Friday, July 23, 2010

Hamilton Apartment...Our Latest Design Project Video...New Arrivals...Guilt Free Tapas...Sangria Anyone?...It's Cocktail Friday Folks!


This week, we introduce you to our latest project...The Hamilton Apartment.  
This Art Deco Apartment with views of the Brisbane River had the potential to evolve into something really special, and the design team knew from the moment they walked in that this was going to be a project they could really sink their creative teeth into.  The client, a lady with great taste, but not the time to put into renovating and decorating had a clear vision.  She says: "I wanted to maintain the character of the apartment in keeping with the architecture of the building."  "I wanted to really achieve an individual style and look as a reflection of myself and my lifestyle."


Over the coming weeks we will be showcasing this gorgeous Apartment in all its glory.  The finished product truly does reflect the original grandeur of the building, whilst introducing almost a Manhattan-esque sophistication.

Today, we start with the Before Images and take you on a tour with our Designer Cathie.  She takes us through the rooms before work starts and gives us an insight of what to expect.  So, stay tuned for the end result and enjoy these 'teasers'.

River Views at Hamilton
(just click play for the video boxes below) 


Initial Consultation...Cathie takes us through the vision for the Sunroom Area
Footnote: Thanks to Cath for being such a good sport...all footage was taken without me giving her a chance to prepare...snaps to you Cath!



NEW STOCK HAS JUST ARRIVED!
We love....
this Elm Wood Altar Table...circa 1820's with its ornate carved detailing...superb

...and this unique Timber Animal Trough Circa 1900's from the Shangdong Province

Sold out...but now more in stock..gorgeous soapstone wash coffee tables...perfect in so many applications
 Horseshoe Chairs...Circa 1880s from the Shanxi Province
 

...and thats just a snippet of what is new and exciting in the Charcoal Showroom.... 











Ahhh....Spring is just around the corner and my mind is already diverting from Winter Fashion, big coats that cover a multitude of sins over the colder months, to the cute Spring dresses that I just wont be able to look 'right' in if I dont do something about my food choices from here-on in.  I am such a fan of Tapas, but those small morsels can sometimes be big on the calories.  This week we discovered the most delicious low fat Tapas that are packed with flavour....fresh on the palate and just so very easy to prepare.  We found quite a few to choose from and will be featuring one recipe a week over the next month or so.  Each recipe adheres to a simple formula....being quick and easy, yet sophisticated and flavoursome....oh...and low on cals!  

Olive-Goat Cheese Bruschetta

 

Spice up traditional bruschetta with this crowd-pleasing recipe. This rendition uses traditional tomato and basil but adds savory olives and robust goat cheese. For a boost of fiber, make this dish with a multigrain baguette instead of traditional white French bread. With less than an hour of prep time, you can create this tasty dish right before guests arrive. 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup diced seeded plum tomato
  • 1/4 cup chopped pitted olives
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 16 (1/4-inch-thick) slices French bread baguette (about 4 ounces)
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled
  • 1/4 cup mild goat cheese, at room temperature

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Combine first 6 ingredients in a small bowl, and set aside.
3. Arrange bread on a baking sheet; bake at 400° for 8 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp. Remove toast slices from oven, and cool 2 minutes.
4. Rub both sides of each toast slice with garlic clove. Spread goat cheese thinly on 1 side of each toast, and top with the olive mixture.


Su coctel viernes! … Aclamaciones!
(That's Spanish for....Its Cocktail Friday!...Cheers!)

....and you cant get more Spanish...than the 'Sangria'

Sangria Cocktail Recipe



RECIPE:
1 liter Red wine
(any kind)
4 tablespoons sugar
1 shot glass Contreau
2 shot glasses Martini-Rossi White
2 shot glasss Cognac
1 bottle Sprite
6 slices Lemon
4 slices Orange

add tray of ice cubes
and stir well
(serves 8 glasses) 


Its been a terrific week for us!...we hope its been a good one for you too.  Cheers to you...and Cheers to us!  Happy Friday everyone and wishing you a very relaxing weekend with family and friends. Pop your head in to say hi over the weekend if you get a chance...if the light's on...we are in! :-)



Colette...Cathie...and Jen (we have managed to rope Jen into a profile shot...so stay tuned..she does actually exist....hee hee....) Happy Friday! xxx