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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.
About the book: one word. DIVINE. Rarely does a design book live up to, and over-deliver, my expectations. Segreto Vignettes DOES. This is a huge book, it is heavy, and will have an honored place on my table in the living room. It’s the most beautiful book, the images are stunning, this is a book you will be proud to display in your home.
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.
I love Leslie….she and her team are so very talented. Her designs are magnificent!
Yes!! They are so amazingly talented, aren’t they Shirley?!
My favorite place is home also. I get to play (decorate) in it every day. One of my favorite ways to decorate is to make sure every place I look is beautifully decorated. I like to go to the furtherest spot in the house and get a view through all the rooms,looking for something beautifull at the end. Thanks for the opportunity to be chosen to receive this gorgeous book.
What a great way to view your home, Alice! I love that, to go to the furthest spot and get a view through it all.
Those are some beautiful wall and ceilings. That’s what I’d love to do in my home. Like Alice, I love to decorate every day. Every square inch of one’s home should be a place of beauty and interest to rest the eye on. Ahh, to have those plastered walls…………
XO Ginger
Ginger, isn’t her work astounding? I love to decorate every day too, I agree with you, every inch of our homes should bring us, and those we love, joy and beauty!
I have been a fan of Leslie’s blog for ages. Love all the things she does.
Thank you for your visit, Linda…fellow Leslie fan! She is amazing, and has such talent!
Who wouldn’t want to own this beautiful book by the gifted Leslie? Oh, the talent!
Oh my gosh! I think You have found MY designer! I LOVE her rooms! I will have to check her out more!
I love all the images you shared here. I’ll have to go visit Leslie, now. This may be the book to help with some changes I’m planning for our little home. Thanks, Lidy. You always have such valuable information to share. . .
What a wonderful post!! Thank you so much for such a sweet lovely post!!! You are the sweetest!! I am so glad you found inspiration from the book. I see inspiring things every day and love so much to share!! Thanks again sweet Lidy!!!
Leslie, thank YOU! You are an amazing talent, it is an honor to partner with you on this…xo Lidy
I share in her love of Hallmark movies!! This book looks amazing! Would love to win!
Fantastic interview, Lidy! I’m really drawn to the description of Leslie’s style as seeing surroundings as a whole and not one element. I could definitely see that in the photos and it lit a few light bulbs in my head. I would love to learn more form her books.
Off to her website!
Jane x
What an inspiring post. Thank you for this giveaway.
Marilyn
What lovely photos and a great interview. Thanks for this giveaway.
Joan
Thank you for this post and the opportunity to win this lovely book.
Marion
I would SO love to win this!!! I love their talent and I know the book must be GORGEOUS! xoxo, Dawn
I have loved her work for a while now…would love this book!
OHMYLAND!!!! I would SO love to be entered into this giveaway!!! I’ve admired her work for a long time now and follow their Facebook page! I’ll certainly pin too! Fingers crossed! xoxoxo, Dawn
I’m so excited to have found this site! My daughter was looking over my shoulder and said “Mom, this is sooo you!”
There was not one photograph that I did not love.Everything from Leslie’s book is pinnable on Pinterest. And those ice cream spoons… I have fantasized about them since I saw them on your webpage.
Wow, what a lovely lady! Leslie’s work is so special, one of a kind passion for beautiful finishes!
Simple Elegance
Wow!!! I love the pictures that you posted on this blog about leslie-this women has great visit and talent. So fun! Please enter me into the drawing.
Thanks, Denise
I would love to own this divine book,
since my business is Divine Decorating.
Oh my gosh! I absolutely love every picture posted by Leslie! I think I finally found a designer who fits my style of decorating. Showed my husband some of these and he said the same thing! “That’s definitely you”! I would love to settle down and read every page of this book. Thanks for the ideas!
It’s a gorgeous book, Lori, and while the actual designers differ, they all have Leslie’s beautiful faux work in common!
Such a lovely visit to your blog this morning!
Terry, thank you! Be sure to visit the French Country Holiday post too!
Thank you Terry! Happy Holidays!
This looks like a book that I would refer to and enjoy over and over…beautiful!
What a beautiful post. I’m so glad I took the time to read it. I will definitely be bookmarking this blog. Thank you for the inspiration. Merry Christmas! Kathy
Thank you Kathy! I hope that you will subscribe to get it in your email, so easy! {On the right, in the little box} Merry Christmas!
This gorgeous book by Leslie is a dreamer’s backdrop. Every page is filled with inspiration. I want this book.
Thank you for the inspiration; Yes! a relaxing -mid-shopping rush- tea is, indeed, the perfect way to pamper your friends as well as yourself. Time, Tea Togetherness: the perfect holiday combination.
Fabulous … would love to have this latest book! Love everything Leslie does … only problem is wanting it all! Seriously, would love to win … Happy Christmas from Merry
Love,love all that I see. The book must be to die for. I love painted furniture and a room of different finishes, makes everything more interesting and look as though it has been decorated that way for years.
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.