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

AUTUMN - GET THE LOOK WITH IDEAS AND INSPIRATIONS FROM CHARCOAL INTERIORS!

Image via flickr (c) Don O'Brien

KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING WITH OUR WINTER WARMING IDEAS

In most parts of Australia, even though the days are still pretty warm, the evenings and mornings are getting that lovely crisp, coolness to them.  

We love the change of season.  Watching the leaves turn gold, rust and red.  

Autumn is a terrific time to start introducing some warmth to your home in preparation for Winter.

Here in Australia we don't have to worry too much about 'Winterising' our homes like those in Europe or Northern America and Canada, however there are some simple steps we can take to really cosy up our homes in preparedness for the shorter days and the cooler temps that make you just want to curl up, relax and get cosy.

This week, the Charcoal Team were discussing our yearly routine of packing up the Summer clothes, introducing boots and leggings to the wardrobe again (Yay!)...dusting off the crock pot for those warming Winter soups and stews, and most importantly, giving our homes the changes necessary for a comfortable chilly change.

Here is a selection of ideas that are quick and easy, yet will create a real impact in your home for Winter.

THROWS

Throws are such a handy item to have in the home and in our opinion you cant have enough!

We use ours to throw over our legs on chilly nights.

Image credit Elle Decor via Pinterest

A great way to add warmth and colour over a chair or sofa

Drape over the end of your bed for the dual purpose of keeping you warm on those nights you just need that little bit of something extra, and looks terrific too!

ADDING TEXTURE

'texture' - noun

The feel, appearance or consistency of a surface or substance

___________

Texture adds dimension to a room.  Texture appeals to your senses in a visual way and also by how they feel.

Our extensive selection of cushion covers available instore or

via our online shop Peacock and Penny

  A soft faux rug, a richly woven throw, sumptuously tactile velvet cushions, the earthiness of timber, leather, metallics and silks.

Adding layers via texture to the room will create an inviting, cosy space to relax and unwind.

Charcoal Interiors

A comfortable statement chair in luxurious fabric is the perfect addition to your relaxation space.  

Charcoal Interiors

Charcoal Interiors

We recommend a chair that is wide enough to tuck your legs under.  

Our Leather customised 'Peter' chair.  Big and comfy.  

Not sure which chair would be best for you or your space?  And how about fabrics?  If it all gets too hard, we are here to help. Come in with your seating requirements and let the team assist with finding you just the right option.  Our design service offers seemingly endless possibilities.

Kate, Cathie and Colette in the Charcoal Interiors Showroom

FIREPLACES AND BRAZIERS

The cooler months dont necessarily mean you have to bunker down inside every evening. 

We have a beautiful brazier at home on the back deck, that gets used a lot!

Watching a lovely crackling fire is better than any television show and sharing conversation over a glass of red wine is a fabulous way to connect with family and friends.

image credit M Borg via flickr

If you are lucky enough to have an indoor fireplace with a mantle, then take a couple of hours to give it a good clean and freshen up.

Charcoal Interiors Project

Here our client had the team renovate the original fireplace of this stunning 1800's Queenslander.  The addition of some of their precious collectables accompanied by the aged mirror created a declaration of sophisticated eclecticism.

Charcoal Interiors project

In lieu of using the mantle as a showcase for collectibles, the Charcoal Design Team installed this stunning hand carved French Mirror which stands as a statement piece in the room, yet not detracting from the clients art collection.

Image - Tumblr via Pinterest unknown origin

A mantle piece is the perfect spot to showcase your favourite things, but perhaps it's time to take a good long look at your collections and refresh.  Take the 'Chanel approach' and remove a couple of items for a less cluttered look.  Adding beautiful blooms or greenery in a rustic urn can sometimes just be enough.

If it is too old to use, we love the idea of placing candles in the hearth.

image credit to coroflot.com via pinterest

RUGS

Don't be nervous about purchasing a rug for your home.  Rugs are the perfect way to add warmth and character to a room.  They also are an acoustic absorber....a beautiful way to cut down on the noise!

Charcoal Interiors Designer Cathie considering rug selections for our client

Don't skimp on size.  In a living room, the size defines the conversation space and so it should be big enough for furniture legs to rest on.

Charcoal Interiors Project

And in the bedroom you want to feel the rug out of your feet when you get out of bed on cold winter mornings.  Below is a great example of placement of a rug for comfort as well as appearance.

Charcoal Interiors Project

So, the golden rule is not to skimp on size.  Size really does matter!

If you are giving your room a complete make-over for the cooler months then we suggest choosing your rug first.  Rugs make such a visual impact to the room, if chosen first you can then tie in your other soft furnishings with it.

CANDLES

Ah, one of lifes small luxuries is being able to light a candle in the bathroom, sink into a warm bubble bath and sip champagne don't you think?

photo credit bottomoftheironingbasket.blogspot.com via Pinterest

Winter and the colder months bring the perfect excuse to give the candles a dust off, or better still, get a whole set of fresh ones to last the months ahead.

Charcoal Interiors project

Create the ambience of a cosy retreat at home by grouping together a collection of candles.  We recommend soy candles as they burn clean.  We have an array to choose from in the showroom.  Fill your home with a warm glow amidst the scent combination of Foxglove and Burnt Sugar Cane, Stinging Nettle and Vanilla or Gardenia and Angelica.

Witches Chase Soy Candles available.  Limited Stock.

We also love these huge glass lanterns which are a real statement piece and the perfect home for large singular candles.  All available in the retail section of our showroom.

Glass Statement Lanterns Available Instore Now. Limited Stock.

LUSCIOUS DRAPES

If you were thinking about taking the plunge and finally purchasing drapes for your home, then there is no better time than Autumn/Winter.

The beauty of our quality drape service is that we handle everything from fabric consultation, to measure up and installation with our experienced team.

Charcoal Interiors Project

With a seemingly endless array of fabric choices at our fingertips we can help you create the look you envisage.

Window treatments are perfect for creating warmth and luscious style to your home, whilst also reducing heat loss in Winter, and heat gain in Summer.   

Contact us today for more information on our drapery service where we provide excellence in service and product.

Charcoal Interiors

41 Brookes St. Fortitude Valley

Brisbane. Australia.

Website

Phone - 07 38526002

DIVINE RESURRECTION. OUR EASY GUIDE TO GIVING YOUR CHAIRS NEW LIFE WITH UPHOLSTERY.

Re-upholstering a favourite chair can be a terrific way to inject a new lease of life into the piece, and also give your space a lift.

Charcoal Interiors Project

The old 'hand me down' that you just cannot bear to give up may be a little out-dated.  Perhaps the fabric is old and tatty, or it could be that the frame also needs a bit of work?

Charcoal Interiors Project

CHOOSING FABRIC - THE FUN PART!

Cathie Venardos - Designer Charcoal Interiors

 Be sure to look beyond the existing fabric coverings and focus on the lines of the chair, the condition of the timber and the quality of the frame.

  

Charcoal Interiors Project - Lola

It will be apparent that if your chair is a quality piece, there will not be much more that needs to be done other than having it covered in your choice of fabric.  This is why we always recommend, quality furniture and timeless, classic lines.

Charcoal Interiors Project

Charcoal Interiors Project

It's very important that the fabric you choose be right for the piece.  

Stripes and patterns can be a challenge for certain shaped chairs.

Charcoal Interiors Project

Where is the chair going to be located in your home?  Is it a statement piece, or will you be using it in more high traffic areas?

Shopdog Brian with one of our projects

If you have pets or the chair is going to be used frequently we recommend fabrics with a good rub rate for excellence of durability.  
We have a huge range of fabrics that fit all the criteria.  And there is definitely something for all tastes.  

Charcoal Interiors Project

Nowadays, with the huge range of fabrics that are now available you will not be wanting for inspiration or choice!

Charcoal Interiors Project

BEWARE OF D.I.Y

With all the 'Do It Yourself' shows on the television and articles in the media at the moment, you can be forgiven for thinking that upholstery is nothing more than an hour to spare,  some fabric and a staple gun and scissors.  Having the job done for optimum effect is important and there is so much more to upholstering a chair than what they will show you in a 3 minute tutorial. 

Charcoal Interiors Project

Here is an excellent example of two very special chairs, which were given the complete overhaul by the Charcoal Team.  

These Lous XVI King and Queen Chairs were given a complete Cinderella style transformation.

Before Upholstery Begins

BEFORE

With grand lines and sturdy bones, these chairs were given the royal treatment with fabrics removed and framework meticulously sanded back.

Half way through the process.

Stunning Transformation

AND AFTER!  THE FINISHED PRODUCT.

Finished off with Black, sumptuous and luxurious French Velvet, these chairs now have an updated look that will last for years to come.

LIKE TO KNOW MORE OR MAKE AN ENQUIRY?

Contact one of our knowledgeable staff for information on our full design service, encompassing upholstery, custom made furniture, drapes, curtains and window treatments, Interior Design and more!

Phone 07 38526002

Website

CHARCOAL INTERIORS