Friday, September 21, 2012

SPRING CLEAN AT CHARCOAL INTERIORS, OUTDOOR FABRICS THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME, SPRUCING UP YOUR HOME FOR THE WARMER WEATHER....OUR CANINE VISITORS THIS WEEK....STUNNING BOOKSHELF WALLPAPER....PERFECT PANZANELLA AND CONGRATS TO MAD MEN WITH A PINK SQUIRREL!...HAPPY FRIDAY FOLKS xxx

SPRING CLEAN AT CHARCOAL INTERIORS



Anyone else getting stuck in the garden, weeding, removing skyscraper-esque piles of leaves, cleaning skirting boards...ovens....overdosing the pool on chlorine, washing curtains etc...???...or is it just me?
Yes, Spring has sprung and with it, a desire to get stuck into putting my home back into some kind of a presentable condition.  I just can't get into gardening in winter because its cold and lets face it you just dont get to use the space unless you enjoy sitting in your Parka shivering on the garden bench!
The sun is warming my bones now and its time to get back out and into it.  The first port of call was our garden which needed clearing, weeding and replanting...plus I now finally have my planter box at the front of the garden, lovingly crafted by Pete the Greek...it took a while to actually get it all made and I was going to talk you through that little process (in fact I started typing it...but then remembered that he reads the blog)....so....the important thing of course is that its built and planted.  The next step is decking at the front and more plants........let's just say we are on 'Islander Time' for that project too.



And so the next job will be organising the back pool area.  Our pool with its over exposure in past weeks to chlorine is now sparkling and clear!  I cant wait to get back into it.  Our problem child was the outdoor furniture and so I just had to share with you our latest 'must have' products for outdoor entertaining and relaxing.



Firstly, remember that when choosing outdoor furniture you want at least a 5 year guarantee against warping, fading and in the case of woven chairs there must be a guarantee that the product is going to stay in tact and stand up to all the rigours of our Australian weather....especially here in Queensland.  The cheap bargain that you purchased for a song, could actually end up costing you much more when you find that its only lasted a season.  Is it possible to nowadays in this 'throw-away' society to have an outdoor setting that not only looks great now, but will look the same in 6 years time??...yes it is.  Another thing we can guarantee without hesitation is that Charcoal Interiors products and services are synonymous with lasting quality.

Secondly, its important to ensure that your choices are stylish and comfortable.  Here is an example of our Caneline outdoor dining range which the design team recommended for our clients outdoor deck area. 

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We also supplied our Aztec Urn with the Yukka which really packs an impact in the corner without cluttering up the space.  We are told that the clients now enjoy afternoon drinkies out on their new deck area.



Plus, any outdoor fabric product that you purchase for outdoors needs to be guaranteed outdoor hardy....it's disappointing to find that the gorgeous upholstered outdoor sofa on sale has mould stains after just a few weeks...same with cushioning etc...so be sure that the fabrics and product containing cushioning and fabric covers are of superior quality.  We like to go with the brand Sunbrella for fabrics on our outdoor Worthington Sofa.



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The synthetic weave on our Worthington Sofa is of the highest quality.  Only Sunbrella fabric covers are used.  Choose quality and gain years of enjoyment on furniture that not only stands the test of time in functionality but also retains its timeless style.


Gone are the days when Mum used to make outdoor cushions using towelling material...and guess what?..it still faded and attracted mould.  Well, now we have a product that is completely UV resistant, which means no fading, superior durability and strength plus water and stain repellency....and boy oh boy don't these examples of what can be created for your outdoor space put the old towel covers to shame.....


What a way to freshen up your sunloungers


Outdoor bench seating and cushioning in contrasting colours and patterning to create a relaxed and stylish look.


Ottoman and cushioning all in outdoor fabrics available at Charcoal Interiors.


A welcoming space for relaxing and unwinding


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Large Ottoman and Cushioning in striped outdoor fabric is the perfect contrast against the old rustic seat and how about that wall??....just beautiful.

We offer a full upholstery service at Charcoal Interiors...from Brisbane to Dubai on a small or grand scale we have the experience to create sumptuous outdoor spaces...specialising in resort style projects.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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OUT AND ABOUT WITH CHARCOAL INTERIORS

Our showroom is located right in amongst a true village atmosphere and we are fortunate to be in the middle of the action of Fortitude Valley, Tenneriffe and Newstead.  There is always something happening.  We love our neighbours and the regular customers who pop in for a browse over what's new or sometimes just for a quick hello.  This week we had two hairy friends pop by for a visit with their owners.  These two girls were just so well behaved and sat by the front door patiently while their owners had a walk through the showroom.

Too cute!





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MORE OF OUR STUNNING BOOKSHELF WALLPAPER

We recently featured a project where the design team used very grand bookshelf wallpapering for a boys bedroom.  Here is a more sophisticated look recently featured in the Andrew Martin Design Books' latest edition.  If we hadn't known that this was a wallpaper design you would think it was the real deal.


www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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SPRING RECIPES





PANZANELLA WITH A POSH FLAIR

Hands up who loves Basil?...Hands up who loves Italian food?....Hands up who loves basil, italian food and still fitting into their summer clothes from last year!?



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HOOOOORAHHH...IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY!



The announcement this week that Mad Men is now the most popular television series of all time came of no surprise to us all here who are huge fans of the show.  We love the fashion, the decor and of course...the cocktails.

This one in particular is for the ladies...The Pink Squirrel...ala Mad Men.





PINK SQUIRREL

What you need....

3/4 ounce creme de noyaux
3/4 ounce de cacao
1/2 ounce vodka
1 ounce fresh cream

What to do...

Pour all over ice in glass.  Stir and serve in martini glass.

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Wishing you all a wonderful weekend....whatever you do and wherever you are....enjoy!
Love, Light and Laughter

The Charcoal Team
xxx