PRE-TEEN BEDROOM DESIGN PROJECT
FROM THIS....
TO THIS!....
The dilemma for our clients was that they had one very studious young 9 year old whose bedroom was in dire need of an update. But how do you cater for the transitional stage between that awkward age of pre-teen through to young adulthood whilst still updating in an appropriate style?
This young man also needed a space for his books, nick nacks, sports medals and trophies and of course to sit and study.
And so Colette and Cathie got started with ideas, drawing up plans for the new cabinetry and the new bedroom transformed into a very comfortable and befitting space.
Colette sketched out the original concept by hand and then its off to the client for approval. After that, our craftsmen take over...with the finished product below...
He now has a place for everything and everything in its place! When the girls arrived to view the finished cabinetry and take some photos they were greeted at the door by one very excited 9 year old who practically dragged them into his room...proud to show it off!
Needless to say, with minimal fuss and disruption the girls had European brand wallpaper hung as a feature to one wall...a completely new paint scheme...custom cabinetry catering to our clients exact specifications...the addition of a new rug and table lamp for reading and then minor re-arranging of existing pieces to the layout.
Not only is the new bedroom space going to carry through until he leaves home without having to make any major changes but this room would also be great as a study or media/reading room for a couple of empty nesters once the kids have flown the coop!
Charcoal Interiors. Interior Design Service.
59 Doggett Street. Newstead. Qld. 4006
Ph. 07 38526002
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...INTO THE LIONS DEN...
Do you recall a few weeks ago we mentioned that one of our clients had purchased the 'Cashmere Lion' wallpaper and we have been excitedly awaiting its installation. Well, the wait is over!
Pretty stunning isnt it?
Our client selected the wallcovering with suggestions from our design team and we recommended quality tradespeople to utilise for this job.
Cathie and Colette are happy to assist with all design enquiries. Please phone us on 07 38526002 for all the details on our consultancy service. You can also see more of our project photographs on our website.
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NEW PRODUCTS
Our Black Tango Occasional Armchair brings a Hamptons feel to your home whilst also sating your need for a comfortable yet stylish chair. We love this chair. Also available in natural.
Or how about these completely divine custom covered chairs (below) in European Fabric teamed up with our black pedestal table....just the thing for a relaxed afternoon 'tete a tete'.....
And we are finding that our new buttoned 'JoJo' sofa in ecru coloured linen is quite the spot for kicking back with an afternoon coffee!
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WATERCRESS AND BLUE CHEESE SAVOURY CHEESECAKE
Hands up if you like cheese!...yay!...hands up if you like cheese cake!...yay!...then you will loooove this surprisingly easy recipe. Dont be fooled by the fancy description or photo because this really is just as simple as can be and your friends and family will indeed believe that youre the next Nigella or Donna. Be sure to lie about how how you slaved for ages in the kitchen and of course theres all those very laborious techniques that you had to master blah..blah....then make sure they do all the washing up so you can sit with a nice Cab Sauv...(see below Happy Hour article) and chill...
This Cheesecake, like the sweeter version is best made 24 hours in advance so that theres time for it to firm up.
Ingredients
125g watercress and a little extra left over for garnishing
580g cream cheese
125g blue cheese
3 large eggs
1 bunch fresh chives finely chopped
Salt and ground black pepper
3 sheets filo pastry
2 tbsps olive oil
Method
Bring pan of water to the boil and blanch the watercress for 10 seconds. Drain and refresh with very cold water. Squeeze out as much water ass you can and then finely chop and set aside.
Beat the cream cheese with 100g of the blue cheese and then beat in the eggs. Stir in the chopped watercress and chives and season with a little salt and pepper.
Herat oven to 108 degrees celsius. Brush each sheet of filo pastry with the oil. Line an 18cms loose bottomed cake tin with the sheets. The good part of this is that you dont have to be neat!...right up my alley...just be sure not to leave gaps. If you have any large pieces hanging over the sides then just scrunch them up and it adds to the rustic look once baked.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the pastry case. Dot the surface wit hthe remaining blue cheese. Bake in the oven for 1 hour until golden and just firm in the middle. Turn off the oven and leave the cake to rest inside for 15 mins. remove and leave to cool completely and then refrigerate for at least 4 - 5 hours (as mentioned above its best to leave it overnight). Serve with a garnish of fresh watercress or a simple waldorf style salad works well too. Its quite a heavy cheesecake so something light and fresh to go with it is suggested.
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WELCOME TO COCKTAIL FRIDAY!
Spring is so close now I can almost touch it...the Jasmine buds on the vine are just starting to pop and today in Brisbane at least its an almost balmy 27 degrees. If we were lambs we'd be skipping and jumping for joy at the prospect of a new season just around the corner. And so this is the last in our little series of wine reviews for a while. I am sure that for those in the cooler parts of Australia today (and we understand some areas are experiencing snow, hail and arctic type winds) we shall be gratefully sating your palate with this delicious Cabernet Sauvignon.
MULBERRY TREE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010
For anyone who has travelled to South Australia and toured around the Fleurieu Peninsula wine region, you will know that the name Bleasdale is one of the most respected of all the grape artisans. It's Pete the Greek and my favourite winery to visit and no matter which region we visit whether it be McLaren Vale or the Barossa, we always pop our heads into the Bleasdale Winery at Langhorne Creek.
Bleasdale Cellar Door and Tasting Room (Historic Shed)
There is, in my opinion no other winery quite like this one. Their motto is that there is a story in every glass, and as soon as you walk in through the historic shed cellar door with all the memorabilia, warm friendly and open house style service you definitely get the feeling that at the end of this visit youre going to have some stories of your own to share.
The Potts family history is extensive and interesting....and hey...I have to go home some time so space and time does not lend itself today, but in the words of Molly...do yourself a favour and check out the Bleasdale Website.
Being a lover of excellent wines, yet not exactly the connoisseur in my opinion the best way to describe the Mulberry Tree Cabernet Sauvignon is that its rich, earthy and always, always no matter the vintage has a distinctive berry flavour...dare I say mulberry?...and a lovely oak finish. Not being a big Cab Sauv drinker I will always have a bottle of this wine on hand at home for when the mood takes me. Grab yourself a bottle and share your thoughts...or stories perhaps?
Bleasdale Wine Press
Be sure to see the huge original grape press crafted from a massive old tree trunk when you visit the winery. The press is in a separate section and they do like you to ask permission before heading into the shed for a look.
Cheers!
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And so to the end of another week. We hope we may have inspired you to make some changes in your home space...or perhaps given you some food for thought in respect to wallcoverings and the incredible impact they can make in even a small space.
Until next week...wishing you Love...Light and Lots of Laughter....
The Charcoal Team
CHARCOAL INTERIORS - INTERIOR DESIGN & CUSTOM MADE FURNITURE SPECIALISTS.
59 DOGGETT STREET. NEWSTEAD. QUEENSLAND. 4006
