Segreto Finishes

Exclusive Interview:

LESLIE SINCLAIR

Segreto Finishes

By William Hanover

The world of decorative painting is limitless, ever-changing and richly complex. Finishes for walls, ceilings, floors and cabinetry can be crucial to the embodiment of a home’s character. Segreto Finishes’ owner Leslie Sinclair constantly explores new techniques and finishes that appeal to a  multitude of styles and personal tastes.

Graduating from the University of Texas with a business degree, Leslie, mother of three, left her corporate job in 1995 to start Segreto Finishes.

Leslie feels 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.

How did you get started in your business?

I have always loved design, architecture and art and when faux finishing became all the rage I began experimenting on walls furnishings and cabinetry. I bought every book on the topic. There was one hallway in my home where I tested all of my new finishes.  It was a running joke that the hallway became smaller and smaller due to layers of paint with each application that I tested. With the encouragement of the local paint store I left my corporate job to start a finishing business. Segreto was named after my husband’s family and means secret in Italian.

Is what you do called decorative art? Can you describe your field of business?

We are installers of fine finishes. Being one of the first in Houston to apply this old style plaster with a modern twist, we have seen a huge resurgence in this lost art. Creating warmth and depth without much movement, these new plaster finishes work in homes from ultra-contemporary to European. We also paint floors, create murals, finish cabinetry, beams and furniture.

Tell us how your colors and finishes can change a space.

Finishes are the connecting thread that weaves throughout the home. They can marry all of your hard surfaces together, floors, tiles and countertops as well as enhance furnishings art and fabric selections. Think about finishes for you home as the same as finding the right outfit. Choosing the right clothing, accessories and makeup, can not only transform the way you look, but also the way you feel.  

What are some of the most creative pieces you have done?

Stenciling l the ceiling in a room or painting a floor design rather than focusing on the walls in a room. Plaster your range hood or make a wood one read like metal!  Use high gloss paint for your kitchen cabinets and put a crusty furniture finish on the island. Paint initials on mudroom lockers. Take flat beams and finish them to feel reclaimed. Polish a plastered ceiling while leaving the walls more matte!

What are you favorite color schemes?

I do love grays, whites and soft blues.  They create such a soothing backdrop eliciting peace in such a busy world. These neutrals also offer great backdrops to pops of colors and go with almost any palette. Having a strong color in a bar or study can really give your home personality.

Where do you get the inspiration or ideas for decorative walls and ceilings  and floors which is your primary business?

I find my inspiration all around me!  I love the way the light reflects off the trees, the colors of flowers and birds–the movement of the clouds: nature provides so much, including perfect color combinations. I also love to study old architecture and design.

You’re primarily known for murals wall and ceiling designs. What else do you do?

We are using lime plaster to build tabletops, benches and consoles. This hard surface maintains a natural organic feel, while being sleek and polished. With certain design trends moving to a cleaner feel we are plastering showers and eliminating grout lines all together.  Certain plasters work as a sound barrier, insulating factor, and slight fire retardant and are much less expensive than the lathe method of yesteryear.

Applying an allover pattern on walls gives a wallpaper feel, but offers greater flexibility and practicality. Stenciled and decorative designs achieved with paint eliminate concerns common with wallpapered rooms such as seams pulling up or mold growing behind the surface.

You are also a publisher. Tell us about your book.

The Segreto Book Series books came out of clients constantly asking me to purchase my portfolios. So…. I decided to step off a cliff and self-publish. The first two books Segreto: Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors and Segreto Style were tours of homes with information on why certain palettes and finishes were chosen. My latest book Segreto Vignettes, has chapters on finishing trends, how you can transform existing elements in your home as well as large sections on our favorite rooms; bedrooms, baths and kitchens.

I also write a weekly blog called Segreto Secrets, you can subscribe at segretofinishes.com!

69 thoughts on “Segreto Finishes

  1. I simply want to say I’m newbie to weblog and seriously savored this blog site. Almost certainly I’m going to bookmark your website . You actually come with fantastic articles and reviews. Cheers for revealing your website.

  2. In the event another person bores to tears, your current hurting can be short-lived. With breast augmentation in aventura the conclusion from the event, people meet up with people that tickled the nice as well as proceed from there. Should you don’t connect with any one a person clicked by using, there is no pressure therefore you can certainly merely move household plus go to your next session. This is certainly turning out to be an extremely favorite technique for singles, and in many cases people who could model it and perhaps visit ‘as the joke’ as well as with a dare find yourself enjoying by themselves.

  3. Sorry for the significant research, nevertheless I’m seriously loving the fresh Zune, and anticipate this, as very well as the Great opinions some other us residents consist of composed, will help yourself come to a decision if it is the specifically determination for by yourself.

  4. Fantastic website you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics discussed here? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get responses from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Bless you!

  5. Apple by now incorporates Rhapsody as an app, which is a superior get started, but it is by now hampered through the incapability in direction of retailer regionally upon your iPod, and contains a dismal 64kbps little bit price tag. If this alterations, then it will somewhat negate this comfort for the Zune, still the Ten songs for every thirty day period will continue to be a substantial furthermore in Zune Pass’ favor.

  6. Thank you for writing this awesome article. I’m a long time reader but I’ve never been compelled to leave a comment. I subscribed to your blog and shared this on my Facebook. Thanks again for a great article!

  7. The new Zune browser is shockingly favourable, still not as Fantastic as the iPod’s. It performs well, however isn’t as quick as Safari, and includes a clunkier interface. If yourself from time to time system on having the website browser that is not an issue, however if you’re planning toward read the world-wide-web alot against your PMP then the iPod’s more substantial show and superior browser could be important.

  8. The clean Zune browser is remarkably optimistic, nevertheless not as Wonderful as the iPod’s. It operates properly, yet isn’t really as immediate as Safari, and incorporates a clunkier interface. If you occasionally application upon working with the net browser which is not an issue, still if you might be planning in the direction of examine the internet alot towards your PMP then the iPod’s much larger display screen and much better browser may possibly be critical.

  9. If you happen to be still upon the fence: get your beloved earphones, intellect down to a Excellent Order and talk to toward plug them into a Zune then an iPod and view which just one sounds greater in the direction of yourself, and which interface generates yourself smile far more. Then you are going to understand which is right for by yourself.

  10. Apple previously contains Rhapsody as an application, which is a great get started, nonetheless it is by now hampered by the incapability to retail outlet locally upon your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit cost. If this variations, then it will to some degree negate this advantage for the Zune, still the Ten songs for every thirty day period will however be a substantial as well as within just Zune Pass’ desire.

  11. The Zune concentrates on remaining a Moveable Media Player. Not a net browser. Not a video game machine. Potentially in the long term it will do even improved inside of these areas, but for at present it is really a superior way towards set up and pay attention in direction of your songs and movies, and is without having peer within that respect. The iPod’s pros are its world-wide-web going to and applications. If those people stable more powerful, probably it is your ideal alternative.

  12. Apple by now includes Rhapsody as an application, which is a superb start, still it is currently hampered as a result of the incapability toward shop locally upon your iPod, and contains a dismal 64kbps bit cost. If this adjustments, then it will somewhat negate this usefulness for the Zune, however the 10 music for every thirty day period will continue to be a substantial plus inside Zune Pass’ choose.

  13. you’re in point of fact a excellent webmaster. The site loading speed is incredible. It sort of feels that you’re doing any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a fantastic activity in this subject!

  14. Zune and iPod: Utmost persons compare the Zune in the direction of the Contact, nonetheless once looking at how slim and astonishingly very low and mild it is, I attempt it in direction of be a alternatively special hybrid that combines qualities of both equally the Touch and the Nano. It’s extremely vibrant and beautiful OLED exhibit is slightly smaller sized than the contact screen, however the participant itself feels quite a little bit scaled-down and lighter. It weighs with regards to 2/3 as considerably, and is substantially smaller in width and peak, even though getting just a hair thicker.

  15. Between me and my spouse we’ve owned more MP3 players above the several years than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, and many others. But, the ultimate handful of several years I have fixed down in direction of a single line of gamers. Why? Considering the fact that I was satisfied in direction of uncover how well-designed and enjoyment towards seek the services of the underappreciated (and extensively mocked) Zunes are.

  16. I needed to create you this little remark so as to say thanks a lot again for these precious guidelines you’ve discussed on this page. This is so wonderfully open-handed of people like you giving openly exactly what a few people could have offered as an ebook to get some bucks on their own, notably now that you could have tried it if you decided. These ideas likewise worked to be the good way to understand that most people have the same interest just like mine to know many more with regard to this issue. I’m sure there are millions of more pleasant situations in the future for many who read carefully your site.

  17. I just intend to inform you you that I am new to writing a blog and absolutely adored your information. Most likely I am most likely to remember your blog post . You truly have great article information. Be Thankful For it for giving out with us your current internet post

  18. Faytech North America is a touch screen Manufacturer of both monitors and pcs. They specialize in the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of Capacitive touch screen, Resistive touch screen, Industrial touch screen, IP65 touch screen, touchscreen monitors and integrated touchscreen PCs. Contact them at http://www.faytech.us, 121 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013, +1 646 205 3214

  19. Wow! This could be one particular of the most beneficial blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Magnificent. I’m also a specialist in this topic therefore I can understand your effort.

  20. The contemporary Zune browser is incredibly very good, still not as Fantastic as the iPod’s. It functions well, nonetheless isn’t really as prompt as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If your self often method upon having the internet browser that is not an issue, however if you happen to be designing towards examine the web alot from your PMP then the iPod’s bigger show and better browser may perhaps be essential.

  21. MetroClick specializes in building completely interactive products like Photo Booth for rental or sale, Touch Screen Kiosks, Large Touch Screen Displays , Monitors, Digital Signages and experiences. With our own hardware production facility and in-house software development teams, we are able to achieve the highest level of customization and versatility for Photo Booths, Touch Screen Kiosks, Touch Screen Monitors and Digital Signage. Visit MetroClick at http://www.metroclick.com/ or , 121 Varick St, New York, NY 10013, +1 646-843-0888

  22. I’ll equipment this study towards Two styles of human beings: present Zune homeowners who are thinking of an upgrade, and These hoping in direction of make a decision between a Zune and an iPod. (There are other avid gamers well worth considering out there, including the Sony Walkman X, yet I anticipate this delivers on your own plenty of information and facts toward produce an informed conclusion of the Zune vs players other than the iPod line as nicely.)

  23. of course like your website but you have to check the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I’ll definitely come again again.

  24. Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept

  25. I got what you mean , regards for posting .Woh I am happy to find this website through google. “Spare no expense to make everything as economical as possible.” by Samuel Goldwyn.

  26. If you happen to be however on the fence: grab your favourite earphones, thoughts down toward a Great Obtain and question in direction of plug them into a Zune then an iPod and view which just one sounds better toward you, and which interface generates on your own smile far more. Then you are going to notice which is specifically for you.

  27. Hey here, just turned out to be conscious of your writings through The Big G, and realized that it’s truly informative. I’ll value if you decide to retain this informative article.

  28. Apple now consists of Rhapsody as an application, which is a Terrific start, however it is already hampered by means of the incapability in direction of store domestically on your iPod, and incorporates a dismal 64kbps little bit cost. If this adjustments, then it will to some degree negate this convenience for the Zune, nevertheless the Ten music for each thirty day period will however be a massive in addition in Zune Pass’ favor.

  29. Hi my loved one! I want to say that this article is awesome, nice written and include approximately all significant infos. I would like to look extra posts like this.

  30. Thanks for publishing this awesome article. I’m a long time reader but I’ve never been compelled to leave a comment. I subscribed to your blog and shared this on my Twitter. Thanks again for a great article!

  31. Enjoyed looking at this, very good stuff, appreciate it. “The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.” by Mother Theresa.

  32. Thanks for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I’m very glad to see such great info being shared freely out there.

  33. Nice blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  34. I have recently started a blog, the information you provide on this website has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.

  35. I really like your writing style, wonderful info, thank you for posting :D. “God save me from my friends. I can protect myself from my enemies.” by Claude Louis Hector de Villars.

  36. I wish to show my thanks to the writer just for rescuing me from this instance. Just after surfing around throughout the the web and coming across things that were not powerful, I was thinking my life was done. Living without the solutions to the issues you have solved as a result of your good write-up is a critical case, as well as those which might have adversely affected my career if I hadn’t encountered your website. The capability and kindness in dealing with the whole thing was useful. I’m not sure what I would’ve done if I hadn’t encountered such a point like this. I can at this moment relish my future. Thanks a lot very much for your reliable and result oriented help. I won’t hesitate to endorse your web page to any individual who will need assistance on this matter.

  37. Palms down, Apple’s app retail outlet wins by means of a mile. It is really a large preference of all styles of apps vs a very not happy number of a handful for Zune. Microsoft incorporates Options, specially in the realm of video games, nonetheless I am not guaranteed I’d will need in the direction of bet upon the long run if this feature is vital toward you. The iPod is a substantially far better choice inside of that case.

  38. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly return.

  39. Greetings here, just turned conscious of your weblog through Search engines like google, and realized that it is very entertaining. I’ll value should you decide persist this approach.

  40. A person necessarily lend a hand to make seriously articles I might state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and so far? I amazed with the analysis you made to make this actual put up amazing. Wonderful job!

  41. Thanks for writing this awesome article. I’m a long time reader but I’ve never been compelled to leave a comment. I subscribed to your blog and shared this on my Twitter. Thanks again for a great post!

  42. Excellent blog right here! Also your web site a lot up very fast! What host are you the use of? Can I am getting your associate link for your host? I desire my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

  43. I have been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or blog posts in this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i¡¦m happy to express that I’ve a very good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I so much no doubt will make certain to don¡¦t put out of your mind this web site and give it a glance on a continuing basis.

  44. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.

  45. Hello very cool site!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds also…I am happy to seek out numerous helpful info right here in the submit, we’d like work out more strategies on this regard, thank you for sharing.

  46. I got what you mean , regards for putting up.Woh I am delighted to find this website through google. “I would rather be a coward than brave because people hurt you when you are brave.” by E. M. Forster.

  47. I’ve recently started a website, the information you provide on this website has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work. “The more sand that has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.” by Jean Paul.

  48. Thanks for publishing this awesome article. I’m a long time reader but I’ve never been compelled to leave a comment. I subscribed to your blog and shared this on my Facebook. Thanks again for a great article!

  49. What i don’t realize is actually how you are not really much more smartly-liked than you may be now. You’re so intelligent. You know therefore considerably in relation to this topic, produced me in my view imagine it from a lot of numerous angles. Its like men and women are not involved unless it is one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs nice. All the time care for it up!

  50. Thanks for publishing this awesome article. I’m a long time reader but I’ve never been compelled to leave a comment. I subscribed to your blog and shared this on my Twitter. Thanks again for a great article!

  51. Just a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw outstanding style and design. “The price one pays for pursuing a profession, or calling, is an intimate knowledge of its ugly side.” by James Arthur Baldwin.

  52. I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this site. Thank you, I’ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your website?

  53. Somebody necessarily help to make seriously posts I might state. That is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I amazed with the research you made to make this particular put up extraordinary. Fantastic activity!

  54. I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thanks, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?

  55. We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our whole community will be thankful to you.

  56. I was recommended this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my trouble. You’re incredible! Thanks!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *