Weekend Chic: Announcing Segreto Style, Leslie Sinclair's Two New Books!

Joyce Horn Antiques  and Segreto Finishes - Plaster Finish

Have you caught your breath?  This stunning, old world room is in the home of Joyce Horn of  Joyce Horn Antiques, Houston, Texas.  The plaster finish isn't in an old Château, it is the artistry of Segreto Finishes.  Leslie Sinclair, who owns the Houston-based Segreto Finishes , produces the most beautiful and specialized paint finishes: plaster, cabinets, decorative, faux, ceilings, murals, furniture, and kid's rooms.  Unparalleled in texture and depth, adding richness and age to any room.  Sinclair, who owns Segreto Finishes, which means Secrets in Italian and named for her husband's family, has been published in both local and national magazines including: Veranda, Southern Living, Traditional Homes, Antique Shops and Designers, and Beautiful Baths just to name a few.  And if I may, she is one of the nicest and most generous people.  I had the pleasure to meet Leslie by email, after she wrote a nice comment on my very new blog and I am still thrilled!

Leslie Sinclair

Her very successful first book, Segreto: Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors, is still in print.  If you do not already own this must have book, you can order it from her website at this link: Segreto Finishes.

Her second book, Segreto Style, is due to be released in November.  The cover photo is from the dressing room of a historic home in Houston, designed in the 1900's by architect John F. Staub.  The interiors are by the famed designer Kara Childress, who's interior design is always gorgeous, with a new finish by Segreto on the original paneling.  Segreto Style features color and technique styles from Leslie, as well as incredible before and after transformations.  Personally, I can't wait.  

A Sneak Peak Inside

The cover of Leslie's third book, Segreto Style 2, features a plastered entrance hall complimenting the interior design of Talbot Cooley.  (I hope the sweet dog comes with the book, don't you?)  A great design resource for ideas, Segreto Style 2 showcases a wide range of finishes as well as extensive sections dedicated kitchens, beds, and baths.  Segret Style 2 is slated to be published in the spring of 2015.  

A Sneak Peak Inside

Both books can be reserved by contacting Leslie at books@segretofinishes.com.  Limited quantities will be available.  

When I started this post, I had a very hard time choosing which photos to feature.  Each one seemed more beautiful then the next.  Below are just some of my favorites.  Enjoy!

That's not wallpaper, it's a hand-painted finish.

Kara Childress Inc. and Cabinet Finishes by Segreto

Gorgeous Wall and Ceiling Finishes

Designer Nicole Zarr

Congratulations Leslie on your very great success!

You can view more of Leslie's work on her website: segretofinishes.com/ or contact them at: 

Segreto Finishes 

1414 Antoine Drive

Houston, TX 77055

713.461.5210

D. Porthault Luncheon and Tory Burch Jardin Table Linens

Hamish Bowles and D. Porthault linens

     Scooping up the table linens, she handed them to me with a "Here darling, they are D. Porthault, they were my mother's." I glanced at my mom for approval. Attending a luncheon with my mom was a treat for a nine year old.  Never before had I been invited to come with her.  Delighted, I was taken in by the beautifully laid tables, the flowers in vases, the smartly dressed women, and the linens covered in flowers, it was thrilling. The colors, lovely!  "It's alright, I want her to have them.  It is nice to have someone admire them again."  With a nod from my mom, "Thank you," was my reply.  On the drive home, I looked again at the top two, pausing a moment before I thumbed through the rest,  I could not have been happier with the pile of flowers on my lap.  

     Tory Burch's new line of Jardin Linens, reminded me of my first luncheon.  Softly touching the place setting before me, I had told the hostess they were pretty.  I am not sure what became of them. Maybe they were in the box that was temporarily housed in storage while we were moving.  We came one morning to find it had been broken into.  Maybe, I just don't know.  Searching the other day on eBay to see if any listed D. Porthault linens were the ones in my memory...flowered...outlined in pink or was it fuchsia, some green ...maybe some blue with a white background, but nothing looked familiar.  The colors, the pattern, are both a bit hazy, and I am not sure I remember either correctly.  Nor did I see anything that looked similar to my memories.  But I do remember the gracious, generosity of a smartly dressed hostess, and a wonderful arm full of printed flowers. 

     When hosting your next luncheon, and a little girl tells you your linens are pretty, bundle them up and give them to her before she leaves.  Or better yet, order a set of linens from Tory Burch or D. Porthault and send it to her.  It's such a nice memory.

Jardin Table Linens and Spongeware

 

Spongeware Tory's favorite for casual lunches.  From her new home line for the table.

To view the entire Exclusive Tory Burch Home Collection, click here.

I hope it's lovely where you are...

xx Rié

dporthaultparis.com

www.toryburch.com/home

Signature Work - Windsor Smith

"I LOVE TO MIX ANTIQUES AND MODERN ELEMENTS TO REFLECT ECLECTICISM THAT MIRRORS OUR NEW WAY OF LIVING."  WINDSOR SMITH

The wall of marble and sink set the tone with brushed stainless steel shelves and fixtures. This dream, kitchen is glamorously practical and luxurious as only Windsor Smith could create.

The colors are purposely atmospheric - faded, foggy, with soft blue tones and only small pops of white to add crisp outlines.

Soft neutrals sharpen your attention, when accented with royal blue and the magnificent patina of the finishes on the outline of the chairs and surrounding facade of the footed bath tub.  Perfect for morning tea, or an evening respite, it's a beautiful lifestyle space to dream about and to dream in.

This eat-in kitchen is both a classical look and casual elegance.  Windsor added splashes of citron to heighten it's "happy and welcoming" mood.

Dark browns and blues convey a masculine aura; while classical architectural details set the tone for a sophisticated dinner that makes you want to linger long into the evening.

Windsor Smith Home

Design Idea: An old garage transformed into a relaxing and beautiful pool house.

 

Los Angeles designer Isabelle Dahlin renovated and furnished her client's garage by transforming it into a beautiful and relaxing pool house.  She added windows, French doors, and furnishings sourced mainly from her own Los Angeles store: DeKor LA, creating a more usable space for a growing family.  Dahlin established a retreat-like feel, with a beautiful landscaped backyard perfect for entertaining, including a vine-covered pergola and an outdoor fireplace within steps of the pool.

Domaine Home

 Dahlin's eclectic mix includes a capiz shell pendant and kilim pouf.  The colors are soothing and pretty.  Introducing a leather chair, and rough hewn table, alongside of a Dutch industrial console keeps it from being too girly.  When I first saw Dahlin's garage renovation, I fell in love with the signature details: the gorgeous vintage rug, the distressed bright blue rolling cart with vintage french wire basket, and the aged child's rocker next to an inviting linen, pale lavender, couch. Yum.

 Large windows and a set of French doors flood the room in beautiful light and cool evening breezes. Perfect for a lazy Saturday.

French doors lead to a stone garden path, past a charming mix of flowers and a vintage garden bench, an inviting place to catch up on a good book.

Twilight hosting is at its best under a vine-covered pergola, lit by candle light and the luxurious outdoor fireplace.  Just add food and friends and you have the perfect recipe for a wonderful evening!

Centennial of WWI - 100 years since Britain entered WWI

Battle of Loos Memorial

The UK Prime Minister, The Right Honourable David Cameron MP, visited the Battle of Loos Memorial marking the 100 years since Britain entered WWI.

London services at West Minister Abbey

Remembering our British friends and allies this day in mutual celebration of a peace won by heroic sacrifice.

WEST ELM Modern Brass - fresh, stylish and now

Wire Kitchen Collection Brass Foldable Dish Rack

The Wire Kitchen Collection with Brass finished steel from West Elm is a series of modern and clean-lined accessories that don't clutter.  Instead they bring a fresh and chic touch to your kitchen while being serviceable and affordable.  How great is that!

Wire Kitchen Collection - Soap Dish

Wire Kitchen Collection - Mountable Paper Towel Holder

Need to update your space, add a touch of brass on your side tables, desks, entry table or even your nightstands?  Don't worry, brass plays well with others.

Deco Marble Table Lamp

Marble Cleat Boxes for your jewelry, desk, tabletops & dressers

Stylishly display books, photos, cookware and more with this Reclaimed Wood Shelf. Choose antiqued brass brackets and make a striking statement.

Still not convinced?  These jute rope-wrapped brass hooks are mounted on mango wood for a sturdy design that holds jackets, bags, kitchen or bath towels and leashes. My personal favorite.

Jute Rope Hooks

 Any of these would make great gifts.  Hint, Hint.

Weekend Chic

Designer Windsor Smith

"There, all is order and beauty, richness, quiet and pleasure."

Charles Bauldaire

All the best!  Rié

SHED Healdsburg CA

Vacationing in the Wine Country isn't just about wine.  Between Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley is the curated town of Healdsburg, CA.  Healdsburg is home to many fine restaurants, shopping, tree lined streets, and a charming park-like town square.  And SHED is no exception with their quality foods, organic flowers and curated goods.  While at SHED,  I picked up the French canning jars: Le Parfait "Super" for my flour and sugar, and two Mason Cash mixing bowls made in England. They also have an outdoor dinning area.  Pleasant!  Good news for those of us who can't just run over to the wine country, they have an online shop as well.  Enjoy!

SHED's evolving seasonal collection of goods for the home.

SHED's wide ranging collection of Farm & Garden Tools

Café, Coffee Bar and Fermentation Bar

SHED also offers calendared events on food crafts, gardening and farming.