With fall just around the corner we have started our holiday crunch; trying to get all of our sweet Segreto clients finished in time for holiday entertaining! Here are a few projects we have been working on this week!

With the orange stained ceiling beams trend falling in line with avocado green shag carpets, we are constantly busy transforming these architectural elements to a weathered gray antique look! Here is Jerry applying the first step to kill the orange undertones. Who says blow dryers are only meant for hair?!

Adding cracks and distressing, these beams now read like age old, built in elements.  No stripping required, our trademark technique transforms newly constructed features into worn wood remnants of centuries past!

Beginning our work in this kitchen for Gabriel Custom Home Builders, our task is to age the cabinetry so that it marries well with the plastered walls, reclaimed beams and counter top, and stone range hood, all of which are statement pieces. But wait…..

Like a piece of fine jewelry for the kitchen, the first item the homeowner’s purchased was the Chateau 120 from La Cornue in pebble blue!! To die for!!!

Wanting to extend the colors to the refrigerator doors, we applied an age old finish onto the newly constructed ones!!!

Here are the doors as they sat previously in our shop awaiting the final dry brushing and edging. Taking place on site, this step will lend further aging. Believe it or not, this paint is made from cottage cheese and beer!  Fitting for refrigerator panels don’t you think?

This homeowner wanted to change the existing dark mahogany paneling to a color that would showcase her French canvas which was built into the wall. This 17th century beauty is really 14 feet tall but they ingeniously incorporated a scroll device which allowed them to keep the top portion rolled, protected and uncut in the event they decide to move. Choosing one of the teal colors from the painting made the piece come to life! Our sample can be seen to the left of the canvas. 

I cannot wait to see the room cleaned up and featuring her newly upholstered chairs!!! What a change!!

While at the same residence, the homeowner showed me her collection of framed artifacts from the 15th century! Still wishing to have them displayed, she wanted to change the gold trim on their frame to silver.

An easy DIY task for all to try, I told her about a product we love, Rub and Buff!!! Shown above in pewter, their silver leaf would be a better color for what she is hoping to achieve!

 Although the directions say to apply directly with you finger, I suggest using a rag with a bit of paint thinner on it which will allow for more control of the coverage desired! 

Elsewhere, the plaster crew is busy coating this entire home! I just love the curved ceilings and the sublet depth the plaster lends to the space! This home will be a draw dropper when furnished!!

Have you been wanting a metal hood but are stuck with a wood one?  No worries!  We transformed this one to reflect a sheet metal look with metal banding and grommets for designer Sarah Eilers!

Even I had to do a double take when I saw the banding complete! 

This little mahogany side table got a complete make over at our furniture refinishing workshop! Although this client decided to leave the original hardware intact, often times we will paint right over them like you see in French or Italian painted pieces.

Fit for a princess, we have glazed this door and are painting tufting on the ceiling to make a grand entrance to this little ones closet!!! 

­­And the most exciting thing to happen this week – we received the prototype of our second book, Segreto Style, in the mail! So many stunning homes, I cannot wait to share them all with you! We are taking pre-orders for advance purchase at books@segretofinishes.com and via Amazon beginning October 1^st. Hope you all mark your calendars for the opening party at Joyce Horn Antiques November 6th. It will be so fun!!

I hope everyone has a great week!