Leslie Sinclair's Blog

2025 PaperCity Design Awards Houston

We’re beyond excited at Segreto to be recognized among such incredible talent in Houston, winning Best in Product Design at the 2025 PaperCity Design Awards!

These prestigious awards celebrate outstanding achievements across 20 categories in interior design and architecture. Judged by renowned designers and architects from across the country, the event showcases the exceptional creativity in our city-and we are so proud to be part of it!

This year’s Master of Ceremonies was none other than Timothy Corrigan, an internationally acclaimed designer with offices in Los Angeles and Paris. Timothy has been named to virtually every top design list, including the AD100, Elle Decor A-List, Robb Report’s Top 40, 1stDibs 50, and Luxe Gold List. He has also been honored by the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, the French Heritage Society, and received both the Design Icon and Star of Design awards. We are so blessed to be working with him on an exciting new project right here in Houston!

Residential Interior Design Under 3500 Square Feet- Creative Tonic-Photo by Julie Soefer

Timothy did a wonderful job emceeing the event and celebrating all of the stunning projects shared. We were thrilled to see so many of the talented designers we’re fortunate to collaborate with receive well-deserved recognition in multiple categories.

Residential Interior Design Over 3,500 Square Feet- Marie Flanigan Interiors – Photo by Julie Soefer

A big thank you to Caitlin Hsu for the beautiful feature in PaperCity! While we’ve highlighted just one award per design firm we collaborate with, we’re especially proud of them all-be sure to read the full article to see every winner and enjoy the stunning photography: PaperCity Design Awards Houston 

Best In Product Design -SEGRETO-Sculptural Bas-Relief- Collaboration with Laure Nell Interiors- Photo by Marco Ricca

We’re thrilled to share that our sculptural panel “Palm Rhythms” won Best in Product Design at the 2025 PaperCity Design Awards!

Created for designer Laetitia Laurent and the Kips Bay Palm Beach Showcase, this bas relief blends Art Deco elegance with Palm Beach flair. From panthers to palm fronds, the scene comes alive with sculptural storytelling and integrated lighting that adds a soft, captivating glow.

A huge thank you to Laetitia, whose inspiration stayed with us throughout, and to our talented team who helped bring this vision to life!

Best In Product Design-SEGRETO-Luce Draped–Sculptural Sconce Collaboration with Creative Tonic- Photo by Shannon Russel

At Segreto, every project is a true collaboration-and we’re thrilled that one of those partnerships has been recognized! Luce Draped, our sculptural plaster sconce created with the incredibly talented Courtney of Creative Tonic, has been awarded for its innovation in design.

Inspired by classical French ornamentation and the elegance of couture drapery, Luce Draped was originally sculpted in clay and hand-finished in layered plaster. The result captures the fluidity of fabric in a solid form, with every twist and fold frozen in luminous motion.

Subtly backlit, the piece casts a soft halo that accentuates its contours and negative space—transforming light into part of the sculpture’s story. More than a fixture, Luce Draped is an illuminated artwork, where material, movement, and craftsmanship converge. Working with Courtney is always a joy—her vision challenges and inspires us to reach new creative heights. We couldn’t be more excited to share this recognition with her!

A big congratulations to the talented interior designers and architects we’re so fortunate to collaborate with on many of their incredible projects.

We’re proud to play a small part in bringing their visions to life-take a peek below at just a few highlights of their stunning work!

Singular Space Bath-Kara Childress Interior Atelier- Photo by Julie Soefer

Residential Interior Design Over 3,500 Square Feet-Nina Magon Studio- Photo by Pär Bengtsson

Residential Interior Design Over 3,500 Square Feet-Benjamin Johnston Design-Photo by Julie Soefer

Residential Architectural Design over 3500 Square Feet-Reagan & Andre Architecture Studio, Elizabeth Garrett Interiors -Photo by Casey Dunn

Residential Architectural Design over 3500 Square Feet- Nadia Palacios Residential Design-Photo by Jack Thompson

Residential Architectural Design Under 3,500 Square Feet-Bill Curtis, Daniel Ostendorf, Curtis & Windham Architects- Photo by Chris Luker

Residential Architectural Design Under 3,500 Square Feet-Paul N. Brow- Photo by Zac Seewald

Singular Space Bedroom-Linda Eyles Design- Photo by Julie Soefer

Singular Space Kitchen- Laure U Design Collective- Photo by Pär Bengtsson

Singular Space Children’s Room- Alexandra Killion Interiors-Photo by Analicia Hermann

Take a moment to explore all of the inspiring project winners in PaperCity’s feature on the 2025 Houston PaperCity Design Awards!

Congratulations to all the honorees, and a heartfelt thank you to PaperCity and the esteemed panel of judges for dedicating their time and expertise to celebrate outstanding design. Till next time! xo Leslie

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Round Top Designer Show House: A Stunning Showcase and Book Signing!

Hi friends,

We are thrilled to be part of the first-ever Round Top Designer Show House and to support such an amazing cause! With over 2,000 design enthusiasts expected to attend, this inaugural event is a must-visit for anyone passionate about interiors, architecture, and craftsmanship.

Between panel discussions and design events, I’ll be there on the 21st for a book signing—I’d love to see you!

One of the coolest things about this show home? It’s for sale! It officially hits the market at the start of the event, offering a rare opportunity to own a professionally designed masterpiece.

The Round Top Designer Show House proudly supports Camp For All, a nonprofit dedicated to providing barrier-free camp experiences for children and adults with special needs. Together, we’re making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Join us in celebrating this incredible partnership and the impact it creates!

This incredible showcase brings together many talented design firms, and we are truly honored to collaborate with Kara Childress, Julie Dodson, and Mohon Interiors to add a little something special to their spaces.

The Mohon Team has the entry, living kitchen and study space as you walk into the home. We created a custom SegretoLime plaster and coordinating Segreto Paint to perfectly blend the rich greens that inspired Mohon Interiors’ gorgeous fabric selections. See the beautiful sketch, I bet Marcus drew that! This is my first time working with this talented duo, but it feels like we’ve been collaborating for years! You can also spot this finish in the study, adding warmth and tying everything together beautifully.

In the kitchen and great room, Segreto’s focus is on two stunning elements—the kitchen hood, which will feature a sculptural oak branch motif bringing the outdoors in, and the fireplace wall, coated in a one-coat plaster infused with marble dust for a beautifully reflective sheen.

Be on the lookout for one of our Shotgun Shell tables and two SegretoStone art pedestals in his incredible spaces! I think you can even purchase items from the rooms at the show. These pieces are such great conversation starters—the tops can be customized with brands, ranch names, or family names for a one-of-a-kind personal touch!

Mohon Interiors is led by husband-and-wife duo Autumn and Marcus Mohon, who specialize in interiors that balance graceful elegance with distinct geometry. Their work is designed to feel warmly approachable, inviting people to fully live in their spaces while celebrating their unique styles. With projects spanning coast to coast, Mohon Interiors seamlessly blends urban sophistication with rustic charm, making their expertise a perfect fit for the Round Top Designer Show House. Thier new book is breathtaking- a definite must read!! Marcus will be signing his book on Saturday after the panel discussion from 12-4.

Next stop is the powder bath, where we are working with Kara Childress to bring a distinctive touch to her reclaimed elements in the space. The image above is a project we did together, featured in my latest book, where Tadelakt was installed, enabling a shower-tub room with clean lines and no grout lines. (Image by Julie Sofer). In the showhouse, we are installing a stunning plaster from Domingue Architectural Finishes, chosen for its aged patina that beautifully complements Kara’s timeless design aesthetic.

Kara is renowned for blending Old World European elegance with modern livability, crafting interiors that are both refined and deeply personal. Her ability to seamlessly merge tradition with innovation results in spaces that tell a story—each one uniquely tailored to her clients’ lives. This photo is from Kara’s redesign of the Alba restaurant in the Grand Duca Hotel. See our blog on it here. Come by and see her incredible transformation of the hotel lobby, Remi Bar and Restaurant, bathrooms and meeting areas where Segreto was honored to be a part of her vision. The place is a beautifully handsome transformation!!

I have worked with Julie Dodson, and her sweet Mom before her for years, and she is so passionate about Round Top and supporting great causes. Above is a fun project we did together which shows her well done style and is a testament to her vision, She not only had us plaster the spaces in the most beautiful soft blue, but she also incorporated Segreto Paint throughout!

Moving to Dodson Interiors’ primary bedroom, a soft one-coat plaster was selected to create warmth within her transitional style with a fresh French twist. Given the plain cabinetry in the primary bath, we are applying a refined glaze to the cabinetry to instill a sense of age, giving these newly constructed pieces a furnished, timeless feel. With nearly two decades of experience, Dodson Interiors has transformed homes throughout Texas, Atlanta, and beyond, making their expertise an exciting addition to the Round Top Designer Show House. I don’t want to show you the finished space and ruin the surprise. You must come out and see!!

Segreto’s New Book: Beauty That Endures

We’re also thrilled to share that Segreto’s new book, Beauty That Endures, will be available throughout the show! I am so excited to host a special signing event on March 21st from 11 AM – 2 PM—I can’t wait to see you there!

Tour the Show House & Support a Great Cause

Visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to tour the home daily from March 20 through April 5, between 10 AM and 4 PM, during the Spring 2025 Round Top Antiques & Design Show. The event is made possible by presenting sponsors Ferguson, Kohler, and Thermador, who are dedicated to supporting this inspiring project.

Even more exciting, proceeds from ticket sales will directly benefit Camp For All, a barrier-free camp in Brenham that provides transformative experiences for individuals with special needs. This partnership ensures that every ticket purchased contributes to making a meaningful difference in the lives of many.

Get Your Tickets

Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience! Tickets are $25 and available for purchase online. Follow along for updates and sneak peeks as we count down to the grand opening of the Round Top Designer Show House!

Location: Round Top Designer Show House, 114 Turney Trace, Round Top
Dates: March 20 – April 5, 2025
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM Daily

We can’t wait to welcome you to this inspiring showcase of design, creativity, and purpose!

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A Parisian-Inspired Bathroom with Timeless Elegance-Kips Bay Palm Beach!

Hi Friends,

Luxury lovers, get ready to be captivated by the stunning primary bathroom designed by Boca Raton-based Laetitia Laurent of Laure Nell Interiors at this year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach. She set out to create a space that was both deeply personal and transportive—and the result is nothing short of spectacular.

“We named the space ‘Les Coulisses,’ which loosely translates to ‘backstage’ in French. The concept revolves around the art and ritual of getting ready,” says Laurent. “It’s about preparing for life’s grand performance, making this bathroom more than just a functional space—it’s an experience.”

Photography Marco Ricca

Every detail is considered and tells such a lovely story. We were honored that Laure Nell chose Segreto for such a key feature in her design after exploring numerous artistic firms. Valerie Legras, founder of Swadoh, a bespoke lighting brand, also featured in the space, introduced us to the project. Her beautiful lighting fits the romance of the space.

Photography Marco Ricca

We’re so excited to share Laure Nell Interiors’ work and a glimpse of our sculptural piece! Inspired by the beauty of bas-relief, this work brings a modern twist to Art Deco, infused with the charm of a well-traveled, Parisian-meets-Cartier elegance. It’s a little bit classic, a little bit contemporary, and our goal to be entirely captivating.

Enjoy these stunning professional photos by the renowned Marco Ricca.

With a tight deadline, our team swiftly transformed her vision into a series of dynamic sketches. After refining multiple iterations, we arrived at a design brimming with movement and emotion—a majestic panther, a playful monkey, and graceful egrets weaving through a lush jungle motif, echoing Cartier’s iconic style.

And soon, this vision will take shape in plaster! The red dots on the sketch? They’ll become striking lighting features, adding an extra layer of depth and drama to the piece.

This is the beginning of one of the integrated lighting elements that will be sculpted into the 7×7 panel. Designed to capture the effortless elegance of Palm Beach, our goal is to mimic the graceful sway of its signature palm trees—bringing movement, light, and a touch of nature’s rhythm into the piece.

To ensure seamless shipping and installation, we divided the piece into three floating panels, which were carefully reassembled and perfected on-site. The top panel is wet and in progress so you can see where the divide is. If you look closely, you can see it is also pieces to the left of the panther.

The final bas-relief masterpiece pays homage to both Cartier’s artistry and Laurent’s recent travels to Africa. Inspired by timeless French interiors, this bathroom was envisioned as a backstage retreat, where one prepares for the grand events of life. We were so excited when Laetitia was able to see it unveiled in her space and hear that we interpreted her vision well!

Photography Marco Ricca

Every detail exudes sophistication, from the classic parquet flooring to the Kravet leather-wrapped tub reminiscent of a Louis Vuitton trunk and striking black-and-white film photography of Jane Birkin adding a touch of Parisian charm.

Photography Marco Ricca

Creating this piece was a labor of love and a testament to teamwork, blending the expertise of our artisans, 2D and 3D renderers, and cutting-edge technology. Working around the clock—while battling an unexpected Houston freeze in an unheated warehouse—we raced against time to meet the shipping deadline.

Seeing the final space on opening day was an unforgettable moment. The harmonious blend of textures, patterns, and curated design elements created an immersive experience, evoking luxury, artistry, and history in one breathtaking space. The best part was Laetitia’s warm welcome and unforgettable smile!! We are truly honored to be a part of such a creative and beautiful space. Grab a cup of coffee and treat yourself to a look at her beautiful work!

If you missed our last blog post, take a look at Meg Lonergan’s space here!

We can’t wait to share more exciting collaborations with you soon! Have a wonderful rest of your week!!

Xx

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A Palm Beach Dream: Our Collaboration with Meg Lonergan at Kips Bay

Hi Friends,

After the excitement of Kips Bay Dallas and our stunning kitchen collaboration with Creative Tonic, we couldn’t wait to share our latest venture—this time in Palm Beach! Follow along for a Palm Beach Dream: Our Collaboration with Meg Lonergan at Kips Bay!

Meg Lonergan, a rising design star based in Houston, brought her creative vision to life in the outdoor loggia space. Spanning over 1,000 square feet, she masterfully crafted a luxurious retreat featuring a fully appointed kitchen, two seating areas, and a stylish dining space. Her design was nothing short of breathtaking, embodying sophistication and grandeur.

Forbes captured it best: “An outdoor space given a Greco-Roman flourish by Meg Lonergan in dramatic colors. From the treillage on the ceiling to the yards and yards of fabric that draped the walls, from the columns and statuary to the original vision, this space captures what show houses are all about. Imaginative, daring, and bold.” Photography Nick Sargent

Opening night was a sight to behold! Meg was radiant, taking in the festive atmosphere, mingling with guests, and celebrating the inspiring designs Kips Bay has to offer. The attention to detail in her space was impeccable—from breathtaking florals to hand-painted wall coverings on the ceiling, every inch exuded elegance.

All of the details were so thoughtfully curated—from breathtaking florals to……………..

………….the most amazing hand-done wall covering on the ceiling! Photography Nick Sargent

Kelsey, on Meg’s team, and Lauren on mine were instrumental in bringing everything together. Seeing their hard work pay off on opening night was pure joy!

A standout element? The custom-made ping pong table with a leather-woven net, transforming the space into an all-encompassing entertainment area. –Photography Nick Sargent

A few of our favorite features? The beautifully draped walls adorned with luxurious trim that created an intimate and inviting ambiance. Also, David Fuller’s incredible trellis work, highlighted on the ceiling. His craftsmanship brings intricate detail and beauty to the space!

We were beyond honored to be asked to design a custom plaster hood to elevate the existing kitchen design—what a joy to see it come to life in such an extraordinary setting! This hood was fabricated at our production facility in Houston and customized to be inset into the new mosaic tile and cover the existing small outdoor metal existing hood. Photography Nick Sargent

Meg also felt our Tulip martini table perfectly complemented her cool vibe—a chic spot to place a Palm Beach-inspired drink.–Photography Nick Sargent

And of course, what’s a show house without a spectacular tablescape? Meg’s vision included a stunning arrangement incorporating pink and green—two of our all-time favorite colors! Every detail was considered, each element perfectly in place, creating a space that felt both opulent and welcoming. Casa Gusto’s breakfast table created the perfect backdrop for a fabulous tablescape, bringing warmth and charm to the setting. The beautifully crafted dishes also by Casa Gusto added character and a timeless touch. If you’re in the Palm Beach area, be sure to check out their store—it’s such a treat and full of amazing finds!

We couldn’t resist sharing this adorable moment of Meg, all smiles and as bubbly as ever, alongside Hash, our talented onsite sculptor, putting the finishing touches on the space before the big reveal. Seeing the collaboration, creativity, and passion that went into this project has been truly inspiring!

We can’t wait to show you our second installation with Laure Nell Interiors—a bas-relief lighting feature wall with palms, panthers, monkeys, and egrets, all in Palm Beach style. But for now, we’re soaking in the magic of Palm Beach and celebrating this unforgettable collaboration.

Until next time!

Xx

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Kips Bay Show House- Dallas and Palm Beach Part 1!!

HI friends, dream big and sometimes that dream just may come to life! Showcases are always challenging to say the least. The extreme deadlines and expense to participate are reasons for pause before you say yes! Being passionate about all things design, I became a fan of the Kips Bay Show House because I felt it set the tone for design trends to come and allowed you marvel at some of the country’s best designers all under one roof. Later, I realized it also supports a great cause, and I thought one day, it would be such an honor to be able to participate in it.

The Show House all began in 1973 when several dedicated supporters of Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club launched the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Manhattan to raise critical funds for much needed after school and enrichment programs for New York City children. For more than four decades, the Show House has been a must-see event for thousands of design enthusiasts, renowned for sparking interior design trends throughout the world.

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When Courtnay Elias of Creative Tonic and her team came to me to help with the Kips Bay Dallas Showcase Home’s kitchen, I was super excited to hear her thoughts. The kitchen was central to the home, which was a great location, however because it was an interior space, it had no windows, Courtnay had the idea to create a whimsical garden centered on the island. Her creative mind envisioned floral brass posts from floor to ceiling (which Peck & Company brilliantly executed) being grounded with our sculptural reliefs. I absolutely LOVED the idea and was all in!!

It all started with a sketch! Remember this was to be a working island so one panel was in operable the others were door/drawer fronts and needed to be functional.

Which led to a full concept drawing inspired by Creative Tonic and implemented by the Kips Bay Team!! I hope Courtnay frames this work of art!!

With a plan in place, we got to work! The carpenter built the island at our facility, and after we created our sculptural plaster fronts, it was disassembled and moved to Dallas for installation where the wood styles and interiors of the piece were painted.

The handles to open and close the doors were sculpted right out of the floral elements!!

We were sill tweaking elements and coating additional layers of plaster on the piece, but were so happy how the drawers were lining up!!

Showcases are always a nail-biting experience- with a week till opening there is always so much to do. With island in place and our sculptural ceiling installed, the beautiful posts were going in!!

Now the Creative Tonic Team could focus on all the other detailed elements planned for the space!!

It was so fun to celebrate at the event with both the Segreto and Creative Tonic teams around our plaster table base in the to-die-for breakfast nook which opened into the kitchen!

This was truly an event to remember, magical really!! Courtnay always inspires and pushes us to create such unique focal elements in her interiors. I was truly proud of my entire team.

We met people from all over and I was truly honored to also have a book signing at the event which sold out!! this book showcases many sculptural installations we have done and takes you behind the scenes. With over 300 pages, and lots of inspiration and tips on picking that right color and product for your interiors, this truly is my favorite book in our Segreto Design Book Series. It is sold at many fine stores or purchase your copy here.

I hope you loved seeing a behind the scenes look at the Dallas Kips Bay Show House. To read more about Courtnay’s work and thought process behind Kips Bay read here!

Stay tuned for the next article which focuses on Kips Bay Palm beach where we are a part of Meg Lonergan’s outdoor living space and Laure Nell’s main powder room!! Till next time! XO Leslie

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Morocco comes to Houston!

We loved being a part of this unique and very custom home with designer Nicholas Proietti at the helm and Allan Edwards Builder coordinating the team!

Published in Architectural Digest and well written by Amy Bradford with lovely photography by none other than Douglas Friedma, we were challenged artistically to achieve Nicolas’s vision! I wanted to share some excerpts of the article with a few behind-the-scenes comments!

The secluded, leafy enclave of Memorial Park in Houston, Texas is probably the last place you’d expect to find a grand Moroccan-inspired home, which lends this opulent 13,000 square-foot residence an extra frisson of maximalism. Designed for an entrepreneur couple with a young family, it had already been lived in for several years before Nicholas Proietti, of San Francisco interiors studio Nicholas Vincent, gave it a complete overhaul. The centerpiece of the house is the formal living room, with its sweeping purple drapery and a handcrafted ceiling featuring neon accents.

Using Nicolas’s inspirations of his many trips to Marrakech, together we stylized a design full or color and enhance with gold leaf details fitting for this entrance into the primary bedroom suite.

There was some serendipity at work: the house already had various Moroccan-inspired details that informed the new design (including arches, columns, ceiling beams and limestone floors), and Proietti, having spent time in Marrakech, adored the city’s style. “The clients wanted a big change, which meant a lot of layers and vibrant colours,” he explains. Proietti, who has a flair for custom-designed elements, set to work commissioning his network of artisans to create ornate plasterwork, hand-stencilled walls, fretwork screens and intricate tiling, all rendered in a jewel-box palette of inky black, deep purple, sapphire blue and ruby red. Highlights of gold and white bring the interior to life, but the mood is predominantly dark and seductive.

One thing I adore about my job is to be able to work alongside some incredibly talented people! It was amazing to watch the artisans place each metal detail by hand individually perfectly lining them up!

The blue principal bedroom wows with its tent-style velvet ceiling canopy, and there are two cocktail bars – one in gold for large gatherings, and another more intimate tented area. “The owners love to entertain, which was key to the design,” says Proietti, who ordered all the tilework for the project directly from Morocco and tapped suppliers in LA for decorative lighting and accent furniture. “With all the drapery layers, they can enjoy spaces that are private when closed off or opened as ‘reveal’ rooms for maximum dramatic effect.”

This space really has such a majestic depth to it, using its different textures and rich tones to tantalize all of one’s senses.

Walls upholstered in Chivasso velvet and a tented ceiling in Dedar silk evoke the ambiance of a Bedouin tent. The bed (by Noir) and oak and marble nightstands by Holly Hunt over a vintage Moroccan rug by Stark. The day bed is by Sloan Miyasato, Peacock mirror by Moxie and the chandelier is a vintage iron and glass piece by Design Mix.

The brass wall to the right is the entrance into the bedroom, the fretwork is the entrance to the bath and one the left we continued the designs from the entrance of the primary suite on panels which hid an upstairs coffee bar and storage.

A custom wooden fretwork divider flanked by a hand-painted wall. Antique Punjabi chair and footstool.

The primary bath was our biggest challenge. Embedding mosaic mirror into venetian plaster on the underside of the arches framing the vanity was a first for us. It took many trial runs in our shop to figure out how to flush out the thickness of the Indvidual mosaics with the thin layers of venetian plaster. The end result achieved an amazing effect. We also plastered the shower in a tadelakt plaster, creating a serenity to the space allowing your eye to focus on the inlayed mosaic floors and posts.

The primary bathroom features custom Moroccan tile-clad columns and floor. The archway is finished in mirror mosaic in plaster. Dornbracht plumbing complement the Bizazza tub.

The walk-in wardrobe features a vintage brass chandelier by Badia designs. The cabinetry is finished with shutters decorated with mirror covered with custom fretwork screens.

A Syrian-style brass chandelier with custom hand-beaded shades in the bar on the upper floor, where bespoke screens inspired by Moroccan archways and traditional tables with mother of pearl inlay are paired with a custom banquette and leather ottomans.

A bespoke wooden fretwork screen frames the garden lounge that features a velvet banquette in fabric by Jab and a swing by Allan Edwards.

This artwork is super cool, it not only reflects images of everything around it but also the pattern from within looks like it goes on eternally. If you look down, up, or to either side you can see never ending pathways of lights shapes and patterns.

The dramatic décor is signposted in the entrance hall, where an illuminated icosahedron sculpture by British-American artist Anthony James holds court.

This space was previously the dining room, where we had distressed and aged beams. With the new direction our team gold leafed the beams. I was initially worried the gold leaf would not read well on a distressed surface. It honestly added a been there character which would not have been relayed as well on a super slick surface.

The garden lounge features a velvet banquette in fabric by Jab, custom rug by Woven Accents and accessories by Moxie and House 2106. The custom swing by Allan Edwards is finished in Nobilis fabric. The doors and screen are by Certafied.

The cabinets, which were light and aged before, transformed dramatically with a rich teal paint. To bring in the feel of Morrocco, we stenciled the beams with complimentary colors and patterns.

Hand-painted ceiling beams by Segreto and vintage brass lanterns by Badia Design and Living Morocco bring regional flair to the kitchen. Counter stools by Moxie and dining chairs by Minotti around a vintage pedestal table

There are so many unique and beautiful elements in this home like this wooden fretwork screen which frames the garden lounge! Nicolas and his team have allowed me to travel vicariously through his vision of this incredible home and learn the artistry from another piece of the world with very diverse cultures. For that, I and the entire Segreto Team are grateful!! check out the rest of the home in AD and also look at the incredible projects from designer Nicholas Proietti of Nicolas Vincent Design and builder Allan Edwards. Till next time! xo Leslie

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The 2024 Paper City Awards- and the winners are……..

Houston’s PaperCity Magazine Annual Design Awards were announced on May 28th in the Grande Ballroom of The Houstonian Hotel, and the Segreto team is still celebrating our city’s vibrant design scene and feeling grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside some of this year’s top winners. Every year, PaperCity provides a very special platform that allows designers, architects, and various trades to showcase their innovative and inspiring projects, products and work.  Out of hundreds of submissions, the PaperCity judges award 22 winning projects for overall excellence in different categories. The below are a few we were honored to be a part of.

Benjamin Johnston Design, Marc Anderson, Moss Landscaping; Erin Stetzer Homes, Julie Soefer Photography; styling Jessica Holtam

Ben Johnston won the award for Best Residential Architectural Design for over 3,500 square feet with Lead Architect Marc Anderson for their work on a Houston area home that beautifully integrates modern design with 1950’s regency glamour. In the image above, Segreto meticulously hand-painted the pedestal base of the kitchen island to blend seamlessly with the marble slab installed above it, creating a breathtaking centerpiece for the room. Can you see the electrical outlets we hand-painted on the backsplash? This was another element hand-painted by Segreto to match the marble. Everything blends and our team excels in this technique.

“We love our collaborations with Benjamin Johnston Interiors – the talent of him and his team, along with their attention to detail make such an impact in every project we work on together,” says Kirby Sinclar, Segreto Project Manager.

PaperCity Judges’ Remarks

“A bold homage to 1950s Regency glamour. This is really well done — each room seems carefully considered and decidedly theatrical, and it all works. The kitchen is a real stunner, with the wonderful gold millwork and stage-like presentation. The fluted columns to each side almost feel like they are curtains drawn open for a performance.” — Erik Evens

“A timeless gem with a dash of whimsy, this house offers many moments of playfulness wrapped in a tight box of refined expectations. The exterior is a tasteful interpretation attending to every detail with a reverence for the whole. Once inside, however, past the regal fluted foyer, any reverence starts to give way. Gilded kitchen cabinets mimic suspended gold ingots, while razzle-dazzle tilework in the primary bath reflects off a mirror-plated tub. The effect is beguiling but also entertaining, making this house the life of the party.” — Tyler Velten

“This house represents a cohesive architectural experience, from the exterior to the interior, within the Regency style. There’s a great amount of intention and detail that gives the house a sense of soul and a story that is authentic and timeless.” — Stan Dixon

Benjamin Johnston Design, Marc Anderson, Moss Landscaping; Erin Stetzer Homes, Julie Soefer Photography; styling Jessica Holtam

The Segreto team also hand painted the door jambs and electrical outlets throughout this beautiful primary suite to blend seamlessly with the fabulous marble wall installation throughout. Ben’s attention to detail, in requesting hand-painted elements, truly elevates the room.

PaperCity Judges’ Remarks

“Period perfect. The use of graphic geometry in the architecture and finishes is spot on.” — Daniel Kahan

“The attention to detail is perfection. Just wonderful!” — Jonathan Savage

Benjamin Johnston Design

Ben received another award for Best Singular Space in the Dining Room category. The Segreto team painted a full scenic landscape mural for this project, providing a dramatic background for the space. Hand-painted murals are a great way to customize a space for our clients, creating something special and one-of-a-kind for their home. They allow us to customize the color palette, scale, density, and subject matter of the space so that each work of art is truly unique to each project. This one was so much fun to create, Ben and the homeowner gave us inspiration photos and styles, to come up with a Bespoke backdrop to Ben’s elevated furnishings and lighting.

PaperCity Judge’s Remark

“You had me at the mirrored niche — what an effective, clever, and skillful tweaking of the interior architecture. You created elegant drama where there was none. The room is beautiful and inviting. Well done.” — Jeffry Weisman

“Cheers and congratulations to Benjamin Johnston Interiors on these awards, and for allowing the Segreto team to participate in these winning projects!” The Segreto Team

Kara Childress; Goodchild Builders, Photo by Julie Soefer

Kara Childress is a long-time client of Segreto. Kara received Best Singular Space for Living Room or Great Room, Entertainment, Recreation or Media Room.  We plastered the walls and ceilings, and the trim was painted to blend in the same plaster hue which creates the most elegant and rich backdrop.  Kara’s blend of contemporary art and old-world elements infuse a sense of sophistication elevating this lovely room and the entire home. This project, in its entirety will be featured in Beauty that Endures, Segreto’s 5th book in our Designer book series, due to be released in early November.

PaperCity Judges’ Remarks

“Earthy and timeless … a generational design.” — Drew Davis

“Gorgeous use of natural materials and textures. This is a space I want to be in for a long while.” — Stan Dixon

Thank you, Kara, for your inspiring work, and for allowing us to be a part of your well-deserved winning project. – Segreto Team

Owen Group Interiors, Honorable Mention

The Owen Group received honorable mention for Best Singular Space Children’s Room. This sweet, pink girl’s room is fit for a princess. The Segreto Plaster Flowers and Butterflies add a playful whimsical element to this feature wall. Now that I have a little grandbaby on the way, creating these special places is even more of an honor. Thank you, Owen Group, for letting us be a small part in this little one’s life!!

-Segreto Team

Segreto is truly honored to be a part of these Winning Projects of 2024.  We are thrilled to have our work alongside these truly amazing professionals.  Our collaboration with award-winning designers and architects has allowed us to showcase our expertise in creating exquisite finishes that elevate the overall design of these remarkable projects.  We want to congratulate the numerous other designers with whom we work and who have collaborated with Segreto on so many projects throughout the last year. There are so many other beautiful projects displayed in the Paper City article. Grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine and enjoy!! See the full PaperCity Article here.

Till next time! XO Leslie

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Segreto’s top Springtime Palette!! SegretoPaint & SegretoChalks!!

Hi friends!! Along with the warmer weather, spring brings color back into our lives. Flowers blooming, grass is green, and butterflies are a fluttering!! Representing new beginnings and transformations, we have developed a Springtime palette to bring a bit of cheerful color to your interiors with SegretoPaint or DIY craft through SegretoChalks!

I love what our paint mixologists came up with!! These not only will be beautiful painted on a wall as a lovely backdrop to your fabrics and art, but I want them all to be a part of my Easter table. Using our chalks, it was easy to craft!!

Waterfall, a lovely combination of green and blue, symbolizes majesty and change with its constant movement. It’s a cleansing color, inspiring positivity with the secreted implication that “falling won’t hurt”.

Bergamot, a type of citrus fruit native to Italy, has a soothing scent and a spicy taste. Used in perfumes and cosmetics, what better inspiration for us to create this soft yellow green color, with an umber undertone, softening its brightness which allows sophistication in a guest suite, or a quite relaxed feel in a newborn’s nursery.

Elle’s Lavender was developed for little Elle, whose parents wanted that perfect tone to welcome her into the world!! Lavender is a flowering plant in the mint family with a sweet floral scent. In ancient times it was used as a holy herb, it represents purity, calmness and grace and can be known to inspire to relax, calm and inspire a peaceful sleep,

Soft, soothing and peaceful, A Touch of Romance, is meant for any age. Representing sweetness, warmth and compassion, it is a calming color which most skins tones radiate against.

Emerging each spring, Daffodils inspire hope, joy and the ability to change. Cheerful and uplifting, our version’s softness is a classic tone which will beautifully pair with most any tone!

I hope you like our Springtime color line up. They are beautiful tones for walls or cabinetry! I also think they would be great for a furniture piece which you could try for fun, and SegretoChalks are easy to use!!

This is what I loved about using SegretoChalks!

There is no prep work!

They can be used to paint any surface! You can go over raw wood, stain, lacquer, shellac, wax or polyurethane!

You don’t need a lot of expertise with painting!

You can mix chalk paints so easily and layer if you are wanting to get extra creative!

A little goes a long way!

Easy clean up!

We now have the capability to ship our paints. For more information call our showroom at 713-461-5210 or come view our entire palette at 2211 Wirtcrest Lane,77055. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter with family and friends! Till next time! XO Leslie

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Southern Home – European Edit In Houston.

Hi Friends! See the feature here!

Inspired by a stint spent living in Paris, this Houston couple first fell in love with their Memorial-area home for its European influence. However, after living there for more than a decade and raising their three children within its walls, they were ready to renovate for the next phase of life. They called designer Kara Childress to inquire and learned she was booked out for the next year, Without hesitation, they said “We’ll wait.” Having seen her work in several friends’ homes, they knew it would be worth it. “Even though they are all different, you just tell’ a Kara home’ when you talk in the door.” one of the owners says. “It was such a compliment that they were willing to wait,” the designer says. “I’m a small boutique firm, and I sincerely think about whether I can take on a project and have the time to do a good job,” she adds.

Upon visiting the property, Childress found a formal home with dark, heavy layers. “It didn’t feel like them,” she says, “they wanted it to be good-looking and comfortable and have no rooms that were off-limits or pieces you couldn’t touch.” This desire matched with Childress’s philosophy of comfortable interiors that are “beautiful but no difficult.”

While no walls were moved, the house came down to its studs in character-rich plaster in many of the rooms at the hands of Leslie Sinclair of Segreto Finishes. “Leslie gets the vision,” Childress says. “It is a blessing in place, Childress pulled the rest of the home’s palette from a beloved tapestry the couple purchased abroad. The piece, which now hangs in the stairwell, inspired the hints of green seen throughout as well as the hues in the natural stone slabs.

In the adjoining kitchen, breakfast nook, and family room, the goal was unification with a more modern feel. “We removed layers to edit the room,” Childress says, These included architectural features such as wooden trusses, a stone fireplace, and built-in bookcases, as well as heavy draperies and formal furnishings. The walls and trim were updated in the same plaster hue, and French oak engineered wood was added underfoot for continuity. Comfortable pieces and contemporary art complete the look.

Clockwise from top left: The same neutral palette flows into the kitchen, bar, and media room, bringing a familiarity to the intimate family spaces, Childress left a wall treatment intact in the media room but pickled the wood for a more modern feel. The black-and-white photograph by David Yarrow is a nod to the couple’s alma mater, The University of Texas. The aesthetic continues out to the loggia, where similar design updates were made to match the interior.

Aside from the Tapestry, the owners have a number of antiques from their time overseas, including the commode in the entry, the chaise in the primary bedroom, and the sofa in the study. Childress effortlessly incorporated these into the design, giving sentimental value while also adding to the home’s European bend. “I love that these have meaning for her,” the designer says. While the receiving rooms underwent structured yet welcoming refreshes, Childress pushes conform and more contemporary finishes in the private gathering spaces. In the family room, which adjoins the kitchen, trusses and built-in bookcases were removed, and a stone fireplace was traded for a plaster version. “We took away layers to edit and streamline the room,” Childress says of the approach. Rather than the tapestries see in the entry hall and formal living room, contemporary art-including a mixed-media work by Gary Komarin-hangs on the walls. In the walls’ existing wood treatment was pickled to lighten the look. Similarly, bulky drapery and accent pieces were removed from the kitchen and primary bath, making way for a renovation in a lighter palette with a slightly more modern feel.

“Kara’s vision was unbelievable. I didn’t even know how heavy it was also gave it instant authenticity with the lighting, fireplace mantels, and plaster-it doesn’t feel wen,” Childress says of the and result. ” ultimately, I want my design to be timeless and for clients to love their home as much in 10 years as they do the day we install it.”

Previously red and brown, the husband’s study was one of the biggest transformations in terms of color. The paneled walls refreshed with teal paint, and wallpaper that has the appearance of book bindings covers the ceiling, Green furnishings, including a sofa the couple purchased while living abroad, tie into the palette seen throughput many of the home’s public gathering spaces. The 18th-century fireplace is juxtaposed with a contemporary work by photographer David Yarrow.

Clockwise from top: Upstairs, a yellow wallpaper from Schumacher is the star in a room made for one of the couple’s daughters. “This is one of my favorite rooms ever,” Childress says. “It’s a color that is outside my wheelhouse, but it brings me so much joy!” The main powder bath pairs a checkerboards floor with a tiger-themed wallcovering from Clarence House. The serene blue guest room was designed to be soft and feminine as a retreat when their oldest daughter visits.

Childress reinvented the primary bedroom by eliminating built-in columns, plastering the walls, and clenching the wood on an existing wardrobe. Ornate draperies were exchanged for a carries seamlessly into the suite bath where Calacatta marble flows across the floors, shower, and counters for a clean, refined appeal.

Till next time! Leslie

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My Valentine’s Day Tablescape and DIY Linens

Hi Friends! You know how I love rom-com’s and Valentine’s Day and this year i did a really fun DIY project I wanted to share!! Hand-painted linens really make a one-of-a-kind table, so it makes a wonderful gift and truly special table settings!!

This year I wanted to use my new napkins from Juliska with my mismatch of my dishware. I didn’t have that perfect tablecloth, so I decided to paint my own to pull together all the pinks and reds I wanted to use. This is such a fun, inexpensive and easy project!

What you need!

Being a crafter I have a collection of supplies in my stash. If you don’t, all can be found on Amazon, and all for under $50. Having a friend crafting day just buy extra cloths, the rest of the supplies can produce a storeroom of linens.

Tablecloth $14.99 Fabric Paint $10.99 Permanent Fabric Markers $10.25 Spray bottle $7.99

Because my breakfast table is my largest surface, I like to paint there. To protect it, I cover it with a big painters drop cloth. For this project I used a water spray bottle so also using a plastic sheeting in important for the look and for extra protection!! One thing I wish I did was to wash and dry the tablecloth out to get rid of all the wrinkles before I started the craft!! This would have been so much easier as I hate to iron!!

I had a couple of friends over to help me demonstrate as I didn’t take many photos when I was doing my own project. They decided to make napkins. After doing the design take a spray bottle and spray your paintings. This creates a beautiful watercolor effect! It also leaves a watery paint on the plastic! For my larger tablecloth I dried the water with the cloth which when absorbed created a dreamy effect!

See the little white dots? Those were created by using a small spray bottle and spraying the paint. You can also dip a toothbrush in the paint and flick it onto your project.

My last step was to take the paint markers and make scribbles and write love friendship and family on the cloth.

I really loved how it pulled all of my Valentine’s tones together!!

I found these really unusual blossoms at Trader Joe’s- wish I knew what type of flowers they are! I mixed them with some roses!

I was so happy how it turned out!! The unusual blooms had really large magnolia type leaves. They didn’t work for the arrangement, but I loved the added green to the table, so I decided……….

……….. to add a love language to them and use them around the floral arrangement. They also would be so cute tucked into the napkins with your guest names as place card name plates!!!

The Results!

I hope you enjoyed the post and that it inspires you to do your own!! For more Valentine’s inspirations see previous tablescapes and fun craft activities here, here, here and my favorite pink color pics here!

You know you all are my special Valentines!! I hope you have a sweetheart of a month!!

Have you checked out the LUXE Red awards submissions this year? It was a big treat looking through all the beautiful entries!! We would be so grateful if you would take a second to vote for Segreto in two categories. It’s readers choice awards!! Click the links below to cast your vote and share with your friends! Thank you so much for your support, always!!! Till next time, xo Leslie

Vote here for our sculpted plaster relief in the wallcoverings category

Vote here for our sculpted plaster lighting installation in the lighting category

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