Leslie Sinclair's Blog, page 2

Segreto Art at Roundtop with Susan Horne Antiques and My Halloween Tablescape!

HI friends! I hope this crisp weather is putting a bit of a smile on your face and hop in your step! With the change of seasons, we have Halloween decorating and of course Roundtop’s fall show!! This year we are so excited to be a part of Susan Horne’s brand-new space at Market Hill!! 1542 Hwy 237 N. Round Top Tx, 78954. Phone: (713) 320 9733

I met Susan when she started with her first small booth at the arbors in 2013! I was there with my first book Segreto Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors. I am so excited to partner with her in Roundtop with our new collection of art!! They blend innovation with the historical art of plaster, forming statement pieces in a completely modern way! The Pink Swirl and The Architecturally Engaging White pieces mix so well with her European finds.

Susan is not only strikingly beautiful, but kind, welcoming, knowledgeable, and has a great eye for unique items and curating them in a collected way! You can’t help but feel like you are her new best friend! I know I feel that way!

Fulfilling a life-long dream, Susan Horne Antiques recently opened a gorgeous new showroom at Market Hill/Paul Michael Company! This Architectural Onyx piece is front and center at Market Hill!

We were super excited that many pieces sold on the very first day! Thay can be customized in all of our signature colors! Just call our new showroom at 713-461-5210!

These Color Block Waves which are 24×24 can be sold individually or at $675 can be grouped as a series in multiple color combinations! Thank you, Susan, for being such a loyal Segreto advocate. We are so excited to be a part of your beautiful new Market Hill Showroom!!

One of the great joys I have in this business is traveling the beautiful countryside of Europe, along with my daughter Meghan, and connecting with all the wonderful friends we have made. We not only learn about the antiques we buy, but we also learn about our European friends and the history of their countries. We return with beautiful pieces for our clients and with special memories of time shared with friends that we will have forever…that brings me joy!- Susan Horne

What’s flying out the door at Segreto?!

It’s cocktail hour! Introducing our latest design – The Tulip Cocktail table. Hand molded florals integrated into the pedestal, these two beautiful plaster furniture pieces are in stock, and ready for their new homes! Shown in our Gallant Night and Scultura colorway. 8 new colors currently in production and will be in stock shortly! Come by our showroom and have a look or give us a call to purchase, Size: 18.5”h x 10”dia

Halloween Tablescape 2023!

I love setting a holiday table and fall is a great kick off for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and my hubby’s birthday for me!! Using things from the past and adding a few interesting elements, it is fun to pull everything out and see what combinations speak to me!!

Although I have used this table topper (Amazon) before over a white long cloth, this year I wanted to add some pops of color! Themed green, orange, and black, with silver metalic, a whole new look was created with many of the same pieces!! You know I am a bargain shopper when it comes to my tables as I really like mixing things up! My go to places? Amazon-toper overlay, black wine glasses, foam black roses, crows and feathers.

This is my 2020 Halloween tablescape withe the white underlay. You can see the entire post here!

I also see I took the same color combination in a totally different way! See my 2021 table here!

I love bringing your eye up especially in a dining room! This year some stuffed crows were added to the chandelier! Amazon has some great choices, and most can be delivered the very next day!!

Having the same obsession for dishware as I do with interior design and finishes, I mix different eras to create! The black depression glass salad plates and mid-century modern silver glass fade soup bowls and glasses are found on eBay. I love eBay to find unique items- like being able to sort through the best estate sales right from your own home! They also are reasonably priced and what is more fun that the hunt!

The napkin rings- from Tahari home also on eBay, feathers and foam roses from Amazon, and succulent garnishes from Micheal’s purchased last year at their end of the season 80%. off sale.

When I purchased the napkin rings I couldn’t decide if I liked the skulls or bats better- so why not mix it up and use both!!

I hope my tablescape got your creative juices going this year!!

I found this picture from the 2013 book signing event at Arbors!! there is Susan in the middle and Ashley Radack who owns Renouveau another beautiful store right next to Susan’s at Market Hill!  Ashley is to the left and gal-pal Betsy Austin is to the right!

You might remember, her home which is in Segreto Impressions and our most popular pics on Pinterest! Go by and say hi to Susan and Ashley! Market Hill has really expanded and almost doubled the number of shops! I also like the restaurant and bar to enjoy a glass of wine after an eventful shopping day! Happy Fall and appy Halloween! Till next time, XO Leslie

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What’s Segreto Up to?

Hi friends, I hope you are having a great week! I am sorry I haven’t posted more; this summer has been full combining our Houston installations with ones across the country!! From Florida, to Colorado, to Virginia to Mississippi to California, our crews have been honored to spread some beauty across our great land!! I even got to experience an item on my bucket list- going to Italy and taking my kids and significant others with John and me. It was magical!! I want to share a bit of what we have been up to and some new techniques to spur your imagination!! PS, I hope you join me in Dallas at Pettigrew Luxury Furnishings Thursday, October 5th from 4pm-6pm for cocktails. I will have our paint line, samples of SegretoStone and am happy to personalize a design book for you. Come and enjoy an evening full of color and design with me!!

We were so honored to be a part of Christy Lynn’s new store in the Memorial Villages and so excited for her to give us a shout out on her site!! The Christy Lynn boutique is a space for us to showcase our inspiration and full range of our creations. Each detail is meaningful to the essence of our brand, including a Segreto flower print plasterwork inspired by a signature Christy Lynn print, stunning paintings by artists & friends, and items from Christy’s travels. Located in Village Towers 9655 Katy Freeway Suite 180, this is a must shop place!

I love that we were able to create a large-scale floral based on her fabric designs- such a meaningful personal touch!

The pressure was on our muralist as he hand-painted an original design over a silk wallcovering as you cannot make a mistake!! I love the outcome soft, organic and natural in feel!! I also like that unlike most wallcoverings, with hand-painting, no one will have this exact design- transforming their space into an art installation!!

A perfect place for an accent wall, this dreamy mural we applied behind the bed, creates a softness and romance to the space. I love how the accent blends with the adjacent walls and pulls tones from the nightstands and drapery fabric in the room!

We are continually experimenting with new wall finishes which will create an impact in a timeless elevated way. Starting with a sketch this gold leaf embossed design is applied over a plaster. What a beautiful application for a powder or dining space!

We loved working with Dallas design firm Talia Corrine Interiors in creating this Zen peaceful primary retreat. With natural SegretoLime Plaster on the walls and SegretoStone countertops with an integrated sink a feeling of calm engulfs you. Her mix of natural woods and stone are perfect compliments.

We were so excited to be able to work with design Icon Studio McGee! The project definitely was a combined dream team with Stetzer Builders and Regan & Andre Architecture!! We coated all the walls in a soft sheen plaster and incorporated special touches like the fluted SegretoStone fireplace and hearth! The project turned out beautifully and the team we worked with were creative, down to earth and so much fun!

The raked finish in the arched vestibule enhanced the lovely architecture and created a dramatic passageway. There were so many details to this small space with hidden doors and depth of base. Stetzer Builders really was on their A game ensuring perfection in constructing the space. We are only as good as those we follow! Thanks Erin!

If you haven’t been to our new production facility, we would love to give you a tour. We are blending innovative machinery with timeless design and are able to produce so much more!! We now have the capabilities to bring back the sculpted designs of the past with an updated interpretation! This fireplace will be coated in white plaster creating a sculpted, carved feel to the piece.

We first, hand sculpt a piece using clay and plaster. Then we use our new elaborate scanning equipment to create a cad file from which our 3D cutting equipment creates a mold from. These are used to create the concrete table substrates as our base. Just the molds could be art!

Then they are plastered, limewashed and some we even experimented with hand painting. This is one of the first of our signature collections-curated, ready to purchase pieces. They are in our showroom and also will be in Round Top at Susan’s Horns new place with a Segreto signature collection of art! If you’re in the area, sneak a peek!

These beautiful consoles are also in our collection. I love the mixture of glass and our SegretoStone. These would look great in an entry hall, as bedside tables or flanking a fireplace niche! We love our custom work but are so excited to be able to offer off the floor pieces you can take home that day!!

It doesn’t stop with furnishings; we have reopened our art gallery with such a diversity of art! From pastures, to clouds, to sculptural pieces- we are working to become a great resource to finding that unique, original art piece for your project or home. This Pink Swirl, in progress, is soft but powerful, creating an impact that only the right art can bring.

Please join me in Dallas at Pettigrew Luxury Furnishings this Thursday, October 5th from 4pm-6pm. Hope to see you there for a evening full of design, color and cocktails!

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How Would You Design Your Barbie Home?

Hi friends, with the Barbie movie being the talk of town everyone it is thinking pink!! My family all came to Houston for my Mom’s Birthday, and we jumped on that everything Barbie bandwagon to see what the movie was all about! Of course, if you went, you would see Ken matters too! The movie “Barbie” scored a $377 million opening weekend, which made if the biggest debut for a film directed by a woman -which is fitting-(Greta Gerwig).

I think everyone’s favorite part was snapping a picture inside the life-sized Barbie box with a background of the Barbie Dream House. When I was young, I did love my Barbies, but the way I played with my favorite dolls was making furnished houses for them complete with painted treatments on the wall’s ceilings, and floors. My creations were made out of old boxes, used spools of thread, cans, fabric remnants, milk cartons, thimbles- anything that was to be thrown away.

The first Barbie Dreamhouse was released in 1962- the year I was born! You can still purchase today here! It was Barbie’s, studio apartment when she lived alone, made from cardboard furniture and little plastic hangers in the closet. Maybe Barbie taught me about recycling, and sustainability. Maybe it was this doll icon which helped me discover my love of interior design, furniture design and wall treatments. Well, she certainly inspired me to love pink! Maybe not her hot pink tones but my versions, the barely blushes, which Segreto is known for today!

30 years ago, the interiors and their design were mainly decided by the lady of the house where the man made the outside decisions. I rarely spoke to the husband about what they wanted or liked. I have seen a great shift in this during my career and I really enjoy working with both heads of households now, devising a backdrop for their home which resonates with them both! This is a Ken doll from the 60’s sold on ebay!

Barbie, Barbara Millicent Roberts, named after the creator’s daughter, debuted at the New York Toy Fair on March 9, 1959, selling for $3’s. She was dressed in a black and white swimsuit. The Barbie in the movie was stereotypical Barbie and was all about pink, however, there are Barbies from a multitude of different professions and ethnicities, giving Barbie so many options for decor.

So-How Would You Design Your Barbie Home?!

Malibu Barbie released in 1971, is one of the most iconic Barbies. Although not proven, it has been said that Mattel took inspiration from the 1060’s Starlett Sharon Tate who played a surfer name Malibu in the movie “Don’t Make Waves” before her tragic death. This Malibu Barbie looks like it sold for $2.37 back in the day and now can be found on ebay for $299!

If I was Malibu Barbie, I think I would want my house to have this vibe! Raised gesso palms over a plaster base!! Being in cool tones of the ocean or could be pretty in pink! Make it extra special by creating a paneled effect on the bottom with a hand-painted stencil like these examples in our showroom!!

Gold’n Glamour Barbie, a limited production item, is ready for a day on the town and then can glide right into throwing a dinner party! This one from eBay is a steel for $160 some were selling for double that!!

I think she would entertain beautifully in this dining room, where we hand-painted a mural based on inspirational photos by one of Houston’s design stars, Benjamin Johnston, and the chic owner’s artwork! On his website Ben says he leans toward Classic, Curated and Cool and this room is all of that and more! I can’t wait to see the scones up and the drapery hung!!

Barbie has cultures from all over the world represented like this Moroccan Barbie found on Amazon. With so many textures and beautiful patterns represented in this part of the world how would you design your Moroccan style Barbie home?

We were fortunate enough to work with designer extraordinaire Nicholas Proietti, who’s imagination and keen eye for detail has pushed our Segreto team to think out of the box! As down to earth and nice as he is talented, Nicholas is based in San Francisco, and travels afar creating amazing interiors all over the world. Thanks to Allan Edwards Builders Inc. and all the talented teams that were involved, Nicolas’s creation of a Moroccan paradise was brought to life in the center of Houston!! The mosaic mirrors embedded in the venetian plaster walls were a first for us!! The plaster shower gave a quite complement to all the exquisite hand-done tile selected for the project!!

Groovy Barbie from the 60’s is a collector doll now. I found some on Amazon that can be yours with just one click! Hot pink and teal would not be my pick for decor, so I picked some decor which would give a groovy vibe in a sophisticated way. Back in the day my mom made all my Barbie clothes for me- of course they had to match their decor!

This butler’s bar area became a groovy place all of its own! Designer Lindsey Herod, who looks like a Barbie herself, has an amazing eye for color and mixing patterns!! Balancing the floral in the formal dining’s, she chose a playful stripe in the butler’s bar, which enhanced the graceful curve of the ceiling and created a space all on its own! Getting those corners to line up perfectly was definitely a feat for our team, but so proud of them- they executed it beautifully!!

This is from our “Groovy Art Series” which we created from plaster! This particular piece coated in a soft neutral blush, it would beautifully fit in in any color palette or any pattern! Yes! Our art gallery is back in our new showroom!! I love having the space to showcase our staff’s creative endeavors!!

If you love gardening or just the positive energy nature provides, Rose may be your barbie inspiration!! So, what are the possibilities for your Barbie dreamhouse??

A member of our Segreto Creative Team and daughter Kirby, limewashed her entry from the Segreto Palette Illusion SFDB-0126 and painted a hand-done floral scene using Moonbeam SF-004 to bring in the tones of the trim. Looks like Millie and Moose feel like they are enjoying the outdoors while they are waiting Kirby to return from work!

Another project of Kirby’s for the talented designer Catherine Brooks Giuffre , who could be the model for Designer Barbie, also has that garden feel. I can’t wait to see this one furnished! This rendition is also hand-painted and not stenciled, giving it a one-of-a-kind application. Because iridescent metalic is used over plaster, it feels like a fine silk wallcovering!

Thank you, Erin Stetzer of Stetzer Builders, who has used our paint for her for the amazing, elevated homes with quality for the lovely shout out of Segreto’s new paint inline in U.S. News! Below is a blurb but read the full article here. Erin is such a nice person and shares so much information which is invaluable if you are renovating or building a house on your own. Pull up her website to look at her beautiful projects and follow her journal and youtube videos for priceless information on building or renovating!! She would be the perfect pick to build a Barbie Dreamhouse of your own!

For some homeowners, the thrill of the hunt is in looking at paint samples and computerized renderings of what their homes will look like in certain colors. But even with the seemingly countless color choices, homeowners may want to consider further customization.

“We’re starting to see a shift from solely picking a color from brands like Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore to picking a color and then adding or subtracting a hint of red or green to achieve the perfect exterior hue,” says Erin Stetzer, owner, president and project Executive of Stetzer Builders located in Houston.

Stetzer suggests looking to smaller paint manufacturers that might offer more customization options. Her firm has worked with Segreto Finishes, also in Houston, whose line of paints coordinates with interior plaster finishes. “It’s a fantastic way to seamlessly blend the exterior with the interior,” she says.

We have found once people use our paints, and realize the cost is comparable to Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore’s high-quality products that they become loyal to the line, so we are offering a promotion through August 31st!!! Read about my daughter’s Sammy and Kirby’s use of all of our paints, and plasters in the Segreto palette to transform their recently purchased homes here and here to Barbie dream homes of their own! Give us a call at our warehouse 713-640-5225 to order your paint today or set an appointment in our new showroom for a free color consultation if you purchase SegretoPaint (713-461-5210)!! Until next time, xo Leslie

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Segreto Goes to Washington DC for the 4th!

HI friends, I hope you are celebrating with fireworks, barbeques and have all your tablescapes in red, white and blue this 4th of July to celebrate America’s Independence from Britain!!! Our wood finishes team has just come back from McLean Virginia, a charming town right out of Washington DC and have gotten to see so many of our nation’s historic sites for the first time. I want to share a bit of history, using the pictures of Washington DC through their eyes.

White House Facts!

Herbert Hoover and John Quincy Adams had pet alligators in the White House.  

President Jimmy Carter set a record by watching 480 movies in the White House movie theater.

The British burned the original White House in 1814 after U.S. forces set fire to Canada’s parliament. The famous Gilbert Stuart painting of George Washington was saved by a fleeing Dolley Madison (with some help), and some exterior stone walls survived the fire- and that is it!

Years after the Declaration of Independence was drafted, three founding fathers and former presidents, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe, died on July 4th. Jefferson and Adams passed on the 50th anniversary of the country in 1826 and Monroe in 1831.

Washington DC gets 2 inches more rain than Seatle Washington! Also, more wine is drunk per capita in Washington DC than any other US state. And last fun DC fact-DC stands for District of Columbia, and it was deemed so to honor the famed explorer, Christopher Columbus. Who knew?

In 1778 it was said that George Washington gave his solders a double ration of rum for a celebratory salute to the 4th of July! In 2016 Americans consumed the most amount of beer in one day!!  They also consume about 150 hotdogs!!

Fireworks date back as a tradition of Independence Day as early as the first anniversary in 1777.Today, fireworks displays around the country echo Adams’ call for “bonfires and illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.” Today Americans spend over one billion dollars in fireworks annually!

Benjamin Franklin, at 70 was the oldest person to sign the Declaration of Independence and Edward Rutledge, at 26 was the youngest. The average age was. 45!

In 1958, a history teacher assigned his class to redesign the national flag when Alaska and Hawaii were becoming a state. 16-year-old Robert Heft designed a new flag using the old 48-star flag and $2.87 worth of blue cloth and white iron-on material. Although his teacher only gave him a B- Robert sent his prototype to President Dwight D. Eisenhower to get his thoughts. His designed was picked and is the flag we pledge to today!!

In 1776 there were 2.5 million people living in the US. Today, more than 314 million people in the United States. And I thought Segreto had grown!!

Although the technology has changed, Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence on a small writing desk that could fit in your lap. Back in the day, this was called a laptop!

There are miles of underground tunnels never seen by the public beneath the capital for senators and members of the House. If you are one of the normal folks, the subway has a weekday passenger list of over 9 million people-only second to New York City!!

I hope everyone has a great 4th of July!!

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New England Home: Tour a Coastal Rhode Island Home Set on a Peninsula

Hi friends, I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Cannot believe we are already at the start of summer! This year has flown by! We were excited to see a home we had collaborated with Designer Sarah Eilers featured in New England Home!  This is one close to my heart as it is a forever family home set on the latke in beautiful Rhode Island. I hope you will follow along with me as I read this beautiful piece written by Bob Curley. All photography is by Read McKendree.

If you have a waterfront home, you typically get a beautiful view. When you build a 16,000-square-foot house on a peninsula extending into the waters of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay, you get three.

When architect Greg Snider stood on the site of what had previously been an oyster farm, he was captivated by the triptych in front of him: a classic New England seaside town to the left, an iconic suspension bridge straight ahead, and the islands and open water of the bay to the right.

To take full advantage of the vistas, “I basically designed three homes facing three directions,” says Snider. He further enhanced the half-hexagonal aspect by lowering the grade around the home and motor court, which allowed for twelve-foot-tall windows that adhere to the community’s roof-height restrictions. Snider calls the seaside estate “a modern home treated in a traditional way,” and that’s most evident when approaching the front door through a courtyard garden designed by landscape architect Kate Field. There’s more than a hint of formality in the carved granite archway bending over the entry, and the gabled roof sheeted in slate tile gives the impression of an English manor home, albeit one with sharp Gothic peaks.

The perfectly symmetrical layout nods to the owners’ passion for precision, but once you pass through the modern glass door, “it gets eclectic fast,” says Snider.

This venetian plaster selection is absolutely perfect for the look and feel of the home! The movement of the plaster perfectly reflects the movement of the seas.

A small foyer quickly yields to the trio of linked, high-ceilinged ocean-facing rooms: kitchen, living room, and an enclosed patio with NanaWalls that can be sealed shut or opened to the elements depending on the weather.

The start to this rich beautiful tone for the living room was Sarah’s vision to pull a rich teal from the rug and accent fabrics. The wall application is a rich venetian plaster made from a fine lime putty infused with a high concentration of marble dust creating a beautiful sheen.

The steel doors are stunning! I love how the natural light reflects off the plaster ceilings and walls, adding warmth at the entrance of this home.

Interior designer Sarah Eilers’s “timeless transitional” aesthetic is most apparent in the kitchen, which nods to the French rather than English countryside while subtly sprinkling in nautical references like a central island shaped to resemble a ship’s wheelhouse.

The living room is the owners’ favored vantage point for watching evening sailboat races on the bay, but you don’t even need to look outside to see boats in the dining room: they’re painted right on the walls (including the owners’ own boat) in a four-wall mural depicting Nantucket Harbor. The room is perhaps the best synthesis of the talents of Eilers, Snider, and builder Maxx Heerlein of Kirby Perkins Construction, with the mural blending seamlessly into a painted groin-vault ceiling, which in turn nods to the arched walls and windows.

Beneath this ocean of blue sits a comparatively understated dining set and rug in shades of blue, ochre, and coral, comfortably complementing—but not competing with—the visual landscape. “The owners wanted a formal dining room that people wouldn’t be afraid to sit down in,” says Eilers.

This was a fun ceiling for us!! Vaults add so much dimension to a space and the teal tone inspired by the Gracie wallcovering, enhances the feel of the water in the paper and outside.

Eilers spent three years working with the owners to gather art and antiques to fill the home; rustic elements like the reclaimed barnwood used in the kitchen ceiling add to the sense of warmth and livability that permeates the house.

I love how the homeowners and the Lucas Eilers team tied the sea into the house even through antiques! This “English bamboo dresser adorned with decoupage fish furthers the country-manor-meets-sea-captain-quarters vibe.” I could not have said it better my self, just beautiful!

Barring rising sea levels or other catastrophe, “this is a 500-year house,” says Heerlein, pointing to the quality of materials and skill that went into its design and construction. For the owners, however, the comfort and serenity of the home remains its timeless appeal.

The blue plaster was inspired by the colorations of the mosaic flooring and reflects the view of the ocean right outside of the window. It was such an incredible experience working with the Lucas Eilers team and helping enhance the home with plaster!

Thank you so much for going on this home journey with me!!! This was a special project for our team, and we had so much fun collaborating on a second home for these lovely homeowners and working with Sarah and her talented daughter Ellen from the nationally acclaimed team of Lucas Eilers team. Check out their website and if you don’t have a copy of their inspirational design book Expressive Interiors you should check it out! Until next time, xo Leslie

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Room to Grow – French Cottage

Hi Friends!! As we are getting ready to celebrate Mother’s Day, I thought this post would be perfect. The wonderful homeowner and talented designer are two of the best Mother’s I know! In the spirit of spring and the start of May, I wanted to share a heartfelt project, right outside of Roundtop we collaborated with designer Lindsey Herod! I love working on homes which are all about creating lifelong memories for their families and their future generations to come. We were so excited when it was featured in The Cottage Journal’s French Cottage magazine with Michael Hunter‘s beautiful photography!

Photography by Michael Hunter

Getting to know this couple, when working together on their permanent residence I was super excited to be brought in to collaborate on their new country home. The existing farmhouse had gotten too small to house their family gatherings, so they decided to build one large enough for all their kids, grandkids and extended family to enjoy!! The property is beautiful and what makes it even more special is it was the husbands’ families farm from 1968 till 1999. The couple, who were high school sweethearts had so many fond memories going there and wished they had it to share with their children. Many years later they were able to buy it back, renovate the existing 1920’s farmhouse and create so many more fond memories with their own kids!! Segreto was honored to start at the front door, toning down the red in the mahogany, setting the tone of the home’s wood palette!

Photography by Michael Hunter

The original farmhouse was left to enjoy; however, a barn was torn down in order to build the new place. I love that no memories were lost as the wood planking from the barn was used as accents in their new place. It starts the house off with soul right as you enter the front door!

Photography by Michael Hunter

The beams and wood details were especially important to the husband, he felt it important that we take the newness of the statement arched beam tresses and headers in the spaces to feeling as if they were reclaimed.

“We wanted each room to be unique, so we just had fun with it and really let our creative juices flow,” Lindsey says of the sprawling great room area, eight bedrooms, and more. “We wanted a bit of country charm, so we pulled in some shiplap, but there are places where you get a break from that. We tried to be unique in the wall and ceiling treatments and not sweep the same thing through the whole house.”–The Cottage Journal

Photography by Michael Hunter

“When it came to furnishings and décor, the team drew vision from both the stunning setting and guest-centric goals. “The homeowners love wildflowers and the Texas landscape, so a lot of those colors were a big inspiration—really, our inspiration was the outside,” Lindsey says of the motif that started with a pair of floral chairs in the living room and continued in accents like the hand-painted wildflower mural in the primary bathroom and a more subtle grisaille illustration of the farm on the powder room walls.“-The Cottage Journal

Photography by Michael Hunter

This part was so fun for me! The lady of the house took me on a fun excursion looking at all the beautiful florals on the property and then showed me dishes and paintings that brought to mind wonderful memories for her- this bath was to be her happy place.

Photography by Michael Hunter

“The bedrooms, however, took on their own color stories in an effort to make a stay in each of the five rooms with en suite bathrooms, as well as the bunk rooms, a distinctive experience—especially when incorporated with diverse architectural features. “They wanted each bedroom to really feel like its own special suite,” Lindsey says. “We tried to mix up each space and not repeat any ideas. Each room welcomes you in a different way.”“-The Cottage Journal

Photography by Michael Hunter

“Lindsey was able to bring an authentic touch to the French-country look with a treasure trove of antique finds, such as a French light fixture in the entryway that gives a nod to the farm with its wheat-like appearance and a 19th-century French chaise longue in the primary bedroom. “With it being a newer farmhouse, we still wanted it to have some charm and age, so antiques were an important component in the design,” she says.”–The Cottage Journal

Photography by Michael Hunter

“Throughout the abode, there is a practiced blend of classic pieces along with contemporary inclusions that ensure the comfort and convenience desired in a vacation home. Durability was also a key factor in decisions that ranged from performance fabrics to quartzite countertops in the kitchen. “Everything can withstand dirt and hold up to lots of kiddos and big groups,” Lindsey says. “You don’t have to stress—it’s easy country living. And that is ultimately what is at the heart of this design—a tranquil respite where family can gather and forget their day-to-day troubles. “Even though it’s a large house, it feels cozy,” Lindsey says. “You want to kick your feet up and stay for a long time. That’s what you want in a country house—in a getaway. You want to walk in and feel immediately at home.”–The Cottage Journal

I hope everyone has a great Mother’s Day! You can read about some of my favorite things to do on Mother’s day here! May we celebrate the ones who have passed, the ones who are present, and the ones in the future! I also wanted you all to know about an organization dear to my heart- New Spring! They are totally dedicated to helping our young people by building programs through the arts, which encourage confidence, career direction, and scholarships, just to name a bit! They have an incredible art auction each year, which the students plan, are the artists, and completely profit from. They are not only sharing their gifts with the world, but learning self confidence, business and marketing. It is a fun night out!! Till next time, XO Leslie.

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DIY Easter Crafts and Table Décor!

Segreto Finishes-Easter Table

Hi friends! Spring is in the air which means Easter is right around the corner. I wanted to share my favorite inspirations I found for my egg decorating and Easter crafting get togethers for this season and my Easter Table. I would love for you to share your favorites with me!!

Woman’s DayMonogram Egg Centerpiece

This simple, sophisticated place setting is a creative way of telling people where their seat is while also matching your utensils and making sure your decorations match the holiday.

Stick on a letter, spray paint the egg, and then peel the letter off.

52 DIY Easter Crafts for Adults and Kids — Easy Easter Art Projects for Families (womansday.com)Easter Characters

Craft your own herd of Easter characters by adhering faux flower petals, buds, and leaves to colored eggs. (Paint and decorate ceramic eggs and you can display this craft every spring!)

Get the Easter Characters tutorial.

Brian Woodcock-52 DIY Easter Crafts for Adults and Kids — Easy Easter Art Projects for Families (womansday.com)Monogram Eggs

Save a trip to the store by making your own place cards for the big Easter feast this year.

Get the look by using a small paintbrush to fleck tan acrylic paint (thinned with a bit of water) on undyed farm eggs. Once dry, handwrite each guest’s initials with a gold paint pen.

Good Housekeeping-52 DIY Easter Crafts for Adults and Kids — Easy Easter Art Projects for Families (womansday.com)Glitter Eggs

Glitter makes everything better, doesn’t it? Make your Easter extra sparkly this year with these colorful glitter eggs. Just pick the glitter of your choice and coat eggs with glue before dipping.

Mike Garten-52 DIY Easter Crafts for Adults and Kids — Easy Easter Art Projects for Families (womansday.com)Marble Marvel

Put that old nail polish to good use, and watch your eggs become stained with the prettiest hues. To make them, just swirl some nail polish in water and dip the egg in the mixture. (Don’t eat these eggs, though!)

Francis Janisch-52 DIY Easter Crafts for Adults and Kids — Easy Easter Art Projects for Families (womansday.com)

Patterned Easter Eggs

Use silk fabric to give your Easter eggs a chic, patterned look.

Step 1: For each egg, cut out a 5-inch square of patterned 100 percent silk. Lightly dampen the fabric, then lay it flat, right side up, and place your egg in the center. Gather the fabric tightly around the egg, like a beggar’s purse, and secure with a rubber band. Repeat this step for the same egg, using a same-size square of plain white cotton and a second rubber band.

Step 2: Place eggs in a single layer in a nonreactive pot and add enough water to cover them by 2 inches. Add 4 tablespoons of white vinegar. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes.

Step 3: Remove eggs with tongs and cool about 20 minutes. Then unwrap the fabrics to reveal the designs.

Stand-Up Paper Eggs – Little Miss CelebrationEaster DIY: colorful paper eggs

Make some dimensional eggs for Easter….from paper! If you can cut and fold, you can make Stand-Up Paper Eggs. Cardstock is cut into egg shapes, folded and glued – it couldn’t be easier! Top the finished eggs with bows for a unique take on Easter eggs. Great family friendly project!

Egg Carton Florals

I am really excited to try these!! What a great idea with the left-over egg cartons from decorating eggs! Here are two different Tutorials on YouTube from MaMi Aart. I also saw some beautiful ones made from the center cardboard of toilet paper and paper towels- what a great way to repurpose!! For more Easter egg decorating ideas click here.

The Easter Table!

Bering’s Southern Tribute Napkin Rings

My whole inspiration for my table this year was from some beautiful napkin rings which a longtime bestie gifted me! Knowing how I love tablescapes she went to Bering’s in Houston, known for their beautiful dishware and tabletop accessories to find something unique for my next table. If you are not in Houston, follow the link above and shop online. They have some beautiful table inspirations up right now!! Knowing I like to mix things up, she gave me the florals and the butterflies. They are the perfect statement for Easter, representing new birth and new beginnings. When I was pulling the link for you, I found these cute bunnies as well!!

Segreto Finishes-Easter Table

I do need to get the steamer out, but besides that I am ready for the big day! I will give you a list at the end of where I originally found what! Before the big day I add real flowers to the centerpiece mix, but like starting with a fake base so I can start the table earlier and enjoy it as I anticipate our wonderful family gathering.

Segreto Finishes-Easter TableSegreto Finishes-Easter TableSegreto Finishes-Easter TableSegreto Finishes-Easter TableSegreto Finishes-Easter TableSegreto Finishes-Easter Table

Under tablecloth, flocked bunnies and bead accented gold chargers- Amazon

Tablecloth topper and napkins-Bodrum Linens

Gold stemmed wine glasses-Vietri

Antique water glasses-inherited from my grandmother

Stainless and gold accented flatware- Macy’s

Dishes- Portmeirion Sophie Conran Floret Collection-Sold on their website, Neiman’s and Macy’s to name a few

Imitation florals-Michael’s

Segreto Palette

Segreto had developed its own springtime palette ready for you in DYI Segreto Chalks for furniture and craft projects, and a full line of quality paints for your walls, ceilings and trim! For more information contact office@segretofinishes.com! Whichever religious holiday you are celebrating, I hope it is a wonderful! From my family, Happy Easter! Please send me your tablescape photos and crafting outcomes to leslie@segretofinishes.com. Till next time, XO, Leslie.

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What’s New at the Showroom?

Hi friends, I am so sorry that I haven’t posted on the same regular basis. I am spending most of my writing time on the next Segreto Book hoping to get it to you by Christmas!! I would love to hear from you–What would you like this book to be like? What would you like to hear from me? I always value your input and help!! Email me personally at leslie@segretofinishes.com! Other exciting news is the mad push to add more wonderful finishes to our new showroom!!

Source Vogue– Inside Flagship Dior Showroom Paris

I know that you may have all seen this picture, and if you have run into me have heard my obsession with the new Flagship Dior store in Paris as well as their new book Dior in Bloom!! My obsession lies not with me wearing their beautiful clothes but how they display them, every vignette or page telling a story which focuses on the incredible artistry of their craft! They have inspired me to try to add a bit of their magic into our little abode on Wirtcrest Lane!

This is the start of what is yet to come. Next to our SegretoStone section we created panels filled with plaster and layered with a stencil as a backdrop to our mini versions of Segretostone fireplace mantles.

Segreto Showroom

Then we embellished the frames around the panels which shows cabinet finishes in complementary tones. Eventually we will include furniture pieces and moldings floating off the wall!!

Stencils are an amazing alternative to wallpaper, allowing customization in color selections and since they are hand-painted no seams! This section is painted in metallic, which change dramatically as you walk around- the slight shimmer reflects off the light reminiscent of a silk wallcovering!

With so many artistic talents working for Segreto we started a cross training program as they all love to learn and want to be well versed in every aspect of the decorative arts. Jose here, an artist by trade has been a lead on our maintenace and repair crew- being able to repair damage blending it in seamlessly to the surfaces it touches.

We have added 10 different panels for you to see! The top part and bottoms use the same stencils- the only difference is the colors are reversed!! There are literally thousands of designs to choose from and with color combinations unlimited there is no limit!!

Amazon

Since I mentioned Dior in Bloom, I need to show you!! It is page after page where you see the inspirations of the gardens, they have taken many of their designs from. This is a beautiful Mother’s Day gift! If you are interested order soon, I have found it can be hard to get!!

Segreto Mural

We needed more storage at the showroom, so in thinking of a way to beautifully incorporate a closet into our back SegretoStone showroom, we built a structure and painted a soothing mural on its walls, bringing a bit of nature into the space. All of the colors used are from our own Segreto Palette line!! We are ramping our production up for this space. Now you will be able to buy off the floor and not wait for production time,

Segreto Showroom

You could tell we needed a door to hide our clutter, so my amazing team created these doors with SegretoStone! The handles in our logo were made on site in our new welding shop!! I have been traveling so much for work lately it gave them time to surprise me!! We still need to put a finish on the metal bar and grommets, but we are almost done.

Segreto Showroom

We have been working with Kristal Dayal with Krystal Michelle Designs on a mural for a powder bath she is working on! I am so excited about using a Dior scarf as inspiration!

Dior Scarf

Using her color palette, Krystal was able to work with our artist at the showroom to bring her vision to life!! It was so much fun seeing how the little tweaks brought a smile to her beautiful face!

Segreto Palette

We are also working on another labor of love for me! Our new Segreto Art Gallery! You can see how our finishes will translate on your walls firsthand and also have a curated selection of sculptures and canvas art for purchase. Thank you so much for your support and your patience with me while we are working hard to provide you with a space full of possibilities, where what our imaginations can create are limitless!! Please don’t forget to send me your ideas on the book leslie@segretofinishes.com or book a showroom tour office@segretofinishes.com. Have a wonderful week and I will visit again the first of next month! Till next time, xo Leslie

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Will You Be My Valentine? – Segreto’s Favorite Pinks!

Hi Friends, I can’t believe we’re in February and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner!!! In honor of one of my favorite holidays we have infused our favorite pinks from our Segreto Palette and are celebrating pink in interiors all month long!!

Pink is not only one of the most flattering tones, but also has a soothing effect when used in interior design. According to surveys in Europe and the United States, pink is the color most often associated with charm, politeness, sensitivity, tenderness, sweetness, childhood, femininity, and romance. –wikapedia

The inset panels in our gallery were plastered in Just a Hint from our designer line. The left side was stenciled in Segreto Paint-Rosewater, giving this lovely, faded effect. In the panel to the left we hand-painted a contemporized large-scale peony.

Segreto Finishes Showroom-Hand-painted mural

By taking traditional elements and painting them oversized, the art of the mural has been reinvented to work well in today’s transitional and modern design. I have several similar interpretations in my own home infusing nature and beauty into my own interiors. Never needing water, these elements will give me joy all year long.

Segreto Murals, Plasters and Paints

Albatros Eztremoz- Swadoh

We are so pleased to have some incredible lighting from Swadoh in our gallery. In a stone and pink marble finish meshing brilliantly with our blush walls, the pendant is art in itself. Light, pliable and customizable, each light is handcrafted and remains a unique model. Created by Emilie Grière for MU in Paris, France.

Venetian Plaster and hand-painted floors by Segreto | Interiors Creative Tonic | Newberry Architecture | Stetzer Builders

Brighter more saturated pinks like fuchsia exudes femininity, sexuality, and strength.  Named by during the 16th century German botanist Leonart Fushs to represent the color of the fuchsia flower, this tone is self-assured, highly responsible and nurturing. Design firm Creative Tonic pinpointed the perfect color to personalize this bar for our strong, independent and kind client. We hand painted the floors and plastered the walls to showcase the beautiful unique fuchsia infused marble on the bar.

Mural by Segreto | Dodson Interiors

Pinks work well with almost any color palette. With Dodson Interiors taupe interior, the infusion of pinks from our hand painted flamingo mural soften the space in a dramatic way.

Segreto Mural-Segreto Paints

In our showroom mural gallery, we created a Chinoiserie mural using Segreto Paint Nobility as the background and our collections of pinks and taupe in the design. When mixing shades of blues and pinks it is important to have enough umber in the tonality to maintain a sophisticated feel! Image this enveloping the walls in your dining or powder room, or as an accent wall behind a tub or inset wall framing a bed. Soft, romantic, and timeless!!

Segreto Pinks- hand-painted walls

Pinks are not only my favorite tones, but they are also of the most common colors for flowers! In nature a pink will attract insects and birds necessary for pollination. It is the most given color for sending flowers to someone.

Pink was iconic in the 1950’s and was estimated that 5-10 million pink bathrooms were installed in the US in the 50’s and 60’s! Pink has always been in style with me and wanting a cheerful feel to one of our showroom’s baths, we made it all about Pink! Pink plaster counters, sink and floors from our SegretoStone Rosewater Palette sets the tone!

Segreto Walls in signature pink palette Rosewater and The Perfect Rose

First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, decorating the White House living quarters around pink and wearing a pink inaugural gown with over 2000 applied rhinestones. She even received pink flowers every day from her sweet President husband! How romantic!!! Our walls at the showroom may be the only flowers I see every day, so my favorite pinks were incorporated. The walls are stenciled over our color SP-Flawless with tones of SP-The Perfect Rose and SP-Rosewater with painted gold accents. Below the gold leaf banding, we incorporated a strie using SP-The Perfect Rose and SP-Rosewater.

Segreto |Gold Leaf Ceiling and mirror | Stenciled Walls in SP-Flawless, SP-The Perfect Rose and SP-Rosewater

Adding a bit of Whimsey, we painted an old mirror we had in SP- The Perfect Rose and added gold leafing to the carved details. Feeling like more is better, gold leafing was also applied to the ceiling.

Segreto Showroom- Plaster floors and walls-Segreto Paint pink

This is our version of making a romantic walkway to our new gallery. Did you know pink was first dated back to 800 BC where it was featured in Homer’s Odyssey? It then became given the term “pink” by a Grecian botanist who was describing the edges of carnations. – V Magazine.

SegretoStone Pedestal in color- Rosewater-Renouveau Antiques

In the 1700’s European aristocrats set the tone in popularizing pink by wearing soft versions of the chic color representing luxury and sophistication. Madame de Pompadour, the chief mistress of Louis XV, loved the color so much that, in 1757, French porcelain manufacturer Sèvres named its exquisite new shade of pink, Rose Pompadour, after her. – The color pink: a cultural history – CNN Style.

Segreto Paint Pink champaign-Designer Amy Cunningham

No wonder pink rooms are so comforting!! Pink is intuitive and insightful, showing tenderness and kindness with its empathy and sensitivity. In color psychology, pink is a sign of hope. It is a positive color inspiring warm and comforting feelings, a sense that everything will be okay.-Empower Yourself with Color Phycology

Wine Tasting Dinner Party

How can it be Valentines without a mention of a sweetheart table!! With having lingering Covid symptoms, I was sad to call off my annual Valentines party for my kids and significant others this year!! As you know, I love tablescapes and especially for a holiday!! To find inspirations from previous Valentine’s Parties read about my wine tasting themed event, dinner and craft event with a painted tablecloth tutorial, and my 2020 party which includes a napkin folding tutorial.

Segreto Showroom- Pinks

I hope you enjoyed traveling through the history of pink with me and seeing some of our favorite things pink! Come by the new showroom to see our pinks in person or you can purchase a deck on-line.

Don’t forget to check out the LUXE Red awards!! Nina Magon did such a fab job as one of last year’s regional winners!! It is such an elevated version of pink! We are up for two this year! One in the color category where installed an amazing blue ceiling for Mcgarr Interiors and the other in product furniture design for our SegretoStone furniture line! It’s a people’s choice award! WE would love your support and for all you design groupies, it is a big treat looking at all the beautiful entries!! Vote Furniture Vote SegretoSTone Have a great Valentine’s Day!! Until next time, xo Leslie

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Finishes Which Transend Trends!

Hi Friends, I hope your new year is off to a great start. Being gifted with a not-so-easy case of Covid over the Holiday, I am just now getting back into the swing of things. While I was down, I did try to organize all the thousands of pictures on my phone and was really interesting to see things done ten plus years ago in which the finishes still feel current through so many evolving design trends!! I thought you would also like to see the finishes which have transcended design trends. Some of these illustrations date back 20 years. Could you visualize the finishes in today’s interiors?

Plaster!

Plaster has been used to adorn the walls of architecture that has transformed our world for thousands of years. The Egyptians burned gypsum in open-air fires, crushed it into powder and mixed it with water to plaster ancient pyramids. Venetians also embraced plaster but added marble dust to the mixture, producing heavier variation and adding more sheen to the finish. In the frescoes of Michelangelo’s celebrated Sistine Chapel, pigment was applied directly to wet plaster, taking months to dry but resulting in the magnificent murals that are still admired today. Although architecture and design trends have changed, plaster as a backdrop is still timeless!

Plaster by Segreto Finishes | Architect Murphy Mears | Designer Cherry Curtlet | Builder UTBC Photo Scanned from LUXE | Plaster and fixture by Segreto Finishes | Designer Marie Flanigan Interiors | Architect Murphy Mears | Builder Southhampton Group | Photographer Julie SoeferPlaster and finish on Door by Segreto Finishes | Architectural Consultant Sarah West | Designer Cindy Witmer | Builder Parker House | Photographer Wade BlissardPlaster by Segreto | Renovation by Kerr Construction Plaster by Segreto | Designer Tricia McGawPlaster by Segreto | Architect Tom Wilson | Designer Ginger Barber | Builder Southhampton Group | Photographer Wade Blissard[image error]Plaster by Segreto | Architect Michael Landrum | Designer Garrett Hunter | Builder | Photographer Wade BlissardPlaster by Segreto | Designer Eleanor Cummings | Photographer Wade BlissardPlaster by Segreto | Designer Lindsey Herod | Renovator Goodchild Builders | Photographer Wade BlissardPlaster by Segreto | Photographer Wade BlissardPlaster by Segreto | Designer Cathy Carabello | Builder Michael Thurman | Architect Villa Residential Design. | Photographer Wade Blissard Plaster by Segreto | Designer Meg Longergan | Photographer Par

Painted Floors!

During the 1700s, compass rose patterns, floral and wildlife designs, and faux inlaid wood were all commonly featured as floor motifs. In Sweden and Colonial America, painting or whitewashing pine floors was the norm. These styles, adapted to include more contemporary graphics and bold colors, are now finding their way into new design trends. Painted floors can take the place of inlaid stone or tile to define an area, producing interest and distinction in any room. Not only do painted floors hold up well, allowing for easy cleanup of spills and dust with the right products, but they also lend an unexpected and dramatic effect. In the past, I’d always thought of rooms as having five surfaces to consider for finishes: the ceiling and four walls. But after seeing how treating floors as individual elements contribute to the home’s overall allure, I now think of the floor as the sixth wall.

Plaster, painted floors, plaster fireplace and furnishings by Segreto.Floor Design by Segreto | Designer Rowe Design | Photographer Wade Blissard

Floor Painted Design by Segreto-wood floors Custom Floors Unlimited | Designer Creative Tonic | Builder Stetzer Builders | Architect Ken NewberryFloor Painted Design by Segreto

Murals!

MURAL PAINTING IS ONE OF THE OLDEST FORMS of artistic expression. The word “mural,” originating from the Latin word “murus” or “wall,” refers to any form of visual expression created on a wall. In France, the caves at Lascaux enclose wall paintings dating from 15,000 B.C. One of history’s most famous murals, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, 1495 to 1498, was created for the convent refectory of Milan’s Santa Maria delle Grazie. Just like fine art, fine murals have stood the test of time throughout history. As a truly custom finish which can be less expensive than wall coverings, they can be personalized with special memories and meaningful motifs, few finishes engender as much enchantment or impact as a mural.

Mural by Segreto | Designer Creative Tonic | Photography by Julie SoeferMural by Segreto | Designer Ashley GoforthMural by Segreto | Designer Chandler SultonMural by SegretoMural by Segreto

Metallic Details!

Metallic is being widely used today to bring a bit of 1920s Hollywood glitz and create jewel-box accents on cabinetry, shimmering effects in dining spaces, and subtle, silk-like glows in master retreats. Unlike the heavy, gilded look of yesteryear, these new metallic are incorporated sparingly for elegant, captivating spaces. Gold, white gold and silver, hammered into extremely thin, square sheets, are excellent decorative tools for leafing ceilings or gilding furniture. Applying metallic to range hoods can create a metal look at a fraction of the price of customizing a stainless, enamel or brass one.

God leaf by Segreto: Designer Anne LydickWood Finishes by Segreto

Wood Finishes!

With today’s open floorplans, often time’s wall finishes remain consistent while built-in cabinetry, paneling, beams and doors give each room that unique element. Quality wood finishes transform raw wood or painted pieces into reclaimed elements; they reinvent sprayed cabinetry into sleek furniture with chic gold or silver detailing; they can even turn a standard planked wood ceiling into repurposed barn wood, or a heavily stained orange wood cabinetry into an aged grayed limed finish. Cabinet finishes show dirt less and hold up much better than simply painted ones since we seal them with an acrylic floor sealer which is washable and will not yellow over time Not only can these treatments greatly enhance a new construction, but they also can reinvent a home’s existing elements at a fraction of the cost of ripping out and building anew.

Wood Finishes by Segreto | Designer Eleanor Cummings | Builder Goodchild Builders Plaster and cabinet Finishes by Segreto | Designer Owen Group | Builder Stonehenge Classic Homes | Photographer Wade BlissardPlaster and cabinet finishes by Segreto | Designer Munger Interiors | Photographer Wade BlissardPlaster and cabinet finishes by Segreto | Designer Kara Childress | Architect Ken Newberry | Builder Windham BuildersWood Finishes by Segreto | Designer Don Connelly | Builder Corbel Custom HomesCabinet finishes by Segreto | Designer Nicole Zarr | Builder UVTB | Photographer Wade BlissardDoor and cabinet finish by Segreto | Designer Ken Kehoe | Photographer Wade Blissard

Thank you for following along the different finishes with me! It is so amazing to see older trends still being trendy with today’s styles. Until next time xo Leslie

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