Leslie Sinclair's Blog, page 5

Artist Spotlight: Valerie Legras and SWADOH

Hi friends! Happy Valentines Day!! As you know, I love how finishes can transform a space and I have a passion for all things interiors — lighting being at the top of my list. Several years ago New Orleans designer Valerie Legras came to my studio and we had an immediate connection, not only because she is energetic and oh-so-fun, but we both have an entrepreneurial spirit and share the same obsession: the creative world of design!

Valerie Legras Photography by Brie Williams

Featured in Milieu Magazine’s Winter 2021 issue, Valerie created an environment for her young clients which feels collected, elegant, contemporary and inviting and functional. Valerie feels a space should not only reflect who you are, but who you are becoming. I love that!

Valerie Legras Photography by Brie Williams

If you notice, all of her designs have original and artful lighting!

Valerie Legras Photography by Brie Williams

“Light correlates to shadow by contrast. One does not exist without the other.”–Valerie Legras

Valerie Legras Photography by Brie Williams

Valerie’s creativity is limitless and she is always looking for inspiration. In this space an original Broadway backdrop was her start. The custom oak dining table has inlays of onyx and with its Lucite base appears to be suspended in mid air. Just brilliant!

Valerie Legras Photography by Brie Williams

Valerie, a native of Epernay, France, and mother of four, has made New Orleans home for the last decade. She obtained her Masters Degree in Interior and Product Design from Ecole Camondo in Paris, France where she lived and worked as a young adult. Family life brought her to New Orleans, where she opened her own firm Valerie Legras Atelier I VLA. She shared with me her passion for artistry in lighting and the wealth of French artisans which she wanted to share with the world.

Valerie Legras Photography by Brie Williams

From that concept, SWADOH was born. Her hope is to highlight the extremely talented artisans and creators and share connections between France (where the products originate) and Louisiana (where the products receive their finishing touches), and to continue supporting the creative ties between the two. An anagram of ‘shadow,’ SWADOH is driven to shine a light on creators with a refreshingly original point of view in their interpretation of materials, textures, and both traditional and contemporary techniques.

SWADOH’s Artisans:

Nuage Hanging Created by Céline Wright in Paris, France.

Valerie read an essay when she was studying in Paris that has had a lasting impact on her called “In Praise of Shadows” by Japanese writer Junichiro Tanizaki.

I was intrigued by how the Japanese approach to lighting is much more subtle compared to the Western approach, which can feel more dominating. Japanese culture relies on the nuance of shade and shadow while Western culture, especially during the ’90s, produced lighting with increased brightness. My focus at SWADOH is to bring attention to this softer and more delicate side of lighting. – Valerie Legras

Palanquin Flushmount Created by Céline Wright in Paris, France.

Featuring layers of Japanese paper meticulously hand-applied over a gold leaf gilded interior shell, the Palanquin Flushmount diffuses a delicately warm glow. The fixture is hardwired and can be installed on the wall or ceiling.

Envol Hanging Created by Céline Wright in Paris, France.

The Envol Hanging is inspired by a heron spreading its wings to take flight. The suspended folds of washi paper are stabilized by a polished marble weight. Well-known in France, Wright, one of SWADOH ‘s artisans, launched her studio more than 20 years ago in Paris, creating handmade fixtures from white Japanese washi paper. She layers thousands of light-as-air sheets to craft ethereal, organic forms such as the cloud-like Nuage, aerodynamic Oiseau, and conical Envol, a poetic piece inspired by a heron about to take flight. Legras first contacted her to source a work for one of her interior design clients. “I wanted her product because they are beautiful and unique and made by hand, and there’s a true story behind her light fixtures,” Legras recalls.

lbatros Quartz pendant created by Emilie Grière PHOTO: COURTESY OF SWADOH.

Emilie Griere from Mu, also based in Paris, invented an unexpected material, Soft Stone, mixing silica and oxygen. Her creation has just been added to the collection and is very exciting in terms of its unique look, feel, and versatility. Ibatros Quarts is a sculptural pendant with draping sheets of Soft Stone in pure white reveals a stamped texture on the exterior. Light, pliable and customizable,

L’Embellie Created by Baptiste Lanne in Biarritz, France. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SWADOH.

An oak surface sits on a linden tree base. Methodically sculpted, L’Embellie is dyed entirely with Chinese calligraphy ink.The handcrafted texture recalls the wood material’s natural and varying forms. Periodic maintenance with beeswax is required to maintain the living quality of the piece.

Valerie is constantly adding new artists, with unique skills and looks. I’m amazed that Valerie is able to stay energetic and achieve a balance to inspire creativity- something I struggle with. She shared with me her routine which gives her a charge to start each day.

I’m an early bird and my mornings are a precious moment in the day that I particularly cherish — having a little “me time” while the house is still asleep is so important to me and my well being. As a mother of four, I found that treating myself in the morning was not only good for myself but the whole family! I use this time to read the newspaper — I always start with the French edition— and then I continue with an overview of my emails while drinking a coffee. Then I go for a quick walk,  listen to music, a book or a podcast . Then, after a nice shower, I am ready to start my day! 

Valerie Legras Photography by Brie Williams

Young at heart as seen in this child’s room she designed, Valerie is engaging and inquisitive and truly loves people.

I have so many things in life that intrigue me, and capture my attention and interest! I cannot simply add all of them in the category “passions”. I am very curious so I am never bored!  Lately I discovered a new discipline  that I wanted to explore for a long time and that truly fulfilled me: I took hand building poetry classes and I loved it!  Cooking is also something I love to do simply because,  besides being creative, it brings people together in a joyful way. In France we say that cooking for someone is an act of love and I cannot agree more! 

As if she doesn’t have enough on her plate she has been curating a podcast called Textures to highlight artisans work. A couple of years ago she hosted me! If you listen to it, please know I was broken out in nervous hives through the entire interview! Glad it was not a videoed event!! I am so inspired by Valerie and hope to be just like her when I grow up! For a visual treat follow her on Instagram and visit both her websites, her lighting line SWADOH and her design website Valerie Legras. Thank you Valerie for all that you inspire!! Till next time! XO Leslie

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A Valentine’s Day Party – Wine Tasting Theme!

Hi friends, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and while I am planning ideas for this year’s dinner party for our family and their sweethearts, I wanted to share last year’s activity-packed event with you. I was inspired by my cousin who held a wine tasting party for her daughter’s birthday and it was so much fun. So 2021’s theme was going to be all about wine! I wanted it to be extra special since we were not together for the previous Christmas as two of the kids had Covid and the rest of us were exposed and in quarantine.

This year I wanted it to feel like a five-star restaurant with a glitzy blush pink sweetheart vibe! Finding this over-the-top 120″ round sparkly tablecloth for under $60 set the tone for the table.

I also searched high and low for new napkin rings, and have been thrilled with these acrylic napkin ring vases. They come in packages of 4 for $12.00. I have used them so many times since; as they can complement any theme and can be altered easily with different flowers. They even look great as tiny vases without the napkins simply scattered around the house. They look expensive and would be such a great gift too!!

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With the score of these roses — maybe cabbage roses? — from Trader Joe’s, I was ready to layer my table using dishes from my obsessive dish stash.

Look how pretty the little vases are! When going all out for a sweet heart’s day, I try to host several get togethers to cherish many people that I love: a mother daughter luncheon for Mom and her friends, a craft party with my friends to create some prototypes for the kids to look at, and one for my family. Sometimes I also host an office company craft party! 

[image error]A light and colorful luncheon spread

Our luncheon was so much fun and what’s better for a ladies lunch than salad and tea sandwiches?

And the change up for the big event?

Everyone got little table gifts of handmade chocolates, plus cigars for the guys and heart-shaped wine openers for the girls. I used my china and placemats from Vietri, flatware from Neiman Marcus (currently on sale!), Dorothy Thorpe mid-century glasses gifted from my mother, and wine glasses from Anthropologie! I couldn’t find the chargers still on sale, but here is another option from Amazon. If you are not a pink gal like me, and this is a one time event, I found some pretty plastic ones from Posh Setting.

We were still doing the two table thing at our house to separate a bit from the kids! I put a table for two in the entry way for John and I.

After all, he is still my sweetheart after 35 years!

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With the Valentines table set and ready I was eager to set up the wine tasting!!

The Wine Tasting [image error]

I researched how to do proper wine tastings and honestly just found it a bit overwhelming, so I put my own twist on it! I decided to focus on four categories; Champaign, Chardonnay, Cabernet and Rose. I went to Trader Joe’s and bought bottles in each from $2.99 – $40 per bottle with a thrown in gift from a friend of a more expensive Champagne. I found these cute jute wine bags on Amazon to hide the labels.

To create a romantic atmosphere I hung these twinkle lights around the room which really made the wine tasting room special!

Most things you read say real glasses are best but since so many are needed (and then need to be washed!) I did have plastic glassware set up as overflow at each station in addition to real wine and champagne glasses. I already had these stemless wine glasses and stemless flutes for company events — Macy’s has flash sales periodically as low as $10 for a set of 12. Typically they are $38 per set.

Everyone got a printout of the sheet without the prices and had to determine most expensive to least expensive and which one they liked the best in each category. The group had so much fun reading the descriptions to see if they could match the wine. Very few people picked the most expensive correctly but most could tell the least expensive, and everyone found wines they would purchase again in the $10-15 price point.

I ordered a charcuterie board from Picnic on the Green and used my fancy silver to display. Don’t forget the Cocktail Picks Skewers to dress up your food displays.

Well with everything all done I was excited to start the big event!!

Here are my kiddos and their sweethearts!! Everyone had so much! The best part of these events is the time we spend together! It is truly priceless for John and I! See past Valentintes tables here, here , here and here. I hope this helps get your juices flowing for your Valentine’s event. Drop me a line and let me know how it went. Till next week! xo Leslie

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A Tale of Two Daughters – Sammy Part 2

Hi friends, I hope you have had a great couple of weeks. Last time we saw part of the transformation of my youngest daughter Sammy and her husband Dylan’s new home. I can’t wait to show you the rest!

The new homeowners felt so blessed to have such a large kitchen since Dylan likes to cook and Sammy loves baking, but they were hoping they could totally change the look with just plaster and paint since they could not afford to rip out the floors and backsplash. Notice the existing floors, backsplash, black cabinet hinges, and white trim above the cabinets.

What a difference!! The carvings were removed and new larger cabinet doors were installed over the oven. The rest of the transformation involved paint, plaster, and beautiful new hardware and faucet from Acero Bella! The cabinets were painted in Segreto Paint Ocean Break at 200% and softly glazed. A white detail of Paloma — the trim paint and plaster color — was added on some of the bead detail of cabinets to elevate the molding style. Painting the crown attached to the cabinets and the hinges on the cabinet doors the same color as the cabinets disguises them. The tile backsplash was toned to blend with the new palette and a floral mural painted on top.

Notice the large ticket items like counters, and appliances remain the same.

“In the kitchen, Sammy wisely added a portable island that gives her more workspace and additional storage. I added bins to keep her paper and plastic goods sorted and organized. The two drawers store her wraps and Ziploc bags.” – Amy Cunningham

The movable island from Overstock can be tucked away by the pantry when not in use — a perfect addition which allows more counter space. My favorite part of the room? The floors! We plastered over the existing tile and are all over-the-moon excited about their new look and how well they clean up. You can really see in this shot how open the kitchen is to the rest of the home. Using the blue cabinetry for the main kitchen gives a furniture feel and helps tie in the furnishing in adjoining rooms. The pantry and…

…the bar and bar tile were painted in the main house color of Paloma! Painting tile is an affordable way to change it’s look. We did a little silver leaf detail on the cabinet fronts to dress up the cabinetry and enhance her new hardware from Acero Bella.

There is definitely an art to organization and making the best most functional use of your spaces!! This is what Amy was given and ….

…this is how she transformed the space!!

“Deep pantry cabinets like Sammy’s can be challenging to keep organized since items can get lost in the back and be hard to reach. To make the pantry more functional, I added long, clear bins with handles that are easy to pull out. Deep bins on the bottom shelves keep snacks, drinks and Stella’s doggie treats sorted and organized. The drawers are perfect for storing small, packaged foods and protein bars.”- Amy Cunningham

Here is the happy couple with their pup Stella loving making meals together in their newly refreshed kitchen. Simple linen shades and white accessories finish the look. Home Goods and Target are great places to pick up these basic items.

This is the before but I wanted to show that the kitchen is located in the center of the home which you have to walkthrough to get from the living/dining area to the back den and master suite.

Similar to the furnishing challenge in the living room, I was concerned about making a functional space without blocking passageways to other rooms. Like the rest of the home we refinished the floors, painted the trim including the stained doors, and plastered the walls and ceiling in Paloma from the Segreto Palette. We were really over budget at this point so our purchases were going to have to be selective and we really had to use their existing furniture which didn’t work well in the rest of the home.

Years in the making, we were so excited to be able to test our final version of our own plaster line!! SegretoLime Plaster is a two-coat plastering system which is hand-troweled to a smooth matte finish. We were not only formulating a timeless look but wanted an environmentally friendly product which was durable and sustainably mined in the USA, saving on shipping fees and supply chain issues from Europe. Our two-coat plastering system is not only fade, scratch and splash resistant, but is easy to repair. SegretoLime is a 0 VOC product, made of organic lime which is innately mold and mildew resistant and antibacterial in nature. We will always remain current and skilled in installing all fine plasters so we can advise the best product for each client. After 28+ years of experience, we felt there was a gap in the market and have integrated qualities into a product we feel you will love.

So, what was new and what was reused? The couch, first in our home and then in Sammy and Kirby’s apartment; the lamp on the right was an antique American wallpaper press turned into a lamp from my home; the floor lamp (which would benefit with an aging to tone down the gold) was from Sammy’s apartment; the side tables were Dylan’s bedside tables which we spray painted in a self priming shiny white enamel from Home Depot and turned them sideways to fit the space. The painting “Dancing Under the Moonlight” was a piece I painted for them with an old canvas I had in the garage.

The two swivel chairs were from Wayfair for $499 each, rug from Wayfair $256, Faux cashmere blankets from Amazon $35 each, and the navy puffs from Amazon $58 each, blue and tan pillows from Lam Bespoke and white line ones from Etsy. The coffee table was gifted from a sweet client who was happy it went to a nice home! Eventually we would like to put a collection of Sammy and Dylan’s wedding and travel photos in lucite frames on the left wall.

This is the master before. it is a large room with plenty of space!!

Wanting to set this room off from the rest of the home she painted the trim and ceiling in Segreto Paloma and the walls in Segreto Sterling giving a bit of contrast. The carpet selected from The Great Rug Company was at a great price point and so soft!!  A client gifted her the chair after she had already purchased the bedding. The art, from Sammy’s bedroom at our house pulled all the colors together!

The headboard made from an old architectural piece was gifted from a client and given a fresh coat of paint. The two side tables purchased from a resale shop were also given new life with a textured finish. it is amazing how the same pieces can look totally different with a new finish — in this instance they went from totally old world to fresh and new. The only new purchase in the room besides the bedding from Pottery Barn and Kuhl Linscomb are the contemporary lamps from Lam Bespoke!

They felt so blessed to have a recently renovated bathroom with a tub and shower, but the dark heavy materials were just not them. One thing we didn’t notice when purchasing the house was that all showers just had rain heads — not the best for gals if they didn’t want to wash their hair. We were planning on leaving the glass but found the metal enclosure was leaking so it had to be replaced. You know how it is, one thing leads to another! We decided to test out a new plastering product which can be applied right over tile! We love the clean feel of no grout lines!

The room feels so much larger!! Although the vanity was left and painted to blend, the granite top was coated with SegretoStone and beautiful new hardware and faucets from Acero Bella installed. With limited storage recessed medicine cabinets were purchase From Wayfair for $119 each. I did like the large ones but the price is 10 fold as the size goes up!

Dylan and I wanted to hang a Segreto plaster floral piece over the tub. After trying to nail 8 holes and thinking we kept hitting suds, we remembered it was plaster over tile! This is photoshopped until we can get the proper tools to hang! It was such a joy working with Sammy and Dylan! Thank you to Acero Bella, Floor Designs of Houston, Lam Bespoke, Artfully Edited Interiors, The Great Rug Company, and the Segreto Team who helped transformed their first home!! This project was definitely a labor of love. Till next time, XO Leslie

“Our homes should inspire us to go out into the world and to do great things and then welcome us back for refreshment” – Melissa Michaels

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A Tale of Two Daughters – Sammy Part 1

Hi friends! I hope you had a magical holiday season and are off to a happy, healthy 2022! The New Year is a time for new beginnings, new looks, and new starts. I thought sharing my two daughters’ home renovations would illustrate how things can be tweaked to create dramatic changes. After all “Home is where love resides, memories are created, friends always belong, and laughter never ends.”

I love this photo taken last Christmas before Sammy’s wedding to Dylan. I feel Kirby and Sammy both inherited their Italian father’s good looks, but beyond that they are as different as the two homes they have renovated! This week we will look at how Sammy and Dylan took their traditional style and updated their little fixer upper! Sammy, a kindergarten teacher for 6 years joined Segreto about 6 months ago and has quickly become an integral part of our team on the operations side. Although I knew she was highly organized and great at math, I had no idea she had a perfect color eye! She has put this to test in her own first home!

Here you can see the before and after progress of the exterior. since these were taken we have painted the porch and finished the lime wash to the stone adding one more layer to totally remove its underlying pink cast.

The before of the house shows the previous owners had removed walls to create a big open living space, a feature that these young newlyweds loved! I felt the living room was going to be a furnishing challenge looking at the way it was currently arranged. I didn’t know if there would be enough space for a usable gathering area as the current furniture placement seemed to block passageways. This is always a challenge in homes with smaller spaces and very open floor plans.

I was thrilled with how it all came together with ample seating to really sit and enjoy the space. The floors were redone by Floor Designs of Houston which made a huge difference! Being on a young professional’s budget we were challenged to use furnishings from four generations! The green couch, floor lamp, coffee and side tables were from John and my early marriage; the mid century dining chairs were from my Mom and Dad’s home; and the two upholstered chairs were from my Grandmother’s, all in their original fabric. The green pillows, acrylic art pieces and console was from Sammy’s apartment days. We refreshed the console by painting it with Segreto Chalks our new DIY furniture paint. It was so easy to do, just give a light sand and paint away — no priming necessary!

The house was given a fresh coat of paint and plastered from the Segreto palette Paloma. Painting and plastering in the same tone lifted the 8 foot ceilings and expanded the space. So what is new that tied it all together? The art above the couch, pillows on the couch, and blue vase, all from Lam Bespoke. Those purchases were essential to relating all the colorations together of the gifted previously upholstered furnishings. In small spaces tucking little ottoman stools under the coffee table is a space saving way to provide extra seating. This has become the most used room in the house when their friends come to visit!

The dining room was nice in the fact that they could seat 10 easily in the space. Lets see what it looks like with a few changes made.

It is hard to believe it is the same room. The same plaster and paint is carried throughout, along with the window treatments and shades. The mid-century modern table purchased when my parents were in Denmark in the early 60’s is a set with the chairs you will see scattered throughout the house. The china cabinet was one of John and my first purchases for our first home, and the mirror was from an apartment Kirby and Sammy shared. So what is new? The slipcovered chairs are from IKEA, white linen for the drapes (29.99/yd) from Interior Fabrics, woven shades ($89 per window) and rug ($300) from Wayfair, and chandelier ($150) from Overstock. The splurge was the lovely framed butterflies from Lam Bespoke.

They have already had dinner parties in the space!

“Some of the most important conversations I’ve ever had occurred at my family’s dinner table.” ― Bob Ehrlich

The study (before), to the right of the living space looks like it was a multifunction room. And after?

Painting the trim, cabinetry and walls all in Segreto paint Gallant Night, they created a dramatic space perfect for Dylan’s new home office! The corner cabinet was my grandmothers, the Chinese fish bowl planter turned into a coffee table flanked my front doors in the 80’s and you can spot the two dining chairs which went with the dining set! What is new? The low weave wool carpet selected from The Great Rug Company; and drapes, chair, desk, and barn door from Overstock. The bookshelves filled with old books from my home and things special to Dylan enhanced the collected feel of the space.

A dear friend and professional Amy Cunningham, owner of Artfully Edited Interiors came in to help organize the space and make this a functional home office for Dylan. Having enough space is always challenging and she used this piece I bought at an auction when John and I first married.

“The office is one of the first rooms you see when entering the front door and with Dylan working from home, I wanted the room to feel uncluttered with a masculine vibe. I used antique books, photos and existing accessories to style the shelves, and added drawer organizers for Dylan’s office supplies. Woven baskets keep papers sorted and easily accessible. An antique armoire opposite the built-in was the perfect place to store crafting and gift wrapping supplies. I styled the top with his diploma, a cute photo and books as a nice backdrop for Dylan’s frequent Zoom calls.”  -Amy Cunningham

The laundry was a small closet off the study!

We took the door off and replaced it with a barn door from overstock. It came in unfinished and we stained it and infused some of the Gallant Night paint into the wood.

We were able to move the washer and dryer side by side and build a counter, giving Sammy some folding space. Amy wanted to take on the challenge of making the interior functional and beautiful! Sammy and I said whole heartedly — yes!

And what a wonderful job she did! JUST AMAZING! Taking Amy’s direction, the room was painted in Segreto Paint Antica, the wood top was coated in SegretoStone in Visionary Gray, and we hand-painted the backsplash to look like tile using Gallant Night, Antica and Winter White from our Segreto Palette!

“My goal with any design project is to help the homeowner make their problem areas more functional and beautiful. Sometimes it’s as simple as adding baskets and labels, but there are times when the space needs to be completely reworked to maximize storage.  When I first saw Sammy’s laundry closet, I knew that with a little construction and imagination, the small space could be transformed into a stylish room where she might even enjoy folding clothes! Sammy needed storage and a place to hang her delicates to dry, so I designed simple upper cabinets and suspended a hanging bar between them.” – Amy Cunningham

This is the before of a bedroom that is on the left side of the living room.

Giving this room a fresh coat of paint made a world of difference! Notice the heavy the texture of the walls. We were happy the plaster in the the main part of the house covered the texture and created a smooth wall. The furnishings here are from Sammy’s apartment bedroom. We added new shams and drapery panels from Pottery Barn Baby to give the space a fresh new feel. They are hoping it will feel warm and inviting for their guests!

It is amazing how paint just transforms. Using the main house color of Paloma for the trim and cabinet and Antica for the walls, everything looks fresh and new and the carvings are modernized! I did notice that the lighter colors do not mask the heavy texture on the walls as much as the darker shade of the study did. Always use a flat or washable matte paint when you have texture. Eggshell or higher sheens will make it stand out even more!

The new homeowners felt so blessed to have such a large kitchen since Dylan likes to cook and Sammy loves baking, but they were hoping they could totally change the look with just plaster and paint since they could not afford to rip out the floors and backsplash. Notice the existing floors, backsplash, black cabinet hinges, and white trim above the cabinets.

What a difference!! The carvings were removed and new larger cabinet doors were installed over the oven. The rest of the transformation involved paint, plaster, and beautiful new hardware and faucet from Acero Bella! The cabinets were painted in Segreto Paint Ocean Break at 200% and softly glazed. A white detail of Paloma — the plaster color — was added on some of the bead detail of cabinets to elevate the molding style. Trim was painted the same as the rest of the home — Segreto Paint Paloma. Painting the crown attached to the cabinets and the hinges on the cabinet doors the same color as the cabinets disguises them. The tile backsplash was toned to blend with the new palette and a floral mural painted on top. Simple linen shades and white accessories finish the look. Notice the large ticket items like counters, and appliances remain the same.

“In the kitchen, Sammy wisely added a portable island that gives her more workspace and additional storage. I added bins to keep her paper and plastic goods sorted and organized. The two drawers store her wraps and Ziploc bags.” – Amy Cunningham

The movable island can be tucked away by the pantry when not in use — a perfect addition which allows more counter space. My favorite part of the room? The floors! We plastered over the existing tile and are all over-the-moon excited about their new look and how well they clean up. You can really see in this shot how open the kitchen is to the rest of the home. Using the blue cabinetry for the main kitchen helps tie in the furnishing in adjoining rooms. The panty and…

…the bar and bar tile were painted in the main house color of Paloma! Painting tile is an affordable way to change it’s look. We did a little silver leaf detail on the cabinet fronts to dress up the cabinetry and enhance her new hardware from Acero Bella.

“Deep pantry cabinets like Sammy’s can be challenging to keep organized since items can get lost in the back and be hard to reach. To make the pantry more functional, I added long, clear bins with handles that are easy to pull out. Deep bins on the bottom shelves keep snacks, drinks and Stella’s doggie treats sorted and organized. The drawers are perfect for storing small, packaged foods and protein bars.”- Amy Cunningham  

Here is the happy couple with their pup Stella loving making meals together in their newly refreshed kitchen. “Our homes should inspire us to go out into the world and to do great things and then welcome us back for refreshment” – Melissa Michaels I hope

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Cheers To New Beginnings

Source

Hi friends! It’s hard to believe 2021 is winding down as I sit down to write this last blog post of the year! It’s incredible to look back on the many exciting projects we have had this year, and I feel incredibly grateful to have such a supportive community that allows us to constantly evolve and perfect our craft — thank you for being here!

We have so much in store for 2022, the biggest of which is the opening of a new showroom where the world of interior and exterior finishes can be experienced firsthand. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes and can’t wait to welcome you into our new home. We thought this holiday season giving you a look into what you have been a part of would be the best way to show our gratitude — if you haven’t already, make yourself a nice cup of hot cocoa (or champagne!), and settle in for what we hope is visual inspiration!

Click the book to browse!

Best wishes for a season filled with good health and good spirits, and a bright and hopeful future ahead. Cheers to 2022!

Lots of love, Leslie

Our trees looking festive with all new SegretoChalk paint!

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Marie Flanigan, Luxe And Segreto

Hi Friends! We are thrilled to be a part of this month’s Luxe magazine! One of the most rewarding parts of our industry is viewing the beautiful final results of the intensive collaboration of so many talents. Marie Flanigan and her team; builder Marcel Barone of The Southhampton Group; and architect Kirby Mears of Murphy Mears Architects were amazing to work with. Be sure to visit each of their websites for an extra design treat!

Margaret Zainey Roux did a beautiful job writing up the article for Luxe Magazine, so I decided to share it here. Our piece of the puzzle was plaster, plaster, plaster — even the light fixture was plaster, which I want to emulate for my own home! Notice as well there are no baseboards or casements, the plaster melds right into the natural woods and stone floors. And the carved plaster florals over the spa blue plaster walls in the master bath — beautifully calming! Leslie Simmons, or the cuter Leslie as I refer to her as, spearheaded the design from team Segreto and did such an amazing job! I hope you enjoy your walkthough of this lovely home!

Photography: Julie Soefer

Natural materials are to a home what fresh ingredients are to a meal: the essential elements for flavor and depth. So when a restaurateur couple embarked on the design of their new Houston abode, they enlisted architect Kirby Mears and interior designer Marie Flanigan to help concoct a recipe for the project that would mix rich interiors with raw, wholesome layers. “The homeowners know what it means to be both a guest and a host, and they wanted to create a warm environment and ‘an experience’ that their visitors would be able to enjoy,” says Mears.

Photography: Julie Soefer

Under one roof, old-world European elegance and modern American luxury merge to create an atmosphere as welcoming as a countryside inn and as chic as a boutique hotel. Spanish, Italian and Moroccan influences prevail in the entry and kitchen with wrought-iron fixtures and plank doors and cabinets outfitted in artisanal cast bronze hardware. But what truly speaks the language of the home is the authenticity of the reclaimed tilework. In the entry, a “rug” assembled from 19th-century terracotta tiles features a traditional floral medallion motif, while antique Zellige tiles from Chateau Domingue comprise the backsplash in the kitchen. Each individual tile is a little bit off from the next—a chip here, some fading there. And according to Flanigan, these perfect imperfections help transform them from simply materials into relics. Contributing to this continental mix are a pair of antique-inspired verdigris globe pendants from England, handwoven Turkish textiles and a myriad of provincial ceramic vessels.

Nestled into the family room, a breakfast banquette area features an Eglo Gaetano pendant custom finished in plaster by Segreto Finishes above Queen chairs by Roche Bobois and a custom table.

Photography: Julie Soefer

Small lattice globe pendants by Jamb and a vintage Zellige tile backsplash from Chateau Domingue add character to the kitchen. Segreto Finishes custom mixed the island cabinetry’s gray-green hue and plastered the vent hood above the Lacanche range. The commissioned painting is by Michael Dines.

Photography: Julie Soefer

In lieu of stuffy interior furnishings, the homeowners desired a relaxed warmth that was family friendly and intimate. To compensate for the lack of superfluous décor, Flanigan relied on scale in order to anchor the voluminous rooms, which feature expansive banks of steel-framed windows and French doors and ceilings towering up to 20 feet in some areas. Oversized carpets, lighting and original abstract art maximize visual impact while defying any hint of minimalism. Overstuffed, upholstered seating remains streamlined with straight backs, squared arms and tailored skirts for a current look, while linen, leather, velvet and other feel-good fabrics infuse a sense of coziness. “The layers of materials, colors and textures help make this home unique along with the multiple cultures that are represented,” explains Flanigan, who turned to her worldly clients when rounding out the project’s refined flavor profile. “Together, these elements illustrate a compelling story of beauty, diversity and a life well-lived.” 

Walls by Segreto Finishes wrap the family room in this home by Murphy Mears Architects. Here, an extra-long Lee sofa pairs with a Gregorius Pineo lounge chair in linen from Arabel Fabrics. A built-in seat fabricated by builder Marcel Barone tucks into a niche next to the bookcase. The Bulles lamp is from Formations. A rug from Armadillo adds texture.→

Photography: Julie Soefer

Butler’s pantry cabinetry custom finished by Segreto Finishes using Sherwin-Williams’ Mindful Gray mixes with hardware and a Kallista faucet from Elegant Additions and a counter of concrete stone and white sand with a marble finish. The custom flooring is from Alkusari Stone.

Photography: Julie Soefer

The formal living room’s vaulted ceilings are grounded by a Danby marble mantel from Materials Marketing below an Ebanista Lirio mirror. Custom ottomans in Rose Tarlow Melrose House linen face a coffee table designed with a slab of reclaimed Bourgogne limestone from Chateau Domingue. Interior designer Marie Flanigan layered a rug from Madison Lily Rugs over a jute one from Akara.

Photography: Julie Soefer

Delicate detailing by Segreto Finishes on the dining room walls highlights a Keiko Gonzalez abstract from Dimmit Contemporary Art hung in a niche above a white oak sideboard complementing the built-in cabinetry. Quintus chairs upholstered in velvet from Arabel Fabrics line a 12-foot dining table, also made of white oak.

Photography: Julie Soefer

A dramatic bar with a custom mural by John Opella of Minium Decorative Arts and Design features green sandstone counters from Pomogranit-ADR atop reeded white oak cabinetry painted Benjamin Moore Nightfall. The Waterworks faucet and Linkasink sink are from Elegant Additions.

Photography: Julie Soefer

The main bathroom walls were plastered and painted a soft blue and adorned with a hand-painted floral mural by Segreto Finishes, forming a relaxing backdrop for the MTI Baths Elise freestanding tub with Kallista hardware from Elegant Additions. The Dolomite Corina flooring is from Ann Sacks.

Photography: Julie Soefer

Sherwin-Williams’ Greek Villa coats walls in a guest bedroom furnished with a chandelier from Circa Lighting, Parsons slipcovered bed from RH, Bungalow Classic side table and Currey & Company lamp. A lumbar pillow in Pierre Frey’s Beaufort pattern adds a pop of color.

Photography: Julie Soefer

A custom table pairs with chairs from the RH Mesa teak collection in the open-air pavilion. Wall-mount lighting by French Market Lanterns imparts a contemporary feel. Landscape designer Herbert Pickworth added the Boston Ivy in the background.

Thank you to all the wonderful people I get to collaborate with each and every day and for them trusting Segreto with their projects. We are so grateful for all the opportunities and to be featured in this piece with Luxe Magazine alongside our friends. Congratulations to all  Marie Flanigan Interiors, The Southampton Group, Murphy Mears Architects, Photographer Julie Soefer, and landscaper Herbert Pickworth Garden Designer for a spectacular home and feature!

Be on the watch in your emails for a Holiday lookbook full of design inspiration as a thank you gift for all the support you have given us year around! It was super fun to do and if you like them then we can start sending them out more often. Till next time, XO Leslie

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On My Thanksgiving Table

Hello friends! Hope this season finds you well. Between the hustle and bustle of the holiday prep and lots of exciting projects to juggle here at Segreto HQ, I got to feeling nostalgic. Since John and I got married we have been hosting Thanksgiving in our home, and gathering with our (growing) family is something I look forward to each year. Looking back, my theme seems to always be centered around the pumpkin!

A Theme of Gratitude

Like many families, who have special dishware that they bring out each season for the holidays, we have these cute pumpkin tureens. I love serving a seasonal menu like a butternut squash or split pea soup just when the weather is getting a bit cooler. When I bought these Martha Stewart ones I looked high and low for just the right look with many brands available, now the best place to look is eBay. These are some I found here, here, and here. When did I become so vintage?!

This year’s color story is all about classic warmth with a touch of rustic details. I paired them with subtle harvest themed tableware and woven chargers, and completed the setup with orange fringed napkins. If you look closely, you’ll notice the napkin rings say “blessed” and “thankful,” isn’t that what this season is all about?

I first set the table in our formal dining room using this linen table skirt I previously used on a daily.

You might remember it! Here is a picture of my dining space over 20 years ago!

I set the table using cobalt water glassed in the dining room, but as our guest list grew, we moved to the breakfast room where the table expands. And of course you can’t forget the florals — here I added a wreath in soft rose, yellows, blues and ivory tones around my pumpkin bowl centerpiece.

Moving everything over, I used the table as the ground and changed the glasses to mine from Vietri for a more elegant look. Last year I used the soup tureen to house the florals. This year with more of a Fall toned theme, I surrounded the tureen with silk florals and berries. This did allow me to set my Thanksgiving table way in advance! Now the only thing left is the delicious meal that will be shared by our loved ones.

I spy something blue…do you notice the plaster looking baby pumpkins? More details coming on those, keep reading!

A Romantic Mid Century Look

Another look and another year…using my mother’s mid-century frosted glassware that she gifted to me set the table’s color tones. If you’re interested in Dorothy Thorp mid-century glassware, Ebay is a great source for vintage pieces.

I mixed it with placemats and paper soft napkins from Vietri. They have the look and feel of linen and are perfect to dress up the Thanksgiving table but are made from paper — amazing!

Don’t Forget the Greenery

Greenery is a great way to add visual interest and break up a monochrome palette — real or faux!

Lots of candles at varying heights also helps set a cozy mood. Who doesn’t love a good candlelit supper?

Segreto Chalks Are Here!

You know I always have a craft planned. This year at our family Halloween dinner, we experimented with Segreto’s new chalk paints to create pumpkin art for our Thanksgiving tables! Katy, my son Matthew’s gal had so much fun testing out the new shades on these sweet little pumpkins. The latest in our product lineup, Segreto Chalks are available in our 135 signature colors that create our signature plaster look at home. I love using them to elevate DIY projects and furniture pieces. If you try them, be sure to share them with the hashtag #shareyoursegreto on Instagram!

Kirby also tried her hand at a more moody Thanksgiving tablescape, using her chalk painted pumpkins we all did together. I love the soft blue and amber tones she pulled in and how the whole spread looks on her SegretoStone table!

It reminds me of this table setting by Casa de Perrin, such a great and unexpected combination!

Keeping within a unified color but adding variety through various shades keeps the table simple and elegant. This is a great shot on how Segreto Chalks gives a plaster feel to the plastic pumpkins and leaves, Its hard to see the detail but she also painted her brown bamboo folding chairs in Segreto Chalks as well.

The cool blues compliment the silver tableware, and warmth is brought in with amber touches. The striped linen napkins I bought for her from Bodrum Linens also add a casual yet elevated feel. Big tip, sign up for Bodrum’s emails, they have a sample sale twice a year and things are pennies on the dollar. They go fast though, this year all was sold out in less than 24 hours!!

I adore how Kirby used some wooden close pin push pins to attach a chalk painted leaf to her pumpkin as a place card holder! I’m so grateful for your loyal support all these years and love sharing the journey with you. I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with love, laughter, and gratitude. Lastly, keep an eye out on our Holiday Look Book hitting your inbox next week! Lots of love!

xo,

Leslie

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on My thanksgiving table

Hello friends! Hope this season finds you well. Between the hustle and bustle of the holiday prep and lots of exciting projects to juggle here at Segreto HQ, I got to feeling nostalgic. Since John and I got married we have been hosting Thanksgiving in our home, and gathering with our (growing) family is something I look forward to each year. Looking back, my theme seems to always be centered around the pumpkin!

A Theme of Gratitude

Like many families, who have special dishware that they bring out each season for the holidays, we have these cute pumpkin tureens. I love serving a seasonal menu like a butternut squash or split pea soup just when the weather is getting a bit cooler. When I bought these Martha Stewart ones I looked high and low for just the right look with many brands available, now the best place to look is eBay. These are some I found here, here, and here. When did I become so vintage?!

This year’s color story is all about classic warmth with a touch of rustic details. I paired them with subtle harvest themed tableware and woven chargers, and completed the setup with orange fringed napkins. If you look closely, you’ll notice the napkin rings say “blessed” and “thankful,” isn’t that what this season is all about?

I first set the table in our formal dining room using this linen table skirt I previously used on a daily.

You might remember it! Here is a picture of my dining space over 20 years ago!

I set the table using cobalt water glassed in the dining room, but as our guest list grew, we moved to the breakfast room where the table expands. And of course you can’t forget the florals — here I added a wreath in soft rose, yellows, blues and ivory tones around my pumpkin bowl centerpiece.

Moving everything over, I used the table as the ground and changed the glasses to mine from Vietri for a more elegant look. Last year I used the soup tureen to house the florals. This year with more of a Fall toned theme, I surrounded the tureen with silk florals and berries. This did allow me to set my Thanksgiving table way in advance! Now the only thing left is the delicious meal that will be shared by our loved ones.

I spy something blue…do you notice the plaster looking baby pumpkins? More details coming on those, keep reading!

A Romantic Mid Century Look

Another look and another year…using my mother’s mid-century frosted glassware that she gifted to me set the table’s color tones. If you’re interested in Dorothy Thorp mid-century glassware, Ebay is a great source for vintage pieces.

I mixed it with placemats and paper soft napkins from Vietri. They have the look and feel of linen and are perfect to dress up the Thanksgiving table but are made from paper — amazing!

Don’t Forget the Greenery

Greenery is a great way to add visual interest and break up a monochrome palette — real or faux!

Lots of candles at varying heights also helps set a cozy mood. Who doesn’t love a good candlelit supper?

Segreto Chalks Are Here!

You know I always have a craft planned. This year at our family Halloween dinner, we experimented with Segreto’s new chalk paints to create pumpkin art for our Thanksgiving tables! Katy, my son Matthew’s gal had so much fun testing out the new shades on these sweet little pumpkins. The latest in our product lineup, Segreto Chalks are available in our 135 signature colors that create our signature plaster look at home. I love using them to elevate DIY projects and furniture pieces. If you try them, be sure to share them with the hashtag #shareyoursegreto on Instagram!

Kirby also tried her hand at a more moody Thanksgiving tablescape, using her chalk painted pumpkins we all did together. I love the soft blue and amber tones she pulled in and how the whole spread looks on her SegretoStone table!

It reminds me of this table setting by Casa de Perrin, such a great and unexpected combination!

Keeping within a unified color but adding variety through various shades keeps the table simple and elegant. This is a great shot on how Segreto Chalks gives a plaster feel to the plastic pumpkins and leaves, Its hard to see the detail but she also painted her brown bamboo folding chairs in Segreto Chalks as well.

The cool blues compliment the silver tableware, and warmth is brought in with amber touches. The striped linen napkins I bought for her from Bodrum Linens also add a casual yet elevated feel. Big tip, sign up for Bodrum’s emails, they have a sample sale twice a year and things are pennies on the dollar. They go fast though, this year all was sold out in less than 24 hours!!

I adore how Kirby used some wooden close pin push pins to attach a chalk painted leaf to her pumpkin as a place card holder! I’m so grateful for your loyal support all these years and love sharing the journey with you. I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with love, laughter, and gratitude. Lastly, keep an eye out on our Holiday Look Book hitting your inbox next week! Lots of love!

xo,

Leslie

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Recent Project Highlight: Renovating the iconic Ristorante Alba

Hi friends! We recently had the great pleasure of collaborating with designer Kara Childress and Shelton Builders, Inc. on a beautiful project, renovating the previous iconic Cavour restaurant into the new Alba Ristorante .

Housed in the historic Granduca Hotel, Cavour has been the longtime hub for the hip Houston crowd, but owner Girogio Borlenghi was ready to reinvent it and take it to new heights.

“We wanted it to become something new but continue to have the theme of being a very sophisticated, classic Italian place and to renew ourselves,” Granduca owner Giorgio Borlenghi says. “That is why we called it Alba, not just because that’s a city in Italy (renowned for its white truffles), but because alba in Italian means dawn so it’s a new dawn for us.

Before

The former Ristorante Cavour restaurant, which had provided a romantic dining scene for discriminating diners and hotel guests for more than a decade.

After

Details like warm antique wood and romantic florals create an inviting and elevated atmosphere.

Taking a cue from an incredible 18th century ceiling from a villa in Naples, Italy from Chateau Domingue, carpeting was replaced with vintage wood flooring reclaimed from a stable in Italy. Kara used the original chairs and recovered them in a luscious mohair on the fronts and a tied in the new drapery fabric on the backs. The soft neutral cloths meld into the space, allowing the grand elements to come to the forefront.

Quite an evolution! We painted over the existing wood floors transforming them into the feel of old European stone. Their now black and white checkerboard pattern creates a dramatic effect in the new Champaign bar bringing to life Kara’s vision. This is the perfect ambiance for an evening cocktail, and Alba has created signature drinks such as the Alba Kiss and Giorgio’s Negroni to set the tone of your dining experience. Other elevated elements include European antiques, mixed with a leather banquet, bistro tables and a pastoral wallcovering mural by Stark.

The beams were also quite a change! Believe it or not these are manufactured with foam. By applying our finishes on top they truly look like reclaimed elements straight from a centuries old chateau in Italy now marrying well with Ristorante Alba’s new elevated look.

The walls are composed of two coats of a natural lime plaster topped with rich layers of a luscious green-blue grayed limewash. It creates a subtle velvety depth when absorbed into the plaster. You can read more about the benefits of limewashing here. We loved the color so much we formulated a paint color in it’s honor. Named The Granduca, it is now available from our designer series line of paints for walls, trim and for DIY projects in our new Segreto Chalks!

Walking into the space after install, I fell in love with the focal art piece and had to ask about it!! The black and white painting by Carolyn Mara, a noted Miami artist. Also happens to be the Borlenghi’s daughter. I thought that was so cool and adds to the charm and welcoming feel of this new upscale restaurant!

A photo series from Slim Aarons La Dolce Vita collection underscores the luxe living that Ristorante Alba exudes. Other changes include adjusted lighting, and all new tableware brought in to reflect a more contemporary note.

The champagne bar from Cal Travino incorporates an 18th-century Italian bibliotheque complete with a painted ceiling. The previous two art niches were recreated to house much needed storage with Cal’s doors and stunning new hardware! Of course, if afternoon outings are more your cup of tea, Alba serves afternoon tea in the most sumptuous setting.

Another view of the gorgeous bar! The soft green color palette combined with brass, warm wood tones and stone checkerboard painted floors is just perfection.

On the Menu

Italian born Maurizio Ferrarese, the Granduca’s executive chef, has created a sumptuous menu with delectable dishes like Acquerello Risotto with Barolor and Truffle, Snow Crab Claws with Pistachio Vinaigrette, Sliced Wild Boar Lanzino and Chilean sea bass.

Kara Childress , always a design genius, did a masterful job on the interiors as well as Shelton Builders, Inc with the renovation. We have loved being a part of Houston’s newest hotspot, and are looking forward to visiting often! The interior finishes were carefully selected to read Old European, and when the room is flooded with light you might very well be transported to northern Italy! Until next time! XO, Leslie

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Setting a spirited mood for halloween

Hi friends! Although it doesn’t quite feel like fall here in Houston, I’ve been loving seeing all the wonderful fall inspiration all around and getting ideas for setting a spirited mood for Halloween. How beautiful is this pumpkin filled porch form Finding Lovely?! It seems like every time I walk into Trader Joe’s I end up leaving with more of those darling heirloom pumpkins!

I love infusing seasonal decor throughout the home in a beautiful and elevated way, it really helps sets the tone for a fun holiday season. How awesome is this mantle centerpiece also from Finding Lovely? Bringing nature indoors is always a good idea. Except when it comes to living insects…;)

Even small details can make the fall season more exciting, like switching up your usual coffee order for a pumpkin spice latte. How fun is this nail art with pops of orange? They’re actually stick ons and can be easily applied at home. Check them out here!

Halloween is only a week away and you know a spirited mood and a spook-tacular tablescape has become quite the tradition for my family. Since I love transforming the everyday to elegant, I wanted to share some tips for creating your own tablescape for the spooky season.

Define Your Color Palette

This year I wanted to put a bit of color in my table décor. Limit your color scheme to three main colors. Here, we chose orange, olive green, and white, along with some black and silver accents. Once you have your colors in mind, it makes it easier to shop or narrow down the décor to give it a unified look. One of my favorite sources for linens is Bodrum Linens. I visit their site often and make an occasional splurge during their sales — now’s a great time to stock up for the upcoming season.

2. Create a Vignette

Imagine the elements on the table shot in freeze-frame. Is there a composition or do things seem placed haphazardly? Be mindful of the overall layout as well as the positioning of individual design “moments.” On trick I do to try and get it all done is to set the table in advance and use some dried or silk florals.

3. Add Layers

Then the day of the party I visit my trusted Trader Joe’s and purchase some real flowers to mix in. This saves me a couple of hours the day of the party not having to create a massive focal. Maybe that will give me extra time to steam the wrinkles out of the linens! Layering brings visual interest, whether in interiors or in tablescapes. Instead of a flat one dimensional setting, we spread a festive tablecloth as a backdrop, and then layered it with a spider web inspired charger, metallic accents, and a silky napkin. Various heights also allow the eye to travel toward the centerpiece focal point.

As you know, my dinners I have for my kids and their significant others are some of John and my favorite memories. I just found out my son and his gal are coming in so have to squeeze in two more!! I’m looking forward to creating a fun menu for the night as well, this menu from Half Baked Harvest caught my eye, it all looks so good!

Typically I share the previous years event, but this year, I was ahead of the game. You know an activity is always part of the night. We are painting fall themed aprons and then are going to have a cooking class to start the night! Check out my tablescapes from previous years here, here, and here, and let us know your favorite in the comments! And be sure to follow us on Pinterest for more Halloween tablescape inspo! I wish you the best for you and your family this Halloween! Till next time! XO Leslie

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