1970'S TO NOW!...OUR OCEAN FRONT PENTHOUSE APARTMENT RENOVATION IN BROADBEACH!....NEW ARRIVALS YOU WILL LOVE AND WANT!...RIDDLING RACKS ARE BACK IN STOCK!...FROM MAGAZINE TO YOUR HOME...HOW TO MAKE THAT VISION A REALITY....OUR HAPPY CUSTOMER...JARDAN SOFA SALE!...TOMATO GALETTE WITH FETTA CHEESE AND FRESH HERBS....MMMMMMM...STRAWBERRY PIMMS

1970's TO NOW!

OUR LATEST OCEAN FRONT PENTHOUSE RENOVATION PROJECT

Our client owned a 1970's Penthouse apartment right on the beachfront in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast.  With views to die for, but an interior needing a desperate update, the girls got to work.

The client brief was that she just wanted big changes.  Clean, smart, uncluttered with a beachside Hamptons feel.  The girls were thrilled when advised they could just 'go for it', within the confines of the budget of course and so....they got to work, and with the usual sea shells, boat paddles and ocean mural 'beachy' look being done to death, they relished being able to put their own unique Charcoal Interiors stamp on this residence.

The View!

'Before' Shot of the Dining Area....Very Much In Need Of Change!

Over the coming weeks, we will be featuring this complete transformation from 1970's to Now!

Firstly, the carpets were pulled up and replaced with large 600 x 600 square tiles which really helped to give a more spacious feel.

'After' shot of the dining area with our Custom Made Dining Table with Stretcher Base, comfortable contemporary chairs, our glass and stone based table lanterns.

 The Design Team pride themselves on quality finishes.  

A custom made dining table was crafted to appropriate dimensions for the space, and Cathie and Colette also utilised key Asian pieces (note the gorgeous cabinet with lamp and leaf artwork).

For More Information On How You Can Have The Design Team Work With You, Please Contact Us On 07 38526002

or email

charcoal@charcoalinteriors.com.au

or.....via the website

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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NEW ARRIVALS

SEEN IT?....WANT IT??....WE CAN MAKE IT!

We have so many customers who have seen something special in a magazine but simply cant find the same piece anywhere.  Its usually because its an old rustic item...one of those 'trawling through antique and bric-a-brac stores for years before you find one similar' pieces.

The simple solution is to have it made....See It?....Want It?...and now you can have it!

We offer a fully customised service, from the pristine, sleek and contemporary to rustic and aged, we can complete the look you are after.

From magazine to your home....by Charcoal Interiors.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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ONE VERY HAPPY EMMA SHELDRAKE CUSTOMER

We were sent this photo of a very happy recipient of Emma Sheldrakes artwork.

The perfect gift for the teenager who is hard to buy for!

More of Emmas works can be found at our showroom 

59 Doggett Street. Newstead. Brisbane

07 38526002

or on our website

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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JARDAN SOFA SALE....ONE ONLY...BE QUICK!

Looking for a quality and divinely luxurious sofa?....then look no further.  This week we have put our ex floor stock Jardan sofa up for sale to the first lucky person to get their card out!

For those who love quality, I am sure you will recognise Jardan as a brand epitomising superior quality in sofas, as well as being award winners for their eco-processing methods.

With a kiln dried timber frame, all steel springs and European Fabrics throughout, this sofa has been reduced from $10,500 to just $5,800!

It really is 'luxury plus' that ticks all the boxes.  Will not last.  Please contact us on 07 38526002 for further details.  We will accept payment over the phone and can arrange interstate delivery, just ask for a quote.

Charcoal Interiors

59 Doggett Street.  Newstead.  Brisbane.  4006

charcoal@charcoalinteriors.com.au

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FRESH SUMMERY FOOD FOR YOU!

I love that its warming up!  This weekend....pool time!  Cant wait.

Tomatoes are coming into season, which always heralds Summer.  I found this great recipe for Tomato Galettes with Fetta and Fresh Thyme.

It's perfect light fare for Spring/Summer and a great way to utilise all those deliciously seasonal plump tomatoes that will soon be hitting the shops shelves.

One of lifes simple pleasures is setting up the table by the pool, putting together some simple, seasonal food and relaxing in the shade with a cold beer or sauv blanc......nice.

TOMATO GALETTES WITH FETTA AND FRESH THYME

This is a super easy meal to prepare and no need to fuss over them because the more rustic the look...the better!  My kind of food.....

What you need....

2 sheets of pre-made and rolled puff pastry (make your own and go to the clever corner)

1 free range egg, beaten lightly

Sundried tomato paste

Small bunch of fresh thyme

300 g mixed tomatoes, sliced 2mm thick

Olive Oil - we recommend Bon Haye Olive Oil

Sea Salt and Black Pepper

150g of Fetta Cheese

What to do....

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees celsius or 180 for fan forced

2. Lay puff pastry on to clean work surface.  Cut each sheet in half then cut each half into thirds so you end up with 12 pieces

3. Brush pastry with beaten egg.  Using palette knife, spread a thin layer of sundried tomato paste on pastries, leaving a 5 to 10 mm border around edges.

4. Sprinkle over a few thyme leaves and arrange sliced tomatoes on top.  Drizzle with olive oil and finish with sprig of thyme and salt and pepper.

5. Bake in oven for 20 to 25 minutes until pastry is golden brown.  Let cool, then carefully place on tray or in container covered in foil for transport if you feel like picnicking perhaps??

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CELEBRATING THIS WARM WEATHER WITH A STRAWBERRY PIMMS!

Take advantage of the fresh fruit emerging in the shops at the moment....ah the smell of mango and strawberries just makes me feel so happy!

Fruit salad in a glass tankard is how many fans think of Pimm's No 1 Cup.  This gin based cocktail mix grew from humble beginnings as a house specialty during the 1840's at James Pimms's London Oyster Bar.  It has grown to become a permanent fixture on today's English  social calendar, enjoyed at all the best Henley,Ascot and Wimbledon parties.  Fresh strawberries muddled with a traditional mix add a refreshing, summery flavour.  Mixed ina jug, this makes a good alfresco party drink - increase the quantities according to the number of your guests.....pop on your tennis whites...feet up....enjoy!..

What you need....

3-4 strawberries, roughly chopped

60ml Pimms No 1 Cup

175ml lemonade

Ice cubes

Lemon, orange, and apple slices

Extra small, whole strawberries

Cucumber sticks or strips of peel

Fresh mint strips

What to do...

Put the chopped strawberries in a glass tankard or tall glass and pour over the Pimms.  Crush the strawberries with a muddler, or the back of a spoon.  Add 4 or 5 ice cubes and top off with lemonade.  Stir them, drop in lemon, orange and apple slices, small whole strawberries, cucumber sticks or strips of peel and fresh mint sprigs.

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Well, has your week been as great as ours?  We have had some great customers in...really nice people that just make your day....and new stock which always gets us excited and there's more to come too....my little fingers will be so fit from all the blogging and promoting!

Plus!...its so nice and warm...really looking forward to having a swim.

Just wanted to say....have a truly wonderful weekend.

Love, Light and Laughter....The Charcoal Team

xxx

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

MORE OF WHAT WE LOVE!....EINSTEINS THEORY OF CHARCOAL INTERIORS....SOCIETE DU VIN AND GERARD BUTLER...JUST BECAUSE....SIMPLY DEELISH CRAB AND CORN TARTLETS, THE PERFECT PICNIC FOOD....AND OUR 2 INGREDIENT COCKTAIL...THE PALOMA! ENJOY THE READ AND HAPPY FRIDAY!

"When Its All About Design Excellence With Outstanding Service"

You can find more of our design work on the Charcoal Interiors website

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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THIS WEEK....WE LOVE....

We fell in love with this custom upholstered chair delivered this week for one of our special clients.

She wanted a feature chair in her bedroom to finish off what is now a sophisticated and fresh look.

The beautiful tonings inspired by Spring is the current big look in Europe.

Our client is in a word...thrilled!

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OUT AND ABOUT

...LURE ON LATROBE...

My favourite place to have breakfast on a weekend is Lure on Latrobe.  The food is consistently fresh and of great quality.

As a dining experience goes, its relaxed and very laid back.  I actually feel like I am in Bryon Bay in a friends front garden....but not....because we are surrounded by loads of people who all seem to be enjoying the space as much as us.

credit - courier mail

Last Saturday we got a seat under a shady tree out the front...the perfect little nook for 'people watching' along Latrobe Terrace at oh so swish hip and happening Paddington.

The service is always with a smile and sometimes you have to wait to be seated but its worth it.  Lures' popularity and success besides consideration given to the awesome food, seems to have been based on establishing good relationships also, and there's nothing nicer than the staff remembering you, or even your name.

credit courier mail

On this particular day we had the 'Brekkie Burger' which is always fresh and even if avocado isn't in season Lure seems to be able to source the freshest, greenest and tastiest!...how do they do that?...mine are always practically concave and brown in the off season....just another testament to their dedication to quality produce.  The coffee is always spot on and everything was delivered to our table with a smile.  No matter how busy the staff are, they stop for a hello and 'how's ya day'....love it.

credit courier mail

Lure also is renowned for having the Best Chips in Brisbane....ok...arm is twisted...thats next on my 'must try' list!

Lure on Latrobe ticks all the boxes....service, food quality, ambience....and if you really want the complete blissed out experience there is a massage therapist in the main building...supposed to be great...will have to review that one too!...mmmmm...chips and massage...I'm in!

Lure on Latrobe.  24 Latrobe Terrace. 

Ph. 07 33672900

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SOCIETE DU VIN (Translation...Very Special Wine Tasting Facility)....Oh My!

credit - New York Times

New York Times Story on Societe du Vin

You've got to love a man with a vision and owner of Houston Rockets NBA team Leslie Alexander is our kind of guy.  Not only did he have a big vision for restoring an old Potato Barn in Bridgehampton N.Y but he also enlisted one of the best to transform it into the most lavish wine storage facility we have ever laid eyes on.  And of course who are you going to entrust your $5 million dollar budget to?..none other than Hollywood Set Designer Elvis Restaino...also known for his recent Gerard Butler NYC apartment transformation.  We were big fans of his work in the Butler residence which was quite breathtaking and you can see more of this project in our previous blogs.

Click here to getImages  &
Black And White Gerard Butler Pictures - Pictures

The wine storage and tasting facility is called Socie'te' Du Vin, the idea motivated by lack of places for people to store and visit their wine.

There is also a spacious salon room where owners can open and taste their wine, and also entertain in luxurious surrounds.

The old Potato Barn is now a distant vision of the past, with this new beautiful facility created with the usual Elvis Restaino stamp of grandeur.

For the full story on this amazing project, please click on the link to the New York Times (above).

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CRAB, CORN TARTLETS WITH TARRAGON

These are simply deeeelish.  Great picnic food.  To be made the night before.

What you will need....

2 cups plain flour

225 grams cold butter

300g cooked crab meat

1 and 1/2 cups raw corn kernels

1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon

3 eggs

450ml pouring cream

What to do....

To make pastry, dissolve pinch salt in 75ml water.  Place flour in a stand mixer with paddle attachment.  Cut the butter into small squares and then add to the flour.  Mix at a low speed until the mix looks like a rough crumb.  Add salted water and then keep mixing until the dough forms a ball.  If you don't have a stand mixer you can rub the butter into the flour with your hands.  Turn onto a floured bench top and using your hands bring the dough together and then gently knead it until its smooth and there's no chunks of butter remaining.  Add extra flour to the bench as needed.  Take care not to over work the dough.  Form into a disc, wrap in plastic and keep in fridge for at least an hour.  Roll pastry to about 2 mm thickness.  Wrap rolled pastry tightly in plastic wrap and then pop in fridge overnight.

Next step....preheat oven to 160 degrees celsius or 140 degrees for fan forced ovens.

Cut pastry into 9cm diameter rounds and use to line a tarltet tray.  Leftover pastry can be used later and also frozen if needed.  Line each pastry case with baking paper and fill with rice or baking weights.  Blind bake for 10 mins and remove paper and weights and bake a further 7 mins or until golden and cooked through.  Remove from oven and set aside.

Mix crab corn and tarragon together in a bowl and season well with salt and pepper.  Place about 1tbsp in each tartlet shell.

In a separate bowl, beat eggs add cream and mix to combine.  Pour egg mix over crab mix and fill tartlets as high as possible.  Bake until puffed and golden...about 15 mins.  Keep a good eye on them whilst baking.  Gently remove to a cooling tray.

Makes around 24 - 28!

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YAAAAHOOOOOO......IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY!

Hands up if you've had one of those weeks where, when it gets to Friday you just want to put your little head on your messy desk and juuuuuust close your eyes for a moment and then.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....well wake up!  It's Friday, which means the weekend which means cocktails for everyone!

OK..you now how you can buy those 3 or 4 ingredient cookbooks which are amazing and you literally only need just a few ingredients to make something incredible for dinner?....well, how about if I told you that its possible to make an incredible cocktail from just 2 ingredients??....don't believe me?...well start!  Over the coming weeks we are going to showcase a range of cocktails that you can make using just 2 ingredients!

And so, for starters here is the Paloma...just 2 ingredients!

Click here to getImages  &
Cocktail Drinks Pictures - Pictures

THE PALOMA

What you need....

1. Tequila

2. Grapefruit Juice

What do do...

In your cocktail shaker, put a shot of Tequila and the rest with Grapefruit Juice...add ice..and shake, shake, shake.

Pour into your cocktail glass and garnish with a slice of lime

Feet up now....close your eyes...think of Gerard Butler....I find this easy.

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Wishing you all a very happy and enjoyable weekend with your Paloma cocktail and Crab Tartlet picnic!

Until next week...Love, Laughter and Light...The Charcoal Team!

xxx

Below...Einsteins 'Theory of Charcoal Interiors'

credit to Hatemeel images

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE RECYCLER...OUR BEAUTIFUL SUSTAINABLE FURNITURE OPTIONS....WALLPAPER LAMPSHADES....PINK GRAPEFRUIT MARGARITAS AND WARM BABY BEETROOT SALAD...PERFECT BBQ FOOD!...CHEERS...THE CHARCOAL TEAM XXX

...BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE RECYCLER...

Some materials come and go in the popularity stakes, but the one consistent is timber.  We delight in the arrival of an old door, and get excited over the discovery of treasures such as old wharf or jetty timbers.

There is something very soulful about using recycled or reclaimed timbers in furniture design.  We have, over the years crafted many custom pieces for clients in tables, coffee tables and bench seats etc..from old timbers, a lot of which have history that of course adds to the charm and attraction of these pieces.

This beautiful table was crafted from an old Antique Gate and used as a shop counter in an upmarket boutique.

We are able to offer our customers something different when it comes to coffee tables.  Over the years it has become apparent just how difficult it can be for clients to find the right coffee table and here at Charcoal Interiors we offer quite the range of options.  This particular table is made from reclaimed timbers and given a soapstone finish.

This table is very special to us.  Crafted from old wharf timbers sourced from China.  This was purchased by clients for their new home as a kitchen bench...stunning.

This old Spanish Door has been crafted into a console bench.  This is a very unique 'one-off' piece which we currently have available for sale at Charcoal Interiors.  Contact us for all the details

07 38526002

or email charcoal@charcoalinteriors.com.au

Here we have another of our tables crafted from an old wooden gate.

Our recycled Blackbutt dining table is huge and perfect for a large family or those gatherings where the old 6 to 8 seater just wont grant the space.  We think this would look amazing in a winery cellar door, beach house or grand dining room where the space calls for something majestic.  This table can also be crafted in any dimension....but when we do things...we like to do them big!  So this is a great example of the 'lengths' we will go to when a grand gesture is called for.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

These timber bench seats are crafted from old Elm Timbers.  They are character personified with their deep grains and earthy presence.  Perfect for a hallway, deck area or garden.  Elm is one of the hardiest of timbers and has been used traditionally in wharfs as it is resistant to rotting when wet permanently.

We now have in stock these gorgeous 3 legged stools made from old Cart Wheels.  They make fabulous side tables, small coffee tables or stools.

This coffee table was made using an old Japanese Slatted Door.  It is unique and very sophisticated, and its made by us!

Charcoal Interiors

Come and visit us on the website for more sustainable and recycled timber furniture options.  Or, you can pop into the showroom Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.30pm.

59 Doggett Street.  Newstead.  Queensland.  

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AND SPEAKING OF FLEXIBILITY IN DESIGN.........

How's this for a great idea.  We loved the Precious Paisley wallpaper design by Hooked on Walls, and it looked great as a wall covering, but how about using it with a lamp shade?

Yet another option when it comes to finding the perfect lampshade colour or style.  We do aim to please!

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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THIS WEEK...

Referred to as the 'Charlies Angels' of Doggett Street by some, here we are in the latest Style Mag.

It was a pleasure to feature in their Doggett Street Spring Promotion.  

Charcoal Interiors - 59 Doggett Street. Newstead.

We are the ones with the huge Bronze Lions out the front!

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PINK GRAPEFRUIT MARGARITAS......WE DO LOVE SPRING!

One of my earliest childhood memories is of my Mother eating Grapefruit.  Back in the 60's Grapefruit diets were the 'big' thing.  Mum would have grapefruit for breakfast, lunch and dinner and it always looked so inviting.  I remember asking her for a taste one day and recall thinking that my tastebuds would never be the same again.  I thought it was just so disgusting!....but back then I also hated blue cheese, chilli and prawns...now they are all my faves.  After a bad experience with the grapefruit I found myself revisiting the flavours on a recent night out.  I am a magnet to the Margarita, so when I saw the Pink Grapefruit Margarita on the Cocktail list there was no way I was going to give it a miss.

This is super easy to make and it looks really pretty...great for weddings, or girly times.

WHAT YOU NEED....

1 cup ruby red grapefruit juice

1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice (approximately 4 limes)

1 cup Triple Sec Orange Liqueur

3 Cups ice

1 cup silver Tequila

1 lime cut in wedges, optional kosher salt

WHAT DO DO...
Directions: Rim the glass with a lime wedge and dip in salt.  Combine the grapefruit juice, lime juice, Triple Sec and ice in a blender.  Pour in the tequila, stir and serve.
Feet up...relax.....its Friday!

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Super healthy and with a taste to match...this salad really is an explosion of goodness!
We recommend served with Barbecued Lamb Cutlets.

WARM BABY BEETROOT SALAD

What you need.....

200grams chickpeas, soaked overnight in cold water

Bouquet garni (parsley stems, thyme, bay leaf and peppercorns in a muslin bundle)

2/3 cup (160ml) extra virgin olive oil

3 bunches mixed baby beetroot soaked in water for 30 mins with leaves and stems

1/2 tbsp chopped thyme leaves

Juice and finely chopped zest of 1 lemon

1/3 bunch parsley, leaves roughly picked

160g garlic and pepper goats cheese such as Woodside Tapas chevre

1. place drained chickpeas in a medium size saucepan and cover by about 6cm with cold water.  Add bouquet garni and simmer over medium heat for about 1 hour or until tender. Drain discarding bouquet garni then add 40 ml olive oil, season with salt and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, drain beetroot and trim stems, leaving about 1 cms attached to beetroot (this helps retain flavour and colour).  Scrub lightly to remove any dirt.  Strip leaves and cut stems into 6cms lengths; set aside.

3. Preheat oven to 270 degrees celcius (250 with fan forced). Place beetroot in a saucepan with plenty of cold water and bring to a simmer; cook for 15 mins or until just soft.  Drain.

4. Place parboiled beetroot on a roasting tray.  Drizzle with 60ml oil, scatter thyme over and season with salt and pepper.  Toss to coat, then roast 15 - 20 mins or until skins are wrinkly and well coloured.  Remove from oven and fold lemon zest through.

5. Heat a heavy-based frypan over medium heat.  When hot, add remaining oil and saute beetroot stems...when blistered add leaves and toss.  Add lemon juice, season aiwth salt and set aside.

6. Fold parsley through chickpeas then place on platter.  Pile beetroot on top.  follow with leaves and stems and crumbled goats cheese....serves 6.

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UNTIL NEXT WEEK......

Love, Light and Laughter....The Charcoal Team 

xxx

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au