Wednesday, February 11, 2015

5 SIMPLE, QUICK AND EASY STEPS TO FRESHENING YOUR HOME SPACE. TRY IT THIS WEEKEND!

5 SIMPLE, QUICK AND EASY STEPS TO FRESHENING YOUR HOME SPACE


Well, it is already the month of February.  
At the start of each year we seem to set similar essential goals such as health, finance, getting ourselves more organised (that's a hard one), but what about HOME?  Home welcomes us at the end of the day when we can feel like we are holding the weight of the world on our shoulders. 
A beautiful, comfortable home can really enhance your life and mood so if those things are important to you....read on.

Time is one commodity that we dont seem to have a lot of these days.  We have come up with a very simple, step by step plan for freshening your space.  And it can all be done in a weekend.  Sit down, have a plan.  Source some key pieces and perhaps buy them during the week in readiness for your home space transformation this weekend.

....Get Excited About Freshening Your Home Space With These 5 Steps....

1. Update your Accessories and Soft Furnishings

Cushions and throws are a great way to make changes.  They also can be the perfect seasonal transformation tool.  Warmer tones and textures for the cold months and smooth cool tonings for Summer/Spring..  Cast your eye over the space and take away the 'tired' pieces that you may want to donate, give away or perhaps put in storage for another time.  Refresh with cushions, throw blankets, a new lamp or inspirational feature piece for the coffee table.  
Cushion Cover Available through Peacock and Penny

An array of the possibilities available at Peacock and Penny

Have you seen our range of gorgeous, unique cushion covers available now in our online shop Peacock and Penny?  We use exclusive European fabrics for our products.  If you love the unique and shun the 'same-same' then get clicking and check out our array of beautiful items.  



2. Kitchen Spruce Up

Let's face it, we spend a lot of time in our kitchens and yet we can be completely oblivious to their degeneration.  It's not until we take the time to stand back and have a really good look around, that we come to terms with the shocking truth, that.....Ewwwwww...things need a bit of a freshen up!  Creative cooking becomes so much more pleasurable in a clean, renewed space.

Contemporary cool. Uncluttered bench tops and downlights fitted, 

Charcoal Interiors Kitchen Project

Replace the light fittings.  Shop around and you will be surprised what is available and how easy it can be to swap them around.  Take the doors off your top cupboards.  This can create the look of more space.  Just unscrew the doors and fill in the holes.    Treat yourself to new crockery, especially if you are not happy with what is on display in your newly exposed cupboard shelves (see above).  Change your kitchen blinds or curtains.  Roman blinds always add a slick air of elegance. Replace your bench accessories with new rustic style cutting boards, oil jars etc...  Put your toaster and other appliances away in cupboards out of sight.  And if you have one of 'those' paper piles in the corner of the kitchen bench that you know will never go away no matter how hard to try to be organised, purchase an interesting tray or basket for their storage.

3. Paint

An inexpensive coat of paint can completely transform a room.  Try to go with a classic shade.  We steer away from trend colours and encourage the use of classics that will stand the test of time and outlive trend. 

(c) Patrick Goossens via Flickr

 Ask our team for a home consultation if you are serious about wall colour changes but perhaps unsure on how and where to start.  An expert can take the stress out of the process and save you making an expensive mistake too.

4. Get Rug-ged

                   Our designer Cathie can take you through all the rug options available


A great rug is the key foundation piece to any room. Some designers even go as far as to start with the rug as the beginning of their process with the remainder of the room being built around it.  We believe  that the rug is a great way to update a room and also give the space a facelift.  We offer the full service when it comes to rugs.  From choice suggestions that will compliment your room, to the delivery of your rug so you can see it in the space.  We want you to absolutely love everything about our products and service.

5.  Swap

Swapping cushions from the living room to the bedroom and they work in perfectly with the throw

Artworks from the living room were hung in the guest room, cushions and hall chairs swapped for a fresh new look!

We love to play! Have you ever thought of swapping pieces from one room the other?  The bedroom cushions may look terrific swapped with those on your sofa!  Artworks can be swapped from room to room too as can rugs and other soft furnishings.  Get your head into a creative space this weekend.  Paint, Swap and Update.  



For more soft furnishing inspiration head to our online shop


See our projects and learn more about our beautiful custom made furniture service on our website.





Wednesday, February 4, 2015

OUR OFFICIAL WELCOME TO THE NEW CHARCOAL INTERIORS SHOWROOM AND WORKSHOP.


CHARCOAL INTERIORS SNEAKY SHOWROOM AND WORKSHOP PREVIEW

Last night we hosted a small, relaxed event to welcome selected clients to our new showroom premises at 41 Brookes St. Fortitude Valley.

The evening consisted of a tour of the new showroom and workshop, fine wine tasting and a very special showing of the latest in European Textiles and Wallpaper.



Welcoming our guest to the new showroom.


Cathie helping clients choose curtain fabrics

Bubbles anyone??  Don't mind if I do!  
We had a range of fine Australian Wines and Sparkling styles for tasting on the night.


And a big thank you to our Sommeliers' with the mostest, Pete and Craig, who not only kept everyones' glasses full on the night, but also provided some wine education too.


Some of our beautiful fabric, cushion, soft furnishing and upholstery on display.


Stunning soft furnishing fabric options on show.


We created an atmosphere of 'endless options' on the night.


Vibrant colours.


Relaxing with good food, wine and conversation before the presentation.


The lovely Deb.


Our guests and wonderful support over the years...Annah and John


Colette with the lovely Cathy and Sue.


The downstairs workshop area became the perfect space to mingle.


Steph chatting about her recent visit to Maison Objet Fair in Paris.


Cathie with Lynda and Alyson



Cathie and Colette with the vivacious SES


Colette with the delightful trio of Steph, Kate and Deb.


The lovely Steph showcasing the new fabrics out of Europe.


The downstairs guests look on.


Steph, showcasing the incredible range of luscious Passementries - Tie backs, Cords, Tassles, Trimmings and Fringing.


As Steph said on the night.  Once you start a love of Wallpaper it can become quite 'addictive'.
Here she is showing the latest options out of Europe.


Heyyy....wait a minute here fellas....stop chatting up the chicks and back to filling glasses! 


Uber cool fashion on the night too!


Colette and Cathie with super stylish and always stunning Maria and Andrew.


Getting inspired on the night.  Thank you Alison, David and Cathy for your support.


Paige, looking through the endless fabric options available.

A BIG thank you to all who attended our small soiree on Tuesday night.  We are looking forward to planning our next event which will be open to our clients.  If you would like to be a part of it all please email us via the information below and we will put you on the invite list and our mailing list.



Wednesday, January 28, 2015

THE CONSUMMATE GUIDE TO BUYING A DINING TABLE


THE CONSUMMATE GUIDE TO 
...BUYING A DINING TABLE...

Let's face it, the dining table is a very important feature in any home, big or small.  TV meals on your lap are OUT and sitting together as a family digesting dinner and your day are IN!  Below we give you the ultimate guide to buying a dining table that you will not only love, but that stands the test of time in classic style.

Colette with a client on the delivery day of their new table.

The dining table is the centrepiece of your dining room.  It must not only complement your decor, be a reflection of your own personal style and also withstand the test of time.

Your dining table is not just a surface to gather around for meals.
Choosing a beautiful table with substance can set the tone for the entire room.

Rectangular and round tables are time honoured choices that fit most dining room spaces.  Round tables promote easy flow conversations and rectangular tables accommodate lots of guest, especially when extended.

Square table crafted by Charcoal Interiors

If traditional is more your style, complement your decor with a classic table in a richer finish and carved legs (Johns specialty...and all crafted by hand)

The ideal table serves guests but doesn't over-stuff the room.  Fill a large room with a table that grounds the space.  Expert Tip:  Make the most of a small room with a modest table with extensions that can double its capacity

Customised by Charcoal Interiors to fit the dining room space
of this Circa 1800's Queenslander.

Elegance, sophistication and functionality.  The perfect combination.

How will you use your table?  If you regularly host large dinner parties then an extension table is worth thinking about.
Talk to us about extension tables.  Clunky lift out extension leaves are a thing of the past.  Our extension tables are crafted using a convenient design that no only is easy to use, but is aesthetically pleasing too!
This extension table has leaves that tuck away with discretion whilst also adding to
the beauty of the table.

Getting the right finish for your table is important.  Factors such as lifestyle, traffic areas and functionality all come into play.  Be sure to ask the experts for help with choices.  From sleep to the rustic finish, whilst still bringing out the natural grains in the timbers.

One of the benefits of having an on-site workshop is that you get to test drive different styles of tables.  Take a seat.  Get a feel for the height.  Look through the various timbers available and discuss the finishes.

Our Workshop Manager John doing what he does best

Get it home safely.  We make sure that you get the service you deserve from initial consultation to the finished product and delivery.  Some tables will require installation and our comprehensive service covers it all.


...................................................................
Wouldn't it be incredible to have dinner with Mother Theresa, or Princess Diana?  We had a bit of fun this week, and came up with our Top 3 people living or dead that we could invite to our dinner party and here's the results.

...Colette...

"Isaac Newton (because I was fascinated with him at school).  Gregory Peck..because, just because! and My Mother who is now passed but I would give anything to sit down with her again for a chat."

...Cathie...

"Charles Eames (so I could pick his brain), Bob Dylan for a cool vibe and Jackie Onassis for style tips and interesting conversation.

...John...

"Robin Williams (to break the awkward silences), John Lennon..because hello?? John Lennon! and John Williams the classical guitarist for the entertainment:

...Jen...

"John Lennon (because same as above), Elvis Presley and Freddie Mercury for a wonderful blend of entertainment and conversation" 



Contact us on 07 38526002

Visit us in the showroom and workshop at 41 Brookes St. Fortitude Valley. Brisbane.

Check out all our work and latest designs on our website





  • Function of the Table

    Think about how you use the dining table. If you host the entire family for Thanksgiving, you'll want a table that expands with leaves. If quiet conversation fits your dining habits, choose a round table that allows everyone to see each other and converse easily. Square or round tables offer ultimate flexibility -- intimate when closed yet accommodating when expanded into a rectangle or o























































  • Contemporary Squares

    Choose a square table for a more unique, modern look. For versatility, watch for a rectangle table that transforms into a square by adding the leaf down the length of the table.

  • Contemporary Squares

    Choose a square table for a more unique, modern look. For versatility, watch for a rectangle table that transforms into a square by adding the leaf down the length of the table.
  • Classic Shapes extended with a leaf or 

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Take A Tour Through Our Beautiful New Charcoal Interiors Showroom and Workshop

CHARCOAL INTERIORS
...NOW AT...
41 BROOKES STREET
FORTITUDE VALLEY
_________________________

TAKE A TOUR THROUGH OUR NEW SPACE!

As you may know, we moved premises over the Christmas/New Year break and we are so happy to be in our new premises of 41 Brookes St. Fortitude Valley.

So, let us take you on a tour of the new Charcoal Interiors Showroom!

You cannot miss us!  We have plenty of parking space out the front and its so very convenient and safe to just drive straight up to the front doors.


As soon as you walk in the doors you will see that even though we are in a new space, our style philosophy hasn't changed.


The design team are committed to bringing you quality in all aspects of their design service.  
Stepping through the doors takes you straight into our beautiful, air-conditioned retail section where you will find our beautiful hand crafted (on premises) dining tables, an array of quality furniture, mirrors, lighting, fabrics and a huge range of quality accessories for the home, plus gift items.





There is always someone here to help with your purchases and we look forward to welcoming you into our unique retail space.



We adore beautiful fabrics and at Charcoal Interiors it is always undeniably about quality!
Here are just a few examples of what you will find in our new upstairs showroom space.  
Whether it be for curtains, soft furnishings or upholstery jobs we have a huge range of fabrics at our fingertips.



And so we venture downstairs to our design and manufacturing area...........



Our workshop manager John now has his own space!  We love the fact that our clients can now see the stages in the manufacturing process.  All our custom made pieces are crafted right here in our own workshop downstairs from the retail section of the showroom.
There is nothing nicer than arriving to work with the fresh smell of newly cut timbers in the air. 








We look forward to welcoming you into Charcoal Interiors new space!
If you would like to arrange a time for a more comprehensive discussion with our team about design or custom made furniture call us on 38526002 so we can ensure you are given the time and attention that you need and deserve.

CHARCOAL INTERIORS
41 BROOKES STREET.  FORTITUDE VALLEY.  BRISBANE. QLD.  4006
PHONE - 07 38526002

Our website