Thursday, June 25, 2015

GREAT NEWS FOR CUSHION LOVERS!

GREAT NEWS FOR CUSHION LOVERS!




We launched our new range of cushion covers and brand Peacock and Penny in 2014 and its been a big success!




The demand for new styles has been so great, that we have sourced new fabrics and come up with a fresh new range for the discerning lover of cushions.




Soft furnishings are a splendid way to refresh your home space, and with our exclusively crafted cushion covers you are spoiled for choice.



Each Peacock and Penny Cushion Cover is crafted from exclusive fabrics sourced from the most revered European Textile houses.  These are strictly Limited Edition products, giving you the opportunity to own a truly luxurious and rare product for between $45 - $65 AUD.




At Peacock and Penny, we post anywhere!  International customers are more than welcome to shop with us.





Visit our online shop at Etsy for our ever expanding range of gorgeous designer cushions.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

10 WAYS TO TRANSFORM A SMALL SPACE AND MAKE IT LOOK LARGER.



Perhaps you are downsizing and need some advice on how to incorporate all your accumulated prized possessions into your new smaller space, or perhaps feeling 'hemmed in' and claustrophobic by your living space?  
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to open up a space without having to physically knock out a wall or perform major renovations.
Here are some simple tips on how to open up your living space and get some breathing room.



1.  Ditch the clutter.  Nothing creates a feeling of space more than getting rid of a whole lot of 'stuff' that you don't need or use any more.
Throw out anything that you haven't used for a year.  Be ruthless about it.
If you can't bear to part with your collection of magazines, then put them in storage, or better still donate!



Charcoal Interiors

 Is it time to freshen up your soft furnishings?  Toss old cushions, shabby rugs etc...and replace with fresh updated items.
We have a range of custom made cushions in exclusive European fabrics available now in the showroom.
Charcoal Interiors. 41 Brookes Street.  Fortitude Valley. Brisbane.



Charcoal Interiors Project

2.  Keep the wall colours light and bright.  Dark colours tend to inhibit, whilst brighter and lighter tones bring an air of space to a room.



Photo credit via http://forum.xcitefun.net/

3.  Box up those trinkets.  Grans spoon collection is wayyyy last century, so it's time to box it up and keep in storage or donate.  If there is one thing that inhibits the spacious feel to a room its too many trinkets and knick knacks.



Charcoal Interiors Project

4.  Prints and paintings.  Keep it to one large piece of wall art per room rather than lots of small groupings.  The eye is drawn to one statement piece creating the illusion of space.  The above photo is a classic example of this.



Charcoal Interiors Project

5.  Mirrors.  When knocking down walls just isn't an option, mirrors can be a solution for expansion visually in small spaces.

Image credit Restorationhardware.com

Tip: Ensure your mirror is angled towards a focal point to give the illusion of depth.  

Charcoal Interiors Project

Photo credit Eye Swoon

Mirrors  reflect both natural and artificial light to make a room brighter both day and night.




6.  Space your furniture.  As tempting as it is to push all your furniture up against the walls to make more space, its actually better to space the furniture slightly back from the walls.  breathing room around your furniture gives the appearance of more space.




Charcoal Interiors Project

7.  Multi-functional pieces. Another savvy idea when it comes to maximising on your smaller space is to opt for Multi-functional furniture pieces.
For example, a quality Ottoman serves 2 purposes.  1. Somewhere to sit and as a Coffee Table.

Charcoal Interiors Project

Choose Bedside cabinets with lots of storage space like the example shown above with drawer space and a section below for storage.

Charcoal Interiors Project

Clever Shelving.  Our client used up loads of space with all his books, awards and treasured finds from overseas trips.  We built customised shelving (above) to suit his needs, keeping it streamlined and space-savvy.

Custom Made Extension Tables by Charcoal Interiors

Consider a dining table with leaf extensions.  That way you can still extend the table out for seating larger crowds, but keep it compact and smaller for every day use and less encroachment on your space.

We offer endless options when it comes to table design in our on-site workshop.
Contact us today for more information on our services.
Visit Our Website For More Information and Project Photos



Charcoal Interiors Project

8.  Keep it Monochromatic.  Monochromatic tones (Monochrome - where all colours are close in tone and value) do a great job of expanding a room visually.

Charcoal Interiors Project

Charcoal Interiors Project


The eye moves over the space uninterrupted, which creates the illusion of added space.
Monochromatic palettes overall, create a mood that is sensual and restful.




9.  Skip the heavy drapes.  Heavy drapes and curtains can leave a small space feeling hemmed in, claustrophobic and dark.  So, bypass the heavy drapes and go for roman blinds or a light gauzy drapery which will add depth to the space.



We offer a customised drapery service.  Contact us today for more details.
Charcoal Interiors



Charcoal Interiors Project

10.  Statement Piece.  Don't be afraid to add a Statement piece with personality to your small living space. Don't limit yourself to just using a large mirror to make a statement or focal point.  These ideas also work well.

We chose this imposing statue (see above) for maximum impact for our client, and it worked perfectly.



Contact us today for more information on how to create a truly remarkable home space with our Interior Design service.  
We are committed to design excellence.
Phone - 07 38526002
Showroom - 41 Brookes Street.  Fortitude Valley.  Qld 4006



Thursday, June 4, 2015

HOW TO MAKE YOUR NEW PLACE FEEL LIKE HOME..........



Not everyone is lucky enough to move into the perfect place.
Some of us move around following our careers from state to state..country to country. 
Then there are those of us who have had to, at some point, be where we were not expecting and its all a bit overwhelming and unsettling.
It's an old saying, but very true - Home Is Where The Heart Is.
So, how can you make your new place  really feel like home?
We give you some easy, quick steps to take towards falling in love with, and being happy with your new space.

Photo credit - kidspot.com.au

1. Clean.  We are big on creating a nice vibe and cosy, comfortable space to live in.  Starting with a good thorough clean of your new home will mean by the time you're finished not only will each area be sparkling and fresh, but you are also going to understand every single little nook and cranny.  You will also find that the time spent cleaning will give you time to really think about where you are going to place furniture and your favourite pieces, artwork etc....

Charcoal Interiors Project


2.  Bedroom Priority.  Set your bed up.  Invest in a new set of bedding.  Spend some extra money on new pillows, new bed linen...a new fresh start and you will have somewhere to collapse after the end of day one.

Image credit - https://www.flickr.com/photos/kayaker1204/

3.  Paint Colour.  Unfortunately, the trend of bright coloured feature walls can hang in the air for years to come.  You may be walking into a home that is more 'Technicolour DreamCoat' than sleek and simple.  Light neutral tonings are the best choices.  Keep it simple, light and fresh.

Charcoal Interiors Design Project

4. Bathroom.  Unpack your toiletries, towels and bathroom accessories.  Once again, invest in some new fresh pieces that will really help to bring an air of luxe to your bathroom space.  Replace the showerhead.  Put your own personal stamp to the space.

Shop Dog - Brian


5. Pets.  Settle your pets in by setting up their bed, bowls and toys.  Take the time to reassure and give that extra love.  Pets can get really unsettled with a move.  They need to know you are there for them.

Image Credit - www.planetofsuccess.com/blog/


6. Let's Get Technical.  Set up your internet and music.  Then that way you can listen to some cool tunes while you are painting over those bright coloured walls!

Charcoal Interiors Project

7. Choose one room.  Rome wasn't built in a day.  There is no rush at all to completely settle into your new home, in fact it is beneficial to take things room by room.  Choose one room that you can really cosy up.  Work on it until you feel really happy to settle into the space.  We recommend starting with either your Bedroom or Living area.  Remove all boxes.  Add your furniture, art, accessories, throws, cushions, candles etc....escape the mayhem and mess of the rest of the house in your allotted haven.

Photo image credit - https://www.flickr.com/photos/54851530@N04/

8.  Start Fresh.  We love the idea of being able to start fresh in the kitchen.  Head to the local food stores and stock up on fresh, healthy produce and a fresh, healthy start in your new space.

Photo credit - https://www.flickr.com/photos/georgemoga/

9.  Walk the neighbourhood.  Take a walk around your new neighbourhood.  Introduce yourself to the neighbours.  Explore the parks, shops, cafes and restaurants.  Get excited about your new environs.  This is a good opportunity to take your dog for a walk too.  Acquaint yourselves with the local dog parks, and lets face it, there's no better conversation starter than your pooch!

10.  Invite.  Send out invitations to your housewarming for 3 weeks time.  This gives you time to get organised, and creates a goal and incentive to have it all done by.

Relax with a glass of bubbles and....Enjoy!


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