Enlisted In Austin

So I arrived in Dallas, and now I depart once more (this time only for a weekend). I am happy to be back in the Lone Star state, not so happy to deal with the 100 degree temperatures. I am off to Austin to celebrate a good friend and all of my friends for a much needed girls weekend to conclude the summer. Reality will soon set in, but at the moment I am more interested in Realty!

I came across this home for sale in Austin that I would happily emulate if I were to locate to the funky, yet beautiful city.  This home has a tremendous amount of flair mixed in with traditional components, a collected aesthetic, and a southern California vibe. It is incredibly inviting, but does not look overly forced or calculated. That is the difference, in my opinion, between Austin and Dallas. Austin is the girl who wears makeup, but it looks natural. Dallas is the girl who wears makeup and sometimes needs to blot down the blush. This house is a perfect mix between the two, and who doesn’t want the best of both worlds.

Oh and in case you are wondering, Jeffrey Alan Marks designed this delightful casa. No wonder I love it so much! Architecture by Michael Landrum and Construction by Michael Deane Homes.

The home is listed by Laura Gottesman of Gottesman Residential Real Estate. To view more photos click here for the listing.

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Fantastic and naturally designed landscaping envelops the home. The plethora of windows really allows the outside in.

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I love the dark floors and the simple contrast of the white walls. It allows the art work to really shine.

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I love the exposed beams and the large wall of windows. It is a large room full of warmth.

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Such a different fireplace arrangement. I really like this idea for any oversized space, urns, sconces, and a mirror.

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A very cool and no frills kitchen. It has a bit of an edge which is exactly what Austin does best.

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A more neutral and refined palette than the other living room, but equally appealing.

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The light fixture is the real winner in this dining room. Also, I am obsessed with fireplaces in dining rooms.

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Master bedroom. An excellent rug covers the floor to give more texture and inject color.

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Another view of the rug.

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A crisp white bathroom with an injection of natural wood elements.

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A great closeted bar.

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A wine cellar with enough Hermes blankets to make any wine taste good. On second thought, that could be a very dangerous combination for a spillage.

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Those doors look like they came straight out of San Miguel. The orange and white stripes are a great punch of color.

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A beyond dreamy sitting area. Look, those blankets again….

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A wonderful way to beat the summer heat. Nothing like a Texas pool party.

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TPB Travels: San Miguel de Allende

I really can’t say enough about the enchanting San Miguel de Allende in the hills of Mexico. I know when many people hear Mexico, their minds go to Cabo or Cancun (or El Chappo). Many Texans flock to the mountains of Colorado to escape the heat, yet a large percentage also go to San Miguel. While I love a good Aspen trip, I think I fell hard for the rich cultural and visual paradise that is San Miguel. Walking through the cobblestone streets on an incline, there were vibrant hues of homes with perfectly bejeweled doors. Music often fills the streets with mariachi bands celebrating any festivity and banners swinging from rooftops across narrow caminos. The very present sounds of church bells make you feel as if you are roaming the streets of Italy without the long haul flight and time change.

The stay at The Rosewood was impeccable. Poolside in a cabana with friends, a pampering massage in the spa, and enjoying a fresh margarita on the rooftop every night were just a few of the highlights. The shopping in town was also excellente. Stores feel more like homes than a place of business, many with courtyards and impeccable design that just comes with the territory. The markets were full of handmade fabrics, pottery, and lanterns that create splashes of pattern. I really don’t have anything negative to say, except that I needed a couple more days to stay and play.

THE ROSEWOOD: SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

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Reception/Lobby.

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The bar…over 96 types of Tequilla!

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The central courtyard.

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The room.

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The main courtyard in the evening.

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The door to the spa. As you can see, many architectural details.

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The back of the hotel.

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The pool area after some rain. A rarity that cabanas are completely free. I will say that poolside service was painfully slow, and don’t ask for an ice coffee….

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The resort grows their own very fragrant lavender. The scent is present in spa services, as well as in the suites. Housekeeping would light fresh lavender by the tub every evening. A delightful touch.

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Very interesting landscape surrounds the hotel. Little arrangements of rocks and plants are scattered around perfectly cut grass.

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A wonderful play of pattern on the rooftop from light fixtures that are often seen on the streets for sale.

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The rooftop bar offers one of the best views in town.

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If only I were still lounging here now.

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The colorful Rosewood residences, including a balcony of potted boxwood.

Architecture And Culture

 

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The Jardin is a bustling part of town right near the main church.

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Speaking of the church, it was quite breathtaking.

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This door is just plain cool of color.

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I would love to one day replicate this tile I saw in a small linen shop on a side street.

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A very common courtyard entrance to a restaurant.

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Street fountain minus the water. Beautiful tile that surely has history.

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A private residence friends were staying in. I love the courtyard and intimate ambience.

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Stairs in the side courtyard. I love the architectural nooks and crannies.

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View from the steps.

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View from the rooftop looking into some beautiful homes. I adore the window boxes.

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Another lovely home visible from above. How clean and chic are the pots of white flowers, as well as the navy and white awnings.

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I spy blue and white…

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A lovely view from the top of the hill.

Shops

Mixta

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I am obsessed with everything about this store.

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The courtyard alone is magical.

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Spy the detail of the doors, as well as the pattern of the wallpaper. So many wonders inside.

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Recreo

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An exceptional store if you are looking for one of a kind tunics and ponchos. Expertly crafted and designed, just like the store itself.

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This was the highlight. Have you ever seen such a thing? Tiers and branches of boxwood.

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Some of the tunics.

Casa Katalina

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These candles. Seriously. I lugged these home in my carry on to ensure next year’s birthday cake will be colorful and festive.

Hilo Negro

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A Mexican take on blue and white. I also LOVE the red and cream.

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Markets

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If I could have fit this in my suitcase, it would have found a home with me. Worth over triple in the states.

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Lights abound. Plus look at the sweet Christmas decorations on the right. They could make quite the tabletop decoration. San Miguel de Allende The Potted Boxwood 6

Great for a luncheon or a child’s room.

Pretty Puertas

My fun summer of travel has come to a close, but I truly did save the best for last. San Miguel de Allende in central Mexico is the most charming town nestled in the hills. With temperatures cold enough for a fireplace on summer evenings and sunshine-filled afternoons for strolling along cobblestone streets, there is a European flair to this city infused with colonial Mexican culture. I will go into more depth of the town tomorrow, but for today I want to focus on the doors (puertas in Spanish).

The doors certainly deserve a post of their own. Behind a majority of these puertas lay courtyards with rooms surrounding and fountains trickling. I often found myself tempted to open and take a peak inside, thankfully my friends would snap me out of this delusion of real estate stalking (I guess that is what friends are for). Notice how most of these doors are framed in limestone against striking blended patina paint. I find it is often hard to successfully replicate this look in the states (think faux mediterranean McMansions-yikes). Definitely appreciate the woodwork of the doors, the detail in the carvings, the placement of landscape, and the frames that make every puerta picture perfect. I hope this will inspire you to dress your door with good craftsmanship and leave you with a marvelous case of the Mondays. Hasta Luego!

 

Photos by Christina Dandar for The Potted Boxwood

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The most interesting knocker. Notice the ring on the finger.

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Azul! A beautiful blended blue.

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Talk about symmetry

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I love the flags that fly across the streets. So festive!

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That lime green door will grab anyone’s attention.

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The knockers were incredible!

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Details are everything when it comes to the woodwork of the doors.

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Let the ivy grow!

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I love this door, but that is not why I love the picture. 🙂

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This paint color may not work for most in the states, but imagine this door in black against a white house…. breathtaking.

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This has no filter. The light was hitting the home at just the perfect time. Enchanting.

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Hola!

Good morning! I am currently in a very charming Mexican town today (and for the week), so stay plugged in to instagram for some visual eye candy. I will return with a post on Monday!

Buenas Dias and Happy Summer! XO

 

San Miguel de Allende

Carolina Cabin

As I am in the air heading back for a quick stop in Dallas, I am reflective of the lovely weekend I had celebrating my grandmother’s 90th birthday in North Carolina. Sadly, it wasn’t a cool mountain break from the Florida heat, but instead the Sandhills of Carolina, where the humidity was ready and waiting. As any true “heat” escape artist knows, the higher the better in the summer. While I love the land of the pines, I do long for some mountain weather (is 70 degrees too much to ask for!).

Scrolling through Traditional Home, I noticed one of Charles Faudree’s final projects. A final project for a designer is quite significant. It means his or her signature mark will eventually fade, unless it is preserved (a rarity since no two tastes are alike). His dedicated French Country flair is not for everyone, but it is to be appreciated and admired. The home has a little bit of tradition, and an unexpected elegance for a mountain house. It is collected as well as edited, the perfect juxtaposition. I hope this post will let you mentally escape the heat, or at least bring you to a more tranquil state of mind for a Wednesday. Off to my next stop! Check instagram for fun details.

Photos by Jenifer Jordan for Traditional Home.

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Dressed To The Nines

Turning ninety is no small feat. My grandmother will be celebrating her big 9-0 this weekend in North Carolina. The town she lives in is quite lovely and immensely full of southern charm. The homes are visions in white clapboard, painted shutters, and picket fences. Surrounded by fresh pines, the landscape is splashed with green and vibrant flowers. To give you a glimpse, I thought I would share my post from this time last year. After all, I have many new boxwood friends and I would hate for you to miss these timeless, tasteful homes in the land of the pines. Be sure to check instagram for more up to the minute pictures!

 

Land Of The Pines

Anytime you call the Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst, North Carolina they answer the phone saying, “It’s a beautiful day in Pinehurst!” Rain, sunshine, or snow, their greeting remains the same. It is hard for this small golfing community to think the day should be anything other than beautiful, especially when surrounded by towering pines, chic boutiques, and charming homes. I may be bias considering I come here at least twice a year to visit my grandmother and some extended family. Nevertheless, Pinehurst has a chic Southern ambience that would make any visitor readily planning their next trip back.

While golfing is the real draw (The US Open was just hosted here), I look forward to seeing the picturesque cottage homes that evoke the feeling you will be welcome through every door. However this weekend I am not quite sure anyone would have invited me into their home, since I was the girl sitting shot-gun in my cousin’s car and pointing my camera in their direction. I just had to share with y’all the sweet charm of Pinehurst homes.

Pinehurst, North Carolina

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The front drive of the Carolina Hotel & Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina.  Pine trees are everywhere!

Green front door with rocking chairs

So many sweet plankboard homes on every corner. Many are named and adorned with rocking chairs, pretty window boxes, and an American flag.

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House with lush lanscaping in Pinehurst

While it may not photograph well from my vantage point, this house is one of my favorites. I love the lush yard and landscaping.

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Another view.

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garage in Pinehust

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White brick with blue shutters in Pinehurst

Love a white house with pretty blue shutters.

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A little victorian cottage near the village.

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The Thistle Dhu House in Pinehurst

This house named Thistle Dhu was built in 1919 by James Barber of Barber Steamship Links of New York. Barber built the first ever miniature golf course on his property and called it Thistle Dhu, which was translated into the phrase “This’ll Do.” Fun Fact!

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Love this one!

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Has a little Hamptons/Nantucket feel to it.

Light yellow home with wood glass front door

Red brick home with black shutters

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Sweet blue front door.

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Gated front entry in Pinehurst

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I loved this gate!

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A long drive to another gorgeous white home.

Brick home with black glass front door

blue shutter front door

Blue House in Pinehurst  Black front door with window boxes

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A typical drive in Pinehurst. The air here is so clean, crisp, and refreshing. Many wealthy families would come here because they believed the pine trees could cure any ailment.

Downtown Pinehurst

The village of Pinehurst. It is full of wonderful home stores, boutiques, and restaurants with the best sweet tea. Nearby Southern Pines also has wonderful shopping!

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Magnolia 61– A fun and fabulous boutique that opened in November!

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Great paintings by local artists.

Furbish Studio Raliegh

When going to Pinehurst, we always fly into Raleigh. They have the most amazing boutique, Furbish Studio. Reasonably priced with amazingly chic and colorful home accessories.

Photos By Christina Dandar For The Potted Boxwood

Bluesday

Blue skies and blue waters have me longing for the popular summer shade. I also feel I have seen so many blue front doors recently (I am in Florida after all). Also, I have family in Greece right now, and their pictures have me totally inspired.  Whether your door is sophisticated navy or robin’s egg, sky blue or cornflower, blue can be very effective shining out front. I especially love it against a freshly white painted home. While it always looks good in coastal towns, it can be very universal no matter where your home is located. Enjoy this simple and stately arrangement of doors that will have you rushing to the nearest paint store. Happy Wednesday! XO

 

Blue Door via Diane Henderson

A Grecian blue gate snapped by my extended family while on vacation in Greece. A heavenly oasis for all things blue and white.

Stunning blue door via Good House Keeping

A stunning shade of cornflower blue. Via Good Housekeeping

Blue door via BHG

A deep blue front door makes the most perfect pop. Via BHG

Blue door via Cottages and Gardens

A pale shade of blue is the perfect contrast against the white wainscoting. Via Cottages & Gardens

Blue door via Country Living

Despite my love of the two boxwood topiaries, I love the look of this dutch blue door. Via Country Living

Pale blue door via Verandah House

Could this be any prettier?! What a soft and sophisticated door! Via Verandah House

blue front door via house beautiful

A sweet shade of blue that has a wonderful hint of green. I love the green gated courtyard. Via House Beautiful 

Blue front door via Maria Killam

A navy blue sapphire front door that truly elevates the home. Via Maria Killam

Chic blue:green door by Miles Redd

Of course, who doesn’t love this townhouse entry by Miles Redd. A perfectly sculpted door makes a big difference.

Dublin's Fitzwilliam Square via Ireland

I can’t help but obsess over this vivid blue door in Dublin’s Fitzwilliam Square. Via Ireland

Dutch door via AD

It may be yellow on the outside, but these dutch doors are a perfectly glossy shade of blue on the inside. What an entryway! Via AD

Michelle Smiths Sag Harbor blue front door via Lonny

A delightful french blue on a cape cod style home in Sag Harbor by Michelle Smith. Gives the house just the right amount of character. Via Lonny

Robin's Egg Blue Front Door

This is most likely classified as mint green, but I couldn’t help but to include it. The front topiary and the floor are just too fabulous to leave out. Via Pinterest

Seattle home by Interior Photographer + Architectural Photographer John Granen

A vivid, yet understated blue door flanked by spiral topiaries on this Seattle home. Via John Granen

Unique shade of blue cia Behr Paint

A deep and unique turquoise strikes against this white home. Via Behr Paint

Finishing Touches

I have said it time and again, my blog has connected me with some incredibly talented individuals that I am proud to call “followers.” I love nothing more than getting to know my followers on a more personal basis, especially when they possess incredible gifts of design. After clicking a website link from a comment left by follower Leslie Sinclair, I soon discovered her business, Segreto Finishes. Her company refinishes everything from furniture, to ceilings, to kitchen cabinets and more. I have always been too nervous to refinish a piece of furniture, but I know many people who often do. I also know it is not always an easy task. I asked Leslie if she would share some of her advice on refinishing and give a little bit of background about her thriving company that creates exceptional finishing touches.

For lasting pictures and inspiration of Leslie Sinclair’s skilled work, purchase her book Segreto Style.

Advice on DIY Refinishing

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What do you look for in a piece of furniture that you want to refinish? Any requirements in a piece that makes the project more feasible?

Everyone has pieces that they bought in the past or inherited that no longer work with the room’s new décor, so before rushing out to buy a new piece, consider adding on a fresh coat of paint or a specialty finish to give these furnishings the desired look and change the overall feel to the room. If you’re wondering whether or not a replacement is worth it, look at your existing furniture and ask some questions to decide:  Does it have good lines? What is the quality and the condition of the piece?  Is there sentimental value attached to the piece?  How much would it cost to replace?

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Leslie: Loving the size and shape but not the finish, we applied a gray glaze over the wood still allowing the grain to show through.  This now will be extra storage for a home office.

Necessary materials for the job?

It depends on the finish desired on what materials.  I typically always sand and prime the pieces before I apply the paint. There are a lot of chalk paint products that are very easy for people doing their own pieces to use.  These require little sanding and no priming.

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Leslie: A perfect example of how paint and fabric can give any piece a whole new look!!

Any steps that are crucial that people often miss?

On older pieces, removing all the previous wax or furniture polishing products.

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Leslie: The shutters on the floor are old doors which we are currently revamping to look aged and reclaimed. The picture to the right is the inspiration for the new finish.  The right shutters, purchased in 1987 and originally hung in my dining room, were painted to look old and are now used as cabinet fronts in my offices.

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Leslie: This piece was previously a very rustic peeley paint finish which the homeowner didn’t like for her new bathroom.  We sanded it down, painted it, and applied an aged, more refined finish. Loving the painted marble top, it was left as is!! It just didn’t work with the bathroom.

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Leslie: The perfect size and shape to house a TV for a bedroom. This piece, originally stained mahogany, received a major redo by first sanding, priming and painting, and then applying a two toned painted finish incorporating gold leaf accents. This piece now better complements the fabrics and  gives the rooms lighter feel.

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Leslie: This piece (previously mahogany with brass hardware)  used to be in my mother’s bedroom when she was a child.  By putting a textured light finish and silver leafing carved hardware, this piece was given a more contemporary feel.

Where are you from/live currently?

I was born in Germany, as my Dad was in the Army.  Moving to the states when I was two, I lived in Florida, Louisiana, and Tennessee.  Moving to my Dad’s hometown, Griffin, Georgia, when I was 6, I always say that is where I was from.  I moved to Houston when I was 12.  I guess being here all of these years makes me a Houstonian! Funny how I always feel I have Georgia roots!!!

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I love the hand-painted chinoiserie vines of the enchanting and serene dining room.

How did your business come to be?

I went to the University of Texas and majored in business, heading to the corporate world when I graduated.  Although I love to work and loved my career which specialized in sales, marketing and product development, I felt that my contestant stream of ideas couldn’t be implemented fast enough for me. After my first was born, I worked as a consultant part time for the company I previously managed. After the birth of my third child I really wanted something different.  Always showing an interest in interiors, architecture, art, and loving to paint and craft, I started faux finishing and refinishing furniture pieces in my own home. Becoming passionate about the craft, I started Segreto Finishes, which combines my husband’s given last name Segreto (secrete in Italian) with my love for finishing! Thinking it would be a part time career, I now have close to 40 employees.  For me it wraps up all my passions and hobbies into a wonderful, fun, challenging career.

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The walls add the perfect amount of texture to the space. So classically finished.

Best advice you ever received about your business?

When I was growing up, my family was in the restaurant business. I started waiting tables at 7, going to work with my parents. I think what I learned as far as customer service has been invaluable. I consider each client a blessing and truly feel honored to help them with their home!

 

Is there any style of home that works better with your work than others?

One of the things that I truly love about my work is that no two homes are alike. Working with each client to make them feel more comfortable in their personal space is so rewarding!!!!

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I adore the finish of these graceful gray cabinets.

What are your design pet peeves?

—hmmmm   I think trying to put too much jewelry on when you are going to the ball. I really feel that when you walk into a room you should see the room as a whole and not focus on any one individual element.  The finishes to me are backdrops creating a beautiful pallet for the art fabrics and furnishings of a home.

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Look at the beautiful ceiling finish. It elevated this room to the next level.

How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?

Doing my own home is often hard as I love all styles of design and simply adore finishes.  Trying to mix all together, where the room is interesting but soothing, warm and inviting is definitely a challenge!!!

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Who inspires you?

My parents, my friends, people giving back to the community and others. I am definitely inspired by the talented architects, designers and builders who I am fortunate to follow—I learn every day!!

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Leslie: These pieces all went to a country home!! The front piece was previously mahogany and on the back ones only the doors are old. The other cabinets were built new and aged to feel like they were one with the doors.

When Life Gives You Lemons

The Potted Citrus doesn’t quite have the same ring as The Potted Boxwood, but it does have the (almost) same glorious effect. I love seeing a lemon or orange tree sitting proudly and abundantly in a heavy terracotta planter. It brings the elegance of a European garden. Rows of potted citrus, two flanking a door, or one standing alone creates a beautiful feel. It gives color, height, and function to a space. A slight pop of orange or yellow can make quite the effect. It is even more an effect to be able to say that the orange juice you give your guests came from your own producing pot by the door.

I have a potted citrus obsession, but my greatest fear is their care. One cold snap and I would be out of monthly lemons. Despite the fear of producing, I still adore their magical ambience. It feels like the perfect plant for a summertime garden.

For Potted Citrus Care

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Potted lemon trees line a gravel garden. Via Pintrest

Citrus plants Pamela Pierce Design

Pamela Pierce let’s the oranges fall in the surrounding space of the terracotta planters. It brings a subtle dash of color and warmth to the terrace.

Lemon trees surrounding a home designed by Gil Schafer

 

This Gil Schafer designed home has a beautiful display of potted lemon trees in a row.

Potted Citrus indoors via Southern Accents

An enchanting indoor display of potted lemon trees in a yellow sunroom. Via Southern Accents

Potted lemon tree by Mary Macdonald via Mealnie Acevedo

Mary Macdonald mastered the art of potted citrus in beautifully blue and white pots. A great combination of color and class. Photo by Melanie Acevedo

Potted lemon tree via Veranda

A lemon tree provides the perfect height and texture on this covered veranda of blue and white.

Potted lemon trees by Kara Childress via AD

Spilling ivy and potted lemon trees combine for a decadent combination of chic by Kara Childress. Via AD

Potted lemon trees in a row

Look at the different shapes and heights of the rows of lemon trees. Such a fabulous dynamic. Via Pinterest

potted orange trees and cypress via AD

 
If you have noted from the post, the more potted lemon trees in a row, the better. They look the best clustered, in large groups, or symmetrically placed in a row. Via AD

 

You Can’t Shield The Truth

When I was younger I always had a complex about my brows. They are full, which I blame entirely on my dad. My mom loved(s) them. She would never let me touch them, but only get waxed professionally and only to “clean them up” never to shape them. Her way to get my middle school self on board with her brow philosophy, “Honey look at Brooke Shields, she is true beauty and she has beautiful brows.” Well, mothers are often annoyingly right, and I have her to thank for my still full brows that get threaded (not waxed) every two weeks like clockwork for a “clean-up.” It was also then I became aware of the unwavering chic of all things Brooke Shields.  Her style, class, and spoken truth are unwavering. It is not a surprise that her Greenwich Village townhouse embodies her signature flair as well.

Designed with David Flint Wood (better half of India Hicks), her stunning home is a mix of bold color, subtle contrast, and gracious texture. It has traditional components but a current of energy that jumps off the pages since it’s first appearance in Architectural Digest. This is a home whose rooms appear again and again for inspiration, so I thought I would show it in it’s entirety. I admire her effortless style and her ability to cruise her way through any situation. I hope to follow her lead in life, brows and all.  After all, you can’t suppress chic style or shield the truth of timeless design.

Like the truth, good taste always wins.

Photography by William Waldron for AD.

Brooke Shields Greenwich Village Townhouse via AD 9

I spy some blue and white in her entry. I always think in the case of hardwood floors, go dark. It looks more rich and allows furniture a wonderful contrast.

Brooke Shields Greenwich Village Townhouse via AD 3 \

Contemporary art, a marble fireplace, and light furniture pop perfectly against the dark floors and dusty gray walls. PS…that lamp shade!

Brooke Shields Greenwich Village Townhouse via AD 4

Another view of the living room. Layered, textured, but not too fussy.

Brooke Shields Greenwich Village Townhouse via AD 5

One of my favorite all time dining rooms. Beautifully displayed. The marble top on the wood table proves to be an elegant update with the accompaniment of red leather chairs.

Brooke Shields Greenwich Village Townhouse via AD 6

To me, this kitchen is a display of the effortless chic Shields displays herself. The orange in the chairs, the tall rectangular fireplace, and the use of tile up to the ceiling. Also, I love how the paint of the cabinets is used to frame the insert of the walls. This is truly a livable kitchen.

Brooke Shields Greenwich Village Townhouse via AD 10

A charming wallpapered nook with a vibrant green desk chair. Love the mix of old and new throughout the house.

Brooke Shields Greenwich Village Townhouse via AD 12

An airy bedroom of blues.

Brooke Shields Greenwich Village Townhouse via AD15

Quite the retreat. A high-gloss sophisticated brown that allows the marble fireplace to become an architecturally substantial focal point. A lovely warmth and polo-esque ambience.

Brooke Shields Greenwich Village Townhouse via AD 13

A library of clothes and high-end handbags that would definitely make getting up each morning less like chore and more like a novel selection.

Brooke Shields Greenwich Village Townhouse via AD 14

A play on contrast in this serene and light-flooded bathroom. I adore the floor pattern.

 

Brooke Shields Greenwich Village Townhouse via AD 2

A model citizen.