Hi Friends!  Thank you so much for all your well wishes and helpful tips to all of us effected by Hurricane Harvey! I updated last Friday’s post on Houston and Hurricane Harvey with more information on how to get help and where to donate. Please go to the end of the blog on Harvey for the updated information.  Although we sadly still have many subdivisions underwater, other streets are lined with dumpsters, ruined furniture, carpet, and debris.  This shows that we are beginning to rebuild which will be a long and difficult process for many. My prayers are that Texans, and our great country will see and not forget what can be accomplished when a community pulls together, for the best of all regardless of race, economics, political party or legal status.  Just good old people caring about people.

After all we are “ONE GREAT NATION UNDER GOD” as our forefathers said! I hope our current leaders keep this in their hearts when determining the laws and policies that effect us all.

Well I struggled with publishing a regular post this week, however Segreto is back to work, and all our community needs to work for Houston’s sake, so….  a small sense of normalcy may be good for all. This made me think of something good! What is my most favorite thing about my job, what makes me happy?  For me, trying new techniques and developing new finishes is a passion which gives me incredible joy!

When daughter Kirby and operations manager Isai wanted to begin a Segreto furniture line I was all in!!!  I wanted to keep it unique to us and play upon what we already do so loving all things plaster I felt that was the direction to go!! We were slated Friday before the hurricane to photograph homes with new SegretoStone counters…but the shoots were canceled and sadly one of the homes flooded..so these are mostly my snapshots of some installations of our new product.

I have posted some pictures before, a beautiful table and this incredible seamless island we did for a showcase home.

When I opened my first furniture refinishing studio and Art Gallery  10 years ago we experimented with a natural lime plaster and coated the floors with it.  After years of heavy usage they were still pristine so I felt it was the perfect product for a durable tabletop.  Designer Nest & Cot was on board when she found out the material could hold up to the elements outside.  She used a base she had found for her client and we built a top for her that gave the table a sleek look for her clients outside patio!

The applications are limitless! This outdoor table makes quite a statement in this newly renovated home by AP Builders.

More durable that marble or concrete it holds up to Houston’s weather. I have never seen a table that breaths fire!!

So why not create a fire pit with our new Segreto Stone! To the left of the cool outdoor shower, is the fire pit!! I can’t wait for the cooler weather to come so I can see it all lit up!

Since then we have come up with 32 signature colors to choose from and the line was born!

The counters can be anywhere from 3/4 of an inch thick to three inches.  The top block samples are 2 inches where the counter on top of the antique piece is 1.5 inches thick.

We put a wax stamps on all of our samples with the Segreto Logo!  Poor Kirby in charge of this project totally burned her fingers!

The 3 inch counters certainly weighs a lot but look how stunning! We used the customers sink for this one, but we have done many integral sinks as well!

I am going to so a full post on this renovation we worked on with designer Jennifer Rigamonte, but wanted to share the SegretoStone Island!! Currently we are molding our products from scratch, but we are experimenting with going over wood and existing marble or granite!  What a money saver this would be for people!! So many possibilities this unveils.

I am so excited to share this project and will and full post when the home is complete!  The clients wanting a Belgium style kitchen with seamless Segretostone counters and styles, Steve Goodchild and I had to put our thinking caps on to figure out how we could make this work! Being successful on a mini prototype to test, he constructed all the bases and we applied the SegretoStone atop to accomplish this seamless look!! I wish I hadn’t just renovated my kitchen–this is the look I would want.

Loving the outcome so much, the same was done to all the bath cabinetry! Look those cool handles he built!

I love how the thickness goes on wither side of the walls!

The cabinetry was finished as well to seal the wood leaving a natural feel, while not turning it yellow!!

The fun thing is that so many different bases work!!  The Lucite gives it such a contemporary vibe, but unlike a painted lacquered top it does have a natural element to it that in my opinion feels much more custom.

Of course I had to have one of my own! Made from solid SegretoStone, I have loved it having it in my den.

This is a two sided fireplace, this side being the study.  Previously it had a traditional wooden mantle and unwanted stone.  It was revamped by building the base from hardy board and then coating the surface with Segreto Stone.  Sleek and clean, the application made a major impact in this room.

The reverse side is in the living room.  The tile and hearth were removed and coated in the same tone of SegretoStone!  I love-do you?

These beauties on top of a SegretoStone conference table are to be used for side tables!  This plaster top works both in contemporary or more traditional design aesthetics depending on the bases used and is very durable–much more so than  marble.

Look how great it looks on this antique purchased from Joyce Horn Antiques which use to be a bar in my house years ago.  With the larger  top, it would make a perfect center island or bar.  This one almost looks like zinc!!

Using a waterfall design, the custom sized side tables, are organic in feel, sleek in design which complement this room.  I spy some plastered walls here!!

Ok, agreed, this table is beautiful as is!  It just didn’t work in it’s new home!  Loving the shape, designer Ellie Bale wanted to give these two consoles an updated look!! Originally she was going to use marble for the top but…

When she saw the new SegretoStone line, she said “perfect”!  We toned down the bottoms and replaced the tops.  Transforming them work much better in their new space don’t ya think?.

You know how one thing leads to another!  Now we are making sinks!

We have been able to create most designs we have been presented which is super fun!

I love the way this turned out complete with backsplash!

Here is a tale of two tables-the first was for a client of Nest & Cot!  Using there own base this table complements well the French design in this room.

The second, Segreto designers Kirby and Andrea customized a Lucite base to give the piece a more contemporary feel!

What a fun share with you all today on our new baby SegretoStone.  Perfect for kitchen or bath counters, sinks, fireplace mantles or furniture, it truly is a remarkable and unique new option!!! We are revamping our showroom and are going to plaster over our concrete floors!!  I will let you know how that goes.

I hope you all have an amazing week! Its been a while since I have told you but I am very grateful for you all! Till next time.

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!

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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!!!