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Aidan Gray Living & Segreto Style!

Feb 23, 2015

…I’m coming to the Dallas area!!! One of my favorite furniture & accessory designers, Aidan Gray, is hosting me and Segreto Style for a book signing during the launch of their newly re-designed store, Gray Living!! How fun is that?

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I first met Randal Weeks at a book signing At Marburger Antiques Show in Roundtop. The nicest man ever, he was telling me how much he admired my work.  I only learned who he was after he’d left, someone whispered that’s who started Aidan Gray!! Yikes, it was best I didn’t know or I would have been nervous because I am such a huge fan of his.

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Shortly after that first meeting, I had the amazing opportunity to work with Randall on a few of his projects! One was an Aidan Gray home makeover that Joni Webb, author of Cote de Texas, sponsored- it’s a must see! We plastered the dining room for the makeover and…….

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…..also glazed some cabinets in the living room.  I wish I had entered!!!! Winning a furnished room would have been amazing!!!

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Later Randal asked us to stencil the floors of the The Aidan Gray showroom at the Dallas Market in a worn fashion! Read more about it here! It was so fun, I got to shop when I was there.

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Well, if you haven’t been to McKinney, Texas, you should go. So charming, the town is a slice of the past with modern conveniences and a variety of upscale shopping.

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With a history dating back to 1841, this historic county was named for political aid Colin McKinney; best known for assisting in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence!

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These are the before shots previous to the redesigned store. Hard to believe it will be prettier than this!! I just purchased the gold table shown for my master bedroom makeover!

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Goodness this looks like a home!!! Their furniture is affordably priced and, I must say, the finishes are remarkably authentic.

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I really love this table. He mixes in authentically old items in his displays sooooo sometimes it’s hard to tell which is antique and which are his furniture creations. It just shows that you can mix things together and beautifully achieve a great look.

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The opening is being catered by one of my favorites restaurants, Patina Green Home & Market! Truly some of the best food I have ever eaten, they specialize in locally sourced, organic ingredients – so yummy!!

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This sweet trio hosted me for a book signing and lunch last time I visited McKinney. Kaci, a former decorative painter, her mother, Luann, and her husband Robert, a master chef, collaborated to open this incredible restaurant and market!!!

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Even their bathroom is a treat! If you’re ever in the area, be sure to stop by, eat lunch and shop. The store is filled with all sorts of treasures;  everything from antiques and curiosities to botanicals and handmade pasta!

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After the signing, I will walk across the street to room at The Grand Hotel.  I stayed there last time and so tired to leave the event and go straight to bed. However, upon entering the hotel, I heard the lure of piano music and followed the sound which led me to their restaurant. Totally unlike me to sit alone, I timidly wandered in and sat at the bar for a quick glass of wine and a salad. I actually had so much fun, talking with a mother whose son was getting married and a cute 23 year old girl who was asking me for dating advice. Imagine that!! McKinney definitely has the small town, friendly atmosphere much like the small town in Georgia in which I grew up!!

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Here is a sneak peak of what’s to come from inside the newly redesigned Gray Living!!! It will be a super fun event!!! Please invite a friend and come on out!!  I look forward to seeing you all!!!

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12 Comments
  • Antoinette de Janasz
    Posted at 09:26h, 23 February Reply

    Hi Leslie,
    I am definitely planning on being there – so looking forward to meeting you! Will you be signing books?
    Antoinette

    • Leslie
      Posted at 05:01h, 24 February Reply

      Hi Antoinette! I am so happy you are coming!! Yes I will be there signing books!!! Bring your friends and I look forward to meeting you!!!

  • Mary Sheridan
    Posted at 09:33h, 23 February Reply

    Beautiful shop!! Fab furniture! Wish I was there to celebrate with you Guys!!
    Mary.

    • Leslie
      Posted at 10:33h, 23 February Reply

      Thank you for reading the blog, Mary! I love Aidan Gray and the re-designed Gray Living is sure to be beautiful! Wish you could be there, too!

  • Tone on Tone
    Posted at 09:52h, 24 February Reply

    Looks gorgeous, Leslie!! Thanks for the preview. Wish I could be there to meet you 🙂 Cheers!

  • Mary Rink
    Posted at 11:46h, 25 February Reply

    Yea…I am so glad you are coming to Gray Living and I can’t wait to meet you Leslie!!! Our books are awaiting your signature!!!! 😉

    Mary Rink
    Gray Living

  • Katie Clooney
    Posted at 15:37h, 03 March Reply

    Hi Leslie… I just popped over from Tina’s blog. A year ago, I moved to Mass. after spending 12 years in McKinney. I did many blogs on my delightful former home town and I miss it like crazy. Thanks for bringing me down memory lane.

    • Leslie
      Posted at 06:59h, 04 March Reply

      Hi Katie!! It is a bit colder where you are now!!! I love McKinney, so full of charm!!! Thanks for popping over! I hope you will come back! Have a great day!! Leslie

  • Rachel Buchmann
    Posted at 00:07h, 10 March Reply

    Leslie,

    I’m truly heartbroken I missed your book signing and most especially the opportunity to meet you. Your designs are the ones that speak to my heart and that I love most! With any luck & and a lot of prayer, our closing will take place soon. I cannot wait to bring heart into our soon-to-be new home all thanks to your inspiration.

    Continued blessings to you & yours!

    Rachel

    • Leslie
      Posted at 04:08h, 10 March Reply

      Congratulations on your new home!!! That is so exciting!!! We can meet at another event. Thanks so much for following! xo

    • Leslie
      Posted at 05:52h, 20 March Reply

      Hi Rachel! Congratulations on your new home! That will be so much fun and so exciting! I would love to meet you and will be back at Gray Living in McKinney on the 26th! Best to you! xo

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