Hi Friends!  I hope you had a great week! It is so fun posting about projects we have done!  I love seeing them again and I hope you all get inspirations from them on your own projects!!!

I know I have posted about hoods before but this is a new concept we have collaborated on with Designer Elizabeth Garrett and Cupic Custom Homes. The base of the hood was built from wood and then covered with sheet rock.  We then applied a polished plaster finish in the same tones as the walls.  The brass strapping was applied after the fact lending a version of an enamel and brass hood in more cost effective fashion.

In the same home, we plastered the dining room and embellished it with a hand painted mural pulling subtle tones from the den fabrics which are seen from the dining room.  I love the hand-painted murals as they can be customized in tones, types of flowers and even insects and birds, just to the clients liking! The above is the start to a beautiful room.

In a totally different project  a floral mural  was painted in the inset paneling of a clients entry way. Pulling the tones from her fabrics our artist got to work!

Here is a close up of a flower he is working on.  LOVE!!!

When we start the mural process we hand sketch in charcoal the design before we start painting.  Yo can see the charcoal marks here still that haven’t been painted yet.   Hand-painting is typically less expensive than the papers available today and is so custom.  This exact design will never be repeated!

As you know sometimes its the small things that really complete a room.  This plug is one of many which were installed on the tile distracting from its beauty.

By painting it to blend with the glass tile it almost goes away.  Why not paint the center plug? It can chip and peal with heavy use and will not pass code.

Who doesn’t love a little bling and on the ceiling.  Silver and gold leafing, although expensive, is stunning! It will make this jewel box bathroom!.

Wanting a dramatic old world finish we aged these doors in a pop of color which really sets off the fireplace and pulls in tones from the kitchen.  These doors hide the TV audio equipment, games and toys.

I just had to share with you my new find from Trader Joes!  I have been wanting to make pizza crust from cauliflower, but this is yummy and so much easier!!!

It also has cornflower in it so it isn’t as low calorie as if you made it yourself but at 80 calories vs 186 calories still so much better.  I sautéed veggies and tomatoes  in olive oil, layered that on the crust then added spinach, grilled chicken, and parmesan cheese.

Served with Trader Joe’s kale mix, it was a big hit!!!  I hope everyone has a wonderful week! Send me any of your Trader Joe finds!!!

Still Time to vote!

I am so honored to find out that Segreto Secrets has been nominated again for the Amara Blog Awards.  Last year, because of you, we won the Best US Design Blog.  This year we are in the running for Best Design Inspiration Blog ! With your help maybe we can win for a second time running. I would be so appreciative if you could take a minute to vote for Segreto Secrets!  First we have to make the shortlist so spread the word.

Click to Vote!

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!!!