your friends and you have more chances to win! Its that easy. The winner will be drawn on July 1st, so there is plenty of time to become a fan of Charcoal and be in the running to win!...Good Luck!
OUR QUEENSLAND TIMBER FLOOR DISPLAY IS NOW FINISHED!
Sanding the floorboards
Cathie and Rob start putting the design section of the showroom back into order
Hey...lets stop for a photo op!
From left: Cathie, Brian, Colette, Robbie and Jen...The Charcoal Team
We could have been mistaken for an Industrial Jackhammer shop on Tuesday of this week, with all manner of blokey tools working a-frenzy to get our new floor display laid. Thanks to the people at Queensland Timber Flooring 'Artisans of Style' for doing such a great job. We now welcome customers to pop into the showroom to see first hand the gorgeous range of timber flooring options available....e.g Black Caulking (ship deck style), Dark Roasted and French Parquetry to name a few.
THIS WEEK WE ARE LOVING.....
BESPOKE WALLPAPER BY SACKCLOTH & ASHES
These wallpapers are hand painted, hand folded and then hand cracked. The paper is then involved in a waxing and rubbing process to give a unique finish to each design...imagine that...the possibilities are infinite.
Contact us for more info
MAP MAGAZINE
This week, we appear in 'Map Magazine'! We love map because its edgy, informative, creative, individual, climate friendly and FREE! This week, you can find our ad next to the famous 'Pavement' section. Theres also a great interview with Hugo Weaving with his thoughts on acceptance, amongst other interesting commentary. Well worth picking up a copy and a way to be supportive of local small business.
TAPAS TO THE RESCUE!
Last Saturday night, I paid a visit to Granada Tapas Bar on Melbourne St in Brisbane. To me, its a little slice of Spain with a twist of Melbourne in a great Brisvegas locale. The food was terrific, service excellent and dinner with a bunch of mad girlfriends always makes for a great evening regardless of the food.
Tapas style food is a good way to dine, as its small portions and lots of them. We like to entertain this way at home and also its a way to mix up meals for the kids....they love platters and a selection of Tapas style food on a big platter with a fresh salad on the side is an interesting and fun way to keep the most finnicky of eaters happy.
After the trip to Granada I was inspired to try this recipe for Chorizo Meatballs as it was quick an easy. I made extra and used the surplus as a base for chunky, hunger sating sandwiches.
Ingredients (serves 6)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large brown onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons mild paprika
- 2 (240g) mild chorizo, finely chopped
- 700g lean beef mince
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 5 (800g) tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
- Crusty bread, to serve
Method
- Heat half the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook onion, stirring, for 5 minutes or until softened. Add garlic and paprika. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Combine onion mixture, chorizo, mince and breadcrumbs in a bowl. Roll heaped tablespoons of mixture into balls. Place on a plate.
- Heat remaining oil in pan over medium-low heat. Cook meatballs, in batches, for 4 to 5 minutes or until browned. Transfer to a plate.
- Increase heat to medium. Add tomato and 1/2 cup cold water. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Return meatballs to pan. Simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover. Simmer for 10 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through and sauce has thickened. Top with parsley. Serve with bread.
LET'S CELEBRATE THE END OF THE WEEK...ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY!
Just as we thought we had found every shoe store within a 5 kilometre radius of the showroom (and yes, we are on first name basis with all the shopkeepers....and so what if we get personal text messages from them whenever a new style comes in), so were we completely surprised to have found a new style of Martini, since we thought we had met with every combo imagineable....like stumbling across an undiscovered, untouched island in the South Pacific, finding the 'French Martini' was indeed met with euphoric gasps this week...its made with Pineapple, which is pretty much on the same enjoyment level as lime and mango.Let's celebrate Friday with a French Martini. To be enjoyed with Goldfrapp blasting in the background, shoes off...feet up and dont forget to also wear a smile of satisfaction, because life is good!
French Martini
1.5 oz vodka
1/2 oz Chambord
2 oz. pineapple juice
Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or a leaf from the pineapple for a sleek modern look.Wishing you all a very happy weekend, and here's our quote for the week that made us feel really good and put things in perspective, because life is really great, and its not worth sweating the small stuff!
