TRANSFORM YOUR BEDROOM INTO A LUXURIOUS SANCTUARY

Your Master Bedroom is a place for inspiration, peace, rest and intimacy.  Does your bedroom reflect this?
There is one room in the house where I can go and I always know that there will be privacy and reasonable peace and quiet....my bedroom.

With our home being pretty full most of the week with 6 to 7 young adults residing there at a time, I find that having a space to relax, read, watch a movie on my note etc...is a necessity.  I have tried using the spare room from time to time, but it's just not the same as my bedroom with its comfy bed, desk for working at etc...  Here are some tips on how to make your bedroom your cosy sanctuary.

1. De-clutter. First of all stand in the doorway and take a good long look at the space.  The areas that you don't like the most will be evident.  Tackle clutter, as sitting in mess is not conducive to calm and intimacy.  Get rid of anything superfluous, old books under the bed, the pile of shoes in the corner, work papers and anything that you are not using throw it out or pack for storage.  Our rule is that if you haven't used it in 6 months it has got to go!

Charcoal Interiors Project

Via Chivasso

2. Sofa or Chair. Add a sofa or feature chair big enough to snuggle into and tuck your legs up into.  Curl up into a comfortable sofa.  Space permitting, a luxuriously appointed sofa can offer the perfect rendezvous point for you and your partner to catch up in peace after a big day at work over a glass of wine.

Charcoal Interiors Project

Via Chivasso

Via Lizzo

3. Hang Art.  Art is such a personal extension of self and because of this, you can select a piece that really reflects who you are and how you see the world.  

Charcoal Interiors Project - Art by Emma Sheldrake

Project credit via Athena Calderone

4.  Add an Upholstered Bedhead.  Bedheads can be the focal part of a room if executed well. We love the idea of an upholstered bedhead in sumptuous fabric, with a quality finish and it's all part of our design service. 

Charcoal Interiors Project

Photo and Project credit Petra Bindel

 Imagine being able to choose your own fabric to suit the space!  We can make this happen.  Just call or visit the website for more information.
Phone - 07 38526002
Charcoal Interiors Website

5.  Add A Desk.  The addition of a small desk to your sanctuary bedroom means you have somewhere to write in your journal, sketch, get creative, or catch up on paperwork in peace.  The key is to keep it uncluttered and an adornment of your favourite things ...but keep it minimal.

Custom Made Console Desk by Charcoal Interiors

6.  Invest in Quality Bedding.  Purchase quality bedding that will last a long time and almost always promotes a better nights sleep.  We recommend investing in sheet sets with a high thread count.  You CAN achieve that luxe sensory hotel experience in your own bedroom....the only thing missing will be room service!

Charcoal Interiors Project

via Lizzo

7. Window Treatments.  There's nothing more luxurious than beautiful drapes in your bedroom.  Besides from looking gorgeous, they also keep the harsh morning light out giving you more sleep time and ensure the full privacy that you need in your sanctuary.

8. Tranquil Colours. Walking into a room with a bright feature wall colour that kind of smacks you between the eyes is not our idea of tranquility or sanctuary.  

Project and photo via Athena Calderone

Try muted, natural, soft tonings. Why not look into wallcoverings? 

9. Lighting.  There is nothing worse than walking into a room with harsh, overly bright lighting, especially in the bedroom.  Invest in a couple of beautiful lamps for mood light, or look into having your lights converted to dimmers.  Well worth the investment.

Charcoal Interiors Project

10. Treat The Senses.  We love essential oil, in particular, oil blends.  Purchase a quality oil burner and invest in some glorious oil blends.  Fill your room with your favourite natural scents and make your bedroom your temple.

via dhgate

For more information on our services, or to see more Charcoal Interiors Projects, check out our website.

We offer a full Interior Design service, including custom made furniture, drapery, wallcoverings, lighting, art consultation and more.

Charcoal Interiors

The Charcoal Interiors Team

TREASURE HUNT

Never to be one dimensional, here at Charcoal Interiors we are so much more than just an Interior Design business.

Our upstairs retail showroom boasts a virtual Treasure Trove of hidden, seductive finds, many of which you will be hard pressed to find anywhere else.

We have been described in the past as an Aladdins Cave of treasured finds.  We like to think that our offerings are a balance of the modern, the antique, the contemporary, the traditional....but always quality pieces that are hand picked by our team.

Here is a mere smattering of what we currently have to tempt you.  We welcome you to come into our showroom at 41 Brookes St. Fortitude Valley for a spot of fossicking the most covetable of  riches for your home.

INDIAN HAND CARVED WOODEN PRINTING BLOCKS

Block printing is the process of printing patterns on fabric, using wooden blocks with incised patterning that has been intrically carved by hand.  Indian blocks is the earliest method of textile printing.

We have a variety of Indian hand carved blocks in all shapes and sizes available in our showroom.  These blocks have their own individual beauty and can be used for the traditional method, mounted on a wall or displayed as you prefer.  

These blocks are a wonderful way to own a piece of history with soul.  We love the history of these pieces.  I can smell the incense and Sandalwood every time I hold one of these...close my eyes...and dream of an India long, long ago.........

This beautifully shot and presented link offers an insight into the intricacies of luxury quilt making using traditional Indian Block Printing techniques.  

Traditional Indian Block Printing Techniques

SOLID STONE HAND CARVED DISH

Carefully hand crafted out of solid stone, yet retaining its impressively rustic essence this large water dish exudes cool, earthy luxe.

OLD JAPANESE RICE SCOOPS - SHAMOJI

These cleverly crafted old wooden rice scoops are of a primitive design, and used traditionally to scoop rice, grains, corn and rice etc....

We love the colours.  These look amazing mounted and grouped together, or as an interesting display piece.  

BRONZE CANDLESTICKS CIRCA 1640

Possibly one of our most coveted items in the showroom are these two Bronze Louis XIII candlesticks.  Circa 1640 and from a bygone era, this precious pair will impress the most discerning of collectors.

MIDDLE EASTERN POTS AND URNS

There is something about holding a beautiful piece of hand created earthenware.  Their patina, a memoir of the past.  

From our old Pottery Pickle Jar circa early 1900's  and its alluring design, to the beauty of our Turkish Yoghurt Jars and their interesting staining....the permanent scar of their redundant purpose.

To the rustic allure of our (just in stock below) Turkish Urn.

We have a selected range of these Urns and Pots in various shapes and sizes available in the showroom now.  However, they do tend to run out quickly, so we advise popping in to have a look or you can contact our helpful team for more informaiton - 07 38526002

KWAN YIN - THE FEMALE BUDDHA

Perched resplendently in the showroom, Kwan Yin welcomes you to Charcoal Interiors when you walk through our doors.

According to legend, Kwan Yin, who is often referred to as the female Buddha, was a beautiful Indian princess, who forsook marriage and the good life to live in a convent in order to become a truly enlightened human being, or 'bodhisattva' (is it just me or can you not say or see that word without hearing Steely Dan in your head??).

By turning her back on a life of luxury and seeking out spiritual enlightenment, her life story is similar in theme to that of the historical Buddha, Prince Siddhartha Gautama.  Both individuals eventually became thoroughly enlightened and compassionate spiritual beings, who sought to alleviate mankind's sufferings.  

Kwan Yin's name means "The one who hears the cries of the world"

Hand carved and still with remnants of her original paintwork, our Kwan Yin is available now in the showroom.

WOODEN COBBLER MOULDS

Reminiscent of something out of a Grimm Brothers Fairytale book, these wooden cobbler moulds are a thought-provoking alternative for those who love collectibles and interesting finds.

OLD CHINESE LEATHER EMBOSSED TREASURE BOX

This precious leather embossed Chinese trunk box just gets better with age.  Indicative of the Asian cultures love for precious, decorative boxes, this treasured piece has as much character as it does charm.  Perfect as a gift for the person who has everything.  A stunning, unique jewellery box....an impressive wedding gift for the couple who are hard to buy for.

TRADITIONAL ASIAN TIMBER STOOL

Diminutive in stature, yet solid enough to be sat on, as they did in times gone by, this original hand crafted asian stool works well in the bathroom, kitchen etc....

We look forward to welcoming you to Charcoal Interiors and assisting you with finding your Treasures.

The Charcoal Team

41 Brookes St.  Fortitude Valley.  Qld.  4006

Ph. 07 38526002

PERFECTING THE BACHELOR PAD - Your Unofficial Business Card

Image credit - Andrew Martin

So....you are a man about town wanting to impress.  No ties.  Great job and looking for more to show from the toils of your labour than a nice car.  Perhaps your circumstances have changed dramatically...suddenly single, new home and where on earth to start with creating the perfect bachelor pad for you?

New Farm Warehouse Apartment

You may want to retreat, reflect and recharge?  Or perhaps you are looking for the perfect space to entertain and enjoy your new found freedom? Your environs do say a lot about you, and it has been suggested that the bachelor pad is your 'unofficial business card' so its important to make a great first impression.  But where to start?  

Image credit - Andrew Martin

1.  Hire an Interior Designer!  If you are unsure where/how to start, don't have the time, or perhaps just want to leave it all to the experts? Then enlisting the services of an Interior Designer just takes all the stress away. 

 Our designers have experience in creating incredible home spaces for the man about town.  You will absolutely love our custom made 'Peter' chair for starters.

Charcoal Interiors project - 'Peter' Chair

2.  Steer well clear of cliche' colour schemes.  We're not entirely sure why the combination of black with contrasting red draws some men in like an ice cold Grolsch on a Friday at 5, but it can, and it's all kinds of wrong. Resist the urge to buy the same of everything just to save time and because it's easy. 

Image credit- Andrew Martin

  So, say no to themes and  trendy colour schemes. Too much 'matchy-matchy' tends to look cheap and outdated, not the look you are wanting to achieve when entertaining clients, friends, colleagues etc... Think warm tones, taupes, charcoals and step out of the square with a stunning textured wallcovering to really create the wow factor and impress.

3.  Identify the main functions of your space.  Are you big on entertaining?  Do you prefer to come home, put your feet up and just relax?  Identifying what is important to you and your lifestyle plays a big part in creating a really inviting home.  

Charcoal Interiors Project

A truly epic bachelor pad is all about comfort and intimacy.

New Farm Penthouse

4. Creating balance between the masculine and the feminine.  There is a big difference between a stylish bachelor pad and the outdoor shed 'man cave' complete with bulging to the brim, sticker resplendent, beer fridge and footy trophy shrine. 

Image via Hooked on Walls

 Balance between the soft and the masculine is achievable and by mixing softer, subtle touches against a hard, edgy vibe can create the perfect eclectic mix of masculine and softness.  

For example, the right Chandelier can be sexy and masculine.

image via pinterest - inspirationfordecor.ca

A beautiful rug, or animal hide on polished concrete or floorboards.

Image via Pinterest

Try mixing a leather feature chair with a super comfortable sofa in contrasting textural fabric and cushions.  Executed to perfection (below) by Elvis Restaino, the creator of superstar celebrity Gerard Butlers New York apartment renovations.

Image source credit - Loftenberg.com

Insert self serving, indulgent image of Gerard Butler here.....just because.  The chair is nice too I suppose :-)

An example (below) of the successful melding of masculine with the leather chair, Ancestral Painting, Rug and custom made timber desk against the light contrast of wall panelling detail and library cabinetry.  (All by Charcoal Interiors)

Study - complete project by Charcoal Interiors

Don't forget to have a bit of fun with it all.  Your home should reflect your personality.

Image credit - homedit.com - sourced via Pinterest

Charcoal Interiors - Custom Made Barstools

Would you like more information on our Interior Design, Custom Made and Drapery services?

Phone our experienced team on

07 38526002

or visit our website to learn more.

Charcoal Interiors

KERB ENTHUSIASM. BEST WAYS TO ADD 'KERB APPEAL' TO YOUR HOME.

Charcoal Interiors Project

With the Easter break upon us, there will hopefully be time for fun, relaxation, family and perhaps some time left over for a home project?

A couple of months ago, we had a client who just wanted to give her home a spruce up for sale.  The interior was looking fab after our design teams magic, however the exterior of the home needed a freshen up.

Charcoal Interiors Project

Our client was really surprised at the few small touches made, which truly impacted the entire look of the home and made for an early sale too.

Most times, a set of fresh eyes on a home is all it takes to identify key issues that need addressing.  First impressions are very important to prospective buyers if you are looking to sell.  

Did you know that there is a number one sure fire way to improve your homes street appeal by 100%???  Read on for this great tip and more!

1.  Firstly, take a good, critical look at your home from the outside.  Stand on the kerb and take a good long look.  Take some photos of the problem areas.  Not only will the photos serve as a reference when you are at the paint shop or hardware (see below) but they also will be a great way to compare against the new refreshed look and all the hard work you have put in.

Image credit Andrew Rennie

2. Front Door.  Your front door is in some cases one of the focal points of your home.  Would it benefit in a new paint job?  Or perhaps a replacement?  There are many options available.  We recommend getting some professional advice when it comes to door replacement.  Your local hardware or specialist door retailers can help with advice.

Image credit Saulk61 via Flickr

3. Old Hardware.  Replacing old hardware, such as house numbers, light fixtures, door knobs and knockers etc...can all give your home the kerb appeal lift you are wanting.  We recommend for the more traditional style homes that you stick with oiled bronze type finishes, and keep to the brushed silver/nickel finishes for more contemporary style abodes.

4.  Garden Lighting.  Landscape lighting for kerb appeal not only brings a beautiful mood to your garden at night time, but it also provides security and safety.  Try solar options without the messy wires. Viewing your home at night from the outside, also can give you an indication of what needs to be attended to. 

Image credit - phoenixbooktours.blogspot.com

5.  Letterbox makeover.  Is your letterbox absolutely ancient?  There is no point putting in all the efforts above and leaving your old high school project letterbox to ruin the aesthetic!  Either give it a fresh coat of paint and a new shiny house number, or start shopping for a new replacement.  Keep the style clean and simple.  Themed letterboxes are out.  The golden rule is to keep appearances relatable to the majority.

6. Garden Beds.  Once again, a critical eye is key here.  Pull out anything that is scrappy and looking less than tip top.  Freshen up garden beds with beautiful blooms and a scattering of bark chips to enhance the greenery.  If your garden borders are stone or brick, give them a clean.  Alternatively if your borders are old and tired looking, upgrade to a new edging system.  Add a water feature for the real wow factor!

1800's Queenslander project by Charcoal Interiors

7. Paint Job!  Did you know that giving your home a fresh lick of paint on the outside, is the number one best way to give your home the best kerb appeal!?  

Our design team recommends sticking with subdued netural colours which will appeal to the majority.  Stay clear of expressing yourself through lots of colour combos which will date if you are staying, and deter if you are selling.    

Keep it simple and tonings muted.  

Photo credit via homebunch.com

Enjoy your Easter break!  Relax, have some fun with family and friends and we hope you use our guide to either get your home 'kerb appeal' ready for sale, or simply to enjoy for yourself!

For More Information On Our Services