APARTMENT LIVING GURU, THE 5 RULES OF SMALL SPACE DESIGN....PERFECT WINTER WARMING ITALIAN....AND KICK BACK WITH THE GODFATHER!! HAPPY FRIDAY FOLKS!

APARTMENT LIVING

 Neutral tones work well in this Hamilton Art Deco Apartment - An exclusive Charcoal Interiors project
www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

Our clients needs are wide and varied, and its our job to be able to accommodate them whatever their design dilemma.  For some, its a major renovation and we pop on our Project Manager boots or it can be working with a blank canvas for a retired couple who have down-sized to a smaller space. 

This week we had a lovely young couple approach the Design Team for some advice on furniture and placement for their rental apartment.  With the clients not knowing where to start, the girls looked over the space and gave them some sound advice, which we wanted to pass on.

There really are just a few key points to keep in mind when you are looking at fitting out your apartment or making use of a smaller space in your home.

Choosing the right sizing in this furniture kept the balance in the room....note the tasteful rug running lengthways drawing the eye and creating the illusion of space.

Rule number one:

Keep with neutrals on the walls and window coverings.  Neutrals for one, never date and they also create a nice blank canvas colour for artwork.

Rule number two: 

When arranging the furniture in your small space, try to resist the temptation of lining up your furniture along the walls. By doing so, you give a definition to the boundaries of your small living area.  Hang pictures in small groupings rather than displaying them randomly here and there. Or, as we have done in our apartment project if you are going to choose art....go big!  Just have one stunning piece of art that you absolutely love on the wall.  We also have a client who ended up having a huge oversized clock mounted on his living room wall...it looked amazing!  Hard for the hoarders amongst us we know....but...keep knick-knacks to a minimum.  Too many little knick-knacks just look bitsy and messy.  Even Offsprings Nina has a collection of owls, but she groups them together in the one space, not spread out all over her bedroom.  Arrange lamps or vases on tables so they are in balance with the other furnishings. 

Rule number three:

If you are going to have a rug in the room, just make it the one.  Multiple small rugs scattered here and there do nothing but look messy and also make a small space appear even smaller. 

Rule number four:

Keep furniture in proportion. Choose furniture that opens up a small space. Pick glass or see-through tables. Longer legs on chairs can also create more space or open up a room.   Select classic furniture styles with for example a tapered leg on a table, and avoid any cushions that look overstuffed. Steer clear of any furniture that is too elaborate.

Colette Venardos (Co-Director and Head Designer at Charcoal Interiors) says "Whether your room is big or small, you need to keep proportionate.  In a smaller apartment, less is more and its better to have well proportioned pieces.  One big piece that will work well and have functionality rather than lots of smaller pieces always is the best option". 

Tasteful selection of pieces of interest, and the wall mirror add a touch of glamour to this small space...a Charcoal Interiors project.

Rule number five:

Mirrors!

The use of mirrors in a small space is also essential. Hang one or two mirrors in each room, or choose mirrored furniture to enhance the size of your living area.

So, in a nutshell, choose classic dateless colours and furniture styles.  Keep knick-knacks to a minimum. Group smaller prints, or just go big with one feature piece.  Use mirrors to create a sense of space, and if you are going to have a rug, make it big! 

For More Charcoal Interiors Design Projects Check Out The Website
www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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YOU HAVE TO BE IN IT TO WIN IT!

Have you joined our Facebook Page yet?  If you havent, you are missing out on the chance to not only receive great design tips, recipes and other fun stuff but also the opportunity to WIN amazing prizes every month!  This month you can go into the draw to win a piece of history in this beautiful Antique Asian Scroll with silk patterned border.  The wording on the scroll translates to 'LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!" and is valued at over $650.  To enter the draw, just click on the Facebook badge at the top right of the blog and 'like' our page.  Every month we have great prizes to win!  Be sure to tell us you saw our blog and get 5 entries into this months draw....yes you read right...5 entries!

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FRIDAY RECIPE

These cold nights call for a warming meal and to me, the King of comfort food cuisine is Italian.  I discovered this recipe a while ago, and found it quick and easy to make as the ingredients are all off the shelf....I simply dont have time to make my own Gnocchi, so a good one off the shelf is a happy compromise.

Enjoy!

Photo credit to nettsu via flickr...with thanks

TOMATO, BACON AND BOCCONCINI GNOCCHI BAKE

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

45 minutes

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 large brown onion, coarsely chopped
• 1-2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 4 short-cut bacon rashers, coarsely chopped
• 200g button mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 125ml (1/2 cup) white wine
• 400g can diced tomatoes
• 120g baby spinach leaves
• 500g pkt shelf-fresh gnocchi
• 200g bocconcini, drained, torn in half

Method

1. Heat oil in a large heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic, stirring, for 1 minute. Add bacon and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes or until bacon is light golden. Add mushroom and cook for 3-4 minutes or until mushroom is soft.
2. Add the wine. Cook, scraping any bits from the base of the pan, for 3-4 minutes or until wine reduces by half. Stir in the tomato. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the spinach until it just wilts.
3. Preheat oven to 180°C. Cook the gnocchi in a large saucepan of salted boiling water following packet directions. Drain. Add to tomato mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Divide among six 330ml (1 1/3-cup) capacity ovenproof dishes. Top with the bocconcini. Place on a baking tray. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bocconcini melts.

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WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!...IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY!

THE GODFATHER

Get out your violin case, black suit and sunglasses for this one.  The Godfather cocktail is perfect after a hard day on the take with Cousin Vinnie.  One of the top 10 iconic Italian Cocktails, The Godfather is traditionally had after dinner...and there is also a Godmother version, just to be politically correct and all....

Ingredients: 3/10 Amaretto di Saronno, 7/10 Scotch Whisky
Preparation: Pour the ingredients in a ice filled Old fashioned glass and stir well. And then theres the female version of it, God Mother (3/10 Amaretto di Saronno, 7/10 Vodka)

UNTIL NEXT WEEK........

"I love things that age well - things that don't date, that stand the test of time and that become living examples of the absolute best". 

The Charcoal Team...Colette, Cathie and Jen xxx

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

YOUR OWN LITTLE PIECE OF MASTERCHEF, GET NINAS OFFSPRING APARTMENT FURNITURE...DELICIOUS CHICKEN AND LEEK CASSEROLE...WIN! WITH OUR CHARCOAL INTERIORS FACEBOOK COMP!...MOSCOW MULES AND MUCH MORE!! HAPPY FRIDAY!

EVER WONDERED HOW TO GET A MAGNIFICENT DINING TABLE, SUCH AS THOSE SEEN IN THE MASTERCHEF SERIES??.....Your search is over....read on

Its exciting working in design, and one of the biggest thrills for the team here is when they design a new table either for the showroom floor, or custom crafted to a clients exact specifications.

We get a lot of enquiries from customers all over Australia and Internationally who have seen a particular item on television and want to have it either sourced or made.

The little sideboard in Ninas Apartment from the show Offspring has been a very popular request over the past months.

The beauty of custom made furniture is firstly the relief...because finally the search is over!  You see it, you want it...you can get it.  Secondly, you know that you are receiving a piece of furniture that you not only love the look of, but will also have for decades to come.  Having furniture made to your specifications by our Charcoal Interiors Fine Craftsman means quality, quality, quality.

This week, we heard from a client who really likes the look of the dining table on the Masterchef series...its the one the judges sit around on elimination night.  The question was...can we make this exact table??  And the answer of course is YES!

Whether it be round, square, rectangular, for a small space or really, really long to sit 20+ we can do it all.

Our custom made table service is second to none...and dont even get me started on our custom made coffee tables, built-ins and so much more...we do the lot!

 Here we are proudly showing off our huge Recycled Blackbutt Timber Table!

And.....

Here's a snippet of just some of our past projects.

Charcoal Interiors Custom Made Beach Table in Opium Black

 The Original Charcoal Interiors Custom Made Beach Table

 The Beauchene French Farmhouse Table. Custom Made by Charcoal Interiors in Reclaimed Oak.

Square Parquetry Inlay Table Custom Made and Designed by Charcoal Interiors

 Hand Adzed Table with Parquetry Top.  Exclusively for Charcoal Interiors.

Like to see more of our craftsmanship?  Check out our extensive table designs now on the website.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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WANT TO WIN A PIECE OF HISTORY??

Join our Facebook Page and WIN! This beautiful Antique Asian Scroll.

The Scroll has a gorgeous silk patterned bordering and the handwritten wording translates to:

"LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!"

The scroll is valued at over $650 and could be yours if you see this and join our facebook page.  Just click on the link top right of the blog page.

Once you join, not only are you in the draw for this months prize, but for every months giveaway!

We look forward to you 'liking' us!

P.S Post on our wall....'The Blog Sent Me' and you get 5 more entries into the draw...so what are you waiting for...get 'liking' now! :-)

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....LOOKS WE LOVE....

Our riddling racks.  Now available in the A Frame style.  Contact us via the website for all the info.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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OUR FABULOUS FRIDAY RECIPE

WINTER WARMING CHICKEN AND LEEK CASSEROLE

photo credit Mila Ranta via flickr

I was asked by one of our lovely customers today if I taste tested all of the recipes on the blog, and the answer to that is yes.  I really love to cook, but it has to be easy, tasty and relatively healthy.  I like to use ingredients that are seasonal if possible because the nutrition content is higher, produce fresher and the price is always a bit cheaper on produce that are in abundance. (I had a banana yesterday here at work and we were joking about how each mouthful was costing me about $3!!...boy bananas are expensive at the moment...but thats another issue...).

And so I was attracted to this recipe for Chicken and Leek Casserole with the flaky pastry top because...number one I am a fan of flaky pastry...would eat it for breakfast lunch and dinner if I could, but of course I would end up the size of a house, so its only eaten on occasion and I choose the low fat version of the puff pastry.  Because its just the topping for the casserole, its a good compromise as theres no pastry base to this.  All the ingredients are readily available, and its a dish that the whole family will love.  I also add a sprinkling of curry powder to this dish because like flaky pastry, I would also eat anything that is curried for breakfast, lunch and dinner (well...maybe not dessert....).  Mushrooms can also be added.  Its just one of those versatile dishes that you can play around with and add ingredients like mushrooms, zucchini, slivers of capsicum etc...anything that compliments the flavours of mustard and honey.

A great meal for the cold winter nights we are all experiencing of late!

Enjoy!

CHICKEN AND LEEK CASSEROLE WITH FLAKY PASTRY

Cooking Time

50 minutes

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 30g butter
• 1 leek, sliced
• 8 (850g) chicken thigh fillets, cut into chunks
• 1 cup frozen peas and corn
• 1 bunch asparagus, roughly chopped
• 490g jar Golden Honey & Mustard Chicken Tonight
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 sheet reduced fat frozen puff pastry, thawed

Method

1. Preheat oven to 190°C. Melt butter in a large heavy-based pan. Add leek and saute 2-3 minutes until soft. Add chicken in batches and cook until lightly brown.
2. Stir in peas and corn and asparagus. Add jar of sauce and oregano and cook for 1 minute. Transfer mixture to an ovenproof casserole dish.
3. Brush edge of the dish with a little beaten egg. Lay pastry sheet over, pressing gently to stick to the dish. Trim edge, leaving a 1cm border. Brush top of pastry with egg. Pierce with a sharp knife to make 3 steam holes.
4. Bake for 40 minutes or until puffed and golden. Serve.

Notes

• As an alternative, use Creamy Mushroom Chicken Tonight or Taylor's Honey Macadamia Sauce.
  
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• IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY....HELLO MOSCOW MULE....
  
  
  
  The cocktail was invented in 1941 by John G. Martin of G.F. Heublein Brothers, Inc., an East Coast spirits and food distributor, and John "Jack" Morgan, President of Cock 'n' Bull Products (which produced ginger beer) and proprietor of the Cock 'n' Bull Tavern, a bar on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles popular with celebrities.  The name refers to the popular perception of vodka as a Russian product.
  
  
• 

  Photo credit cliosguy via flickr with thanks

  
  

  RECIPE

  2 oz Smirnoff® No. 21 Vodka
  2 oz lime juice
  8 oz ginger ale
  
  
  Mix ingredients in a highball glass with ice.  Garnish with slice of lime if you wish.
  
  
  And, the only way to drink this one is of course with the feet up, and a faux fur Ashunka (fur hat) on your head, Boney M's Ra Ra Rasputin in the background.....magical way to start your Friday evening.
  
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• 
  "BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD" - Mahatma Ghandi (As seen on the wall of our local coffee shop)
• 
  
  
  And...its Friday.  Another week to feel grateful for so much.  Wishing everyone a lovely weekend and please let me know what you think of the recipe today.  Its such an easy and tasty one to make.
  
  The Charcoal Girls - Colette, Cathie and Jen xxx
  
  
  

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

VIVE LA FRANCE!...ALL THINGS FRENCH AND FUN!..FRENCH ONION SOUP TO DIE FOR!...OUR HOUSE AND GARDEN CELEBRITY...MORE ON OUR GREAT SALE AND THE EIFFEL TOWER COCKTAIL!! HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL!

We have French neighbours....we call them 'The Frenchies'.  They are just a wonderful family of 5 (mum(Cecille), dad(Frederick) and the 3 kids who have very French names that I always forget).  Ever since we met them I have admired how much they value family.  Their kids dont seem to be inside on the weekends...always out in the backyard playing soccer, or riding their bikes up and down the street...sometimes just sitting out on the back deck with Mum and Dad reading a story together.  Then there is Cecilles cooking!  Ooooh Lah Lah.  Unfortunately we dont see them as much as we would like, but there is always a wave over the deck balcony on a Saturday morning in between eggs and bacon and the paper....a little Bonjour!...I love saying it.  Bonjour!...Comment allez-vous?  Makes me feel a bit exotic.  Most people when asked where would you like to travel to, or what's one of your favourite travel destinations will reply Paris.  Gone are the days of rude Parisians (at least attempt to speak the language and you will be greeted with a smile and good service) and smelly streets.  Paris is the hub of beauty, fashion, food, culture, art and so much more.  With Bastille Day around the corner, it felt like a great excuse to divulge ourselves in this weeks blog with some beautiful things of the French variety.
Enjoy our amazingly easy and super tasty French Onion Soup recipe in our weekly 'Recipes' section and Pink Parisian Cocktail (below)

Stunning view of the iconic Eiffel Tower

Rue Du Croissant

Edith Piaf and her timeless music lives on...

Our stunning French Farmhouse Table...and its on Sale!

Beautiful entry to French Country Farmhouse.....one word...Wow!

So French and so chic....we all at some time have daydreamed about being a real live French woman.

OUR COMPETITION FOR JULY

YOU CAN WIN!!...THIS ANTIQUE ASIAN SCROLL WITH SILK DETAILING
WORTH OVER $650!

ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS JOIN OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.  ONCE YOU DO, YOU'RE IN THE RUNNING TO WIN EVERY SINGLE MONTH!
WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU INTO THE CHARCOAL INTERIORS FAMILY.


OUR SALE CONTINUES...

These kinds of discounted prices on quality items at Charcoal Interiors dont come around every day.  Take advantage of our huge savings on Asian and French Inspired Furniture, Homewares, lighting, Garden Urns and Pots, Statues, Rugs and so much more!  We even have discounts on our beautiful Custom Made Tables.

Pop in this weekend and see what the fuss is all about.
Charcoal Interiors.  59 Doggett St.  Newstead.  Ph. 38526002
Or...you can view just a scratch on the surface of the amazing products we have at:

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

GUESS WHO POPPED UP IN
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE AND GARDEN'S  'NEST' ARTICLE??

Sharing this salubrious page with other Design greats such as the iconic Jenny Kee, this month was our very own Colette Venardos, Head Designer and Director of Charcoal Interiors!
In the article Colette shares a little bit of the history to some of her greatest treasures.  Surrounded by her favourite clock, Turkish Urn and other beautiful pieces you can find Colette on Page 71 of the August Edition of Australian House and Garden.  A well deserved recognition of one of Brisbane's stalwart and talented designers.

I was always under the assumption that French Onion Soup was a really difficult dish to make, but then I found this recipe that was just so easy and I had to share it.  I may sound like a real ditz, but I didnt realise that French Onion Soup could have lamb added to it?  I just thought it was ALL onion...no changes...no diverting from the original style.  So there you go, learning something new every day.  I will make genius one day at this rate!

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 6 large lamb leg chops
• 50g butter
• 3 brown onions, halved, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1L (4 cups) beef stock
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 dried or fresh bay leaves
• 8 x 1cm-thick slices baguette (French breadstick)
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• Fresh thyme leaves, to serve

Method

1. Place the lamb in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour or until tender.
2. Transfer the lamb to a clean work surface. Discard the cooking liquid. Remove the bones from the lamb and discard. Finely shred. Set aside to cool.
3. Meanwhile, melt the butter in the pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, for 15 minutes or until soft and caramelised. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add stock, thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
5. Discard the thyme and bay leaves. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Return to the pan. Stir in the lamb. Stir over low heat until heated through.
6. Preheat grill on medium. Place the bread slices on a baking tray. Cook under grill for 2-3 minutes each side or until toasted. Cut the cheese slices in half and divide among the bread slices. Cook under grill for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts.
7. Divide soup among serving bowls. Top each soup with 2 cheese toasts and thyme. Serve.

 IT'S FRIDAY....COCKTAIL FRIDAY!!

This week we celebrate Bastille Day with the 'Eiffel Tower' Cocktail!  Ooooh La La!

Swilling of this little gem must be done after riding your leeetle bike around the streets weeeth your leetle basket on the ze front weeth ze french sticks poking out, plus beret donned and one of those glamorous cigarette holders hanging from zee corner of your mouth :-)

Recipe

1 part Vodka
1 part Cognac

1/2 part anisette

1/2 part contreau liqueur

Stir with crushed ice and then strain into the glass.....Voila!  Until next week!  The Charcoal Girls xxx

WHAT'S HAPPENING DOWN OUR WAY THIS WEEKEND?

The Teneriffe Festival...thats what!

Just down the road from Charcoal Interiors this weekend is the Annual Teneriffe Festival. 

Kicking off at 9am, there will be entertainment, food stalls, Vintage Car and Army displays, Sheep Exhibits, Art and Clothing Market and so much more!  But be there early for the Annual Running of the Rams!

Be sure to pop in and say hi to us on Saturday too.  We would love to you see you!...and if you bring Cath in a takeaway coffee she will love seeing you even more!

OUR DESIGN SERVICE

Colette and Cathie Venardos....over 40 years combined experience in Interior Design

Did you know that Colette and Cathie Venardos (head designers here at Charcoal) have over 40 years combined experience with Interior Design?  These girls are no fly-by-nighters, and have made design their passion.  There are plenty of designers out there, and choosing the right person for the job can be a dilemma.  

 Charcoal Interiors

'We encourage clients to call us and make an appointment to sit down and have a chat about their design dilemmas...what style best represents them?  Is it classic, contemporary or is it a fusion of both?  We pride ourselves in guiding the client to achieve the ultimate space designed around them and their lifestyle'...says Cathie  

The design team welcome phone and email enquiries and look forward to hearing from you.  The perfect look for your home is just a call away.....

LOOKS WE LOVE!

The picture says it all really...we want...no...NEED a bathroom with a fireplace!  Love..Love..Love it and wish to be transported there now please, along with this weeks Friday cocktail.

AND THE WINNER IS......

Thank you to everyone who got involved in our competition for June.  The prize (an original Artworks by Margaret Fredericksen) was drawn today, with a well deserved win by Kellie Layton.  Kellie had over 30 entries in our competition thanks to her huge promotion of our facebook page with her friends.  

Kellie, your prize will shortly be on its way to you.  We hope your daughter loves it.

Stay tuned....our competition for July is to be announced in the next few days...but its going to be big!  An Antique Asian Scroll with Silk detailing worth over $650!

WINTER WARMERS

This week's food fight winner transforms ordinary lamb shanks into a special occasion meal with Asian spices and herbs. 

Lamb shanks says to me...comfort food.  Cooked correctly, the meat should just fall off the bone.  Teamed with the Wasabi Mash, this is an achievable meal to create for even the novice cook.

Lamb shanks with wasabi mash

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 2 tbs plain flour
• 1/2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 4 lamb shanks, Frenched
• 40ml (2 tbs) olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 small red chilli, seeds removed, finely sliced
• 1L (4 cups) beef stock
• 40ml (2 tbs) red wine vinegar
• 40ml (2 tbs) oyster sauce
• 20ml (1 tbs) soy sauce
• 1 tsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp Szechuan pepper, crushed
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tsp cornflour

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Combine the flour and five-spice, then roll shanks in the seasoned flour. Heat the oil in an ovenproof casserole dish over medium heat. Add the shanks and brown on all sides, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Add the onion, garlic and chilli to the pan and cook for a few minutes until the onion starts to soften. Add the stock, vinegar, sauces, spices and lamb.
4. Bring to the boil, then cover and place in the oven for 1 1/2 hours. Remove from oven and strain sauce into a saucepan. Transfer shanks to a plate.
5. Combine cornflour with a little cold water, stir into the sauce and bring to the boil. Cook until thickened, then pour over shanks. Serve lamb shanks with wasabi mash (see related recipe).
   
   IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY!
   
   
   
   
   
   ANYONE FOR A HOT FRENCHMAN??
   
   
   Ah yes, theres nothing I like better after a hard day at the showroom than to indulge in a Hot Frenchman or 2...or 3 even!  Yes, the Hot Frenchman is at my beck and call now that I have discovered this gem of a cocktail recipe.  Being quite partial to wine of the red colour, I was intrigued at the prospect of the creation of a cocktail with a wine base.  Visions of me with a peg on my nose during the taste test vanished quicker than you can say 'waiter!...another Hot Frenchman please'!
   To be enjoyed with the shoes off, feet up, Edith Piaf playing in the background and dont forget the beret!  Cheers....Happy Friday.
   
   
   
   RECIPE
   
   
   
   4 oz red wine
   3/4 oz Grand Marnier® orange liqueur
   1/2 tsp sugar
   1/4 oz orange juice
   1/4 oz lemon juice
   1 twist orange peel
   1 twist lemon peel
   
   
   Heat well in a heat-resistant glass or cup. Stir, add twists of lemon and orange peel, and serve.
   Thank you to everyone once again for being a part of our June Competition.  We have made so many new friends through the comp, and we appreciate everyones encouragement and support of Australian Small Business.  Until next week....have a great weekend.
   
   
   
   
   "Out of clutter, find Simplicity. From discord, find Harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies Opportunity."
   Albert Einstein
   
   
   

AXEL VERVOORDT...KATIE NOONAN & BREAST CANCER RESEARCH...FLOORED BY QLD TIMBER...MORE LOOKS WE LOVE....WARMING BY THE FIRE WITH CHICKEN PIE AND FRANGELICO HOT CHOCOLATE...YES PLEASE!! HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL.

When I first started working for the Charcoal Team I had never heard of Axel Vervoordt..let alone spell or pronounce his name.  Over my time here I have come to recognise the main design influences of Colette and Cathie, with one of them being Axel Vervoordt.  He is undoubtedly one of the most influencial designers in the world, and you will find that there are not many experienced Interior Designers out there who have not heard of him. 

 Axel Vervoordt 

Amongst his many achievements, Axel has established a castle in a locale near Antwerp called 's-Gravenwezel, and Kanaal gallery in a restored industrial complex on the banks of a nearby canal. Vervoodt started buying and selling antiques when he was a student. As a young adult, he bought and restored a 16th-century house in the center of Antwerp. When numerous admiring clients asked him to do the same, he fell into decorating. Now, with a staff of 100, he personally supervises between 12 and 20 interior design commissions a year for a variety of royalty, pop stars, museums, bankers, collectors and musicians.

In 1984 Vervoordt bought the castle, from which he operated his antiques and design business, and when he ran out of space his search for larger quarters led him to the Kanaal in 1999.....as you do...
Though the Vervoordt castle and Kanaal are two entirely different buildings, some of the spaces and the way they are arranged with furniture, art or objects look very similar at the hands of Vervoordt.

"I like to live in the warm, rich world of the baroque and the serene, calm world of the Orient. I love Zen houses ... and I also admire Thai monasteries because even unrestored and empty they have a real aura of peace and beauty," writes Vervoordt. In the castle, many of the spaces are minimally furnished, with a few pieces of furniture and sculpture.

 The Kanaal


When Vervoordt decided to buy the Kanaal, a complex of warehouses, grain silos and a large round building, he wanted a truly minimalist environment where he could exercise his vision of "limitless spatial purity." By stripping the buildings down to the bare wooden board or cement floors and exposed brick or whitewashed-cement block walls, Vervoordt hopes to show "how we might wish to live in the 21st century." Not only is the variety of the antiques and art that he offers awe-inspiring but so too is his philosophy. "I consider myself a very eclectic collector and dealer. I treasure the timeless and disdain the trendy," states Vervoordt.

"My taste spans centuries, continents and economic strata. I love the tension between different object and different cultures." Two elaborate silver candelabra "taken away from some princely 18th-century dining table become not table decoration, not emblems of wealth and power, but strange and beautiful abstract objects," he writes.

The castle and Kanaal are both opened to the public once a year, and those who appreciate his work flock to see for themselves the incredible beauty of the interior and grounds.



COMPLETELY FLOORED BY.....

Queensland Timber Flooring now have a permanent post here at Charcoal Interiors, and we are very excited to be able to showcase such a premium product.
They are the oldest company in Brisbane to supply and install Tongue and Groove strip flooring over concrete and provide the largest range of timber species available with the availability also of Antique Wide Boards.  Queensland Timber flooring can even install parquetry floorboards, and every person who works for the company has a background in the Timber Industry.

Sunshine Beach Project

For those of you who have always wanted a beautiful timber floor, but thought it was an unattainable dream, we invite you come in and have a look at our display that you can touch, walk on and see for yourself the quality and beauty of real timber flooring on concrete.
Queensland Timber Flooring Display now at Charcoal Interiors 59 Doggett St. Newstead, or visit their website www.queenslandtimberflooring.com

KATIE AND FRIENDS

Raising money for Breast Cancer Research for the PA
From left: Tracey McGown (McGown Creative), Katie Noonan (Songstress Extraordinaire), Melinda Leisemann (breast cancer survivor), Georgie Lewis (Channel 10) and Simone Plunkett (PA Research Marketing Mngr)

We love music here at Charcoal.  Firm believers in the fact that your shopping experience should encompass a treat to all the senses.  This is our sanctuary, and we want it to feel like that for you too.  That's why we love to play the music of Brisbane based songstress Katie Noonan.  We have been fans for years now, so you can imagine how excited we were for our friend and client Tracey McGown from McGown Creative when she got the job to look after Katie who is one of the ambassadors for Breast Cancer Research Fundraising via the PA Hospital.  Apparently at a fund raiser held on Wednesday night of this week, Katie was asked to say a few words but asked if it would be OK if she sung instead....Wow!

With about one and a half million new
cases of breast cancer diagnosed globally
every year and predictions the incidence
of this disease will increase substantially
between now and 2019 – Dr Naderi from the PA and
his team are upping the ante in their fight
for a more effective treatment with better
outcomes.

How can you help?  Donate to:
www.pafoundation.org.au
Or, you can call 07 31762359

 LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO THIS WEEKEND?

Discover the Newstead precinct with an array of quality cafes and restaurants, Art Galleries, parks, bars and more...one of our favourite little haunts is just down the street...a little place called 33 Squares.  Our recommendation?...The Turkish Bread toasted sandwich washed down with one of their superb coffee blends.

Then, call up the road to number 59 Doggett Street and say hi to us! Pick up a bargain in our Sale!


LOOKS WE LOVE.....

No explanation needed
(sigh)

EASY LEEK, MUSHROOM AND CHICKEN PIES

Mmmmmm?? Easy you say?  Yes!  These little pies are so easy to make and Leeks are in season, so you get the full nutritious benefit.  Mushrooms are my all time favourite food and combined with the Leek and the Chicken I found this a very moorish recipe.  It truly is easy and you will have the kids coming back for seconds and thirds with nary a notion that they are ingesting anything remotely 'healthy'.....enjoy!

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 6 sheets filo pastry
• 50g butter, melted
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 6 chicken thigh fillets, cut into 2cm pieces
• 200g Swiss brown mushrooms, halved
• 2 leeks, white part only, thickly sliced
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup (125ml) sour cream
• 1 tbs lemon juice
• 1 tbs coarsely chopped tarragon

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Cut the filo sheets in half lengthways. Cut each filo strip into thirds to make squares. Brush the filo with butter and layer sheets into 4 stacks. Line four 10cm fluted tart tins with removable bases with the pastry stacks. Place on an oven tray. Bake in oven for 10 minutes or until golden.
2. Meanwhile, heat half the oil in a frying pan over high heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, for 5 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a bowl. Heat remaining oil and add mushrooms and leeks. Cook, turning occasionally, for 5 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Return chicken to pan. Add the mustard, sour cream and lemon juice and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Add the tarragon and gently toss to combine.
3. Place filo cases on serving plates and fill with chicken mixture. Serve immediately.
   
   WELCOME TO COCKTAIL FRIDAY...THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE WEEK
   
   
   
   
    THIS WEEK....FRANGELICO HOT CHOCOLATE THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
   
   Hot Chocolate and Frangelico combo says to me gotta run 30 kilometres over the weekend, and carrot sticks for all of next week...but who cares?  It's all worth every seductive sip.  We bought one of those cool outdoor fireplaces (not the mexican chimenea type...ewwww) the other day and its been a camping experience every single day of the week since!  We are hooked on this fireplace, although I am coming to work every day smelling a bit like a lump of coal, but its all worth it!  So what if the house reeks of old smoke and my voice is a bit '1900 raspy'??  Just to be able to sit by the fire every night is better than telly!  And the teenage kids sit with us too now. So much fun.  So, as a little dessert treat I made Pete the Greek and I a Hot Chocolate with the frangelico.  Frangelico is a hazelnut liqueur of Italian origin.  A little does go a long way, so you can also use it in desserts.  There are some great recipes out there using Frangelico.  I also like it over ice with lime...yes..lime...have I mentioned before how much we like lime?...sorry LOVE lime.  So, may I suggest that if you do have a fireplace, brazier or even a wood barbecue, you light it up, pop the feet up and enjoy this delicious drink that is guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.

Make this recipe just before serving. Frangelico is a hazelnut-flavoured liqueur. If unavailable, you can use amaretto, an almond-flavoured liqueur.

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 1.5L (6 cups) milk
• 375ml (1 1/2 cups) thickened cream
• 125ml (1/2 cup) Frangelico liqueur
• 200g good-quality dark chocolate, finely chopped

Method

1. Combine the milk and cream in a large saucepan over high heat. Bring just to the boil. Remove from heat. Stir in Frangelico.
2. Divide the chocolate among serving glasses. Pour over the Frangelico mixture and serve immediately.

 Enjoy!

Wishing you a terrific weekend.  I have much to do in the herb garden.  Cathie is going to be here on Saturday so pop in and say hi whilst checking out our fabulous Sale (up to 50% off selected furniture styles, furniture and accessories).  And so we leave you with this beautiful quote from Audrey Hepburn...its an oldie but a goodie and I have shared it in the past, but worthwhile posting it up again for those who have not seen this before....until next Friday.....Cathie, Colette and Jen....The Charcoal Team