Get Organised, Get Comfortable and Get Real in 2015 with our Top 5 Interior No-No's And How To Correct Them.

GET ORGANISED

GET COMFORTABLE

GET REAL IN 2015!

Welcome to the New Year of 2015 and to kick things off this week we would like to share with you a little list of the Top 5 No-No's when it comes to creating balance and comfort in your home.

Walking into a beautiful space is a bit like walking through the waft of a divine Jasmine scent on a Spring day.  It feels familiar, comforting and agreeable.  You just cant put your finger on exactly what it is, but somehow it just feels right.  However, a harmoniously balanced home does not just happen by chance.

There is a lot of advice out there about design and what 'not to do'.  So, we have reduced it down to the Top 5  simple suggestions we feel may help you to gain some direction with creating the space of your dreams this 2015.  

Rule Number One:

Avoid Too Much of the 'Same-Same'

We have all been there...walked into a home where there is a specific 'look' from a specific shop.  Everyone has their favourite retailer, but it can create that 'sameness' to an interior space.

This combination of textures (cow hide rug, European Velvet fabrics, silks, asian hand painted cabinetry etc...) create warmth and interest to the room.

Save up for a quality, timeless piece, like this divine feature chair.  The extra cost gives you a product that will endure the test of time and bypass the expendability of trend.

Add interest to a room by shopping around for unique pieces that you absolutely love, or save up for example, a feature chair in a sumptuous European fabric that you wont find 'just anywhere'.

Learn to master the art of eclecticism!  Unsure?  You can always enlist the help of experts.  A good Interior Designer will work with you to find the perfect pieces, and with so many products and resources at their fingertips, can take the time and stress out of it all for you.

Rule Number Two:

Keep The Flow

Make 2015 the year of De-Clutter.  Trinkets from travels and key pieces that you love to have around you are fine and also a representation of you and your personality.  

De-cluttering and refreshing key rooms, like the bedroom will not only look so much better, but also introduce a sense of calm and aid with a better nights sleep.

Too many accessories or misplaced furniture just creates clutter and sometimes can convey feelings of stress and confusion, which is definitely not the kind of vibe that you want to bring into your tranquil space.

Take a good look at the room.  Be brutal.  Remove what you can live without and either sell, give it away or if you just cannot bear to part with your treasures, store it for a reminisce.

Rule Number Three:

Light Your Space Correctly

The Rule of Thumb is usually 3 separate light sources in any main room space.  

Go all out with a chandelier that you absolutely love the look of.  They are worth the investment and really add old Hollywood style if placed correctly - ask for a designers help if you are unsure.

Vary heights and strengths of lighting to create mood for a restful, romantic yet functional surroundings.

Rule Number Four:

The Art of Hanging

We are not here to critique your choice in art, that's for sure.  Art is a personal choice and most purchases are borne from a sense of belonging to the piece.  However, if art is hung incorrectly...either too high, or too low, it can mess with the balance of the room.

  

An example of perfectly placed artworks by Dean Reilly.

Clients chose this Ancestral Painting as a point of interest in the study.

Aim for hanging at eye level as the rule of thumb.

Rule Number Five:

Get Started On Your List

During the holiday break I made a big list of all the home issues that I wanted to address for the year.  I was exhausted with previously making mental notes daily on 'this' wall colour that was irking me....or 'that' paint chip that constantly distracted!

A nook, uncluttered, yet still with interest and character.

A simple, elegant display.

It is empowering to take action and address what is not working in your home interior.  So, the spur of the moment idea to paint that wall a hideous green (because it just looked soooo fabulous in the magazine)...or the bright yellow pineapple lamp that was given to you 3 Christmases ago because your friend thought it would look so terrific on your bedside table??...all needs to go.

Start making a list and acting on it when you have time.  There is such a sense of achievement in crossing off all the issues that niggle and at the end of the year just think...your home will be just as you want it to be.

We built this shelving to our clients specifications, so they are now super organised, plus its a gorgeous feature in the study.

We offer expert advice on Interior Design, coupled with our impressive on-site furniture workshop, where we craft tables and furniture pieces of distinction.  

You can find more examples of what we do on our website

Charcoal Interiors

or...

visit us in our new Showroom from 19th January 2015

41 Brookes Street

Fortitude Valley.  Qld.  4006

Ph. 07 38526002

Hamilton Apartment...The Final Unveil with Before & After pics, plus video...Get in Quick for our Sale!...We Shop in Melbourne for You!...Maiocchi Fashion Shoot - A Sneek Peak into the new range....Scrumptious Chicken Recipe and the Deeeelightfully light..Capiroska!

Hello and Happy Friday one and all.  We have had a great week, with a trip to Melbourne for the day...and all for you!  More info on that a bit further down the blog...but first..as promised...

The Exclusive Unveiling of our latest Design Project at Hamilton!

Well, last week we showcased the Sunroom of this amazing Art Deco residence in Hamilton, Brisbane.  This week we have video of Cathie showing us through the fully completed apartment, plus 'Before...and After' pictures, so you can really gauge just how much thought and effort has gone into completely transforming this space.

First up...here's Cathie with her tour.....excuse my very amateurish production..oh..and the Chandelier is not on fire!..just looks that way due to the strobing :-)

Just Click On The Video Link Below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlYGQf_KtJM

Some before pics of the space.....

....and the finished work...

Beautiful artwork...gorgeous lighting..a sumptuous mixture of textures, antique and modern pieces now give this apartment a luxurious environ, reminiscent of the Manhattan Style our client loves so much.

We have had a terrific week, with a successful expedition to the Melbourne Trade Show. We also dropped in on a few of our wonderful suppliers whilst down South and picked out some stunning pieces...Gosh, we are so excited!  Cant wait for it all to be delivered!  Stay tuned for our new arrivals...boy did we have fun shopping for you!

Trade Show Shopping...Decisions..Decisions??....

Strolling along the Yarra...on a gorgeous winters day...more decisions to make..like, which restaurant to choose??

More self sacrifice....lunch at 'Brasserie' restaurant on the Yarra.

Check out our Cocktail Friday recipe...with pics below

Charcoal Interiors...is having ....a...

 That's right!....Sale starts this Saturday.  After our buying trip on Monday, we need to make room for the new arrivals.  So, that means that we have considerable savings to be had on Sofas, Tables, Urns, Accessories, Dining and Occasional Chairs and so much more! 

Maiocchi Fashion Shoot

On Sunday morning we hosted another Fashion Shoot for Dee Maiocchi and her gorgeous range of clothing.  Here is a little sneek peak, and we will have the formal pics for you shortly.  Dee loves to use our stunning showroom as the backdrop for her creations.  

Thanks again to Mark Turner Photography http://markturnerphotography.com/...from high fashion to sophisticated Interior Design shoots...he really does know his stuff.

Friday Recipe

Feeling a little overwhelmed after such a big week, our bellies were looking for something light, flavoursome and healthy...so this week, we tried this super simple recipe that is fresh and delicious.  

This recipe is super simple and serves 4

Mint and Garlic Chicken with Crunchy Salad

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 4 small (about 170g each) chicken breast fillets, each cut into 2 thin fillets
• 2 tbs roughly chopped mint leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp dried chilli flakes
• 1 1/2 tbs olive oil
• 1 baby cos, leaves separated, finely shredded
• 1/2 punnet (about 80g) snow pea sprouts, roughly chopped
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped
• 1 tbs white wine vinegar

Method

1. Place the chicken, mint, chilli and 1/2 tbs of oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat chicken.
2. Place a large non-stick frypan over high heat. When hot, add the chicken in batches. Cook for 2 minutes on one side and 1 minute on the other or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile: toss the shredded lettuce, snow pea sprouts, and spring onion in a large bowl with the vinegar, remianing tbs of oil, salt and pepper. 
4. 
   
   
   Divide the salad and chicken among plates and serve immediately.
   
   
   It's That Time Again....Cocktail Friday!!
   
   
   
   

 Ahhhh...Yes...Cocktails really DO equal Paradise according to us!  We have a super simple Cocktail recipe for you this Friday, but its just packed with flavour...you'll love it!

We imbibed in a few of these on our Melbourne trip...Cath has the recipe below...

The Lime Capiroska!

A great way to end an exhausting day of Power Shopping!

We are off to Cru Bar this afternoon to celebrate our 1000th Blog view!

Thank you to everyone for their support.  We have had a great response to the Blog.  A lot of love goes into bringing it to you every Friday and its a collaborative effort from us all.

Wishing you a great weekend...love...The Charcoal Girls...

Cathie, Colette and Jen....with Charlie....xx

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.

Before & After Pics of Our Latest Design Project...Words of Wisdom from the Best...Sand Crab Ravioli and our Cocktail Friday Offering...

Our Latest Design Project

Over the next few weeks, we will be showcasing our latest Design Project before and after pics with you.

I spoke with Colette Venardos...half of the Charcoal Design team, about this particular project, the clients, their vision, and how she and Cathie made it happen!

Colette, explain a bit about the history of this home, and the clients vision:

"Well, this was a beautiful old Queenslander dating back to the 1800's.  Just a magnificent home that really was in need of a bit of TLC.  Cathie and my first impression of the home interior, was 'Aussie Country' which was quite outdated, and definitely in need of a freshen up.  The interior just wasnt conducive with the magnificence of this beautiful home.  We consulted with the clients over many weeks, and their main instructions were to create a relaxed atmosphere with a touch of French sophistication. Being a busy family of 4, they wanted to feel like this was their home and a place where they could still kick off the shoes and feel welcomed.

Colette, can you give us a brief outline of the transformation process?:

"We started with a neutral palette, and built around that the custom made table in Reclaimed French Oak.  The chairs too, were custom made with removable off-white covers in a beautiful linen fabric.  A beautiful Vintage mirror sits above the Old Chinese Altar Table, perfect for displaying the family treasures.  The true feature of the whole room is the amazing Dean Reilly original painting 'Chyrsallid'.  It is a stunning addition to the room and complements the drapery, which has a lovely pearlised finish in cream, dusky pink and moss green.  We also had the curtain rods custom made for this room.  They are truly elegant and draw the eye out to the newly transformed courtyard.  We replaced the old fence and repainted the feature wall in a Porters Paints Limewash.  New pots were added and plants added to create a hedge effect.  Our clients love the ambient mood of candles, so we had some wall candelabras mounted.

As you can see by the 'After' pics, the girls have completely transformed this dining room into a stylish space in collaboration with the clients.  A combination of their wishes and vision and an experienced eye via our Design Team.

Stay tuned over the coming weeks for more images of this gorgeous home...the girls have worked their magic once again!

Words of Wisdom from one of the Most Qualified

Audrey Hepburn really was the quintessential Hollywood actress and epitomised everything that a true lady should be....stylish, graceful, a devout humanitarian with her work for UNICEF and most of all kind.  We just love this quote...one of our favourites and a true doctrine to live by.

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.
.....Audrey Hepburn

Winter Looks we Love!

  Rustic Vintage chair found at a Garage Sale teamed with a sumptuously textured cushion and snuggly throw.  The perfect spot to sit and while away the hours on a cold winter day. 

Sand Crab Ravioli in a Creamy Dill Sauce 

For those of you who are clever enough to make your Ravioli from scratch...I say, snaps to you and a big pat on the back.  I am then also spared having to include the recipe on how to make the pasta and then the crab filling and blah...blah...  Girls like us here at Charcoal who just dont have the time and by the time we did...it would be midnight!...say, buy the ravioli from a good gourmet shop or market and then add the rest as below...Takes about 10 minutes!

Method

Put your water on the boil.

Once boiled.  Add your ravioli.  Cook until Al Dente....in the meantime make your sauce..it takes just a few minutes.

Add to a pan a dollop of butter and a bit of salt...heat until aromatic.  Once that divine smell kicks in...add a small container of cream...this recipe is for 2 people, however if its for 4, just double the quantities.  Add a couple of teaspoons of parmesan and gently simmer.  I like to throw in a few chilli flakes and some freshly chopped dill.  Simmer away until the sauce starts to thicken.

Drain the Ravioli.  I like to toss very gently in a quality olive oil so they stay nice and slippery.  Divide up onto your plate and then spoon your delicious cream sauce over the top....finish off with some freshly chopped dill and cracked pepper.  I like to serve up with a little bowl of steamed vegies.

Voila!....enjoy...its completely delicious and so very easy for all those busy girls out there.

Speaking of busy girls....pop your uggies up on the sofa...take a nice deep breath...be thankful for reaching another Friday...and CELEBRATE...with our Cocktail Friday...the fixer of all things broken...the mood lifter like none other!

This week, we introduce the Italian Lemon Drop...packed with zing and using Lemons which are in season at the moment, so they are at their best flavour-wise.  Plus!  Its fruit...so that means this particular cocktail nutritionally is good for you right? If we are all in agreeance, lets raise our glasses to the wonders of Friday, Lemons..bless their little tarty hearts...and the Cocktail.  Cheers everyone!

The Italian Lemon Drop

 

1 oz Stolichnaya

1 oz Limoncello

¾ oz Cointreau

1 ¼ oz Sweet and Sour

Combine ingredients and shake well.

Serve in a martini glass.

Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Thank you to everyone for your feedback with the blog.  We are so happy that you are enjoying the read.  Hopefully its giving you a bit of inspiration and a smile.

Until next week....Cheers from the Charcoal Girls...Colette, Cathie and Jen xxx