Leslie Sinclair's Blog, page 7

What’s Segreto Up To?

Hi Friends! I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend! I had all my kiddos in town and they threw me a big Mother’s Day bash!! The best gift of all is we were all together! Today I wanted to share some beautiful projects we were lucky enough to collaborate on! Follow along to see what’s Segreto up to?

Designer Elizabeth Garrett always seems to capture classic beauty in her designs. From the flooring to the beautiful arch detail to the lanterns and simplistic elegance of the furnishings, our plaster enhances the bones of this special home, giving warmth to a clean and elegant space.

First brought into vogue in the 18th century, hand-painted chinoiserie wall coverings are still all the rage in today’s design. They are stunning no doubt, but the cost of them has kept our Segreto artisan’s busy, as we are able to customize and create unique designs for our clients at a fraction of the expense of the wall coverings.

This one we implemented for designer Mary Patton started over a metallic silver background and brought to life the carefully selected fabrics which were slated to be used in the room.

“It can take 15 years to train an artist in China, and traditionally they spend eight to ten years copying someone else’s work before they can do their own,” says Claud Cecil Gurney, founder of British wallpaper house de Gournay. –ADPRO We decided to start Brynn on her road early!

Guided by our talented muralist, I think she is getting the hang of it, don’t you? Some interesting things I learned about Mary is that prior to starting her design firm, Mary worked in the fashion industry for Calvin Klein and Theory.  After several successful years in New York, she moved to Houston and launched the acclaimed Mary Nichols Handbag Collection – a collection that was featured nationally in People Magazine, InStyle, and Brides.  She is certainly a multifaceted talent!! See more hand-painted chinoiserie style murals here!

We are finishing an amazing project for Designer Trisha McGaw. A sneak peak of the wine cellar we plastered the walls and ceiling-look at the staircase wall which goes up three floors and installed a SegretoStone countertop! An amazing space with the brass shelves and unique installation of the wine walls- bottles appear to be floating against the glass.

The breathtaking custom chandelier took weeks to hang, and well work the effort, creating a dramatic art piece against the plastered walls in Flake White from our Segreto Palette Deck.

We also created some incredible art pieces for Tricia like this sculpture art piece coated in charcoal plaster. That is installed on its new walls on white plaster walls. The Segreto Paint Flake White marries perfectly with the plaster walls in the same tone, so there is no distraction when viewing space, and the special elements like art, floors, and special doors remain the focal point.

These large scaled plaster flowers were also fun to make!

And created a lovely complement to the floral wallcovering a cool vibe of this sweet baby girl’s nursery!!

I never get tired of a good transformation. Whether you are transforming an entire exterior or an interior fireplace, lime wash makes a huge difference. The trick is toning the wash to mask and transform the underneath colors of the varied stone while still giving it a natural appearance. Looks like our team in their new navy shirts have got the mix just right!

We have been installing Tadelakt showers for close to 10 years and they are really becoming quite the design trend. Constantly improving our process this is one we installed for Designer, Marie Flanigan, Houston’s design darling quickly becoming known for one of the country’s best. If you haven’t ordered her book, The Beauty of Home, it is one of my favorites in my design library.

I am off to Seattle Washington for a job this morning! I am excited about the trip as I have always wanted to go there since seeing “Harry Met Sally” in 1989! Have a wonderful week! Till next time, xo Leslie

The post What’s Segreto Up To? appeared first on Segreto Finishes.

SegretoStone- Natural, Seamless and Beautiful!

HI Friends! It’s inspiring when you see one of your babies come into their own! Whether it is your actual child or a pet project, like our SegretoStone product, it is so rewarding to see growth and such positive feedback! SegretoStone was started about 4 years ago when my daughter and Segreto designer, Kirby shared she really missed designing furniture, something she was involved with in her previous job at TC Interiors. One reason I left corporate America and started Segreto was my love of trying new things. I remembered a product we were developing about 10 years earlier and tabled due to time constraints- a plaster product for counters. Brainstorming in a team meeting we decided to see how it would work in a furniture application.

It has come a long way since our first pieces, both in product and artistry. Kirby worked with designer Jill Egan in creating this clean and sophisticated piece- “The Egan”. I have been a fan of Jill’s since I worked with her on her own home! Take a look at her work in Milieu Magazine! It is stunning and she is such a talent!!

One reason I like to stay “boutique-like” rather than mass producing items, is the thought we are able to put into each design. This top weighs hundreds of pounds, so making it stable with the small neck created quite the engineering challenge. Isai who is our companies technical expert, solved the feat by embedding a metal frame support into the stone. Thank you Jill for your design and trusting us to create it.

Fluting is definitely trending! This SegretoStone plaster coffee table made for Elizabeth Garrett Interiors in our Serenity Silk tone will surely make a statement in this living room. Elizabeth, a long time supporter of Segreto, hired us to install our first large scale plaster countertop, which was featured in Segreto Impressions.

Here is Kirby and Elizabeth sitting on the massive SegretoStone island. What is SegretoStone? SegretoStone is an all-natural lime-based plaster that is poured over a solid concrete, wood, hardy or stone base and polished to a luminous luster to produce a material that is both beautiful and allows for seamless fabrication no matter what its surface size. It’s quiet, organic surface has subtle variations and a soft sheen, mixing well with other surfaces like these quartzite perimeter countertops. An environmentally friendly alternative to mined stones such as marble, granite and quartzite, it is a low VOC product that is more stain resistant and less likely to fracture than marble or concrete.

Due to the pandemic outdoor seating was a must for this sweet couple. We created this table-color “Scultura” to seat 6 so when their kids would come over there was comfortable seating for everyone to dine outside. The beauty of SegretoStone lies not only in its unique aesthetics, but in its ability to be seamlessly restored on-site. Should any cracks or stains occur, SegretoStone can be spot-repaired by sanding, polishing and re-sealing the area. In fact, you could change the entire color without having to start from scratch.

Available is 20 signature colors, SegretoStone offers unlimited options in size. It is endless the combinations we can customize like this square table on a fluted oval base for Jacomini Miclette Design in their client’s breakfast area in color “visionary gray”.

Marie Flanigan Interiors are such a creative and talented group. This table in our “Engaging White” has an inlayed bronze metal trim at the base. Nice touch Marie!!

We always recommend using coasters and trivets when putting hot or cold items on SegretoStone. These from Emerging Green are a great way to protect as Cork’s thermal insulating properties will save your tables and counters from burns, moisture and heat damage. You can purchase on their site or on Amazon. A great price for 8 coasters and 4 trivets- $22.50.

We decided to have fun with ours and had a training class for our non-artisan staff to learn how to stencil using our new Segreto Color Pallet.

They did a great job for their first try! These would be great DIY hostess, Mother’s Day or Christmas gifts, or would make a great family or friends craft activity! Like SegretoStone, I like that Emerging Green‘s products are good for our enviroment!

Another design from the Flanigan crew is this graceful waterfall console in “Pure White”. I think we should call this one “The Marie”!

We are beginning to make a few bases and tops to keep in stock so you can mix and match creating your own piece like this one designer, Julie Goudie, fell in love with. The cool thing about the bases is they also can be used for planters. We have developed the same bases in a smaller size for side tables/planters!!

Renouveau Antiques has a collection of our works at Market Hill in Roundtop, including these two planter/table base sizes!! We have made custom tops for her antique pieces to give historical pieces a contemporary twist!

SegretoStone’s floating counters with integrated sinks are sleek and sophisticated!! You can customize any size or shape!!

Sinks are products we keep in stock. Great looking on any type base, these are items that can be easily shipped!!!

What else have we done with SegretoStone? We have a full line of fireplaces, like this one we installed for one of designer Shannon Crain‘s projects to…………….

range hoods like this one we formed and installed for JJ Design Group...to ………….

loungers for you outdoor patio like these we customized for Shan’s Pour La Maison to …………………….

Side tables and pedestals. Your imagination is our only limit!! Complementing any design style, SegretoStone is perfect for furniture pieces, sinks, fireplaces, doors, tabletops, counters, and more. SegretoStone’s timeless appeal blends innovation with natural materials of the past, creating a quiet sophistication through its clean lines and organic feel. Thank you so much for always helping us grow! SegretoStone is now our 3rd largest division!! Your trust and support has enabled us to push the limits in both creativity and design, something which I am grateful for!! Let me know your ideas for SegretoStone pieces or applications. Till next time! XO Leslie

Join us on Friday, April 30th for the Houston Racquet Club’s Spring pop-up full of gift items, clothes, accessories and Segreto!! Follow along on Instagram (@segretofinishes) to see where our booth is located and stop by to see us. We can’t wait to see you all there!

New Spring, a wonderful non-profit near and dear to my heart which supports at risk kids through arts, holds an auction each year to display the student works and raises awareness for the organization. This year it will be online and 100% of the proceeds return to the students. The link to the auction is: https://newspring.cbo.io You just might find the perfect piece for your home or office!

The post SegretoStone- Natural, Seamless and Beautiful! appeared first on Segreto Finishes.

SegretoStone Coming up in the Ranks!

HI Friends! It’s inspiring when you see one of your babies come into their own! Whether it is your actual child or a pet project, like our SegretoStone, it is so rewarding to see growth and such positive feedback! SegretoStone was started about 4 years ago when my daughter and Segreto designer, Kirby shared she really missed designing furniture, something she was involved with in her previous job at TC Interiors. One reason I left corporate America and started Segreto was my desire to encourage ideas and try new things. I remembered a product we were developing about 10 years earlier and tabled due to time constraints- a plaster product for counters. Brainstorming in a team meeting we decided to bring that off the shelf and see how it would work in a furniture application.

It has come a long way since our first pieces, both in artistry and quality of finish. Kirby worked with designer Jill Egan in creating this clean and sophisticated piece- “The Egan”. I have been a fan of Jill’s since I worked with her on her own home! Take a look at her work in Milieu Magazine! It is stunning and she is such a talent!!

One reason I like to stay “boutique-like” rather than mass producing items, is the thought we are able to put into each design. This top weighs hundreds of pounds, so making it stable with the small neck created quite the engineering challenge. Isai who is our companies technical expert, solved the feat by embedding a metal frame support into the stone. Thank you Jill for your design and trusting us to create it.

Fluting is definitely trending! This SegretoStone plaster coffee table made for Elizabeth Garrett Interiors in our Serenity Silk tone will surely make a statement in this living room. Elizabeth a long time supporter of Segreto hired us to do our first large scale plaster countertop installation, which was featured in Segreto Impressions.

Here is Kirby and Elizabeth sitting on the massive SegretoStone island. What is SegretoStone? In this instance our all-natural lime-based plaster was poured over a solid concrete base, then polished to bring out its natural beauty and sealed. This process allows for seamless fabrication no matter what its surface size. It’s quiet, organic surface has subtle variations and a soft sheen, mixing well with other surfaces like these quartzite perimeter countertops. An environmentally friendly alternative to mined stones such as marble, granite and quartzite, it is a low VOC product that is more stain resistant and less likely to fracture than marble or concrete.

Due to the pandemic outdoor seating was a must for this sweet couple. We created this table-color “Scultura” to seat 6 so when their kids would come over there was comfortable seating for everyone to dine outside. he beauty of SegretoStone lies not only in its unique aesthetics, but in its ability to be seamlessly restored on-site. Should any cracks or stains occur, SegretoStone can be spot-repaired by sanding, polishing and re-sealing the area. In fact, you could change the entire color without having to start from scratch.

Available is 20 signature colors, SegretoStone offers unlimited options in size. It is endless the combinations we can customize like this square table on a fluted oval base for Jacomini Miclette Design in their client’s breakfast area in color “visionary gray”.

Marie Flanigan Interiors are such a creative and talented group. This table in our “Engaging White” has an inlayed bronze metal trim at the base. Nice touch Marie!!

We always recommend using coasters and trivets when putting hot or cold items on SegretoStone. These from Emerging Green are a great way to protect as Cork’s thermal insulating properties will save your tables and counters from burns, moisture and heat damage. You can purchase on their site or on Amazon. A great price for 8 coasters and 4 trivets- $22.50.

We decided to have fun with ours and had a training class for our non-artisan staff to learn how to stencil using our new Segreto Color Pallet.

They did a great job for their first try! These would be great DIY hostess, Mother’s Day or Christmas gifts, or would make a great family or friends craft activity! Like SegretoStone, I like that Emerging Green‘s products are good for our enviroment!

Another design from the Flanigan crew is this graceful waterfall console in “Pure White”. I think we should call this one “The Marie”!

We are beginning to make a few bases and tops to keep in stock so you can mix and match creating your own piece like this one designer, Julie Goudie, fell in love with. The cool thing about the bases is they also can be used for planters. We have developed the same bases in a smaller size for side tables/planters!!

Renouveau Antiques has a collection of our works at Market Hill in Roundtop, including these two planter/table base sizes!! We have done custom tops for her antique pieces to give historical pieces a contemporary twist!

SegretoStone’s floating counters with integrated sinks are sleek and sophisticated!! You can customize any size or shape!!

Sinks are another product we keep in stock. Great looking on any type base, these are items that can be easily shipped!!!

From Fireplaces, like this one we installed for Shannon Crain to…………….

range hoods like this one we formed and installed for JJ Design Group...to ………….

loungers for you outdoor patio like these we customized for Shan’s Pour La Maison I to …………………….

Side tables and pedestal’s, your imagination is our only limit!! Complementing any design style, SegretoStone is perfect for kitchen and bath counters, tub surrounds, sinks, fireplace mantles, outdoor kitchens, fountains and furniture pieces, tabletops, desks and more. SegretoStone’s timeless appeal blends innovation with natural materials of the past, creating a quiet sophistication through its clean lines and organic feel. Thank you so much for always helping us grow! SegretoStone is now our 3rd largest division!! Your trust and support has enabled us to push the limits in both creativity and design and for that I am eternally grateful!! Till next time! XO Leslie

The post SegretoStone Coming up in the Ranks! appeared first on Segreto Finishes.

Ombre is Trending-See it transform!

HI Friends! I hope you had a wonderful Easter and Passover! Spring time is in full effect so it is time to clean out, fluff and do something new. Ombre is certainly trending so lets see how it can transform hair, baking, fashion and of course your home!!

By blending of one color hue to another, usually moving tints and shades from light to dark, a beautiful soothing or…………………….

……………………… dramatic effect can be achieved.

Ombre ruffle cake on a dessert table

Ombre cakes have become a popular choice for weddings, but I think they are beautiful statement pieces for every event. Huffington Post has list of tutorials on how to, so hop on over!

eBay

Ombre has not just come on the radar. I have been obsessed with many mid century dishware from the 50’s.

” Vitreon Queen’s Lusterware, Ltd. was started by Sidney Sigety in Brooklyn, NY and was a world-renowned Mid-Century cocktail glassware designer most known for his Queen’s Lusterware design, “Silver Fade,” and “Silver Ombre.”-Retro Solstice

First Dibs

Another of my favs is Dorothy Thorpe. “Born in Salt Lake City in 1901, Dorothy Thorpe was a mid-century American artist who designed beautiful glassware and ceramic pieces out of her Los Angeles studio. Like many of her mid-century contemporaries, such as Georges Briard and Fred Press, she was a designer, not a manufacturer, of glassware.”-The Hour I have bought a set of her glassware for one of my kids for Christmas- shhhhh don’t tell! Some more of my favorite barware from this era are Culver and Cera. eBay has a large selection if your looking.

Society 6

Ombre is a great way to create your own art piece in a room. By measuring off stripes you can get a similar effect more easily as blending can be difficult. You will just need to thin your paint with water or glazing liquid when applying!

Lilly Moon Vintage-Esty

Graduating colors when painting a furniture piece can take it from traditional to modern!

Etsy

If you are taking on this project on your own by painting each drawer in a different graduated tone you can get the same effect!!

Ombre on walls really shows how beautiful the gradient can be between similar colors. This one has more of a ragged effect.

This one is a more linear graduated effect. Creating a dream nursery for one of our clients we used a rich teal and graduated the color by infusing white softening the tone.

This large room has an inset niche where the crib will go. Segreto’s artist JJ is painting billowing clouds overlaying the Ombre walls. So cool!! See more of his work here!

It is so fun seeing this come to life!! These clouds have such dimension!!

What a magical nursery this will be!! I can see this effect as such a cool accent in so many design scenarios!! And the Ombre-LOVE! Where can you put a bit of Ombre in your house? I hope everyone has a dreamy week!

Join us on Friday, April 30th for the Houston Racquet Club’s Spring pop-up full of gift items, clothes, accessories and Segreto!! Follow along on Instagram (@segretofinishes) to see where our booth is located and stop by to see us. We can’t wait to see you all there! Till next time. XO Leslie

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Hippity Hop Over to Set Your Easter Table

Hi Friends! With the freeze-thawing and Springtime peeping through, the uplifting feel of new-birth and good things to come is getting me in the mood to set my Easter table! Typically I post the previous year’s tablescape but with Covid in full force last April, our family and did not gather but instead participated in a virtual jump to Church! I am excited to share this year’s quest to find that perfect table setting!

Set the Easter Table with Dodie Thayer -Tory Burch

I love the color pink! Although tempting, I already have lots of dishware and instead became obsessed with some flocked bunnies and peeps I saw at a client’s house.

The Pink Paisley

Did you know Historians write that flocking can be traced back to circa 1000 B.C.E., when the Chinese used resin glue to bond natural fibers to fabrics? Fiber dust was strewn onto adhesive-coated surfaces to produce flocked wall coverings in Germany during the Middle Ages! –Wikipedia

So cute and in different sizes, my search began and sadly ended quickly! They were either sold out, wouldn’t ship by Easter or were not in the color scheme I was looking for! Ugggggg! So…. my friend Google led me in another direction!

ADesignstoreShop-Etsy

Moss-covered bunnies! These also were selling out fast. I found them on Etsy and on Amazon in so many different sizes and shapes. Note: most look bigger than they are and are listed in centimeters. Be sure to convert to inches to ensure you are getting the sizes you want.

I took my cute moss bunny to work one day! She loved this pink and gold chest which is a childhood set of a homeowners which we refinished to go in her daughter’s room!! All it needs is the new hardware installed!!

With lots of time at night at home during Christmas and New Years’, I had re-discovered eBay! Wow-what you can find for such reasonable prices especially if you like vintage. I found this retired Lenox Morning Blossom China pattern and fell in love. With so many colors it could fit any style of table décor depending on what it’s mixed with. I also picked up 8 of these Kim Seybert gold beaded Easter egg napkin rings for 30$ plus shipping-close to what two would sell for a retail store. Since, I have seen them with a blue/green flower. They have many to choose from, just search Easter napkin rings.

GreenMossProducts-Etsy

Wanting to play up the garden feel I purchased these chargers/placemats from Etsy. Tip: when searching, look at the diameter! In order to use it as a placemat you need 14″-15″. They do shed a bit and can curl up on the sides so they need to be stored flat!

Although I had purchased the Lenox china over Christmas, I wasn’t sure if I was going to use those or something different I have. I always take things out and play! The flatware from Neiman Marcus is on sale now! The Tahari BUNNY EAR napkin rings were found on eBay ranging in price from 25$ to $36 for a set of 4.

You can get a whole different look with this Tahari Butterfly Napkin Ring also found on eBay. They also have Rhinestone bunnies!

Want a bit of color? Change the napkins! These are Juliska Heirloom Linen Napkin, Ice Blue.

Bunnies anyone. These Spode Meadow Lane salad plates are from Macy’s. I just checked and they are on sale now!

Same plates, different look! Tip: If you are not registered on Rakuten sign up. I have gotten 2-10% cashback from purchases on most sites. The napkins are Kate Spade Harbour Drive Gold and the plates are Arte Italica. This color has been discontinued but I have seen them on replacement sites.

I decided to go with the Lenox plates. Now the glasses? Pink and pink? Or…..

…………………..green?

Or both? I really wanted to use my Mom’s vintage glasses which she gifted to my daughter when she downsized. Lucky me gets to store them for her so why not use them! I felt to make them work I needed pops of the vibrant pink in the florals. With Easter a week away, I didn’t want to get my fresh flowers early so I used these tulip Martha Stewart Valentine’s napkin rings. On sale, I purchased 12 for 22$. Real flowers this year?

With the bright pink I wondered if gold chargers would be a better fit? What do you think?

When I found these chocolate Lindt bunnies wrapped in gold (CVS Pharmacy buy one get one 50% off) the gold clashed so the light pink charges it will be!!

Well here is where I ended. I found out now we are going to Galveston for a bigger family gathering and don’t want to pack up and take with me. Maybe I will have a friends luncheon. Want to join? I hope you found some inspiration and helpful tips for your own table décor!

To look at past Easter tables-take a look here, here, here, and here. And for Easter crafts and food ideas go here, here and here!

One of our new beginnings this year is out palette deck will be available soon!! A long time in the planning they should ship in about a month!! You will be able to see all of your name suggestions and cover help in print!!

Good Housekeeping

Have a Happy Easter! I hope it is a fresh new start for us all!

Kosher.com

For my friends celebrating Passover “chag Pesach samech.”  Till next week! xo Leslie

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A Home For Sale With Segreto Finishes

Hi Friends! We just completed a high-end spec house in prestigious River Oaks which is a beauty I wanted to share with you. The good news is this home can be yours! So… imagine yourself living inside this stunning property, built by Elron Construction who collaborated with the talented Julie Dodson to select the surfaces! Mike Mahlstedt with Compass holds the listing. So let’s take the tour together!

Curb appeal is so important and this gem certainly has it. With Old Texas Bricks slurried with Chateau Domingue’s all natural lime base product, a beautiful walkway, that stunning 10 ft. oak and glass door, and weather shield insulated double glazed, wood clad aluminum windows, the house not only exudes charm but is energy efficient.

Looking from the inside out, the beautiful 100-year-old reclaimed hand-hewn floors from Custom Floors Unlimited Inc. run throughout the house. We were able to showcase the front doors with a three-coat staining process. The first coat toned the wood taking out any hint of orange, yellow or red while allowing the next layers to add richness and pick up the darkest colorations of the beautiful entry floor pattern.

The study, off the entry, features fully paneled white oak which we stained to pull the lightest version of the floors. Cool feature- there is a secret room to tuck away printers and work supplies. Can you guess where it is? Love the light fixture in this room and all throughout the house. They all fit with the homes natural, warm organic feel but give the spaces that contemporary twist!!

Leading from entry back to the kitchen hosts a beautiful butlers pantry/bar. It is all hidden but beneath the beautiful marble counters house a dishwasher and icemaker. The antique glass inset panels with sconces placed on top creates an art-like wall and beautiful focal element. I love the contrast of the darker paint tone coating the cabinets, panels and walls painted in the same tone. This gives any space a dramatic effect and all done with paint!

Its hard to pick a favorite space in this home but I must say this room would be at the top of my list. With the large open space flanked with a SegretoStone fireplace, and white oak cabinets stained by Segreto, connected by a wall of windows, this would be such a warm place to enjoy and gather.

The kitchen is a chefs dream and for me has ample storage space to house my obsession with dishes!

This kitchen has too many designer finishes to list. The Faber 48″ metal ceiling vent hood accentuates the large window which is flanked by Circa sconces and that custom breakfast table complements the marble shelving wall!

I adore the design of this SegretoStone fireplace. Clean lines, and customized to fit the scale of the room. Rona, with Elron thought of everything, even the sconces flanking the TV or art.

This picturesque powder, with plastered walls and a raised peony plaster design really offsets the floating marble sink and designer sconces.

You can really see the raised part on the left corner. We plaster the walls first, then hand-draw the design, then use a little spatula art tool to create the raised effect! I love the soothing, yet dramatic effect it creates.

The master suite is upstairs- and what a suite it is. With a bedroom, sitting and full coffee bar this gives you a true retreat to rest, relax and unwind. Our part- the finish on wood ceiling and beams.

The master bath is just as spacious, complete with walk-in shower, free standing tub and AMAZING tile designs!!

I love the bench in the walk in shower! And look at all that storage space!

Every homeowners dream, this boutique style closet, with ample storage and plush rug is just over the top beautiful!

This secondary bath features a beautiful walk in shower enclosed in glass making the bathroom feel light and bright. The tile selection throughout is just fabulous!

This stunning marble in-shower bench floats above the floor doubling as seating and storage. Both beautiful and useful!

Who wouldn’t love a movie night in this media room? If in need of more space, this would also be awesome as an office or additional bedroom.

Now this makes laundry feel glamorous! The utility room showcases marble countertops, plenty of storage and a pet washing station. Muddy paws won’t make it around this house.

I could move in today! Could you? What an amazing job this team did! Every detail is so well thought out. We have worked with Rona and Julie on a home previously featured in Segreto Impressions also featured here. Dream team! I hope you all are ‘springing forward’ and enjoying the extra hour of daylight in evening. This means spring is right around the corner! Till next week! XO Leslie

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What’s Segreto Up To?

Hi Friends, what a couple of weeks. So many parts of the country have been hit by extreme weather and those of us in Texas just had no idea what was in store. Houston was blanketed by snow, which totally shut down roads and businesses and left millions without heat, water, or internet. My week was full of boiling water to wash dishes, reworking schedules, and responding to clients whose pipes burst. We had just put a generator in last year so we had a full house and were so fortunate to be warm. So many were not. I sent this quote to my staff with their new schedules…

and one of my most loyal staffers sent this quote back to the team.

Most of us were back to work on Friday at jobs with no heat or water and this just made us smile! Their determination to pull together, is the best part of our team! I wanted to share with you some projects big and small that has made a difference in our client’s homes and lives.

We are almost ready to launch our new palette deck with 135 signature colors to choose from. Gallant Night one of our rich blues seems to be a big hit.

What a dramatic difference it made in this study, Revival Living Interiors selected this Segreto Paint color that sets a mood only that perfect shade can create!

Putting the final touches in a master bath before move-in, this mural applied over plaster with thinned paint, creates a serenity that cannot be achieved with artistry applied over paint. Just the mood JJ Designs wanted for their client’s master bath.

In the same house, we created a SegretoStone floating sink to complement the pheasant wallcovering.

And of course don’t forget our favorite game of “I Spy”! This vent which stuck out like a sore thumb was painted like the wallcovering to make it magically go away!!

This is the before dining room. All the furnishings were dark stained. They are special family pieces so it was decided to re-stain the table in a walnut tone and reinvent the chairs to give them a totally different perspective.

With the new stripped and bleached finish and the lovely new chair coverings, it would be hard to imagine where they started. Notice the newly plastered Venetian walls as well! Same dining room, totally different feel.

With dogs and a constant floor of family gatherings, this client was tired of constantly replacing rugs. By painting her floors, this room said “special” while being easy to wipe up spills and maintain!

We are so blessed to have life long clients. It was fun to remember completing this powder room 15 years ago, still classic and timeless with its polished plaster walls. I loved the little chair the client had added for hand towels- so creative.

Taking a vintage chair and turning into an art piece with a painting in the back was brilliant! Always think about how you can reimagine things you have- it will open up a world of possibilities in your own homes décor!

Don’t forget the little things when updating a space. Finishing off the rubber piping to read like chrome, takes away an eyesore allowing you to focus on the beautiful elements in the room.

I can’t write a what’s Segreto Up to without showing what our SegretoStone crew is up to! A perfect complement to this room, the fireplace is clean in design, natural in composition and oh-so -chic!

I have decided to focus on life from this perspective! Each year there have been challenges and often times I catch myself saying I can’t wait till next year. Well with Hurricane Harvey, then the Pandemic and now extreme weather, I think I will just take one day at a time and appreciate all the wonderful things in life along the way! Stay safe, be happy and choose to stay positive! Till next time! xo Leslie

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Spotlight Feature – Kara Childress Luxe Gold List

Hi Friends! I hope you all are having a wonderful week and spread a little love on Valentine’s Day! I was so excited to see that my sweet friend Kara Childress was listed as Luxe Gold List 2021 Honoree! The home featured was done in collaboration with Kara, Newberry Architects, and Goodchild Builders. We had worked with this homeowner when they first moved in to this lovely home. Years later, we were so excited to work with the team transforming the spaces into what they now feel is their forever home.

Entry Way- Photography By: Julie Soefer

The welcoming entry way was the cover of Luxe July/August 2020 feature and now has been reposted on Luxe’s on-line magazine. Segreto plastered the walls and ceiling in a delicate tone to give the space depth and provide a backdrop for the impressive artwork and furnishings. The article is so beautifully written by Maile Pingel and photographed by Julie Soefer that I decided to repost it as is with a few notes from me! I know you will enjoy their amazing work as much as we enjoyed working with this team on the project.

“This house is very inviting,” says interior designer Kara Childress, referring not simply to the light-filled rooms and cozy corners. “There’s always something in the kitchen, from brownies and cookies to custom-colored M&Ms in candy jars.” And that’s just as it should be for a home bustling with teenagers and guests.

Foyer- Photography By: Julie Soefer

The homeowners purchased the residence some years ago with the idea of renovating, but only now does it truly reflect their vision. “They’ve lived in and loved this house, but it was finally time to focus on forever,” says Childress, who collaborated with architect Ken Newberry on the renovation. With the residents relocated to a nearby rental for the school year, the design team—joined by builder Steve Goodchild and his project manager, Gregg Catani—was able to line up permits and materials in advance, “allowing construction to move quickly and smoothly,” notes Childress.

Dining Room Vestibule- Photography By: Julie Soefer

Childress and Newberry also reconfigured the flow of the ground floor rooms, opening passages to relieve the bottleneck often forming during parties. “Circulation is extremely important,” notes Newberry, whose project manager was Laura Castillo. “I walked the clients through the first floor rooms and explained that each space needed a ‘people magnet,’ ” he says, “such as height, light and air, a bar, television or reading nook—a reason to be there.” To his point, Childress devised captivating spaces, playing up the structure’s beautiful bones with monumental antique mantels that create a feeling of authenticity and cohesion.

I love how the plaster creates such depth to this home, creating the appearance that archways have been carved out to the material and creating a warm backdrop for the amazing art and exquisite furnishings.

Lounge- Photography By: Julie Soefer

Just off the foyer—which displays art by Donald Baechler and Bill Fenoglio—a dramatic dark blue lounge and bar area offers a quiet retreat for the husband while doubling as a prime entertaining spot. The lounge vibe and full bar extend to an outdoor seating area “perfect for cigars and a nightcap,” says Childress.

Bar- Photography By: Julie Soefer

The moody space also created an opportunity to bring in sculptural moments like a BassamFellows leather sling chair, and to further build the couple’s art collection with works by Hunt Slonem and David Yarrow.

Great Room- Photograph By: Julie Soefer

A new passageway and wine room now link the lounge to the great room, which serves as a main living space for the family and their dogs. Artwork also plays a key role in the great room, including works by Gray Malin and Carlos Cruz-Diez. The couple’s approach to collecting, done in part with Janet Hobby of MKG Art Management, is driven “by pieces that move them,” says Childress, and she let that passion influence the palette.

Breakfast Room- Photography By: Julie Soefer

Open to the kitchen, breakfast area and backyard, the space also now enjoys an ideal flow. “It didn’t seat enough people before but we modernized it and made it a place to gather,” Childress says, crediting her associate designer Ally Dougherty and project manager Thecla Lindemann. They kept furnishings plush and neutral, repurposing the owners’ antique armoire and bergères, while also introducing acrylic pieces to help bounce light—a trick Childress employed throughout the house using mirrors.

Kitchen- Photography By: Julie Soefer

In the kitchen, Segreto applied a wash on the island cabinetry to add a beautiful gray tone to the once orange wood.

We glazed the perimeter kitchen cabinets years ago. Still classic, a few new drawer additions were blended to match the original finish. Plaster when done subtly also holds the test of time. Much of this plaster work was also done years ago. We repaired where needed and matched tone and technique in new areas. I have worked with Kara before on this lovely home but for this renovation my daughter Kirby took the lead.

Dining Room- Photography By: Julie Soefer

In the dining room, for example, a Paul Chidlaw abstraction in gray influenced the bright and airy space, which was previously dark and traditional. Here, Childress brought in a few antiques—demilune tables and a set of 19th-century French doors—but edited them in a fresh way. The table, for example, received a smoke-mirrored top to reflect the unadorned plaster walls and pale fabrics.

Master Bedroom- Photography By: Julie Soefer

Like the rest of the rooms, the master suite also became a people magnet. “The homeowners thought about bumping it out to create larger closets,” recalls Newberry, “but they had the square footage and simply needed a better layout.” Gutting and starting over was the answer, one which still allowed Childress to include a cozy fireside lounge where the couple can de-stress in the evenings—no doubt while enjoying a few of those bespoke M&Ms.

Bathroom – Photography By: Julie Soefer

I am so thankful for all the wonderful people I get to collaborate with each and every day and for them trusting Segreto with their projects. Congratulations to you, Kara, and the Newberry and Goodchild teams! You are each so wonderful to work with and all so deserving of such an honor! If ya’ll have time to visit their websites, do! Filled with beautiful interiors they are filled to the brim with design inspirations! I have previously featured some of Kara’s exquisite work on another blog, you can read it here. Till Next Week! XO Leslie

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Sweet on Valentine’s Day? TableTop, Crafts and More!

Hi Friends, I can’t believe we are already into sweetheart season and time for my annual Valentine’s Day dinner with my kids and their honeys! Join us virtually for our fun festive family event!

This year’s theme is copper, blush, and pink. I purchased these chargers on a discount site of mine but I see Amazon has them on sale. I love mixing metals in my home and also on my table!

I have so enjoyed these painted tablecloths I made for a company event! Although I do think they will work for Valentines, they were the wrong size and shape for my dining table.

So I saw one similar to this on Pinterest and thought who doesn’t love hugs and kisses?! This was super easy to paint, because you don’t want perfection for this design. Just layout plastic sheeting on your table first so the paint doesn’t start bleeding through and paint away. You could use fabric paint, I didn’t have any on hand so I used artist acrylics. Amazon has lots of tablecloth sizes and colors for under $20. Although this isn’t the brand I bought, it is wrinkle resistant which would mean little or no ironing before you paint!

Be sure to reference a chart if you don’t know the size to order so you have the perfect drop you are looking for.

I was really happy with the combination of the table décor- copper chargers, mid-century modern blush glasses (a gift to my Mom on her wedding day), the mixed florals (Trader Joe’s) and the ruffle stone accessory used to hold the vase (from my living room). I always love a little “fussy” to put on everyone’s plate as a party favor. I found blush colored chocolates in the shape of a rose from Trader Joe’s and…

… the cutest wooden puzzles which came in great packaging from Luckies- Good to give. This is a company out of the UK which has lots of unique gift ideas, however they offer their puzzles on Amazon so shipping is quick!

This was so much fun. Everyone put their puzzle together, wrote a note on the back- dissembled it and put it back in the box for their sweetie to put together to reveal the note. If you are a competitive bunch, the first couple who put theirs together and reads them out loud wins a prize.

It has become a family tradition to start off the evening with a craft. This year we were making Valentines cards! Who doesn’t remember making cards or decorating boxes from our elementary school days? After all, Valentine cards are exchanged more than any other card, with the exception of Christmas cards.

Because decorating your home for a party is time consuming, and its easiest to buy in bulk for the craft, I typically host more than once while the house is fluffed and the supplies are out. It is a time I can make special and catch up with so many. With the card making, I first had a few good crafting friends over to make some cards for display and to insure I have all the materials needed. The above gathering are the girls in my office. Note: this is last years event so pre Covid- pre masks. The day after I always have my mom and Aunt Gayle over for dinner. They love seeing pictures of the night before, hearing about the kids and doing the craft. Being creative together is not about the end product but about the laughter along the way. People are not allowed to experiment with their creative visions often. Everyone has so much fun- even those who are very resistant at the start!

Having elements like pre cut stencils, washi tape and paper punchers in shapes, makes it easier to create works of art and build confidence.

Look at this beautiful card from a first time crafter! A sweet Valentine’s Day card!

I typically can’t decide what to buy or what people would like to do so I usually have several options. These linen cocktail napkins were also a big hit and with the use of a stencil, felt professionally done. I buy 99% of my supplies on Amazon. Just Google valentines crafts, stencils, what ever you think you might need.

The night was wonderful and dinner delish. Fun activities to keep the conversation flowing might be trying to guess each other’s love languages. Read all about it here.

I hope you enjoyed crafting and dining with us in 2020. Right now I am gathering inspiration for my 2021 Sweetheart dinner. Need more Valentine’s inspiration? You can find past tables, craft activities and games here, here, here here and here. I hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day! Make something special of it.

Gift your sweetheart their dream room from Segreto this Valentine’s Day. There is nothing better than spreading a little love! Till next time! XO Leslie

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Enjoy The Little Things- Simple Goals For 2021

Hi Friends! Happy New Year!!! There is something so refreshing about the start of the year as it’s a time to reflect and set goals. Covid has really impressed on me how important the small things are- enjoying people’s company, staying healthy, and being grateful for what we do have. So this year let’s keep our goals simple, attainable and positive?

I’ve put together a list of some easy and helpful ideas that may inspire your year ahead! Let’s make this year the best!

Plate your food in a beautiful way

Something my daughter does so well is to create an experience with every meal. Whether you are living alone, have a significant other or a household full of kids, set the table with your favorite dishware, and plate your food beautifully. I have found I eat slower and enjoy the experience so much more, creating an “event” to look forward to. I still miss my dinners with friends, but this has helped me feel like I have had a night out! Garnishing your food and using colorful sides not only looks so appetizing but also helps with portion control! You can find more great plating tips here

Accomplish your 2021 goals in a group

At the start of the year, my entire family and their significant others decided to do Whole 30 together. Even though we live in different places, It has been a way to connect while distancing. We send each other pictures of our plating, share recipes and brainstorm ideas. We are 18 days into the plan and it has been so much fun trying different foods while holding each other accountable. I find most on my recipe’s on Pinterest, The Whole 30 Cookbooks, and a new one I just purchased “The Defined Dish”. This is my second time to do Whole 30. Find out more about it here. For other diets which have been successful for me read about miracle noodles and Ideal Protein.

Take More Walks

Move, move, move! Starting a new fitness routine can be intimidating and overwhelming. Instead keep yourself moving by going on simple walks around the neighborhood, taking the stairs when possible or getting up from your desk every 20 minutes to stretch your legs. Walking will help you clear your head, boost your energy and burn calories!

Give yourself more compliments

Speaking positively to yourself can help you focus on what’s good in your life. Start your morning by saying three positive things about yourself and you are more likely to have a better day. This video of Jessica’s Daily Affirmations is my favorite. I can guarantee she had a great day. Let’s all start our mornings out like Jessica!

Stay In Touch With Those We Love

Covid has reminded me of reaching out to people. Sending a quick text or call to someone you love makes a world of difference and will brighten their day. Jot down important dates in your calendar- anniversaries, birthdays, holidays or other important milestones and remember to text, call or send a card in the mail letting that person know you are thinking of them. Bring a smile to people who are special to you by letting them know how important they are to you. Leave post-it-notes in places they will see like their desk, computer screen. lunchbox or car.

Do A Random Act Of Kindness

Kindness starts small and can have a huge impact on our world. Compliment a stranger, pay it forward in the Starbucks Drive Thru, introduce yourself to a new neighbor, slow down so someone can merge in front of you in traffic, leave an unexpected treat at a friend’s door and the list goes on! The world needs more kindness, lets spread some positivity through small gestures that can really brighten a person’s day.

Explore A New Hobby or Learn A New Skill

Don’t have weekend plans? Try a new activity such as teaching yourself a new language, gardening or crafting. These framed art pieces Kirby and I made for her apartment are great crafts for people of all ages and skill levels, I wrote a step by step blog here. Another awesome craft is one Amy Cunningham did with her daughter using Segreto Paint on canvas. It was such a creative way to use the left over SegretoPaint from her cabinets, you can read all about it here. Crafts can help de-stress and increase happiness. Let your creativity run wild!

Try A New Beauty Routine

With more time on our hands at night, try a new beauty routine! I have found Predire Paris, an exclusive beauty line on sale at Rue Lala, my favorite discount shopping site. Not only will you have beautiful skin, but activities like these bring laughter and a time to bond. Self has some great tips on how to pamper your skin at home.

Schedule More Family Nights

In today’s world there are so many things competing for our attention, like TV’s, phones and scheduled activities. Making time to slow down and spend time together not only build our relationships but create long-lasting memories. I have ordered so many games which have been fun to play both with my grown kids and my hubby. Here are the top selling card game on Amazon  and Paste’s top pick of board games of 2020!

Get More Sleep

Create a spa atmosphere at home by lighting a candle, dimming the lights and getting into the bath after a long day or as a weekend treat. While you are soaking, try a new rejuvenating face mask or a hair treatment. Research shows if you take a hot bath about an hour or two before bedtime, you are likely to have a better night sleep. Don’t forget to take some time for you- enjoy self-care! This master bathroom designed by Meg Lonergan would be the perfect place to unwind after a busy day, the plaster walls paired next to this bathtub makes for such a serene retreat.

Drink More Water

Statistics say 70% of people are dehydrated. Water helps energize muscles, keeps skin looking good and control calories. So why is it so hard to stay hydrated? Something that has helped at our household, is we have turned these beautiful Rose wine bottles into water vessels. I fill them and keep them in the fridge for easy access. Placing them on the table during meals encourages all to fill up!!

Let’s make this year positive and simple and not forget to give ourselves grace because last year was unlike any other. What are some simple goals you have for yourself this year? Have a wonderful week and 2021, we are all in this together! Till next time! XO Leslie

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