Friday, June 24, 2011

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



Friday, June 17, 2011

MEG AND HER HOME...BRIAN THE MEDIA STAR...OUR SALE NOW ON!...MORE LOOKS WE LOVE...CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKES THAT ARE JUST SOOO EASY...MULLED WINE & THE DALAI LAMA...HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL!!


HOLLYWOOD STARLET MEG RYAN AND HER HOME

Welcome to the Blog for this week.  Here at Style in The City we like to keep you abreast of our weekly movements, and also hopefully inspiration.  We do like to pass on whatever inspires us, and this week, we fell in love with the home of actress Meg Ryan.  Hollywoods on/off darling has exquisite taste in colour and design and we really love the clean lines and balance of materials used in her home...lets face it, theres nothing worse than seeing too 'much' of one material, for example wood (it takes on a 'Little House on The Prairie' look and can get a bit overpowering).


Tell us what you think of these beautiful rooms in Megs home...




BRIAN THE MEDIA STAR POOCH!



For those of you who arent up on the story of Brian, he is our resident pooch here at Charcoal Interiors.  
Brian was a Pet Rescue Dog, who had been found roaming the streets of Logan forlorn and emaciated.  As fate would have it, Cath saw a picture of him on the Pet Rescue website and fell in love with his beautiful face.  She met him at the Gatton UQ where he was being rehabilitated and the rest as they say, is history.  It feels good to give a beautiful animal another chance in life...fact is that if Cath hadn't adopted him, he had a very real chance of being euthenaised (we always cover his ears when we mention that bit).
We welcome you to read this great article on Brian and his new life with owner Cath.  Be sure to come and visit him in the showroom one day soon...and prepare yourself to be welcomed with open paws.

SALE...ON NOW AT CHARCOAL!


Looking for that perfect piece for your home, but dont want to skimp on quality??  Sick of flat-pack furniture same-same styles and reproductions with no soul??  
Then look no further than Charcoal Interiors and our BIG sale!  On Now!

LOOKS WE LOVE......


We seem to have a bit of a fixation with Fireplaces at the moment...probably because its just so darned cold! But this is a room where you immediately feel a sense of comfort, without forgoing style.

CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKES



Give in to charming choc concoctions with this week's food fight winner -- chocolate lava cakes! They are super quick and super easy.  Masterchef eat your heart out....you are going to impress all the home judges with this one!

Makes

8

Ingredients

  • 180g dark chocolate, chopped
  • 250g butter, chopped
  • plain flour, for dusting
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup caster sugar
  • 1/4 cup plain flour, sifted
  • Double cream and cocoa powder, to serve

Method

  1. Place chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium-high (75%) for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring with a metal spoon every 30 seconds, or until melted and combined. Cool completely.
  2. Grease eight 175ml-capacity ceramic ovenproof dishes. Sprinkle with flour. Using an electric mixer, beat eggs and sugar for 8 to 10 minutes or until thick and creamy. Fold in chocolate mixture, then flour. Spoon mixture into prepared dishes. Freeze for 1 hour.
  3. Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced. Place dishes on a baking tray. Bake for 16 minutes or until just set (cakes will wobble when touched).
  4. Stand dishes for 1 minute. Turn onto plates. Top with cream. Dust with cocoa powder. Serve.


    OH HAPPY DAY.....ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY!


    For all of us here in Brisbane down...its been a cold, cold week.  We bought more scarves, heaters and I double layered with my socks under the boots....so yeah...its cold!  And ok, ok...if you live in Canberra, Victoria, South Australia or Tassie....you win.  It's just that we Brisbanites are used to it being reasonably warmish this time of year...and we have had a lot to deal with of late in respect to mother nature, so we get to have a whinge...its our turn...oh, and lets not mention the footy game on Wednesday night...no really...lets not mention it!
    So, with a week of sporting losses and the cold to contend with,  I couldnt exactly see myself sitting down to a Daiquiri.  It would have to be something warming and soothing.  What better concoction than the ever reliable Mulled Wine!  I know on my visits down to SA, one of my favourite things to do is curl up in one of the old leather chairs at the local pub in front of the fireplace with a glass of mulled wine.

    Spice things up on a chilly night with this European-style drink. 


     

    Ingredients (serves 4)

    • 10 cloves
    • 2 cinnamon sticks
    • 1/4 cup caster sugar
    • 1 roughly grated nutmeg
    • 2 cups water
    • roughly grated rind of 1 orange
    • 1 roughly chopped apple (skin on)
    • 750ml light, fruity red wine (such as a merlot)

    Method

    1. Heat cloves, cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg, water, orange rind and apple in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
    2. Add red wine and simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Strain and divide among serving glasses. Serve immediately.

       ................................................................


      Wishing everyone a very happy weekend.  Theres some great movies out at the moment.  Cath saw Oranges and Sunshine the other night...very moving true story, and Australian...she says its worth a look.  Be sure to come and say hi on Saturday if youre in the area....dont forget we are now closed on Sundays.  With love....The Charcoal Girls...Colette, Cathie and Jen xxx



       Until next week...


 The Charcoal Team...Cathie, Colette and Jen

Friday, June 10, 2011

THE DEATH OF TREND....WIN AN ORIGINAL ARTWORKS VALUED AT OVER $450!!...MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE FLOOR...LUXE LIZZO...A RECIPE FIT FOR A QUEEN...THE DUBONNET COCKTAIL AND MUCH MORE!! HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL...xxx

TREND...ITS JUST SO YESTERDAY...

I was on an plane flight last Friday night and read this great quote that resonated with me and the girls here, so I just had to share it with you....for those who dont like to follow the pack!
'If it's trend, it's already yesterdays news'
Amen to That One!!

YOU HAVE TO BE IN IT TO WIN IT!

We have had a huge response to our Art Giveaway.  Thank you to everyone who has been joining our Facebook Page.  If you join up you are in the draw for June to win a Margaret Fredericksen original piece of art valued at over $450.  And thats not all....once you 'like' us and our facebook page, you then are locked in to win every month.  For the month of July we will be offering up for grabs an Antique Asian Scroll that is hand painted and features silk bordering....its stunning and valued at over $650!
Suggest our facebook page to your friends, or join up if you haven't already.  We also look forward to welcoming you into the showroom at number 59.  Discover all that this end of Doggett St has to offer!

THIS WEEK...WE ARE LOVING....
Mirrors!
Our beautiful new mirror stock.  Imagine having this mirror in your home, and you dont even need to hang it.  Just lean up against your bedroom wall, or hang in a hallway to lend depth and expansion of space.  
Our Arched Top Mirror is just over 2 metres tall.  Love it?  Contact us for a quote including delivery to your area.

....Arched Mirror now in store....

The Charcoal Interiors Design Team transformed an old majestic queenslander home recently with one of the standouts being a complete overhaul of the lounge room.  Amongst other gorgeous additions the girls sourced an Antique French Mirror.  Instead of replacing the insert with a pristine new one, they kept the original mirror with interesting, aged de-silvering. For those who know good design, you will appreciate these pieces in their original state....its a bit like tearing down a beautiful Heritage listed home to replace with a cold looking brick monstrocity...its devoid of character and charm.

Charcoal Interiors Queenslander Design Project - Lounge

The iconic and inspiration Coco Chanel made use of a huge gold framed mirror over her mantle.






LIZZO FABRICS

Thank you to Steph from Inhouse Agencies for popping in today with the latest in the range of all time sumptuous and luxurious Lizzo fabrics and wallpaper.
 Steph from Inhouse shows the new Lizzo range to Cathie and Colette

It's important for the design team here to keep on top of what is available.  Being in close contact with Steph means they can access that 'must have' fabric for your home, specialising in European fabrics.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR QUEENIE!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU....

The whole Republican debate aside, we are so looking forward to this weekend and with it being a long weekend, thanks to the Queen of England having a birthday (bit belated, but hey the card with $20 bucks inside is on its way...)
 Her Majesty eagerly awaits the arrival of our card.

FRIDAY RECIPE FIT FOR A QUEEN

This week, we bring you a meal fit for a Queen....and not a fancy glasses wearin', piano player in sight!

Pete the Greek is making this for a dinner party we are having on Saturday night.  Celebrate Her Majestys birthday with a bit of hearty English fare...The Beef Wellington!
 Photo via Taste Magazine...where all good recipes are found...

To make this a bit quicker and easier you can omit the crepes....that's what we do...and it still turns out magnificently.

BEEF WELLINGTON

Preparation Time

40 minutes

Cooking Time

80 minutes

Ingredients (serves 6)

  • 750g beef fillet
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 sheets (25cm) ready-rolled puff pastry
  • 1 egg yolk

  • Crepes
  • 1 egg, lightly whisked
  • 1/2 cup (75g) plain flour
  • 1/2 cup (125ml) milk
  • Butter, to grease

  • Mushroom filling
  • 300g dried porcini mushrooms
  • 50g butter
  • 1 brown onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 250g Swiss brown mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped tarragon

Method

  1. To make the crepes, place the egg in a medium bowl. Add the flour and stir to combine. Gradually add the milk and whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 30 minutes to rest.
  2. Meanwhile, to make the mushroom filling, place the porcini mushrooms in a heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water and set aside for 15 minutes to soak. Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat until foaming. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until onion softens. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes or until aromatic. Add the Swiss brown mushrooms and cook, stirring, for 8-10 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and liquid evaporates. Remove from heat and set aside for 5 minutes to cool.
  3. Drain the porcini mushrooms and place in the bowl of a food processor. Add the Swiss brown mushroom mixture and tarragon and process until finely chopped. Transfer mixture to a large sieve and using the back of a spoon, gently press to remove as much liquid as possible.
  4. Heat a little butter in a 20cm (base measurement) frying pan over medium-low heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the crepe batter and working quickly, angle the pan so the batter evenly covers the base. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the edges of the crepe curl slightly. Turn the crepe over and cook for a further 30 seconds or until lightly golden underneath. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining batter to make 8 or more crepes. Set aside to cool.
  5. Season beef well with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the beef and cook for 2 minutes each side or until brown all over. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate. Set aside to cool.
  6. Preheat oven to 200C. Place a large piece of plastic wrap on a clean work surface. Layer the crepes, overlapping slightly, over the plastic wrap. Spread the mushroom mixture over the crepes, leaving a 2cm border. Spread the mustard evenly all over the beef. Place the beef on one end of the crepe stack. Using the plastic wrap as a guide, roll the crepes around the beef fillet to enclose. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest.
  7. Line an oven tray with baking paper. Cut one of the pastry sheets in half. Place one and half of the pastry sheets on a clean work surface, overlapping slightly. Unwrap the beef from the plastic wrap and place on the pastry. Roll the beef in the pastry to enclose filling, folding in ends. Place on the lined tray. Brush the egg yolk evenly over the top and sides of the pastry. Use a small sharp knife to gently score the pastry. Use a small sharp knife to cut the remaining pastry into leaf shapes and arrange on top of the pastry. Brush with egg and season with sea salt flakes. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes for medium-rare, or until cooked to your liking. Remove from oven and loosely cover with foil. Set aside for 15 minutes to rest.
  8. Place on a serving platter. Use a large serrated knife to cut into thick slices to serve.


    WELCOME TO COCKTAIL FRIDAY

    I know we have had a bit of fun and taken some very extreme creative license over the last couple of years with the blog on the subject of the Queen of England and what she likes to drink...from warm Beer to Vodka.  But....and this is completely the truth.  She does like to drink Dubonnet. Knowing the Queen's predilections, Buckingham Palace aides included a bottle of Dubonnet on the list of the Queen's requirements for a recent visit to Lords.
    Photo via Camera press

    So, in celebration of her birthday long weekend, and always being up to trying something new and different, this Friday, we bring you the Rum Dubonnet!  So easy to make and surprisingly delicious, which may have something to do with the incorporation of Lime Juice into the recipe??  Do love the lime!

    THE RUM DUBONNET COCKTAIL

    Ingredients

  9. 1 ounce golden rum
  10. 1 ounce Dubonnet
  11. 1/2 ounce lime juice

Instructions

Shake well with cracked ice, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. (We recommend Puerto Rican rum because we like the accent...) 

As always, and since its Friday, kick off your shoes, pop your feet up and put on your satin gloves and fancy hat....tipple away whilst grazing on packet vou-la-vents so lovingly oven heated!

Until next week...enjoy the long weekend.

The Charcoal Team







Friday, June 3, 2011

OFFSPRING APARTMENT STYLING AND PRODUCT SOURCING....SACKLOTH AND ASHES BESPOKE WALLPAPER...WANT IT NOW??..WE SHOW YOU HOW!...QUEENSLAND TIMBER FLOOR DISPLAY...MAP MAG...TAPAS AND COCKTAIL FRIDAY!..PLUS OUR HUGE GIVEAWAY! ORIGINAL ARTWORKS COULD BE YOURS!



OFFSPRING INTERIOR STYLE ENQUIRIES & SOURCING


Along with a large majority of the female population of Australia, we are huge fans of Channel 10's Offspring now on every Monday night at 8.30.  Going strong in its 2nd season, I think this show really is quite quirky and clever.  We can all see ourselves somewhat in at least one of the characters on the show.
This week, we have had a large amount of enquiries in regards to the wallpaper and styling of Ninas apartment in the show.  In particular the pressed metal style wallpaper that appears in her lounge room. 

 We love the use of pressed metal style wallpaper for the ceiling of this bedroom...divine!

Here at Charcoal Interiors we have access to a massive amount of quality wallpaper coverings from all over the world.  Its just a matter of coming in for a chat (bringing a pic in with you is always helpful) or alternatively you can email us with the idea you want to match up.  We take it from there and source the fabric, wallpaper, furniture or accessory style etc...  Recently we had a large response to an Andrew Martin 'Love Letters' wallpaper that was so unique and gorgeous and featured on the blog. 

 'Love Letter' wallpaper by Andrew Martin

We were able to source this for our customer enquiries without delay.  The Charcoal Team welcome customer enquiries and we look forward to helping source that special something for your home that you simply cannot do without!

ART ON JAMES - ORIGINAL ARTWORKS GIVEAWAY IN JUST A CLICK!


To mark the beginning of much lauded event 'Art on James St' we have a very exciting giveaway for the month of June here at Charcoal Interiors.  
Up for grabs is an original Artworks by well regarded Brisbane artist Margaret Fredericksen valued at over $450.  This is an unframed portrait original work using charcoal and powder pastel medium.  
For your chance to win, its easy, all you need to do is click on our facebook badge on the right hand side of the blog to join our Facebook page.  Share the competition with your friends and you have more chances to win!  Its that easy.  The winner will be drawn on July 1st, so there is plenty of time to become a fan of Charcoal and be in the running to win!...Good Luck!

OUR QUEENSLAND TIMBER FLOOR DISPLAY IS NOW FINISHED!

 Sanding the floorboards

 Cathie and Rob start putting the design section of the showroom back into order

Hey...lets stop for a photo op!
From left: Cathie, Brian, Colette, Robbie and Jen...The Charcoal Team

We could have been mistaken for an Industrial Jackhammer shop on Tuesday of this week, with all manner of blokey tools working a-frenzy to get our new floor display laid.  Thanks to the people at Queensland Timber Flooring 'Artisans of Style' for doing such a great job.  We now welcome customers to pop into the showroom to see first hand the gorgeous range of timber flooring options available....e.g Black Caulking (ship deck style), Dark Roasted and French Parquetry to name a few.

THIS WEEK WE ARE LOVING.....

BESPOKE WALLPAPER BY SACKCLOTH & ASHES



 These wallpapers are hand painted, hand folded and then hand cracked.  The paper is then involved in a waxing and rubbing process to give a unique finish to each design...imagine that...the possibilities are infinite.
Contact us for more info


MAP MAGAZINE



This week, we appear in 'Map Magazine'!  We love map because its edgy, informative, creative, individual, climate friendly and FREE!  This week, you can find our ad next to the famous 'Pavement' section.  Theres also a great interview with Hugo Weaving with his thoughts on acceptance, amongst other interesting commentary.  Well worth picking up a copy and a way to be supportive of local small business.


TAPAS TO THE RESCUE!

Last Saturday night, I paid a visit to Granada Tapas Bar on Melbourne St in Brisbane.  To me, its a little slice of Spain with a twist of Melbourne in a great Brisvegas locale.  The food was terrific, service excellent and dinner with a bunch of mad girlfriends always makes for a great evening regardless of the food.
Tapas style food is a good way to dine, as its small portions and lots of them.  We like to entertain this way at home and also its a way to mix up meals for the kids....they love platters and a selection of Tapas style food on a big platter with a fresh salad on the side is an interesting and fun way to keep the most finnicky of eaters happy.
After the trip to Granada I was inspired to try this recipe for Chorizo Meatballs as it was quick an easy.  I made extra and used the surplus as a base for chunky, hunger sating sandwiches.


Ingredients (serves 6)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large brown onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons mild paprika
  • 2 (240g) mild chorizo, finely chopped
  • 700g lean beef mince
  • 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 5 (800g) tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • Crusty bread, to serve

Method

  1. Heat half the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook onion, stirring, for 5 minutes or until softened. Add garlic and paprika. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  2. Combine onion mixture, chorizo, mince and breadcrumbs in a bowl. Roll heaped tablespoons of mixture into balls. Place on a plate.
  3. Heat remaining oil in pan over medium-low heat. Cook meatballs, in batches, for 4 to 5 minutes or until browned. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Increase heat to medium. Add tomato and 1/2 cup cold water. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Return meatballs to pan. Simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover. Simmer for 10 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through and sauce has thickened. Top with parsley. Serve with bread.

    LET'S CELEBRATE THE END OF THE WEEK...ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY!

    Just as we thought we had found every shoe store within a 5 kilometre radius of the showroom (and yes, we are on first name basis with all the shopkeepers....and so what if we get personal text messages from them whenever a new style comes in), so were we completely surprised to have found a new style of Martini, since we thought we had met with every combo imagineable....like stumbling across an undiscovered, untouched island in the South Pacific, finding the 'French Martini' was indeed met with euphoric gasps this week...its made with Pineapple, which is pretty much on the same enjoyment level as lime and mango.
    Let's celebrate Friday with a French Martini.  To be enjoyed with Goldfrapp blasting in the background, shoes off...feet up and dont forget to also wear a smile of satisfaction, because life is good! 


    French Martini
    1.5 oz vodka
    1/2 oz Chambord
    2 oz. pineapple juice

    Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or a leaf from the pineapple for a sleek modern look. 
    Wishing you all a very happy weekend, and here's our quote for the week that made us feel really good and put things in perspective, because life is really great, and its not worth sweating the small stuff!
    If you break your neck, if you have nothing to eat, if your house is on fire, then you got a problem. Everything else is inconvenience. ~Robert Fulghum
    Until next week!