There's Just Something About Paris.....

Colette  & Cathie at the Arc de Triomphe

 

Ever had one of those moments where you just had to pinch yourself to make sure that you weren't dreaming?  When I asked the girls today, to divulge their 'pinch yourself moment'....they both came up with a one word answer....'Paris'.  Aahhh...the city of love, romance and magic.

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The girls at the Village Square in Montmarte

I love this pic of Colette and Cathie taken in the village square of Montmarte.  Colette says that as she walked the cobblestone streets she was in awe at the thought of those who had walked them before her.... 

Relaxing in a cafe in Paris after an exhausting day....someone's gotta do it...

For Colette and Cathie, the visit to Paris was a complete immersion in the history, beauty and style of this gorgeous city.  The experience for these two designers was immeasurable, and has inspired them to many beautiful creative projects since.....

Breaking News...Archibald Prize!

We are fortunate to work with Dean Reilly, a wonderful artist, here at Charcoal Interiors who has just been named a finalist in this years prestigious Archibald Prize.  The Archibald Prize is regarded as the most important portraiture prize in Australia. It was first awarded in 1921 after a bequest from J.F Archibald, the editor of 'The Bulletin' who died in 1919.

Deans work, 'I Wake Up With Today' is an ultra-modern portrait of 'Today Show' weather man and all round good guy Steve Jacobs.

Stay tuned...winner is announced on Wednesday 26th of March.

If a table could talk.....??

Our dining table is the nucleus of the family home. We make a point of eating together as a family every night without the television. The family gather around and its a great way to catch up on the days news, not to mention the various dinner parties we have hosted, christmas gatherings...the sharing of good food and wine..the discussion site of triumphs, tragedies, landmark decisions the homework (or feigning of...!).

A table that is able to last through the years has aesthetic appeal and balance plus the sturdiness and quality of structure to be able to withstand decades of family festivities and memories.

Today we are sharing with you one of our latest completed projects for a large Brisbane family. They absolutely fell in love with this dining table (pictured), which worked in perfectly with the French Classic Interior Design space that we created for them.

At Charcoal Interiors we feel that the dining table is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture that you can buy. We are proud to stock superbly hand crafted tables, designed to last a lifetime of memories.........

Happy Friday! Our Martini Recipe for you......

Photo courtesy wiki commons - Ken30684

ON THIS FRIDAY...WE ARE LOVING...

Martinis!...our best yet recipe....and trust me...we have perfected this one...'hic'
Warning: This drink has magical powers...if consumed in high doses it will turn all grey skies into blue!....and also ugly guys into cute ones.....which could bring some form of regret in the morning...we did warn you...

2 and half ounces of gin
Half and ounce of dry vermouth
2 green olives
Orange or Angostura Bitters...just a dash

Pour the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice cubes.....stir....for 30 seconds.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and if desired add a dash of the orange or Angostura Bitters, then garnish with olives.....Enjoy and Happy Weekend! From the Charcoal girls....Colette, Cathie and Jen!

Grey Expectations

GREY EXPECTATIONS

I asked the girls today, to give their interpretation of the word....grey....cos lets face it...its just sooo 'grey'?.......so for something a bit more inspirational, we like: Oyster....Elephant Grey....Smoky...Pearly....Silvery.....Cloudy....Ashen....Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining...Pewter....Dusky.....Battleship.....Slate...Granite. The girls have been furiously working on a design project this week...and its shaping up to be something marvellous! We all got inspired by moody tones. Moody tones on walls can enhance and lift a room. Beautiful mood lighting can just set the tone perfectly. Accent a favourite chair in a deep 'elephant grey' velvet fabric to give an elegant, classic look with edge. Now, that's anything BUT dull!

Colette Venardos

Our Senior Designer Colette Venardos was interviewed recently for her opinion on home renovation. Colette has over 35 years experience in the trade and is one of Brisbanes most respected designers.