Leslie Sinclair's Blog, page 9

Let’s Spread Some Joy & Stay Connected!

Hi Friends! Thank you so much for staying connected with me. With things closed and hugging not allowed-and I am a hugger- it means more than ever!! With your help we made the short list for the AMARA Interior Blog Awards- Best Interior Lifestyle Blog. With all your votes and support you have given me so much joy and I want to share some we have spread with our clients and with family!! So let’s gather around the kitchen table, spread some joy and stay connected!

This beautiful kitchen designed by Mandy Rochelle Designs and constructed by Crossroads Construction, turned out lovely! Organic in feel the plaster hood and floating shelves really set off the marble art feature wall. They wanted a cerused look on their oak cabinetry, but had difficulty creating that feel with such a tight poured wood.

Cerused wood is also known as cerused or limed oak because oak’s visible grain and large pour creates a surface to show the finish variation. Other open-grained hardwood such as elm, ash or even some mahoganies will work. Close Grain hardwoods such as cherry, maple, birch and poplar have small dense pours which aren’t ideal for this look. Although oak, this wood was extremely dense. By wire brushing first and layering the wood with transparent glazes, which enhanced the limited graining, we were able to give the design team the natural look they were after.

Picking out the amount of graining you would like in your wood is as important as picking the slab of marble you would like for your surfaces. The names may be the same but things made from the earth have a huge variation- the beauty in nature is no two things look alike!

What a beautiful kitchen with a glam feel! Can you spy our part?

Here is the after and before. With showcase elements like this accent tile inlaid in brass, its important to eliminate any visuals that interrupt your eye and take away its impact. Alex, Segreto’s magician, magically made these plugs go away with a great eye, a little paint and some metal leaf paper.

Well done, Alex! Designer Ashley Tisius and the sweet homeowner were thrilled with this mask to her back splash plugs.

With styles changing, creatively coming up with problem solving solutions, which save our clients the cost and mess of major construction, is what we do best! This kitchen is beautiful as is but the homeowner wanted an entirely different feel to her most used space. What would you change? What would you leave?

Wow! Is this the same space? The footprint is exactly the same, plaster surfaces, floors remain and by adding a few cosmetic changes, this space takes on an entirely different perspective. A fresh coat of paint transformed the cabinetry, a new SegretoStone top on the island with a complementary quartz grounding the perimeter counters and backsplash are obvious changes. The hood remained the same, however, a special plaster which we bonded to the existing stone gives this hood an extreme makeover! Hardware and lighting make a huge difference and the infusion of brass elevates the space.

I was so excited when my gal pal, Courtnay Tartt Elias founder of Creative Tonic, called me to do some work in her own home. One of the most creative people I know, I couldn’t wait to see her vision for her own kitchen! She called while working from home during the pandemic and said she needed a lift and wanted to add more fun and joy in the most visited place in her home. She sent me this snapshot and asked me to focus on the whimsical valance over the sink. As an art collector, she wanted to transform her sub zero fridge into a focal feature in the room.

So we got started! Taking the fabric as inspiration, we painted the fridge, and started drawing the graphic right over the face metal handles and grill! Getting her approval we were ready to paint!

Courtnay is so fun to work with when we have collaborated on her clients homes, but even more engaging with her own. Busy with installations and photoshoots she buzzed in, facetimed and was so excited about each stroke of the brush! She sent me more pics than I sent her!

What a fun creative focal to her already stunning kitchen. We are doing more at her home and when complete will feature it in it’s entirety and with professional photography. For now check out her portfolio on her website Creative Tonic– it is a visual treat!!!

Entertaining in today’s environment is definitely challenging. My sweet Mom and her sister Gayle, who I view as my second Mom, live in a retirement community. Being in lock down for months, it was challenging to stay connected but Mom was celebrating a milestone of turning 80 and wanted to celebrate! Deciding it would be safer if just John and I had them over for dinner, we put all the leaves in the table creating a 10ft span. Now that’s spreading joy & staying connected!

I found these placemats on Amazon which had trivia of 1940, the year she began her journey! Being the princess she is I couldn’t resist the tiara highlighting her 80th year!

Happy Birthday Mom! So happy we could stay connected and celebrate your birthday is a special way!

Stay connected and spread joy!

We had a lot more birthdays following. Kirby was celebrating her 30th! With her not being able to celebrate in a big way we certainly wanted it special and……… last minute she decided to celebrate with us! Getting a one day turnaround from Amazon, I was able to receive my late night shopping spree in time for the big night. With 30 happy birthday splatter, blush décor I hung from the chandelier, pink roses and things around my house, the table came together.

I used a table cloth I had made for a trade show. I ordered inexpensive ones in white from Amazon and then used Stencils and spray paint to create the design.

Because the spray was fuzzy on the edges I took a fabric marker to enhance the design.

I created another artistic touch and was an easy way to mask mistakes. Simple, inexpensive easy and fun! I am thinking about painting all the tablecloths for my youngest daughter Sammy’s wedding!

Kirby felt like a princess for the day in her tiara and we had a wonderful time being together.

A tip I always use, with table set and flowers still fresh I always have a small event the day after!!

Small charcuterie boards with some leftovers from the night before make an easy peasy display that will make your guest feel special! I have written a few blogs featuring charcuterie boards, they are just my favorite! You can read them here and here.

If you are not able to get together in person, I saw this mini cake box at a clients home which really made her feel special on her big birthday! Sendacake has these unique and fun boxes for all occasions ready to ship for any event! I hope this brought a little happiness into your day. I challenge you to spread some joy & stay connected with your family and friends this week! Till next time! XO Leslie

The post Let’s Spread Some Joy & Stay Connected! appeared first on Segreto Finishes.

Distance Learning Space That Is Sure To Inspire

Hi Friends! School is back in session which means your kids are either out of the house or you have now converted a room in your home to a distance learning space. With this school year bringing so many new challenges you may be wondering how to encourage creativity and productivity while learning at home. My friend and client, Amy Cunningham, has done just that for her high-schooler, Rachel, in this dreamy, boho chic bedroom.

I met Amy when she was designing her home. She always had a way with organizing and making everything fit so perfectly in its place. She decided to take this talent and start a business with her friend Christina Milligan called Organized Design. Her true passion is organizing and accessorizing and it shows through her fabulous work! So much so that I asked them to help organize my home last year, I wrote a blog on it, you can read it here!

Amy’s sweet daughter Rachel turned 15 over the summer and felt she had outgrown her little girl princess room. Amy was sad to see it go but knew it was time for a change and it would give them something to do together while at home. The goal of the bedroom was boho chic and I think they achieved just that! With this theme in mind, Amy’s first stop was World Market where she found a rug on clearance for $119. Rachel loved the soft earthy tones in the rug so this provided inspiration for the rest of the room. She was really drawn to the blush tones in the rug and Amy knew she could find the perfect wall color in SegretoPaint.

It was so fun helping Amy and Rachel narrow down the colors to Tender Blush and Alluring Rose. Rachel preferred the lighter color so Tender Blush it was! Amy describes it as a complex blush because although it is soft and fresh, it also has a warmth and depth to it.

One thing Amy couldn’t find anywhere was a budget-friendly piece of art to hang over the bed so she decided to DIY it. She watched some YouTube videos, bought a $16 canvas at Michael’s and just went for it! Her husband, Scott, has an artistic eye and played a role in creating this masterpiece for Rachel’s room. First, they covered the canvas with gesso and used a palette knife to build texture. Then, using a handful of colors in similar tones, she spread them around the canvas. Along with the beautiful SegretoPaint blush tones she used SegretoPaint color called Daydream. This color was used on her cabinets and is such a resourceful way to use left over SegretoPaint. Using hairdryers she started to blow the paint around and just let it go where it wanted. One thing she learned was, you need a lot of paint! After they covered the whole canvas, Scott made soft, short brush strokes while Amy smoothed them out with the palette knife. Rachel thought it was so cool that her mom and dad created something just for her. How fun that the whole family was involved in this project!

Not only did the previous room no longer fit her style but the desk was simply too small for effective distance learning. With the amount of work high school brings, she knew she needed more space to spread out. Amy called her trusted carpenter and set the project in motion knowing that built-ins would be the perfect addition to meet all Rachel’s needs. Amy’s goals were to maximize work area, add task lighting and increase functional storage. She always felt the existing cabinets were too short, so they took the uppers to the soffit. An organizational tip from Amy is to put keepsake items and infrequently used items in the upper cabinets because it is harder to reach.

Built in desks often have a pencil drawer that are generally too small to hold all school supplies neatly so they made Rachel’s drawer 3.25″ so it would be deep enough to accommodate her favorite organizers from The Container Store.

Rachel’s old desk didn’t have any display space so they added two floating shelves and filled them with accessories from Anthropologie, Target, Urban Outfitters, Lam Bespoke and HomeGoods. She needs a copy of Segreto Impressions on that shelf!

Amy is a firm believer in high/low decorating. It keeps things in budget and also gives the space a more approachable vibe. The euro shams are from Anthropologie, the long faux fur blush pillow is from Home Goods and the square woven pillow is from World Market. Amy’s design tip is to replace the inserts with down pillows that are at least one size bigger. It makes mass produced pillows look more custom. Their adorable dog, Charlie, loves having his people home all day. Best thing that has happened to Charlie!

Amy found the nightstands, rattan lamps and bamboo chair at one of our favorite local shops- Lam Bespoke.

One more request from Rachel was a cozy lounge chair. She chose this faux fur one from Pottery Barn Teen. Amy found a matching stool at Home Goods that she can prop her feet on or use as a charging station. In keeping with the boho theme, Amy found three baskets at Home Good and stuck them on the wall with Command strips. The medium sized one on the left disguises an unused light switch. Ingenious!

It was such a fun family project to be apart of, kept them busy during the crazy COVID summer and provided Rachel a creative place to learn this school year. Her husband, Scott, has also found his creative place to work on their SegretoStone counter tops in the kitchen. I hope this brings some inspiration to you while you tackle this school or work from home life. We are all in this together!

Film by J. LaRay Media

The MILIEU Designer Showcase Virtual Tour Online Now!

In continued support of the Milieu Showhouse benefiting The Clayton Dabney Foundation the very spirit of the home is documented with a “Virtual Tour” now available for a $20 donation to Clayton Dabney for Kids with Cancer. Tour the Showhouse room by room, sharing the talent, the aesthetic, and all of the special details that define each space. Click here to tour!

In case you missed it, I wrote a blog on this beautiful home. Our team had so much fun working on this project! I hope you all have a wonderful week! Till next time! XO Leslie

The post Distance Learning Space That Is Sure To Inspire appeared first on Segreto Finishes.

Lucas Eilers—Expressive Interiors: Designing an Inviting Home

Hi Friends! Can you believe it’s already September? Time has flown by! There are so many exciting things happening in the month of September including a new book release from two of my longtime friends, Sandra Lucas and Sarah Eilers. Today I wanted to highlight their upcoming book, Expressive Interiors: Designing an Inviting Home available for pre-order now!

Picture this- its a Sunday morning, you are relaxing on your back porch while sipping a cup of your favorite coffee. You are flipping through pages and pages of interior design inspiration, flagging photos and dreaming of your next design project. If this sounds like your ideal morning, Sandra and Sarah have just the book for you!

Sandra and Sarah are the founding partners of Houston’s Lucas/Eilers Design Associates, which opened in 1995. They spent their lives absorbing the distinctive influences of their hometown and incorporating them with inspiration from their travels around the world. I wrote a Designer Spotlight on these gals last year- you can read it here!

The book is divided into three parts. The first part of the book has a fresh take on interior design rules with chapters on planning, context and suitability, scale and proportion, color and light, pattern and texture and art and collections. It is a deep dive into their processes and how they have created this amazing design formula that leads to perfection every single time.

You’ll find this warm French influenced kitchen in the first part of the book (pages 34-35). It was designed by Sarah who is a traditionalist at heart. The inspiration for this kitchen began with a beautiful painted tile which Sarah picked as the focal element under the range. We then selected the blue color for the kitchen cabinetry and Segreto added a finish that would complement the tile so nicely. I’m always amazed at Sarah’s eye for design and color!

Found on page 72, we plastered the walls and ceiling in the softest blue to create a serene backdrop for their beautiful pieces. We loved collaborating with these gals to see their vision through on the plaster throughout this master bedroom.

“At best, a home is so much more than just shelter. This is why we work so hard to create beautiful, workable interiors that provide the backdrops to happy, busy, and productive lives. Our goal is to make sure these homes become the single most important expression of their owners’ passions, preferences, and personal style.”—Sandra Lucas and Sarah Eilers

The second part of the book takes you on a tour of some of the most spectacular homes they have designed, including their own homes! It features years and years of expertise and thoughtful advice that goes into every design decision that is made. They have perfected the craft of how to express their client’s personalities through interiors. While you are flipping through, keep an eye out for Segreto’s finishes, like plastered walls and ceiling on page 79!

This book takes us all over the map! Featuring homes like this western ski compound in Utah on page 179. Our summer travels may have been put on hold but these gals just provided an escape to cooler temperatures and amazing mountain views.

Next, they take us to a charming beach house guest room on page 212. What a view for these guests!

As the old rule says: Spend a night in each guest room to make sure your guests have everything they need. Even when the spaces are not large, they should be well appointed.

In the last portion of the book, we get the treat of visiting the Lucas Residence and Eilers Home. These beautiful pieces on page 226 are displayed in the Lucas Residence reminding them of their travels throughout the years.

On page 237, we see how Eilers incorporates family heirlooms into her breakfast room, like her mother’s silver and a chest from her parents farm. It is always fun to see what the experts do to their own homes!

The cover gives you a great preview of what is to come. Whether traditional, contemporary, or transitional in style, the rooms and homes they create are timeless. Always keeping the client’s comfort and function in mind.

We have added Expressive Interiors to our book collection. It fits right in! I’m so proud of these gals on their book release. I can’t wait for you all to read it!

Cheers to these gals! Expressive Interiors: Designing an Inviting Home is available for pre-order now. You can order your copy here. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed flipping through their book and know you will too!!

ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT TO PUT YOUR SEGRETO ON THE INTERNATIONAL MAP!

The last day to vote for the AMARA Interior Blog awards is September 4th. If you haven’t voted yet, I would be so grateful if you vote Segreto Secrets for Best Interior Lifestyle Blog! Cast your vote here. We are so thankful for your support!! Till next week! XO Leslie

The post Lucas Eilers—Expressive Interiors: Designing an Inviting Home appeared first on Segreto Finishes.

Doing Something New Everyday sure makes life interesting!

Hi Friends! I think one of my favorite things to do is to learn and try new things! Segreto is my outlet for this, every job is custom and unique because every person is uniquely different. There are so many ways for all of us to learn; reading, trying a new language, sharing ideas, looking at YouTube videos, testing new recipes and experimenting on our own. So let’s stay young, connected, engaged and healthy by trying something new each and every day!!.

So what’s new with Segreto and with you?

Is this paper or paint? I am sure the blue painter’s tape gives it away. Designer Lindsey Herod wanted something colorful and whimsical for her clients powder. Not finding a paper in the right color or scale, she came to us for a solution.

Rather than have each palm the same scale, we were able to alter each ones size to line up the corners perfectly. Notice a bit at the top grazing the ceiling? This detail is the beauty of having a treatment hand-painted rather than using a structured paper in the space.

Fun and colorful, I love the shading in the leaves and the crisp contrast between the white and green. If you like pops of color infused in timeless and traditional to modern and collected follow my gal pa Lindsey on instagram. She is a master!

Architectural Consultant, Sarah West (who is rocking that mask) always knows how to challenge our team. Her vision for this upstairs wall of storage was to disguise the wooden doors by transforming them into art. Sarah sketched florals and butterflies as inspiration from which our team created three dimensional art pieces from plaster.

Figuring out how to bolt them to the doors safely was as challenging as creating the plaster pieces.

A work in progress, this has to be one of my favorite installations to date. Sarah, this entire home is simply perfection! I am hoping we will see it in a publication soon. Thanks Sarah for continually challenging us and keeping your designs interesting!

Marie Flanigan has is an imaginative team as well! An out of the box thinker, she consistently brings us the new and different! The table alone was complicated to engineer insuring the base will hold the large top.

A first for us, we created her vision of a Segretostone table with a bronze metal inlay in the base! We love this one so much we hated to see it go! Don’t forget to order her new book The Beauty of Home! I can’t wait to get mine on September 8th!

In the beginning of the pandemic, concerned with making sure our team could work, my operations and design team came up with these beautiful sculpture pieces that could be used as planters, side or dining table bases. Thank goodness we have stayed busy! We have 2 in each size ready for pick up and they are available for custom orders in all of our colors!

Creating tabletops with a rough edge and …………

………..sinks like this one we created for Marie Flanigan in Vogue Living we decide to see how this translated to planters and table bases.

Very natural and pretty cool.

Speaking of cool, we love this fire pit created for the talented designers of Jackson Warren out of SegretoStone! It will keep this family warm on cool winter nights or work as a great table due to its large ledge! .

This gorgeous dining room was so fun for our team to collaborate with for designer, Molly Solich and photographed by Allyson Huntsman! The homeowner, from Louisiana, had long wanted a beautiful and moody swamp scene for this room. To keep it contemporary, we stayed with the tone on tone. The hand-painting includes moss covered cypress trees and herons hidden throughout the landscape.

The wainscoting is a custom Segreto paint color created just for them to complement the beautiful, blue drapery! It’s the little touches that make these murals so special and each one is one of a kind!

We feel so lucky to be learning and experimenting every day! Looking forward to the next project and sharing the journey with you!

EXCITING NEWS REMINDER: Segreto Secrets has been nominated for the AMARA Best Interior Lifestyle Blog Awards. I would be so grateful if you would take a second to vote and spread the word. Click here to cast your vote and share with your friends!

Thank you to all of our loyal Segreto Secrets followers for your continuous support. We couldn’t do this without you all! Until next time XO Leslie

The post Doing Something New Everyday sure makes life interesting! appeared first on Segreto Finishes.

Imagine living in the Milieu Showcase House. It’s for sale!

Hi Friends!! I hope you are all a having a wonderful week. I know I have posted about the Milieu Showcase home which raised proceeds to benefit The Clayton Dabney Foundation, an amazing organization who helps kids with cancer and their families. I know many of you didn’t get to attend as the opening was during a time of social distancing! Well, the tours are over and this beauty is up for sale! I thought we could take a virtual tour together and learn a bit more about the talented bunch who did the interiors.

The home built by Mirador Builders is a modern take on a classic River Oaks design! With 5 Bedrooms, 6 1/2 Baths, Mud Room, 3 car garage and a fabulous Master suite, this is a place that is perfect for entertaining and family time!

Not only are the bones and flow of the house amazing, but some of the best designers in our industry furnished the home! A true treat to see. The entry and formal living room were designed by Houston’s own famed Pamela Pierce, visionary of Milieu Magazine. Look for this home, with her own artistic take on photography, to be featured in her beautifully done magazine.

Her collected feel to this room, incorporates unique fabrics and furnishings creating a warm and elegant space. Pamela utilizes only the most natural and elegant materials. She intriguingly mixes antiques with pieces from today. Clean lines and authenticity resonate throughout all of her projects.

Pam gave the color pallete to the design team to insure this home flows in tone and style! This house certainly did! Great move Pam!

To the left of the entry is this gorgeous formal dining room designed by Glasser Cooper. I love their decision on where to place their paint colors. Notice the baseboards, beams and ceiling are painted the main house trim color. The windows are painted the wall color. Stop and think about what your eye would go to if the windows were also painted the white. The windows and not the room. The white windows also would make the lovely collection of art feel crowded.

I certainly would love to be invited to a dinner party and sit in these cozy chairs! Carol Glasser founded her firm over 40 years ago! Known for her classic style and exceptional eye for scale and color, Carol has worked though out he US, England and South America! Becky Cooper, talented in her own right joined Carol in 1983! I have had the honor to work for both these talented ladies! Visit their website to be inspired!

The spacious family room designed by Darryl Carter is divided into cozy vignette seating areas. It also hosts a wall of hidden storage. Can you guess where?

I love the space! Warm and inviting and collected in feel, this expansive space delivers magnificent hardwood floors, wood beams and ceilings, handsome wainscoting, and a huge wall of windows expanding the space and flooding the room with natural light. Darryl is a famed designer from Washington D.C. He has partnered with some of our industries favorites like The Urban Electric Company, Benjamin Moore and Baker Furniture to create his own lines!! When you check out his website don’t miss the before + After Gallery. These are some transformations you don’t want to miss!!

Even more amazing is how the doors open to the outside patio creating a magnificent indoor/outdoor space for entertaining and everyday living!

Designer Shannon Bowers created a kitchen with a fresh modern take on a classic design. With island seating, easy access built in cabinetry, honed calacatta counters, and a huge built in refrigerator, this is every cooks dream!

It just doesn’t get prettier than this! Shannon and her team have done some truly amazing projects. When you go to her website be sure to look at this seasons picks!! This Dallas Designer has a heart of gold. “Nurturing mothers, as swallows, strive to create warm, safe, and loving environments for their young. However, many single mothers struggle to make this dream a reality due to financial challenges and prioritizing necessities. Shannon, who was raised by an amazing, selfless, strong single mother, has seen the impact of a loving and warm home in her own family. As a mother and business owner, Shannon seeks to help fellow mothers have the same opportunity regardless of economic status.” To find out more about her project the Swallow’s Nest go here!

The downstairs has two powders, each with a style and charm all of its own.

The upstairs landing has a charming den furnished by Pamela Pierce. This is a great shot of the lovely floors. Done in the Pamela Pierce style they were installed with pennies creating gaps and giving them a European feel.

This to die for master suite he Master Suite designed by Colette Van den Thillart and Nicky Haslam, is truly a retreat! It features a masonry fireplace with gas logs installed, huge windows, hardwood floors, and tons of extra space, perfect for a separate sitting area. Of course I adore the plaster art feature surrounding the simplistic fireplace mantle! Stunning! Colette and Nicky have a long time relationship as Van den Thillart spent 13 years in the UK as creative director for the British legendary design talent Nicky Haslam.

Nicky Haslam’s greatest legacy is his undeniable talent and influence as Britain’s ultimate interior designer. In his spare time he is also known as a socialite, artist, cabaret singer, book reviewer, art editor, memoirist and literary editor and he features on both Vanity Fair and GQ’s best-dressed lists. Since December 2010, Nicky Haslam has been blogging for The Telegraph. He also has 5 design books under his belt!! This dream team are the designers to the stars!

Look at the inset fabric used as the beds headboard. Complete with sconces, the details are incredible.

The hallway between the Master Bedroom and the two separate Master Baths has a built in refrigerator drawer and a freezer drawer along with a cabinet w/ electrical installed to make a perfect spot for a hidden coffee bar.

One of two Master Baths with a honeycomb Dolomite tile floor and walls, heated floors, rain shower with a built in bench, large soaking tub, and a spa-like setting with open shelf storage.

Her closet is a FULL dressing room with tons of storage, built in makeup vanity, natural light, velvet lined jewelry drawers and hardwood floors.

Secondary bedroom was designed by Kathryn Ireland no less!! The sheers on the wall to wall feature allows for great natural light. This room features hardwood floors, ensuite bath, and a huge walk in closet.

Beautifully designed with brass accents this secondary bath feels like a master Look at the storage!

This Utility has everything-farmhouse sink, two washers, dryer and steam dry cleaner. Look at the storage and counter space! I want this one!!

Of course I love this guest bedroom as our team had so much fun painting these floors!! Eleanor Cummings has such charm and sophistication in all of her work. And her amazing gift is to create unique spaces in which no two look the same. I love the glow the inset blush bed drapes lend tot he space! Thank you Eleanor and Megan for always trusting the Segreto team to carry out your vision with our finishes! Eleanor’s distinct use of reclaimed materials and unexpected touches delight the senses while maintaining an emphasis on comfort.

Look at the mirror and the combination the scones bring. Eleanor is a master of mixing different elements to create unique spaces. You have to visit her website! I just spent a bit of time looking though her amazing interiors! Eleanor has projects throughout Greater Houston, and across the country from Pebble Beach, California to Nantucket. See if you can spot some of Segreto’s work in the mix!

This guest bedroom was brought to life by Mississippi-born textile designer! Using beautiful upholstered walls and a very inviting bed, this space feels like an upscale bed and breakfast. Who wouldn’t want to stay here. Her mix of fabrics colors and furnishings give this room a feel all unto its own!

Pulling in the pink quilted bed cover, the walls are painted in a soft pink! Notice the art hung on the open shelving being reflected in the mirror! LOVE! Lisa came out with a new book Near & Far which was released end of last year. Flower magazine wrote a beautiful article on Lisa, with some you don’t want to miss photos from her new book.

Look at this amazing daybed designer Jennifer Vaughn Miller used in another guest suite! Jennifer is a classically trained architect who specializes in high-end residential and commercial interiors. And beautiful interiors she does. Go to Vaughn Miller Studios for a treat, viewing all of her wonderful work! This Texan now lives in New York!

Look at the interesting floor and the floating bench in the shower. These little details make all the difference.

With lots of outdoor spaces, this house is really set up to entertain and enjoy! On this side of the antique door feature is a summer kitchen, dining and seating space. Love the way they laid the peacock pavers!!

On the other side you have a gas outdoor fireplace and more seating!! I like how the gravel in this space give a whole different feel.

What a wonderful home with such an amazing design team creating such a beautifully collaborated home! If you can see yourself living here, client and friend Lisa Kornhouser has the listing where you can see more photos of the home!!

EXCITING NEWS: Thank you so much for nominating Segreto Secrets once again for the internationally recognized Amara Blog awards. This year we are in the Best Interior Lifestyle Blog category.

What fun I had Looking at the other 9 talented bloggers from all over the world in our category! I would be so grateful if you would take a second to vote and spread the word! It would mean together we have achieved best in a category three times! Amazing! Till next time! XO Leslie

The post Imagine living in the Milieu Showcase House. It’s for sale! appeared first on Segreto Finishes.

VOGUE LIVING-Marie Flanigan and Segreto’s Finishes!

Hi Friends! I hope you have found things to be thankful for this week! I was so excited and thankful when I saw the amazing feature by Vogue Living on a home in which Segreto collaborated for the finishes, I just wanted to share!! With architectural firm Murphy Mears Architects, builder UTBC and designer Marie Flanigan, this home is gracious and graceful, filled with European antiques and hints of modern. This beautifully written article by Francesca Walls was photographed by my gal pal Julie Soefer and styled by Jessica Brinkert Holtam. Lovely just as they presented it, I decided just to repost!! As you tour this lovely home notice the plastered walls and SegretoStone sink and counter! Enjoy!

For those on the outside, Texas isn’t exactly known for being an interior design capital. But, just like anywhere, look closely and you shall find. For someone looking in Houston, the city better known for its space history than its furniture designers, your efforts would likely lead you right to this residence in the city suburb of Memorial. 

A gem hidden amongst some of the city’s more traditional addresses, the home of local cardiologist bucks the Americanised trends, bringing with it a unique taste of Europe. 

Designed by Marie Flanigan of her namesake firm and associate designer, Sydney Manning, the home takes on an authentic and pared-back form, utilising colour, space and texture to convey a sense of calm. From the entryway’s grand 1960s-era antique Murano glass chandelier, to the simplicity of the main living area, every element of the home has been lovingly thought-out by Flanigan for her client. 

“We honoured the owner’s love of antiques and European architecture by layering furnishings and fixtures from various time periods. We created authenticity throughout the bones of the home by using natural materials like limestone, reclaimed wood, and unlacquered brass,” Flanigan tells Vogue Living of the build. 

However, the architecture of the space is perhaps the most intriguing, and sets this project apart from other homes in the region. Architects Kirby Mears, Walter Murphy and Sam Brisendine worked on the design, which features plaster finishes on the walls, high ceilings and textural, shapely forms—including rounded doorways. Almost monastic in its build, the home’s bones take on new forms and allow the furniture and design details to shine through. 

“These interesting architectural elements create a space that feels as if the space has always been there,” Flanigan notes. 

The living room is one such space which strikes a balance between salons of Paris and the authenticity of New York. The modern, curved aubergine couch is strikingly elegant against the antique pieces which surround it, including a Savonarola chair and 19th century Italian mirror. Soaring windows and beamed ceilings are the perfect cherry on top. 

Similarly, the kitchen takes something standard and makes it unique. Metal clad cabinets are a play on the traditional wood, while custom-made brass accents give the cabinetry and cooking zones a charming rustic feel. Accented against white marble, the room feels inherently modern, whilst still true to its Texan locale: “The kitchen’s metal cabinets and countertops add a touch of glamour to the pastoral space,” says Flanigan. “One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, One Nation evermore!” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

However, it’s the master bedroom which proves Flanigan’s favourite. 

“The master bedroom speaks to me because it’s elegant and romantic with a groin vault ceiling and Rose Tarlow chandelier. I also adore the large walnut screen that surrounds the custom-made bed frame—a nod to the panelling seen throughout the home,” she says. 

Each of the three bathrooms provide something unique. From the brilliant crimson marble basin in one, to the reclaimed marble floors imported from Italy in the master bathroom, every wet space has a story to tell. 

Most strikingly is the aptly-located William Holland round copper tub, which proves the most relaxing spot in the entire home. 

And the curated spaces didn’t go without notice. The final walk through “literally took his breath away and rendered him speechless. [The owner] took the time to absorb each space and fully appreciate the design and after careful observation his extravagant praises left our hearts singing.”

I am so thankful for the many talents we work with trusting Segreto with the backdrops to their wonderful designs! What are you grateful for today!! ‘Till next week! xo Leslie

The post VOGUE LIVING-Marie Flanigan and Segreto’s Finishes! appeared first on Segreto Finishes.

Modern French

Hi Friends!! I hope everyone is safe and well!! One of my favorite houses to date, this beauty featured in Segreto Impressions is up for sale. Let’s take a tour from the outside in!! If you have Segreto Impressions look at the second spread of the book and see how these lovely ones from Mike Mahlstedt’s listing with Compass RE, Texas.compare and complement.

Tucked away in Memorial this remarkable, recent construction designed by Charles W. Ligon, AIA Architects Inc., is stately and inviting! The stucco, limestone and dark windows give a modern flair to this traditionally French facade.

Who wouldn’t want to unwind in this beautifully landscaped backyard! I love the symmetrical simplicity and scale of the pool. I wish I had seen this picture before I did ours.

“Natural light fills the wide entry hall and formal living room. A graceful curve to the staircase is complemented by limestone treads and a minimal wrought iron banister, offering a lovely mix of traditional and modern.“

Truly stunning, the plaster throughout the home really complements the herringbone patterned reclaimed floors and the gas fireplace with a late 18th century mantel from Bordeaux. This room would be beautiful with so many different design aesthetics. Just Imagine!!

A view from the formal living through to the formal dining shows what an exceptional flow the house has if you love to entertain! The limestone flooring off the gallery is a wonderful transition to the aged oak herringbone hardwoods imported from Rennes, France in both formal dining & living.

I love this space!! The view from the family room towards the breakfast and kitchen highlights the wall of french doors opening to the outdoor living area, pool and sprawling lawn. Reclaimed beams lend a warmth to the space and serve to connect these casual living spaces. Notice how the textures of the wood beams, custom Segreto plaster and honed limestone floor complement one another.

This modern take on French Country kitchen is a cook’s dream. The Lacanche gas range is such a statement topped with a 16th century mantle used as a hood. The SegretoStone countertops bridge the gap between the past and the present! The kitchen is finished with 19th century street lights from Barcelona, custom open shelving and brass designer hardware throughout.

This home has so many surprises like this one-of-a-kind 18th century architectural art piece imported from Venice used to frame the walk-in wet bar. I spy SegretoStone counters with an integrated sink!!

This room is beautiful looking in every direction. The gas log fireplace is topped by an 18th century mantle, with trumeau, from a chateau in Provence and is flanked by recessed closets hidden by these incredible antique doors.

I love this pop of citron! This is all Designer James Mol. He is a master of mixing the old with the new! It makes me want the furnishings included with the house!

There is just not a bad view!! The large walk in pantry also doubles for a catering kitchen with a secondary Wolf oven and counter space! Go right past the cabinets and turn to the left.

This is a multipurpose room. It could be the perfect playroom? den? sitting room? With hidden pocket doors to close it off from the breakfast area, it’s equipped with 8 Zone Sonos Audio System, Lutron lighting and mosquito system. Now this is a smart home! The doors lead to the outdoor bar.

The outdoor kitchen has SegretoStone counters and the stones are sculptures made from SegretoStone.

A stunning master retreat! Handcrafted reclaimed wood beams and an 18th century Italian chandelier highlight the vaulted ceiling detail. Oversized windows fill the room with natural light and provide views of the manicured grounds. Custom window treatments are tailored perfectly for this room.

Stately hand scraped 18th century French doors imported from Provence lead to the spa-like master bath. Notice how the curve of the barrel roll ceiling is complemented by the antique chandelier suspended over the soaking tub.

Behind the tub is a plaster shower and the counters are SegretoStone with integrated sinks!!

Boutique style and offering abundant cabinet space, along with custom built-ins for shoes and accessories, this enormous master closet is every homeowner’s dream. Ample hanging space is found on each wall, the packing island is perfect for travel prep and folding, and there is a lovely vanity space. Limestone flooring, 19th century sconces from Italy and a reclaimed 19th century French chandelier give this space a warm and elegant ambiance.

This secondary bedroom features incredible green views, a spacious sleeping area and stunning 19th century French chandelier, which lends the room a sophisticated elegance.

All the secondary baths have beautiful features like polished marble countertop and shower walls.

This home built by Krystal Custom Homes, has so many special features from Renouveau Antigues, a european sourcer of reclaimed elements. I could see myself living here! Can you? I hope everyone has a wonderful week. Let’s all do something nice for one another. I think seeing that people care will make a huge difference in this big world of ours. Till next week! XO Leslie

The post Modern French appeared first on Segreto Finishes.

Here is to the Red White and Blue!

Hi Friends!! The Fourth of July is a time of real celebration under all circumstances! After all, the USA is the only nation that has a birthday! With festive colors and comfort food, it is easy to create tablescapes that will remind us of this most significant national holiday in the United States- the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. This year keep health in mind while planning your activities!

Celebrating in Galveston this year, I decided to mix in a bit of a nautical theme and………..to mix some inspirational Fourth of July quotes in the post!

“May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to do what is right.” -Peter Marshall

I really wanted a lot of layers this year and easy cleanup! Thus, I started with quilted shell-shaped place mats (handed down from my mother) and I found these cute fish charger plates at Pier One last year.

“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” – Abraham Lincoln

Dishtowels turned napkins are not only soft but wash so well. Getting a variety will allow the table to be a fun mix!

“True Patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom, and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

“Freedom is not won on the battlefields. The chance for freedom is won there. The final battle is won or lost in our hearts and minds.” – Helen Gahagan Douglas

Years back I purchased the galvanized dishware from Pottery Barn. You could use baskets as well. I love the paper food liners. There are so many different patterns and designs to choose from. Just google deli paper sheets or paper food liners!

“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” –  Abraham Lincoln

Next, to give height and a place to layer the starfish, I just turned one of the eating tins upside down to form a pedestal! I have a large stash of starfish to sprinkle on every Galveston get together.

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela

I used to go to those little stores on the strand or beach and buy them. Then, I found out you can buy them online in bulk. These are from Etsy. There are many options, just google starfish in bulk!

“One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, One Nation evermore!” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

”America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” -Harry S. Truman

Luckily, hubby John caught a lot of fish for the entire crew. Mixed with grilled corn on the cob and oven roasted potatoes with olive oil and seasoning, no one went hungry.

“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” – John F. Kennedy

I have used these cups for so many different things. This year they housed a mayo-less slaw.

“For you have been called to live in freedom. Use your freedom to serve one another in love.” – Galatians 5:13

Finally, I loved these cute little single serving pies! Now most grocery stores carry them, even Walmart, and they are GREAT in all flavors!

“The essence of America — that which really unites us — is not ethnicity, or nationality, or religion. It is an idea — and what an idea it is: that you can come from humble circumstances and do great things. That it doesn’t matter where you came from, but where you are going.” – Condoleezza Rice

In the end, it was a small group, but super festive!! I hope you enjoy the day and three cheers to the Red White and Blue! Maybe you build patriotic face masks into your gift bags! Esty has a huge selection. Remember be kind to all, embrace our differences, and thank our for fathers who came from all parts of the Globe. Acting together as “One nation under God” we can all contribute to the good of all. ‘Till next week! xo Leslie

“America is a tune. It must be sung together.”
—Gerald Stanley Lee

The post Here is to the Red White and Blue! appeared first on Segreto Finishes.

Marie Flanigan-The Beauty of Home

Hi Friends! I hope you are all safe, happy and healthy!! I have exciting news-an upcoming book you wont want to miss by one of our favorite designers Marie Flanigan!

Just as put together as her interiors are, this gal pal of mine seems to have it all! Talent, a business mind, a wonderful family/career and best of all, a kind heart! To learn how she juggles her many commitments so gracefully read my article here.

This dining room, where we hand painted the inset panels was featured in both the Houston Chronicle and in my most recent design book, Segreto Impressions which is still on sale!

My Segreto crew always loves creating Marie Flanigan’s vision as she and her team dream up treatments which are unique and challenge us creatively. Look at her beautiful ceiling design! Our part? Plastered walls with faded hand-painted panels!

Interiors A timeless product is testament to the process by which it is realized. Our approach is at once organic and highly disciplined – creativity that flows within a framework. A spirit of cooperation permeates our firm entirely, and we are involved early and often in conversations with our clients, architects, builders and vendors, ranging from the theoretical to the deeply technical.-Marie Flanigan Interiors

She has been a big supporter of our SegretoStone furniture pieces. Dinner anyone? This custom dining table was for a project of hers in Austin!

Leaving our warehouse any day, I can’t wait to see where this graceful SegretoStone console will be placed!!

Beautiful even before all the details are complete! Soothing and luxurious, we plastered the walls in a spa blue and created a mural with a raised effect.

The organic flow of the tub and relaxing view would be better than any trip to a resort. The lovely effect of the raised plaster floral motif brings a Zen feel to the space.

One of my favorite installations to date, Marie had us form a dogwood floral design and install it directly over our plastered walls!

With each piece hand applied, her client has a unique art piece which never can be exactly duplicated! Organic, natural and soothingl!

Another first for us, we formed and installed fluted, plaster walls in the master suite!

I think we all want to see how these spaces look completely furnished!! I have exciting news!! Now we all can. She has just introduced her first book soon to be released this September! I was honored that she used the plaster floral design we had designed for her in many of her book promos!!

The Beauty of Home, combining refined elegance and innovative simplicity for a fresh, new perspective on traditional interior design.

The cover is beautiful and gives a great preview for what is to come. Mixing the contemporary with antiques and natural fabrics she shows how to build a collected home with interest, warmth and her trademark comfortable, sophisticated style.

Magic doesn’t necessarily follow a formula, but perhaps it does have a framework. Marie’s interiors are timeless and soulful — immediately recognizable, yet also reflective of her clients’ individual stories. Dive deeper into the nine elements that define her work, including architecture, illumination, composition, and surprise. Peek behind the curtain as Marie reveals her creative process and the essential elements for curating her signature blend of approachable elegance. Uniting poetry with purpose, this book uncovers the true beauty of home.

AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 2020- Pre-order on Amazon

This is a book you don’t want to miss! I have already pre-ordered my copy! Till next time! xo Leslie

The post Marie Flanigan-The Beauty of Home appeared first on Segreto Finishes.

Milieu ShowHouse to benefit Clayton Dabney for Kids with Cancer!

Hi Friends, With all the uncertainty happening today, it is great to be a part of a group that has worked together to celebrate and support the work that the Clayton Dabney Foundation does for children with cancer and their families.

Located in Houston’s historic River Oaks neighborhood, the Showhouse has been constructed by custom homebuilder, Jennifer Hamelet of Mirador Builders. The MILIEU Designer Showhouse will be open for two weekends—Saturday, June 6th; Sunday, June 7th; Saturday, June 13th; and Sunday, June 14th. Guests will be allowed into the house in small increments, allowing for safe social-distancing practices. All ticket sales will benefit Clayton Dabney for Kids with Cancer (claytondabney.org).

Under the direction of MILIEU’s Pamela Pierce, a talented ensemble of distinguished interior designers from across the United States, Canada, and Europe will transform the house with a fresh, sophisticated aesthetic reflective of Houston’s richly layered design sensibilities. The 7,400-sq.-ft., Edwin Lutyens–style house will exemplify enlightened and enlightening interiors, exteriors, and architectural elements to inspire visitors with intriguing room elements, engaging product introductions, and innovative sensibilities that will raise the new standards of design.

This Amazing shot from Eleanor Cummings’ room giving a sneak peak of the floors we painted was taken from Milieu’s Instagram feed. I have done countless projects with the Cummings gals. They always bring a warm sophistication to their projects, no two alike, all with every detail thoughtfully curated to bring a collected feel to the spaces.

Full of detail this floor was a challenge to layout perfectly centering the design as you enter.

Here is my team at work. First the design is drawn out and then taped and back taped to incorporate all the colorations.

Here are the floors completed. I cant wait to tour the showcase and see how Eleanor layered the room!! So come with your masks, see a beautiful home and support so many kids who need our help!! Segreto is proud to be a sponsor of such a wonderful event and cause.

“We have thought long and hard about how and when to proceed with the event, given that our first concern is the health, well-being, and continued safety of everyone involved with the Showhouse and Clayton Dabney,” says Pamela Pierce, Founder and Editor in Chief of MILIEU. “We remain cautious but confident that we can open the Showhouse in June, in a limited capacity, but one that still fully celebrates the achievements of our talented designers.”- Milieu

Weekend Tours
Saturday, June 6 & Sunday, June 7
Saturday, June 13 & Sunday, June 14
10:00 AM – 4:00 PMTicket sales are $35. A portion of the proceeds from Showhouse ticket sales will benefit Clayton Dabney. 

To purchase tickets for Showhouse weekend tours go here

If you are unable to join us for any Showhouse tours, but would like to contribute to Clayton Dabney for Kids with Cancer, go here.

“Clayton Dabney is very dear to my heart, and I was proud to have served as a board member for years. Now that we’re hosting our first Showhouse, I’m happy to know that a significant portion of the proceeds from the event will go directly to the charity.”- Pamela Pierce 

Hope to see you there. Till next time XO Leslie

The post Milieu ShowHouse to benefit Clayton Dabney for Kids with Cancer! appeared first on Segreto Finishes.