Meet LESLIE SINCLAIR | SEGRETO VIGNETTES & A BOOK GIVEAWAY
I am sure that many of you know Leslie Sinclair of Segreto. For those of you who don't, I'm so thrilled to be able to introduce all of you to Leslie, a Texas based designer, artist and author.
Pour yourself a cup of coffee, or a glass of champagne if it's close to evening, and join me in a tour of the most incredible homes with Segreto Vignettes.
Leslie's latest book, Segreto Vignettes, is beyond fabulous! The book is filled with faux finishes, amazing interiors and homes you will love. Leslie is sharing some of the most gorgeous interiors from her latest book, but just between us, every one of the homes and interiors are amazing.
I know you will love each photo. I can't help but look in this book each day for inspiration.
Leslie, the mother of three, left her corporate job in 1995 to start Segreto Finishes, naming the company after her husband’s family. Segreto, which means "secret" in Italian, rolls up all of Leslie’s passions — architecture, interior design, art, people and business– into her idea of the perfect job.
Leslie is an artist who specializes in decorative paint techniques. Her company, Segreto Finishes, can create almost any plaster or decorative finish. Leslie lives by the philosophy that upon entering a room, your eyes should not draw a distinction to one element or finish but should see the surroundings as a whole.
By developing a palette that complements a home’s architecture and design, surroundings are given a new perspective. This book is the third in a series that highlights the work of Leslie's company, and showcases architects and designers she works with.
Indispensable, and invaluable as a guide to creative faux finishes, but more than that, it's a book that you will turn to again and again for inspiration.
Leslie explained: "Segreto Vignettes is an invaluable guide to the world of creative finishes. Thousands of ideas, beautifully photographed, bring design trends to life in this stunning collection of rooms adorned with finishes by Segreto. This indispensable guide is loaded with inspirational ideas, advice from experts and unique interiors. It not only charts popular color and finish treatments but also illustrates the latest trends in furniture, lighting, architecture, flooring and surfaces – all of which are sourced for you. My favorite Segreto Book to date – I hope you enjoy!!"
{I couldn't help but take a photo straight out of my book of a room Joni designed. I love it, don't you?}
One of my favorite design bloggers, Joni Webb of Cote de Texas, from Houston, Texas, wrote the foreword. If you love French Country, beautiful finishes, and homes that make all your design dreams come true, you will love this book.
There is so much design inspiration here...trust me, either buy this for yourself, or put it on your "I really, really WANT this for the holidays list", you will love all the design inspiration in the book.
1. Please tell us a little about yourself. In 1995, I left the corporate world to start Segreto Finishes, a company dedicated to creating quality plaster and decorative finishes. Now, with over forty artisans, our business has grown into a premier finish design firm in Houston, Texas. Segreto's work has been featured in numerous publications including Architectural Digest, Veranda, Traditional Home, House Beautiful, Country French, Elle and Elegant Homes.
I love to give lectures to the architecture, design and building community. I have my own fabric line, and write a column for Antique Shops and Designers magazine. I love writing Segreto Secrets, a weekly blog about interiors, art and finishes. My other two design books, Segreto: Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors and Segreto Style will be joined by my, third book Segreto Vignettes, which was released in September. Inspired by all aspects of artistic painting, I also paint canvas art and own an art gallery and boutique.
2. When did you realize you wanted to design and paint those gorgeous faux finishes you are famous for?
I started painting my home after my third child was born. I loved it and all the different effects it could create. I had a hallway in my house where I tested different finishes. We use to joke that it is a foot smaller with all the different layers. Remembering back when I was young I played Barbie’s all the time… but I used to build houses and furniture for them and paint and decorate the spaces.
3. How would you describe your design style?
My design style is a real mixture, loving all forms of design. I would say European inspired with pops of contemporary elements. I do love layers of textures for depth put together in a tonal way.
4. What inspires you?
I am inspired by tiles, fabrics, the way the light reflects in spaces and everything in nature. Working with designers, architects, builders and homeowners inspires me to interpret many beautiful ways to finish a home. My philosophy is that when you enter a room, your eyes should not be drawn to any one element or finish, but instead, you should view the surroundings as a whole.
5. If your interior spaces had a message, what would you like them to say?
I aspire to create the perfect backdrop that enables fabrics, art and furniture to blend and establish a particular mood. A palette developed to complement your home’s architecture and design can give your surroundings a completely new perspective.
6. What’s your favorite antique find, and where did you use it?
My favorite antique piece are the mirrors that I purchased at Marburger Farms for my master bath. I had to revamp the entire space to accommodate the height of them.
7. How do you incorporate antiques and vintage pieces into your designs for clients?
I love the mix with old and new. Old gives a space a sense of the past and a soul while the new pieces give a fresh perspective. I also love taking old pieces and repurposing them to give them a new perspective.
{Another shot I took from my copy. I love this bedroom!}
Loves and Inspirations: 1. My favorite colors are: My favorite color is Blaygeen—my own name for a mix of green blue and gray! 2. If I could have one wish, I would wish for: If I could have one wish I would wish for all people to get along. 3. Right now I am reading: Right now I am reading a book called Being Mortal. I have aging parents right now and this book written by a doctor about all the decisions that go with medicine and the decisions you make for quality of life vs treatments. For a fun book, I love the Southern charm, and touching tale of a mother’s journey of Kristy Harvey’s books!! Dear Carolina is one of my favorite reads! 4. My favorite place is: My favorite place is my home! I am a homebody! 5. I can’t live without: I can’t live without French fries unfortunately and Hallmark movies of course. 6. A FrenchGardenHouse antique I adore: I adore the silver Ice cream spoons –I would want to frame these!!! I also love the Eloquence collection that you sell! I own many pieces, fabulous prices, great finishes and lines.
TOTALLY EXCITING!! I'm partnering with Leslie to give away a copy of this large, glossy over the top gorgeous book! All you have to do to enter to win this beauty is 1. Leave a comment on any post on this blog from now until Dec.15th. Each time you leave a comment, will count as one entry. AND ....2. Click over to Leslie's Website. It's a 2-part deal. Get extra entries for pinning the image above to your Pinterest Boards too, and let us know in the comments here. That's all! Merci, mon amies. One lucky winner {sorry, USA only this time} will receive a copy of this book. Yay! Happy Holidays to the winner, who ever you will be.
PIN THIS TO YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS ...and remember to leave a comment on each post for another chance to win!
I received this book from Leslie to review, but the I LOVE THIS BOOK opinions are my completely my own.
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Janice Zencka
December 16, 2016
What a fabulous Give Away. This book would be such a inspitational decorating help to me at my
Bed & Breakfast. I love changing the look of the guest rooms every so often to give them a fresn new look.
Love Leslie’s designs,such a talented artist, designer, and author.