Hi Friends!! I hope that you’re feeling fall in the air!! It is cooler here in Houston and WOW does it feel great!! I want to personally thank each of you and give you a big hug!! With your support, Segreto Secrets was once again shortlisted this year for best US Company Design Blog!! This year your votes along with a professional panel will decide the winner of the category!! I will keep you posted!! Fingers crossed!!

We have a real treat today!! I haven’t been able to share this home that we worked on with Architectural Consultant Sarah West because it was set for publication. But now it is out and it is such a beautiful home!!! I included some additional shots I have to this already beautiful spread!! Enjoy!

Southern Home is one of my new favorite magazines!!  In EVERY spread I see something stunning and have started saving the copies for reference!! I am going to include their spread, beautifully photographed by Michael Hunter as well as some of my own shots by Wade Blissard!!

This beautiful home right in the heart of Houston was drawn by building consultant Robert Dame, built by Parker House and interiors and surfaces selected by the talented Architectural Consultant, Sarah West who has become a name-stay in Houston.  Robert’s mission was to merge Old-World elements with clean-lined concepts, creating a blank canvas for the architectural antiques which Sarah so perfectly incorporates into her homes.

The doors and mantle were imported by Chateau Domingue, and are statement pieces in this grand living space. In the Southern Home pics, you can see the room in its entirety showing how Sarah’s use of space allows for two sitting areas!  In the above shot, the cozy seating for 2 is highlighted.  In a large scale room creating informal areas invites smaller groups to enjoy the space.

The entrance above is warm and welcoming and allows space for people to congregate for larger parties. The foyer features an antique altar table that includes a 19th Century stone cross from a chapel in France. Looking down the hall there is a wine cellar framed by a 17th century stone surround and a library/office atop!

Throughout the home we plastered a one coat lime plaster but in the office wanting an older fell we used Domingue Architectural Finishes, two coat plaster to coat the walls.

I would like to say our work was the showstopper in the wine cellar, but I must say this tequila cabinet is the room’s statement piece! It is creative design elements like this that Sara is know for creating something unique for each of her clients.

The home feels like a centuries old estate. Designed for entertaining for these homeowners who are avid philanthropists, the courtyard in the front and back of the home, frames the living area creating ample room for  large gatherings. Sarah included the antique bassin carre fountain, which is a lovely welcome for anyone entering the home. The living room’s beams are from an old structure on the family’s own South Texas ranch.

I had to share one of my favorite shots–even their beautiful Shepherd feels at home!! The beautiful simplicity of the home is really showcased here. Our contribution is the coated plastered walls, the finish applied to the previously stark black wrought iron railing and on the antique settee, lending a softness where not one element stands out.

The dining room edited with no rug or drapes, also shows that sometimes less is more and undue fuss is not needed for a  sophisticated space. I adore the large china cabinet which Sarah built into the framing so it’s not taking up any of the rooms footprint. Not only are the reclaimed doors a focal architectural elements, but they house all the china and crystal. Brilliant and beautiful!!

Between the dining and kitchen is a long butlers pantry large enough for large food spreads.  By using fabric on one side, Sarah houses room for lots of storage while creating the feeling of a room.  The antique mirrored counters and lamps used as accessories further the feeling that you have arrived at a destination rather than a utilitarian space.

The breakfast room is charming to say the least, gets lots of light, and well the kitchen? –a work of art!! It was featured in LUX as well!

Stunning to say the least–all the elements mix so well together including these doors which were new and delivered to us with white primer!!

Sarah doesn’t ever do a pantry simple.  A wonderful cook in her own right, she feels like even the simple things like getting flour out of your pantry should be a special experience. Using her concept I made my own pantry distinctive in my last renovation, and you know what, it has made my cooking experience more special!!  Her attention to every space and to every detail is part of what makes the homes she works on have so much soul.

The master bedroom and his and hers bath are spacious and so warm and comfortable! The picture to the right is the sitting area to the guesthouse which borders the back courtyard!! These super sweet homeowners even hosted a family who was displaced from Hurricane Harvey!!!

It kitchen, the perfect size for visiting guests, also doubles as a catering kitchen!!! In both kitchens we plastered down to the counters.  Although you have to be a bit more meticulous with cleaning is is such a beautiful look.  We sealed the walls for extra protection and our artisans are well versed at touching it up!!

Thank you Sarah for choosing Segreto to help complete your vision.  I always am challenged on each job with you and learn a little something–which for me is one of the greatest gifts in life!! Robert Dame did such a wonderful job and working with Parker House builders is always a delight!! I was so excited to share their talent with you!!

Another treat was to see Lam Bespoke was featured in Modern Luxury Interiors.  Marie Flanigan Interiors are still a “buzz”  with their design of the space!! If you haven’t gone-it is worth the trip!! Exciting news too- Marie’s blog was shortlisted for US Best Interior Designer Blog!! 50 Blogs from the entire USA made the shortlist and two are from Houston!  As I am still moving people back in from Hurricane Harvey it is so good seeing Houston still staying strong! Till next week!  xo Leslie