Hi Friends!  I hope everyone had a nice weekend!  Remember that LUXE showcase home where we constructed a 18ft island top from plaster?  Well I finally got the pictures back from the rest of the home and wanted to share with you!!

Located in the heart of Memorial in Houston, it not only is a spacious lot but is situated on over an acre of land.  Amazingly this was a spec home.   Built and designed with the details of a custom, this dream team of architect, builder and designer have worked together on its vision since the drawing stages.

From the moment you walk though the door, this home welcomes you with its unique touches. Shane, owner of Cupic Custom Homes and designer Elizabeth, head of Elizabeth Garrett Interiors love to try new things and trust each other to implement them. Elizabeth wanted a wood and stone floor inlay but didn’t want the typical diamond or square pattern.  I love how the wood appears to twist around each other.

Straight back from the entrance is the formal living.  The sheen of the plaster really creates such an ambiance with the light streaming in. Furnished just for show, Elizabeth did a great job.   Notice the blonde doors at the end of the hallway.  I have seen this finish in several Cupic homes and love their effect. The couches and wing-back chairs are from Custom Creations, and the stunning coffee table from Vieux!

Another view, the lighting from Circa and art from Laura Rathe certainly makes an impression.

Just like with Chip and Joanna Gains, the little ones sometimes come in tow when move in time is ready!  These two Cuties don’t seem to be too upset! I wish I were sitting in those two chairs flanking the fireplace from Joyce Horn Antiques!  This is certainly a wonderful mix of old and new!!!

Looking down the hallway towards the right houses the kitchen, den, dining room and bar.

I ADORE this art piece from Laura Rathe Gallery.  It is made of wood shavings and changes colors from magenta to maroon to purple to pink as you walk around it.

Furnishing a showcase can be quite a feat!  All of the furniture was graciously loaned to Elizabeth by vendors she works with on a daily basis. Above, the rug is from Madison Lily, table and chairs are from Joyce Horn Antiques and art from Laura Rathe Gallery.  Of course the things that will stay with the home are our plaster walls and the lovely chandelier from Circa Lighting.

The bar connects the dining, kitchen and living spaces. Its central location is perfect for an entertaining flow!

The gold leaf detail on the cabinetry really compliments the hardware from Fixtures and Fittings! When picking out cabinet styles, it is important to think about the end finish.  The small bead detail gives a little place to add a big impact. You would not have this option with regular shaker doors.  The tile above from Ann Sacks is gold leaf applied on the reverse side of glass tiles.

In the bar, across from the above cabinets is a wine room. They certainly thought of everything!!

Although I love every part of this home the kitchen is really quite a showstopper.  The perimeter counter slabs from Omni Stone were an option for the Island but it would have been three slabs and Elizabeth felt that the seams would interfere with the design.  She had thought about concrete but worried it would be too casual for the space, then at a client meeting at our office she spotted our new SegretoStone line and just had to have it. The plaster top gives such a patina which combines well with other elements and bridges the gap between traditional, old world and modern.

The idea of the range and range hood in front of this stunning window was Travis’s.  Loving the concept Elizabeth, knew its combination needed to be spectacular! She has always wanted to use the ILVE Italian range. ILVE® (pronounced “ILL-VAY”) began as a brand in 1952 and has since been the epitome of hand-crafted quality in residential and commercial ovens and cook tops. The state of the art manufacturing facility, located near historic Venice, Italy represents more than 50 years of tradition. I did a post on Not Your Mama’s Stoves a while back, if you would like to learn more about specialty ranges.

Knowing that the range hood had to be just as special as the range, Elizabeth drew it out and Shane’s craftsman constructed it with a finish that matched the range to a tee.  Shane is as detailed oriented as Elizabeth, understands the true value of design elements and allows her creative freedom, which has fashioned a home that is not the average spec! We finished the island in a limed oak finish and the perimeter cabinets in a subtle glaze–keeping them clean but softening their feel.  McCaw Cabinetry, a full service, design-build, custom cabinetry manufacturer really did a great job. I was impressed, and our finishes still bonded well over their special durable paint!  Many baked on finishes do not allow for this customization.  It must have really shaved off months of the construction process.

Hardware and plumbing fixtures are like accessories for your outfits.  And Elizabeth certainly knows how to accessorize!! Here the sink and the Waterstone faucet from Ferguson’s , balance the scale of the large SegretoStone Island. Another selection from Fixtures and Fittings, the hardware finishes off the space.  Here the counter tops are custom poured at 3/4 of an inch, but the product can be as thick as 3 inches. More durable than concrete or marble, I was so thankful and honored to have our new product in such a showcase kitchen!

The den, breakfast area sits between the kitchen and the beautiful outdoor living spaces. This zinc table from Joyce Horn Antiques had always been a favorite of mine.

Love the chairs and couch from Custom Creations, their custom built furnishings are always so comfee!!!  The Table from Vieux, rug from Madison Lily, art from Laura Rathe and accessories from Back Row Home make you just want to move right in!!! And while I was at the opening party, a client of mine decided she did too!! She purchased the house, and I am so excited for her and eager to see her furnishings in place.

This home definitely has too many features to share in just one post!!  Join me next week as we tour the outdoor kitchen and living spaces, the master bedroom retreat, the powders, study and the well planned upstairs.  Thank you Wade Blissard and Felix Sanchez, the two very talented photographers who shot the home! Much gratitude to Shane and Elizabeth for sharing your work with my friends and trusting me to be a part of such a one of a kind project.

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there!

Father’s Day should be about what Dad wants to do.  So whether it’s golf, tennis, fishing or just laying on the coach watching TV, it’s His day.  Here are a few ideas, great gifts, and fun things to do to show Dad how much he is appreciated!

Houston has a plenty of beautiful public golf courses.  The one pictured here is The Golf Club of Houston, which is actually in Humble, Texas just north of Houston.  It is the home of the Shell Houston Open.  It is ranked as the number 1 public golf course in Houston.  If you are here in Houston or plan to visit here is a list of the Top Ten Public Courses in Houston according to Golf Advisor.

A really fun golf idea for the whole family is Top Golf.  Top Golf is located all over the country.  It’s fun for all ages and you don’t have to be a great golfer to play.  You can reserve your own pod for your group.  Check out their website and go play today!!

Another fun family event is bowling!!!  If you haven’t been in a while you will forget how fun it is.  From kids to grandparents can play this game!!

Dad’s Gift

We have lots of great men’s gifts right here in our own neighborhood.  Here are a few ideas for DAD!

Here at the Segreto Boutique we have this selection of great Stanley thermal flasks, cups and the big growler.  So if Dad is a big outdoors man and needs his drink kept hot or cold this would be the ideal gift for him! Email Maureen@segretofinishes.com if you would like us to ship this out to your special man.

These unique men’s gifts are from our friends at Back Row Antiques.  So besides all the great antiques, linens & pillows they also have something for Dad.  I personally would like the mini mojito kit!!

One of the newest shops in the neighborhood is Paris Texas Apparel Co.  This is the ultimate men’s gift store.  All they focus on is men.  They have a unique selection of barware, great ties, school themed belts and cuff links, Guayaberas, t-shirts and more!  They are a little tricky to find but they are behind Buff Burger at I-10 and Wirt. (If you haven’t eaten at Buff Burger you should.  Best Burger in the area!!)  You can shop online at Paris Texas Apparel Co.

Have a great week everyone and a wonderful Fathers Day! Till next Monday!

If you are interested in hosting an event or carrying the book  please don’t hesitate to reach out! Email Karly@segretofinishes.com for all inquiries! We love to visit new cities!!!