Leslie Sinclair's Blog, page 15

What’s Up With Segreto?

Hi Friends!! I hope you have had a week full of adventure! It’s been an exciting week here! The new book, Segreto Impressions, is just about ready to be sent to press! This one is 410 pages and packed full of amazing projects!! I could have added so much more as every home we work in is so special!! Thank you all for letting me help you with you beautiful homes! You all are my inspiration!

My Mom sent me this when she was going though old photos books. This was me at 10 in my square dancing outfit-Yikes- presenting my first children’s book- The Uneatable Tootsie Roll. I guess I did have a passion for publications.

Projects to share!

This wonderful homeowner in Austin wanted something special for her floors in the living room. Although typically we work on top of already stained or painted surfaces we took this one from raw wood. What a dramatic before and after !

We applied a primer wash first to kill the yellow undertones so our top colors would be true. This created a perfect base for the graphic design. I love the grain showing through and the mix of taupe, white and blush! A great job from our decorative team!

SegretoStone creates a clean look for fireplaces and hearths! I love this one in our Elegance color line! Segreto Consultant Kirby had been working hard to create our series of colors! We now have @25 to choose from!

Another cause for celebration!! SegretoStone is Trademarked! Isai, our operations manager who has worked so hard on developing this product is saying hip hip hurray!!!!!

This project has been so interesting and fun for me! Finding it hard to create the decorative elements in metal due to the tight curves, Dillon Kyle Architects, created a 3-D rendering of this material. We gold leafed it to emulate the finish of the real brass top. I am going to plan a field trip to see how their machine works. You can come with!!

This mural, created for one of Slovack-Bass‘s clients, was inspired by the Biblical account of Daniel in the Lion’s den. The story accounts Daniel’s refusal to bow to man and teaches us of the promise and faithfulness of God, even if we feel like everything has been lost.  Painted over plaster, we hope it to inspire for years to come.

This powder bath was painted over plaster for JJ Design Group. There is something so classic about these designs, and no two are alike. I love working with this mother daughter team. Daughter Heather has started her own dorm bedding line. If you have a kiddo going to collage you might check out her beautiful things. So much to choose from!!

Different-Yes! Beautiful-Yes, Yes!! This is what I love about being a part of design today! The freedom of mixing styles enables us to create a look that represents all we want to feel at home. Homeowners Christi and Taylor are partners in Putterman Scharck & Associates a really cool lighting company. This kitchen both modern and rustic has a bit of Hollywood glam in the mix. The counter tops on this project are Onyx SegretoStone! I was blown away when I conducted a site visit while we were still in progress. LOVE!

We plastered the shower in the same home’s master bath. With a quiet movement and no grout lines, the tile becomes a featured accent wall.

This post is full of firsts. This is my baby daughter Sammy and her boyfriend Dylan. They are on a trip to Europe seeing the sights. They sent this to me early in the day. Then I got a call later, and?…………..

My Baby is engaged!!! Dylan asked John and I for her hand in marriage about 6 weeks ago. I had to stay quite until the big day. He was so sweet and so genuine. We are so happy for them both and thrilled to have a new son!!

Sammy, being very sentimental, wanted a family ring. This was my Mom’s engagement ring. On her wedding day Sammy will wear my Grandmother’s guard bands. My Grandmother, wore them for over 60 years and I wore them another 20. I can’t wait for her to get back home! We are planning a wedding!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful week or Passez une merveilleuse semaine as they say in Paris!! xo Leslie

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So Many Cool Things to Share!

Hi Friends!! I can’t believe it is already summer. I hope many of you are in cool fun places enjoying family and friends. We have been busy creating and I wanted to share some super fun projects with you!

This is a Harvey home in which these wonderful homeowners have just been able to move in. It has been a long journey. The black plastered walls have a mirror-like finish. Just the right treatment for the dramatic elements that designer Julia Blailock has in store for this beautiful room.

I love how these doors we finished are inset into our plaster walls. Design team Slovack Bass‘s vision was to incorporate an aged furniture feel to the refrigerator doors creating a design element to a typically utilitarian element in a kitchen.

This is a challenge we typically don’t get to attempt. All residences in this Houston high-rise have two standard tan metal elevator doors that open onto a private lobby before you get to the residence’s front door. Wanting to dress these doors and tie them into the design of the front door, we use the egg and dart carving as inspiration.

Painting them high-gloss black first, we began to layout the design.

It is looking dimensional- as if it was truly carved!!

We decided to create a medallion in the center of the design rather than exactly creating the doors knob. This was not an easy project as it seemed as soon as we were on a roll painting, someone would come up to the unit and the doors would open mid paint stroke!

Painting on high gloss is not an easy feat but the high sheen to these doors really added to the effect! They were mirror like, you can see me and the room’s furnishings captured in the image.

Here is one complete–one down one to go!

How can I share without incorporating my favorite game of I spy. Painting electrical plates are a finishing touch that makes a huge difference in any space!!

One thing I LOVE about SegretoStone is that cabinet doors can be inset, lending the effect of seamless counters and styles!!! This is a pantry to the most amazing kitchen by Cindy Witmer and Stonhendge Classic Homes. You will get to see it in my next book Segreto Impressions!!

This SegretoStone blush counter is such a perfect match to this beautiful tile backsplash! You know me-I love PINK!

In the same house, I really loved this super creative shelving unit that was custom built for her home office!! I want one, lots of storage and beautifully designed.

This custom SegretoStone floating pedestal with an integrated sink is ready to be installed in an oh-so-chic powder bath. These can be created in any size, shape and in 30 colors!

Wanting to see their grandkids more than when they were actually swimming in the pool, we painted their portraits on the walls right outside the pool house’s guest bath. If you look closely you can see the doting grandparents sitting on the porch watching their cherished ones taking a swim.

Twinkle, twinkle little star makes the perfect decorative element to this master’s pop up ceiling! When decorating don’t forget to look up!!! I hope you have an amazing week. Take time to enjoy the small things even if you are super busy. My goal this week. Till next time! xo Leslie

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Let’s Put Everything in its Place.-House Update Part 4!

Hi Friends!! I hope you have had a great week! Summer is here in Houston with a heat index of 111! Keep in mind that even though this is the 4th week to post on my house fluff, the entire project was done in just 2 weeks. With my deadline quickly approaching, my daughter moving home with all of her furniture, and years of me accumulating junk, I was feeling overwhelmed that everything would not be put in its place in time.

I have this room off my bedroom which literally has turned into a JUNK ROOM. Years ago, it was a study, then the nursery when the kiddos were small and later a sitting room. I wanted to start off with a pretty picture before I showed you the not so pretty task in hand, so…. here are the walls in the space which were created to enhance the sitting room’s decor. I stenciled over our plaster in several colors and then hand highlighted the trellis detail in gold.

After the last renovation @ 5 years ago, it just became a place for me to throw everything! Accessories I wasn’t using, luggage and storage for gifts.   EMBARRASSING! But who knew? —the door was always shut. I didn’t even fix the walls from where the new windows were installed.

Now, faced with storing furniture, having Kirby’s items to store, and some extra items from my mother’s home, I had to tackle this space making the most use of the room. I did not want to pay for a storage unit, nor was I ready to get rid of things.

It looks better cleaned out!! Client and friend, Amy Cunningham, came to the rescue.  I met her when she was designing her own home (which by the way is in Segreto Style). I was always impressed by how perfectly organized everything was. Years later, deciding her true passion was organizing and accessorizing, she started a business with her friend Christina Milligan, to organize spaces, beautifully. Hearing about how stressed I was she offered to help.

Their task was to create a staging room in this space where I
could store furniture, accessories, gifts, holiday and party supplies in a way
that was accessible and easy to see. Their first step was to clear out the
room.

Because my painters were starting the very next day, their challenge was to complete their mission in a day! They unloaded everything into the living room and I left for work!

When I returned, I was amazed! The large credenza which was under the murals in the living room found a new home and was filled with baskets, which were labeled to house all the holiday décor. With tubs for Christmas, Halloween, Easter and Valentine’s day, my party planning just became so much easier! The light fixture from the den was re-located and the ottoman from the living room also found a home! I purchase gifts all year long for my staff’s holiday party, and for weddings and birthdays, so Amy and Christina needed to create a storage solution that allowed me to see what I had purchased.  Repurposed 7’ shelving units from the Segreto warehouse were the perfect solution. They opened all the boxes to get rid of bulky packaging and grouped like things together, placing the heaviest items on the bottom shelves. This made things so easy to see. 

Moving antiques to an off-site storage facility can risk damaging them, so making space for these pieces was a priority.  The fact that they are beautiful and provided great concealed storage was a plus! This Armoire, from Joyce Horn Antiques, became the perfect way to store old books, accessories and table linens.

Attaching simple linen panels with Velcro will keep the shelves looking tidy. I found the fabric at Interior fabrics for 7$ per yard!!  You can’t beat that.

They found a space for literally everything, and for the first time in years I could walk in.

Even the drapery panels from my living room found a home.  I still thought they were beautiful and wanted to save.

I loved everything so much, I asked them to work on my pantry.

I had it semi-organized at one time, but years of not putting things back in their place was starting to show.

So much better!! Thank you, Amy and Christina, from Organized Design. I can’t believe the difference a day or two makes!! You did a beautiful job and now I actually leave the door open in both spaces! Check out their website for more great inspirations!! Organize something in your home this spring!  It truly is like a breath of fresh air.  Till next week!  Xo Leslie

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House Update Part 3-Pretty in Pink!

Hi Everyone!!  I hope you did get those flowers for your table and truly enjoyed them!  Its nice to do special little things for ourselves!! Well, moving on to the living room-this one was the most work and the most challenging!!

Here is how my living room looked in 2009. The walls were painted white and glazed, I had a tile detail on the ceiling and a textured finish on the fireplace mantle. the chandelier is now in my daughters room. I don’t know if any of you remember the curtain exchange? It was great because you could get high quality ready-made panels!!  I miss that place!! I added the tassel trim, which at the time was all the rage.  Wanting to hang them that day I found some tie backs from Pottery Barn and improvised to re-purpose them to hang the drapes!  They have remained though all the home re-dos!!

These two little chairs, which I refinished and re-upholstered are now in my bedroom with a simple linen. The table is in Galveston next to a bed.

When we did our next redo, the furnishings mainly stayed the same. , I painted the walls a gray blue and softened the mural by washing over it with the new wall color. I also replaced the inside upholstery of the settee with a Saladino pink mohair from Ken Kehoe & Company. Originally it was the same material as the chair and drapery fabric. I hung the Aidan Gray light fixture for a bit of a contemporary twist. Now this fixture is the one we plastered over and it now hangs in the den. The tassels on the drapes were replaced with a beautiful trim. I also added a few Lucite side tables from Lam Bespoke.

Sometimes it all starts with one thing.  I originally wanted a vintage Murano glass light fixture but when I saw this one at MAI Memorial Antiques & Interiors, I fell in love. It is vintage brass and came from Italy. Goes with my Segreto roots!

My friend, designer James Mol, came over to go over his spread in the upcoming book and I shared my dilemma! I have always thought the room was beautiful, but not functional.  Although the room is big, there is limited seating so we rarely used the space. Also, all my rooms are walk though rooms so placement is hard. Well, sweet James who came over for an hour visit stayed all day!  He, daughter Kirby, and myself moved things around to see how different placements would work.  Here is one version that we were kind of liking. The daybed and vintage brass coffee were moved from the den, and the painting was from my office.  The French buffet was outside on my patio, lamp was from my music room, and lots of things were moved out!

Those things were heavy!!!!!!!!!!!! Well after all of that my husband comes out and says the daybed interrupts his pathway.  Back to the drawing board! We did decide on a plan, but you will just have to wait until the final reveal!  The room has an outdoor overhang so it gets dark.  I was itching to use our new Segreto paint in the room, and brighten the space.

I love the light fixture, give a modern feel to my European furnishings! I choose Segreto Paint 106.5 for the woodwork–It looked beautiful with the plastered ceiling and still had a warm feel. With less than a week to go we still had a lot to do!

Before I go on, I have to mention what started the whole thing.  Although we didn’t flood in Harvey, a downstairs toilet caused quite a flood in this room. Floor Designs of Houston did a great job giving me a special new floor! Original to the house I was sad these floors couldn’t be saved. I never thought I would say this but, I think I like the new one better.

Now the murals?  I had a hard time deciding whether to leave them or replace them. Having them for about 20 years, I wanted a more contemporary mural.  It was a tough call but……………

……I went with a new look. Here we are two days and counting. As the mural evolved, I felt that I made the right choice. The tones are all Segreto Paint colors in different darkness’s of the same tone.  The bead detail on the paneling was gold leafed and I glazed a bit of Segreto’s Rosewater on the reveals.

I wanted to try something completely new with the wood fireplace. What would happen if we applied SegretoStone over the top? I would do the same treatment to the metal balcony railing turned fireplace screen.  Would it work?  I was excited to find out. This marble was installed in 1987! The rug was purchased shortly after from Matt Cameron Rugs & Tapestries and was an investment piece for us-one I still loved!! I truly feel everything does not need to be replaced to give your room an update or just new feel!!  Ready for the after?

This is one part we didn’t get to totally finish. Our stone crew will need to come out and polish and sand it more. It really changed the look though. You can see the new drapery fabric-pulling the creamier tones in the rug. A bargain, we found this fabric at Interior Fabrics on sale for under $75!!  What??? I kept the silk blue drapery in my new staging room (stay tuned), as it might be fun two switch out.

The coffee table in front of the settee(originally from Joyce Horn Antiques) was also a find! Purchase from MAI, as two mid-century side tables with round glass tops, we joined them together and replaced their glass tops with one made from SegretoStone. It was a splurge, but it is my birthday month!

And now for the final Reveal!!!!!!!!!!!

What changed?

New light fixture from MAI Memorial Antiques and Interiors.
Coffee table with SegretoStone top.
Pillows on couch from music room and Kirby’s apartment.
Two French chairs (originally from Joyce Horn Antiques) were previously in my music room.
French buffet we refinished was from moved from my outdoor patio.
Painting above the piece was from Kirby’s apartment. She painted it herself!
I pulled the Lucite stools from the den.
Purchased these two new swivel chairs from Lam Bespoke.
The entry console(originally from Joyce Horn Antiques) was moved from the den and the chair from the living room.
We painted all the paneling Segreto Paint 106.5, gold leafed the bead detail and glazed the reveals with Segreto Paint Rosewater.
The fireplace and screen(originally from Joyce Horn Antiques) were coated in SegretoStone.
New draperies were installed.

We love the new look and John and I have used the room daily since!! It now has comfortable seating for 8, where before only 5 could sit. So where did the rest of the furnishings go?  Stay tuned next week, to see them in their new spaces! Have a beautiful week. xo  Leslie

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House Update Part 2-Pretty in Pink!

Hi Everyone!!  I hope that spring time is putting a bit of a dance in your step!! Although it has been a quick whirl wind completing the project at my home, it all got done and I have lots to share. I feel like it should have been one of those HGTV shows. I decided to redo, my daughter Kirby moved back home with all her furniture and I was hosting sweet Kristy Harvey in my home so I really wanted it perfect before she arrived. I had lots of goals with the project.

To not have to store anymore furniture.
To feel more organized.
To create more comfortable seating areas, so we would use each room more.
To update the look and brighten the spaces.
To finish in two weeks!

Let’s start from the beginning!!

This is how the space looked when we moved in in 1987!  We made it into an exercise room at the time but can’t find those pictures. I think originally it was a walkway to the garage converted into a room. Once we started having kids we changed it into a playroom with a blue and white checkered couch and blue faux finished walls!  In @2005 we opened this space up to the kitchen and breakfast room and added onto the home, then creating a TV room/den. It became one of the most rooms in our house.

Here is the 2005 unveiling!! Back then my offices were out of my home. We showcased all the many finishes that we did at the time. Believe it or not, this was all the rage back then-goodness how styles have changed.

By 2011 I really wanted to lighten up the spaces!! We plastered the walls, lightened the cabinet and recovered the furnishings giving the space a whole different feel. Read about that redo and couch shopping with my husband!

This was taken in 2016. I plastered in a brighter white and redid the furnishings to go with the more modern reclining couch my husband John just had to have! Read the story on designing around this new Barbie couch! I was super excited about having my very own SegretoStone coffee table. If the dogs hadn’t chewed all the pillows and used the daybed as their own personal bed the room might have stayed just as it was.

So what has changed?

The chandelier from the living room was plastered over with SegretoStone. The one it replaced was moved to my staging room.
The slip-covered swivel chairs were recovered in velvet from High Fashion Home. They were supposed to have a dressmakers skirt but that got lost in the communications–they still look great!
The two chairs I purchase from The Round Top Antiques Fair were moved from the entry to here.
The Italian painting of Mary and Jesus was moved to the music room and the gifted vintage Gracie panel hung here instead.  My daughters Lucite console from Lam Bespoke was placed in front as a catch all for keys. It had to be functional! I purchased pink pillow and  the stools (which I recovered) from Lam Bespoke. The Aidan Gray table between the chairs, was brought down from my daughters room.

The cabinet received a bit of Segreto’s new color Rose Water on its details. The pink just makes me happy when I look at the room.  Although daybeds are so pretty, the two chairs will seat people more comfortably when we have guests or my growing family over! The daybed is the only piece of furniture that I had to store!!

The breakfast room got a bit of a redo as well. These chairs had been covered in the same white duck fabric for almost 20 years. The stains couldn’t be cleaned any longer.  This room is both visible from the den and formal living.  We decided a pop of color would be a welcome change so, we incorporated some of the tones from the vintage Gracie panel and a colorful piece of art from the living room.  And the new look……………..?

Both fabrics will hold up better to their daily use and it added a bit of whimsy to my French furnishings. Sometimes it just takes small things to give an entirely different look. The floral for the event were simply beautiful. I was going to do them myself with bunches from Trader Joe’s but running out of time I called someone whose work I have always admired. Karla Lazo Floral Designs did simply, an amazing job!

Next week I will show you the remake of my living room!  Did these murals stay or did they go? I must say that I love rearranging and fluffing my house a bit. It has given me a new outlook when starting each day!! Give yourself a treat this week and put a small floral on your kitchen table or next to your bed. It will make you smile. Till next time!  xo Leslie

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I Am Craving Pink!! Time for a House Update!

Hi Friends!! Thank you to all that greeted Kristy with such a warm welcome. I loved meeting her in person finally. She truly is as sweet as I thought she would be. Just curious? Do you just get something in your head and you want it everywhere? Maybe it started with this amazing project I am working on and seeing the infusion of that perfect pink so well done!

Imagine yourself in this solid pink onyx tub overlooking the Houston skyline and stepping out onto those beautiful mosaic floors–incredible!!

OK-totally am obsessed with the pink stove–I would want to cook every single day! We incorporated gold leafing on the island to complement the brass in the space.

With pink on my brain, I decided to redo the spaces putting a bit more of my favorite color. Here is my den before. This picture was taken 5 years ago. Now, the pillows are looking a bit worn, my pups have chewed the corners of my chairs, and the daybed had turned into their bed. So, it is time for a much needed refresh anyway!! My SegretoStone coffee table and the draperies are the only two elements in the space that have held up to the dogs. Cost saving tip: Interior Fabrics have white and off white linen and trims at a great price. Depending on the weight, they retail at 19-29 dollars–that price is hard to beat. See the painting of Mary and baby Jesus? I am moving this to my music room to make way for a new piece!

Scott, a superintendent with Goodchild Custom Homes and Renovations, gifted me this vintage Gracie panel of wall covering he took down from a River Oaks home’s dining room he was remodeling. He has seen how many hand-painted murals like this we have done for his clients, and knows how much I appreciate their artistry. Framing it and hanging it in the niche, I thought pulling the pink from the floral into some accessories would be just what the den needed. And its vintage-how cool is that?

Keeping your walls neutral in tone, it is so easy to get a fresh new look just by changing a few pillows. I stopped by Lam Bespoke and was thrilled with their large selection. It was like they read my mind!!  Because my rug was blue I thought I would need to mix the two tones to pull it together.

So I took these out on approval.  They look pretty great against the back SegretoStone accent wall we did for them don’t you think?

I made several trips back and forth and settled on the pretty linen ones. Although I loved many of the patterned ones, I felt with the design of the rug and the decision to replace the daybed with these two chairs that were in my entry, that simple, was the best. I also started playing around with my coffee table’s accessories and used some pink design books of daughter Kirby’s as accents to see how that would change things. It’s not done, so don’t judge yet!

Here is a a before shot of the other side of the room. Look, you can see those two sweet pillow furniture chewing culprits outside, looking though the french doors. The built in has made it though several decor changes. I still liked the finish but wanted to add a bit of a funky twist to it.

Using one of Segreto Paint’s new color, Rose Water, we painted some of the elements of the piece that perfect shade of pink. I am ordering long brass handle hardware to further enhance the transformation. Remember, when purchasing new hardware, the spread is the distance from the center of where each of the holes were drilled.  This hardware has a 4 inch spread–the new ones, a 10 inch. I will have to fill the holes so they don’t show when the new hardware is installed. You can leave the top one and just fill the bottom if you like the current placement.

This room isn’t the only one I am making changes in.  I took down this Aidan Gray light fixture, which was in the formal living room, because I found one I preferred for that space.  Rather than storing it, I decided to give it a makeover by plastering it with Segretostone. The existing light fixture in the den also found a new home.

We rushed it from the warehouse because we had an electrician scheduled, so Kirby is putting the final coat on in place!

Because we had to rush it were were not able to polish the final coat as we could have at the warehouse. The rougher texture works for me in their space! I adore its new look!

Here is a prototype we did plastering over an old French balcony railing mounted on a metal base. With polishing between its multiple layers we were able to smooth it out.

Pretty cool, right? Just imagine what you could re-purpose and transform! A lamp, a table base, a console-the possibilities are limitless! Well next week I will let you see the final reveal. So stay tuned!!

I also had some other surprises in store for me. When I showed up to the warehouse for a Friday 5:00 meeting, my crew had a surprise birthday celebration planned!

What a wonderful group and I was touched by how many of my crew decided to spend their Friday night with me!

So why do I love pink?  What does this color do for our mood? Studies show that pink is calming. It represents the sweetness and innocence of the child in all of us. I love that, I hope that this pink mural inspires that very mood for the lovely lady whose home we are painting it in. See you next week!  xo Leslie

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Designer Spotlight- Lucas/Eilers

Hi Friends! I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day!! Designer spotlights are some of my favorite posts and today I am highlighting two long time friends, Sarah Eilers and Sandy Lucas, founding partners of Houston’s prestigious Lucas/ Eilers Design Associates! Both incredibly nice gals that have such a sophistication and timeless classic beauty to their design. These two work independently on their projects and both are known for incorporating exceptional attention to detail in their creations of thoughtful spaces relevant to their clients’ diverse tastes and personalities.. I have been blessed to work for both, and now consider them my gal pals. I hope you enjoy a tour though their accomplished portfolio.

Welcoming the outdoors inside was the catalyst leading to the total renovation of this residence situated on a lush golf course in Houston. This successful design was the product of a two year collaboration between Lucas/Eilers, the architect and the client where the spaces were intentionally opened to each other as well as to the adjacent resort-like vistas. Custom lighting, furnishings and commissioned artwork were combined with period antiques and rugs to create the refined yet comfortable interior.

Credits…  Designer Sandy Lucas: Architect: Dillon Kyle Architecture (Houston, TX); Builder: Fairway Construction (Houston, TX); Landscaping: Steel Landscape Architects (Houston, TX); Images by Carl Mayfield

Known for her beautiful but warm bedrooms, Sarah’s use of traditional furnishings with luxurious fabrics in this space show a restraint that adds sophistication and warmth to the space. Set against a soothing plaster, its like being at a 5 star retreat right at home!!

Photographer Julie Soefer

Pretty as a painting, I just can’t get over the red. Definitely dramatic and so unique, what a perfect treatment for this ceiling.  Look at the beautiful barn. This project, deep in the heart of Texas is by Sandy Lucas and her team.

Both Gals are award winning designers, with a diverse portfolio of work including traditional, contemporary, and eclectic projects across North America in locations including Houston, New York, Colorado, California, Tennessee, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Vermont, Washington D.C. and New Mexico. WHEW these gals are busy!

This was a beautiful project which was so fun to collaborate on with Sarah. With an amazing, curated art collection, the house was an eclectic mix of collected furnishings.

You may recognize this beautiful bath from Segreto Vignettes! First plastered. the ceiling has a hand-applied treatment with hints of gold leafing. This accentuates the beautiful architecture of the ceiling and adds that eclectic element to this otherwise traditional space.

Sandy and her team had fun with this total renovation of this high rise residence which overlooks Lady Bird Lake in Austin. The biggest transformation came from lightening the walls and the addition of large scaled, custom light fixtures which not only give ambient light but also a sculptural quality to the spaces. I love this one-so cool!!  It reminds me a bit of our new experiment-plastering over existing lighting!! 

Credits…Ryann Ford Photography (Austin, Texas)

I love bunk rooms, and this one in Galveston is at the top of my list!! It is so wonderful that these two ladies, both with a design degree from The University of Texas, have successfully created a partnership, which has flourished for close to 25 years.  The partners collectively draw on a wealth of experience, resources, and craftsmen. Their long-term sharing of passion and ideas provides clients with access to invaluable information and gives the firm an edge when researching new concepts and products.

This recently constructed vacation home on Kiawah Island had great bones but not the character Sarah’s clients wanted when they decided to purchase. Well it certainly does now!!

Our design vision was to blend the charm of neighboring Charleston with the lively interiors of Bermuda. Several buying trips to Historic Charleston, Dallas, and of course Houston resulted in the interesting antique pieces of furniture used in every room. ‘We primarily used 19th century antiques to create an eclectic low country interior that is comfortable and inviting.’- Sarah Eilers

Credits…Photography by Josh Gibson (Beaufort, SC)

This project in Southern California is calming, restful and beautiful!! Sandy hired Segreto’s artist Kiah Denson to create a custom piece of art over the bed!!

Well here are the two lovely ladies!! Sarah grew up around gracious homes, timeless antiques and beautiful gardens. Inspired by her southern heritage, Sarah’s design philosophy respects the past embraces the current and looks with vision and creativity to the future. From an early age Sandy has harbored an appreciation for design, beauty and order. Over the years she has developed a design philosophy which employs the principles and elements of design in each of her memorable, timeless and innovative interiors. They have a wonderful blog you should jump over and visit which shares what they see and create! I have been honored to feature them in my design books, but seriously these two should come out with one of their own!!

I hope to see you all at our showroom to meet Kristy Harvey!! We are three houses north of Westview off of Antoine on the east side of the street. Light colored house gray trim, with crushed limestone drive. Lots of parking in the back!  See you soon!! xo Leslie

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A Home With Segreto Finishes for Sale!!

Hi Friends!!  We have a real treat today but before we start on the house, I wanted to wish you or your mom or that special aunt or friend a Happy Mother’s Day!! I hope you share your love with that special someone who has made an impact in your life!!! If you are reading–Happy Mother’s Day sweet mom and aunt Gayle!!

One of our projects which was showcased in Segreto Style has gone on the market!!  Maybe it will be an amazing Mother’s Day gift for someones special mom or wife. I had so much fun with the homeowner and the designer, sweet Tami Owen, on the project!! I thought you might like to sneak a peak.

Such lovely curb appeal and so charming that you just want to go inside! So let’s do!!

Welcome is how you feel from the moment you walk though the front door.  With a neutral plaster coating all the walls and ceilings in the main part of the home, the light interior still surrounds you with all the depth that you would get from a darker color.

The beautiful study serves a dual purpose for both him and her.  The darker tones of the plaster appeals to masculine sensibilities, while the painted cabinets and ball gown silk drapery appeals to the feminine side.

This functional kitchen has plenty of space for the whole family to pitch in or at least sit and talk to the cook while they work. The cabinets are glazed, hood plastered and doors to the mud room finished to feel reclaimed!

Wheres the TV? Behind the finished cabinet- such a great idea!

With ample comfee seating for entertaining or hanging out with the fam, this room has such beautiful views to the pool making it feel twice as big!!

The master retreat is just that! The neural tone on tone really works in this space with all the plays on textures.

Yup, I could live here!!

Even the kids rooms are great!

Well what do you think?  I could definitely live here. But if you are not in the market to move, who doesn’t love a great home tour!! To see more or if you would like to contact Kathleen Panus, the agent. Here is the link.

SAVE THE DATE!  Don’t forget to mark your calender’s and join in the fun next week Wed the 15th!! Join me in hosting famed design blogger, Kristy Harvey to celebrate the debut of her newest fiction book. About mothers and daughters and sisters, Kristy’s novels are some of my favorite reads. I laugh, cry, am heart-warmed and inspired all in one sitting. On my must read list, they make amazing gifts-especially a signed copy! Looking forward to catching up and showing this adorable mother-daughter duo a warm welcome, Houston Style!  See you soon  xo Leslie

The post A Home With Segreto Finishes for Sale!! appeared first on Segreto Finishes.

Join Me in Santa Fe for ArtFusion!

Hi Friends!! I had so much fun in Santa Fe at the ArtFusion Event that I wanted to bring you along!! My Dad lives in Santa Fe as well and since I was able to take my daughter Kirby with me to promote the book, it was also a family affair!!! I really enjoyed all the down to earth, amazing people I met who are so passionate about their craft!!

I was greeted by a smiling bunch.  The Rep from Golden paints was showing us how to take a good pic! Not sure we got it down. Ruth was one of the teachers for the event and Fluffy was geared up and ready to learn.

We were fortunate enough to be able to sit in on these two’s AMAZING CLASS!! Both artists are from England and I would have to say they were absolutely masters in their craft! Andy, owner of Stucco & Stucco in West Yorkshire is also an ambassador for Novacolor, an Italian plaster manufacturer. Martin owns Marmo Designs based in the Midlands. They both have worked on prestigious projects across the globe, are so gracious and are both really excellent teachers. Pull up their websites and follow them on Instagram!!

I was mesmerized with this product. With its ability to mix with plaster, the end effect reads like metal. Maybe because it is infused with actual powder made from the real thing.

Love these samples that were made in the class.  They look and feel like inlaid brass!! Imagine the possibilities!

Martin, who called me Mum-so cute- is teaching Kirby the technique. After it dries, you sand it first with grittier sand paper then with finer and finer versions until it is polished and shines as metal does.

Is it effective? Look at this beautiful installation of Martin’s at the Opheem Restaurant with the product creating a textured brass accent wall at the bar and their logo to the right.

I also loved their techniques of layering plasters to create a pattern and worn effect.

And combining oxidizing materials to transform a piece into aged oxidized metal.

Look at some of Andy’s impressive work with this technique!!  LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!

EVERYONE loved the class.  There were people from all over the country attending-such incredible talent there and stories told just in one room!! Best part for me was not just learning, but connecting and sharing with so many others in my field!  I was so inspired. Thanks guys and gals!

Not only did I enjoy a glass of wine with Juliette Belmonte, but also got to see a bit of her class. A true talent, this amazing lady was born in Costa Rica to a French mother and Argentinian father and now lives in California. She has studied at the Art Student’s League of New York, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. She has shown her work extensively throughout North and South America and has collectors and admirers world wide!

I am now definitely one of those admirers. Here is one of her beautiful pieces!! The people who took her class definitely were inspired. Pull up her website to see her beautiful works and see where her next teaching adventure takes her!!

Ruth Giovannetti lives in Lubbock Texas and now runs her company Gio Studios with her son Jeremy-I love that!!  Although she does all types of decorative techniques, at this workshop, she was teaching a class on antiquing mirrors. She has installed projects that span as far as China and she is as warm and inviting as her pretty smile!

Look at the beautiful outcome these talented artists had at their very first class!!

Here is a bit of Ruth’s antique mirror work–Stunning and so natural feeling! Another great talent!

A whirl wind trip, we feel very lucky we were able to hear Olivier Garnier, owner of Color Atelier Paint & Plaster speak. Based out of San Francisco, Olivier started his career at an early age in France and comes from a family with many generations of artisans who produce and install decorative finishes in Europe.

Olivier, a former paint chemist, developed and formulated lime-based paint and plaster finishes for many European and American brands. He started Color Atelier Paint with his wife, Burju Garnier to offer a comprehensive line of  paints and products that are natural and artisanal with superior quality. Having worked with lime paints before, I must say I was super impressed with his products and his knowledge!

His cute super smart wife, Burju is to his right. We will certainly be using this dynamic duo’s products!!  Stay tuned!! The blonde next to Burju, Sandra Gonzalez owns Design 7 Seven, a family owned and operated business out of Fort Worth, TX. They developed an amazing water-based glaze free of odor with a long drying time. If you are in the decorative arts field you much give them a try!! Such fun to see so many cutting edge products!!

Well I said it was a family affair and my handsome Dad joined us at the event!  He seems to be happy with all these lovely ladies! Think he will come back next year?!  Kathy Boyd,(far left) the master mind behind the event, is what I call an energizer bunny. She is not only a finisher but also has her own stencil designs, leads finishing retreats in both Europe and in the states, has established a communication platform between finishers and hosts Art Fusion, which has been a huge draw for finishers and creatives alike!!  There were so many options for classes, I did not have time to visit the all of the other amazing talents. I was both honored and humbled to be able to speak at such an event, and blessed to have made so many new friends!!

Other exciting news!! 

Lucas-Eilers/ Journal-a fav blog of mine, featured Segreto in their blog on woman run businesses.  There are so many inspirational people included. Step on over and be inspired!!  Here are a few tips I shared which have helped me on my Journey!

“With gratitude to my parents, I was taught some valuable lessons that paved the way for my becoming an entrepreneur.” – says Leslie Sinclair – “Many of these life lessons have helped me tremendously in navigating my career. Here are a few I’d like to share:

If you can visualize something – dream it – you have the ability to make it happen.
Don’t be afraid to fail. Without failure there is no success.
Do the very best at whatever you set out to do and opportunities will present themselves. You just have to notice them.
Never work for money as your main goal. Do what you love. The rewards are higher.
Learn something new every day. Learn especially from your mistakes.
You are never too old to create! Keep your mind always open to new possibilities.”

And……  Kristy Harvey and her cute Mom Beth, who co-author Design Chic, awarded Best Luxury Design Blog, will be coming to Houston for a visit. You are invited!!

Kristy is also a southern fiction writer. I have written many book reviews on her books-why?… because they are honestly some of my favorite reads. I laugh, cry, am heart-warmed and inspired. They are all about relationships. Ones between families- mother and daughters and sisters and sisters. Let’s show these Carolina gals a warm Houston Reception!! Kristy Harvey -Segreto Event

I look forward to catching up!!  xo Leslie

The post Join Me in Santa Fe for ArtFusion! appeared first on Segreto Finishes.

Join Me in Santa Fe for Art Fusion!

Hi Friends!!  I had so much fun in Santa Fe at the Art Fusion Event that I wanted to bring you along!!  My Dad lives in Santa Fe as well and since I was able to take my daughter Kirby with me to promote the book, it was also a family affair!!!  I really enjoyed  all the down to earth, amazing people I met who are so passionate about their craft!!

I was greeted by a smiling bunch.  The Rep from Golden paints was showing us how to take a good pic!  Not sure we got it down. Ruth was one of the teachers for the event and Wally was geared up and ready to learn.

We were fortunate enough to be able to sit in on these two’s AMAZING CLASS!! Both artists are from England and I would have to say they were absolutely masters in their craft! Andy, owner of Stucco & Stucco in West Yorkshire is also an ambassador for Novacolor, an Italian plaster manufacturer. Martin owns Marmo Designs based in the Midlands. They both have worked on prestigious projects across the globe, are so gracious and are both really excellent teachers. Pull up their websites and follow them on Instagram!!

I was mesmerized with this product. With its ability to mix with plaster, the end effect reads like metal. Maybe because it is infused with actual powder made from the real thing.

Love these samples that were made in the class.  They look and feel like inlaid brass!! Imagine the possibilities!

Martin, who called me Mum-so cute- is teaching Kirby the technique.  After it dries, you sand it first with grittier sand paper then with finer and finer versions until it is polished and shines as metal does.

Is it effective?  Look at this beautiful installation of Martin’s at the Opheem Restaurant with the product creating a textured brass accent wall at the bar and their logo to the right.

I also loved their techniques of layering plasters to create a pattern and worn effect.

And combining oxidizing materials to transform a piece into aged oxidized metal.

Look at some of Andy’s impressive work with this technique!!  LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!

EVERYONE loved the class.  There were people from all over the country attending-such incredible talent there and stories told just in one room!! Best part for me was not just learning, but connecting and sharing with so many others in my field!  I was so inspired. Thanks guys and gals!

Not only did I enjoy a glass of wine with Juliette Belmonte, but also got to see a bit of her class.  A true talent, this amazing lady was born in Costa Rica to a French mother and Argentinian father and now lives in California. She has studied at the Art Student’s League of New York, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. She has shown her work extensively throughout North and South America and has collectors and admirers world wide!

I am now definitely one of those admirers. Here is one of her beautiful pieces!! The people who took her class definitely were inspired. Pull up her website to see her beautiful works and see where her next teaching adventure takes her!!

Ruth Giovannetti lives in Lubbock Texas and now runs her company Gio Studios with her son Jeremy-I love that!!  Although she does all types of decorative techniques, at this workshop, she was teaching a class on antiquing mirrors. She has installed projects that span as far as China and she is as warm and inviting as her pretty smile!

Look at the beautiful outcome these talented artists had at their very first class!!

Here is a bit of Ruth’s antique mirror work–Stunning and so natural feeling! Another great talent!

A whirl wind trip, we feel very lucky we were able to hear Olivier Garnier, owner of Color Atelier Paint & Plaster speak. Based out of San Francisco, Olivier started his career at an early age in France and comes from a family with many generations of artisans who produce and install decorative finishes in Europe.

Olivier, a former paint chemist, developed and formulated lime-based paint and plaster finishes for many European and American brands. He started Color Atelier Paint with his wife, Burju Garnier to offer a comprehensive line of  paints and products that are natural and artisanal with superior quality. Having worked with lime paints before, I must say I was super impressed with his products and his knowledge!

His cute super smart wife, Burju is to his right. We will certainly be using this dynamic duo’s products!!  Stay tuned!! The blonde next to Burju owns Design 7 Seven, a family owned and operated business out of Fort Worth, TX. They developed an amazing water-based glaze free of odor with a long drying time. If you are in the decorative arts field you much give them a try!! Such fun to see so many cutting edge products!!

Well I said it was a family affair and my handsome Dad joined us at the event!  He seems to be happy with all these lovely ladies! Think he will come back next year?!  Kathy Boyd,(far left) the master mind behind the event, is what I call an energizer bunny. She is not only a finisher but also has her own stencil designs, leads finishing retreats in both Europe and in the states, has established a communication platform between finishers and hosts Art Fusion, which has been a huge draw for finishers and creatives alike!!  There were so many options for classes, I did not have time to visit the all of the other amazing talents. I was both honored and humbled to be able to speak at such an event, and blessed to have made so many new friends!!

Other exciting news!! 

Lucas-Eilers/ Journal-a fav blog of mine, featured Segreto in their blog on woman run businesses.  There are so many inspirational people included. Step on over and be inspired!!  Here are a few tips I shared which have helped me on my Journey!

“With gratitude to my parents, I was taught some valuable lessons that paved the way for my becoming an entrepreneur.” – says Leslie Sinclair – “Many of these life lessons have helped me tremendously in navigating my career. Here are a few I’d like to share:

If you can visualize something – dream it – you have the ability to make it happen.
Don’t be afraid to fail. Without failure there is no success.
Do the very best at whatever you set out to do and opportunities will present themselves. You just have to notice them.
Never work for money as your main goal. Do what you love. The rewards are higher.
Learn something new every day. Learn especially from your mistakes.
You are never too old to create! Keep your mind always open to new possibilities.”

And……  Kristy Harvey and her cute Mom Beth, who co-author Design Chic, awarded Best Luxury Design Blog, will be coming to Houston for a visit. You are invited!!

Kristy is also a southern fiction writer. I have written many book reviews on her books-why?……….. because they are honestly some of my favorite reads.  I laugh, cry, am heart-warmed and inspired. They are all about relationships. Ones between families- mother and daughters and sisters and sisters. Let’s show these Carolina gals a warm Houston Reception!! Kristy Harvey -Segreto Event

I look forward to catching up!!  xo Leslie

 

 

The post Join Me in Santa Fe for Art Fusion! appeared first on Segreto Finishes.