Hi Sweet Readers!! Before we get started I need your help!!  This is the last week to vote  for Segreto Secrets  who has been nominated for Best US Interior Blog!   I am definitely a small fish with the exceptional blogs in the running!! I so appreciate your support–spread the word!! I also would love you all to be by my side at the launch party for Segreto Vignettes on Septmeber 15th at Back Row Home!! September is an excited month for Segreto!

We recently finished up work on a beautiful home offering a fresh take on Mediterranean traditional, and I was so excited to see it featured in this fab Luxe article!! We’ve had a couple other homes featured in Luxe recently – click here to tour a timeless, transitional home or here to see a modern spin on French design. One of my favorite things about my job is seeing so many different styles, and I think those of you who love old-world charm with European flare will love this one!! Here are a few excerpts from the Luxe article along with some additional commentary from me!!

Source. Photography by Fran Brennan. Plaster by Segreto.

Homeowners Pam and Patrick decided it was time for a change after living in their 1950s single-story ranch home for years, but they didn’t want to leave the neighborhood. Instead, they tore the old house down and built anew!! With a dream team of designer Suzanne Duin, architect Kurt Aichler, and builder D.L. Doyle Construction Co., the pair developed their vision of a Mediterranean style home with a hint of old Morocco.

Source. Landscape design by Prewett, Read & Associates.

The pool is absolutely fabulous!! And what’s better is that the whole house centers around this courtyard!

‘We added an internal courtyard with no opening to the street to give the home more privacy and a certain wow factor,’ Aichler says. ‘You have no idea what the house will be like when you walk through the door. The symmetrical plan gives a sense of formality and sets the tone for more eclectic spaces to follow.’

Source.

I could absolutely live here! Connected to a guest bedroom suite, this balcony overlooking the pool feels so cozy and polished, and I love the pops of orange Suzanne brought to the space. Such a lovely example of an outdoor space with the sophistication of an indoor room!

Source. Plaster by Segreto.

As for the interior, the couple wanted it to be ‘casual and elegant,’ says Pam, ‘with an old-world French-Moroccan feel set against white plaster on the walls and wide-plank oak floors.’ As luck would have it, Duin had recently returned from a trip to Morocco.

Source. Plaster by Segreto.

Most of the couple’s existing furnishings were replaced with new pieces, allowing Suzanne to bring in a lot of ideas from her Morocco trip. I love, love, love the symmetry of this living room vignette, grounded by the stunning handmade carpet!!

Source. Plaster by Segreto.

We chose a soft, creamy plaster to flow throughout the main living spaces of the home. Plaster was the perfect choice to capture the age-old feel the homeowners wanted and accentuate some of the special architectural features (like this groin-vaulted hallway) Kurt designed. The light fixture, custom-made in Morocco, definitely finishes off the space!

Source. Plaster by Segreto.

The neutral backdrop also allows the homeowners’ art collection to shine… And they have quite the impressive collection, including a piece by Diego Rivera! The couple commissioned artist Martyn Bouskila to create the attention-grabbing pointillism painting of bluebonnets over the fireplace. It’s so fun to see this nod to Texas amidst the more European-in-feel furnishings!

Source.

Remember the balcony? Well, here’s where it leads!! I love the way Suzanne combined the traditional artwork and tailored bed frame with the unique pillows and lamps in this guest retreat!

Source.

After more than 2 1/2 years of design and construction, along with the combined talents of a simpatico band of professionals, Pam and Patrick finally got what they wanted. ‘We worked on the house with blood, sweat and tears,’ says Pam. ‘This is our forever home, and our goal was to make it perfect.’

Hope you enjoyed this house tour! To read the full Luxe article and get the sources for furnishings in each picture, click here.

In other news!….

I was so excited to see such a positive review on Segreto Vignettes by one of my favorite Bloggers Stacy Curran who authors South Shore Decorating blog!! Check it out here and her fab blog too– you will be hooked!

Don’t forget to mark you calendars!

Join me for the book launch party at Back Row Home! I’m so excited and I can’t wait to see everyone! It’s going to be fun!!

Segreto Vignettes is here! Have you ordered your copy yet?  You can order here!

This is the last week to vote! Thank you to all who have voted for Segreto Secrets for Best US Interior Blog! I so appreciate it!

Have a great week!! Till next week!